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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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 ……….

6. 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?

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

8. 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.

9. 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:
Divide employment section into ‘relevant` and ‘other` work experience

10. 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).

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

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

17. 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
Eg Demonstrated/ developed excellent teamwork skills when undertaking team project as part of x module, resulting in group obtaining a 1st class mark

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

22. Set up your own website
Eg.

23. CAP GEMINI COMMUNITY CHALLENGE WEEK JUNE 2014

24. College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
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