2. Caroline Matthews Career Advisor 042 93 95889.t 087 225 1545.m carolinematthews@optimumcareer.ie.e www.optimumcareer.ie.w

3. All available for download at www.optimumcareer.ie

5. Boom! I have arrived! The unfortunate stark reality is that nowadays Job Seekers need to sell themselves to an employer. Your CV must now become your Sales Brochure.

6. You need me! SELLING YOURSELF Jobseekers need to change their focus when thinking about their CV. If you are thinking “story of my life” you are in trouble. Start thinking “sales”, “sales brochure” and “customer”. When you make this transformation you will transform your results.

7. I’m one in a million! Your Unique Selling Point (USP) Whatever job you are in and whatever job you want, it is crucial to identify and highlight your own personal USP (Unque Selling Point).

8. Just hire me! A snapshot from my own cv Strong Communication Skills: Verbal and written developed through all work experience, in particular through Careers Advisory role where open clear and approachable communication style is key. Proven ability to confidently present workshops to students on a weekly basis on various topics. Previous experience presenting to Corporate Clients

10. FONT Arial Times New Roman Verdana

11. SUBHEADINGS 1.Name /Contact Details/ LinkedIn Address 2.Personal Statement / Career Aim (optional) 3.Education & Qualifications 4.Work Experience / Career History / Employment History 5.Key Skills / Other Skills / Additional Information (optional) 6.Professional Training / Professional Development (optional) 7.Interests / Activities / Positions of Responsibility 8.References / Referees

12. CV LENGTH

13. MORE TIPS Consistency The style and format of your CV should remain the same throughout. This includes font used, heading size and arrangement of text. When using tabs, keep the positioning of these uniform throughout. Use bullet points Recruiters will have hundreds of CVs to look through and they don’t have time to search for information in long paragraphs and blocks of text. You want your CV to be scannable so the main points can be identified quickly. Using bullet points in your CV will help you to write concise sentences and will focus the readers attention. Use good quality, white paper If you are sending your CV by post, ensure that you use good quality, white paper. Unless you are applying for a design job – there is no need to print your CV on coloured paper.

26. 1. Never Lie

27. 2. Don’t be too wordy (or longwinded)

28. 3. Don’t use jargon or abbreviations

29. 4. Don’t include a photo unless asked

30. 5. Don’t mix your tenses

31. 6. Avoid writing In the first person

32. 7. Don’t include date of birth, marital status or health status

34. WRITING A COVER LETTER Writing a cover letter often seems like a particularly daunting task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing letters to send with your CV. A cover letter typically accompanies each CV you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your CV ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective and RELEVANT cover letters.

35. 1. Application Letter 2. Prospecting Letter 3. Networking Letter

36. DO NOT DESIGN A GENERIC COVER LETTER AND SEND IT TO EVERY POTENTAIL EMPLOYER!

37. GUIDE TO WRITING AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER 1 st Paragraph: Clearly communicate the reason why you are writing, the position for which you are applying and explain how you heard of the opportunity 2 nd Paragraph: State why you are interested in working for this company (demonstrate that you have done your research) and specify your interest in this type of work. If you have had experience, point out what particular achievements you have accomplished. 3 rd Paragraph: Describe your major strengths as they relate to the position you are seeking. The idea is to create interest and show how your skills and qualifications can be of value to the reader – to make them want to know more. 4 th Paragraph: Express enthusiasm and ask for an interview

39. Competition is rife

40. Selling your skills

41. CV structure & strategy

42. Getting through the short-listing process

43. Fact versus Fiction

44. Job hunting success

45. Caroline Matthews Career Advisor 042 93 95889.t 087 225 1545.m carolinematthews@optimumcareer.ie.e www.optimumcareer.ie.w

46. THANK YOU Questions?