Year 11 Tutorial Sessions Lesson 5 – Creating a tailored CV Higher Education and Careers Department Year 11 Tutorial Sessions Lesson 5 – Creating a tailored CV

Session Objectives To understand what a CV is and what it should include. To understand what makes a good/bad CV

Task 1 - Discuss What is a CV? When do you use it? What information should be included on one? (record your answers on the board)

Task 1 - Discuss What is a CV? When do you use it? A CV (or Curriculum Vitae‘ - Path of Life‘) is a document employers ask for. Sometimes called a résumé, it's summarises your career history and is the first phase in getting yourself noticed by potential employers. When do you use it? Employers with a vacancy will put together a person specification - a list of the skills and experience they want the ideal candidate to possess. From this list, the job advert is created, which is where they will ask you to send them your CV. What information should be included on one? (record your answers on the board) Has to include: Personal details / Education / Experience Could include: Personal statement / Skills / Hobbies and interests / References

Task 2 Identify what is wrong with this CV From your comments can you make a list of rules that you should follow when writing a CV?

Contact not clear Inappropriate email Task 2 Too many fonts Hasn’t mentioned any skills Activities give a bad impression Hasn’t really given enough detail Spelling errors

Task 2 These are some useful rules to follow when writing your CV… 1. Check your spelling, grammar and/or punctuation If an employer finds a spelling error in your CV they will most likely discard it immediately. Ask someone else to proofread it before you send it.   2. Don’t tell lies You must not lie on your CV. Focus on your strengths and play down any weaknesses. 3. Don’t use abbreviations Don’t use abbreviations or make assumptions. For example, not everyone will know that ‘DoE’ stands for ‘Duke of Edinburgh’. 4. Don’t list every activity you have ever done Because this may give the impression that you are not really committed to anything in particular. Instead, focus on a few activities that you are fully committed to and that are relevant to the job. This will allow you to give more detail about these activities – for example, you could say what you did, how you contributed and how often you attended. You can also reflect on the skills you have gained through these activities and describe any training you received.

Task 2 5. Tailor your CV Make sure you have a copy of the job description and understand what qualities you will need for the job. Then use your CV to highlight the skills and qualities you have that will make you suitable for the role.   6. Check your contact details Potential employers need to be able to get in touch with you. Make sure you have included up-to-date contact details (a mobile telephone number and email address as a minimum) and check and double check that these details are correct. You should also make sure your email address is appropriate – something like charliesexykitten@hotmail.com is unlikely to create a favourable impression with an employer.

Task 3 Identify the good things about this CV… How could it be improved?

Task 3 The last example was essentially the same CV but it highlighted the skills and positives of the person. Additional support for writing CV’s is available through the intranet or websites such as: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/cvs/Pages/default.aspx www.careers.dept.shef.ac.uk/cv/cv7.pdf

Don’t Forget… Companies offering work experience often require a CV. The HE & Careers Room has books on CV writing. You can also visit the Week A Tuesday Drop In session, speak to a member of the careers team or chat with your tutor if you need any help.