Transcript Constructing CV - Durham University

Creating A Winning CV for
UK Employers
Darren Johnson
Careers Adviser
Maximising Impact
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SENDING OUT THE RIGHT SIGNALS
Appearance
Consider:
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Length
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Spelling /Grammar
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Layout – easy for reader to identify
your selling points, consistency of style
Effective Use of Space
AGR/CIPD Findings:
Most common reasons CV is rejected is spelling/grammar
and irrelevant information
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Focus
Focusing the information
Find out:
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what skills/abilities are needed
what experience is required
what additional requirements are
there ?
Match these to your most relevant
life experiences/skills/abilities
What Should You Include?
Essentials:
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Optional:
Personal Details
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Interests ?
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References?
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In this order?
Education
Qualifications
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Employment/Work
Experience
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Skills
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Achievements
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Positions of Responsibility
Be positive in use of active words
and quantify result where possible
√ Managed Student Business
Society budget 2006/2008. Took
initiative to raise funds through
co-ordinating charity event. Raised
£1,500.
X I was a Member of the Student
Business Society from 2006-2008.
Keep It Positive - Make Use of Action
Verbs
Examples:
 Negotiated
 Evaluated
 Managed
 Led
 Demonstrated
 Established
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Initiated
Inspired
Enhanced
Instructed
Provided
Improved
Conducted
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www.prospects.ac.uk
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Using CV Templates – A Good Idea?
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Useful as a starting point
BUT REMEMBER:
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A CV template could restrict how you
market yourself. A CV is your individual
document, you need to say what you
want in whatever order you think best
sells you: not what the template dictates
Types of CV
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Traditional (Reverse Chronological)
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Skills Based
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Targeted
CVs : Which Model?
The Traditional CV (Reverse Chronological)
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useful format if you have relevant work
experience (e.g. internships) or have
demonstrated career progression
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presents information in order – most
recent first
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keeps to standard headings (education,
experience, achievements)
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easy to organise and demonstrates your
progress
CVs : Which Model?
Skills-based CV
 Useful if you have had lots of different experiences
or if you have limited vocational experience but
have done other things e.g. voluntary/society
activities
 Demonstrating evidence of your relevant skills
 Skills headings e.g. teamwork, communication etc
 Brief work experience descriptions
 Difficult to organise but demonstrates that you have
considered needs of employer
CVs : Which Model?
Targeted CV
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useful for individuals with a broad range of specific
experience directly related to the employer ……
may start with a career objective
is more highly focused – responsive to the needs of
employer/role
highlights relevant skills, experience and
achievements in both education and employment
(giving evidence)
may include a list of key achievements
Summary – DO
Use good quality paper
Use good
quality
paperlayout
and
& clear,
concise
a clear, concise layout
Shows you are business
like and well organised
Write in an easily readable
business style
Shows good
communication
and
writing skills
Make sure there are no
spelling
mistakes
Shows you have good
attention to detail
Summary – DO
Select relevant personal
educational & career details
Adjust your CV to
different situations
Read your CV again
before each interview
Shows that you have
good judgement
Shows you have
researched
and are interested
in the employer
This is the agenda
you have set
for the interview
Summary – DON`T
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Lie
Leave gaps in dates
Not necessary to put reason for
leaving
Mention salaries
Include irrelevant information
Allocate the same space to every
position
When to Use and Not use a CV
Use it:
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If the employer asks
you to apply in writing
When you apply
speculatively for jobs
To give to employers
at a recruitment fair
Don't:
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Put a CV in with
an
application form
for good measure
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Use an out of date
CV
Remember
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No such thing as the perfect CV – needs to be an
effective reflection of your suitability for the post/sector to
which you are applying!!!
Keep it to a maximum of two sides of A4 (3 for academic)
–tailor it to the employer/profession and/or type of work use different versions if necessary. Law CV likely to be
more traditional than one for the media. Emphasise
aspects of your work experience that are most relevant to
the individual employer.
Resources
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Brilliant CV – Bright/Earl
The Ultimate CV (Senior Managerial
Positions), Rachel Bishop Firth
www.durham.ac.uk/careers-advice
www.prospects.ac.uk
http://careerweb.leeds.ac.uk/downloads/
applications/cvsinternational.pdf
Questions