Introduction to Writing a CV and Covering Letter:Department of Student Services 1 Introduction to Writing a CV and Covering Letter


Learning Outcomes:Department of Student Services 2 Learning Outcomes By the end of this session, you should be able to : identify different types of CV understand the importance of having good CVs and covering letters to be able to produce an effective CV and covering letter for a range of different requirements


What is a CV?:Department of Student Services 3 What is a CV? your marketing tool – often the first impression an employer gets so it has to be perfect! an organised summary of personal details, education and experience, targeted to the specific position or company a chance to demonstrate your strengths and enable you to focus the reader’s attention on the aspects you want to highlight


Different formats:Department of Student Services 4 Different formats chronological skills based targeted your CV is organic – it will change with time and circumstance.


How Could a CV be Structured?:Department of Student Services 5 How Could a CV be Structured? personal details education/qualifications work experience skills profile (optional) interests/extra curricular activities references


1) Personal Details:Department of Student Services 6 1) Personal Details name address telephone number email nationality? date of birth?


2) Education:Department of Student Services 7 2) Education Can be reverse chronological order – most recent first 1. postgraduate study 2. university education 3. pre-university education GCSE’s/A-level (or equivalent) with grades 4. any relevant courses e.g. intensive marketing course


Example of Education:Department of Student Services 8 introduction to database management systems introduction to web design networks and telecommunications object-oriented analysis design and implementation programming and data structures programming solutions of the internet Education 2001 – 2004 London Metropolitan University BSc Computing and Information Systems 2:1 Example of Education


Example of Final Year Project ::Department of Student Services 9 Example of Final Year Project : I developed a stand alone online test system using Visual Basic 6 and Microsoft Access as the backend database. The role of the database is to store login details for candidates, display questions and choice of answers and also keep details of the test result.


3) Work Experience:Department of Student Services 10 3) Work Experience can be in reverse chronological order – most recent first employers name, location (what they do) full time, part time, voluntary Work dates job titles description of duties involved main achievements


Example of Work Experience::Department of Student Services 11 Example of Work Experience: September 2004 – Current Recruitment administrator (part-time) – NHS Trust, London preparing offers of employment letters and terms of conditions of employment arranging interviews, obtaining references, applying for work permits and criminal record checks dealing with queries both face to face and on the telephone general office duties such as filing and photocopying


4) Skills (Optional):Department of Student Services 12 4) Skills (Optional) Analytical Business awareness Communication IT Languages Organisation Problem Solving Taking Responsibility Team work Time Management All relevant skills including:


Example of Communication Skills:Department of Student Services 13 Example of Communication Skills good communication skills both oral and written, gained from giving seminars and presentations whilst at university communication skills displayed whilst advising customers on a range of products when I worked at IKEA and John Lewis


5) Interests and Achievements:Department of Student Services 14 5) Interests and Achievements positions of responsibility travel membership of clubs or societies music/Sport hobbies and other leisure activities


6) References:Department of Student Services 15 6) References the names of two referees (one professional and one academic) name and job title address telephone number and fax number email address


How Should I Present My CV?:Department of Student Services 16 How Should I Present My CV? good quality paper (white or cream) maximum 2 sides of A4 (1 side for USA resume) consistent font size and type correct spelling and grammar correct use of language attractive layout and easy to read get a second opinion (from someone who knows!)


You are the HR Manager!:Department of Student Services 17 You are the HR Manager! Look at the 2 CV’s. Comment on them as if you were assessing them for a job Judge them on appearance, content and how they describe their skills You have 15 minutes to do this


Covering Letter:Department of Student Services 18 Covering Letter


What is a Covering Letter? :Department of Student Services 19 What is a Covering Letter? a covering letter always accompanies a CV the main function is to attract and maintain the employer’s attention it should emphasise interest in and suitability for the job it must create a good first impression – particularly if the application is speculative the cover letter should complement and develop the information in the CV, not duplicate it


Speculative Applications:Department of Student Services 20 Speculative Applications state why you are writing be clear what you are asking for needs to be more convincing/persuasive identify skills required follow up with phone call


Responsive Applications:Responsive Applications why are you writing? evidence of relevant skills/experience illustrate understanding of job description why do you want to work for this company? what’s your motivation for wanting job?


How Should a Covering Letter be Structured?:Department of Student Services 22 How Should a Covering Letter be Structured? opening Paragraph middle paragraphs (2 max) closing paragraph


Opening Paragraph:Department of Student Services 23 Opening Paragraph introduce yourself who you are? why are you writing?


Middle Paragraphs:Department of Student Services 24 Middle Paragraphs why do you want the job? why should the employer consider you? selling yourself demonstrate knowledge of the company and industry


Closing Paragraph:Department of Student Services 25 Closing Paragraph restate your interest in the job convey your enthusiasm and motivation indicate your availability to interview/start the job end on a polite, optimistic note!


Slide 26:Department of Student Services 26 24 Granger Road London N3 6LP 10 June 2005 Ms. S Johnson Graduate Recruitment Manager Carver Marketing Ltd 6 Bridge Lane London W1 7YU Application for Position of Graduate Marketing Trainee Dear Ms Johnson, Opening Paragraph ……………………………………………………….. Middle Paragraph 1………………………………………………………… Middle Paragraph 2………………………………………………………… Closing Paragraph…………………………………………………………. Yours sincerely, David Trent Dear Sir or Madam = Yours faithfully Dear Ms Johnson = Yours sincerely Don’t forget to sign the letter!


How Should I Present My Covering Letter?:Department of Student Services 27 How Should I Present My Covering Letter? good quality paper (white or cream) maximum 1 side of A4 word processed consistent font size and type correct spelling and grammar attractive layout and easy to read


Covering Letter Exercise:Department of Student Services 28 Covering Letter Exercise In groups of 3, choose 3 of the following skills & attributes Discuss how you could show evidence of these skills/attributes in a covering letter You have 10 minutes. Groups will then be asked to present their ideas


Slide 29:Department of Student Services 29 Skills analytical business awareness communication creative organising problem solving report writing teamwork Attributes decisive enthusiastic drive and motivation goal orientated reliable Self starting/self monitoring