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YoPE Preparation Programme
Semester 1 2004/05
Workshop 2 Notes
COMPILING A CURRICULUM VITAE
WHAT IS A CV?
Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a Latin phrase meaning „The Story of a Life‟. A CV is a summary of your life,
which gives someone a picture of your history and abilities. The purpose of a CV is to get a job and to
convey to an interviewer, at a glance, the skills and experience that you have.
CV CONTENT & LAYOUT
A CV should cover the following areas:
Page 1
Personal Details Set out …name, address, date of birth, telephone numbers and email address ….
clearly at the top of the page [Remember to use a professional email address]
Education List the education you have had, in chronological (ie date) order, starting with
the most recent.
Give the name of the University attended, dates and degree pathway. List
modules studied for each year and include grades attained. Mention final year
project … give a brief description, technologies used and expected outcome.
State any secondary level education/equivalent. List your exam passes clearly,
showing the year you took the exams, the subjects you took and the grades you
achieved.
IT Skills List all technical skills in this section including: operating systems, development
languages and applications. You should also give a brief description of group and
individual projects: briefly describe the task, IT used and skills acquired.
Page 2
Work Experience List the job‟s you have had, in chronological (i.e. date) order, starting with the
most recent. Give the name and location of the employer, the dates you were
employed, your job title, a brief description of what was involved and skills
acquired. When writing about your current job, always use the present tense eg
„working‟. Details of part-time and/or voluntary work should be included.
Work Related Skills List a range of work related skills in this section and explain how you have
acquired/developed a particular skill. For example:
Team Work I am involved in may group projects at University, which require
good communication, determination and teamwork for the
successful completion of the project.
Achievements Show your skills and experience in the best possible light including any
achievements such as awards, prizes, fund raising activities, driving licence, first
aid certificates, sporting prizes, promotions, targets met, etc. But never tell
lies.
Hobbies/Interests Mention your hobbies and interests – especially if they are relevant to the type of
job that you want. The idea is to let an employer know you are a lively and
active person with a variety of interests who would be an asset to the
organisation. Also mention any relevant skills acquired as a result of partaking in
activities.
Ann Doris_Oct 04
YoPE Preparation Programme
Semester 1 2004/05
Workshop 2 Notes
Referees Provide names, position, addresses, telephone numbers and/or email contact
details for two referees who can vouch for your character and abilities preferably
previous employers and QUB Academic.
Optional:
Personal Statement
‘I am a hardworking, committed and trustworthy individual. I work well in a team but also enjoy an
individual challenge. I feel that by working in teams, projects tend to be more enjoyable whilst the end
result being a more complete solution, having completed group projects in both Software Engineering and
Project Management Modules at University. I have good communication skills and have the ability to build
effective working relationships with a wide range of people.’
Career Objective
‘To obtain a position with a major software developer which will utilize my educational background and
develop my expertise in web design.’
GUIDELINES ON COMPILING A CV
DO….
Clearly print your name at the top of the CV to facilitate finding it in a pile
Date your CV – dating it helps a reviewer to check how recent it is
Make sure the layout of your CV is clear and attractive.
Keep to a maximum of two pages (A4 paper)
Tailor your CV to each job.
Ensure that the personal qualities you list match up to the job you are applying for.
Remember, ultimately your CV is a marketing tool, designed to sell you and your skills to a
prospective employer.
Important points may be highlighted by bold or italic type.
Sentences and paragraphs should be short, sharp and clearly understood.
Use strong action words to stress achievements and results.
Check for spelling, punctuation and grammar mistakes.
A well-spaced layout with a clear typeface like Arial or Times looks best.
DON’T……
Try to be clever or humorous
Overstate your achievements….you will only be found out at interview.
Give a long list of irrelevant personal interests.
Omit obvious or important facts .eg. software packages you are familiar with.
Gloss over any gaps in your employment /education record. It will raise suspicions and you won‟t
get as far as an interview.
Send a CV if you have been asked to fill out an application form.
Use wide margins and over spaced text.
Forget to include a cover letter.
REMEMBER…
Try not to leave gaps, it can look suspicious! Career breaks are okay, but it is best to explain
them in a positive way – by talking about interest you have developed or part time study,
volunteer experience, travelling or having a family.
Ann Doris_Oct 04
YoPE Preparation Programme
Semester 1 2004/05
Workshop 2 Notes
COVERING LETTER
When you are sending a CV to an employer it should always be accompanied by a covering letter. The
purpose of a covering letter is to make sure your application is seen by the relevant person and to draw
attention to key points on your CV, highlighting your suitability for the job.
GUIDELINES…
Keep it brief: a wordy covering letter is a positive deterrent to reading the CV. No more than 3-4
paragraphs. Keep it short and to the point
Do not be tempted to duplicate your CV
The letter should be preferably addressed to a specific individual
Use the letter to personalise your application and tailor it to the company
End on a positive note
Proof read it – spelling / grammar check
Letters addressed to individuals by name should be signed with „Yours sincerely‟, not „Yours
faithfully‟
If you don‟t know who you are writing to then write „Dear Sir / Madam‟ and end the letter „Yours
faithfully‟
If there is a reference number, include this above the address of the person the letter is going to
Mention the job you are applying for and where you saw it advertised
Try to make the most of your experience and qualifications
Always remember to print your name under your signature
Keep a copy of the letter
Use an A4 envelope and good quality white paper
Use a suitable font e.g. Time Roman, minimum 10 point
STRUCTURE….
The appearance and format of your letter is really important. If the letter isn‟t well presented, it won‟t
be read. Your choice of paper, layout and typeface are significant. The basic letter includes four key
paragraphs.
Paragraph One This is where you introduce yourself and identify the job you are applying for. You should
mention how you learned about the job and explain what other documents you are
enclosing [ie CV].
‘I am in the penultimate year of a degree in Computer Science at the Queen’s
University of Belfast. I wish to apply for the position of Student Engineer
currently advertised in the Work Experience Centre at Queen’s.’
Paragraph Two You explain why you are attracted to the job and/or the organisation and how your
qualifications meet what they are looking for. You should be as specific as possible about
how your skills, experience and previous work qualify you for the job.
‘I wish to gain experience with a provider of E-business solutions. My main
interest is in the area of web design and I would consider the experience to be
gained with your firm to be a major asset in pursuing my career goal of
eventually working in this field.’
Paragraph Three This paragraph allows you to show your knowledge of the company, its culture and ethos
and how you can relate it to your own interests. This „personalises‟ your letter and gives
evidence of how you have targeted the company specifically.
‘As you can see from my enclosed CV I have a strong academic background. Last year I gained
experience with ……’
Paragraph Four This is a short closing paragraph in which you thank the employer for taking time to
consider your application. You can mention here when you are available for interview.
‘I am available for interview on most weekdays during term time and can be contacted by telephone
after 4.00 p.m. any afternoon. I look forward to hearing from you.’
Ann Doris_Oct 04
YoPE Preparation Programme
Semester 1 2004/05
Workshop 2 Notes
US RESUMES
The US resume format offers more or less the same information as a CV but in a much more
summarised and key point fashion. Keep it clear and concise, presenting only information
relevant to the particular position in question and in an understandable and easy to follow
format.
Keep your resume to one page in length if possible as its the norm in the US and very much
preferred. In any case it should NEVER be more than two pages long.
ALWAYS produce your resume on a word processor – handwritten resumes will more than likely
end up in the bin.
A job objective is usually included in US resumes as a matter of course e.g.
„To obtain a position with a major software developer which will utilize my educational background and
develop my expertise in web design.‟
Proceed with caution when including personal details. To include details of your age, date of
birth, sex and family status or to include a photograph may contravene certain State‟s laws on
equal employment rights and thus render your application invalid. For this reason you are best
advised to omit such details from your application.
In America the focus is very much on your work experience as opposed to a British CV which
usually starts with an emphasis on educational qualifications. Begin with your most recent work
experience and work backwards. You don‟t need to distinguish between paid and unpaid work, as
this is usually considered irrelevant in terms of experience.
When you do summarise your educational qualifications make sure that they are understandable
to a US employer by indicating their US equivalent. A-levels equate to High School Diplomas. Only
include your actual grades if they are A‟s or B‟s.
Check your resume for mistakes that will make it look unprofessional.
ALWAYS include a covering letter as a matter of course as it allows you to make a better “sales
pitch” than the resume alone. The covering letter should be brief, clear, direct and follow a
logical structure e.g.
o Why you want the job – show what you know about them
o What qualifications and experience you have – highlight the most relevant sections of your resume
o How you would measure up to the requirements of the position
Useful Reference Books Available in Careers Service
The Perfect CV: Tom Jackson & Ellen Jackson Ref No‟ 014.065
The Global Resume & CV Guide: Mary Anne Thompson Ref No‟ 014.066
Ann Doris_Oct 04
YoPE Preparation Programme
Semester 1 2004/05
Workshop 2 Notes
COMPLETING APPLICATION FORMS
GENERAL ADVICE:
It is your responsibility to identify your skills, experience and other information about yourself that is
relevant. You must support these with evidence or/and examples.
Timely applications are essential
It is always good to get your application in on time, but in a more competence climate it‟s vital.
Start looking for jobs early and keeping closing dates for application at the forefront of your
mind.
Be a well informed candidate…
Keep up to date with what‟s going on in the world of IT and telecommunications
Applying For Jobs …
Making a successful job application means convincing someone else that you are:
qualified
interested
personally suited
Be aware that some employers put a lot of stress on past academic performance e.g. A-level grades. If
your A - levels are weak, stress your more recent degree course grades. Employers are also interested in
the depth of your knowledge of IT subjects.
Being interested in working for the company is an essential requirement, not just for your own job
satisfaction but from the employer's point of view. Do some research on the company, then use your
answers to application form questions to demonstrate what you have learned about them. Quote your
sources so the selector can see the trouble you have gone to.
“Past experience is considered the best indicator of future performance”
When trying to demonstrate your personal suitability for a job, a good approach is to use key words from
the job description. Try and match these with examples drawn from your experience
3 stages to filling in a form…
Finding some direct links between the advertised job and your present qualifications, experience
etc
Drafting your application in a manner which does justice to your strengths eg qualifications,
experience etc and shows the capacity to learn so that you can make a contribution to the
organisation
Cutting your application down to size to remove any relevant material
Ann Doris_Oct 04
YoPE Preparation Programme
Semester 1 2004/05
Workshop 2 Notes
HOW TO BEGIN….
1. Amass your Evidence
Look at the selection criteria
Find evidence to meet these criteria
2. Do exactly what they say
Employers will ask you to send them a CV, a particular application form or to apply
online
SAF Standard Application Form
EAF Employer Application Form
Use a black pen – not a pencil or type the form
Read the instructions carefully
Make sure you understand all the questions. If not, ask someone to help you.
Photocopy your application form. Keep the original form clean and tidy
3. Target your application
Target the company – shows that you have made an effort
If you have experience which is relevant to the job you are applying for, make sure that
you mention it
Experience gained outside of work can also be very relevant to some jobs
4. Don’t be afraid of hard forms with difficult questions
Answers should be meaty with no waffle
5. Don’t leave any gaps
Account for any gaps in education / employment
6. Get a second opinion
Get someone to proof read your form
Ensure that punctuation and spelling are correct
7. When you have finished….
Make sure it is clear which job you are applying for
Check through your answers carefully, ensuring that all dates agree
Use a large envelope. Don‟t be tempted to cram the form into a small one
Send the form off to reach the employer in good time, remembering to keep a
copy for yourself
Ann Doris_Oct 04
YoPE Preparation Programme
Semester 1 2004/05
Workshop 2 Notes
Active Words
Here are some active words which will help you describe your role at work, university, interest and
activities etc
Performance … Teamwork… Achievements ….
Efficient Counselled Co-ordinated
Economical Facilitated Created
Consistent Guided Developed
Controlled Managed Formulated
Dependable Participated Modernised
Conscientious Presented Delivered
Supervised Negotiated
Problem solving … Organising …
Implemented Designed
Improved Developed
Initiated Devised
Inspired Established
Instigated Formulated
Interpreted Motivated
Introduced Organised
Investigated Originated
Recommended Presented
EVIDENCE FOR APPLICATION FORMS
Achievement…
Academic distinction
Acquiring new skills (eg computer skills, learning a language)
Publishing a paper
Successfully completing a vacation work project
Founding a club or society
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Sporting success
Running a youth club
Working abroad
Working relationships …
Group projects
Team games
Committee work/Halls rep
Organising social events
Amateur dramatics
Sharing a flat
Arguing a case in a tutorial
Students Union welfare work
Getting technicians to help you in the lab
Responsibility…
Vacation work -being left in charge, showing initiative
Committee work
Sport eg organising an event
Staff/Student consultative committee
Working to support yourself whilst studying (Time Management)
Running a Youth Club
Ann Doris_Oct 04
YoPE Preparation Programme
Semester 1 2004/05
Workshop 2 Notes
Problem Solving….
Vacation work - your approach to assigned tasks
Course projects
Intellectual pursuits eg chess, computer programming
Logic games
Planning & Organisation…
Organising an inter-rail trip
Fundraising for a charity
Running a student society
Communication Skills….
Listening
o Nightline
o Course or Halls Rep
o Reception Work
o Working with children in a summer camp or play scheme
o Teaching or tutoring
Speaking
o Course presentation
o Staff-student committee
o Debating society
o Student politics
Reading
o Reading technical journals or computer manuals
o Reading quality newspapers
Writing
o Writing a report on a work placement
o Writing publicity material for an event
o Student journalism
o Drafting simple instructions for a piece of equipment eg computer
Ann Doris_Oct 04
YoPE Preparation Programme
Semester 1 2004/05
Workshop 2 Notes
SAMPLE APPLICATION FORM QUESTIONS
Example Questions About You ..
Describe a situation where you have had to influence people
Please give one or two recent examples to illustrate your abilities to work effectively with others
Looking at your life as a whole, indicate three key events or experiences which you considered to
have been instrumental in shaping who you are
Please identify any major successes in your life to date
Example Questions About The Job
What relevant skills and qualities can you bring to the organisation?
Why do you think you would be suited to a career in consulting?/ software engineering?
programming?
Explain which specific factors attract you to your choice of career
Open-ended Questions
Structure is the key here:
State why you are interested in this job and this organisation
Describe the key qualities that you can bring to the job [with evidence that proves you have them]
Detail any work experience or course work that has been of special relevance
List any technical skills
Business Awareness
Please indicate any particular sectors of our business that especially interest you, and give the
reasons why.
Job Awareness
Please give an indication, with reasons, of the type of work you would like to pursue, mentioning
any relevant qualities or expertise you possess.
Problem Solving
Describe a problem or project you have had to solve. What methods did you use?
Team Work
Have you ever been a member of a successful team? In your opinion why was the team successful?
Planning & Organising
Give details of your main extra curricular activities to date. What have you contributed and what
have you got out of them?
Ann Doris_Oct 04
YoPE Preparation Programme
Semester 1 2004/05
Workshop 2 Notes
ONLINE APPLICATIONS
GUIDELINES…
Quicker and easier for the company
Online forms take as long as paper ones to complete and require just as much preparation and
thought
If you can, download the form and fill it in before going live
Cut and paste your perfect answers from a word processor if possible
Save regularly in case of crashes
Some online forms incorporate an aptitude or personality test. These may be timed and you only
get one chance, so don‟t start them until you are ready
Very few forms have spell checkers, so take care that your English is OK
Don‟t rush it. Only press „submit‟ when you are happy
If you haven‟t heard from the organisation after a few weeks, give them a call. Machines can
have errors
PROBLEMS:
No time for reflection
No one around to ask for advice
No spell checker
SOLUTION:
On-line forms are HTML documents with form elements
Capture the form disk using the Save As command
Open the saved form in your browser
Complete the saved form
Save your work
With your completed form open, open the blank on-line form in a second copy of your browser
Copy your answers from the saved version and paste them into the on-line version
Ann Doris_Oct 04
