1st Year S4S Workshop: CVs, Covering Letters & Application Forms

1. 1st Year S4S Workshop:CVs, Covering Letters & Application Forms

2. Guidance on CVs, covering letters & application forms in Placement Booklet and on S4S Bb site • follow guidelines closely • Remember the aim of a CV

3. CVs CVs produced as part of Skills for Science: • academic tutors may discuss guidelines • hand-in draft CV at tut w/c 27/02/12 • feedback from tutor and/or peers during tutorial, using feedback sheet • CV drop-in clinics 10-11am 8/3 Rm 321; 9-10am 9/3 Rm321; 10-11 16/3 Rm 321, 11-12 15/3 Rm 5221 • submission deadline 30th March to Helpdesk • email copy to J.Adhikari@shu.ac.uk if intending applying for placements

4. CVs • get feedback from placement administrator (only if you follow guidelines!) • update during summer - results, work experience etc • final electronic version by 24th September 2012 to J.Adhikari@shu.ac.uk • It is your responsibility to ensure the final version of your CV is appropriate for applications • update during your second year - results work experience etc.

5. General points: • must be factually correct (employers sometimes ask us for verification of information e.g. results transcripts) • check spelling and grammar • use bullet points • be as positive, informative and interesting as possible • 2-3 sides of A4 maximum length • both content and presentation are important Get some critical but constructive feedback Ask yourself: Would you give this person an interview based on this CV?

6. Specific 'content' points: • present course info should start on page one - include module and overall results • be concise re work experience: group similar experience together • emphasize skills acquired • start of placement is 2013 • head the CV with Sheffield Hallam University BSc(Hons) xxx • year 2 modules are included in the year handbook - include them!

7. Specific 'presentation' points: • personal info / early education - can use slightly smaller font • avoid paragraphs and full sentences • use bullet points • selective use of bold to highlight achievements / key words • avoid the use of 'I' • change page set up from default for better layout; presentation is important and may indicate IT skills! • look at a hard copy of your CV before submitting it; proof-reading and presentation

8. Which is easier to read? This? When producing a CV, many people: • Fail to identify what the employer is looking for • Undersell and underestimate themselves • Fail to provide the right evidence to support key skills • Fail to ask for constructive feedback

9. or this? When producing a CV many people will fail to identify what the client (i.e. the employer) is looking for. They may not be confident and hence will undersell or underestimate their abilities, hence providing a reduced picture of their skills. They may also fail to provide the right evidence to support the key skills they are claiming to have. Even worse they may not even mention those skills. Not obtaining an interview is often seen as negative and complete rejection of the person and rather than asking for constructive feedback to help with future applications people may give up.

10. Remember: • your CV is to get you an interview (1st impressions count!) • the reader may only take 15 seconds to scan a CV • follow the guidance provided (p39 booklet) and use the resources available to you • look at the websites given with the CV guidelines

11. Covering Letters • Many companies require a covering letter to accompany application forms and/or CVs • the covering letter must be specific to the application (a general one will not do) • use the job descriptions on Bb (S4S employability folder) to produce a covering letter • submit the covering letter (along with your CV) to Helpdesk by 30th March 2012 • submit electronically to J.Adhikari@shu.ac.uk for feedback if you intend doing a placement

12. Covering letters (contd) • follow guidance in placement booklet (p43) • ensure you use appropriate layout and terminology • must be factually correct • check spelling / grammar (presentation)

13. Covering Letters (contd) • link job description / requirements to your skills / course • should encourage the reader to look at CV • convey enthusiasm for the job / company • Once you have a good covering letter you can use it as guidance when producing further specific ones for applications next year

14. Application forms • example questions included in booklet • practice answers over the summer • email to J.Adhikari@shu.ac.uk for feedback • build up a 'bank' of answers - personalise to specific applications • use normal writing

15. Application forms (contd) • small spaces to get concise answers • think of your attributes / strengths; include in answers • ensure answers relate to job description

16. Further help…. Use facilities available to you: • placement team • resources in Careers Service (Alison McHale, SLS) • 'google' CV, application forms etc to see examples (remember these can be bad as well as good!) • look at websites given in booklet (p 41) • more workshops on applications in Y2 but may be opportunities to apply for before then

17. And if you are still undecided….. • http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/jan/18/third-graduate-jobs-work-experience