AKA The 30-second sell Steve Whittington, SchoolJobs CV writing

Objective This session aims to: Demonstrate the importance of the CV within the context of the application process Provide you with the tools to develop an effective CV that reflects your personal experience, knowledge and skills Avoid disasters like this...

Dispelling some job application myths True or false? 1.The school may receive over 50 applications for a single vacancy. TRUE! Last week I received 167 applications for an advertised role.

Dispelling some job application myths True or false? 2.The employer reads the cover letter before reading the CV. FALSE ! Imagine you are shortlisting for a position. You receive 50 applications. What is the most efficient way of selecting candidates?

Dispelling some job application myths True or false? 3.It is possible to make an employment decision in less than 30 seconds. TRUE! I will prove it!

Dispelling some job application myths True or false? 4.Content is more important than presentation. FALSE! They are equally important. Consider the last time you were marking student work. See example.

Dispelling some job application myths True or false? 5.Each application receives an equal amount of consideration. FALSE! Some are quickly rejected, others pondered over. Sometimes, early applications receive more attention.

Dispelling some job application myths True or false? 6.Principals are rational, unbiased, unemotional, 100% reliable professionals who are never tired or stressed. LOL! As if….!

How is this picture relevant to this session?

‘Selling’ your ‘magazine’ The 1 st page of your CV is PRIME REAL ESTATE Your USP is like a Nobel Prize winner on the cover of Time magazine. Don’t waste it! Do you know what your USP is?

Knowing your brand Lifestyle Imagination Liberty regained Innovation Simplicity Hopes, dreams and aspirations Passion

Knowing your brand AppleMicrosoft

Knowing your brand Coca-ColaPepsi

Knowing your brand QantasVirgin

Knowing your brand CollingwoodHawthorn

What are you known for? Academic Caring Organised Leadership potential Sporty Patient Hard-working Relate well to students

Your brand Write down (BFF p.4) 3 – 5 bullet points that accurately describe your ‘brand identity’: e.g. Enthusiastic and outgoing Comprehensive subject knowledge Relate well to my students Strong community values

What does a great CV look like? Answer: How do you like your coffee? i.e. A CV is a very personal document that reflects your individual strengths & values. Know your strengths and lead with them: Highly qualified? Experienced? Sporty? Passionate about curriculum? Then say so! Blow your own trumpet funky horn! Banish bashfulness. Kill or be killed (bit dramatic!).

CV ‘modules’ Personal statement Qualifications Key skills and achievements Employment history Professional development and memberships Activities and interests Referees See template on BFF pp.12-13

Which module goes where? That depends on your brand! Academic? Emphasise your qualifications. Career change? Emphasise your experience. High achiever? Emphasise your achievements. Not sure what your brand is? Ask those who know you best and whose opinion you value.

CV style guide Personal statement – Strong personal voice; use I and me; convey passion and enthusiasm Key achievements – Dynamic language; past tense; omit 1 st person; convey objective voice; increase credibility, decrease risk Key skills/qualities/competencies – Dynamic; objective; use strong adjectives to emphasise nouns (e.g. extensive experience in, collaborative leadership style etc.)

Using dynamic language Which sounds more impressive? I was involved in administering NAPLAN Or Coordinated the school’s NAPLAN procedures and liaised with colleagues to ensure efficient and timely reporting Now write three of your own dynamic achievement statements.

Your CV: The basics DoDon’tDepends Keep to 2 – 4 pages Put Résumé or CV at the top Use minimal colour Give your file a suitable name Put your photo Hyperlink to portfolio page Keep it ‘clean’: Balance of white & black Use fancy fonts and graphics Link with social mediasocial media Keep formatting consistent: Bullets, fonts, tables and tabs Send in multiple copies or hard copies

Choosing referees Professional – Your current Principal or Deputy Principal – Placement mentor/supervising teacher – University lecturer Personal – Seldom required – Possibly a parent or member of school community Check with them first! Choose wisely and confirm contact details

Conclusions Quality overrides quantity Applying for jobs is an exercise in selling – Know what you are selling – Articulate it concisely – Don’t sell yourself short – Ensure what you are selling is what people want Don’t be afraid to solicit feedback on your application If in doubt, seek advice

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