Careers Centre
CV & ApplicationsComputer ScienceJames Hairsine
Senior Career Consultant
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Learning Outcomes of this session To better understand how to describe your skills, qualities and
experiences to others in appropriate ways by:
Analyse your experiences and identify transferable skills and evidence
Looking at CV Writing Techniques in preparation for writing your own CV
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Making Applications
First impressions are VITAL. There is no point having a great interview style if your application won’t ever get you there.
Preparation is key - writing the CV / completing the form are NOT the first steps in the process
All applications need to be targeted towards the role and company for which you are applying
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Auditing your Skills - Transferable
Think about your key activities and achievements to date
Break them down into tasks
Then identify the skills you have demonstrated/achieved through this
Provide evidence
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Skills Audit
Degree Task Skills Evidence Presenting information to a group
Independent research
Planning Communication Time management Use of IT Time management Research planning Accessing resources
Situation Task Action Result Situtaion Task Action Result
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Setting a goal!
Situation I was a committee member of our local charity. We had a target of raising £10,000 for a new play area for children.
Task I recognised the potential for gaining sponsorship from local companies and set myself a personal target of £5,000.
Action I developed a personalised letter to the firms offering them the opportunity to sponsor pieces of play equipment. I followed up each letter with a visit to present my proposal.
Result I raised £7,000
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Targeted Skills Audit
Deloitte Skill Source Example Communication Presentation Verbal (customer relations) Written Teamwork Analytical
Degree Topshop Degree Rugby Team Tiger Tiger Degree LU Trading & investment Soc.
STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR
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Setting the Record Straight
You will receive differing opinions
There is no such thing as a perfect CV
The only true definition of a perfect CV is “the one which presents your information to a particular audience to the best advantage”
A ‘general CV’ is likely to end up in the bin
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What is a C.V.?
“Biographical sketch of the course of one’s life”
Persuasive sales document selling you (the product) to an employer (the buyer)
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Who is it for ?
Who is your audience?
What are they looking for?
How is this going to affect your writing?
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Developing a format that suits you (1) Traditional
Personal Details Education Work experience (+ ‘Relevant’ experience) Activities, interests Additional Skills Referees
Events in (reverse) chronological order
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Work experience section of Traditional CV
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Developing a format that suits you (2) Skills-Based
Personal Details Possible Personal Statement Brief outline of education Brief outline of work experience Achievements and Awards Expansion of Skills Other headings: positions of responsibility, extra curricular Brief outline of interests Referees
Events in (reverse) chronological order
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First Impressions count...
Always send a covering letter with a CV The letter should ideally be no longer than one side of
A4 Word-processed Make specific references to the company you are
applying for Sell yourself - but don’t go over the top
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Planning the Covering Letter
Opening (who you are and what you are doing)
The role you are interested in and why
Why you are particularly interested in that company
Why you are a good candidate
Positive ending
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CVs and Covering Letters - Key Points
Make sure it is targeted
2 sides of A4
1 page for Covering Letter
You can supply home and term-time addresses
REVERSE chronological order
No spelling or grammatical errors
Refer to YOUR role/activity and the skills it demonstrates
Ideally 1 academic referee and 1 from employment
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The Application Process
Be clear about what the company is looking for - skills, qualities, experience etc.
Which of those skills and qualities you have. Are you a realistic candidate?
List everything you have done/achieved
Identify your strongest evidence for each ‘selling point’ for this audience
Construct the CV / complete the form
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Next sessions
Tuesday 26th October 12-1 – Success at Interviews
Tuesday 16th November 12-1 – CV Drop-in
Tuesday 23rd November 12- 1 – CV Drop-in
All in Active Learning Lab Room 9.30
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The Careers Centre Drop-in: Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm