How to write a winning CV
- 1. How to Write a Winning CV
- 2. Who am I? – Dawn Spiby
- 3. The CV - What is it? Translation Curriculum Vitae (the) course of (my) life
- 4. Why is it important?
- 6. How NOT to do it • Forgetting the employer • Poor presentation • Too long/Waffle • Errors, grammar & spelling • Jargon, abbreviations & TLA’s!! • Irrelevant Information • Not enough information/vague • Silly e mail address • Lacks professionalism
- 8. Don’t Lie!
- 9. Example!
- 10. How to do it! • Sales document....about YOU! • Be confident • No more than 2 sides of A4 – most student applications are one • Uniform Font – Times New Roman, Cambria, Arial • Usually Font size 11- 12 • Use a standard format/ structure • One size does not fit all
- 11. So put in some effort!!! TO FAIL TO PREPARE, IS TO PREPARE TO FAIL Benjamin Franklin
- 12. The CV Objective • Future Employer is interested in what you can do for their business, NOT what the business can do for you • Demonstrate not describe achievements • Career experience • Education & accomplishments • Personal skills and attributes • Possible career objectives
- 13. • Self-management (including time keeping) • Teamwork and leadership • Problem solving • Communication skills • Commercial awareness • Customer care • Academic and extra-curricula achievements • I.T skills • Commitment and enthusiasm What are they looking for?
- 14. The CV Construction • Name and contact information • Personal Profile – incl. Career Objective • Education • Work Experience • Skills & Achievements • Interests and Hobbies • Awards and distinctions • Other Experience • References
- 15. The Personal Profile •Gives the employer an insight into you! •Shows what you are expecting from a position •Should be positive, tailored to the job you are applying for •Has three key components • Quality – that defines you • Training – anything relevant you have had or have done • Job – what is it you are looking for?
- 16. A good example A hard-working, conscientious student who is always striving to achieve the highest standards. A key member of sports teams and clubs in the Stamford Endowed Schools 6th Form. Received recognition for achievement in Maths, Art and Design & Technology and am now seeking an entry level position in web development, in a dynamic agency as part of a bigger team. A well organised, time manager capable of balancing time towards academic studies and other activities, including Rugby, editor of the Sixth Form quarterly news letter and a part time position creating business cards for small enterprises.
- 17. A good example A hard-working, conscientious student who is always striving to achieve the highest standards. A key member of sports teams and clubs in the Stamford Endowed Schools 6th Form. Received recognition for achievement in Maths, Art and Design & Technology and am now seeking an entry level position in web development, in a dynamic agency as part of a bigger team. A well organised, time manager capable of balancing time towards academic studies and other activities, including Rugby, editor of the Sixth Form quarterly news letter and a part time position creating business cards for small enterprises.
- 18. A good example An industrious and enthusiastic student, with a wide range of interests such as sport, reading and languages. An effective team worker as well as results oriented solo worker, possessing strong leadership qualities and an engaging personality. Competent at organising a busy time schedule, I am a member of the Debating Society, part time worker at the local newspaper and volunteer for Rutland Sailability. With an the aspiration of a career in journalism, hopefully within the European Union, following completion of my Politics, English and Modern Language studies.
- 19. A good example An industrious and enthusiastic student, with a wide range of interests such as sport, reading and languages. An effective team worker as well as results oriented solo worker, possessing strong leadership qualities and an engaging personality. Competent at organising a busy time schedule, I am a member of the Debating Society, part time worker at the local newspaper and volunteer for Rutland Sailability. With an the aspiration of a career in journalism, hopefully within the European Union, following completion of my Politics, English and Modern Language studies.
- 20. Education • State your school and subjects • Any important classes or courses you have taken that may be job relevant • Any accolades you have had to date • Expected grades • Plans for study going forward
- 21. Work Experience • If you have not got any, do not put the section in!! • Include paid and unpaid work • Work experience through school – no matter how brief • List your responsibilities and duties • Demonstrate the experience you gained from role • Illustrate your positive impact on team, business or customers
- 22. Roythornes Solicitors, Summer 2011 & 12, Office Assistant: Responsible for filing document, answering the phone and general administration. Leicester Animal Rescue Centre 2012, Volunteer: Assisted with the cleaning out, feeding and walking of the animals. Interface with the public. Recording animal data into a bespoke database. Fundraised almost £800 pounds for the charity through sponsored events and yard sale. Gained corporate sponsorship of front of building and free decorating, by local paint company. Boots The Chemists 2011- 2013 – Seasonal, Shop Assistant : Responsible for stock replenishment of gift items in festive period, late evenings and weekends. Liaised with stock controlled regards ordering and assisted store merchandising teams with Point of sale and materials. General customer service and assistance in store. Work Experience - Examples
- 23. Skills & Achievements • Especially if no work experience – can come first in CV • Demonstrate key skills and your potential value • What are your star qualities • Positive personal characteristics • Gives an employer an insight into your leadership and social skills • Your achievements, character, energy & health • Research what people in the industry say and reflect those skills
- 24. • Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards completed. Gold to be completed in Madagascar, Summer 2014 • Member of the FISH (Friend In Stamford High) scheme – mentoring a new student to Stamford High School. Sept. 2012 • International school Netball Tour to South Africa, August 2007. • Grade 4 Piano. Grade 3 Speech and Drama examinations • Production team for Evergreen Trust Charity Ball programme – 2009 • Played Egea in Dream Nights – Key Youth Theatre, Peterborough – Summer 2008. Examples
- 25. • CCF - Member of the Combined Cadet Force of the Stamford School contingent for 2 years. Weapons Handling Test Completed and valuable skills in organisation and leadership gained. • LAMDA – Acting Duologue Grade 5- Distinction. Acting Solo Grade 6 (bronze medal) – Distinction, Communication (Spoken English) Grade 1 – Merit. • The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music - Grade 3 Singing • Member of Choral Society • Elected Form captain –Years 8,9,10 • Elected School Council Representative – Year 10 • Elected School Charity Representative – Year 9 • Mentor of Year 7 pupil – Year 10 Examples
- 26. Interests and Hobbies • Think about the job and what it may entail • Demonstrates a range of skills, which may be transferrable to the position • Tells an employer more about your character • The more unusual, the more eye-catching • A talking point • E.g. • International cuisine, graphics, adventure sports, marathons, kayaking.....
- 27. Awards & distinctions • What makes you stand out from the crowd? • E.g. • Gold - Worked as part of a team at a Regional Science Competition, and achieved first place, at Leeds University. November 2011 • Awarded 6th Form/Sport/Academic/Music scholarship 2011 • Awarded Biology/Chemistry/Physics Olypiad 2012 • Achieved a Bronze award in the Math’s challenge 2010 • Member of the Prefect Team /Subject Prefect, 2011/12
- 28. Other Experience • IT - European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) completed, 7 modules - proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint • Fluency in French, German and Spanish. Spent 4 weeks on German exchange in Summer 2012.
- 29. References •You may have work experience •It may be a tutor..... •But not your Mum!!
- 30. Ones that get you through to Boot Camp! Winning CV’s
- 31. Keeping up appearances • Content is King. • Has done their homework • Aligns with our corporate goals & the job needs • Uses my language/keywords • Demonstrates synergistic experience or skill set • Illustrates and quantifies achievement • Strong referees
- 32. Professional, easy to read
- 33. Puts my business needs first
- 34. Demonstrate skills for the job
- 35. Easy read, ability clear
- 37. Grabs attention – determined!
- 38. CV goes mobile!
- 39. Stand out from the crowd
- 40. Its in your hands! ‘V’
- 41. Thank you!