CV Writing

Creating & Crafting your CV
Areas to Cover
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The not so definitive CV …
What is a CV? / Why have a CV?
Types of CV
What to include
Covering letters
Exercise 1: CV pitfalls
Exercise 2: Creating your CV
!!! The not so definitive CV !!!
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The ‘perfect’ CV template does not exist
Each CV is individual to you
CVs needs to be tailored to each opportunity
Address general good practice
What is your CV / Why have a CV?
• What is a CV?
– Overview of your:
• Skills, Attributes, Knowledge, Experience (SAKE)
• Accomplishments
• Why have a CV?
– Advertises you!
– Gets you to interview
– Link your SAKE to a job description
– Keep a record of your achievements
Types of CV
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Traditional / Chronological
Skills based / Functional
Teaching
Academic
Creative CVs
Traditional / Chronological CV (based on www.reed.co.uk)
Skills Based / Functional CV (based on www.prospects.ac.uk)
Remember the purpose of your CV
TAILOR YOUR CV
Demonstrate how your experience and skills
would make you a ‘perfect fit’ for the company
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH !
• Job descriptions
• Person specifications
• Company website
What to include?
• Always include:
– Personal details
– Education
– Employment History
– References
• You may wish to include:
– Personal statement/summary
– Hobbies/interests
– Links to social media
Covering Letters
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Never send a CV without a covering letter
Another chance to stand out from the crowd
Support your ability to do the job
Entice the reader to read your CV
Research, Research, Research!
– Make sure you are addressing your letter to the
correct person
– Products / services
– Tailor
Exercise 1 – CV Pitfalls
• In pairs, or small groups, identify the pitfalls
on the CV
• 22 to find!
Exercise 2 – Creating your CV
• Use the pro-forma to start to create the
content of your CV
OR
• Analyse your current CV for ‘pitfalls’
• Think about your message!
– Skills, Attributes, Knowledge, Experience (SAKE)
– Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR)
Summary
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There is no right/wrong CV just ‘best practice’
Overview of your SAKE
Marketing document for you!
Tailor & research CV & covering letter
Avoid the pitfalls
Keep a record
Make the most of your time at university
Contact us
Come and visit the underground team KCB 563
Book an appointment to go through your CV
@MarjonUnderGrd
UnderGroundatMarjon
e: [email protected]