Get ahead!How do I write my CV?Claire Ward, Career Development Adviser

How do I write my CV?

• Appreciate the function of a CV• Learn about good practice in content and style of CV

Understand how to select relevant details for the job• Make connections between experience and employer’s

requirements• Understand the purpose and content of covering letters

What is the purpose of a CV?

• Demonstrates both suitability and potential for the job/sector• Promote yourself – with particular emphasis on recent and relevant experiences• Tell your story• To get an interview

Consider who is going to read your CV?

• What is the employer is looking for?• What is different about being an undergraduate?• Employers want work related skills – people skills, initiative, problem solving, team work• Plus experience of any kind

CV guidelines

• Effective layout and presentation• Right amount of detail• Tailored to a particular job - relevant• Interesting – makes you want more

What to include

Personal InformationProfile Education – what do you have to offer?Work Experience – paid and unpaidInterests – what else do you do?Additional skills – languages, IT literacyRefereesLength?

checklist

• Have you dissected the job details and researched the job and organisation?• Have you written a list of the essential skills, qualities and experience required and the matching evidence you can offer? • Are you using the right language?

Different styles

•Chronological/traditional•Skills based/targeted/functional•Academic•Different – to attract attention

Cover emails and letters

•Effective presentation and layout•Not repeating what’s in the CV•Explains interest in the job/why applying•Shows understanding of organisation•Appropriate language/register

What to include

•Why writing?•Why you?•Why the employer/organisation?•What next?

Further help

Short interview with a careers adviser Mon-Fri 10-5pmBriefing sessions – every lunch time!Employer EventsVacancies – part time, work experience, graduate jobsWebsite www.sussex.ac.uk/cdec

How do I write my CV?