1. SECL: CVs and Applications Mock Job Event
Employability Adviser
Nicola Urquhart
SECL: CVs and Applications
Mock Job Event

2. Introduction What is employability? Common mistakes found in CVs
How to write a successful CV and covering letter
Points to help your application
Where you can access further help
Questions

3. What is Employability?
‘A set of attributes, skills and knowledge that all labour market participants should possess to ensure they have the capability of being effective in the workplace – to the benefit of themselves, their employer and the wider economy.’ (CBI, March 2009)

4. Why are employability skills so important?
Increased competition – over 400,000 graduates leaving university each year.
‘Our latest UK recruitment campaign closed having attracted c The bank will offer c.475 places in 2012.’ HSBC newsletter April 2012

5. What employers say…
"Few students are able to articulate what they have gained from their experience in higher education." (Association of Graduate Recruiters, 1995)
Nic

6. Research by forum3 found:
Average graduate will send out 70 CVs when looking for their first graduate job. The average number of responses is 7 including 4 rejections and the remainder inviting the graduate to interview or further contact.
The more CVs you send out the more interviews you will get but avoid a scattergun approach.

7. What is the purpose of a CV?
To inform the employer about your education, work experience, skills and interests
To show how you meet the criteria so the employer can not deselect you
To ‘sell’ your qualities and to persuade the employer to invite you to interview

8. When should a CV be used?
When an employer asks for an application in that format
When an employer states ‘apply to…’ without specifying the format
When making speculative applications
What is a speculative application?
Writing to an employer who has not actually advertised a vacancy but who you hope may have one

9. Where can it go wrong… Too long Untargeted Confusing layout
Process focused resulting in a ‘passive’ CV
Incorrect grammar
Incorrect spelling

10. Where can it go wrong … Out of date contact details
4/6/2017
Where can it go wrong …
Out of date contact details
Wrong application method
No covering letter
Application never reaches intended destination
Application arrives late

11. Why you need to use a spell checker
I am a prefectionist and rarely if if ever forget details.
Proven ability to track down and correct erors.
I have good writen comunication skills.
Develop an annual operating expense fudget…

12. And why you must read it carefully as well
Extra Circular Activities
At secondary school I was a prefix
Over summer I worked for an examinations bored. (Kent BA English graduate!)
I hope to hear from you shorty
I am a conscious individual.
I have a desire to work with commuters
Dear Madman (instead of Madam)
My hobbits include - instead of 'hobbies'

13. Choose a sensible email address for your CV:
Google yourself what impression are you giving employers! Facebook etc

14. What makes an effective CV and covering letter
Right format
Well presented
Proof read/consistent tenses
You have included all the necessary information
Your skills and abilities are clearly evidenced
Conveyed your understanding and enthusiasm for the job
Targeted it to the job

15. What does it need to contain?
Personal details
Education and qualifications
Work experience
Skills
Interests and additional information
References

16. Different types Reverse Chronological (p.12)
outline your career history in date order, normally beginning with the most recent items. The "conventional" approach and the easiest to prepare.
Skills-based (p.14)
highly-focused CVs which relate your skills and abilities to a specific job.
work well for mature applicants and for those whose qualifications and work experience are not directly relevant to their application.

17. Chronological In date order (starting with the most recent first) e.g.
EMPLOYMENT
April – December 2011: Venture – Editing Assistant
Working with Photoshop, I have learnt various editing styles. I have gained customer service experience and understand the importance of listening to what customers want in order to achieve high sales.
February 2009 – March 2010: Topshop – Retail Assistant
My interest in fashion enabled me to help customers and to suggest styles that might suit them. I helped to design the layout of the stock in the store, with an aim to increase our revenue by positioning various items in ‘eye-catching’ places.

18. Skills Based Focusing on skills e.g. SKILLS
Attention to detail – as an Editing Assistant at Venture, I needed to prove that I could spot any mistakes or flaws in the photographs, as well as being attentive to the requests of the customers
Computer skills – I regularly used Photoshop during my time at Venture. I am also a competent user of Microsoft Office, which I proved throughout my time as a Retail Assistant at Topshop, where I was often required to produce reports on our sales
Customer service – in all of my roles, customer service has been of key importance. I have experience of dealing with difficult customers, and try to ensure that every customer is satisfied with the service they have received.

19. However don’t be constrained by headings.
Scholarships/Awards
Voluntary work
Relevant experience
Positions of responsibility
Publication/Presentations
Conferences attended
Research skills
Additional skills
Languages

20. PRESENTATION OF YOUR CV (p.10)
The first visual impression your CV makes is important
Formatting – make sure it’s consistent
Size font (depending on font style)
Clear font e.g. Arial, Calibri
Use plain white or pale A4 size paper
Check spelling.
Use bold type and bullet points, but in moderation
Do not double side.

21. Personal Details
Name (as a heading rather than ‘CV’)
Website/online portfolio/CV
Address (term-time and home)
Telephone number
address
Make sure this is a professional address
The following are not requirements, but if you wish, you can include: Nationality, Sex ,Date of birth

22. Hints on wording Avoid personal pronouns - No “I’s”
Avoid producing a passive CV
Start with verbs wherever possible
Use short sentences & concise phrases
Focus on accomplishments
Refer to specific projects with quantifiable results

23. Make use of Action Verbs
4/6/2017
4/6/2017
Make use of Action Verbs
created instructed analysed produced
negotiated designed calculated maintained
administered controlled reviewed observed
consolidated delivered founded increased
studied invented supplied detected
programmed recommended distributed
developed solved prepared installed selected
arranged formulated solved started 23

24. Education and Qualifications
Start with the most recent
Don’t forget your current study
Mention relevant modules
Projects or dissertation
You might like to mention top marks
You don’t have to put your grades on if you weren’t happy with them
Primary school not needed

25. Work Experience
There is no need to list every job you’ve ever had – detail the most relevant
Don’t just list your duties – sell your skills. Which skills are relevant to the position/company you are applying to?
Dates, name of company, position and skills:

26. Either include a skills section or make sure your skills are evidenced throughout your application.
Verbal communication
Teamwork
Commercial awareness
Analysing and investigating
Initiative and self motivation
Drive
Written communication
Planning and organising
Flexibility
Time management .

27. Additional Information
Choose interests and activities which can demonstrate skills relevant to the job such as:
Teamwork
Organising
Commitment
Your intellectual ability
Your personality
IF YOU HAVE LANGUAGE SKILLS PUT THIS ON YOUR CV!

28. References Ideally, one academic and your manager
Ask permission from your reference and let them know what position(s) you’ve applied for
Use relevant references if possible
You can say ‘references available on request’ rather than including contact details if you wish

29. There are two types of covering letters:
Never send a ‘naked’ CV
There are two types of covering letters:
Speculative
Letter of application

30. What about the covering letter? (P.24)
4/6/2017
4/6/2017
What about the covering letter? (P.24)
One side of good quality A4 paper
Formal/conventional layout
Addressed to a named person
State position applied for & where advertised
Explain why applying
Convince the reader of your interest & suitability
Give dates when available/can start
Sign off “Yours sincerely” (if sent to named person) 30

31. Accompanying letter Should be three short paragraphs
Opening paragraph – why you are writing
Paragraph 2 – show knowledge of employer, highlight your skills
Paragraph 3 – Refer to your CV and availability

32. Matching up your CV with the position/company
It is not ‘one size fits all’, you need to tailor your CV to each position you apply for.
Research the organisation. Do they have a mission statement or core values? What will they be looking for in you? Who works there at the moment? What are they passionate about?
If you know someone at the company, ask them for advice.
You have a chance to show evidence of how your values match those of the company.

33. You need to tailor your CV EVERY time
CVs are normally targeted on a particular job
What tasks would the daily routine involve?
What skills would the job call for?
What type of personality would suit the job?

34. Mock Job Read CAREFULLY over all information.
Highlight key points and messages
Read the key accountabilities and responsibilities – highlight key themes.
Pay particular attention to the ‘Person Specification’
Firstly look at the ‘essential’ criteria – how can you demonstrate you meet this criteria
Then look at the ‘desirable’ criteria and consider how you can demonstrate this.
Use the follow up links provided
Find out what is happening in the sector.

35. What are the key words in this advert.
Communication Languages Income Increasing applications Student experience Admissions Co-ordinating Website Events Monitoring Social media Managing relationships

36. Person specification – Possible evidence.
Excellent IT and numeracy skills
Experience of dealing with social networking sites
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to relate students, academics and support staff at all levels.
Ability to assess outcomes of work and constantly review processes to improve them
Enthusiastic and self motivated with a positive attitude
Flexibility and the ability to respond positively to changing priorities in the workplace.
A good team worker who is able to work across all areas of the School and form good working relationships at all levels.

37. Do some additional research
I want to work in ...
What can I do with a...
Employability Skills
Applications and Interviews
Example CVs
CV Checklist
Careers Employability Award on moodle

38. Joining it all together.
What the employer wants
What is my evidence
Qualifications
Requested Skills
Interpersonal skills
Organisational skills
Customer service skills
Team working skills
Certificates
Jobs/internships/ work experience, travel, academic experience, voluntary work, clubs and societies, projects, essays, committee work etc

39. Social Media tools can help you develop and showcase your employability skills.
LinkedIn
Business and customer awareness, self motivation
Twitter
Communication, capacity to develop
Blogging
Communication, drive and resilience, positive attitude, ability to work independently.

40. What is a good application?
Targeted
Accurate
Interesting
Enthusiastic
Easy to read
Good Layout
Proof read

41. Further Information CES booklet “Making Applications”
Come along to Careers and Employability Service on 24th and 25th May between 2pm and 5pm- Bring your CV with you.
Use CES Drop In sessions for quick query
Speak to me after this session

42. Questions

44. The University of Kent Careers and Employability Service
You can download a copy of this presentation at