Careers Centre

CV & ApplicationsComputer ScienceJames Hairsine

Senior Career Consultant

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Learning Outcomes of this session To better understand how to describe your skills, qualities and

experiences to others in appropriate ways by:

Analyse your experiences and identify transferable skills and evidence

Looking at CV Writing Techniques in preparation for writing your own CV

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Making Applications

First impressions are VITAL. There is no point having a great interview style if your application won’t ever get you there.

Preparation is key - writing the CV / completing the form are NOT the first steps in the process

All applications need to be targeted towards the role and company for which you are applying

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Auditing your Skills - Transferable

Think about your key activities and achievements to date

Break them down into tasks

Then identify the skills you have demonstrated/achieved through this

Provide evidence

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Skills Audit

Degree Task Skills Evidence Presenting information to a group

Independent research

Planning Communication Time management Use of IT Time management Research planning Accessing resources

Situation Task Action Result Situtaion Task Action Result

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Setting a goal!

Situation I was a committee member of our local charity. We had a target of raising £10,000 for a new play area for children.

Task I recognised the potential for gaining sponsorship from local companies and set myself a personal target of £5,000.

Action I developed a personalised letter to the firms offering them the opportunity to sponsor pieces of play equipment. I followed up each letter with a visit to present my proposal.

Result I raised £7,000

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Targeted Skills Audit

Deloitte Skill Source Example Communication Presentation Verbal (customer relations) Written Teamwork Analytical

Degree Topshop Degree Rugby Team Tiger Tiger Degree LU Trading & investment Soc.

STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR

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Setting the Record Straight

You will receive differing opinions

There is no such thing as a perfect CV

The only true definition of a perfect CV is “the one which presents your information to a particular audience to the best advantage”

A ‘general CV’ is likely to end up in the bin

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What is a C.V.?

“Biographical sketch of the course of one’s life”

Persuasive sales document selling you (the product) to an employer (the buyer)

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Who is it for ?

Who is your audience?

What are they looking for?

How is this going to affect your writing?

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Developing a format that suits you (1) Traditional

Personal Details Education Work experience (+ ‘Relevant’ experience) Activities, interests Additional Skills Referees

Events in (reverse) chronological order

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Work experience section of Traditional CV

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Developing a format that suits you (2) Skills-Based

Personal Details Possible Personal Statement Brief outline of education Brief outline of work experience Achievements and Awards Expansion of Skills Other headings: positions of responsibility, extra curricular Brief outline of interests Referees

Events in (reverse) chronological order

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First Impressions count...

Always send a covering letter with a CV The letter should ideally be no longer than one side of

A4 Word-processed Make specific references to the company you are

applying for Sell yourself - but don’t go over the top

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Planning the Covering Letter

Opening (who you are and what you are doing)

The role you are interested in and why

Why you are particularly interested in that company

Why you are a good candidate

Positive ending

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CVs and Covering Letters - Key Points

Make sure it is targeted

2 sides of A4

1 page for Covering Letter

You can supply home and term-time addresses

REVERSE chronological order

No spelling or grammatical errors

Refer to YOUR role/activity and the skills it demonstrates

Ideally 1 academic referee and 1 from employment

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The Application Process

Be clear about what the company is looking for - skills, qualities, experience etc.

Which of those skills and qualities you have. Are you a realistic candidate?

List everything you have done/achieved

Identify your strongest evidence for each ‘selling point’ for this audience

Construct the CV / complete the form

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Next sessions

Tuesday 26th October 12-1 – Success at Interviews

Tuesday 16th November 12-1 – CV Drop-in

Tuesday 23rd November 12- 1 – CV Drop-in

All in Active Learning Lab Room 9.30

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The Careers Centre Drop-in: Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm