Winning CVs and Cover Letters

Tahira Majothi

careers consultant

Careers and Employability Service

http://www.careers.salford.ac.uk/

Aims

Identify and understand the purpose of different types of CVs.

Critically reflect on and tailor your own CV and cover letter.

Access support available via the Careers and Employability Service.

What is the purpose of a CV?

Why are CVs so challenging?

Average time spent scanning a CV

‘Gaze-tracking’ Technology

Name

Current and previous roles

Names of employers (past and present)

Education

(Source: http://cdn.theladders.net/static/images/basicSite/pdfs/TheLadders-EyeTracking-StudyC2.pdf)

Key points

Recruiters found visual features (i.e. boxes, graphics etc) distracting.

Recruiters preferred CVs with “an obvious information hierarchy.”

Recruiters focused on keywords to filter suitable matches.

Layout: first impressions count!

There are CV variations!

Part-time work

Typically customer- facing roles

Focus on:

Relevant work experience Interpersonal attributes e.g.

communication, teamwork, flexibility and organisational abilities

Key skills – IT, languages, driving licence, First Aid training etc.

Education Interests

Placements and Work Experience

Name Profile / Career Objective *Education (Most recent

first) *Relevant Experience *Key skills and

achievements *Other work experience Interests

NB: * Indicates sections that are interchangeable depending on essential and desirable criteria in the person specification/job advert.

Graduate-level Name Professional social media e.g. LinkedIn, blogs, websites etc.

Update the following:

Profile / Career Objective *Education (Most recent first) *Relevant Experience *Key skills, achievements, positions of responsibility,

professional associations *Other work experience Interests

NB: * Indicates sections that are interchangeable depending on essential and desirable criteria in the person specification/job advert.

Profile = Business Card

Degree or most recent qualification first

Overview of relevant work experience

2-3 relevant competencies (match to person

specification or job advert)

Career objective

Professional Social Media

Google your name – happy

with results/images?

Update your privacy settings

beforehand

Mention professional ‘active’

accounts only

Education

Most recent first. Reverse chronological order.

4-5 relevant module titles.

Include dissertation title if aligns with company values/mission etc.

Other professional training/courses if relevant.

Relevant Experience

Most relevant, not necessarily most recent!

Dates, job title and name of company

Key achievements / responsibilities

Incorporate skills using positive power words

Positive power words

Other Work Experience

Quantify achievements.

Explain responsibilities.

Include charity or voluntary work commitments.

Evidence transferable knowledge, experience and skills.

Key Skills and Achievements

Provide evidence of 3-4 skills as required by employer (e.g. communication, teamwork, leadership, flexibility, organisational skills etc).

Certificates, awards, scholarships, professional achievements, positions of responsibility, membership of professional associations, fund raising/charity work etc.

If relevant, provide details of IT/technical skills, languages, driving licence etc.

Interests

Provides an insight into your personality.

Being a member of a club/society/charity demonstrates teamwork, leadership and willingness to learn whilst helping worthwhile causes.

Weave skills and attributes into interests e.g. travel/year abroad has enhanced international outlook as well as communication, budgeting, negotiation and organisational skills.

Summary

Research the employer and job role first.

Tailor order of education, experience and skills on CV, depending on role requirements.

Provide tangible examples of relevant transferable knowledge, experience and skills.

Proof-read!

Personalise cover letters

Cover letter content

Format – Find the right person to address the letter/email to

Opening – What job do you wish to apply for? When and where did you

see it advertised?

Why you? – Introduce yourself, why are you the right candidate? Think

relevant knowledge, experience and skills.

Why them? Demonstrate your employer research, be specific about why

you chose to apply to them in particular.

The closing – Thank them for considering your application, make clear

your availability for interview and follow-up to check on progress.

Careers and Employability Support

CV Checks:

University HouseTuesdays (10am - 12pm) & Thursdays (2pm – 4pm)http://www.careers.salford.ac.uk/careeradvice

CV and Cover Letter Guides:http://www.careers.salford.ac.uk/page/careerguides

Salford (On-campus) Recruitment Fairs 2014-2015:http://www.careers.salford.ac.uk/page/meetemployers

Images CC Flickr

1. Scott Kellum, Portfolio Mailer. https://www.flickr.com/photos/devoinregress/

2. David K. Puzzled Kitty. https://www.flickr.com/photos/plasticrevolver/

3. Charlie Baker. My mood. https://www.flickr.com/photos/charlieeclark/

4. lars erik skrefsrud morning coffee, http://www.flickr.com/photos/skrefsrud/14438341782

5. Rubix Cube. Yugank Singhal. Boy Playing with a Rubix Cube. https://www.flickr.com/photos/92559412@N08/

6. Peas. 3.30.10 The Face of Customer Service. https://www.flickr.com/photos/iampeas/

7. University of Salford Press, Women in Construction. https://www.flickr.com/photos/salforduniversity/

8. Graduate, Am Markt, Bremen, Germany. https://www.flickr.com/photos/aluedtke/

9. University of Salford Press. Antonio Espingardeiro. https://www.flickr.com/photos/salforduniversity/

10. Popupology, 3-d business card series VIII – handshake. https://www.flickr.com/photos/popupology/

11. Jason Howie. Instagram and other Social Media Apps. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonahowie/

12. Lester Public Library, Study. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterpubliclibrary/

13. Branch Manager, Assistant Branch Manager Dog Meme. http://llwproductions.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/dogs-branch-managers.jpg

14. Domenico. My new job at the call center. https://www.flickr.com/photos/kugelfisch/

15. Melody Joy Kramer. Rocky SWK. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mjkmjk/

16. Geraint Rowland. Waiting Game. https://www.flickr.com/photos/geezaweezer/

17. Jim Shelley. Peacock. https://www.flickr.com/photos/29154662@N08/

18. Luke Chapman. Gift wrapping. https://www.flickr.com/photos/s13_eisbaer/