Create a professional impression CVs and Cover Letters Create a professional impression

Session Outline Purpose of CVs How to build your CV Matching your CV to the job CV Template Purpose of a Cover Letter Write an appropriate Cover Letter

Personal Marketing Tool Purpose of CV CV Original application Personal Marketing Tool Target and Tailor

Matching your information to the job Qualifications needed Skills needed – both specific to job and transferable skills Experience required Personal qualities eg Positive, professional, reliable, friendly Qualifications gained Consider course, part-time job, hobbies, teams in which you took part Similar experience gained Can you match these? What other qualities can you offer?

Employability Skills Team Working Willingness to Learn Customer Service Problem Solving Motivation Organisational Enthusiasm Dependability Ability to work under pressure Time Management Numeracy Literacy IT/Computer Literacy Leadership Self Awareness Interpersonal Flexibility Business Acumen Negotiation Ambition/Drive

Education and Qualifications List educational establishments, with qualifications, in date order - most recent first NB: No need to name University /College / School Do not include any failed qualifications Include your current course details, key modules and expected results (if final year)

Training Courses / IT Skills / Hobbies and Interests Provide course dates and details List IT programmes that you have used and state how competent you are. List hobbies: emphasize achievements and successes, team work, leadership, attention to detail, commitment.

Purpose of a Cover Letter Accompanies the CV Tailored to the job role Outlines: Motivation Commitment Relevant Skills

Important notes Address your letter to a named individual If you’re not sure who the best person to contact is, telephone the company and ask Keep your letter to one side of A4 Use a formal business template, showing both your address and the name and address of the recipient Sign off: Dear (Name) Yours sincerely Dear Sir/Madam Yours faithfully

Cover Letter Outline Paragraph 1: Introduction The job you are applying for: How you found out about it: Who are you? Paragraph 2: Research Why this particular company / job / sector? Paragraph 3: Why you? Summarise your strengths/skills/competencies and relate to job Relevant study Paragraph 4: Conclusion Practical issues – eg availability for interview Thanks

Need extra help with your CV? Book into a CV Clinic Make an appointment with a Careers Adviser Quick CV query? Drop-in guidance available: Mondays - Careers Resource Room, Titanic Quarter, L2, Rm 60 Wednesdays – Careers Resource Room, Millfield, L3, Rm 19 careers@belfastmet.ac.uk 028 9026 5066