Room 126, The ClockTower
09 373 7599 ext 89409
Email: careers@auckland.ac.nz
www.auckland.ac.nz/careers

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© The University of Auckland Careers Services

1.
It is best to use the same CV and cover letter for every application

False
2.
A CV should be between 2 – 4 pages
 True
3.
On average an employer only spends two minutes looking at each CV
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False (20-40 seconds, first impressions are important)
4.
A CV should be written in an essay format with full paragraphs explaining everything in detail
 False (use bullet points, underlining, headings, clear sections)
5.
It’s necessary to always include a cover letter
 True (unless it’s stated otherwise)
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Therefore, to be competitive, we need to show them what we have to offer that’s relevant in each of these 4 areas!
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

SPECIALISED numeric, modelling, programming, quantitative analysis, project work...
TRANSFERABLE communication, research, problem-solving, teamwork, analytical, time-management, organisational
patience, persistence, creativity, accuracy...
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

For example
• Working in a shop/restaurant
• Travelling overseas
• Uni clubs
• Class representative
• Involvement in a cultural group
• Camp America, Girl Guides, Duke of Edinburgh Award
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Playing in a band/sports team
• Doing volunteer/community work
• Attending community education courses
• And many more…
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Some examples of additional skills you may have
• Playing instruments – time management
• ICT skills – innovative, problem solving
• Event management – time management, organisational
• Cultural knowledge and language skills
• Sports coaching – leadership, teamwork
• Singing – discipline, calming
• Drama – teamwork, creativity
• Art and craft/design – creativity, attention to detail
• Fund raising – organisational, planning
• Outdoor pursuits leadership
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

What employer wants : What I have that matches: teamwork skills
•project team for university course
•member of dragon boating team for two seasons
•organising committee for school fair
•worked in customer service team of four at McDonalds
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Check the requirements of the organisation you’re applying to:
•Look at the job ad/job description/strategic plan for the next 2 to 3 yrs
•Talk to people in the field or in similar job
•Research what is happening in the media
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Situation Task
• Organising Committee for the School Fair
• Elected on to a committee of 5 people to raise funds for resources. Researching potential sources of donations and organising the Fair stalls.
Action
• Wrote Fair newsletter asking parents for help with stalls, donations and bringing goods to sell at the Fair
• Approached local businesses for sponsorship and prizes
• Ordered equipment for Fair
• Participated in regular Fair Committee meetings and recorded the minutes of the meetings
Result
• Made a $10,000 profit for the school
• Received positive feedback from the school principal and due to success on this committee was invited to join the Parent Support Group
Skills
• Self-reliance, setting objectives, innovation, team work, project management, resourcefulness, planning, time management, leadership, organising, problem solving, presentation skills, public speaking, motivating others, hard working, marketing, listening, negotiating…
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Important
First impressions
2-4 pages long
Residency status
Consistent layout & formatting
Bullet point lists
Cover letter
** Document should be paper clipped or stapled – binding not necessary
Source: CV Survey of Auckland Employers, 2006 (conducted by AUT)
© The University of Auckland Careers Services
Not Important
Coloured/textured paper
Special fonts/graphics
Age/gender/marital status/nationality
Photograph
Detailed explanations of papers
High School records

• Focus on employers’ requirements because you can….
• Catch employer’s interest quickly
• Show employer that what you offer is relevant for them
• Communicate your motivation
• Enhance your chances of an interview!
• T&T example here
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

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Personal information
?
Career goal/objective
 Summary of your skills/strengths/ knowledge/achievements
 Education/qualifications
 Details of relevant experience, incl. paid and unpaid work
 Extra-curricular activities, incl. interest, sports and other activities
 Referees
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Chin-Wai Leung
Family Name: Leung
Given Name: Chin-Wai
English Name: Sherryl
58 Manchester Close
Herne Bay
Auckland
Phone: 09 307 9432
Cellphone: 021 234 567
Email: cwleung09@gmail.com
Residency: Permanent New Zealand Resident
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

I am formally trained in electronics, telecommunications, data transfer systems with progress into data processing, particularly data capture, technical specifications, programming, computer interfaces and system testing.
My career objective is to broaden my experience and skills in computing, particularly in communications, local area networks and in computer languages, with a company that will make use of my investigation, diagnostic, analytical and system solution skills.
I believe my strongest assets are my self-disciplined professional attitude, accuracy, adaptability and eagerness to learn more to develop the highest standards possible.
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Highlights/Key Strengths/Areas of Skills and
Knowledge/Summary of Skills and Experience:
 Bullet pointed one-two liner phrases that prove your suitability for the role and related to the criteria stated in the job ad and job description. Example:
• Computing Skills
Specification and design of computer systems from user’s requirements
Programming substantial technical systems (language: primarily BASIC)
Hardware testing and diagnostic procedures
Interfacing of external hardware to computers
Barcoding
Use of Digital Command Language (RSX 11M+), Personal Computer DOS, CPM
Use of DOS and Windows packages (Lotus, Word, Open Access)
Technical drawing
• Communication Skills
Design of communication protocols within computing systems
Presented outline of electrical engineering systems logic to staff meeting
• Problem-Solving Skills
Problem analysis and design of system solutions for electrical engineering project
• Time-Management Skills
Managed team to ensure project completed within deadlines.
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Make a choice about what details to include
 Academic awards and other distinctions
 Subjects/details of courses if relevant to employer
 Grades – if a selling point
 Projects
 Courses or workshops relevant to the job you’re applying for
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
University of Auckland
Key grades
Civil Engineering Materials and Design
Technical Communication for Engineers
Environmental Engineering Design
Introduction to Structures
Fluid Mechanics 1
Land Information Systems
Mathematical Modelling 2
Awards
Recipient of the Tonkin and Taylor Scholarship in 2010.
Winner of 2009 Engineers Without Borders Design Challenge.
Project partner in 2008 EWB Tonga Biodigester design.
NCEA Level 3
Takapuna Grammar School
School prefect
© The University of Auckland Careers Services
2008 - 2010
A
A-
A-
A
A
B+
B
2005 – 2007

Class Representative
The University of Auckland
March – June 2010
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Responsibilities:
Liaising with students, lecturers in order to keep students informed.
Negotiating on behalf of students to ensure student needs are met
A member of the university consultative committee
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Skills:
Strong negotiation skills
Ability to speak to large lectures of students (up to 200 students)
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Achievement:
Elected by fellow students for this role due to previous year’s success in role.
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Landsdowne Limited, Auckland
Information Systems Officer (Summer Position)
Dec 2008 – Feb 2009
Responsibilities
Specifying, designing and implementing automatic data capture system (data transfer directly from scientific instruments to computer)
Evaluating commercial software and hardware in terms of costs/benefits
Programming for workstation computers
Landsdowne Limited – Refinery, Auckland
Instrument/Energy Engineer (Summer Position)
Responsibilities
Installing and upgrading computer system associated with energy metering
Supervising instrument workshop
Specifying, designing and commissioning instrumentation systems
Analysing energy consumption for energy reduction
Dec 2007 – Feb 2008
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

FURTHER WORK EXPERIENCE
Sage Restaurant, Auckland City
McDonalds Family Restaurant, Auckland City
Body Shop, Takapuna
Responsibilities
• Serving customers
• Ordering stock
• Supervising staff
• Assisting with promotional activities
Achievements:
• Promoted to maitre d’ at Sage Restaurant
• Crew member of the month at McDonalds; two months running
Nov 2004 – Oct 2005
Mar 2002 – Feb 2003
Jan 2001 – Mar 2001
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Touch Rugby – played at social level for last three seasons
Surf Life Saving – Past President of South Beach Club for five years
Photography – keen interest which has extended to developing a collection of contrasting national scenery prints
These interests have further developed my teamwork skills, leadership skills and creative skills
© The University of Auckland Careers Services


Names, titles/designations, phone contacts
 Between 2 - 4 referees
 Lecturers, employers, sport coaches, senior people in organisations that you have belonged to
 Easily accessible by phone (can include overseas referees)
 Well informed about you
 An option: “Referees available on request”
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

An effective cover letter:
• Focusses on the employer’s requirements
• Demonstrates knowledge of the employer and the job
• Is written in a business letter format
• Is positive and shows motivation
• Is typed neatly and error free
• Is up to one page in length
• Invites the employer to read your CV
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

• State what you are applying for and where you heard about it, and briefly outline your enthusiasm for the position
• A paragraph about your education, and directly why it is relevant for the position/profession/industry/firm
•A paragraph about your work experience, and directly why it is relevant for the position/firm
• A paragraph about your enthusiasm/suitability for this specific position/firm – try and build a connection. Mention any contacts you have in the company or research that you have done – website/media/projects
• Express your desire for an interview to discuss further your suitability for the position
• Limit to one (typed) page
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Dear
Re Graduate Software Developer, reference number 34598
I was very pleased to see the Graduate Software Developer role advertised on SEEK, and I would like to apply for the position. I believe that the combination of my international and domestic work experience, along with my recent Master of Science make me a strong candidate for the position.
I have a comprehensive background in software development through my postgraduate study at The University of Auckland. I feel that I gained excellent skills from both a theoretical and practical perspective. The fact that I gained high grades indicates that I place a strong emphasis on achievement, which I know is strongly valued at
Zoom Software.
My work experience is broad within the field of information technology, and I believe that this will provide me with a solid base from which to enhance my career as a software developer. I have seen that your organisation prefers people with allround skills, and I think that my ‘can-do’ approach would suit the work environment.
Recently I met your Chief Information Officer, Kevin Andrews, at a career fair at The University of Auckland, and we spoke about the some of the projects that are in progress at Zoom Software. He encouraged me to apply for this position, as he said that I had the type of skills and outlook that would enable me to succeed there. I have since conducted some research into the organisation, and I am extremely enthusiastic about the culture that you have created.
Enclosed is my CV for your perusal, and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Please contact me either by cell phone on 021 444 4444, or by email on cliang@email.com
Yours sincerely
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

• Engineering fair 28 April 2011, Faculty of Engineering
• ‘Drop in’ service for 10 minute discussion, every week day except Wednesday 11am – 2pm in ClockTower 126
• Workshops – Job Search strategies, Interview Preparation
Details on CareerHub.
• Practice interviews
• 25 minute one to one career guidance appointments on
Tuesday afternoons from 2pm – 4pm
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

www.auckland.ac.nz/careerhub
© The University of Auckland Careers Services

Shaun Pulman
Careers Consultant s.pulman@auckland.ac.nz
Ph 373 7599 ext. 89409
University Careers Services centre:
The Clocktower, Room 126
22 Princes St, Auckland City careers@auckland.ac.nz
www.auckland.ac.nz/careers
373 7599 ext. 88727
© The University of Auckland Careers Services