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CVs, Covering Letters and Application FormsIram Siali.sial@westminster.ac.ukCareers ConsultantCareer Development Centre

This session

Selling yourself on paper:CVs (tips, language, format, essentials)

Covering letters (essentials, examples)

Application forms (CAR)

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Getting startedWhat job do I want?What have I got to offer?What jobs are out there?

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A CV is a Marketing Tool!Curriculum Vitae course of life

Effective marketing is basedon sound research, allowing you to:

Target your application

Support your application with evidence of skills

Employers three questionsCan you do the jobDo you have the required knowledge and skills?

Do you want the job?Do you have the motivation?

Will you fit in?Do you have the relevant values and qualities?

Job descriptionsEmployer definition of what they are looking for....

Develop list of skill requirements from variety of relevant job roles

Collate your evidence for required skills and any development areas

Finding the evidenceCourse work, presentations, group work, reports Course representativeStudent Union activitiesSports / hobbies / clubsTravelWork experienceVoluntary activitiesEmployment

Career player website

CVs: http://www.careerplayer.com/tips-and-advice/general-advice/polish-up-your-cv/

What makes a good CV?What works best? Type: Chronological or skills based

Format & layout first things first, appearance

Keep it concise why use 20 words when 5 will do?Separate sections for readability

Target one size rarely fits all

What makes a good CV?Writing a CV is time-consuming, but worth the effort

Prepare for your questKeep it concise why use 20 words when 5 will do? Use positive, powerful and simple language.Target one size rarely fits all. A CV template is a great place to start, but to really stand out TAILOR your CV to each job you apply for.Keep it relevant think about your CV from the point of view of the person responsible for hiring what do they want to see? Look carefully at the job advert, company website, careers information research Back it up list achievements not duties. Dont just copy out your last job description. Show what an impact you had instead, by using evidence based examples. Provide evidence of your skills and experience using the CAR methodContext where were you? What did you have to do?Action what action did you take? Be explicit about your roleResult what was the outcome and why? Would there be anything you would do differently next time?

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CVs - Points to consider

Skills and Achievements - relevant to the role, results focused which skills are the employer looking for?

Back it up list achievements not duties!

Evidence how are you meeting the job spec?

Language - action verbs, concise, avoid jargon

Axe what is not essential!

Positive Skills Based LanguageInactive StyleMy duties included serving customers at the bar.I handled cash and kept the area tidy. I had to work under pressure.

Active StyleDemonstrated good customer care skills by increasing the number of regular customers. Received bonus payment as a result.Initiated happy hour promotion resulting in 30% increase in sales. Took responsibility for supervising 3 temporary staff.

EvidenceIdentify what each employer wantsDemonstrate how you meet the criteriaProvide evidence of your skills and experience using the CAR methodContext where were you? What did you have to do?Action what action did you take? Be explicit about your roleResult - what was the outcome and why? Would you do it differently next time?

As customer service team leader in a fast food restaurant, I dealt with customer issues and complaints quickly and efficiently, receiving appreciation from my line manager

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Sample CVsChronological CV

Skills-based CV

CV Content - The content of your CV will ultimately determine whether you get invited to interview or not. You do not have to write Curriculum Vitae at the top of your CVName and contact details full name, postal address, telephone/mobile number, email, driving licence (optional)Personal statement/Profile (optional) A personal statement is a key piece of information that will help to focus the rest of your CV. It is essentially your sales pitch. If you include one it should be 2-3 lines, summarising your main selling points: Who you are, what you have done, what you hope to do.Education list in reverse chronological order - your most recent qualification first. Include: date (month and year), subject, grade and institution. Briefly include ALevel subjects/grades and GCSEs or equivalent.Work and/or Voluntary Experience This is the main part of any CV. An employer wants to know: What you have done, how long you have done it, what have you achieved and what skills you have developed. For each job list dates (in months and years), job title, employers name and location if appropriate, key responsibilities (keep it brief), your achievements in the job.Interests this is your chance to show that you are a rounded individual. You want a balanced list of interests ie some sporting, something cerebral ie showing your grey matter. Dont be tempted to include something that you know little about in the hope of seeming more interesting. References it is common practice to put available on request. However, if requested to provide a reference it is courteous to ask permission from your referee. Choose one academic and the second a current or previous employer. Do not use family and friends.

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Getting the format right Chronological CV

Starts with your most recent job, and then works backwards

AdvantagesEmphasises continuity and progression over timeEasy to followGood if you have worked for well known companies

DisadvantagesDifficult if your career is patchyHarder if changing careersNot so good if you are new to the job market

Skill-based CV

Presents your main skill areas

AdvantagesStrong emphasis on skillsJobs and work history are more secondaryOvercomes the difficulty of not having a lot of experienceFlexible

DisadvantagesDifficult if you want to emphasise continuityMight lose the impact of any prestigious companies you have worked for

Getting the format rightTheres more than one way to present yourself! But how you present your CV to prospective employers is largely determined by the type of job seeker that you are. There are two main CV formats:Chronological CV as the name suggests, the chronological CV starts with your most recent job and then works backwards (reverse chronological order). Skills based or Functional CV presents your main skill areas

Each format helps to anchor your career history within the context of your suitability to the position you are applying for.

CV top tipsYour CV should reflect you

Target your CV

Follow the recruiters instructions

Choose an effective format

Keep your CV to an appropriate length

Pay close attention to detail - presentation, language, spelling and grammar

Target your CV to each employer, if possible avoid the splatter gun approach.Pay close attention to detail check and double check spelling and grammar!

What not to doCurriculum Vitae at top of CV

DOB/Marital Status

Referees (unless asked for)Dont attach a photo unless asked to do so

Dont double side print the CV - single sided, no staples Dont use a font less than 10

Avoid boxes and format that will take attention away

DO NOT USE CAPITAL LETTERS unless its a heading

Target your CV to each employer, if possible avoid the splatter gun approach.Pay close attention to detail check and double check spelling and grammar!

Application examplesOn application for accountancy - closely involved in every aspect of my former company, right up to its bankruptcy Excellent memory skills, good analytical skills, memory skills I have a criminal record but I am not in jail at the moment I have a desire to work with commuters Hi, I want 2 get a job with U Here are my qualifications for you to overlook Suspected to graduate early next year It is true that All men/women are born equal but at the same time have different levels of intelligence and abilityApplying to United Biscuits - my life-longlove of chocolate biscuits, is the main reason for my interest in the company

An employers perspectiveSimon Reichwald - CEO Graduate Success

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CV examples and peer review

that works in partnership with and complements your CV

The Covering Letter promotes BENEFITS you will bring

The CV promotes your key FEATURESA Covering Letter is a sales tool

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Covering LettersWhy are you writing?

What are you offering the employer?

Why do you want to work in that field?

What has attracted you to that specific company?

When you are available (for interview)?

Mitigate gaps or weak areas

Email communication

Aim is to get your attachments opened.

Mini covering letter

Formal, business style should be used

Watch your spelling and grammar no text speak or abbreviations!

Covering letter / emailessentialsYour marketing statement Sell not Tell

Write to a named person or Dear Sir/Madam

Highlight how you meet the job requirements keep it concise and relevant

Sign off correctly yours sincerely for a named person or yours faithfully for Dear/Madam

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Get the structure rightReference / subject line Paragraph 1 Why are you writing Paragraph 2 What are you offering the employerParagraph 3 What attracts you to the job/companyParagraph 4 State when you are available for interview and end on a positive noteCovering letter / emailessentials

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Detailing your experience

Include specific, credible examples of your qualifications for the position.

Use numbers, names of equipment you've used, or features of a project that may apply to the job you want.

e.g. As a Customer Service Representative at Barclays, I provided quality customer service while promoting the sale of products to customers. I also handled 10,000 a day and was responsible for balancing the banks cash machine.

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Sample LettersSample 1Sample 2

The Careers Guide

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Important points to consider

Every letter should be tailored to each person you write to decision maker

Never write a generalmail eshot letter:-9/10 end up in the bin-Misrepresents and under sells you

Include your own full contact details

No inappropriate email address

Dont mention salary unless asked to

Should not exceed one A4 page

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Key points to remember!Appeal to company values, attitudes, goals, projects, etc.Draw the readers attention to your CV.Proofread for spelling and grammar The letter should be error-freeStat: 60% cover letters contain linguistic errors essential to check and double check for spelling and grammatical errors will affect recruiters impression(source: CV Centre, UK)Dont just trust spell check! Have a friend/colleague proofread for you, as well.Link thoughts and paragraphs (e.g. further, similarly, additionally)

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Covering letter / email Video careercake

http://careercake.com/episodes/5-steps-to-an-incredible-cover-letter/

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CV vs Application FormCVApplication FormYou control contentEmployer controls contentYou identify skillsEmployer gives skillsSubjective reaction to formatIdentical format for all

Application formsResearch the company and job role

Match your experience / evidence to each competency required

Answer all parts of the questions, including successful outcomes

Why do you want the position?

ApplicationsMost large companies now recruit graduates using online applications

The form comes with clear guidelines on how to complete it follow them!

Read the whole form first, plan your answers/examples, proof-read, and keep a copy

Competency-based questionsThe questions often begin with: Please tell us about a time when...

Use the STAR format to structure your answers:

Situation What was the context? Where were you? What were you doing?

Task What was your goal? What was the problem or challenge?

Action What action did you take? Be explicit about your role.

Result What was the outcome & why? Would you do it differently next time?

Example of a STAR responseSituation

Task

Action

ResultWhen I was working as a retail assistant in a busy high street store, it was a Saturday morning and I was left in charge of opening up the shop because all the other staff phoned in sick. There were lots of customers, the shelves needed stacking and I was running about trying to find some help. I dealt with the customers first, then did some shelf stacking and called a colleague for some help as soon as I had a spare moment. I was able to open the shop and although it didnt run as smoothly as usual, no-one complained and I didnt have to call the manager who was on holiday. Looking back, I could have opened up 5 minutes later and called for help, this might have caused fewer delays later on.

Describe a time when you have had to work under pressure.

Star exerciseThink about an example you could STAR

Application forms - Top tipsRead the person specification and identify the essential and desirable criteria short listing is based on your responses to these criteriaGive STAR responses that address each of the criteriaSpell check copy and paste from a word processor if necessaryDouble check every box on the form before you submit it do not leave any box blank unless specifically told to do so. Put N/A or Not Applicable in boxes that dont apply to you.Dont leave it until the deadline to submit the application bring it and the person specification to Careers and let us have a look at it first

http://www.selectsimulator.com/

Prepare an online applicationGo to Select SimulatorRegister your detailsClick on Personal AchievementsComplete the section

Application forms what next?ShortlistingApplications are read/scanned and checked against a competency gridApplications that meet most of the competencies will be shortlisted. If competition is fierce only those that meet ALL the essential criteria will be shortlistedNot shortlistedMissing key information, insufficient evidence, did not meet the essential or desirable criteria, spelling errors, poor grammar

Application forms What happens next?All applications are read or scanned and are usually checked against a competency grid.Applications that meet most of the competencies will be shortlisted. If competition is fierce only those that meet ALL of the essential criteria will be shortlistedIf shortlisted, you will be contacted and invited for interview and/or further assessment If unsuccessful you may be contacted and informed that your application was unsuccessful

Common reasons why an application is not shortlistedMissing key information, insufficient evidence, did not meet the essential or desirable criteria, spelling errors and poor grammar. If unsuccessful, you will need to reflect and ask yourself how your application could be improved.

Tips on completing application forms

http://vimeo.com/78270904

http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/current-students/support-and-facilities/career-development-centre/finding-work/application-forms

In summaryTarget your CV,letter and application formProvide strong examples/evidenceKeep it RELEVANTAddress the skills and competencies neededSTAR/CAR method....and, if you need help, seek advice and guidance

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Further information and guidance Career Development Centre:20-minute quick queries: CV, covering letter, application form advice45-minute: individual career coaching,detailed career planning, mock interviews

CDC resources:Online careers advice, jobs and events system CV GuideFree sector-specific and general careers publications(all services available free 3 years after graduation)

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Contact usHarrow

Harrow CampusRoom EG.16Maria Hewlett BuildingNearest tube: Northwick ParkCentral London

Cavendish House1st Floor101 New Cavendish StreetNearest tube: Warren St/ Goodge St/Gt Portland St

*Open during Summer*Tel: 020 7911 5184E-mail: careers@wmin.ac.uk

www.westminster.ac.uk/careers

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Skills Academy27 May 6 JuneExternal Industry experts/Internal CDCCVs, Interviews, Self Awareness, Public Speaking, Personality Testing, Leadership, Mindfulness, Networking, Commercial Awareness and much much moreBooking via Prospects.net

Copy of these slides:www.slideshare.net/cdcwestminster