Get ahead! How do I write my CV? Claire Ward, Career Development Adviser

How do I write my CV? Appreciate the function of a CV Learn about good practice in content and style of CV Understand how to select relevant details for the job Make connections between experience and employer’s requirements Understand the purpose and content of covering letters

What is the purpose of a CV? Demonstrates both suitability and potential for the job/sector Promote yourself – with particular emphasis on recent and relevant experiences Tell your story To get an interview

Consider who is going to read your CV? What is the employer is looking for? What is different about being an undergraduate? Employers want work related skills – people skills, initiative, problem solving, team work Plus experience of any kind

CV guidelines Effective layout and presentation Right amount of detail Tailored to a particular job - relevant Interesting – makes you want more

What to include Personal Information Profile Education – what do you have to offer? Work Experience – paid and unpaid Interests – what else do you do? Additional skills – languages, IT literacy Referees Length?

checklist Have you dissected the job details and researched the job and organisation? Have you written a list of the essential skills, qualities and experience required and the matching evidence you can offer? Are you using the right language?

Different styles Chronological/traditional Skills based/targeted/functional Academic Different – to attract attention

Cover s and letters Effective presentation and layout Not repeating what’s in the CV Explains interest in the job/why applying Shows understanding of organisation Appropriate language/register

What to include Why writing? Why you? Why the employer/organisation? What next?

Further help Short interview with a careers adviser Mon-Fri 10-5pm Briefing sessions – every lunch time! Employer Events Vacancies – part time, work experience, graduate jobs Website

How do I write my CV?