Caroline Matthews
Career Advisor
042 93 95889
087 225 1545
carolinematthews@optimumcareer.ie
www.optimumcareer.ie
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.m
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All available for download at www.optimumcareer.ie
The unfortunate stark reality is that
nowadays Job Seekers need to sell
themselves to an employer.
Your CV must now become your Sales
Brochure.
Boom! I have arrived!
SELLING YOURSELF
Jobseekers need to change their focus
when thinking about their CV.
If you are thinking “story of my life” you
are in trouble.
Start thinking “sales”, “sales brochure”
and “customer”. When you make this
transformation you will transform your
results.
You need me!
Your Unique Selling Point (USP)
Whatever job you are in and whatever
job you want, it is crucial to identify and highlight
your own personal USP (Unque Selling Point).
I’m one in a million!
A snapshot from
my own cv
Strong Communication Skills:
Verbal and written developed through
all work experience, in particular
through Careers Advisory role where
open clear and approachable
communication style is key.
Proven ability to confidently present
workshops to students on a weekly
basis on various topics.
Previous experience presenting to
Corporate Clients
Just hire me!
Arial
Times New Roman
Verdana
FONT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Name /Contact Details/ LinkedIn Address
Personal Statement / Career Aim (optional)
Education & Qualifications
Work Experience / Career History / Employment History
Key Skills / Other Skills / Additional Information (optional)
Professional Training / Professional Development (optional)
Interests / Activities / Positions of Responsibility
References / Referees
SUBHEADINGS
CV LENGTH
Consistency
The style and format of your CV should remain the same throughout. This includes
font used, heading size and arrangement of text. When using tabs, keep the
positioning of these uniform throughout.
Use bullet points
Recruiters will have hundreds of CVs to look through and they don’t have time to
search for information in long paragraphs and blocks of text. You want your CV to
be scannable so the main points can be identified quickly. Using bullet points in
your CV will help you to write concise sentences and will focus the readers
attention.
Use good quality, white paper
If you are sending your CV by post, ensure that you use good quality, white paper.
Unless you are applying for a design job – there is no need to print your CV on
coloured paper.
MORE TIPS
1. Never Lie
2. Don’t be too wordy
(or longwinded)
3. Don’t use jargon or
abbreviations
4. Don’t include a photo
unless asked
5. Don’t mix your
tenses
6. Avoid writing
In the first person
7. Don’t include date of birth,
marital status or health status
WRITING A COVER LETTER
Writing a cover letter often seems like a particularly
daunting task.
However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be
an expert at writing letters to send with your CV.
A cover letter typically accompanies each CV you send
out. Your cover letter may make the difference
between obtaining a job interview and having your CV
ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the
necessary time and effort to writing effective and
RELEVANT cover letters.
1. Application Letter
2. Prospecting Letter
3. Networking Letter
DO NOT DESIGN A GENERIC COVER
LETTER AND SEND IT TO EVERY
POTENTAIL EMPLOYER!
GUIDE TO WRITING AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER
1st Paragraph: Clearly communicate the reason why you are writing,
the position for which you are applying and explain how you heard of
the opportunity
2nd Paragraph: State why you are interested in working for this
company (demonstrate that you have done your research) and specify
your interest in this type of work. If you have had experience, point out
what particular achievements you have accomplished.
3rd Paragraph: Describe your major strengths as they relate to the
position you are seeking. The idea is to create interest and show how
your skills and qualifications can be of value to the reader – to make
them want to know more.
4th Paragraph: Express enthusiasm and ask for an interview
Competition is rife
Selling your skills
CV structure & strategy
Getting through the
short-listing process
Fact versus Fiction
Job hunting success
Caroline Matthews
Career Advisor
042 93 95889
087 225 1545
carolinematthews@optimumcareer.ie
www.optimumcareer.ie
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.m
.e
.w
THANK YOU
Questions?