Effective CVs and Interviews
Dr. Lorna Dargan
Careers Adviser for FMS
Outline
 Highlight the principles of an effective CV
and interview
 Briefly examine what makes an effective
covering letter
 Peer feedback.
A CV should...
...persuade the selector that you are worth interviewing
by providing
 evidence that you have the knowledge, skills and ability
to do the work (CAN)
 evidence that you are sufficiently motivated to do the
work (WANT)
 evidence that you will fit the culture and lifestyle
demands of the work environment (FIT)
What do you need to research?
Academia
 post
 field
 department
 faculty
 university
 sector
Industry
 post
 product/service
 department
 organisation
 sector
 competitors
Where can you look?
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Job description
Company web page
Staff web pages
Prospects
Trade press
Networks
Make use of the informal call!
What can you offer?
 Academic experience e.g. knowledge, technical
skills
 Research skills and experience e.g. methods
 Teaching skills and experience
 Research outputs and success e.g. Publications;
conferences; grants; patents.
Intellectual rigour
Data handling and
analysis
Attention to
Detail
Experimental
design
Report writing
Performing
experiments
Research involves
Working with
others
Project Management
Problem
Solving
Analytical skills
Communication
Numeracy
Information
retrieval
Literature
reviews
Technical
competence
What do you include?
Core information …..
Headings might include…
personal details
education
work experience
interests
skills and achievements
referees
research profile
publications, conferences
technical skills
research/industry experience
teaching experience
research abstract
professional memberships
Outside academic research
 emphasis on relevant skills and knowledge
including projects and resources managed
 personal and skills profile may be helpful
 include achievements outside research context
 describe level of competence and performance
 include additional responsibilities and
professional development activities including
 professional memberships and interests.
What can you use as evidence?
 Academic background: relevant modules, research
training, academic success, scholarships, awards and
prizes
 Research experience: practical work, laboratory or field,
research assignments and projects, research skills
 Research success: publications, conferences, funding,
training (research training programme)
 Work experience: industry placement, teaching, casual,
voluntary, commercial, military service
 Interests & achievements: committees and societies,
positions of responsibility, professional memberships.
A CV with impact?
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name:
Email:
Date of Birth:
Age:
Place of Birth:
Nationality:
Marital Status:
Sex:
Permanent Address:
Telephone:
Term Address:
Mobile:
Sadie Smith
fluffybunnysmith@hotmail.com
1 September 1988
20
Sheffield
British
Single
Female
Furnace House
Leconfield STreet
Cleator Moor
Cumbria CA25 5BX
(01946) 681 124
10 Sidney Grove
Fenham
Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 1AB
07780 7890123
A CV with impact
Sadie Smith
10 Sidney Grove
Fenham
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 1AB
Tel. 07780 7890123
sadie.smith@ncl.ac.uk
CV exercise
In groups, exchange CVs and give
constructive feedback
Basic principles
1) Relevance:
research the yourself, sector, employer and job description.
2) Order:
put the most important information first and give it the most
space.
3) Format:
make it easy to read, normally use 2 sides A4
4) Attention to detail:
check spelling and grammar, beware of cut and paste!
5) An effective covering letter.
Common Mistakes….
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Spelling errors
Too much, too little information
Irrelevant details (including age)
No personality
Poor presentation
Dull vocabulary
Too general.
Covering letters
 Need to highlight key selling points and add value
 opening paragraph - outline the purpose of the letter: who you
are, what specific job you are applying for, and where you saw the
job advertised
 why you want the job - demonstrate your interest with enthusiasm
 what you have to offer - refer to your CV or application form and
highlight the main evidence that your skills and experience match
the job requirements.
 why you are interested in this employer/job - demonstrate you
have done your homework on them
 closing paragraph - a polite and positive ending, stating when
you would be available for interview.
CVs - final points
 Start with a clear understanding of what the
selector is looking for
 Ensure your CV is targeted and relevant
 Use the best examples you’ve got
 Review – ask yourself “so what?”
 Ask others for feedback - first impressions.
Interviews
The selectors want to know:
That you CAN DO the job
(Skills)
That you WANT the job
(Motivation)
That you FIT the organisation (Values)
Types of interview questions
competence-based
commercial-based
strength-based
technical-based
motivation-based
careers service website
Interview exercise
 Break into groups of 4: an interviewer; an
interviewee; and two observers.
 Each interviewee will be asked 2
questions from the list with constructive
feedback.
A few practical tips
First impressions
55% on body language
38% on tone of voice
7% on what you say
Talk and listen/watch
50/50 ratio, maximum 2 minutes at a time
Never be afraid of a pause
General advice
 Think about why the question has been asked
 Ask for clarification if necessary
 Answer the question with relevant and specific
evidence of your achievements
 Keep to the point
 Focus on positive examples and comments.
The key to successful
applications?
RESEARCH!
Careers Service
Level 1, King’s Gate

Drop-in advice, Monday to Friday
10am to 4.30pm