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Today we will….
Examine the principles of an effective CV and interview
Give you confidence to perfect your CV and interview technique
Highlight available support.
What do employers want?
CAN you do the job Do you WANT the job? Will you FIT in?
CAN = skills and experience
www.prospects.ac.uk
Target your CV
Should be designed for a specific purpose
Is an individual document
Should highlight achievements, not duties
Should persuade the reader to interview you
What do you need to research?
Academia post field department faculty university sector
Industry post product/service department organisation sector competitors
Where can you look? Job description Company web page Staff web pages Prospects Press: national and trade Networks Make use of the informal call!
What can you offer?
Academic experience e.g. knowledge, techniques Research skills and experience e.g. methods Teaching skills and experience Research outputs and success e.g. publications;
conferences; grants; patents.
Research involves
Analytical skills Problem Solving
Data handling and analysis
Report writing
Intellectual rigour
Performing experiments
Attention to Detail
Numeracy
Project Management
CommunicationTechnical competence
Information retrieval
Working with others
Literature reviews
Experiment design
What can you use as evidence? Academic background: relevant modules, research
training, academic success, scholarships, awards and prizes
Research experience: practical work, laboratory or field, research assignments and projects, research skills
Research success: publications, conferences, funding, training (research training programme)
Work experience: industry placement, teaching, casual, voluntary, commercial, military service
Interests & achievements: committees and societies, positions of responsibility, professional memberships.
Outside academic research
emphasis on relevant skills and knowledge including projects and resources managed
personal and skills profile may be helpful include achievements outside research context describe level of competence and performance include additional responsibilities and
professional development activities including professional memberships and interests.
Basic principles1) Relevance:
research the yourself, sector, employer and job description.
2) Order:put the most important information first and give it the most space.
3) Format:make it easy to read, normally use 2 sides A4
4) Attention to detail:check spelling and grammar, beware of cut and paste!
5) An effective covering letter.
What do you include?Core information …..
personal details
education
work experience
interests
skills and achievements
referees
Headings might include…
research profile
publications, conferences
technical skills
research/industry experience
teaching experience
research abstract
professional memberships
Common Mistakes….
Spelling errors Too much, too little information Irrelevant details (including age) No personality Poor presentation Dull vocabulary Too general.
Covering letters Need to highlight key selling points and add value
opening paragraph - outline the purpose of the letter: who you are, what specific job you are applying for, and where you saw the job advertised
why you want the job - demonstrate your interest with enthusiasm what you have to offer - refer to your CV or application form and
highlight the main evidence that your skills and experience match the job requirements.
why you are interested in this employer/job - demonstrate you have done your homework on them
closing paragraph - a polite and positive ending, stating when you would be available for interview.
CVs - final points
Start with a clear understanding of what the selector is looking for
Ensure your CV is targeted and relevant Use the best examples you’ve got Review – ask yourself “so what?” Ask others for feedback - first impressions.
The selectors want to know:
That you CAN DO the job (Skills)
That you WANT the job (Motivation)
That you FIT the organisation (Values)
Types of interview questions
commercial-based
technical-based
off-the-wall
competence-based
strength-based
motivation-based
careers service website
Interview exercise
Break into groups of 4: an interviewer; an interviewee; and two observers.
Each interviewee will be asked 2 questions from the list
Observers to give constructive feedback.
A few practical tips
First impressions
55% on body language
38% on tone of voice
7% on what you say
Talk and listen/watch
50/50 ratio, maximum 2 minutes at a time
Never be afraid of a pause
General advice Think about why the question has been asked
Ask for clarification if necessary
Answer the question with relevant and specific evidence of your achievements
Keep to the point
Focus on positive examples and comments.
Level 1, King’s Gate
Drop-in advice, Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm
Careers Service
