WAM Graduate Recruitment Fair 2006 - CV Preparation Workshop material

Written by National Learning Network

Curriculum Vitae & Covering Letters

Colette O’ Loan & Carmel Bennett

What will be covered in this seminar?

Curriculum Vitae.

Covering Letters.

Questions & Answers.

Copies of the presentation & a further reading list will be available at the end of the seminar.

Why Use a CV?

The point of a good CV is to get an interview.

Your CV is a marketing tool and must be tailored to your market - It is not just an account of your life.

The job advertisement gives information about the market you are applying to

TAILOR YOUR CV to the job advertisement.

Focus on the skills the employer wants.

Focus on your relevant experience & training.

Convey your enthusiasm about getting this job. The tone of your CV should be positive & optimistic.

A Successful CV.

Takes time, don’t leave it to the last minute.

If you have done the following, you’ve got it right:

üExplained how you can provide the employer with what they want & need.

üConveyed a positive and enthusiastic image of yourself.

üGot an interview.

What to Include on Your CV

Personal Summary

Personal Details

Name.

Address

Date of birth.

Phone number.

Email address.

Education

3^rd Level & School.

Where & When.

Qualifications.

Skills Gained.

Work Experience

Where & When.

Skills gained.

Achievements

Competitions & prizes.

Student Rep.

Team Activities

Interests

References

Signature

Creating a Successful CV

Is it tailored to the employers requirements?

Is it skill focused?

No more than 2 pages.

Chronological order.

Good quality paper.

No plastic folders etc.

Suitable font size.

Suitable font type.

Simple & short.

Avoid long descriptions.

Use bullet points.

Plenty of white space.

No gaps.

Check spelling & punctuation.

Keep headings clear.

Accurate & honest.

No copies of certificates or references.

Ask referees permission before using them.

Arms Length Test.

Why Do I Need a Covering Letter?

Like your CV, a covering letter is a marketing tool.

You are selling a product – yourself!

The purpose of a Covering Letter is:

To entice the employer to read your CV;

To explain what job you are applying for;

To tailor yourself and your skills to their requirements;

To emphasis your strengths;

On an otherwise equal playing field, it can be the difference between getting an interview or not

What Makes a Good Letter?

Tailor your letter to the job requirements.

No more than 1 page.

Neat & professional.

No spelling or grammar mistakes.

Address it personally to the recruiter.

Avoid unnecessary detail.

Refer to the job applied for & how you heard of it.

Use short simple sentences & avoid “flowery” language.

Sign & date the letter.

Use good quality, white paper & envelopes.

Finish on a positive note.

Remember – it’s a sales letter.

Covering Letter Information

Section 1

Introduce yourself. Explain why you are writing. Show enthusiasm about your reasons & their company.

Section 2

Sell yourself. Highlight your suitability, tailor it to their requirements. Highlight relevant points from your CV. Explain why you want to work for them.

Section 3

Conclusion. State your CV is enclosed. Outline your next steps – you will phone to follow up your application next week, you look forward to meeting them. Finish on a positive note!

Covering Letter Layout

Your name, address & contact details

The employer’s name & address

The date

RE: IT Specialist Vacancy

Dear Sir/Madam – Yours faithfully

Dear Mr/Ms – Yours sincerely

Paragraph 1 – Introduce yourself (section 1)

Paragraph 2 & 3 – Sell yourself (section 2)

Paragraph 4 – Conclusion (section 3)

Either Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely & your signature

Organise Yourself

Organise your workspace. Have all the tools you need nearby e.g. a computer, pen, paper, exam results, dates you were employed or in education, contact details for referees etc.

Keep the advertisements you are interested in or have responded to. This information is vital if you get called to interview.

Keep copies of all cover letters & CVs sent.

Set yourself a certain time each day to work on your job search.

Don’t give up – a good CV and covering letter take time to perfect.

Summary

-CVs

§Why use one?

§How do I write a successful one?

§What do I include?

Covering Letters

§Why use one?

§What makes a good letter?