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CV INFORMATION 1
CV InformationCAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
UNIVERS ITY OF OTAGO
Find graduate jobs on
OtagoCareerHubwww.otago.ac.nz/careers
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTREISB Building (NE corner – next to the Library)Tel 03 479 8244 Email [email protected]
2 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
CONTENTS PAGE
GETTING STARTEd
The process page 3
What’s essential in your CV? page 3
Referees and testimonials page 5
WRITING YOUR CV
Employer expectations page 6
How to respond to skills criteria page 8
Action words to use page 11
CV & COVER LETTER ExAmPLES
Cover letter suggested layout page 13
CV suggested layout page 14
CHECkING YOUR CV
Self review checklist page 16
Electronic/Online applications page 17
Academic CVs page 18
Personal Statement/Statement of Intent page 19
RESOURCES
Newspaper article page 20
Career Development Centre resources page 22
Career and job websites page 22
Check out info on OtagoCareerHub for up-to-date career informationhttp://otagocareerhub.ac.nz/careers
ACkNOWLEGmENT
This 2010 booklet is the product of handouts written by Careers Advisers over many years at the University of Otago. The current editors are Mark Cumisky, Manager, Robyn Bridges, Graduate Recruitment Co-ordinator, Yvonne Gaut, Careers Adviser and Rachel Foster, Reception/Administration.Grateful thanks to graphic artists Peter Scott, University of Otago, and Dominique O’Leary, Visual Eyes Creative.
CV INFORMATION 3
CV PROCESS FLOW dIAGRAm
WHat needs tO be in my CV – essentiaL CONTACT dETAILS
• Smallfont,discreet,avoidunnecessarydetailssuchasdateofbirth(unlessaskedfor)
QUALIFICATIONS/EdUCATION• Listmostrecentfirst• IfrequestedattachanAcademicTranscript• IfyouwanttotypeyourAcademicrecord,includeitattheendofyourCV• Includeyourhighestschoolqualificationbutnoneedtoincludeschoolsubjectsandgrade(unlessaskedfor)
SkILLS SECTION• Looksreallygoodonthefirstpage.Pickoutthemostrelevantaspectsofthejobandgiveexamplesofthe
skills you possess which meet employer criteria • Useactionverbs• Highlightyourdissertationorthesis• Includecommunityorvoluntaryworkaswellasstudyandpaidworkforevidence
WORk ExPERIENCE/EmPLOYmENT HISTORY• Indicatewhetherfullorpart-time,temporaryorpermanentpositions• Showpositiontitle,employer’sname,location,datesyouwereemployed• Includedetailsofrelevantdutiesandresponsibilities• Thinkvalue-addedoutcomes
INTERESTS/ACTIVITIES • Providesomedetailssothereadercanfindoutabitmoreaboutyouasaperson• Limitinterests/activitiestorecent/currentones
REFEREES• Seepage5
GET TO GRIPS with the basics
BRAINSTORm what you’ve got to offer
RESEARCH
mATCH
CHECk!
dRAFT
REVIEW
Attend seminar – book on OtagoCareerHubView dVd in Career development CentreView InfoSheets on OtagoCareerHub Read this CV guide
List achievements (academic & other)Work experience & skills gainedPersonal qualitiesQualificationsInterests
Research the companyGet job description from employer website or advertisementCheck out kiwiCareers www.kiwicareers.govt.nz to get an idea of the skills required by the role
match your brainstorm with the employer requirementsGive evidence to back your skills profile – check employer expectations in this guideApproach your referees
Get someone else to check your CV, spelling and layoutCV checks at the Career development CentreSee details on Events section in OtagoCareerHub
draft CV & Cover Letter using this guide layout
Self Review using checklist in this guide
4 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
LENGTH OF CV• ForNewZealandandAustraliangraduateCVs–aimfor2-3pagesmaximum4pages(thisdoesnot
includeyouracademicrecordortranscript)• ForholidayworkandparttimeworkinNZ–1-2pagesareallthatmostbusyemployerswanttoread• ForUSAemployersgenerallyonepageonly–checkoutresourcesintheCareerDevelopmentCentreto
help with American resumes
CLEAN TIdY PRESENTATION• Avoidfolders• Usepaperthatcanbephotocopied• Avoidbinding
my CV – OptiOnaL
CAREER OBjECTIVE• Usefulifyourdegreedoesnotnaturallyindicatethejoborfieldforwhichyouareapplying• Asentenceaboutwhereyouseeyourfuturecareer-wise,yourgoalsandobjectives• ShouldbeatthebeginningtofocustheCVandcaptureattention
WRITING YOUR OWN ACAdEmIC RECORd• Startwiththemostrecentyear• Namepapersinfull–leaveoffcodesandsemesters• Listbygradesoralphabetically
PROFILE /HIGHLIGHTS/PERSONAL STATEmENT• Providesa‘snapshot’ofyoubeforeyoufollowwiththeskillssectionstogiveevidence,seepage19
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Usequotessparinglyfromwrittenreferencestoprovideevidenceofpersonalqualities
ACHIEVEmENTS/AWARdS• Putonfirstpageiftheyarerelevant• Fororganisationsthatprizeacademicexcellenceincludeyourprizes,scholarshipsandawards
TRAINING/PROFESSIONAL dEVELOPmENT• Includeshortcoursesandskillsdevelopment
PUBLICATIONS/CONFERENCES• Essentialforacademicpositions,seepage18
PHOTO• Someemployersrequestaphoto• Ifyouincludeonemakesureitshowsyouasaprofessional• Canremindthepersonwhoyouareifyou’vemetpreviouslye.g.atemployerpresentations
hot tip“Qualifications and academic results are important, but employers are also interested in other aspects of your experience and character. For example, at kensington Swan, we look favourably on team work, community involvement, work experience and responsibilities, and extracurricular achievements.”
Catherine mcCabe, HR Advisor, Kensington Swan, 2010
CV INFORMATION 5
REFEREES Oneofyourrefereesneedstobesomeonewhocancommentonwhatyouhavedoneintherecentpast.Soifyouarestillatuniversity,orhaverecentlygraduated,itisusualtonameoneofyourprofessors,HeadofDepartment,lecturers,demonstratorsortutorsasareferee. Theotherrefereeshouldbesomeonewhoknowsyouwell,ideallyinaworkcapacity;analternativeissomeonewhohasknownyouforalongtime.Itisimportanttochoosesomeonewhowillspeakpositivelyaboutyou.
Employersusuallyfollowuprefereestobackuptheopiniontheyhaveformedfromyourcoverletter,applicationform,CVandjobinterview.Refereescanalsocorroboratedetailssuppliedbytheapplicant.Sometimesemployersgiverefereesastrictchecklistofitemstocoverintheirreference,butmanysimplyaskthemtoprovide‘areference’.
RemembertoaskpermissionofyourrefereesbeforeincludingtheirnamesinyourCV.Thenkeepthemwellinformedaboutyou,yourcareeraspirations,applicationsandactivities.AlwaysgivethemacopyofyourCV,coveringlettersand,ifpossible,thejobdescription.Refereedetailsmustbecorrectandshouldnormallyfollowthelayoutofabusinesscard.
TESTImONIALS
Sometimespeopleattachaletterofreferencewhichtheyhavebeengiven,perhapsbyapreviousemployer.Strictlyspeakingthisisnotareferencebutatestimonial.Usuallyareferenceisconfidentialbetweentherefereeandtheemployer.Thereisnoharminincludingatestimonial,solongasitdoesn’tmakeyourapplicationlookoverlong,buttheemployerisunlikelytopayagreatdealofattentiontoit.
Ifyouhaveincludedaquotefromatestimonialinyourskillssectiontoprovideevidence,youcanput“Writtenreferencesavailableonrequest”afteryouhavesetoutyourreferees.
hot tipsUse action words (in the past tense when appropriate to show you have “done” it) to convey your examples (see our list provided p11). Having the theory is great but employers are interested in how you have applied the learning Some employers like whole paragraphs but more prefer bullets and snappy action statements Avoid too many “ability to” statements – instead show you have done it Take out any negative sounding words or phrases – employers prefer positive statements Avoid words which suggest doubt “I believe I have…..” “I hope…” Try to provide results of what you did – great to include percentages, or quantify in some way
Check, check and check again for spelling & grammar errors
6 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
EmPLOYER ExPECTATIONS: WHAT THEY WANT ANd HOW TO dELIVER
Organisations recruiting at Otago have given feedback to the Career development Centre. They say:
Researchthecompanybyattendingtheirpresentations,checkingouttheirwebsite,readingtheircompanyprofilesandreports,talkingtopeopleworkinginthecompany,andreadingthoroughlythegraduaterecruitmentinfoprovidedbythejobdescription/role.
Onesizedoesnotfitall.MakeyourCVspecifictothejobyouareapplyingfor.ManyemployerscommentthattheCVstheyreceivearenotrelevanttotheircompany.Watchthecutandpaste-someemployerscommentedonreadinga letter obviously written for another company whose name appeared throughout! Easy to do when you are in a hurry but just as easy to put in the bin!
Dowhattheyaskyoutodo.Iftheyaskforaphoto,supplyone(butonewhichshowsyouasaprofessional,notasapartyanimal).IfthereisanapplicationformprovidedwhichasksyoutorepeatwhatyouhavealreadyincludedintheCVyouaresending,answerthequestion–don’twrite“SeeCV”.Ifyoucan’tsupplytheinfosaywhy.Whenansweringbehaviouralquestions(e.g.“Tellusaboutatimewhenyoushowedinitiative”)telltheemployeraboutwhatyoudidindividually,notwhatthegroupdid.
Checkgrammar,punctuationandspelling.Mistakescreateabadimpressionespeciallyifyougetthecompanynamewrong!Manyemployerstelluswhiletheydon’twantlongCVs,toobriefisjustasbad.Itmustgiveapictureofyouandyourskills,notprovidethereaderwitha“findthemissingskills”puzzle.Mostemployershaveazoneoftoleranceof2-3pages.
Presentationisimportantandemployersexpectaprofessionaldocument.Mostpreferthenofrillsapproach.However,creativejobsdemandaCVthatdemonstrateswhatyoucando.
AvoidmissingyearsinyourCVandgivesuccinctexplanationsforgaps.
Itcantaketimetofindouttowhomtoaddresstheletter,butit’sworthwhile.Itshowsyouarepreparedtogothatbitfurtherinwhatyoudo.Thisisdoublyimportantwhenthejobinvolvesbuildingrelationshipswithclients.
Inyourcoverlettertellthemhowyoumatchtheirrequirementsandthebenefitsyouwouldbringtothecompany.Thisisyourchancetohighlightyourqualificationsandotherworkexperiencewhichhasprovidedtheskillsandcompetenciesforwhichtheemployerislooking.Remembertoreadthejobadvertisementandjobdescriptioncarefully.Usualruleofthumb–nomorethanonepage.
Inyourcoverlettersaywhyyouwantthisparticularjobandwhyyouwanttoworkforthisparticularcompany.
Academicstudyisobjectiveandanalytical.Youcangetsousedtowritingforacademicrequirementsyoucanforgethowtoenthuse-humanbeingsrespondtosomewarmth.ThereaderofyourcoverletterandCVistryingtogetapictureofwhatkindofapersonyouare.
SendyourCVbyemailinacommonfiletypesuchasAdobeAcrobat(.pdf).SeeElectronic/Onlineapplications,page17.
Wearesousedtowordprocessingdocuments,it’seasytooverlookthesignature.Again,thisisnotagoodlookifyouwanttobeanaccountantorlawyer!Ifemailingyourletter,useadifferenttypefont(maybeincolour)forthesignature.
hot tipmany students forget the CV is their first chance to show what they can do. If you want a job as a communicator or marketer, then this is your chance! don’t tell them you have an eye for detail while your CV is full of silly mistakes. If you want an IT or a design position, think about how you can utilize the very skills you want an employer to pay you for!
know us
tailor your CV
follow instructions
express yourself
accurately
avoid folders
explain all
write to a person
tailor your cover letter
why us
be enthusiastic
email friendlysign it
CV INFORMATION 7
EmPLOYER ExPECTATIONS: WHAT SkILLS ARE VALUEd IN A CV
top 10 skills/attributes sought after in University Graduates
Rank 2006* 2003
1 Strong Interpersonal Skills Strong Verbal and Interpersonal Communication Skills
2 Strong Verbal Communication Skills Self-motivated / Self-management / Self-Starter
3 Strong Written Communication Skills Team Player
4 Flexible and Adaptable “Can do” Attitude Sound Academic Achievement
5 Sound Academic Achievement Analytical and Conceptual Skills
6 Self-motivated / Self-Starter Strong Written Communication Skills
7 Team Player Flexible and Adaptable “Can do” Attitude
8 Energy and Enthusiasm Problem Solving Skills
9 Problem Solving Skills Energy and Enthusiasm
10 Analytical and Conceptual Skills Professional Ethics
* 2006 Graduate Recruitment Survey of Employers at Vic Career development and Employment
additional skills and attributes identified by employers in 2006 included:
1. Well rounded individuals – a balance of study, work and other interests
2. Social employees that get on well with others
3. Organisational skills
4. Learning agility
hot tips“As we have seen in recent times it is getting more competitive for students to secure jobs. Therefore it is more important than ever that your CV really captures your skills and experience and helps you to stand out from the crowd. With employers like kPmG you are competing with hundreds of students from all over the country so a badly written or poorly presented CV would certainly prevent you from being short-listed. my advice? Use all the careers services resources available to help you get it right.”
Richard Westney, Senior HR Manager, People, Performance & Culture, KPMG, 2010
“I find that students quite often use university jargon in their CVs. This makes perfect sense to you, but often the employer doesn’t understand what you are referring to.”
debi Fitzpatrick, Human Resources, Mainfreight Ltd, 2010
“We look for a cover letter that gives a brief overview of skills and why you want this position and/or to work for this company. We are looking for a clearly set out CV that includes your academic transcript. most importantly, remember to run a spell check and check the company name is spelt correctly.”
kelly macknight, HR/Administration Manager, ADInstruments Ltd, 2010
8 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
evidence
evidence
evidence
IdEAS FOR RESPONdING TO SkILLS CRITERIA
1 STRONG INTERPERSONAL SkILLS Interpersonal,socialorsoftskillsdeterminethestyleofinteractionyouhavewithothersaswellashow
youtypicallybehavewithingivensituations.Employersliketoknowthatyouareabletoeffectivelyinteractandbuildrelationshipsandnetworksbysharinginformation,demonstratingempathy,negotiatingorinfluencingothersappropriately.
Relationshipswithpeers,co-workers,supervisors,managers,clients,patientsorcustomers,alsohandle difficultcustomersorworkingrelationshipssuccessfully
2 STRONG VERBAL COmmUNICATION SkILLS Communicationincludeslistening,engagingindialogue,givingfeedback,cooperatingasateammember, solvingproblems,contributinginmeetingsandresolvingconflictbycommunicatingeffectivelywithothers.
Effectivepresentationstogroups;interactionswithcustomers;explainingcomplexideasinasimpleway; awardsinpublicspeaking;debatingexperience;studentradio
3 STRONG WRITTEN COmmUNICATION SkILLS Employersvalueclearwriting,goodgrammarandcorrectspelling.Itisespeciallydesirableinjobswhich
demandaneyefordetail.
Reportwriting;wellconstructedessays;abilitytowriteagoodbusinessletter;presentingandcommunicatingscientificresults;publications;clubnewsletters;articlesforstudentnewspapers;conference posters
4 FLExIBLE & AdAPTABLE – “CAN dO” ATTITUdE Employerswantpeoplewhoarepreparedto‘giveitago’,whoarewillingtogotheextramileandarenot
confinedby‘it’snotinmyjobdescription’attitude.
Timeswhenyou’velearntnewsystems;studyingorworkingoverseasparticularlyinverydifferentcultures;summerjobswhichrequiredarangeofskills;shiftwork;takingonextraresponsibility;rangeofsubjectstaken(doubledegreecanillustratethis);overcomingapersonalobstacleyouarepreparedtomention;includeyourworkhistoryofholidayandpart-timejobs,eventhoughnotdirectlyrelevanttheyshowyouhave a work ethic
5 SOUNd ACAdEmIC ACHIEVEmENT Manyemployersaskforyouracademictranscriptsowhiletheyareinterestedinyourperformance,they
arealsooftenlookingforqualitiesthatshowawellroundedperson.Sodon’tdespairifyouarenotastraightAstudent.
Gradeaverage;consistentperformanceacrosssubjectsandyears;recoveringfromapooryear;coherentchoiceofpapers;includeyourNCEAresultsinyourqualificationssection;dissertationorthesis;conferencepapersandposters;publications;highlightaprojectyouortheteamreceivedagoodmarkfor;tutoringexperience;awards,scholarshipsandacademicprizes
6 SELF-mOTIVATEd, SELF-mANAGEmENT Employersareoftenimpressedbystudentswhoworkaswellasstudy.Thismeansyouunderstandthe
worldofworkandcanbalanceuniversitydeadlineswithworkresponsibilities.
Listyourworkexperienceandhighlightskillsrelevanttothepositionyouareapplyingfor;provideanexampleofpromotion(i.e.responsibilityfororganizingothers,orteachingnewcomersinyourcasualjobtherolerequirements);soleresponsibilitypositions(i.e.beingleftinchargeofthestoreinweekends);managingfinancestosupportyourselfwhileatuniversity
7 TEAm PLAYER / TEAm WORk Abilitytobeaco-operative,supportive,reliableandacommittedteammember.
Groupprojectswithsuccessfuloutcomes;customerserviceteams;sports;leisureactivities;usewordslike“committed”“cooperative”;timeswhenyoutookinitiativetogettheteambackontrack;voluntarywork;holiday jobs
evidence
evidence
evidence
evidence
CV INFORMATION 9
evidence
evidence
evidence
evidence
8 ENERGY & ENTHUSIASm Youcanhaveanacademicrecordtodiefor,butifyousoundboringinyourletterandyourCVshowsvery
fewoutsideactivities,employersmaythinkyoulackpeopleskillsandwouldnotfitwellintotheirteam.
Conveyenthusiasmforthecompanyandtherolebyusingpositivelanguageinyourcoverletter;inyourskillsprofilesectionofyourCVincludeaquotewhichmentionsthesequalities(restrictschooltestimonialstoonequote);evidencemightincludeyourcontributiontoincreasingsales;customersseekingyououtspecifically;publicspeaking;tortexperience;extracurricularactivities;peersupport;residentialassistantexperience;clubandsportactivities
9 PROBLEm SOLVING SkILLS Thinkingdifferentlytoproducenewsolutions.
Lateralthinkingi.e.lookingataproblemfromdifferingperspectives;conflictresolutioningroupwork;casestudyrecommendations;initiativesadoptedbyemployerinholidayjobs;successfulapplicationofexperimentalmethod;experimentaldesign;testingandprovinghypotheses;systemsdesignorredesign;improvements to existing methods or structures
10 ANALYTICAL, CONCEPTUAL ANd RESEARCH SkILLS Understanding,analysing,reasoning,interpreting&presentinginformation,&theabilitytothinkcritically.
Providetherangeofresearchmethodologiesyouhaveused;includeprojects,case-studies;mentionthedissertationorthesisyouarewriting;recommendationsyouhavemadeaspartofcoursework;interpretingfigures,charts,graphs,tables;criticalthinking,manipulationofdataandresults;reportingandwritingupofexperiments;literaturesearchesandreviews
Other skill areas that are often mentioned
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS A situation where the opportunity to be unethical exists but sticking to professional standards which you consideredethical.
Timeswhenyouwereresponsibleforhandlingcashorcashingup;responsibletenant,trainedstaff,confidentialitywithpersonalorsensitiveinformation,resistedpressureortemptation,treasurerorothercommitteemember,involvementwithEthicalBehaviourContactNetworkorstandingupforothersindifficultsituations,residentialassistanceactivitiesorinvolvementasaclassrepresentative
CREATIVE/INNOVATIVE Newwaysoflookingatthingsandcomingupwithnewideas,theories,concepts,methodsanddesigns.
Designandinnovationofnewproductsorprocessesforaprojectoraspartofyourcoursework;creativevisualising;conflictresolutionininterpersonalactivities;productsdesigned;solutionstoproblems;casestudyrecommendations;prizesoracknowledgementforbrightideas;schoolenterprisescheme
TECHNICAL ExPERTISE Thisisthedepthor“grunt”youbringfromyourdegreeand/orexperiencedirectlyrelatedtothejob
requirements.InsomejobsthismaybeIT,dentistry,marketing,accounting,genetics,chemistry,languages.
Ifyourdegreedoesnothaveavocationalfocus,yourtechnicalexpertisewillbecriticalthinking,datamanipulationtechniques,reliablefieldworkanddatarecording,writingskills,database/softwareskills;
Provideexamplesofthespecificsofwhatyouhavedoneinyourcoursework;methodologies,toolsandtechniquesused,softwareandequipmentinvolved;practicalprojectsespeciallyifdoneforarealbusiness
hot tip“Your CV needs to convince an employer that your skills, experience, and personal style are relevant to the position you’re applying for.”
Catherine mcCabe, HR Advisor, Kensington Swan, 2010
evidence
evidence
10 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
evidence
evidence
evidence
LEAdERSHIP/INITIATIVE Employersarelookingforpeoplewhohaveforesightandcanbeproactive.Workisfrequentlycarriedout
inautonomousself-directedteamssoemployersneedpeoplewhodon’trequireconstantsupervision.
Teamleadershipincludingsports;beingchosentorepresentagroup;promotioninholidayjobs;deliveringtotargets;goalsetting;possiblyincludeacareerobjectivewhichshowsyouareheadingtowardsresponsibility;includeinyourskillssectiontheresultsofwhatyouhaveachieved.
ORGANIzING/PLANNING Employersareexpectingmorefromfewerstaffandlimitedresources.Beingabletoorganiseand
prioritiseyourtimeisessential.Today’sworkplacerequiresmultitasking.
Anyprojectsyouhavetakenfrombeginningtosuccessfulconclusion;membershipofclubcommittees;eventsorganised;timemanagementofstudyworkandoutsideactivities
COmPUTER LITERACY MostCVsneedtoincludethissectionasmostworkrequirescomputercompetency.Ifyouarean IT/Computermajorthissectionshouldbevisibleasyourtechnicalexpertise.Foronce,youareencouraged
tousejargon–toshowexactlywhatyoucando.
Highlightsoftwareandprogramsyouhaveusedduringyourstudies,inholidayjobsorplacements;listprogramsyouhaveused(Word,Excel)andanyspecialistsoftwaree.g.Toniq,MYOB;includeinternetresearch;buildingandmanipulatingdatabases;desktoppublishing,scanningandlayoutwork;webdevelopment and maintenance
BUSINESS ACUmEN/COmmERCIAL AWARENESS Oftenemployersliketoknowyouarenotanovicewhenitcomestounderstandingcustomerservice,
competition,managingtightresourcesandhaveexperienced(oratleastunderstand)thepressuresofrunningabusiness.
Workingtosalestargets;cashhandlingexperience;readingabalancesheet;startinguporrunningownsmallbusiness;appliedprojectwork;holidayjobswhereyouworkedinanoffice;enterpriseschemeatschool;participationinstockmarket;attendingbusinessorindustryspecificnetworkmeetings;includingarefereewhoisabusinessperson;beingraisedinafamilyofentrepreneursorsmallbusiness;treasurerforclubs and societies
TREATY OF WAITANGI Publicsector,Iwienterprisesandeducationalorganizationsareverykeentofindoutwhatyouknowabout
biculturalismandTreatyobligations.
MentionpaperswhichhavecoveredresourceimplicationsoftheTreaty;Mäori language and culture papersstudied;participationinbiculturalawarenessseminarsorworkshops;includewhakapapa and/or iwiaffiliationswhenappropriate
hot tips“double check – no, triple check your CV and Covering Letter before sending it. make sure you don’t forget to change the details in your covering letter each time you apply for a different job. You would be surprised at how many applications I receive where the applicant doesn’t even get our company name or the role correct. Needless to say, these go straight into the”NO” pile.
don’t ever use text language in your CV or Covering Letter. These two documents should be some of the best documents you have ever produced. If spelling and grammar isn’t your forté, get someone to proof it for you.”
debi Fitzpatrick, Human Resources, Mainfreight Ltd, 2010
evidence
evidence
CV INFORMATION 11
LIST OF ACTION VERBS
Achievement Skills
accomplishedachievedawardedcommendedestablishedexpandedimplementedimprovedincreasedinitiatedovercameprocuredproducedraidedreceivedsecuredset upsucceeded
Clerical or detail Skills
approvedarrangedcataloguedcheckedclassifiedcollatedcollectedcompiledcorrecteddetaileddispatcheddistributeddocumentedenforcedexecutedexpandedfiledgeneratedimplementedinspectedlocatedmanagedmonitoredoperatedorderedorganisedplacedpreparedprocessedpurchasedreconciledrecorded
reducedreportedretrievedrevampedscreenedsortedspecialisedspecifiedstreamlinedsystematisedtabulatedtranscribedtypedupdatedutilisedvalidated
Communication Skills
addressedadvertisedansweredarbitratedarrangedauthoredcommunicatedcomposedconductedcontactedcorrespondeddevelopeddirecteddiscusseddisseminateddraftededitedencouragedexplainedexpressedformulatedinfluencedinterpretedlecturedmediatedmoderatedmotivatednarratednegotiatedpersuadedpresentedpromotedproposedpublishedrecommendedrecruitedreported
solicitedspokesuppliedtranslatedtransmittedwrote
Thinking & Cognitive Skills
adaptedappliedbalancedconceivedconceptualisedcreatedderiveddevelopeddiscriminatedgeneratedimprovisedintegratedmemorisedperceivedrecognisedresearchedsynthesizedtheorisedupdatedvisualised
Creative Skills
actedcomposedconceivedconceptualisedconductedcreateddanceddesigneddevelopeddeviseddirecteddrafteddreweditedentertainedestablishedexpressedfashionedfilmedfoundedillustratedimaginedinitiated
institutedintegratedintroducedinventedlearntmappedmasteredmodelledoperatedoriginatedperformedphotographedplannedpresentedpublishedrevitalisedsangstyledtapedwrote
Financial Skills
administeredallocatedanalysedappraisedauditedbalancedcalculatedcomputedcosteddevelopeddoubledestimatedevaluatedforecastmanagedmarketedplannedpreparedpricedprogrammedprojectedpurchasedreducedresearchedreviewedrevised
Helping Skills
advisedappointedassessedassisted
caredclarifiedcoachedcontributedconveyedcounselleddemonstrateddiagnosededucatedempathisedengagedescortedexpeditedfacilitatedfamiliarisedguidedliaisedlistenedmediatedmotivatednursedparticipatedprovidedraisedreferredrehabilitatedrelatedrepresentedresolvedrestoredservedservicedsympathisedtrainedunderstoodutilisedvolunteered
Leadership Skills
arbitratedchairedconfronteddirectedguidedinitiatedinspiredledmanagedmediatedmotivatednegotiatedorganisedrecruited
12 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
Learning Skills
acquiredappreciatedattainedassessedcombinedcommencedcommitteddiscoveredestimatedevaluatedexpandedexperiencedexposedfamiliarisedgainedgraduatedgraspedlearntobservedobtainedperceivedprogressedrecognisedscannedsized
management Skills
administeredanalysedappointedapprovedassignedattainedauthorisedbuiltchairedcommissionedconsolidatedcontractedcontrolledcoordinateddealtdelegateddesignateddesigneddevelopeddirectedemployedenforcedevaluatedexecutedfiredhired
improvedincreasedinitiatedissuedmaintainedmanagedorderedorganisedoversawplannedprioritisedproducedprogrammedprojectedrecommendedreviewedscheduledselectedstrengthenedsupervised
People Skills
appointedassessedassignedbuiltconductedcounselledemployedengagedenlistedformedgradedguidedliaisedmanagedmediatedmotivatednegotiatedprovidedrecruitedrelatedselectedscreenedstimulated
Problem-solving Skills
advisedappliedarrangedchangedconverteddeterminedeliminated
furnishedgraspedhandledidentifiedimplementedinitiatedmodifiedproposedpursuedrectifiedrefrainedrepairedreplacedresolvedrestoredreviewedrevisedsavedstreamlinedstudiedsubcontractedsubmittedsupplied
Research Skills
analysedassessedclarifiedclassifiedcollatedcollectedcompiledcritiqueddiagnoseddissectedenquiredevaluatedexaminedextractedhypothesizedidentifiedinspectedinterpretedinterviewedinvestigatedlearnedobservedorganisedpreparedrecognisedre-evaluatedresearchedresourcedreviewedrevised
studiedsummarisedsurveyedsystematised
Teaching Skills
adaptedadministeredadvisedbriefedclarifiedcoachedcommunicatedcoordinatedcounselleddesigneddevelopedempoweredenabledencouragedevaluatedexplainedfacilitatedguidedhelpedinformedinitiatedinstructedlecturedlistenedorganisedpersuadedplannedpreparedset goalsstimulatedtaughttrainedtutoredutilised
Technical Skills
appliedassembledbuiltcalculatedcodedcomputedconstructeddesigneddevisedengineeredfabricatedinstalled
machinedmademaintainedmanufacturedmodifiedoperatedoverhauledprogrammedrebuiltremodelledrepairedreplacedsolvedtestedtrainedupgradedwired
CV INFORMATION 13
COVER LETTER SUGGESTEd LAYOUT
LineSpacing
24 Ross St Smithtown2 spaces 9May20102 spaces Firstname,Surname HumanResourcesOfficer ABCCompany 101 Sunset Drive Auckland Postcode2 spaces Dearfirstname&surname(ifyouknowMr/Mrs/Ms/Missusethiswiththelastname)1 space Job title and Reference Number1 space 1) Details of the Job Nominatethejobforwhichyouareapplying.Beenthusiasticforthecompanyandtheposition.Indicate thesourceanddateofthejobinformation.Providedetailsofcontactyouhavehadwiththeorganisation. Ifyouhavebeenreferredbyafriendorcolleagueoftheemployergivedetails.1 space 2) What you have to offer the organisation Highlighttheextenttowhichyoumatchtherequirementsofthejob,e.g.qualifications,experience, qualities,capabilities,transferableskills.Outlineanyfurtherpointsinyourfavourrelatedtothejob. Beenthusiastic.Researchthecompany!1 space 3) Why you want to work in this position for this organisation Outlineyourinterestintheparticularjoband/orthepositionandtheorganisation.Makerealistically positivecommentsaboutthereputationandperformanceofthecompany.Beenthusiastic.1 space 4) Conclusion Keepitshort,reiterateyourenthusiasmandrefertoyourattachedcurriculumvitaeandotherrequested material.2 spaces
Yourssincerely5 spaces
(Signaturehere)
Firstname,Surname
14 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
CV SUGGESTEd LAYOUT
Name Here Contact Details
Education
Bachelor of XXXX MajorinYYYY(Finalist) UniversityofOtago 2010NCEA/Cambridge(HighestLevel)Bursary YeOldeHighSchool 2006
Relevant Skills [Usethisspacetohighlighttheskillsrelevanttothepositionadvertisedand/ortheorganisation.Seethejobadvertisement,jobdescription,and/orwww.kiwicareers.govt.nzformoredetailsonrelevantskills]
Inthissectionyoushouldshowhowyourexperiencegivesyoutheskillsrequired.Ifyouareapplyingforarolewhichinvolvessignificantclientinteractionandworkingtotightdeadlinesyoucoulduseevidencefrompreviousroles,forexample:
Customer Service –FeedbackfromcustomersandmanagersinseveralrolesisthatIhaveexcellentclienthandling skillsandmaintainafriendlyandprofessionalmanneratalltimes.
Time Management – AtuniversityIbalancestudy,workandextracurricularactivitiesandalwaysfulfilmy commitmentsbeforethedeadline.AtworkmymanagerscommentthatI“getthejobdone”,and I’veneveraskedforanassignmentextension.
Theseexamplesshowthereviewerthattheapplicanthasthoughtaboutthisspecificrole,abouttheskillsrequired,andabouthowher/hisexperiencehaspreparedher/himforthis.ThesubtextisthatthisisnotagenericCV,butonethatistailoredforthisapplication.
Achievements[Optional:usethisspacetohighlightyourachievements.Achievementsarewiderthanacademicawards;refertopersonalachievementsinextra-curricularandworkcontexts.Focusstronglyonthisareaforscholarshipapplications]
Awardedthe“Bestteamleader”SocialActivityGroup2009Participated in… Gained …Scholarship…[Otherheadingsthatcouldbeusedherearelistedintheoptionalsectionseepage4]
Employment History [Discussyourtasksanddutiesinbulletpointformatandtrytostartwithaverbe.g.planned,prepared,organised.] Waitress (part time) Last Minute Productions, Dunedin 2008-2010
Job Title Company Name, Place Nov2005-Feb2008
• Tasksanddutiesandoutcomesie,successfullycompleted
Job Title Company Name, Place Summer 2005 • Tasksandduties
Job Title Company Name, Place Nov2003-Feb2004 • Tasksandduties
CV INFORMATION 15
CV SUGGESTEd LAYOUT cont
Referees[Listyourrefereesandcontactdetails.Makethemappropriatetothepositionthatyouareapplyingfor.Useaninvisibletabletolayoutneatly]
Name NameJob Title Job TitleDepartment / Company Department / CompanyPhysical Address Physical AddressPhone number Phone numberEmail contact Email contact
Professional Affiliations [Optional:usethisspacetohighlightprofessionalorganisationsyoumaybeamemberof.AnotherheadingforthissectionmightbeCommunityActivities.
Profile/Highlights/Career Objective[Optional:canbeatthebeginningofCVoratendtoprovideasummary.Thissectionshouldbeconciseanduniquetoeachopportunityandcreateacontextfortheapplication.Agenericstatementsuggeststhatthecandidatehasmadelittleornoefforttounderstandtheopportunityortheorganisation. Interests[Giveabrieflistanddescriptionofanyhobbies,interestsorotheractivitiesthatyouwouldliketomention–donotbetooboringshowsomeenthusiasmorpassionforwhatyoudo–giveafeeltowhoyouareandwhatyouarelike]
Optional Sections to be Added as Appropriate
16 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
NOW YOU HAVE YOUR dRAFT….. TImE FOR SELF-REVIEW
HoldouttheCVatarm’slength.Is the structure obvious?
Page numbers included?
Qualificationsonthefrontpage?Is an academic transcript/academic record included?Ifso,ismentionmadeonfrontpageofCV? Does my name stand out? Is it included in the footer of the other pages? Contact details available but discreet?
Clearly labelled sections? NCEAlevelstated.Outstandinggradesidentified? AcademicAwards(ifonthefrontpage)conciseandcleari.e.acronymsexplained?
Do the headings match the job description or advertisement? Isback-up/data/evidenceprovided?
HaveIprovidedevidenceof“technicalexpertise”andexperiencefrommydegreeorwork?
Couldthissectionbeimprovedbyremovingoverdonewordssuchas“I”,ableto, responsible,abilityto?
Isitclearlylaidoutwithtitle,nameofemployerbusiness,location,dates? Is there repetition of wording used on the front page?
Can the reader get a picture of me as a whole person?
Isitappropriatetouseheadingse.g.Academic,Employer,Character/Mentor Are all the contact details provided? Isitappropriatetoinclude“WrittenReferencesAvailableonRequest”
Is the letter addressed to a person by name and includes their title? Doesthefirstparagraphconveywhatappealstomeaboutthecompany?
Aremyqualificationsstated,ifappropriate? Do the second and third paragraphs link my expertise and skills to the position? Have I used work experience as well as academic experience to illustrate my skills? Doesthefinalparagraphconveyenthusiasmfortheroleand/orthecompany?
Have I signed my name?
skills profile
work history
interests
referees
cover letter
CV INFORMATION 17
ELECTRONIC/ONLINE APPLICATIONS
TheguideandbestpracticeforwritingCoverLettersandCVsappliesequallytocompletingonlineapplications.Itisworthconsideringthefollowingpointswhendealingwithelectronicapplications.
Readtheseverycarefully.
Itislikelytotakelongertocompletethanyouthinkandyouneedtimetonavigateyourwayroundthewebsite.Manypeopleassumebecauseitisanonlineform,itisgoingtobeeasyandwon’ttakelongtofillin.Wrong!
Manyonlineapplicationsaskyoutoregisterbeforeyoucanaccesstheform.Makeanoteofyourregistrationdetails(itisnotagoodtolooktobetalkingabout‘eyefordetail’or‘yourgoodorganisationalskills’,andthenhavetosendanemailbecauseyou’veforgottenyourpassword).
Ifyoucannotlookatthewholeform(youmayhavetoworkthroughit)thennotethequestionsasyoucometothem.Manyonlineformsallowfortheapplicanttocompletetheapplicationacrossseveralsessions.
Ifyouhaveaqueryoraproblemwiththeformorwebsite,orareunsureofsomeinstruction,usethehelpcontactwhichwillbeonthewebpage.Itisperfectlyacceptabletoringupaswell.
Eachanswerusuallyhasaword(orevenacharacter)limit.AgoodstrategyistowriteyouranswersinaWorddocumentandwhenyouarehappywithwhatyouhavewritten,cutandpasteyouranswersintotheform. Keep a copy of your answers for your own reference.
Makesureyouhaveaddressedwhatisbeingaskedofyouinthequestion.YoumayfeelthequestionisalreadycoveredinyourCVorCoverLetter.Resistanytemptationtosay,‘RefertomyCV’or‘SeemyCoverLetter’,asyouranswer.Manyquestionsareoftenbehaviour-basedforexample:“Tellusaboutatimewhen...”.Refertoansweringbehaviouralinterviewingpg29intheInterviewguide.
Thiswillprotectthelayoutofthedocument.
Proof reading is as essential for online applications as it is for hard copy applications! Have another pair of eyes to read yourapplicationforanymistakesoranswersnotansweredproperly.Avoidgivingthereaderanexcuseforconsigningyourapplicationtothe‘No’pile.
hot tip“Equally a CV does not stand alone. You need a strong, compelling and personalised cover letter to go with your CV and the element of motivation to the skills and knowledge your CV demonstrates.”
jeff Lewis, HR Manager, L’Oréal New Zealand Ltd, 2010
keep a copy
instructionstime
familiarise yourself
query
check numbers
answer
pdf optionfinal check
18 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
EmAILING APPLICATIONS:
Generally when emailing attachments you will need to include a short professional note in the body of the email tellingtherecipientwhyyouaresendingtheemail.Whileyoudon’thavetolaytheemailoutasaformalbusinessletter,youdowantyouremailtolookprofessional.Thereforedonotwritein‘emailese’,usetxtspelling,orwriteyourmessageinuppercaseletters.Rememberalltherulesofgoodgrammarandpunctuationapplytoemails!
Ithelpsthereaderprocessyourapplicationmoreefficientlyiftheattachmentisnamedappropriately.Youdon’twantyourpreciousdocumentsbeinglostoroverlookedbecausetheyareunnamedand‘gotmislaidinthesystem’!
Sometimestherequestisforonedocument.Ifindoubt,check.Alwaysfindoutwhatiswanted.
Thereceivercanthenseewhattheemailisaboutbeforetheyopenit.Rememberpeoplereceivelargequantitiesofemail.Clearlyidentifiedemailislesslikelytogetlostinsomeone’s‘Inbox’!
Useasalutation.Aswithaletter,useagreeting,e.g.Greetingsfirstname,surname.
Writeinwholesentences.E.g.‘PleasefindattachedmyCVandcoverletterforthepositionof….’
Whenfinishingoff,‘Yoursfaithfully,Yourssincerely,and‘Kindregards’areacceptable.Onanotherline,writeyourname.
ACAdEmIC CVs
Academic styled CVs differ from general CVs as they focus on academic and research skills and are used when applyingforacademicorresearchpositions.Apartfromtheusualheadings(suchaseducation,workexperience,awardsandachievements),otherheadingscouldinclude:researchactivities,teachingexperience,publications,conferencepresentations/attendance,university/communityservice,professionalactivities,positionsofresponsibility,memberships,awardsandresearchgrants.Includespecificfundingfiguresforresearchgrants.
AnacademicCVhassimilarprinciplestoallCVs.Itneedstodemonstrateyourstrengths,itneedstobefreeoferrorsandpresentedinaneasilyreadformat,andtobepresentedinastylethatisrelevantandrecognisedbythosetowhomyouareapplying.Alwayssendaletterasanintroduction.
Toeffectivelytargetyourapplication,researchtheuniversitytowhichyouareapplying;anysuggestedCVformats,identifyingafitwiththecurrentdepartment,carefullyreadtheadvertisementtogetanideaofthespecificcompetenciesorrequirementsoverandabovetheusualacademicqualifications.Youmayneedtoadaptyourresearchtotheparticularaudienceordepartment.
SeekfeedbackabouttheimpressionyourCVgivesareaderwhodoesnotparticularlyknowyou.Makesureyoucheckwithyoursupervisorforanyideasortips,feedbackandsuggestionsforstructuringyouracademicCV.Someacademicstaffhaveon-lineCVsoranE-portfolioandcouldprovideideasfordevelopingastyleofCVthatsuitsyou,yourdisciplineandyourparticularstrengths.
Ensurewhendiscussingyourresearchthatyouidentifytheaims,outcomesandtechniquesorresearchmethodologiesused.ThinkaboutwhathasmadeyousuccessfultodateandensurethatthisisidentifiedorhighlightedinyourCV.Somedepartmentsmayrequirewrittenstatements.
general
clearly name
prinicples
how many
focus
general
subject line
feedback
achievements
CV INFORMATION 19
PERSONAL STATEmENT / STATEmENT OF INTENT / STATEmENT OF PURPOSE
Forsomepositionsapersonalstatementisrequested.Someorganisationsmakeitclearwhattheywantfromthisexercise(Pleasetellusalittleaboutyou.Whydoyouwantthisposition?Whatstrengthsdoyoubringtotherole?Howdoesitfitintoyour5yearcareerplan?Usenomorethan350words).Otherorganisationsgivenoindicationwhatsoever.Inthelattercaseitisrecommendedthatyoucontacttheorganisationandaskthemforguidelines,however,somemaydeflectthequerysaying“Justputwhateveryouthinkisappropriate...”orsomethingsimilar.
Therearemanyreasonsforaskingforastatementlikethis.Itmakestheapplicantstopandthink,anddiscouragesthosewhoarejustsendingoutgenericapplications;mostapplicationreviewersbelievethatthefewergenericapplications,thebetter.Itforcestheapplicanttoaddressher/hisownmotivationandsuitabilityfortheposition.Itprovidesasampleoftheapplicant’swrittencommunicationskills(spelling,format,structure,coherentargument,grammar,relevance,readability,flow,appropriatelength).Itprovidesmaterialtobeprobedatmoredepthatinterview.Itisatestofconsistencyintheapplicant’smessage,i.e.doestheapplicantcontradictthemselvesbetweenthecoverletter,CV,andstatementordothedocumentsformacohesivemessage?
Itisagoodideatobreakthestatementintothesuggestedsegments(e.g....tellusalittleaboutyou.Whydoyouwantthisposition?Whatstrengthsdoyoubringtotherole?Howdoesitfitintoyour5yearcareerplan?...),toanswereachfully,separatelyandconcisely,andthentomergetheanswerstofitthestatement.Thiswilltakeseveraldraftsofeachpartoftheanswer.Bewareofover-emphasisingoromittinganyonepartoftheanswer–thisisaclassicerrorinthesestatementsandtellsthereviewerthateitheryoudidn’trealisethateachparthadtobeansweredequallyorthatyourwrittencommunicationskillsjustaren’tuptothestandardrequired.Ineithercaseyourapplicationisedgingtowardsthe“No”pile.
Inthiscaseitisusefultocreatesomeforyourself.Typicallyorganisationsareinterestedinyourmotivationfortheprofession,organisationandpositionconcerned,theyarealsointerestedinwhatstrengthsyouhavethatwouldenableyoutoadaptandexcelinthisenvironment,theytypicallywouldlikesomesenseofyourpersonalvaluesinthecontextoftheposition,andinhowyouseeyourcareerdevelopingovertheshorttomediumterm,say2-5years.
Usetheorganisation’swebsite,therelevantprofessionalassociation(e.g.thePublishersAssociationofNewZealandforthoseinterestedinpublishing),thekiwicareerswebsiteandotherresources,(forexample,talkingtothematoneoftheUniversityofOtago’sCareerFairsorotheremployerevents,orusingyourpersonalnetworktomeetpeoplefromtheorganisation–NewZealandonlyhas2degreesofseparation,remember!).Fromthisresearchyoucangetasenseofwhattheorganisationthinksisimportantinpeople,forexampleitmightplaceastrongemphasisonclientsatisfaction,personalintegrity,self-motivation,amongothers.Youcanthenusethisinsighttowriteastatementwhichaddressestheirissues.
hot tipsRemember that the statement is about you in the context of this specific application – your greatest strength may be your saxophone playing, but it’s unlikely to be relevant here. Only include relevant material.
Get someone to read it over to see how it flows and/or if you have addressed the key points, you could make an appointment with a CV Consultant at the Career development Centre to do this.
Less is more. Reviewers have to read lots of these things, the concise and succinct ones will make an impression, the rambling and incoherent ones will too!
does it convey a sense of you? The exercise is trying to get a sense of you as an individual and your motivation for the field / organisation / position. Tell them, honestly, why you want it, what your driving force is.
why
formats
with guidelines
research
without guidelines
20 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
SHARP CV FIRST STEP TO GETTING A jOB kathleen Hennessy – The Observer
ThereisnosuchthingastheperfectCV.ButthereareseveralwaysofwritingtheCVthatarelikelytoachievethedocument’sraisond’etre:securinganinterview.
CVsaremarketingmaterial,notautobiographies.Theyshouldsellyouasthebestpersonforthejob,oratleastoneworthconsidering.Followtheseuniversalgroundrules:
• Keepitshort–nobodyisgoingtoploughthroughmorethantwopages.• Makeiteasytoread–don’tcramalltheinformationintoonepageifitreallyneedstwo.• Trytograbthereader’sattentionquickly,bystartingwithasummaryorprofile(seebelow).• Alwaysuseachronologicalformat(seebelow).• Neverusethewordscurriculumvitaeoritsabbreviation–thefirstitemtoappearonyourCVshouldbeyourname.
Thislastpointisimportant.AccordingtoStuartLindenfieldofDBM,whenemployersreceiveCVswiththewordscurriculumvitaeatthetop,theyareexpectingapoorapplication,andnotleastbecausemostpeoplemisspellcurriculumvitae.
“It’slikewriting‘brochure’onthefrontofasalesbrochure,”hesays,whenwhatshouldbethereiswhatisbeingmarketed–andinthecaseofaCV,thatisyou.”
FormatAbout95%ofCVshaveachronologicallayoutstartingwiththemostrecentjoborexperience,andworkingbackwards.Thisiswhatemployersexpect,andyoushouldgivethemthatunless:
• Yourworkhistoryispatchyandyouaretryingnottodrawattentiontoit.• Youarehaving,orpreviouslyhad,amajorcareerchange.• Youhaveverylittleexperienceoryouarereturningtothejobmarketafterasignificantgap.• Youwanttoworkinanareawherespecialistskillsareessential.• Youwanttosellpersonalskillswhicharenotreflectedinyouremploymenthistory
Ifyoufallintooneofthesecategories,substitutea“keyskills”sectionfortheemploymenthistory,butlistachievementstosupportyourskillsinthesamewaythatachievementsareusedtoillustratethe“addedvalue”youbroughttopreviousemployers(seebelow).
Personal contentStartwithyourname,address,telephonenumbermobilenumberande-mailaddress.
“Ifyoudon’thaveane-mailaddress,getone,’saysMrLindenfield.“It’sessential–employersexpectit.”
Hesuggestsyoukeepyourmobilephoneswitchedoff,toforceanyonewhoringstoleaveamessage.“Thiswillgiveyoutimetoprepareyourresponse,”hesays.
Next,includeasummaryorpersonalprofile.Thishastobestrongbecauseyouneedtogetthereader’sattentionwithin20seconds.Otherwise,saysMrLindenfield,youcouldbeheadingforthebin.
Profilesarethemostdifficulttowrite.Theyshouldbebetween30and44wordslong,andshoulddescribeyou,yourstrengthsandwhatyoucanbringtothecompany.Forexample:Successfulseniorexecutivewithmorethan10years’experienceinteambuildingandmanagement.Self-startercapableofdeliveringresultswithinbudgetandonschedule.
Theseprofilesshouldreflectatleastsomeofthequalitiesthejobadusedtodescribetheidealcandidate,sodonotbeafraidtousethesamelanguage,evenifitsoundsabitpompous.
Employment contentThisiswherealotofpeoplegoterriblywrong,especiallyiftheyusethephrases“responsiblefor”or“dutiesincluded”. “Thesetermsdon’ttellanemployeranythingaboutwhatyouachievedatyourpreviousjobs,”saysMrLindenfield.‘Alltheysayiswhatyouweresupposedtodo,withnoindicationofwhetheryoumanagedtofulfilyourresponsibilities,nevermindexceededthem.”
Hesuggeststhatyoulistachievements.Forexample,let’ssayyouusedyourcontactstogetextrapublicityforyourcompany’snewproductyoupresenttheinformationas:“Achievedwidespreadmediacoverageofmajorproductlaunch,resultingina25%increaseininitialsalesinquiries.”
Thismarksyououtassomeonewhoaddsvaluetocompanies,ratherthansomeonewhojustfulfilshisorherduties.
CV INFORMATION 21
Youdon’thavetoincludeinterestsandhobbiesbuttheyprovideanopportunitytosellyourselfassomeoneinteresting,andtoalludetoskillsnotobviousfromyourworkexperience.Butmakesuretheyaretailoredtothejob.Participationinsportscanindicatethatyouworkwellinteams,whileinvolvementinyourlocalPTAorNeighbourhoodWatchcanshowyouarenotafraidtotakeonresponsibility.
FinallyUsebulletpointsthroughoutastheyhighlightinformationforthereader,andproof-readyourCVthoroughly.Getsomeoneelsetodothisifyoudon’ttrustyourowneditingskills.
Don’tincludeaphotograph,referencesoranysalaryrequirements–anddon’texpecttogetitrightthefirsttime.AgoodCVneedsseveraldrafts.
22 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROm THE CAREER dEVELOPmENT CENTRE
TheCareerDevelopmentCentrehasarangeofresourcestohelpwithCVpreparation.ChecktheuniversityandpubliclibrariesforCVresourcesaswell.
Animportantfirststepistoattendaseminar.CheckoutOtagoCareerHubfordetailsonregularseminarson‘WritingawinningCVandCoverLetter’.Thewebsiteishttps://careerhub.otago.ac.nz
BOOkS ON CVS, COVER LETTERS & APPLICATIONS(ThesetitlesareasampleoftheinformationavailableattheCareerDevelopmentCentrelibrary)
Preparing the Perfect CV.Corfield,Rebecca,KoganPage,2010
Resumes – College Students and Recent Graduates – 3rd Edition.VGM,2004
The job winners guide to Resumes.FrenchRupert,Maygog,2006
The Damn Good Resume Guide.ParkerYana,FourthEdition,TenSpeedPress,2002
Ultimate CV – 2nd Edition.YateMartin,KoganPage,2008
Resume for Dummies – 5th Edition.KennedyJoyce,Wiley,2007
Write Your Own CV – A New Zealand Guide.Stenberg,Paula,RandomHouse,2006
Killer CVs and Hidden Approaches – 3rd Edition.Perkins,Graham,Pearson,2007
Pitch Yourself.Faust,BillandMichael,Pearson,2006
How to write a great CV.McGee,Paul,Howtobooks,2007
E- Resumes – a guide to successful online job hunting.Criscito,Pat,Barrons,2005
CAREER ANd jOB WEB-SITES
Remember to check out CareerHub https://careerhub.otago.ac.nzforGraduateJobopportunities.YournumberonesiteforGraduateJobsandInternships.
Thewebsitesbelowareasampleonlyofwhatisavailabletohelpyouinyourjobsearch.
General Employment Sites • OtagoCareerHub:https://careerhub.otago.ac.nz• TrademeJobs:www.trademe.co.nz/jobs• CareerOpportunitiesNewZealand:www.career.co.nz • OtagoDailyTimes:www.odt.co.nz• NewKiwis:www.newkiwis.co.nz(supportsinternationalpeople)• NZJobs:www.job.co.nz• Seek:www.seek.co.nz• StudentJobSearch:www.sjs.co.nz Overseas Work Opportunities• ActionJobs:www.actionjobs.com(Adventure&Action)• Experience:www.experience.com(USVacationWork)• Worldwidejobs:www.anyworkanywhere.com General Careers Advice • OtagoCareerHub:https://careerhub.otago.ac.nz• KiwiCareers:www.kiwicareers.govt.nz • EnterprisesConsultingGroup:www.enterprise.co.nz • TMPWorldwide:www.tmp.com(IT&ExecutiveVacancies)• AustraliaCareers:www.myfuture.com.au• GraduatecareersAustralia:www.graduatecareers.com.au• OverseasInformation:www.wetfeet.com, www.vault.com, www.prospects.ac.uk, www.insidecareers.co.uk,
targetjobs.co.uk, www.goinglobal.com
CV INFORMATION 23
Specialised Employment Sites
IT Vacancies• CandleNewZealand:www.candle.co.nz
Nz Government Sector• NZGovernmentJobsOnline:www.jobs.govt.nz
Legal Recruitment Specialists• Lawstaff:www.lawstaff.co.nz
Recruitment – Science• BiologyJobs:www.biologyjobs.com• ProfessionalandTechnicalHumanResources:www.roblaw.co.nz• Scientific&TechnicalRecruitment:www.scitechrecruit.co.nz• SynergyConsulting:www.synergyconsult.co.nz• LifeScienceJobsspecializesinthePharmaceuticalandBiotechindustries:www.pharmajobs.com
Teaching English Overseas• Dave’sESLCafe:www.eslcafe.com/jobs• Footprints:www.footprintsrecruiting.com• WorldEnglishService:worldenglishservice.com• EnglishLanguageMatters:www.englishmatters.co.nz• TheJetprogramme:www.mofa.go.jp/jet Teaching• EducationGazette:www.edgazette.govt.nz • TimePlan:www.timeplan.com • Smartteachers:www.smartteachers.co.nz • TeachingPersonnel:www.teachingintheuk.com • OasisEducation:www.oasiseducation.co.nz • RedTeachers:www.redteachers.com
Psychometric Testing • SHLGroupDirect:www.shldirect.com • Psychometrictestinfo:www.markparkinson.co.uk/psychometric_links.htm
Career Self Assessment • Aabe’sCareerBuilder:www.kiwicity.com/job/jobbuilder.htm • AdvisorTeam.com:www.advisorteam.com • AustraliaCareerInformationservice:www.myfuture.edu.au • JobHuntersBible:www.jobhuntersbible.com • MonsterBoardCareerTest:http://career-advice.monster.com • NewZealandCareerServices:www.kiwicareers.govt.nz
LinksareavailableonOtagoCareerHub:https://careerhub.otago.ac.nz
24 CAREER DEVElOpMENT CENTRE
NOTES