Effective CV writing

Career Development Centre

Session objectives

This session will help you to:• understand the importance of targeting

a CV• decide what to include in your CV• choose an effective format and

language for a CV

What is a CV?

• The curriculum vitae – course of life

• A personal marketing document

• An opportunity to make an excellent first impression

What are employers looking for?

• Self-reliance: self management, self-awareness, pro-activity, willingness to learn, self-promotion, networking, planning action

• People skills:team-working, interpersonal skills, oral communication, leadership, customer focus

• General skills:commercial awareness, problem solving, flexibility, computer literacy, numeracy, commitment

• Specialist skillsoccupational skills, technical skills

Target your CV

• Identify what each employer wantsjob advert, employers’ websites, careers information research

• Identify evidence that demonstrates you meet the employer’s criteria

• Make your CV relevant, accurate and obvious

Supporting your CV with evidence

• Use positive, powerful simple language

• Provide evidence of your skills and experience using the CAR method:– Context –Where were you? What did you have to do?

– Action – What action did you take? Be explicit about your role.

– Result – What was the outcome & why? Would you do it differently next time?

“As customer service team leader in a fast food restaurant, I dealt with customer issues and complaints quickly and efficiently, receiving appreciation from my line manager”

“As customer service team leader in a fast food restaurant, I dealt with customer issues and complaints quickly and efficiently, receiving appreciation from my line manager”

CV content• Name and contact details:

– postal address, telephone/mobile number, e-mail

• Profile • Education• Work and / or voluntary experience• Skills• Other achievements / interests• References

in order of relevance

An employer’s perspective

Simon Reichwald- CEO Graduate Success

http://mycareer.wmin.ac.uk/video/r1603.html

Sample CVs

• A Skills-based CV

• A Chronological CV

The covering letter / email

• The main purpose is to get your accompanying CV read

• Regard it as a marketing statement• Keep it succinct and targeted to the job

requirements • Observe the conventions of business

letter-writing

Covering letter / email

• Reference

• Why you are writing

• What you are offering the employer

• Why you want to do this type of work

• What attracts you to the company

• When you are available for interview

Email etiquette

• Use the same structure as a formal covering letter • Use a formal greeting

– Dear Sir/Madam or the name of the person. – Do not say Hi or Hello

• Write in proper English, do not use abbreviations or email or text language

• Sign off correctly with ‘yours sincerely’ (for named person) or ‘yours faithfully’ (for Dear Sir/Madam)

• Do not include automatic personal statements or links to your personal social websites

Further information and guidance

Career Development Centre services:• 20-minute quick queries:

CV, covering letter, application form advice• 45-minute individual guidance interviews:

detailed career guidance, mock interviews

Resources:• CV Guide• Videos and DVDs• Free sector-specific and general careers

publications

What do I do next?

• Practice and perfect your CV writing skills

• Read the Career Development Centre leaflet on CVs, application forms and covering letters

• Attend future sessions (‘Job seeking strategies’, ‘Successful interview techniques’)

• Contact your Career Consultant

Contact usHarrow

Room EG.16

Maria Hewlett Building

Nearest tube: Northwick Park

Central London

1st Floor Cavendish House101 New Cavendish StreetLondon, W1W 6XH

T: 020 7911 5184E: careers@westminster.ac.uk

www.westminster.ac.uk/careers

In summary

It is important to:

• Choose an effective format

• Use appropriate language accurately

• Target your CV to address the requirements of each employer

• Provide evidence of your experience and skills using CAR, when appropriate