Write a Winning Cv

7/29/2019 Write a Winning Cv

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www.cranfield.ac.uk/careers

Write a winningCV


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Introduction

Youre looking at this book because you need to put together a CV and you want to knowwhat is the most effective way of doing that. There are many sources of information in printand on the internet but this book is written with Cranfield students in mind. Youll find that it

uses examples based on actual CVs of Cranfield students, and shows you how to thinkabout presenting yourself in ways that employers will find interesting.

Contents

Pg 3 Part 1Find out how to assemble the information you need to include in a CV, and howto communicate it effectively.

Pg 14 Part 2

See examples of how to present your experience on a CV in ways useful forengineering, health, double-degree and PhD students.

Pg 23 Part 3Advice on preparing a cover letter, and some examples.

Careers Service

Building 115

[email protected]


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Part 1

How to write your CV

What is a CV?

A CV is a marketing brochure. When you prepare a CV youre promoting yourself to anemployer in the hope that they may find enough interesting information in it to invite you toan interview. A CV has to sell an employer the possible benefits of employing you. In mostcases a CV will be your first and only contact with the employer in advance of an interview.Make sure your CV communicates the impression you really want to make.

A CV is a record of achievements. It should contain a mix of quantitative (what did I do?)and qualitative (how well did I do?) information. Employers want to find out what youre likeas a potential member of their team, and your CV should help them do this.

A CV is easy to read. The information should leap off the page and impress the reader.

There are some conventions about how CVs are presented, and there are generally goodreasons for them. Think about recruiters who have to make a quick selection of five CVs forinterview out of fifty applications: the CVs which are easiest to read are more likely to getchosen.

A good CV can get you an interview. Only an interview (or several interviews and perhaps anassessment centre) will get you a job: the aim of your CV and accompanying covering letteris to get you to the interview in the first place. Thats all.

A CV always goes along with a covering letter. The letter and CV together make up your

marketing brochure. Always send your CV with a letter employers will normally ask you todo this anyway. If youre writing a personal statement for a recruitment website, write that asif it were a covering letter. And even when someone says Just send me your CV, alwayswrite a targeted cover letter as well.

What a CV is not

A job descriptionor a detailed list of your tasks and duties in each job or project. It shouldsay what the recruiter needs to know about the basic elements of the job and then highlightthe distinctions and achievements that are down to you.

A mindreading test for recruiters. Dont assume that recruiters know anything about yourcourse, your first degree, any employers you might have worked for, or any voluntaryorganisations where you have been an activist. Give them some context to help themunderstand your achievements.

A permanent lasting memorial. Your CV and cover letter should be adapted to eachemployer you apply to. You may change the achievements you present according to whatyou think employers are most interested in. You will certainly change the wording of thecover letter to let them know youve done some research on them (and arent sending thesame letter to many different employers). Good marketing starts with an awareness of

customer needs and a realisation that these needs are different for every customer.


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Constructing a good CV

These are the general guidelines for writing a CV. They are conventions which can beadapted to differing circumstances. But they are useful basic rules to help make your CV asattractive as possible.

This is all you need to put at the top of the CV definitely not Curriculum Vitae - and yourname should be in bold type, preferably in the centre.

Term-time address, telephone number (mobile is fine) and permanent address(optional)

Email address (preferably your cranfield.ac.uk address as it may look more

professional than any others you have) Date of birth Nationality (and UK resident status if appropriate) Gender if its not obvious to an English-speaker

Years only in left hand column (2001-2003, for example) in reverse chronologicalorder recruiters dont like gaps in a CV so make sure there arent any.

Cranfield studies: main subjects studied, group project details, thesis title and

where applicable the name of the thesis sponsoring company (if not confidential) First degree or equivalent: include main subjects studied, project details if any,

and thesis title. A Levels (list subjects) or equivalent school-leaving qualifications; GCSEs

(number of subjects is sufficient).

Include any further courses you feel are particularly relevant like Microsoft or other ITsystem certifications, project management, or other technical trainings, or management andemployee development programmes.

Give a brief description of the company business and size if its not a well-knownname.

Concise account of job function and experience gained only enoughinformation to give a context, nota job description.

Achievements in the job: targets met, projects managed, results achieved givequantitative measures where possible: numbers, budgets, sizes of teams forexample.

Include any placements, internships, vacation work and voluntary work.


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Concise list of programming languages and skills, software packages and operatingsystems, and any areas of technical and professional knowledge.

Include level of ability (native, fluent, good, tourist, basic) or if you are currently studying alanguage.

Mention activities that are distinctive dont say reading and films: everybodydoes that. But if you write science fiction or are interested in Latin Americancinema, say so.

Be specific: dont say travelling say travelled to 12 countries in Asia and

Europe in the last 2 years. Dont say guitar say play guitar in a band withuniversity friends, doing occasional gigs in Sheffield area.

If you have any qualifications or diplomas associated with an activity, mentionthem like Grade 5 piano, Advanced Open Water diver, Private Pilots Licence,

Aikido Black Belt. If you have had some responsibility on a committee or organising group, state

the level of involvement, and responsibility for budgets, projects, and teams. Scholarships, awards or other special achievements. Driving licence if you have one and you think its relevant to the job.

One of your referees should be from Cranfield. Ask permission from referees before you usetheir name, and send them a copy of your CV to help them write your reference.


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So now you know what makes a good CV : have a look at this example and see if there isanything about it you would change.

Personal Details

Name: James Bond

Address (university) Room 234 Lanchester Hall,

Cranfield University,

Cranfield,

Beds MK43 0AL

Telephone number 01234 567890

Email [email protected]

Date of birth 17th March 1983 in Manchester

Marital status SingleNationality British

FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE

Profile

Motivated Design and Production Engineer, with excellent interpersonal skills and experiencein working with IT tools like CAD systems and ERP systems. Result oriented Team workerwho can work to tight deadlines. Seeking a position which demands knowledge in InformationTechnology and Product Engineering, to build up highly developed set of enterprisemanagement skills.

Education

October 2008 -

August 2009 MSc Manufacturing at Cranfield University

Group Project: Strategic Investigation into Information Delivery

Systems

Implementing new systems and training users.

Thesis: Computer Aided Process Planning for Machining

Operation

Design of machining operation to improve quality and efficiency of

the production process.2004 2007 BSc (Hons) 2:1in Mechanical Design Engineering at Sheffield

University

Dissertation: Exploring the use of FEA for commercial

applications

2001 2003 South Park Upper School, Manchester

2002 GCSE A Level: Mathematics (B),

Physics (B),

Chemistry (C)

Salford Academy, Manchester

2001 GCSE O Levels in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics,

English, Psychology, General Studies, French, Biology, ReligiousStudies


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IT skills

ProSim 5.0 (Precedence Relationship Modelling), A10 Win (Functional modelling),

SAP 2000, Microsoft Suite, Smart Draw, CreaTriz, Technoptimizer, Witness (discreet

event simulation), C, C++, Visual Basic, Windows 2000/XP

Work Experience

2007 2008 Engineering by Design, New Street, Oldham

Design engineer doing CAD designs for clients. Left because I

wanted to study for MSc at Cranfield.

2006 Bygg Machines, Leeds

Industrial placement.

2005 Eurocamp, St-Tropez, France

Holiday rep.

Other points of interest

Sheffield University Union Ents Committee member 2006 and 2007

I enjoy sports and have been a member of the Cranfield football and cricket teams.

I also like cinema, reading, and travelling

Languages: French (good), Spanish (currently studying).

Referees

Dr Zygmunt Froyd

Engineering DepartmentUniversity of Sheffield

Mr Geoffrey Boycott

Managing Director, Bygg Machines Ltd.

Leeds

Look at the next 2 pages for a careers advisers comments on James BondsCV...


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Personal Details

Name: James Bond

Address (university) Room 234 Lanchester Hall,

Cranfield University,

Cranfield,

Beds MK43 0AL

Telephone number 01234 567890

Email [email protected]

Date of birth 17th March 1983 in Manchester

Marital status SingleNationality British

FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE

Profile

Motivated Design and Production Engineer, with excellent interpersonal skills and experiencein working with IT tools like CAD systems and ERP systems. Result oriented Team workerwho can work to tight deadlines. Seeking a position which demands knowledge in InformationTechnology and Product Engineering, to build up highly developed set of enterprisemanagement skills.

Education

October 2008 -

August 2009 MSc Manufacturing at Cranfield University

Group Project: Strategic Investigation into Information Delivery

Systems

Implementing new systems and training users.

Thesis: Computer Aided Process Planning for Machining

Operation

Design of machining operation to improve quality and efficiency of

the production process.2002 2005 BSc (Hons) 2:1in Mechanical Design Engineering at Sheffield

University

Dissertation: Exploring the use of FEA for commercial

applications

2001 2004 South Park Upper School, Manchester

2002 GCSE A Level: Mathematics (B),

Physics (B),

Chemistry (C)

Salford Academy, Manchester

2001 GCSE O Levels in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics,

English, Psychology, General Studies, French, Biology, ReligiousStudies

Name should go here:its obviously a CV...

No need for a title:these are obviouslypersonal details

[email protected] more professional!

Place not relevant

Status not relevant

Typefaces: just useone font. Arial orHelvetica are easierto read than Times orGaramond

Belongs with otherqualifications

Profiles may be OK if youve 20 years experience, but otherwise theyrerather meaningless. Recruiters tend not to like them. Wheres the evidence

for any of these statements? Better to give examples in cover letter.

It would be good toknow about keymodules studied at firstand Masters levels,and some more aboutprojects anddissertations: were

outside companiesinvolved? What werethe results of research?

A Levels could be on oneline. O Levels not relevant.

Too much wasted white space.


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IT skills

ProSim 5.0 (Precedence Relationship Modelling), A10 Win (Functional modelling),

SAP 2000, Microsoft Suite, Smart Draw, CreaTriz, Technoptimizer, Witness (discreet

event simulation), C, C++, Visual Basic, Windows 2000/XP

Work Experience


Design engineer doing CAD designs for clients. Left because I

wanted to study for MSc at Cranfield.


Industrial placement.

2005 Eurocamp, St-Tropez, France

Holiday rep.

Other points of interest

Sheffield University Union Ents Committee member 2006 and 2007

I enjoy sports and have been a member of the Cranfield football and cricket teams.

I also like cinema, reading, and travellingLanguages: French (good), Spanish (currently studying).

Referees

Dr Zygmunt Froyd

Engineering Department

University of Sheffield

Mr Geoffrey Boycott

Managing Director, Bygg Machines Ltd.

Leeds

Organise this list into applications

and operating systems

What clients? What value ofcontract or size of project? Anyachievements? What did you learnfrom these jobs? Any new skills?Never say on a CV why you left:save that for the interview, if at all.

How many members onEntertainments Committee? Whatwas the budget? What were youresponsible for?Everyone likes cinema etc.whats distinctive about what youlike? Where have you travelled to?

Any other qualifications?

Why no referee from Cranfield?

Now lets see what James Bonds CV looks like when he follows this advice...


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Term Address: Room 234 Lanchester Hall, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 OALTelephone: 07890 654321 E-mail: [email protected]

Date of Birth: 17 March 1985 UK nationality

October 2008-

August 2009 Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK

Main subjects include, Manufacturing Management, Enterprise InformationSystems, Consultancy tools and e manufacturing.

(for XYZ Training Ltd). The purpose of the project was to look at themethodology for implementing new systems and training users. Working within

a team of four, the project involved meeting with the client, detailed planning ofthe work process and preparation and presentation of reports. Our finalrecommendations were submitted to the company.

(commissioned by East Anglian Precision Tools Ltd). Design of machiningoperation required by precision engineering manufacturer to improve quality andefficiency of the production process. Project involved use of CATIA and C++programming.

2004 2007 Sheffield University

Core subjects included Stress Analysis (FEA), Dynamics & Control, Solid BodyMechanics, Industrial Robots, CAD Techniques, Project Management,Manufacturing Methods

Work involved research and design into new structure involving liaison withcompany and suppliers, costings, and subsequent construction and successfultest of prototype.

An investigation aimed at providing a novel approach for applications for finiteelement analysis in the workplace. The research was undertaken withassistance from both academic staff and local companies resulting inrecommendations submitted to appropriate departments.

2001 2004 South Park Upper School, ManchesterGCSE A Level: Mathematics (B), Physics (B), Chemistry (C)GCSEs 7 subjects

ProSim 5.0 (Precedence Relationship Modelling), A10 Win(Functional modelling), SAP 2000 (Structural Design and Analysis), MicrosoftSuite, Smart Draw, CreaTriz, Technoptimizer. Witness (discreet eventsimulation)

C, C++, Visual BasicWindows 2000/XP


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The company is involved with design and manufacture of precision

components for the automotive industry. Working with the research anddevelopment team I was responsible for design (using CAD) to customerspecification. This also included meeting with the client, preparation ofproject schedules and supervision of initial build programme.

Design team leader for new gear lever prototype winning overseas orderworth 2 m.


Working for this international organisation I assisted with a major project

on stress analysis of a wing tip structure. The report was completed tostrict time deadlines and submitted to the project sponsors (EU). I wassubsequently invited to co-present this paper at the European Conferencefor Stress and Structure held in Brussels in February 2007.

2005 Eurocamp, St-Tropez, France Summer holiday rep. on a 300-pitch campsite. Client reception and dealingwith a wide range of enquiries. Learned to really enjoy good teamwork, andimproved my French.

French (good), Spanish (currently studying).

Sheffield University Union Entertainments Committee member 2006 and2007 part of a team of six with a 3000 budget, responsible for booking amix of local and well-known bands for the Union. Learned a lot about projectplanning and budget control.Active member of the Cranfield football and cricket teams playingregularly in inter-universities league..Travelled in Europe in vacations: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal.

Full UK driving licence.Graduate Member Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Dr Henry Tutor Mr Geoffrey BoycottCranfield University Bygg Machines [email protected] [email protected]


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Points to remember

Recruiters often have to read a lot of CVs so make sure yours is interesting andeasy to read. Think about layout and space. If you have interesting work experience toreport, try to make sure that section starts by the end of the first page of the CV. A CVis like a newspaper report, not a journal article it has to leap off the page andengage the reader.

Use action words to describe your achievements like implemented, presented,achieved, persuaded (see a full list on p 25). If your education and experience havebeen outside the UK and your CV is for a UK audience, remember to explain brieflyanything you think a UK reader needs to understand.

The maximum length for a CV is two pages (except for academic CVs with lists ofpublications). This is a convention anyone can present their experience in two

pages. Its also designed for the convenience of recruiters who have many CVs toread. When you develop your CV plan for it to be two pages long. If it needs to beshorter you can always adapt it. On the next page there is a one page version ofJames Bonds CV. Some things have been left out, and the type size has beenreduced slightly, but most of the information is there, and it still conveys the sameimpression.

Unless youre applying for a job in one of the creative industries like advertising orgraphic design (and you probably arent), keep the design of your CV simple. Use onetypeface, preferably a sans serif one like Arial, Helvetica or Tahoma. This document is

in sans serif type. Readability research shows its easier to read type like this in listsand documents with short statements. Serif type (like Times or Garamond) worksbetter for long documents like newspapers and novels. Never use novelty typefacesfor emphasis: it just looks like bad advertising material. Use different type sizes andbold and/ or italic for headings and emphasis. The smallest type size you should useis 10 point. Never use underline: it looks untidy. Use grey or shaded boxes if you want,to help highlight text, but be aware that it is difficult to get them to look rightandsome recruiters find them irritating. All recruiters will find a straightforward, engagingand readable presentation of the facts very acceptable.

See things from the readers point of view what are the most important things youwant them to know about you? Then tell them that no more and definitely no less.Never make things up invented information will catch you out in the end, andemployers are not relaxed about CV fraud. Use your CV to acknowledge what youhave achieved in your life so far which is a lot. Never compare your experience withanyone elses. Others may have more work experience than you, have won moreprizes and scholarships than you, and play more musical instruments. But whatmatters is you and your achievements concentrate on those and celebrate them inyour CV. What you have achieved is enough to make a good presentation of yourself,and your CV can convince recruiters that youre worth interviewing.


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Term Address: Room 234 Lanchester Hall, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 OALTelephone: 07890 654321 Email: [email protected]

Date of Birth: 17 March 1985 UK nationality

Oct 2008-Aug 2009 Cranfield University, Beds

Subjects include, Manufacturing Management, Enterprise Information Systems,Consultancy Tools and e manufacturing

2004 2007 Sheffield University

Stress Analysis (FEA), Project Management, Manufacturing Methods

2001 2004 South Park Upper School, ManchesterGCE A Level: Mathematics (B), Physics (B), Chemistry (C)


Working with the research and development team I was responsible for design (usingCAD) to customer specification. This also included meeting with the client, preparationof project schedules and supervision of initial build programme.

Design team leader for new gear lever prototype winning overseas order worth 2M.


Assisted with a major project on stress analysis of a wing tip structure. Reportcompleted on time and submitted to the project sponsors (EU). Co-presented paper atEuropean Conference for Stress & Structure, Brussels, February 2007.

2005 Eurocamp, St-Tropez, FranceSummer holiday rep. on a 300-pitch campsite. Client reception and dealingwith a wide range of enquiries. Learned to really enjoy good teamwork, andimproved my French.

ProSim 5.0 (Precedence Relationship Modelling), A10 Win (Functional modelling), SAP2000 (Structural Design and Analysis), Microsoft Suite, Smart Draw, CreaTriz, Technoptimizer.

C, C++, Visual BasicWindows 2000/XP

French (good), Spanish (currently studying)

Sheffield University Union Ents Committee member 2006 and 2007. Active member of theCranfield football and cricket teams. Full UK driving licence.

Graduate Member Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)


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Part 2

Achievements, skills, competencies

Achievements

In order to promote yourself effectively you need to think how to present effectively what

youre offering: what are the benefits of employing you? Start by thinking of yourachievements. List the things youve done in your life so far, starting at age 16 (most peopledont do anything of great significance before then, but if you did win Teen Idol or if youvebeen giving piano recitals since primary school, include it in your list). For each item on thelist, say briefly what you did, and what the result was, or you learned from doing it. Here aresome examples, all taken from actual CVs of Cranfield students.

The purpose of the project was to undertake an in-depth review of subsea processingtechnologies, identifying the main suppliers/vendors, their development history, field

application/ installation and producing a timeline/ future roadmap for the individualtechnologies. Working within a team of seven, the project involved initiating contacts withvendors/suppliers and operators, site visits and attending subsea technology fairs to gatherinformation about the various technologies. Our final report was presented at an SUTmeeting, and submitted to the client.

Involved extensive research and completion of a 4,000 word essay.

Unpaid 10-day placement, provided understanding of scientific application in a professionalworkplace.

The relatively small-scale work force meant a high-level of initiative and ability was required.Development of customer relation skills.

Co-led a childrens venue at a Christian conference as a voluntary youth worker duringAugust 2006. Involved constant planning and co-ordination of activities responsible for

approximately 600 children per day aged 8-11 years. Approached by conferenceorganisers due to previous success and motivation, to lead the 2007 childrens venue.

Frankfurt, GermanyTranslations for local market and HQ; PowerPoint presentations for sales meetings.

providing official statistics about the UKTelephone Interviewer (Labour force survey)Collected information accurately under strict rules, encouraged people to take part,developed good interpersonal skills, work on my own initiative and have a high degree ofself-motivation.


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Treasurer (Year 2):With 120+ members; managed finance with a budget of 2000+ with cost-cuttingmeasures, assisted in making team decisions and organising events.

Various temporary work in factories which required fast decision-making and proactive teamwork.

Organised venues, catering and invitations for five events, including Summer Party for 120guests including high-level political and business attendees. Scheduled busy diary;administered invoices; kept contact lists for a prolific networker.

A team project with the participation of 8 members to produce a detailed business plan of astart-up scheduled passenger airline, which was later successfully presented to potential

investors followed by a report.

Best Group in Class

The project was presented and assessed by a panel of industrial advisors; senior figuresfrom Millbrook, Land Rover and Ford. The aim of the project was to design an off roadvehicle that is fun and innovative. An advanced setup on Excel was used to analyse thesuspensions kinematics then it was modelled and investigated using I-DEAS. I wasresponsible for braking performance, packaging and ergonomics while working closely withother members on the crashworthiness, performance, style and compliance withregulations.

Water and Hygiene promotion volunteerField work with a 3-person team in the rural area of Foundou in Mauritania (community of3,500), conducting an appraisal of the technical and managerial state of the existingcommunity water supply network. Duties included the review of the hardware aspects;review of financial records; participatory work with the local management committee toenhance capacities; organisation of hygiene promotion activities; and observation andunstructured interviews to evaluate the social impact of the project on the community.

talk for Pullford Lower School. Leighton BuzzardIntroduced school pupils to culture and society of Mexico.

The task was to organise leisure group activities and workshops for teenagers coordinatedby the local authorities. Responsibility and communication skills required. Commitment tothe community and concern about young peoples problems.

Junior consultantCo-author of the study: Sustainable beverage packaging management in HungaryResponsibilities: Liaise with clients, Data gathering, Analysis of former studies in the field ofpackaging, Environmental and Economic Analysis.


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Dive mastering and public relationsWorking as a PADI Dive Master required a good capacity for taking initiative, leadinggroups, briefing people and inspiring confidence in customers. As manager of an office forBB Divers, I had to sell dives and equipments and do public relations activities.

Participation in the preparations of the event taking place in Warsaw, comprising stageperformance, contests arrangement and becoming acquainted with the procedures oforganising environmental events in the capital city.

Awards, prizes, scholarships

If you have any of these, list them. It is useful to say how competitive, if possible (first inclass of 50; one of only three people in Italy awarded this prize). For example:

At the graduation ceremony, won the award for the most outstanding performance in

Aerospace Engineering Design.

Secured a scholarship from the Royal Aeronautical Society Centennial Scholarship Grant in2008.

2001 Best All-round Student award in the college junior school, out of around 3,000students.

Skills and competencies

Employers increasingly focus on the competencies they look for in their employees whenthey are recruiting. In interviews they will look for evidence that you have thesecompetencies and the potential to develop them. The core competencies that employerslook for are leadership, teamworking, problem-solving, customer focus, communication,and project management - among others. Think of the skills and competences you havedeveloped in the course of your education and other experience so far. For example:

Experience of working in teams through academic projects, includingplanning, role allocation, coordinating different skill sets and overcoming cultural differencesand motivational problems.

Teamwork was vital during the Kenyan voluntary project, particularly when climbing MtKenya with seven other volunteers when the team needed to support each other over therough mountainous terrain.

Presented to groups of up to 100 people whilst studying for myMasters qualification at Cranfield University. Whilst working on my thesis I was comfortableinterviewing senior employees of large multinationals companies.

Designed and tested a method of measuring and improving the accuracyof simulation software at Ford motor company. This method translated into improvements in

the cycle times of the CNC machines and Ford believe it has the potential to save hundredsof thousands of pounds.


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81, rue Lamartine 83240 Cavalaire-sur-Mer France0033 4.94.01.92.10 [email protected] 7 234 987654 [email protected]

Nationality : French Date of birth : 06.05.1985

2008-2009 Water Management MSc, Water and Society option: watertechnology, finance, management, economics, communication, legislation, politics.This year has been an opportunity to learn and develop the management andcommunication skills necessary to cover all the aspects of a water service at different

levels: local, national and international. This knowledge has been put into practicethrough two group projects and a thesis.

: Society and water policy evaluation. Presentation of policy andcommunication outlines of a strategic planning and communications group of a waterand sewerage company. Video editing. (1 month)

: Catchment management plan and GIS. Development of acatchment management plan in the context of the Water Framework Directive in theAxe Catchment, UK. (1 month)

: Self-monitoring by end-users in South West Uganda. Activity: analysing the

issues associated with self-monitoring of hygiene and management practices incommunities of Kigesi District, South West Uganda (4 months). Fieldwork withcollection of data and interviews of local communities (6 weeks).

2006-2008 (ENGEES)National Engineering School for Water Management and the Environment. 1st and 2nd

year of a three year engineering program: hydraulic, waste and drinking waterconveyance, waste control, ecology, agronomy, economics, legislation, finance, rivermanagement, hydrology, hydrogeology

: energy assessment of a Sports Hall; modelling of the

hydrogeology of an industrial area and prevention against pollution; river restoration.: water supply: design of a pipe network for the supply ofseveral towns using PORTEAU; waste water: design of sewers network for a smalltown; design of a water treatment process for drinking water; design of a waste watertreatment process.

2003-2006 3-year selective post-Baccalaurat university level preparatoryclasses for the competitive entry exams to the Grandes Ecoles (EngineeringSchools).

2003 Bacalaurat (A-level): maths, physics-chemistry,biology, philosophy, history, geography, English, German and sport.

The CV on the next two pages is based on real Cranfield examples, and shows an effectivepresentation of experience and achievement. It also shows a way of presenting non-UKqualifications and experience so that UK readers will understand their significance.


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In the field of water and environmentJune-August 2008 internship in TECHNIVAL (Veolia Propret Tahiti). Activity: management of

the sludge of waste water treatment plant. (3 months)

July-August 2007 Help for development mission in Cameroon as an Engineer withoutborders member in co-operation with IRCOD (Development and Co-operation Regional Institute) (1 month). Activity: make a diagnosis ofhydraulic works in a departement of Cameroon (Mbam et Inoubou).

June 2007 one week internship at the DDAF (Direction Dpartementale delAgriculture et de la Fort-public office for the farming and the forest) inMetz, France.

November 2006 two weeks internship as a workman with the GREMLING TP Company(installation of drinking water pipes). Nice, France.

Membership and activity in associations:

2008-2009 SAFAD, Cranfield University NGO focused on development and co-operation with developing countries. Activity: link between volunteers andthe committee.

2006-2009 ISF (Ingnieur Sans Frontires- Engineer without Borders). French NGOfocused on development and co-operation with developing countries.Activity: one year treasurer, two years membership.

Other fields2007-2008 Personal mathematics and physics teacher for a high school pupil.August 2006 Medical secretary in an ophthalmologist practice.

French: mother tongueEnglish: fluentSpanish: basicGerman: moderate

Communication Team spirit; good ability to adapt to multicultural environments, gainedthrough my work experience abroad; good communication skills gainedthrough my experience of writing reports and oral presentations; goodorganisational skills

Computer skills Word, Excel, hydraulic programs (PORTEAU, HPP-WIN, HECRAS,

AUOTOCAD)

Driving licence: category BFirst Aid Certificate

Hobbies: Play in University volleyball team; learn and teach salsa; surf and ski.Travelling (Malta, Greece, Germany, Spain, Croatia, Morocco)Art: watercolour painting, playing piano for relaxation.


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If you have a PhD

or if youre working for one or even thinking of applying for one, there are some specialthings to remember about preparing a CV.

If youre looking for an academic job remember that the skills a university wants are mainly in

the area of research. Administration and project management are also important, as areworking with students as a teacher or demonstrator, but research is the core skill. So makesure you emphasise research skills in the way you present your PhD, and also your firstdegree(s). Research competencies are mainly demonstrated in knowledge and application ofmethodologies in your field, and in producing papers for publication. You need todemonstrate successful application of methodologies, and show you have a publicationstrack record. CVs for academic posts will incorporate a list of publications and conferencesessions, so they can be more than two pages long. A CV from a PhD student seeking anacademic post will take this form:

Personal information

As in the standard CV email and postal address, phone number, date of birth andnationality.

Current research field

PhD title and an outline of the approach and expected outcome, and the name of yoursupervisor. For example:

Decision support modelling for water policy research.

Supervisor: Dr. Paul Jeffrey Developed, implemented and evaluated a computer-based modelling tool

for water demand management program design in a European context. Systematically investigated how behavioural and non-behavioural

household water consumption factors determine policy interventionrequirements.

Applied a novel probabilistic modelling approach to investigate the social,economic and environmental impacts of water scar

Previous education

As in the standard CV, but emphasise your research experience, undergraduate and Mastersthesis titles, and conferences or other academic events attended.

Knowledge of research techniques

List the key techniques which you have used in research. For example:

Application of probabilistic (Bayesian) modelling to support program design End-user evaluation of the effectiveness of information technology Integrating social, economic, and environmental data to support policy decisions Collaborative modelling to facilitate stakeholder engagement Extensive experience of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Visio Working knowledge of Bayesian network modelling software, Hugin GUI


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Work and other experience

As in the standard CV reverse chronological, focusing on achievements. Present your workexperience so that it helps you in an academic context. If you dont have any academicteaching or supervision experience, perhaps you have worked with young or adult learners oryouth groups in the past: and there are transferable skills result from that. If you have been on

a graduate development programme like UK Grad or the French Doctoriales then mention ithere.

Distinctions

List any scholarships, academic prizes and bursaries or awards. Give an indication of howcompetitive or unique they were if you have that information. You dont need to give the moneyvalue of any prizes you won.

Publications

List the papers and conference proceedings you have contributed to, and conference andposter sessions you have presented. Include papers that have been submitted (even if theyhavent been refereed or published yet) as well as those that have appeared in print.

Other information

Include personal interests and achievements here. The same principle applies for standardCVs include information that is distinctive rather than what everyone does in their sparetime.

If youre applying for a PhD

Emphasise the research experience you already have: thats what universities are looking for.

If youre a PhD student and not applying for an academic job

Make sure you present your PhD in a way that is understandable to someone not in yourresearch field. Focus on the application of knowledge, and emphasise the transferable skills inanalysis and project management you gain from doing a PhD. Just mention publicationsrather than listing them. For example:

PhD research: Optimisation of Heat Dissipation from Brake DiscsResearch aims to establish a thermofluid based methodology for designing ventilationchannels with controlled heat dissipation rates. The goal is to enhance component life by having lowtemperatures and uniform heat distribution. Work has been conducted computationally andexperimentally.Consultancy work carried out on assessment of ventilation system of brake discs for nonconventionalvehicles (thermal stress and transient cooling). The final proposal wassubmitted to customer.Research presentations to: Qinetiq (2006), Lloyds Register-Holland (2007), TRW

Automotive (2007).Publications: Three conference papers and one journal publication (submitted).

The CV on the next two pages is adapted from an actual CV from a Cranfield PhD student looking foran academic position after completing their PhD.


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Address: Cranfield University, Barton Road, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4DT, EnglandTelephone: +44 (0) 1525 456789 Mobile: +44 (0) 7123 456789

Email: [email protected]

Date of birth: 3 August 1983 Nationality: Greek

, United Kingdom, School of Applied Sciences, Department of Natural Resources,

Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Group NSRIThesis project: Biowaste and vegetable waste compost application toagricultural soil. Outcome is identification of a compost application strategy forsustainable agriculture. Supervisor: Dr M. Hann

, Greece, School of Agriculture, Department of Hydraulics, Soil Science and

Agricultural Engineering. Grade: 8.04 out of possible 10.00

Dissertation: Time-space analysis of water quality and quantity parameters ofriver Pinios.

[Hellenic Comprehensive Lyceum (High school) Diploma]Grade: 18.91 out of possible 20.00

Field scale experimentation: designing, establishment and monitoring.Soil, plant and leachate analysis using ISO laboratory methods.Data analysis and interpretation.Extensive experience of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and the internet.

Working knowledge of Statistica, GenStat and Visual Fortran.

IWWG Training course on leaching assessment using Leach XS.11th International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium, Cagliari, Italy17th Triennial ISTRO Conference: Sustainability its Impact on SoilManagement and Environment, Kiel, GermanyIAgrE Annual Conference: Land and Change, Engineering the Future, CranfieldUniversity, Silsoe, UK10th European Biosolids and Biowastes Conference, Wakefield, UK3rd Hellenic Conference on Agricultural Engineering, Thessaloniki, Greece9th Hellenic Conference of the Greek Hydrotechnical Union, Thessaloniki,

Greece

Position: trainee Project: Investigation of the stage-discharge rating curves ofriver Pinios at Piniadas Bridge station.

2009 Third place Award granted from the Hellenic Hydrotechnical Union for the best

undergraduate dissertation in water science for the period of 2004-07.


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Scholarship granted from the Korgialenion Foundation, Greece, funding thePhD research project (2005-07).Scholarship granted from the National Scholarship Foundation, Greece (NSF)for outstanding performance in the second year of undergraduate studies.Scholarship and first place Award granted from the NSF (Greece) for excellent

degrees achieved in the entry examinations for the School of Agriculture,Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

GEOTEE (Geotechnical Chamber of Greece)IAgrE (Institute of Agricultural Engineers),CIWM (Chartered Institute of Waste Management)ISWA (International Solid Waste Association)

(Mother Tongue), (Fluent) (Conversational)

Microsoft Office, Statistical software (GenStat, Statistica), Programming (Visual Fortran)

Dimitriadou A. and Hann M.J, 2007. The effects of using municipal solid waste (MSW) andvegetable compost in agriculture. In: Lowe, P., Horan, N. (Ed.), Proceedings of the 10th

European Biosolids and Biowastes Conference and Workshop, 13-16 November 2007,Wakefield, UK, Aqua Enviro Technology Transfer, 51.1-51.7

Dimitriadou A. and Hann M.J., 2008. Using biowaste and vegetable compost in agriculture. 7th

Postgraduate Research Conference, 29 June 2008, Cranfield University, Silsoe, UKDimitriadou A., Hann M.J.,and Godwin R.J., 2008. Biowaste and vegetable compost

utilization in agriculture: an agronomic and environmental assessment. In: Proceedingsof the 17th ISTRO Conference Sustainability - its Impact on Soil Management andEnvironment, 28 August - 3 September 2008, Kiel, Germany, 1431-1436

Diamantopoulou M., Antonopoulos V., Papamichail D., and Dimitriadou A., 2008. Applicationof principal components and cluster analysis for the interpretation of the water quality datafrom river Pinios in Greece. In: Proceedings of the 10th Hellenic Conference of the HellenicHydrotechnical Union, 13-16 December 2008, Xanthi, Greece, 339-346

Dimitriadou A. and Hann M.J., 2009. Crop production and nitrogen leaching from biowasteand vegetable compost amended sand. In: Proceedings of the Sardinia Symposium 2009 11th International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium, 1-5 October 2009,S.Margherita di Pula (Cagliari), Italy (in press)

Dimitriadou A. and Hann M.J., 2010. Agricultural use of biowaste and vegetable wastecomposts: effect on crop production and soil properties. Under preparationfor theInternational Conference on Agricultural Engineering & Industry Exhibition (AGENG 2010).

I enjoy sports, especially athletics, and have been a member of the Athletics Association ofLarissa (1997-2000). I was also a member of my high school basketball team in 2000.I also enjoy volleyball and swimming.I highly appreciate the Olympic spirit and was a volunteer in the Olympic Games in Athens(2004).Playing and listening to music I find a relaxing pastime. Learning to play the piano requiredhigh levels of self-motivation and commitment, reflected in being awarded the higher degreein music theory and composing in 1999.


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Part 3Cover letters

Always write a cover letter to go with your CV. And always adapt the cover letter for eachindividual application. Use it to emphasise the skills the employer is looking for and any detailswhich you feel will convince them to interview you. Your cover letter should be no more than one

page. Three or four short paragraphs will be sufficient. Always use positive language. Your coverletter needs to say three things:

Introduction

Say why you are writing and if in response to an advertisement always mention where you saw it,the job title and any reference quoted. Say briefly what your current status is. For example:

I am very interested in the position of Offshore Development Assistant as advertised on the BWEAwebsite on 19 March 2009. I will graduate in September 2009 from Cranfield University with an MSc in

offshore and ocean technology with renewable energy.

Why them?

Target the letter to show that you know something about the company. Mention any contacts youhave made with them at careers fairs. Show that you know something about what they do, andthat you arent sending the same letter to 36 different companies.

I am keen to build a career within the sustainability sector. With its unique market expertise in theproperty area, I feel Upstream will be well placed to take advantage of growing pressures forsustainable performance and increasing government targets for low carbon homes in the UK, andbeyond. As Upstream sets about expanding internationally I believe that my knowledge andexperience, as well as my Spanish and Russian language skills, would be of value to your team.

Why you?

Tell them why you are the person for the job. You can use the advertisement or companyinformation as reference. Give some appropriate examples of what you have achieved. Avoidsaying as you can see from my CV: try to add a bit of personal colour that goes beyond your CV.

Studying environmental geoscience gave me substantial field work experience, including geologicalmapping and surveying techniques, which enabled me to develop a range of skills, in particularsystematic observation and interpretation and the ability to communicate technical data to experts and

non-specialists. Studying environmental management for business has provided me with an additionalunderstanding of national and global environmental issues as well as sound business awareness. Agroup project involving an international team of eight students in an environmental review of CranfieldUniversity has recently been successfully completed with a report and presentation to seniormanagers in the University. This project allowed me to exercise independent thought as well asdevelop team working relationships and valued interpersonal skills relating to identifying and meetingclient expectations. My involvement in various student projects and my experience as a youth workerhave presented me with a wide range of responsibilities and developed my ability to contributeeffectively to the work of a team.

End positively

Give them the impression youd like to work for them.

I enclose my CV for your attention. I am happy to provide any further information in support of myapplication and am available for interview at any time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.


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Some things to remember

Always send a cover letter with your CV. If you send your CV to a jobs agency orrecruitment website, write a cover letter in the form of a personal statement.

Always try to write to a named person. The personal touch is very important. A job

advert will tell you who to write to. If youre making a speculative application you mayhave to search an employers website for an appropriate name, or telephone and ask.

Avoid Dear Sir/Madam or To whom it may concern. If you cant find a name, write toa job title: Dear Recruitment Manager or Dear Operations Director for example.

Get the form right: in English, formal business letters beginning Dear Ms Jones endwith Yours sincerely and letters starting Dear Recruitment Manager end with Yoursfaithfully. Get it right and youll avoid irritating the kind of people who are irritated bysmall mistakes in language.

When emailing your cover letter and CV send them as one attachment, with the letter aspage 1 and the CV pages 2 and 3. The usual format is as a Word document (.doc) buta PDF is also acceptable, and some recruitment websites will ask for it in this form.Check before you send. The email message can be very simple, as in:

Dear Ms Jones,Please find attached my application letter and CV in relation to your vacancy number 123 asadvertised in New Scientist on 12 September 2009.Regards and best wishes

Use positive language in your letter and CV. The table on the next page has a list of positive

and active words that are useful when preparing a job application.

For more information about CVs and cover letters, look on the Prospects website www.prospects.ac.uk

The Careers Service runs workshops throughout the academic year on CV and cover letterpreparation. Sign up to one of these for some interactive CV guidance: look for informationabout the workshop programme on the Careers Service website: www.cranfield.ac.uk/careers.


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Key action words for use in job applications

Communicating

AddressedAdvisedCommunicatedCoordinatedCourtesyDelegatedDeliveredDemonstratedDirectedFacilitatedEncouragedEnthusiasm

GuidedHelpfulHumourIllustratedInfluencedInstructedInterviewedLedLiaisedMarketedMediated

NegotiatedNotifiedOrderedOrganisedParticipatedPerformedPresentedProgrammedPromotedProposedProvided

PublishedRecommendedRecordedRepresentedResolvedSupervisedSupportedTrained

Problem solving

ActedAbilityAdaptedAnalysedAppliedArrangedAssessedBudgetedCapableComposedConductedDecreasedDefinedDistributedEfficientEnhanceEstablishedExplainedFormulatedIdentifiedImprovedInitiativeInvestigated

ModernisedPlannedPerseverancePreparedProgressReducedRefinedReorganisedReviewedRevisedScheduled

SettledSimplifiedSolvedSurmountedSynchronizedUncoveredUpdatedVerified

Creating

BuiltCompiledCompletedComposedConceivedConstructedCreatedDesignedDevelopedDevisedDiagnosedDiscoveredEffectiveEstablishedFoundedGeneratedImaginationImplementedInitiatedInstitutedIntroducedInventedLaunched

LedMadeObservedOpenedOperatedOriginatedPioneeredPlannedPreparedProducedProgrammed

PromotedPublishedSet upTransformed

Achieving

AccomplishedAchievedAmbitionAttainedCompletedConcludedCourageDeliveredDeterminedDistributedEliminatedExcellence

ExpandedInnovateInstalledMaintainedMotivatedOvercameParticipatedPerformedPresentedProcessedPromoted

ProvedProvidedPunctualSatisfactoryServedStabilitySubstantialSuccessSucceededSuperiorTransferred

UpdatedWon

Write a Winning Cv

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