How to write
an outstanding CV
Computer Science Year 2 Students
Employability Lecture
Carolyn Parry
CS Link Careers Adviser and Acting Deputy Director
cep@aber.ac.uk
01970 622378
About me
• Languages graduate (London)
• Employed in property, international publishing &
software industries
• Communications Manager in large Stock Exchange
listed PLC
• Small business owner (magazine publishing)
• Sales and Marketing specialist
• At Aber since 2001: (www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparry)
- Also Link Adviser to English, SMB & European Languages
- Disability Officer and an AU Equality Champion
- Master practitioner of NLP and careers coach
- ACE (Aber Champion of Enterprise)
- Certified Belbin Assessor
About this session
It will help you to think like a recruiter so you know:
• how to structure your CV
• what to put in it
• how to write it
• so you get shortlisted and invited to interview!
Remember it’s a game …
… so learn and follow the rules!
Association of Graduate Recruiters
(AGR)
“Final year students should be aware that nearly half of
recruiters expect to face difficulties in fulfilling recruitment
objectives – with the largest factor being a lack of applicants
with the right skills. Employers are likely to be looking to
graduates who can demonstrate softer skills such as teamwork, cultural awareness, leadership and communication
skills, as well as academic achievement.”
What recruiters look for
What
you
know
What you can do
Skills/potential
What you are like
Personality, values & drives
eSkills – the sector skills council
for ICT and Business
“The demand for technical skills remains high, but graduates are
increasingly required to be customer facing. Importantly, there is a need to
enhance graduate abilities to deploy skills in a business context and to further
develop their interpersonal skills for communicating with teams, clients and
sub-contractors. The trends and implications of off-shoring means that skills
required by employers are shifting, further emphasising the need for
graduates to be rounded in terms of their technical, business and
interpersonal abilities.”
Source: Researching Graduate Employment in IT eSkills 2009
How recruiters recruit
• Write job advertisement
(Q: What personal qualities, knowledge/understanding and
skills do I need for this role?)
• Appoint interview dates (and panel if appropriate)
• Place in press/online (possibly via HR)
(Q: Where is the best place to find good applicants?)
• Review CV and covering letter
• Application form
(very common for grad. training schemes)
• Select best applicants based on paper profile (use scoring?)
(Q: Who best fits our needs?)
(NB: Possibly also use online tests to select)
Imagine you’re the recruiter
Q: You are the Project Manager of a 50 man software team and need a
new software engineer quickly. You advertised the post in Computer
Weekly and with Reed.co.uk and there are now 120 graduate CVs in
a pile on your desk.
Your time is short and you have an important meeting with your
client to sort out a major problem in a hour.
HR have been on the phone again, wanting to know who you want
to interview for the post.
How do you deal with this?
CV selection
• Decide which CVs merit detailed reading
(based on a first sift by splitting CVs into “yes”,
“maybe”, and “no” piles)
• To do this they:
– scan read (like you read newspapers and magazines)
– look for key words and relevance
– are (unconsciously) influenced by layout
– get irritated/frustrated by poor applications
– remember applicant stories not names!
– look for best match possible!
Recruiters
In the first pass, how long do you spend
looking at a CV?
Seconds
Recruiters
In the first pass, how long do you spend
looking at a CV?
Seconds
Recruiters
Where do you source your
candidates from?*
Sources
*Source: The Ladders Q3 2011 survey
% yes?
% no?
% sometimes?
ie 81.2% = Yes/sometimes!
% yes?
% no?
% sometimes?
!!!!
Most common mistakes
Scoring applications
• Use of a recruitment matrix
• Each element of the person specification is scored by each
member of the panel (or by HR)
• There may be a first sift for compliance and suitability
before detailed scoring
• Beware some recruiters use software which scores
applications based on key word usage
Recruiter drivers
• Factor CV/form (paper not the person) in or factor out
• Minimize risk of recruiting wrong person
(costs time, money, and stress, sometimes worse than not
recruiting!)
• Find “best fit” candidate to get high ROI (industry)
(return on investment = (cost of recruit + salary + overhead
costs over employment period) - your contribution)
• Demonstrate appropriate selection/use of public funds
• ie: match paper profile to their mental picture or
written profile of ideal candidate.
• Same goals, different selection approaches
Whichever job you want,
remember...
• Understand why you want it and what you can do!
• Demonstrate why you want it and what you can do!
• The answers you need to put together a good
application are in the question!
• Study the job ad or person specification and the
company website for clues
Then, make two lists...
Their Requirements (competencies)
•Personal qualities
-1
-2
-3
•Skills
-A
-B
-C
-D
-E
•Knowledge
-a
-b
-c etc
•Experience
•etc
E Skills examples
(Your best proof for each skill
needed)
A1
A2
A3
B1
B2
B3
C1
C2 etc
Remember –
use their language and key words
Structure
• Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone)
• Focussed profile or career objective
(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed)
• Achievements and skills - match to role
• Education and qualifications
• Employment experience, split into relevant and other if
appropriate to suit role
•
Interests
•
Referees
*professional version please!
Structure
• Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone)
• Focussed profile or career objective
(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed)
• Achievements and skills - match to role
• Education and qualifications
• Employment experience, split into relevant and other if
appropriate to suit role
•
Interests
•
Referees
*professional version please!
Example
PERSONAL PROFILE
An enthusiastic Geography finalist with understanding of ecological
management issues in addition to practical habitat restoration
experience. Now looking to build on recent work with national and
regional environmental organisations and to use well developed
analytical and interpersonal skills in a visitor-focused conservation
environment.
Structure
• Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone)
• Focussed profile or career objective
(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed)
• Achievements and skills - match to role
• Education and qualifications
• Employment experience, split into relevant and other if
appropriate to suit role
•
Interests
•
Referees
*professional version please!
Achievements and skills!
• Give strong evidence for every essential criterion in the person
specification/job advertisement.
• Do this by asking yourself
- What are my best 3 examples of [skill/knowledge needed etc]?)
• Use real situations, be truthful, be specific enough to build a
picture!
“Past performance really is the best indicator of future behaviour.
That’s what CVs and applications are all about really.”
Nigel Llewellyn
Deloitte and Touche
Help with competencies
See
• Subject benchmark statement for Computer Science
• www.prospects.ac.uk/options_computer_science_it_your_
skills.htm
• www.aber.ac.uk/careers/subjectdo
• www.aber.ac.uk/careers/whatempswant
• Behavioural Competencies Dictionary
... to get you thinking about your abilities
and how to write about them
Structure
• Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone)
• Focussed profile or career objective
(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed)
• Achievements and skills - match to role
• Education and qualifications
• Employment experience, split into relevant and other if
appropriate to suit role
•
Interests
•
Referees
*professional version please!
Structure
• Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone)
• Focussed profile or career objective
(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed)
• Achievements and skills - match to role
• Education and qualifications
• Employment experience, split into relevant and other if
appropriate to suit role
•
Interests
•
Referees
*professional version please!
Employment section
• Job descriptions:
- What did I (have to) do?
- What did I learn/gain (skills?)
- How did I add value/contribute?
What difference did I make?
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
2008 RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve, Machynlleth
• Organised and prioritised personal work schedule
• Recorded and analysed visitor numbers following national campaign
• Reported findings at RSPB Wales conference via a presentation to 180 delegates
• Developed communication and team working skills by liaising effectively with colleagues
2007 Devon Wildlife Trust, Exeter
• Cleared river bank for re-introduction of otters as part of a small team
• Prepared publicity material in advance of work beginning
• Developed team working and marketing design skills
Structure
• Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone)
• Focussed profile or carer objective
(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed)
• Achievements and skills - match to role
• Education and qualifications
• Employment experience, split into relevant and other if
appropriate to suit role
•
Interests
•
Referees
*professional version please!
Structure
• Contact information (Name, address, email*, ‘phone)
• Focussed profile or carer objective
(where now, what qualities, skills, experience, where headed)
• Achievements and skills - match to role
• Education and qualifications
• Employment experience, split into relevant and other if
appropriate to suit role
•
Interests
•
Referees
*professional version please!
Order?
• The order of the sections in your CV will
depend on what you wish to emphasise for
the particular job you are going for
• Consider what is most relevant and put it
where it makes most impact!
• Different jobs may well need a different order
Layout
• Even margins - minimum 1.5cm all round
• Good use of white space - check spacing
between lines
• Clear signposting using subheadings - use bold,
consider different typeface, avoid underlining
• Clear typeface - Arial or similar
• Keep section whole - avoid splitting
between pages
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
2008 RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve, Machynlleth
• Organised and prioritised personal work schedule
• Recorded and analysed visitor numbers following national campaign
• Reported findings at RSPB Wales conference via a presentation to 180 delegates
• Developed communication and team working skills by liaising effectively with colleagues
2007 Devon Wildlife Trust, Exeter
• Cleared river bank for re-introduction of otters as part of a small team
• Prepared publicity material in advance of work beginning
• Developed team working and marketing design skills
Language
•
•
•
•
Concise and positive
Speak the industry language
Use their keywords
Use active verbs for punch
Keys to a successful CV – recap
• Use clues provided to tailor content to role
• Effective structure and layout
(Clear and consistent structure, effective signposting through
subheadings, clean typeface, balanced use of white space)
• Effective content
(tailor self to role using the clues in job advertisement/person
specification, avoid assumptions – if it’s not down in black and white
they won’t know it)
• Effective Language
(Use relevant key words for skills and industry, concise, active verb
language, professional level of language; check spelling/meaning)
• Follow the application instructions!
Do quality check for...
Slip ups
• My interests include cooking dogs and interesting people.
• I was responsible for dissatisfied customers.
• While working in this role, I had intercourse with a variety
of people.
Also check for...
Typos and Spelling Errors
• In my spare time, I enjoy hiding my horse
• I am involved in a wide range of extra circular activities
• I hope to hear from you shorty.
• I am a conscious individual
• I am experienced in teaching marital arts
• Instrumental in ruining an entire operation for a large
supermarket chain
• My job involved severing customers
Covering letters
The purpose of the letter is to:
• make sure that your application is seen by the relevant person
• explain your motivation/interest
• demonstrate you understand the company and industry you
want to work in
• draw attention to key points on your CV
• deal with possible issues effectively
• to highlight your suitability for the job
• www.aber.ac.uk/careers/covlet
Use covering letter to...
• Express interest/motivation for applying
(Why this job?)
• Demonstrate you know about the industry/company
(Why this industry/company?)
• Highlight key points
(Why you?)
• Deal with possible worries
• Always focus on how you can help them
before you outline what’s in it for you!!
Dealing with worries
- yours and theirs!
• Gaps in your CV
(Employer wonders: what happened to cause the gap(s)?)
• Health problems
(Employer wonders: Will the illness return?)
• Exam grade issues
(Employer wonders: What happened there?)
• Incomplete course
(Employer wonders: What was the reason for the change?)
• Lack of employment experience
(Employer wonders: How much of a risk is this applicant?
• Disability
(Employer wonders: How will this affect their ability
to do the job?)
Phrase carefully and address issues
in covering letter!
Useful Links - applications
• www.aber.ac.uk/careers/cvs
• www.aber.ac.uk/careers/covlet
• www.kent.ac.uk/careers/applicn.htm
Useful Links - Competencies
• Subject benchmark statement for Computer Science
• www.prospects.ac.uk/options_computer_science_it_your
_skills.htm
• www.aber.ac.uk/careers/subjectdo
• www.aber.ac.uk/careers/whatempswant
• Behavioural Competencies Dictionary
Application forms
• Same rules apply
• Tailor self to role using clues provided
• Use their structure to create your statement
structure/order (must contain everything you think they
need to know)
• (remember matrix score sheet)
• Complete every section accurately
• Use covering letter if possible to highlight key elements
only (might be disregarded)
• Only attach CV if asked to do so
• Do what they ask you to do!
Applying on line
• Do as they ask
• Tailor to role!!
• Work in rough first and check it before you submit
your application!
• Be aware of key words and use effectively
(some organisations use software checkers)
• Use STAR for competency questions:
Situation Task Action Result
Speculative applications
• Call first to identify opportunity and
• Build relationship/connection through respect
• Ask for another contact if they can’t help
• Submit CV (use prospects role description and
normal application preparation process to help)
• Follow up three to four days after sending
• Little point in sending without doing this
– it’s just another piece of junk mail!
Using agencies
• Use different agencies for different roles/sector
• Create tailored CV for each role/sector
• Keep notes of what you submit to whom!
• Build relationship effectively
• Stand out for the right reasons
www.rec.uk.com/home
Additional selection methods
• Psychometric tests
www.aber.ac.uk/careers/psychtests
• Assessment centres
www.aber.ac.uk/careers/assesscentre
• Interviews
www.aber.ac.uk/careers/interviews
Top tips/reminders
• You never get a second change to make a first impression!
• The CV gets you the interview, the interview + CV get you
the job
• Match yourself to the job needs (personal qualities,
knowledge, understanding & experience and skills)
• Think features and benefits
• Be truthful (ensuring you present effectively)
• Reduce/remove any risks the employer might perceive
• Turn negatives into a positive
Keep your PDP up to date
(Personal Development Planning)
• PDP is a supported framework for personal development.
• It involves:
– Reflecting critically upon your progress and development on a regular
basis.
– planning for your personal, academic and career development.
Read www.aber.ac.uk/careers/pdp and
http://www.aber.ac.uk/careers/docs/HowToPDP_en.pdf
What’s in it for you?
• It helps you get to where you want to be.
• Lecturers use your PDP to write references!!
• It’s part of employers’ performance review processes.
• Employers expect you to be able to reflect on your
performance to improve it.
Get used to doing it now for an easier life
in work later on!
Additional support so
your application stands out!
• Further information - www.aber.ac.uk/careers/applyjobs
- Advice on CVs, covering letters, application forms,
interviews, assessment centres and psychometric tests
•
Elearning modules -
www.aber.ac.uk/careers/casmods
• Comp Sci drop-in sessions in CS Foyer are on
Tuesday 25th October, 12:30 - 5:00
Thursday 27th October, 2.30 - 5:30
• CV help 10.30 – 1pm daily Job Link
Check list of things to avoid...

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






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“Standard” CVs which are not tailored to the job or the organisation!
Oldest information presented first!
Attempts to deceive
More than 2 pages
Coloured, decorated and/ or poor quality paper
Inappropriate font (avoid Comic Sans, Bradley Hand, Blackadder ITC etc) or
too small a font – never smaller than 10 – 11 in something like Ariel
Sloppy, inconsistent formatting – unprofessional appearance
Too much narrative – use of ‘I’
No white space
Headings unclear, making it hard to follow.
Inappropriate email addresses eg fluffybunny@hotmail.com
Forgetting to put your name on your CV!
 Uninformative Profiles which are vague and avoid facts or evidence
 Very long profiles (should be 2 – 3 sentences max!)
 Calling yourself Curriculum Vitae !!
More things to avoid...

Omitting your university course and appropriate details

Avoid a long list of all GCSEs – just include the overall number, eg “10 grades A – C (4As,
2Bs,4Cs) including Maths (A), English (B)[+ any other key exams]

There’s no need to include your primary school

Make sure you don’t exaggerate experience, in terms of amount and quality

Avoid making the recruiter work too hard – include enough information given on roles and
responsibilities

Avoid missing out unpaid work

Do not include long list of ‘Key Skills’ which are just empty claims with no proof!

Please do not write in ‘Interests’ ‘Socialising with friends and going down the pub’

No interesting interests!

Too many interests– when do they have time for work?

Constant references to travelling – will the person leave and cost me aggravation and money?

No Covering Letter - or letter too short/long/wrongly set out


Unexplained Gaps in your CV – suspicious
Slip ups in grammar, punctuation and word use

Typos and spelling errors
Job Search Resources
• www.aber.ac.uk/careers/casjobs
• www.aber.ac.uk/careers/eng
• www.aber.ac.uk/careers/findjobs
• Online Careers Library
• www.strath.ac.uk/careers/graduatejobsearch/
• Job hunting tips: Finding vacancies
•
Job vacancies search
• Graduate Jobs, Graduate Career, Graduate Recruitment, Graduate,
Graduate Schemes - Just4Graduates.net
• Hobsons
• Graduate jobs: targetjobs.co.uk
• Graduate jobs, Graduate careers & recruitment at reed.co.uk
• Job search UK at Monster.co.uk
Stand out for the right reasons
“Past performance really is the best indicator of
future behaviour. That’s what CVs and
applications are all about really.”
Nigel Llewellyn
Deloitte and Touche
Where to find us!
Careers
Service
Job Link
Reception & Careers Library
Your Careers Service’s sites
The Careers Service
Floor E Llandinam Building
Penglais
Aberystwyth
SY23 3DB
01970 622378
careers@aber.ac.uk
www.aber.ac.uk/careers