EFFECTIVE CVS
SESSION COVERS
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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
WHAT IS A CV?
It’s your advertisement !
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A CV?
To get you an interview
CV CONTENT
What information would you include
in your CV?
CV CONTENT
Personal
Details
References
Profile
CV
Additional
Skills
Education
&
Qualifications
Achievements
Work
&
Experience
Interests
PERSONAL DETAILS
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@
PERSONAL PROFILE
Tell them concisely
1) Who you are
2) The relevant experience you have
3) Your career aims
PERSONAL PROFILE EXAMPLE
A motivated business studies
graduate with experience of
working in an office
environment seeks a career as
an administrator.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
2006-2009
De Montfort University, Leicester
BA (Hons) Business and Finance (2:2)
Include relevant modules
Dissertation or major project details
2002-2006
Tonbridge School, Kent
A levels: Business Studies B, Economics C, English D
GCSEs: 8 at grades A-C including English and Maths
Experience
ALL EXPERIENCE COUNTS WHETHER IT IS PAID,
VOLUNTARY OR WORK SHADOWING
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Relevant
Work placement in
Office Environment
Part-time data entry job
Treasurer for University
Society
Voluntary work
answering phone for
local charity helpline
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Other
Part-time job at
McDonalds
Saturday job at Asda
Student Ambassador at
University
Activity Leader Summer
Play Scheme
EXPERIENCE
• 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
POWER WORDS
Create a positive impression when
describing your experiences by using
action words that emphasise your skills
such as:
achieved
organised
communicated
presented
developed
supervised
improved
researched
ACHIEVEMENTS/INTERESTS
• Show that you are
motivated to pursue
other activities
• Focus on recent
achievements
• What were your
contributions?
• What skills did you
develop?
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Briefly list skills such as
• Language abilities
• Computer and
keyboard skills
• Driving Licence
REFERENCES
• 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.
REFERENCES 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’.
GROUP TASK:
In groups please:
• Compare the example CVs.
Based on their CV, which candidates would
you shortlist for interview and why?
CV PRESENTATION
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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
DON’T
• Make spelling mistakes
• Write curriculum vitae at
the top
• include your date of
birth
• include marital status or
religion
COVERING LETTERS/EMAILS
- PURPOSE
• To introduce yourself
• To display motivation and relevant
skills
COVERING LETTERS
- CONTENT
Usually has 4 paragraphs
1. The Opening
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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
COVERING LETTERS
- CONTENT
2. Why them?
• Explain why you are interested in this job
• Explain why you are interested in their
organisation or company
Research the company!
COVERING LETTERS
- CONTENT
3. Why you?
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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
COVERING LETTERS
- CONTENT
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
SUMMARY
• 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!
EFFECTIVE CVS
How will you apply what you have
learned to your own CV from
now on?
ONLINE RESOURCES
• Careers Success Toolkit
http://dmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduatestudy/employability-and-careers/advicesupport-and-guidance.aspx
• www.prospects.ac.uk
• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm