UCL CAREERS
NON-ACADEMIC
CVs & APPLICATION
FORMS
Dr Calum Leckie
UCL Careers
UCL CAREERS
Session Outcomes
Identify what non-academic recruiters look for in
applications
Evaluate strategies to effectively market your relevant
skills, experience & personal qualities gained via research
experience
Review your current self marketing approach and plan
future approaches
2
UCL CAREERS
Research Assistant
NPC is recruiting for a research assistant to support NPC’s
research and consulting team. The role will involve supporting
the research and consulting team in its project work, business
development and knowledge management. The work will
provide a grounding in producing high quality research and
client advice, which helps charities and funders increase their
impact.
We are looking for an applicant (at least degree level educated)
with strong analytical and communication skills, a
commitment to working in the voluntary sector, able to work
collaboratively and develop strong relationships at all levels
of the organisation.
3
UCL CAREERS
What Non-Academic Recruiters
Want to Know
Can you do the job?
Will you do the job?
Will you fit in?
4
UCL CAREERS
Competency Assessment of Researchers
Group 1 Group 2
Data analysis
Problem solving
Drive and motivation
100%
100%
100%
100%
88%
84%
Project management
Interpersonal skills
Leadership
Commercial awareness
83%
67%
67%
50%
36%
56%
28%
20%
Recruiting researchers – Survey of employer practice 2009 (Vitae)
5
UCL CAREERS
GYK Consulting
We are a major international force in technology consultancy. We are looking to expand
functionally and technically and opportunities exist for high calibre graduates to help us
achieve this growth. We provide:
• independent and objective advice on the use of IT;
• specialist support and back-up to professionals within client organisations;
• advice on strategic planning and operational control
• analysis of IT requirements within diverse client organisations;
• services in design, development and testing of new systems;
What we’re looking for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
an analytical approach to work
excellent problem-solving skills
sensitivity and tact
good communication, team working and supervisory skills
presentation skills
highly developed commercial awareness
ability to absorb complex technical information
stamina to meet deadlines
ability to work under pressure
project management skills
self-motivation
6
UCL CAREERS
Work experience
CURRICULUM VITAE
Postdoctoral Research Associate ‘Investigation of Tri-phasic fuels for Warp
Core manufacture’ 2008 -2012, University College London
Name: David John Bishop Date of birth: 22nd May 1975
Address: 44 Denton Road Nationality: British
Crouch End
email: knightobishop@hotmail.com/
uczjdjc@ucl.ac.uk
London,
Tel home: 0208 594 3957
N8 9NS
Tel mob: 07899 678567
In collaboration with the Cochrane Corporation, this project investigates novel
fuel strategies and containment methodologies for warp cores. I have
successfully drawn on work from 3 departments in the fields of Propulsion
Technology, Theta Band Radiation Science, Quantum Plasma Studies.
Additional research carried out at the Institute of Propulsion Research in warp
core developments. A synopsis of the work undertaken is attached.
Personal Profile
A polished, artculate performer who is committed to a career in management
consultancy. I am highly motivated and possess excellent time-mangement,
communication, teamwork and IT systems skills.
My principal research interests lie in the field of in-flight warp core
containment, specifically sub-space distortions and their impact on mono-andte-phasic organic fuel matrices. I am currently investigating the capacity of
wide-band theta radiation to induce multi-phasic anomalies and the beneficial
shielding effects of a range of plasma configurations.
Education and Qualifications
PhD ‘Investigation of Tri-phasic fuels for Warp Core manufacture 2004 - 2007
University College London
Supervised by Dr Benjamin Sisko
Used furrier transform analysis methodology and stochastic predictive models to
assess levels of risk associated with various superconducting materials being
used for the design of high energy boron – hydride magnetic containment
systems in use at the University of California’s antimatter production facility as
part of an international collaboration.
.
BSc (Hons) Interstellar Sciences 2001 - 2004
(2.1) University College London
Modules covered include:
Propulsion Dynamics, Weapons Modulation Technologies, Astrometrics and
Human Factors in Interstellar exploration. Subsidiary courses in Xenobiology
included in each semester.
Purley High School for Boys 1997- 2001
A-levels: Geography,Maths, English (A,B,B)
GCSEs: Physics (A), Chemistry (A), Biology (A), Maths (A), Further Maths (B),
Geograhy (B), History (B), English language (B), English Literature (B), French
(C),
Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley Summer 2007 - 2008
Research Assistant, Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley
Successfully managed two 3-month research projects to refine containment
fields for two experimental fuel matrices, under the direction of Senior
Research Manager, Dr Anneka Hansen. Developed a conceptual model from
observation of both systems which led to further research currently being
undertaken by Dr Hansens’ group, recently presented as a paper at the
Koblenz Congress 2008.
Webmaster, Manchester Disabled Pupils forum (Voluntary) Summer 2010 present
Managing project to deliver web-based services to local children
•
•
Effective & consistent format / spelling 1 (poor) - 3
(good) ?
Experience /skills match to job 1 – 3 ?
7
UCL CAREERS
Work experience
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name: David John Bishop Date of birth: 22nd May 1975
Address: 44 Denton Road Nationality: British
Crouch End
email: knightobishop@hotmail.com/
uczjdjc@ucl.ac.uk
London,
Tel home: 0208 594 3957
N8 9NS
Tel mob: 07899 678567
Personal Profile
A polished, artculate performer who is committed to a career in management
consultancy. I am highly motivated and possess excellent time-mangement,
communication, teamwork and IT systems skills.
Education and Qualifications
PhD ‘Investigation of Tri-phasic fuels for Warp Core manufacture 2004 - 2007
University College London
Supervised by Dr Benjamin Sisko
Used furrier transform analysis methodology and stochastic predictive models to
assess levels of risk associated with various superconducting materials being
used for the design of high energy boron – hydride magnetic containment
systems in use at the University of California’s antimatter production facility as
part of an international collaboration.
.
BSc (Hons) Interstellar Sciences 2001 - 2004
(2.1) University College London
Modules covered include:
Propulsion Dynamics, Weapons Modulation Technologies, Astrometrics and
Human Factors in Interstellar exploration. Subsidiary courses in Xenobiology
included in each semester.
Purley High School for Boys 1997- 2001
A-levels: Geography,Maths, English (A,B,B)
GCSEs: Physics (A), Chemistry (A), Biology (A), Maths (A), Further Maths (B),
Geograhy (B), History (B), English language (B), English Literature (B), French
(C),
Postdoctoral Research Associate ‘Investigation of Tri-phasic fuels for Warp
Core manufacture’ 2008 -2012, University College London
In collaboration with the Cochrane Corporation, this project investigates novel
fuel strategies and containment methodologies for warp cores. I have
successfully drawn on work from 3 departments in the fields of Propulsion
Technology, Theta Band Radiation Science, Quantum Plasma Studies.
Additional research carried out at the Institute of Propulsion Research in warp
core developments. A synopsis of the work undertaken is attached.
My principal research interests lie in the field of in-flight warp core
containment, specifically sub-space distortions and their impact on mono-andte-phasic organic fuel matrices. I am currently investigating the capacity of
wide-band theta radiation to induce multi-phasic anomalies and the beneficial
shielding effects of a range of plasma configurations.
Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley Summer 2007 - 2008
Research Assistant, Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley
Successfully managed two 3-month research projects to refine containment
fields for two experimental fuel matrices, under the direction of Senior
Research Manager, Dr Anneka Hansen. Developed a conceptual model from
observation of both systems which led to further research currently being
undertaken by Dr Hansens’ group, recently presented as a paper at the
Koblenz Congress 2008.
Webmaster, Manchester Disabled Pupils forum (Voluntary) Summer 2010 present
Managing project to deliver web-based services to local children
8
UCL CAREERS
David John Bishop
44 Fenton Road
London, N8 9NS
Email david.bishop@ucl.ac.uk
Tel mob: 07899 678567
Personal Profile
•
•
•
•
Numerate PhD holder with broad and advanced IT programming ability including
C++ and Java
Experience of working to deadlines and budgets with demanding clients within
commercial sector
Leadership and communication skills gained supervising and managing teams of
up to 5 staff;
Proven ability to adopt analytical approach to solving both complex strategic and
implementation problems within industry and academia.
Relevant Experience
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University College London
2008 – present ‘Warp Core technologies’
In collaboration with the Cochrane Corporation, my research investigates
developmental fuel strategies and containment methodologies for warp cores using
computational modelling and industry standard programming languages.
• Developed new research techniques through personal initiative which has
resulted in 3 patent applications which are currently under review
• Personally initiated and maintained collaboration with two additional industrial
partners, and sourced commercial funding via targeted grant proposals.
• Attended conferences in the UK and overseas as a visiting speaker presenting
material on international scientific issues.
• Supervised research projects of 4 undergraduates and acted as a mentor to
prospective PhD students
• Developed advanced programming capability in BASIC, C++, Java, Macromedia
Flash 4 and database applications within Fox Pro and Microsoft Access.
• Presented key issues affecting students on the staff/ student committee (3 rd
year). Achievements include the negotiation of a complete overhauling of module
timetabling.
Web-master, London Disabled Pupils Forum 2010 – present
Voluntary work (approx. 7 hrs per week)
Project begun through the ‘HELO’ programme run by UCL Advances
(Knowledge Transfer Department). The forum provides web-based services to
disabled children within the local community. My responsibilities include:
• Managing a team of 5 volunteers to ensure suitable platform and content of
the service is maintained
• Managing project at both a strategic and implementation level within an
annual budget of £50K
• Developed with groups of school pupils, teachers and other interested
parties to receive feedback and establish future needs
• Stimulated the interest of a young audience by developing discussion
forums, quizzes and interactive polls.
• Visit the site at http://www.wickednet.org.uk.
Researcher, Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley 2007 - 2008
Successfully managed two 3-month research projects to refine containment
fields for experimental fuel matrices.
• Project managed to demanding deadlines and tight budgets of up to £125K.
• Through contracts at the University of Strasbourg arranged access to warp
plasma testing rig, avoiding requirement to build a rig at the institute at
significant expense.
• Modified existing plans by implementing alternative research strategy
resulting in enhanced results and budget savings of £5K.
Education
(see next slide)
• Effective & consistent format /
spelling 1 (poor) - 3 (good) ?
• Experience /skills match to job 1 –
3?
9
UCL CAREERS
David John Bishop
44 Fenton Road
London, N8 9NS
Email david.bishop@ucl.ac.uk
Tel mob: 07899 678567
Personal Profile
•
•
•
•
Numerate PhD holder with broad and advanced IT programming ability including
C++ and Java
Experience of working to deadlines and budgets with demanding clients within
commercial sector
Leadership and communication skills gained supervising and managing teams of
up to 5 staff;
Proven ability to adopt analytical approach to solving both complex strategic and
implementation problems within industry and academia.
Relevant Experience
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University College London
2008 – present ‘Warp Core technologies’
In collaboration with the Cochrane Corporation, my research investigates
developmental fuel strategies and containment methodologies for warp cores using
computational modelling and industry standard programming languages.
• Developed new research techniques through personal initiative which has
resulted in 3 patent applications which are currently under review
• Personally initiated and maintained collaboration with two additional industrial
partners, and sourced commercial funding via targeted grant proposals.
• Attended conferences in the UK and overseas as a visiting speaker presenting
material on international scientific issues.
• Supervised research projects of 4 undergraduates and acted as a mentor to
prospective PhD students
• Developed advanced programming capability in BASIC, C++, Java, Macromedia
Flash 4 and database applications within Fox Pro and Microsoft Access.
• Presented key issues affecting students on the staff/ student committee (3 rd
year). Achievements include the negotiation of a complete overhauling of module
timetabling.
Web-master, London Disabled Pupils Forum 2010 – present
Voluntary work (approx. 7 hrs per week)
Project begun through the ‘HELO’ programme run by UCL Advances
(Knowledge Transfer Department). The forum provides web-based services to
disabled children within the local community. My responsibilities include:
• Managing a team of 5 volunteers to ensure suitable platform and content of
the service is maintained
• Managing project at both a strategic and implementation level within an
annual budget of £50K
• Developed with groups of school pupils, teachers and other interested
parties to receive feedback and establish future needs
• Stimulated the interest of a young audience by developing discussion
forums, quizzes and interactive polls.
• Visit the site at http://www.wickednet.org.uk.
Researcher, Institute of Propulsion Research, Dudley 2007 - 2008
Successfully managed two 3-month research projects to refine containment
fields for experimental fuel matrices.
• Project managed to demanding deadlines and tight budgets of up to £125K.
• Through contracts at the University of Strasbourg arranged access to warp
plasma testing rig, avoiding requirement to build a rig at the institute at
significant expense.
• Modified existing plans by implementing alternative research strategy
resulting in enhanced results and budget savings of £5K.
Education
(see next slide)
10
UCL CAREERS
Additional skills
Education
PhD University College London,
Other IT skills
2004 -2007
‘Novel antimatter containment methods’ (supervised by Dr Benjamin Sisko)
Conducted research into the use of magnetic containment vessels for future
energy storage.
• Major collaboration with a research group at the University of California’s
Strategic Future Energy facility.
• Personally responsible for coding of novel risk analysis software created in
accordance with specification requirements of the American collaborators.
• Regularly updated collaborators on project milestones achieved via video
conference calls and interim reports.
• Joint author of a peer reviewed paper published in Nature Physics.
• Won a £2000 competitive Leverhulme Scholarship to present project findings
at the 5th Annual Advanced Energy Physics conference, Atlanta, USA.
BSc (2.1 Hons) Interstellar Sciences, University College London,
2001 -2004
•
Relevant modules include Advanced Programming Systems and Weapons
Modulation technologies.
Purley High School for Boys, 1997 - 2001
A-levels: Geography (A), Maths (B), English (B)
GCSEs:
12 including English and Mathematics at Grade A
In addition to specific programming packages, experience in using a variety of
Microsoft Office and other packages including Excel 2000 (macros), Adaytum
e.planning 2.4 (modelling), Word 2000, Powerpoint 2000 and DDS
Languages/ other
Conversational French, basic understanding of Spanish to GCSE level.
Clean British driving licence
Leisure Activities
Sport
•
•
Playing football competitively for the University second X1 including training
and matches twice a week during term time. Completed London Marathon
in 2009.
Keen member of local tennis club and elected to committee which includes
involvement in organising the club’s summer tennis tournament with 150
entrants.
Travel
•
Independently funded and arranged travel around South America for 3
months from Jun-Sept 2007. My experiences have given confidence and
ability to relate to people from different cultures and taught me to rely on my
own abilities when faced with adversity.
References available on request
11
UCL CAREERS
Suggestions from Recruiters
Experience that matches the job description rather than everything
you have ever done – CV Tailored for Specific Job
Give some detail in your examples – Factual Evidence
Outcomes and achievements will strengthen your examples, e.g.
‘I improved the previous sponsorship total raised from £15,000 to
£34,000 through targeted approaches to law firms’
‘Successfully recruited 6 external speakers for the forum through
targeted, personalised emailing followed by telephone and face to
face event marketing’ (persuasion & communications skills)
Mind the Gaps! – account for your time
Watch your language! – use action verbs, e.g. achieved, initiated
(google action verbs and CVs). Concise sentences
12
UCL CAREERS
Main Sections in Your Non–Academic CV
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Personal Details
Work Experience
Education
Other Skills
Interests and Activities
Referees
Optional
Career Aim or Personal Profile
Positions of Responsibility or Special Achievements
List of Publications
13
UCL CAREERS
Other CV Formats
• One Page CV ‘Resume’ – common in financial sector
• Skills Based
Skills from education / work and leisure group together
Other sections then contain brief lists
Often used if have complex work history or career change,
where might not be obvious from education / work experience
why applying for job.
• Country Specific Formats
www.prospects.ac.uk – Country-specific information
Going Global, country information via UCL Careers website
14
UCL CAREERS
Application
Forms
Personal details
Details of education and
employment
Questions specific to the job:
•Motivation questions
•Competency questions
Personal statement or statement
of interest
15
UCL CAREERS
“Why do you want to work as an account manager
for our marketing agency?”
Attempt 1
Your organisation is a leader in its field. It has an international reputation and
is also one of the most respected agencies in the UK. It is important for me to
work for a successful organisation and I would welcome all the different
opportunities available to me.
I would also like to work abroad at some point and so the global nature of
your organisation appeals to me. Finally, I’d like to work for the organisation
because the role matches my skills. I am interested in developing new skills
and believe that your account management training scheme would help me to
achieve my goals.
16
UCL CAREERS
“Why do you want to work as an account manager for our
marketing agency?”
Attempt 1
Your organisation is a leader in its field. It has an international reputation and is
also one of the most respected agencies in the UK. It is important for me to work
for a successful organisation and I would welcome all the different opportunities
available to me.
• Generic statement. Could be any company. Doesn’t show any specific
knowledge / research.
I would also like to work abroad at some point and so the global nature of your
organisation appeals to me. Finally, I’d like to work for the organisation because
the role matches my skills. I am interested in developing new skills and believe
that your account management training scheme would help me to achieve my
goals.
• Doesn’t demonstrate knowledge of role requirements or market core
skills / achievements. Very self centered – what does the company get
17
out of this?
UCL CAREERS
Attempt 2
Firstly, I am familiar with the products of your client-base
including Riva and Viva, and the pivotal importance of your 2009 campaign that
increased both their sales figures by 15 and 28 % respectively.
I am also attracted to the ‘creative hot-house’ reputation of the agency as described
in a recent ‘Campaign’ magazine agency profile, particularly the use of social
networks to enhance brand awareness. As an experienced social researcher I have
piloted the innovative use of online social networks to enhance the uptake of HIV
testing amongst high risk groups in collaboration with Richmond Primary Care
Trust.
After examining your website, and attending your 2010 UCL presentation, I
understand the value of good organisational skills in order to successfully manage
client campaigns. This appeals since I have worked on simultaneous research
projects whilst balancing departmental administrative commitments and part-time
consultancy work (15 hours/week).
I have also been impressed by the honesty and enthusiasm of recently recruited
trainees of the organisation I met at this year’s UCL Careers Service PhD
18
Employers Forum on Social Research and Policy.
UCL CAREERS
Attempt 2
Firstly, I am familiar with the products of your client-base
including Riva and Viva, and the pivotal importance of your 2009 campaign that
increased both their sales figures by 15 and 28 % respectively.
•
Shows in-depth research & thus motivation
I am also attracted to the ‘creative hot-house’ reputation of the agency as described
in a recent ‘Campaign’ magazine agency profile, particularly the use of social
networks to enhance brand awareness. As an experienced social researcher I have
piloted the innovative use of online social networks to enhance the uptake of HIV
testing amongst high risk groups in collaboration with Richmond Primary Care
Trust.
•
Highlights how core expertise matches that of company
After examining your website, and attending your 2010 UCL presentation, I
understand the value of good organisational skills in order to successfully manage
client campaigns. This appeals since I have worked on simultaneous research
projects whilst balancing departmental administrative commitments and part-time
consultancy work (15 hours/week).
•
Understanding of required attributes & evidence these can be met
I have also been impressed by the honesty and enthusiasm of recently recruited
trainees of the organisation I met at this year’s UCL Careers Service PhD
Employers Forum on Social Research and Policy.
19
UCL CAREERS
Interest in the Organisation?
What does the company do? Products, services?
What are their values?
What research have you done? Who have you talked to?
What have they done recently?
What does the press say about them?
How do they differ from competitors?
20
UCL CAREERS
Interest in the Role
What do you know about the day to day work?
What have you found out beyond the description?
From in-depth research e.g. careers libraries
From talking to people, seminars, fairs
How does your research on the role confirm your choice ?
e.g. fit with your personal attributes, working style
21
UCL CAREERS
44 Fenton Road
Crouch End
London
N8 9NS
21st March 2007
Mr B Taylor
GYK Consulting
25-32 Freemans Street
London
EC1 YHG
Dear Mr Taylor,
Graduate trainee positions in technology consulting
I am writing to apply for the above as advertised in the Guardian on the
15th March. I am currently completing a scientific-based postdoctoral
research post at University College London and am interested in joining
your training scheme for the September 2012 intake. Please find
enclosed my CV as requested.
I am particularly drawn to technology consultancy due to the challenge of
working to realise a client’s business goals through technology solutions
that are both cost effective and practical to implement. I have had
experience of this process in my capacity as a Webmaster with the
London Disabled Forum. Not only has this given me an insight into the
realities of working within an IT based environment, it has helped me to
develop important key skills such as client relationship-management,
team-working and leadership. These skills have been added to by time
spent as a researcher in industry where I was responsible for negotiating
and managing a budget of £125K.
As a post graduate researcher, I have had to use problem-solving
and analysis skills as well as showing motivation and persistence
to pioneer ground-breaking research techniques . Involvement in
departmental committees has taught me how to plan my time
effectively and use resources in the most efficient way. I have
also opted to take a number of commercially focused graduate
school courses which have helped me to be involved in securing
funds for further research.
Having thoroughly researched the sector, I am drawn to GYK due
to the tailored nature of your technology solutions and the culture
of the organisation as being one of a multidisciplinary team that
share both goals and working space. I have attended
presentations at both the GYK open-day held on 15th January and
talked to new trainees present at the UCL Finance and
management fair. I was impressed with their obvious enthusiasm
and honesty when describing their work.
I am available for interview at anytime and look forward to hearing
from you.
Yours sincerely
• Motivation for Consultancy? - 1 (weak) – 3 (strong)
• Understanding of Role? 1 (little) – 3 (Great)
• Self Marketing? – 1 (not very effective) – 3 (very
effective)
22
UCL CAREERS
44 Fenton Road
Crouch End
London
N8 9NS
21st March 2007
Mr B Taylor
GYK Consulting
25-32 Freemans Street
London
EC1 YHG
• Summarises key selling points
• Avoids addressing every
competency requirement
Dear Mr Taylor,
Graduate trainee positions in technology consulting
I am writing to apply for the above as advertised in the Guardian on the
15th March. I am currently completing a scientific-based postdoctoral
research post at University College London and am interested in joining
your training scheme for the September 2012 intake. Please find
enclosed my CV as requested.
I am particularly drawn to technology consultancy due to the challenge of
working to realise a client’s business goals through technology solutions
that are both cost effective and practical to implement. I have had
experience of this process in my capacity as a Webmaster with the
London Disabled Forum. Not only has this given me an insight into the
realities of working within an IT based environment, it has helped me to
develop important key skills such as client relationship-management,
team-working and leadership. These skills have been added to by time
spent as a researcher in industry where I was responsible for negotiating
and managing a budget of £125K.
As a post graduate researcher, I have had to use problem-solving
and analysis skills as well as showing motivation and persistence
to pioneer ground-breaking research techniques . Involvement in
departmental committees has taught me how to plan my time
effectively and use resources in the most efficient way. I have
also opted to take a number of commercially focused graduate
school courses which have helped me to be involved in securing
funds for further research.
Having thoroughly researched the sector, I am drawn to GYK due
to the tailored nature of your technology solutions and the culture
of the organisation as being one of a multidisciplinary team that
share both goals and working space. I have attended
presentations at both the GYK open-day held on 15th January and
talked to new trainees present at the UCL Finance and
management fair. I was impressed with their obvious enthusiasm
and honesty when describing their work.
I am available for interview at anytime and look forward to hearing
from you.
Yours sincerely
• Evidence of proactive research on company
• A bit vague in places e.g. what were
they enthusiastic about?
• Evidence of role insight.
• Match to personal qualities
23
UCL CAREERS
Cover Letter Content
Opening paragraph
• State who you are and what you want.
Middle paragraph(s)
• Why you are interested in the organisation (provide evidence of
research)
• Why you want the job (again, evidence of research)
• Career plans,
• Person specification – sell your key attributes (Unique Selling
Points; qualities, skills, relevant experience)
• What you can do for them
Final paragraph
• Polite but optimistic with practical information such as when you
are available for interview
UCL CAREERS
Competency
Questions
Please give a recent example of a team in which you have
been involved. What was your role? What challenges did
you face? (100 words)
Describe a recent situation where you have demonstrated
motivation and initiative. (75 words)
25
UCL CAREERS
“Describe
a time when you instigated change to
solve a problem.”
Whilst tutoring undergraduates, I identified the need for a
change in laboratory times since my year group were missing
slots due to time-table clashes. I put my case in writing to the
course organiser and administrator, explaining the situation
and suggesting more convenient times, using a short report
compiled from a small focus group I conducted with selected
undergraduates.
I followed this up in person and was invited to the next module
planning meeting. After protracted negotiation, in which I
addressed fears of administrative time constraints, a revised
timetable was temporarily introduced. The project completion
rate was substantially improved resulting in a permanent
change to the module timetable.
26
UCL CAREERS
Competency Question Strategy
Circumstances –
setting the situation
Actions – what you did, how you did it
Results
– the outcome
Explanation
– link back to question, define learning
27
UCL CAREERS
Summary
CVs
• Targeted / Relevant, Evidence based, achievements / outcomes
focus
Motivation Statements / Cover Letters
• Research on Role & fit to personal qualities
• Research on organisations & sector – evidence of proactivity e.g.
networking, relevant experience
• Think USPs – key skills, experience, qualities
Competency Questions
• Focus on Action (behaviours that demonstrate skill set)
28
UCL CAREERS
If you want more help
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/researchers/resources
- > ‘Non Academic Career Planning’.
www.careerstagged.co.uk – search for ‘CV’ ‘Application’
www.prospects.ac.uk – Jobs & Work / Applications, CVs &
Interviews.
Published Literature on CVs: Killer CVs & Hidden Approaches,
Graham Perkins; The Times Readymade CVs, Lynn Williams; The
Academics Support Kit.
29
UCL CAREERS
How We Can Help
One-to-one consultations
30 min Consultant appointments every week
Telephone 020 7866 3600 after 9.30am or visit us
Practice Interviews
If you have a real interview lined up
Full Details at:
www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/researchers
30