Creating a CV that sells marketing yourself effectively to employers? Tony Taylor, Careers and Employability Service

Creating a CV that sells marketing yourself effectively to employers? Tony Taylor, Careers and Employability Service

Before I go any further... Important point everyone you speak to will have a different opinion about your CV or how best to write a CV There is no definitive way to write/layout a CV Make sure that whatever you include, you are happy with it and can talk about the content of your CV to employers www.hull.ac.uk/careers

Principles of CV and Covering Letter Writing www.hull.ac.uk/careers

Objective To understand the art of effective CV writing Outline: Common mistakes Importance of targeted CV s Techniques of CV writing Sources of help with producing a CV

www.hull.ac.uk/careers Why do I need a CV? To get offered an interview aide memoire to help with application forms to get a bank loan (self employment) to help get your own work published to help you get short term commissions Other postgraduate course applications

Common mistakes When reading the CV it is not clear what the CV is for Unprofessional email address fluffybunny@ partyanimal@ are not professional Relevant information is hidden away on page 2 of the CV Space is wasted on optional information e.g. D.O.B, nationality, gender, heath record, national insurance number, marital status, family responsibilities, photo s Education and Employment history sections starts with the oldest example first

Personal profile to include or not to include, the choice is yours... Avoid vague statements Seeking a position where I can utilise my skills in an atmosphere with potential for career enhancement Poor example Mature and committed person with a good sense of humour and a lively personality. I have a strong interest in and experience of careers advice Better example Careers Adviser with 19 years experience in guiding and motivating clients within the higher education sector. With expert knowledge of the graduate labour market seeks to assist University of Hull PhD students with their CV s.

Making your CV Targeted You need to demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for the job role/industry on the CV and Covering letter www.hull.ac.uk/careers

Preparation - Vital ingredients of a CV The Opportunity Your CV Your Skills & Experience The Employer/organisation

What on earth do PhD students do?

Options Should I apply for a fellowship? Should I apply for a job outside academia? Should I apply for advertised post doc positions? Will the Careers Service write my CV for me? No!

Which road to take after your PhD? PhD PhD Postdoctoral research assistant Fellowship Academic post Job outside academia

Applying for jobs in the UK What employers want Employers recruit against specific selection criteria. These are usually set out in recruitment literature, job description and employee/person specification What you have to offer: evidence Good CVs supply the employer with evidence of your suitability for the post. This evidence will comprise the skills knowledge and experience you have built up over your life

Making your CV targeted 3 points to consider What is the CV for? Who is the potential audience going to be? What is the best way to demonstrate your current skills and experience?

The purpose of a CV is to secure a job interview. Your CV needs to stand out amongst all the other applicants

What do employers look for in a CV? Employer time is precious A CV that is relevant to the role that is being applied for Clear, concise and positive wording An attractive and clear layout Maximum length 2 pages (it is OK for academic CV s to be longer) Correct spelling and grammar

CV styles Possible styles in the UK are: Chronological (reverse) CV: easy to organise, traditional. Start with most recent first with sections for education, employment and achievements Skills based CV: emphasis is on skills and achievements. These are usually on the first page of the CV Academic CV: should only be used for academic applications. The key features are: publications, descriptions of research and details of funding awarded.

HE Lecturer - candidates will need to show evidence of the following the ability to sustain an interest in and enthusiasm for their area of specialist research and to impart this to students and peers; published research and participation at professional conferences and seminars; a capacity for original thought; proven teaching experience; expertise in their own subject area; the potential to expand their knowledge in order to teach a broad curriculum; excellent oral and written communication skills; confidence in dealing with a wide range of people; the ability to organise their own workload within competing demands; the ability to work both independently and as part of a team; excellent analytical skills; commitment to the profession and to their own continuing professional development (CPD); a flexible approach to work; good IT skills.

Academic possible content Personal details Education and prizes Research interests Research experience Funding Teaching Administrative experience Skills Professional qualifications Training Publications Attendance at conferences and seminars References

CV examples taken from www.vitae.ac.uk Mark CV academia doctoral science Rachel CV academia arts humanities

Why do employers reject CVs? Poor presentation Spelling and grammar errors Too long/short Too negative Not targeted to the job/organisation Failure to prioritise information

Covering letters A covering letter is an introduction to your CV It explains why you are sending your CV to the employer When to use a covering letter Responding to job adverts Speculative approaches Enquiring about placements/work shadowing

An effective covering letter 1 side of A4 Professional presentation Complement your CV don t duplicate it Draw attention to your CV Tailored to the job/organisation Convince them of your potential, suitability and motivation

Suggested structure 4 paragraphs Your 1 st paragraph is your introduction which job and where you saw it advertised In your 2 nd paragraph you should refer to your CV 3 rd paragraph should explain why this company appeals to you 4 th paragraph. This is where you need to conclude, sum up and end the letter

How to get help and support Register to access services www.hull.ac.uk/careers Email careers@hull.ac.uk Tel: 01482 465096 Daily drop-in Longer guidance appointments Workshops Careers fairs and events University of Hull Careers Service www.hull.ac.uk/careers

Thank you for listening