A Step-by-Step Guide for Students EC2 – Professional Writing Writing a CV: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students
Professionally presented Assessment; CV & Covering Letter Check my website to see the guidebook and this PPT file. www.wiketeacher.pbworks.com - Write a CV 1 side of A4 paper Professionally presented * You don’t have to find a job advertisement Much of the work will be done in class, so to get the most out of these lessons you may want to do some work at home between classes.
Step 1 – Analyze the job description/requirements What education, experience, and skills are being asked for in the following job advert? - Students make a list, in pairs, on a piece of paper
You have to match your skills & competencies with the job requirements Team work Communication skills Language proficiency Customer service skills Organizational Skills - Willingness to work in any one of three locations - Students make a list, in pairs, on a piece of paper
Step 2 - Write the ‘name & contact details’, and the ‘education’ sections of your CV use a slightly larger font size for your name don’t take up too much space SuBin Kim Telephone: 000-4444-9999, Mobile: 010-5555-9999, Email: name@hanmail.com 1271 Sa-3-dong, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 426-791, Korea Education: 2012 – Present Hanyang University Erica Campus, Ansan Majoring in French Did military service from 2013-2014 2010 – 2012 Sang Il High School, Ansan Or use another format MinSu Lee 1271 Sa-3-dong, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 426-791, Korea Telephone: 063-221-7862 Mobile: 010-5543-2222 Email: iamserious@hanmail.com
Step 3 – Decide how to Organize your CV You must choose how to best organize your CV. Ask yourself the following questions, What is most important to emphasize for the job I am applying for? Is it my skills, my education, or my work experience? the chronological CV the skills CV
1271 Sa-3-dong, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 426-791, Korea SuBin Kim Telephone: 000-4444-9999, Mobile: 010-5555-9999, Email: name@hanmail.com 1271 Sa-3-dong, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 426-791, Korea Work Experience Store Assistant, The Student Food Shop, Hanyang University ERICA Campus Involves preparing microwave meals and snacks and responsible for electronic debit machines, financial security procedures, cashing up and closing premises. Also involves completion of stock control inventories, re-ordering, cash accounting, as well as customer service and managing complaints 2013-Present Volunteer Assistant Support Worker, Happy Town Care Home, Ansan Helped senior staff take residents on day trips. Duties included preparing lunch and other necessary supplies, and organizing fun activities and games. Volunteer Mentor to International Students, Hanyang University ERICA Campus Assisted international students in adjusting to life in Korea. Gave presentations on Korean customs, and assisted students with administration requirements, such as completing visa documents and health forms. In addition, planned several activities and cultural events. Education 2012 - Present Hanyang University Erica Campus, Ansan Majoring in French 2009 – 2012 KyungAn High School, Ansan Skills and Achievements Communication Able to communicate complex information to individuals and groups, make presentations and respond to questions in both educational and workplace settings. Skills developed in degree program and during work experience as assistant support worker and student mentor. Teamwork Co‐managed a campus-wide 5-a-side soccer tournament. Have also worked on numerous team projects at university, including group presentations, written reports, and student led-seminars. Leadership As chairman of university soccer club was responsible for recruiting new members, and delegating tasks. Other Competencies Excellent conversational and written English and Chinese. Attained a score of 800 on the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). Hold a European Computer Driving License (ECDL). The chronological CV Work experience 1st Most recent job first Bullet points indicating what the jobs involved Use this style if you have lots of relevant work experience
1271 Sa-3-dong, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 426-791, Korea MinSu Lee 1271 Sa-3-dong, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 426-791, Korea Telephone: 063-221-7862 Mobile: 010-5543-2222 Email: iamserious@hanmail.com Motivated student with strong teamwork skills and experience of working at exhibitions. Creative thinker, able to suggest innovative methods and lead by example. Looking for a position in management. Education: 2012 – Present Hanyang University Erica Campus, Ansan Majoring in French Did military service from 2013-2015 Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Hanyang University APEX English Camp Successfully completed four week intensive English Winter camp, winning individual speech contest. Strong presentation skills, demonstrated by experience of delivering presentations in English. Wrote formal business correspondence, including e-mails, and letters on business English course. Managed time, and prioritized work on daily basis in order to cope with demands of completing homework and meeting deadlines. 2010 – 2012 Sang Il High School, Ansan Skills and achievements: Leadership: As student dormitory leader at high school, supervised students and took part in principal-teacher conferences. As captain of local tennis club, responsible for general management and administration of members, and organization of competitions and community events. Communication: Able to communicate with individuals and groups, demonstrated in team projects at university and undertaking certificate in counseling. Strong customer service skills, acquired working and greeting visitors at academic conferences. As member of high school debate team developed strong negotiation and persuasion skills. Teamwork: Worked successfully with twenty classmates to make a coil gun for school festival. As leader, was responsible for decision making and delegating tasks. At high school, collaborated with classmates to produce a weekly science report. Work Experience: April –Dec 2012 Sa Dong Kindergarten, Ansan Worked as volunteer teaching assistant teaching science to kindergarten students. The skills CV emphasize skills & accomplishments match skills & accomplishments to job requirements Use this style if you have little work experience you should include work experience (if you have some), just in less detail
Skills CV – But I haven’t done anything? Examples of Skills * Leadership * Communication verbal listening written * Organizational * Teamwork Computer programming Web Development Administration… Yes you have, dig deep & think about your: - volunteer work university club/experiences internships part-time jobs other clubs (e.g. tennis club captain) military service (e.g. squad leader) high school even
E.g. communication skills Able to communicate with individuals and groups, demonstrated in team projects at university and undertaking certificate in counseling. Strong customer service skills, acquired working and greeting visitors at academic conferences as a volunteer. As member of high school debate team developed strong negotiation and persuasion skills. Able to listen and follow instructions correctly, as demonstrated working as a volunteer at 2013 Ansan street festival. Worked part-time at COEX department store at customer information desk, giving directions and explaining to the general public how to use store’s various services.
Step 4 – Start Writing Don’t think too much about formatting at this stage. We’ll do that later. However, a couple of pointers: write in concise statements have wide margins you may want to use bullet points ** NEXT SLIDES giving evidence, using actions verbs, ellipsis, hobbies & interests
Giving evidence of Skills, competencies, achievements, and experiences
✕ ‘I am good at persuading other people.’ Giving evidence of Skills, competencies, achievements, and experiences ✕ ‘I am good at persuading other people.’ ✓ ‘Able to persuade others to change point of view as demonstrated winning a University team debating competition.’ ✕ ‘I have strong leadership skills.’ ✓ ‘Organized group tours of school campus for middle school students and selected and delegated roles to fellow students.’
Using Action Verbs (see guidebook) Action verbs give your resume power and direction. Skill statements with action verbs help demonstrate to the potential employer the responsibilities and initiatives you undertook on prior jobs or related experiences. Communication: Addressed, clarified, conferred, drafted, explained, formulated, motivated, negotiated, persuaded, presented, promoted, translated, wrote Helping: Advised, arranged, coached, counseled, diagnosed, facilitated, instructed, oriented, represented Creative: Conceptualized, created, designed, fashioned, illustrated, initiated, invented, originated, performed
✕ I worked as a part-time cashier. Ellipsis You can omit: the pronoun ‘I’, auxiliary verbs (am/was), the possessive ‘my’. and often, articles (a, an, the) ✕ I worked as a part-time cashier. ✓ Worked as part-time cashier.
Should I include interests on my CV? It’s up to you. But only if you think they will help you get the job. Avoid clichés. Interests Music, reading, exercising, and socializing. What about these? - Fashion and beauty blogging Writing online movie reviews Coding and programming Robotic engineering Keep the job requirements in mind!
1271 Sa-3-dong, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 426-791, Korea Should I include profile? Again, it’s up to you. SuBin Kim Telephone: 000-4444-9999, Mobile: 010-5555-9999, Email: name@hanmail.com 1271 Sa-3-dong, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 426-791, Korea Motivated student with strong teamwork skills and experience of working at exhibitions. Creative thinker, able to suggest innovative methods and lead by example. Education: 2012 – Present Hanyang University Erica Campus, Ansan Majoring in French Did military service from 2013-2015 2010 – 2012 Sang Il High School, Ansan
Should I include a personal profile? If you do, here are some buzzwords you may want to mention: Personal Qualities self-motivated, creative, adaptable, an eye for detail, innovative, results-oriented, dynamic, team player, problem solver Skills management skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, design skills Experience Experience in… Example Profile I am an energetic, ambitious student who has developed a mature and responsible approach to any task that I undertake, or situation that I am presented with. I am excellent in working with others to achieve a certain objective on time with excellence. * A personal statement must be short and succinct (to the point)
Your CV must be flawless! Step 5 – Edit your CV 1st – Check the editing tips page in the guidebook. 2nd - Check for mistakes. 3rd – Get a friend/classmate to check it for you. Your CV must be flawless! Give students activities to do.