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

2. 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

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

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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.

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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