Technical CVs Computer Science Professional Computing Caroline Egan College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Aim of today Help you understand what makes an effective CV so that you can apply these principles Information about Careers Network and other help

Why do you need a CV? To reply to job adverts To make speculative applications To give out at employer fairs To attach to online application forms (if requested) Main purpose: To get an interview

What do employers want? CV = provides information Knowledge Skills Experience CV = marketing document Persuasive Positive Uses active words

Profile Optional but good for early impact, and giving your CV context The hardest bit to write: don’t include until you get it right Brief summary of key aspects about you 3 or 4 lines summarising qualification skills/experience work objective Should be reflected in later content on CV Example: Computer Science undergraduate experienced in Java and C++ with helpdesk work experience, seeking to develop career in ……….

How to make it look good Accurate Uncluttered 2 sides is the norm 11 or 12 point One font Limit bold/italic/underline Avoid tables Spelling, grammar and content must be accurate Plenty of white space Use a simple font e.g. Arial or Times Bullet points Statements Active words Accurate spelling and grammar essential Accurate – facts – making things up or hyping them up too much could backfire at interview. Anyone had experience of that? Beware of reducing margins – looks cluttered Visual check: hold at arms length and see what stands out - think about what you want the employer to remember (some employers do this and then don’t read it if they think it looks cluttered!) More individual look if you do your own – rather than use a template. Templates – very limiting. Use headings appropriately Always use examples Check: what stands out when you visually scan it?

Content Personal Details Career Objective or Profile Technical Skills Academic Study Technical/Industry Experience Additional relevant qualifications Referees

Technical CV etiquette Technical CVs are often used when applying for Technology jobs. They will focus more heavily upon your technical skills and projects rather than transferable skills. Ensure that there is a clear focus to the CV and steer clear of jargon and acronyms that won’t be understood by the reader.

Content & Emphasis (1) Academic study – Degree/ MSc Be selective. Choose the subjects, modules, projects, dissertations and placements that are most relevant to the job – not just all. Technical/Industrial experience Put emphasis on the nature of the business, the skills you developed or demonstrated in your role, projects, responsibilities and achievements. See: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/job_applications_what_do_employers_want.htm Divide employment section into ‘relevant` and ‘other` work experience

Content & Emphasis (2) Technical Skills (could include): software packages operating systems modern technologies involvement in design report writing use of specialised equipment (Where possible indicate your level of competence).

Content & Emphasis (3) Include key technical skills (programming languages, platforms, systems, etc) that are relevant for the job, but do more than just list them. Indicate your level of ability and include brief information on how you have applied each skill. Use examples from university, work experience and home projects and relate them to industry. (Important note: if you include links to web projects, make sure the content of such sites is suitable for viewing on a company’s network!) Not all computer science degrees cover the same content, so it can be helpful to provide brief information about modules and projects that you have completed, particularly if they are relevant to the job.

Content & Emphasis (4) Don’t overcook your abilities and experience! The person reviewing your CV will have substantial technical experience and will quickly spot any flaws and inconsistencies in the information you include. You may also be tested on them at interview.

Content & Emphasis (5) Technology employers still want more than just your technical ability While technical skills and aptitude are obviously essential for a technical job, graduate employers view behavioural competences with equal importance. Recruiters will want to see that you have the ability to: Communicate well Work with others: (Teamwork and Project Management) Complete tasks on time Work at a high-quality level Adapt and pick up new skills quickly Think commercially Be innovative If you have examples of when you have done a job well or solved a problem in a smart or new way, include a brief example on your CV or in your covering letter. Your interests and activities outside work are also useful indicators of how well you will fit into a team.

Content & Emphasis (6) Eg’s of transferrable/ soft skills Delivered presentations on new technologies and related computer science topics to students in tutor groups Communicated with society members and attended committee meetings as secretary of student Sci-Fi society Customer service experience from shop and bar work

Content & Emphasis (7) Additional relevant qualifications/ achievements/ awards Interests Referees x 2 A recent employer or academic who can comment on your project work and technical skills.

Using action words…? Represented Communicated Negotiated Initiated Liaised Presented Directed Planned Designed Contributed Developed Imitated Co-ordinated Instructed Assisted Managed Compiled Had to

Model for effective bullet points Write a few bullet points using: Action word – skill – evidence Skills: Teamwork Communication Problem-solving Time management Numeracy Commercial/ customer awareness http://www.prospects.ac.uk/applying_for_jobs_what_skills_do_employers_want.htm Eg Demonstrated/ developed excellent teamwork skills when undertaking team project as part of x module, resulting in group obtaining a 1st class mark

There are things I’d change here – run through them

Set up your own website Eg. http://www.andrewthomas.org.uk/cv.php

CAP GEMINI COMMUNITY CHALLENGE WEEK JUNE 2014

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Careers Network College Team Contact us www.intranet.as.birmingham.ac.uk/careers/eps @eps_careers www.facebook.com/epscareers