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This is a presentation for undergraduates of all disciplines of the general rules covering CVs and cover letters.
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Winning CVs and Cover Letters
Tahira Majothi
careers consultant
Careers and Employability Service
http://www.careers.salford.ac.uk/
Aims
Identify and understand the purpose of different types of CVs.
Critically reflect on and tailor your own CV and cover letter.
Access support available via the Careers and Employability Service.
What is the purpose of a CV?
Why are CVs so challenging?
Average time spent scanning a CV
‘Gaze-tracking’ Technology
Name
Current and previous roles
Names of employers (past and present)
Education
(Source: http://cdn.theladders.net/static/images/basicSite/pdfs/TheLadders-EyeTracking-StudyC2.pdf)
Key points
Recruiters found visual features (i.e. boxes, graphics etc) distracting.
Recruiters preferred CVs with “an obvious information hierarchy.”
Recruiters focused on keywords to filter suitable matches.
Layout: first impressions count!
There are CV variations!
Part-time work
Typically customer- facing roles
Focus on:
Relevant work experience Interpersonal attributes e.g.
communication, teamwork, flexibility and organisational abilities
Key skills – IT, languages, driving licence, First Aid training etc.
Education Interests
Placements and Work Experience
Name Profile / Career Objective *Education (Most recent
first) *Relevant Experience *Key skills and
achievements *Other work experience Interests
NB: * Indicates sections that are interchangeable depending on essential and desirable criteria in the person specification/job advert.
Graduate-level Name Professional social media e.g. LinkedIn, blogs, websites etc.
Update the following:
Profile / Career Objective *Education (Most recent first) *Relevant Experience *Key skills, achievements, positions of responsibility,
professional associations *Other work experience Interests
NB: * Indicates sections that are interchangeable depending on essential and desirable criteria in the person specification/job advert.
Profile = Business Card
Degree or most recent qualification first
Overview of relevant work experience
2-3 relevant competencies (match to person
specification or job advert)
Career objective
Professional Social Media
Google your name – happy
with results/images?
Update your privacy settings
beforehand
Mention professional ‘active’
accounts only
Education
Most recent first. Reverse chronological order.
4-5 relevant module titles.
Include dissertation title if aligns with company values/mission etc.
Other professional training/courses if relevant.
Relevant Experience
Most relevant, not necessarily most recent!
Dates, job title and name of company
Key achievements / responsibilities
Incorporate skills using positive power words
Positive power words
Other Work Experience
Quantify achievements.
Explain responsibilities.
Include charity or voluntary work commitments.
Evidence transferable knowledge, experience and skills.
Key Skills and Achievements
Provide evidence of 3-4 skills as required by employer (e.g. communication, teamwork, leadership, flexibility, organisational skills etc).
Certificates, awards, scholarships, professional achievements, positions of responsibility, membership of professional associations, fund raising/charity work etc.
If relevant, provide details of IT/technical skills, languages, driving licence etc.
Interests
Provides an insight into your personality.
Being a member of a club/society/charity demonstrates teamwork, leadership and willingness to learn whilst helping worthwhile causes.
Weave skills and attributes into interests e.g. travel/year abroad has enhanced international outlook as well as communication, budgeting, negotiation and organisational skills.
Summary
Research the employer and job role first.
Tailor order of education, experience and skills on CV, depending on role requirements.
Provide tangible examples of relevant transferable knowledge, experience and skills.
Proof-read!
Personalise cover letters
Cover letter content
Format – Find the right person to address the letter/email to
Opening – What job do you wish to apply for? When and where did you
see it advertised?
Why you? – Introduce yourself, why are you the right candidate? Think
relevant knowledge, experience and skills.
Why them? Demonstrate your employer research, be specific about why
you chose to apply to them in particular.
The closing – Thank them for considering your application, make clear
your availability for interview and follow-up to check on progress.
Careers and Employability Support
CV Checks:
University HouseTuesdays (10am - 12pm) & Thursdays (2pm – 4pm)http://www.careers.salford.ac.uk/careeradvice
CV and Cover Letter Guides:http://www.careers.salford.ac.uk/page/careerguides
Salford (On-campus) Recruitment Fairs 2014-2015:http://www.careers.salford.ac.uk/page/meetemployers
Images CC Flickr
1. Scott Kellum, Portfolio Mailer. https://www.flickr.com/photos/devoinregress/
2. David K. Puzzled Kitty. https://www.flickr.com/photos/plasticrevolver/
3. Charlie Baker. My mood. https://www.flickr.com/photos/charlieeclark/
4. lars erik skrefsrud morning coffee, http://www.flickr.com/photos/skrefsrud/14438341782
5. Rubix Cube. Yugank Singhal. Boy Playing with a Rubix Cube. https://www.flickr.com/photos/92559412@N08/
6. Peas. 3.30.10 The Face of Customer Service. https://www.flickr.com/photos/iampeas/
7. University of Salford Press, Women in Construction. https://www.flickr.com/photos/salforduniversity/
8. Graduate, Am Markt, Bremen, Germany. https://www.flickr.com/photos/aluedtke/
9. University of Salford Press. Antonio Espingardeiro. https://www.flickr.com/photos/salforduniversity/
10. Popupology, 3-d business card series VIII – handshake. https://www.flickr.com/photos/popupology/
11. Jason Howie. Instagram and other Social Media Apps. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonahowie/
12. Lester Public Library, Study. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterpubliclibrary/
13. Branch Manager, Assistant Branch Manager Dog Meme. http://llwproductions.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/dogs-branch-managers.jpg
14. Domenico. My new job at the call center. https://www.flickr.com/photos/kugelfisch/
15. Melody Joy Kramer. Rocky SWK. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mjkmjk/
16. Geraint Rowland. Waiting Game. https://www.flickr.com/photos/geezaweezer/
17. Jim Shelley. Peacock. https://www.flickr.com/photos/29154662@N08/
18. Luke Chapman. Gift wrapping. https://www.flickr.com/photos/s13_eisbaer/