How to write a fantastic CV! Jenny Wade CVs

Agenda Purpose of CV Hercules What an employer looks for Review Action plan

Alternative CVs Name Research work 3 unusual things about you

Purpose of CV To get you into the selection process for a job / position that interests you

Selection process CV / Application submitted Psychometric testing Telephone interview Face to face interview Assessment Centre Accept / Decline Job offer?

Why do CVs fail? What does employer want? Undersell & underestimate ourselves Insufficient evidence of our skills & competencies

Before you submit your CV Consider Job specification/role Institution Location

"You can teach a turkey to climb a tree but it's easier to hire a squirrel."

Step 1 – understand the employer’s needs Get the perspective right Read job adverts, web site, brochure Network What is most important to the employer?

Step 2 – know what you offer A thorough skills audit Think laterally around the particular job or role

Step 3 – make the connection Tailor Edit Highlight Emphasise –What makes me stand out? –Is there sufficient evidence? –What are the benefits to the employer?

Step 4 – Write your CV

CV includes relevant…. Knowledge Experience Skills

Consider Presentation / layout Content Length

Action words for CVs Negotiated Generated Led Delivered Devised Promoted Identified Tested Facilitated Managed Analysed Solved Resolved Initiated Represented

What might you leave out? CV at the top of the page? A career goal/personal profile? School record? Work experience that does not sell skills? Anything else?

Different types of CV Academic Chronological Targeted / skill based

Academic CVs – should cover Personal details Education Work Experience Publications Conferences Additional skills and achievements Interests References

Chronological CVs May omit Publications Conferences Must emphasise more Non academic work experience Transferable skills

Targeted CVs know what the employer is looking for highlights your key skills and qualities which are relevant to the post ‘ plagiarises ’ the advert follows on with a standard reverse chronological CV

What are employers looking for? Five core competencies Problem solving Professional presence Leadership Initiative Communication

More Competencies Teamwork Creative thinking Self motivation Curiosity Broad perspective Energy and passion Relationship skills Intellectual capacity Open mind to others views Influencing Entrepreneurial spirit Dedicated to excellence Celebrates diversity Decision making

Your skills…. Teamwork Creative thinking Self motivation Curiosity Broad perspective Energy and passion Relationship skills Intellectual capacity Open mind to others views Influencing Entrepreneurial spirit Dedicated to excellence Celebrates diversity Decision making

What an employer wants… ? Teamwork Creative thinking Self motivation Curiosity Broad perspective ? Energy and passion ? Relationship skills Intellectual capacity Open mind to others views Influencing Entrepreneurial spirit Dedicated to excellence Celebrates diversity Decision making

Key points You ’ re in control of what you reveal Give a headline on your degree course Write about your PhD – stress transferable skills not jargon Check your spelling Get someone to check it

Get a native speaker to proof read your CV “ I am sicking an entry level position ” “ Here are my qualifications for you to overlook ” “… instrumental in ruining entire operation for a chain store ” “ I am determined to obtain a position in pubic relations ” “…..and I hope to hear from you shorty ”

CV review

Action plan Questions

Useful websites

Publications Lynda Ali + Barbara Graham, Moving on in Your Career; A guide for academic researchers and postgraduates (RoutledgeFalmer London + New York 2000) AgCAS/University of London Careers Service, University researchers and the job market Mary Anne Thompson, The Global Resume and CV Guide (John Wiley + Sons New York 2000)

Covering letters Explain who you are Say why you want the post Give examples of your suitability Explain why you want to work in that Institution Provide other general information Say when you are available for interview