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CVs that hit the target
Dominic Laing
Careers Consultant
Take a poll
• Take a poll
• What recruiters expect from you
• How to sell your achievements
• Take a poll
• Reviewing your CV
• Matching the requirements
• Homework
CVs that hit the target - Agenda
The Challenge – what are the chances
of meeting your preferred employer?
“85 applications per vacancy”
(AGR - Association of Graduate Recruiters 10.7.13)
But recruiters still have trouble in filling their application quotas………..
Why Recruiters
target Manchester • Because you have;
– taken an appropriate course,
– have the associated technical skills,
– ideally with some commercial experience
– engaged in personal development (Manup, peer mentor, Hornet Rep or active with the BCS etc. etc.)
– have good references
– our reputation and track record
– the best Careers Service in the UK
– Because you are GOOD
How to sell your achievements
• ‘Write a great CV from scratch’
How it looks
– Format
– Structure
and what it says
– Content
Which format to choose
One which sells your knowledge, experience
and skills in the best light for your employer.
• Chronological
• Skills based
• Targeted
• Functional
www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/students/applicationsinterviews/cv/
Which structure to use The one which sells your knowledge, experience and
skills in the best light for your target employer.
Website Professional associations Contact details
References Industrial Placement Self employment
Linked-in memberships Name Personal profile
Education Achievements Technical skills
Career objective Social networks
Work experience Facebook page
Interests and activities Volunteering
Followers on Twitter Internships
Foreign Languages Personal Development
Content – The evidence of your
relevant knowledge, experience and skills
• Every section needs to have examples
• Every example should show achievement
• Every achievement should be described
using CAR (Context – Action – Result)
• Knowledge from your studies and beyond
• Experience from your placement, internship
or part–time job
• Skills from everywhere!
Take a poll
Reviewing your CV
Has the impact of your placement, internship
or part-time job been highlighted enough?
• What new knowledge have you gained?
• Has your commercial awareness improved?
• What about skills? (Technical, commercial
and personal confidence)
• Do you know what your future employers is
looking for from you?
Skills in demand from the
2014 leavers
www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/students/employable/skills/
Matching the
requirements
• Follow-up your placement provider.
• Keep track of what has been happening.
• Be aware of opening dates.
• Use an evidence matrix to cover all bases.
• Exploit your enhanced awareness of a
sector, organisation and a variety of roles.
• Which recruiters would welcome your CV?
• Fairs and presentations from now on
Evidence matrix
Skills required Education Work experience Extra-curricular
Technical (eg.
C++ or Java)
Problem solving
Communication
Team working
Adaptability
Commercial
awareness
Ambition
Network widely – Shows commitment
Cultivate right mindset and motivation
• Find them on Linked-In
• Follow them on Twitter
• Make sure your Facebook presence is a
benefit and not a hindrance to your
chances of success.
Over to you
• Resources
– ‘Write a great CV from scratch’
– ‘Making the most of your work experience’
• Events
– Engineering, Science and Technology Fair on
16th October www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/students/events/
– Recruiter presentations via CareersLink
• Vacancies via CareersLink with email alerts
www.manchester.ac.uk/careers
Good luck and keep in touch
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