1. SSPSSR CAREERS SESSION “CVs & Employability Skills” Tim Reed T.M.Reed@kent.ac.ukT.M.Reed@kent.ac.uk Careers Advisory Service www.kent.ac.uk/careers/ www.kent.ac.uk/careers/slides.htm

2. The Careers Advisory Service n Location n Staff n Opening times etc n Services & facilities

3. Specific CAS facilities n computer-aided guidance n quick queries n careers interviews n job vacancy database www.kent.ac.uk/careers/jobs/index.htm n careers library

4. Careers Library n Reception n Reference information n Postgraduate prospectuses n DVDs, CDs, online PCs, free careers literature etc …..

5. And also: n Newspapers n Careers booklets n Alumni careers network n Talks & presentations

6. Careers Presentations www.kent.ac.uk/careers/casevents.htm www.kent.ac.uk/careers/casevents.htm Examples of Careers Talks n Interview Skills n Careers in Politics n Choosing a Career n CV Workshop n Getting a job in the Media n Applying for Teacher Training n Journalism Workshop n T.E.F.L. Presentation n Using languages & Working in Europe n Presentation by Deloitte n Presentations by BUNAC: (i) Work in USA & Canada (ii) Work in Australia & New Zealand n Visit by Army n Presentation by Pearson (summer internships) n Presentation by NHS n Presentation by PwC: Commercial Awareness

7. How to use the CAS Begin by doing some research  Perhaps into yourself (ideas, interests, preferences)  Then into your opportunities (use Directories, vacancy lists)  Use IT: CAS website & PROSPECT PLANNER  Attend talks/workshops/presentations etc  Quick Query at CAS  1:1 careers interview

8. HOW TO WRITE A CV

10. Introduction n What is a CV? n When is it used? n What does it contain? n Who do you send it to? n What about the covering letter?

11. What is a CV? n One of many ways to apply n Your marketing tool n A4 – sized n Flexible & targeted n Stylized: Chronological/Skills-based n Different in other countries http://www.prospects.ac.uk http://www.eurograduate.com/planning.asp

12. When is it used? n As the main tool for on-spec applications n When requested by an employer n In support of other application information n Never without a letter/message n via email as attachment n When your Referee needs more info

13. What does it contain? n Personal details n Academic background n Work Experience n Interests & achievements n Additional information n References

14. Sarah Jane Andrews (5/11/89) 33 Union Street, Manchester, M6 3AE. Tel. 0161 351 4039 Nationality: British Email: S.J.Andrews@hotmail.comMob: 07727374619S.J.Andrews@hotmail.com EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS 2008 - 2011 University of Kent BA (Hons.) Sociology – expected degree class 2:1. Final Year Subjects: Risk & Society, Urban Sociology, Youth & Crime. Project: “Sociological Implications of UK Credit Card Debt". 2006 - 2008 Manchester Community College. A Levels: English B, Sociology B, Economics C. AS Level: Geography D 2001 - 2006 St. John’s Boys School, Manchester. 8 GCSEs (grades A*-C) including English, Maths and French. WORK EXPERIENCE Summer 2010 Tourist Information Office, Canterbury. Helping tourists, working in Bureau de Change, booking theatre and concert tickets. Summer 2009 Canterbury City Council. Accounts Clerk in Treasurer’s office. Dealing with enquiries, using computerised systems. 2008 - present Simple Simon’s Public House, Canterbury. Bar work throughout the year serving food and drinks to customers and cashing up. ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS Secretary of the Sociology Society, involved booking speakers. Organised a charity fun run for Rag Week – raised £175. Enjoy competitive sport and play for the University netball team. Other interests include current affairs and studying the Stock Market. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IT Skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email, WWW etc. Good level of spoken French. Full, clean driving licence. REFERENCES Available on request

15. Sarah Jane Andrews (5/11/89) 33 Union Street, Manchester, M6 3AE. Tel. 0161 351 4039 Nationality: British Email: S.J.Andrews@hotmail.comMob: 07727374619S.J.Andrews@hotmail.com EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS 2008 - 2011 University of Kent BA (Hons) Sociology - expected degree clas 2.1 Final Year Subjects: Risk & Society, Urban Sociology, Youth & Crime Project: “Sociological Implications of UK Credit Card Debt". 2006 - 2008 Manchester Community College. A Levels: English B, Sociology B, Economics C. AS Level: Geography D 2001 - 2006 St. John’s Boys School, Manchester. 8 GCSEs (grades A*-C) including Mathematics, English and French.

16. WORK EXPERIENCE Summer 2010 Tourist Information Office, Canterbury. Helping tourists, working in Bureau de Change, booking theatre and concert tickets. Summer 2009 Canterbury City Council. Accounts Clerk in Treasurer’s office. Dealing with enquiries, using computerised systems. 2008 - present Simple Simon’s Public House, Canterbury. Bar work throughout the year serving food and drinks to customers and cashing up.

17. ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS Secretary of the Sociology Society, involved booking speakers. Organised a charity fun run for Rag Week – raised £175. Enjoy competitive sport and play for the University netball team. Other interests include current affairs and studying the Stock Market. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IT: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email, WWW etc. Good level of spoken French. Full, clean driving licence. REFERENCES Available on request

18. Tailoring your application n Emphasize relevant qualifications n Highlight key text/information n Focus on relevant skills n Research employer requirements and insert key phrases into your application n Cherry pick what you include! For example: n specific course module titles, work experience, voluntary activities, individual achievements, travel, IT skills, languages, sporting honours, positions of responsibility & egs of leadership, teamwork, flexibility, meeting/surpassing targets, communication, taking the initiative, problem-solving etc… n Keep a comprehensive list of all of these!

19. CV styles n Standard/Chronological n Skills-based n Computing/Online n Media n Legal www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/cvexamples.htm

20. Hints on wording n Avoid personal pronouns - No “I’s” n Start with verbs wherever possible n Use short sentences & concise phrases n Focus on accomplishments n Refer to specific projects with quantifiable results n Use personal power words

21. Personal power words created instructed analyzed 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

22. Who do you send it to? n Named company representative n Director/Manager of Personnel n Referees n OTHERS WHO REQUEST IT eg. Recruitment agencies, Postgraduate courses, Sponsorship/Funding bodies

23. Common Mistakes! n Too long n Untargeted n Disorganised n Contains errors/missspellings n Not accomplishments focused n Error examples www.createyourcv.co.uk/CMS/191_CV-Bloopers!.asp www.createyourcv.co.uk/CMS/191_CV-Bloopers!.asp

24. What is a good application? n Well-researched n Targeted n Accurate (content, speling, grammar) n Informative n Interesting n Easy to read n Enthusiastic

25. What about the covering letter? www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/coveringletters.htm www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/coveringletters.htm n One side of good quality A4 paper n Formal/conventional layout n Addressed to a named person n State position applied for & where advertised n Explain why applying n Convince the reader of your interest & suitability (egs!) n Give dates when available/can start n Sign off “Yours sincerely” (if sent to named person)

26. 33 Union Street Manchester M6 3AE 26 th January 2011 Verity Wise Graduate Recruitment Manager Great Big Bank Co. Anywhere Street London SW1 Job Reference Number 12345 (state this if it is mentioned in the advert) Dear Ms. Wise I am writing in response to your advertisement in “Prospects Finalist" for Graduate Trainees and enclose my CV for your consideration. I first became interested in retail banking through talking to a Kent graduate, currently in the second year of your Management Training programme, at the University of Kent Careers Fair. Since then discussion with my careers adviser and with management staff at my local branch has confirmed my decision to aim for a career in this field. Through my degree course I have been able to develop my interest in business, particularly in my final year project on the use of credit cards. While at University, I have also been able to utilise my skills in working with people through a variety of vacation jobs. My work at the Tourist Information Office was valuable in teaching me the importance of ascertaining customers’ needs and providing clear and accurate information. I will be available for interview if required at your convenience. I can be contacted at my home address (above) and look forward to hearing from you. Yours Sincerely Sarah Jane Andrews

27. Further Information n Careers Advisory Service website www.kent.ac.uk/careers/applicn.htm www.kent.ac.uk/careers/applicn.htm n CAS booklet “Making Applications” n AGCAS Booklet n CAS Reference Files (013 series) n Example CVs (013) n Quick Queries at the CAS n Reference Books (eg. CVs for Graduates) n DVDs “Your Job’s online” & “Looking Good on Paper”

28. Employability skills www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/skillsmenu.htm www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/skillsmenu.htm Analytical skills Clear & Logical thinking Communication Gathering, assessing and interpreting information Numerical skills Organising Planning Problem solving Research Team work Working to deadlines

29. Employability skills www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/skillsmenu.htm www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/skillsmenu.htm CAS Moodle Resource www.kent.ac.uk/careers/moodle.htm Employability Points www.kent.ac.uk/employabilitypoints/ Graduate Skills Award www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/skills/programmes/gsalectures.html CAS Employability skills exercise www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/skillstest.html

30. “ANY” DISCIPLINE CAREERS Advertising Armed Forces Arts admin Broadcasting Central & Local Gov’t Computing/IT Finance Fire Service Guidance/Counselling Info Management/Museums Journalism Law Marketing/Sales Management Consultancy NHS Management Personnel Police Production Management Public Relations Publishing Purchasing Retail Self-employment Social Work TEFL Teaching Tourism Transport

31. GRADUATE SALARIES 2010 n Arcadia £17,500 - £23,000 + 25% store discount n AWE (Atomic Weapons Establishment) from £21,500 + final salary pension n Asda £23,000 n Sainsbury’s £23,000 - £25,000 n MI5 £23,500 + benefits - varies by function! n Marks & Spencer £24,000+ n Police (HPDS) £24,675 after initial training n Reckitt Benckiser £26,000 - £28,000 n Unilever £26,500 n Civil Service up to £27,000 n Lloyd’s £28,000 - £31,000 n Mars £29,000 + n Royal Navy £29,006 + £12,000 joining bonus n ExxonMobil £33,000+ n Linklaters £37,400 n Aldi £40,000 - £60,000 (after 3yrs) + fully expensed Audi A4

32. SSPSSR CAREERS SESSION “CVs & Employability Skills” Tim Reed T.M.Reed@kent.ac.ukT.M.Reed@kent.ac.uk Careers Advisory Service www.kent.ac.uk/careers/ www.kent.ac.uk/careers/slides.htm