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CVs. How to write a fantastic CV! Jenny Wade. Agenda. Purpose of CV Hercules What an employer looks for Review Action plan. Purpose of CV. To get you into the selection process for a job / position that interests you. Selection process. CV / Application submitted. Psychometric testing.
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CVs How to write a fantastic CV! Jenny Wade
Agenda • Purpose of CV • Hercules • What an employer looks for • Review • Action plan
Purpose of CV To get you into the selection process for a job / position that interests you
Selection process CV / Application submitted Psychometric testing Telephone interview Face to face interview Assessment Centre Job offer? Accept / Decline
Why do CVs fail? • What does employer want? • Undersell & underestimate ourselves • Insufficient evidence of our skills & competencies
Before you submit your CV Consider • Job specification/role • Institution • Location
"You can teach a turkey to climb a tree but it's easier to hire a squirrel."
Step 1 – understand the employer’s needs • Get the perspective right • Read job adverts, web site, brochure • Network • What is most important to the employer?
Step 2 – know what you offer • A thorough skills audit • Think laterally around the particular job or role
Step 3 – make the connection • Tailor • Edit • Highlight • Emphasise • What makes me stand out? • Is there sufficient evidence? • What are the benefits to the employer?
CV includes relevant…. • Knowledge • Experience • Skills
Consider • Presentation / layout • Content • Length
Negotiated Generated Led Delivered Devised Promoted Identified Tested Facilitated Managed Analysed Solved Resolved Initiated Represented Action words for CVs
What might you leave out? • CV at the top of the page? • A career goal/personal profile? • School record? • Work experience that does not sell skills? • Anything else?
Different types of CV • Academic • Chronological • Targeted / skill based
Academic CVs – should cover • Personal details • Education • Work Experience • Publications • Conferences • Additional skills and achievements • Interests • References
Chronological CVs May omit • Publications • Conferences Must emphasise more • Non academic work experience • Transferable skills
Targeted CVs • know what the employer is looking for • highlights your key skills and qualities which are relevant to the post • ‘plagiarises’ the advert • follows on with a standard reverse chronological CV
What are employers looking for? Five core competencies • Problem solving • Professional presence • Leadership • Initiative • Communication
Teamwork Creative thinking Self motivation Curiosity Broad perspective Energy and passion Relationship skills Intellectual capacity Open mind to others views Influencing Entrepreneurial spirit Dedicated to excellence Celebrates diversity Decision making More Competencies
Teamwork Creative thinking Self motivation Curiosity Broad perspective Energy and passion Relationship skills Intellectual capacity Open mind to others views Influencing Entrepreneurial spirit Dedicated to excellence Celebrates diversity Decision making Your skills….
Teamwork Creative thinking Self motivation Curiosity Broad perspective Energy and passion Relationship skills Intellectual capacity Open mind to others views Influencing Entrepreneurial spirit Dedicated to excellence Celebrates diversity Decision making What an employer wants…
Key points • You’re in control of what you reveal • Give a headline on your degree course • Write about your PhD – stress transferable skills not jargon • Check your spelling • Get someone to check it
Get a native speaker to proof read your CV • “I am sicking an entry level position” • “Here are my qualifications for you to overlook” • “…instrumental in ruining entire operation for a chain store” • “I am determined to obtain a position in pubic relations” • “…..and I hope to hear from you shorty”
Action plan Questions
Useful websites • www.gradschools.ac.uk • www.jobs.ac.uk • www.cvs.ac.uk • www.hero.ac.uk • www.hesda.org.uk • www.prospects.ac.uk • www.doctorjob.com • www.eurograduate.com • www.thepaperboy.com • www.phdjobs.com
Publications • Lynda Ali + Barbara Graham, Moving on in Your Career; A guide for academic researchers and postgraduates (RoutledgeFalmer London + New York 2000) • AgCAS/University of London Careers Service, University researchers and the job market • Mary Anne Thompson, The Global Resume and CV Guide (John Wiley + Sons New York 2000)
Covering letters • Explain who you are • Say why you want the post • Give examples of your suitability • Explain why you want to work in that Institution • Provide other general information • Say when you are available for interview