1. E FFECTIVE CV S

2. S ESSION COVERS Main components of a graduate CV Compare a selection of real CVs Judge the pros/cons of these CVs Application of the above to creating or updating your own CV

3. W HAT IS A CV? It’s your advertisement !

4. W HAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A CV? To get you an interview

5. CV C ONTENT What information would you include in your CV?

6. CV C ONTENT CV Personal Details Profile Education & Qualifications Work Experience Achievements & Interests Additional Skills References

7. P ERSONAL D ETAILS David Smith 1b Gateway Street Leicester LE1 2BB 0116 123456 07779 123456 dsmith@dmu.ac.uk Make sure your email address is professional ! No SuZy_babe@ or hunkyLAD@ or Yerbut_nobut_yerbutno@

8. P ERSONAL P ROFILE Tell them concisely 1)Who you are 2)The relevant experience you have 3)Your career aims

9. P ERSONAL PROFILE EXAMPLE A motivated business studies graduate with experience of working in an office environment seeks a career as an administrator.

10. E DUCATION & Q UALIFICATIONS 2006-2009De Montfort University, Leicester BA (Hons) Business and Finance (2:2) Include relevant modules Dissertation or major project details 2002-2006Tonbridge School, Kent A levels: Business Studies B, Economics C, English D GCSEs: 8 at grades A-C including English and Maths

11. A LL EXPERIENCE COUNTS WHETHER IT IS PAID, VOLUNTARY OR WORK SHADOWING Relevant Work placement in Office Environment Part-time data entry job Treasurer for University Society Voluntary work answering phone for local charity helpline Other Part-time job at McDonalds Saturday job at Asda Student Ambassador at University Activity Leader Summer Play Scheme Experience

12. E XPERIENCE List in reverse date order Put your job titles in bold List your responsibilities and achievements in each role Use words relevant to the job you are applying for Start each bullet point with a Power Word

13. P OWER WORDS Create a positive impression when describing your experiences by using action words that emphasise your skills such as: achievedorganised communicatedpresented developedsupervised improvedresearched

14. A CHIEVEMENTS / INTERESTS Show that you are motivated to pursue other activities Focus on recent achievements What were your contributions? What skills did you develop?

15. A DDITIONAL SKILLS Briefly list skills such as Language abilities Computer and keyboard skills Driving Licence

16. R EFERENCES Two referees, one academic and one work-related, or a character referee if allowed. Give their phone number and email along with their title and full contact address. Always ask for their permission first and remember to keep them informed of your career aspirations and achievements to date.

17. R EFERENCES CONTINUED If a reference from your immediate manager is not possible, consider using someone else in the company. If using an international referee, it’s a good idea to confirm with them that they can provide a fax or email in English. If you’re running out of space, and referees’ details are not explicitly requested, it’s acceptable to state ‘References available upon request’.

18. G ROUP TASK : In groups please: Compare the example CVs. Based on their CV, which candidates would you shortlist for interview and why?

19. CV P RESENTATION 2 sheets of A4 Good quality paper Arial font size 11 or 12 Use headings Bullet points Short sentences Selective use of BOLD for emphasis CV

20. D ON ’ T Make spelling mistakes Write curriculum vitae at the top include your date of birth include marital status or religion CV

21. C OVERING L ETTERS / EMAILS - P URPOSE To introduce yourself To display motivation and relevant skills

22. C OVERING LETTERS - C ONTENT Usually has 4 paragraphs 1.The Opening Introduce yourself Tell them which job you are applying for and Where you saw the advert That you have attached your CV for their reference

23. C OVERING LETTERS - C ONTENT 2. Why them? Explain why you are interested in this job Explain why you are interested in their organisation or company Research the company!

24. C OVERING LETTERS - C ONTENT 3. Why you? Explain how your …. knowledge skills and experience match their requirements You will find what they are looking for in their job advert, job description and person specification

25. C OVERING LETTERS - C ONTENT 4. The ending Explain when you are available for interview Thank them for considering your application Please remember If you begin your letter with Dear (Name) end with Yours sincerely Dear Sir/Madam end with Yours faithfully

26. S UMMARY Understand what the employer wants Excellent overall presentation Tailor each CV, Personal Statement and Cover Letter to the job This is their first impression of you so make it count!

27. E FFECTIVE CV S How will you apply what you have learned to your own CV from now on?

28. O NLINE R ESOURCES Careers Success Toolkit http://dmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate- study/employability-and-careers/advice- support-and-guidance.aspx www.prospects.ac.uk http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm