• the purpose of a CV• structure• content

• cover letter• resources to help you

creating your CV

purpose of a CV

• from your point of view• to get the interview, not the

job• demonstrate in the CV that

you have the skills, experience and motivation

• to sell yourself

• from the employers’ point of view• weed out unsuitable candidates

quickly• make a short list

imagine that you are the product and the CV is your advertisement

• get your unique selling propositions (USPs) across

• only have a few seconds attention from the reader • your particular strengths

• unique combinations of attributes• what do you have that the competition doesn’t?

things to think about..

• first impressions are critical in job hunting as in life.• the CV and the covering letter are your first contact with a potential employer.• your CV is competing with all the other CVs• the CV needs to show immediately that you have

• the relevant aptitudes, skills and knowledge• the necessary experience• the motivation

• these features can be demonstrated by your CV

how the CV is written is as important as what it contains

structure

• Up to you – it’s your CV• must be logical and easy to follow• no repetition• everything the reader needs must be clear and easy to find• typical example

• education• employment (work experience, volunteering)• skills and aptitudes• interests• bio data• references

• two pages of A4 – also be able to produce a one page version• explore internet for examples/templates

General Set-up Suggestions• Same font throughout (may vary sizing)• Font size: 12 point best• No underlining• Single sided

• text balanced over 2 pages• very good quality paper if printed• single conventional font e.g.

• verdana• ariel• times new roman

• headings can be larger, use bold, italic

• Margins – 1” all around• Use bolding and caps to have things

stand out• Number your pages• No graphics• Full name on every page

style

• sharp, positive and focussed• most space given to most important aspects• make every word count• reverse chronological order for education and employment• bullet points – short and punchy, not prose• active verbs – e.g. organised, managed, presented• don’t use the word “I”• don’t repeat yourself

education

• give your overall marks for first semester (then year 1 when you have them), don’t list modules studied

• individual module marks if very good and relevant to the job• A levels and year• list GCSEs briefly but mention specifically English and foreign

languages• awards, scholarships and prizes (most emphasis on university)

possible education template

Education

2012 – present University of Surrey

BSc Mathematics year 1 first semester mark 68%

2010 – 2012 St John’s College, Wigan

A level Maths (A*) Biology (B) Physics (A)

2005 – 2010 Templecourt School, Warrington

GCSE 7 A, 3 B, 1 C including English (A), French (B)

Education and Qualifications

2011 – Present University of KentBA (Hons) Fine ArtModules include: Contextual Studies, Creative Investigations

Project: Communication and Critique

2009 – 2011 Maidstone Grammar SchoolA-levels: Media Studies (A), Art (B), Information Technology (C)

2005 – 2009 Wrotham SchoolGCSEs: 8 GCSEs including English and Maths

employment

• company name, location (not address), job title, dates e.g. 6/11 – 9/11

• describe company’s business• list what you did and the results you achieved and any

achievements• describe any training given• include volunteering or internships in same detail• briefly mention short work experience• don’t cover skills used or developed • employment experience is probably the most important elements

employers are looking for

possible employment template

Employment

4/10 -9/10 Courtauld’s Ltd, CoventryArtificial and Synthetic Fibres Division

Laboratory technician o set up apparatus for preparation of novel compoundso carried out syntheses and tested resulting products using mass spectrometryo wrote up reports of work carried outo presented verbal report on work at weekly meetings

Work Experience

• There is no need to list every job you’ve ever had – detail the most relevant

• Don’t just list your duties – sell your skills. Which skills are relevant to the position/company you are applying to?

• Dates, name of company, position and skills:

April 2010 – Present Museum of Kent LifeAs a shop assistant, I have learnt the importance of providing great customer service to gain maximum sales. I am responsible for organising stock and ensuring that costs are controlled. Carrying out weekly risk assessments has increased my awareness of health and safety issues.

Action Verbs

created instructed analyzed produced

negotiated designed calculated maintained

administered controlled reviewed

consolidated delivered founded increased

studied invented supplied detected

programmed recommended distributed

developed solved prepared installed

selected arranged formulated solved started

skills and aptitudes

• developed from studies, employment, volunteering, interests …• either integrate into sections with the activity - but risk of repetition • or a specific section

• give evidence for each claimed skill• no clichés• select your key strengths

• where you think you are better than most

written communication

ability to write concisely and convey meaning in a way appropriate to different readers presenting a persuasive argument

oral communication

ability to express ideas verbally in a way easily understood by others who are unfamiliar with the topic, including delivering presentations, giving accurate information or acting as a spokesperson

problem solvingdevising and then using an appropriate method, rule, technique or logic to solve a problem

leadership ability to organise and motivate others

creative thinkingbeing original and inventive in order to solve problems, generate ideas or produce novel designs

numeracyability to understanding and interpret facts and ideas expressed in figures and non-verbal data

team workingworking cooperatively and effectively with wide variety of other pee to achieve a common goal

commercial awareness

having an understanding and appreciation of the products and services of an organisation, its markets and customers

language skillsunderstanding and being competent in another language

judgment

ability to think clearly and logically under pressure, giving consideration to the potential impact upon other elements before deciding on the wisest course of action to be taken

computer literacyprogramming skills, competence in operating software packages

negotiatingagreeing a course of action that is both appropriate and beneficial to those involved

persuading

ability to challenge the attitudes and points of view of others in a logical, non-judgemental way that people can understand

decision makingtaking responsibility for what needs to be done and setting achievable goals frequently within a set time frame.

time managementability to organise one's work prioritise and sequence what needs to be done within deadlines

project managementability to take responsibility for the management and delivery of all or a part of a programme of work

self motivationcapacity to identify, address and compete tasks without needing to be prompted or micro-managed

ability to meet targets and deadlines

comfortable when faced with different tasks with different, tight deadlines. Able to maintain accuracy under pressure

customer relationscomfortable and positive in face to face contact with customers, especially those who are dissatisfied.

Skills and Aptitudes Review

skill what this meansactivity

(e.g course, employment, club/society. volunteering etc.)

evidence (describe circumstances in

which the skill was demonstrated)

What examples can you give from your work experience?

If you have no paid work experience, give examples from voluntary work or from your course

skills and aptitudes that employers want most

• verbal communications • team working

• integrity• intellectual ability• self-confidence

• organisational skills• interpersonal skills

• writing ability• numeracy

• analytic skills/decision making

interests

• demonstrate breadth of personality• if you don’t have interests – get some!• socialising with friends doesn’t count• current/recent most important• sports, clubs, charities, cultural activities..• interesting travel, projects…• be specific – what, when, what level, where…• be aware of current affairs

• listen to radio 4, Today programme• read a quality newspaper

bio data

• addresses, phone (mobile) and non-quirky e-mail• boozytommy@gmail.com ?• much better t.jones@surrey.ac.uk

• d.o.b., nationality optional• two referees

• academic, employment/volunteering• not “references supplied on request”

A reader friendly CV

• logical structure• all key information clear and easily available

• no jargon, no acronyms• professional looking presentation

putting the CV together

• sweet spot – middle of first page – should have your best aspects

• get someone else to check it before you send it – especially if English is not your mother tongue

• never rely on spell check e.g. hobbit• never tell lies

• everything on the CV must be true• not everything that is true must be on the CV

• blow your own trumpet but no hyperbole

some signs of a bad CV• more than 2 pages long, poorly word processed or

printed, section breaks over page• gaps in chronology• spelling or grammar mistakes• irrelevant, trivial details• gimmicky fonts• quirky presentation

some employers hate…

• typos 61%• inappropriate e-mail addresses 35%• no section on key skills 30%• more than two pages 22%• decorative paper 20%• with a photo 13%

personal statements?

• “I have a real passion for learning and I approach all tasks with great enthusiasm. I am a responsible and reliable student who is willing to work hard in order to develop my career.”

actual statement from a student with 72% overall

• I have a real passion for learning (obvious – you got a first) and • I approach all tasks with great enthusiasm (where is the proof?). • I am a responsible and reliable student (repeated what you just said in the

first sentence)  • who is willing to work hard in order to develop my career (can you imagine

someone saying that they are not willing to work hard to develop their career?)

use the “not” test

• I am a hardworking and honest individual and an excellent timekeeper

• I don’t work hard, I’m not particularly honest and I am a poor timekeeper

• but when might these three attributes be worth putting down?

sending CVs to employers

• use original print hard copies not photocopies• electronically use a PDF, not Word document• send/e-mail to named individual with cover letter

cover letters

• grab the reader’s attention and interest• highlight the relevant skills and experience in your CV• show you have done your research on the job/activity and

employer• demonstrate why you want to work for that employer• Could be applying for a vacancy or speculative

writing the cover letter

• no more than ¾ of a page of A4• addressed to a named individual• specific for particular application even with a template• written in formal business style• well laid out, clear and easy to follow• perfect spelling and grammar• good quality paper

cover letters are formal

• written English is not spoken English written down• some words to avoid

• don’t, can’t, I’d, Dad, shouldn’t, it’s (which only means it is!)

• don’t start sentences with “and”, “but” …• typed, not handwritten but signed by hand• short sentences each with a verb, subject and object• not bullet points

typical structure of cover letter

• Your address and the address of the company• subject e.g. professional placement/ job title• paragraph 1 introduce yourself, what you are applying for, where you

saw it• paragraph 2 why do you want to work in this job/activity?• paragraph 3 why do you want to work for this company?• paragraph 4 why you are a suitable candidate, what relevant skills

and experience you bring• positive ending• your signature• your name

can I improve what goes into my CV?

• during the semester• get actively involved with clubs/societies• develop an existing interest or take up new interests• go to evening classes to learn something useful• volunteer

• use the long vacation this summer• get a paid job• do an internship• volunteering at home or overseas• major project• learn to drive• travel somewhere interesting, do something useful there

don’t just sit back, your competitors are on the case already

1960s and 1970s degree = employment

1980s degree + extracurricular activites = employment

2 (i) + good university1990s + extracurricular activities = employment

+ work experience

2 (i) + good universitynow + extracurricular activities = employment

+ work experince of real value

what employers look for in graduates

assess this CV

• would you select this applicant for interview?• how many mistakes can you find?

Curriculum Vitae Personal details: Name: Julie Maureen Crisp Address: 21 Station Road Shrewsbury SW2 3GH Telephone: 01483 805678 Date of birth: 9th January 1992 Place of birth: Manchester Nationality: British E-mail littlejackiewackie@gmail.com Qualifications: 10/2011 – 2014 Surrey University, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH Mathematics BSC Sept 2003 – July 2010 Oswestry School, Cheshire 2010 A levels: -Mathematics A - Physics B -Computer Science A -Chemistry A 2008 GCSEs: English Language A -Maths A -Biology A -Physics A -Chemistry A -French B Geography A Economics C Business Studies B Work Experience 2011 Norwood Finance Ltd, 27 Winterbourne Road,

Birmingham B 7 3 HF

Summer internship, 8 weeks 2009 – 2010 Toys R Us, part time sales assistant Developed communications skills through being on customer services desk, and ability to work under pressure at peak times 2005 – 2007 Direct Call Services, Part time customer services clark Promoted to senior clark Interests and Achievements I enjoy building computers and developing websites. Voluntry work: Working on a talking newspaper for the blind Fund raising for the RNIB, eg organised raffles and an auction Music: play saxophone in jazz group Reading, watching films, listening to music.socialising Playing computer games, especially violent kinds References available on request

Curriculum Vitae Personal details: Name: Julie Maureen Crisp Address: 21 Station Road term time? Shrewsbury SW2 3GH Telephone: 01483 805678 home or university? Date of birth: 9th January 1992 Place of birth: Manchester Nationality: British E-mail littlejackiewackie@gmail.com j.crisp@surrey.ac.uk Qualifications: Education 10/2011 – present 2014 Surrey University, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH Mathematics BSC BSc year 1 marks, year 2 marks? Sept 2003 – July 2010 9/03 – 7/10 Oswestry School, Cheshire 2010 A levels: -Mathematics A on one line only - Physics B -Computer Science A -Chemistry A 2008 GCSEs: English Language A on one or two lines only -Maths A -Biology A -Physics A -Chemistry A -French B Geography A Economics C Business Studies B Work Experience 2011 Norwood Finance Ltd, 27 Winterbourne Road,

Birmingham B 7 3HF

don’t break a section Summer internship, 8 weeks 2009 – 2010 Toys R Us, part time sales assistant Developed communications skills through being on customer services desk, and ability to work under pressure at peak times

list what you did and the results you got in bullet points

2005 – 2007 Direct Call Services, Part time customer services clark Promoted to senior clark what did you do? skills and Aptitudes? Intrests and Achievements

bullet points, punchy and specific I enjoy building computers and developing websites. Voluntry work: Working on a talking newspaper for the blind Fund raising for the RNIB, eg organised raffles and an auction Music: play saxophone in jazz group Reading, watching films, listening to music. socialising Playing computer games, especially violent kinds is this a sensible thing to put? References available on request

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