CAREER AND CAREER CHOICES

Grade 11Term 3

Weeks 6-10

Writing and building a cv Writing an application letter and

completing an application form

Tips for a successful C.V

Things to be included

contact details education relevant professional experience (most recent/most

relevant first)

Optional sections include:- personal statement reference list interests achievements and hobbies No more than 2 pages

juicylips@gmail.com wont get you a job

Your email address is the first thing your potential employer sees

crazyguy@email.com doesn’t read well for your reliability, while 8930405@email.com reads as spam

Use your full name or your university email account

Make it clear

• Make use of headings and separate information into different sections

• Contact information first• Make sure education and work experience is easy to

find and read• Include only your relevant work experience• The same applies to education: Tertiary education

comes first (no need to write specific grades)• -Skills can be included under work experience or in their

own section

Be concise

• Do not write an essay• Use bullet points• Specific skills example can be written about in the cover

letter• Full sentences are not compulsory

Style

Use standard fonts eg. Ariel Keep the font consistent throughout Don’t use fancy borders Multi-coloured is not attractive or easy to

read Do NOT include emoticons or text speak

Keep it simple

Writing a cover letter

This where you sell yourself and your skills

Make sure to mention: How you can contribute to the company Key skills and how you have used them in the past Don’t reiterate your C.V Thank them for your time No longer than a page

Tailor and Update

Use a different CV for each job you apply for Highlight skills from the job description Update your CV regularly and include new education or

work experience as well as certificates and awards Easier to keep your CV constantly updated than to

create a whole new CV every time you look for a new job

Most importantly Keep your social media up to date with work and

education experience Make sure anything you don’t want employers to see is

either locked down or deleted Keep all social media accounts consistent - LinkedIn,

Facebook and Twitter are most commonly checked.