CV Workbook - Jea Jeddah€¦ · Summer 2003 Marketing Assistant: Sainsburys, London Skills Gained: Motivation / Organisation Co-ordinated a small research project team looking at

Use this workbook to improve your CV

CV Workbook

Is your CV targeted at the skills and experiences required in the job for which you are applying?

1

CONTENTS PAGE CV Checklist……………………………………………………………… Necessary Preparation For each vacancy…

1. Research the key skills required…………………………………………………….. 2. Identify when you’ve shown the required skills……………………………………. 3. Choose the most appropriate CV format (Skills based or traditional)……………

Writing your CV

General…………………………………………………………………………………….. Personal Details…………………………………………………………………………… Education…………………………………………………………………………………... Work Experience………………………………………………………………………….. Interests……………………………………………………………………………………. Referees…………………………………………………………………………………… Key Words / Positive action words……………………………………………………… Optional Sections (Personal Profile / Positions of Responsibility / Additional Skills) Some Hints on Using Microsoft Word…………………………………………………...

Example CVs – Contents……………………………………………………..

Chronological (Traditional)………………………………………………………………. Skills-Based…..…………………………………………………………………………… Academic…………………………………………………………………………………..

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3 4 4

5 5 6 7 9 9 10 10 11

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14 18 22

Target your CV at the skills required in the job

Leadership

TeamworkOrganisation

2

CV Checklist

2. Have you demonstrated how you’ve shown each skill (Rather than just listed them)?

3. Have you used positive action words and key words from the personal specification?

4. Have you highlighted the main points?

5. Are the dates easy to see?

6. Have you checked the spelling and grammar?

7. Is it attractive and easy to read?

8 Is your CV short (two pages)?

9. Have you whetted the reader’s appetite?

You do the work – We’re there to help

1. Have you targeted your CV at the skills and experience

required? I.e. have you proved that you have the skills required for the particular role you’re applying for?

General applications – generally fail

3

Preparation 1. Preparation - Research the Skills Required A CV allows you to present yourself in the best possible light. It is a great opportunity for you to relate your skills and experiences to those required by each particular employer. Because no two jobs or organisations are exactly the same, there is no such thing as a standard CV. Each time you apply for a job it’s up to you to identify the skills required. For example: • A bar job may require good teamwork skills and excellent verbal communication skills • A publishers may require good written communication skills and commercial awareness

Most employers require a mix of technical skills and transferable skills such as teamwork and good organisation

How to find out what skills are required:

1. Look at the organisation’s web-site 2. Highlight the key words in the personal specification (either published with the

vacancy details or on the employer’s brochure / website) 3. Look at the skills required for similar vacancies

4. Contact the organisation and ask for an informal chat (good networking

opportunity)

5. Ask yourself what skills would be required in that role.

The Top 26 Skills Required by Employers

Willingness to learn Commitment Dependability/reliability Self-motivation Team work Leadership Communication skills (oral) Co-operation Communication skills (written) Drive/energy Self-management Desire to achieve/motivation Problem solving ability

Flexibility Initiative Can summarise key issues Logical argument Adaptability (intellectual) Numeracy Adaptability (organisational) Can cope with pressure/stress Time management Rapid conceptualisation of issues Enquiry and research skills Self-confidence Analytical ability

Teamwork

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Your CV is your shop-window advertising

Remember –

Employers have about a minute to read your CV

– if it’s not clearly focussed

on the skills required it will

end up in the bin

42. Preparation - Identify when you’ve shown the required skills

Think of a recent time in your life when you have shown each of the key skills required, e.g. at University, at work or during sporting / social pursuits. Work experience is particularly attractive to employers. The table below shows how you might provide evidence for two key skills. Note how the examples provided are taken from a wide range of activities.

3. Preparation - Choose an appropriate CV Format Most Graduate CVs fall into two categories

Skill Examples of Evidence Your evidence Communication – Interpersonal

• Work experience (everything from bar work to clerical work) • Course/hall rep • Students Union network • Nightlight/Campus Connect • Mentoring

•

Communication – Written

• Publicity materials for voluntary or Students Union society • Articles for London Student, other publications, scripts • Essays, dissertations, projects

•

Chronological CVs (Traditional)

• Still focussed on skills! • Most common form of CV • Effective format for people with relevant

work experience • Useful when the employer stresses your

experience • Directly relate each experience

(University, work-experience and interests) to the skills required in the job

• You choose the headings but include: − Personal details − education − Work Experience − interests − Contact details for referees

See examples on page 12

Skills-Based CVs

• Generally used by students / graduates without much work experience but with all the relevant skills

• Useful when the employer stresses your skills above your relevant experience

• Briefly list your education, work-experience and interests

• Include a skills profile proving that you have the 6/7 skills required in the job

• You choose the headings but include: − Personal details − Education − Work experience − Interests − Skills profile − Contact details for referees

See examples on page 12

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Writing Your CV Before putting pen to paper it is first necessary to research the skills required in the job you’re going for, and identify when you have demonstrated them. General

• No more than 2 sides of A4 (can be more for academic CVs) • Typed, with a clear, simple font (minimum size: 11 point) • Short paragraphs of text (3/4 lines max) • Mixture of bullet points and text (not too much of each) • Allocate space according to relevance of information • Don’t try to squash in as many words as possible – leave wide margins and plenty of white

space (less is more) • Use key words from the application and positive ‘action’ words (see page…) • Make sure dates are easy to see (don’t leave any gaps) • You choose the headings but include:

− Personal Details − Education − Work Experience

− Interests − Contact details for referees

Personal Details

Example 1: Steve Davies 07936 414445

[email protected] Home Address: 26 High street

Fulham London SW3 4HP

Term address: (From October 10)

23 Chestnut Avenue London London LS6 9PL

Tel: 0123 735 6832 Tel: 01234 004 4801 Date of birth:

12 February 1982

Example 2:

Cynthia Xiu Whien

Term Address: (Until July 20) 23 Ches Avenue, London LS6 9VQ Tel: 01425 2537766 / 0151 4478321

Home Address (From July 20 – October 8) 63 Deancroft Avenue Queensbury London NW13 9EP Tel: 01233 205 1830 / 07845 345444

E-mail: [email protected]

Date of Birth: 12 February 1981

KISS: Keep it Short and Sweet

Address with datesClear, attractive font

Don’t use too much space

No need to write ‘Curriculum Vitae’

Address with datesClear, attractive font

For more examples refer to sample CVs (page 11)

6Education

• Relate your degree to the job − For chronological CVs, outline some skills gained which are relevant to the job, these can be

transferable skills such as teamwork and communication (see page…) and / or technical skills if the job is related to your degree

− For skills-based CVs, outline some relevant experience or achievements • Secondary level to degree in reverse chronological order • Show degree grade predicted / gained • A Levels with grade • Don’t list all GCSEs (just Maths and English)

Example 1: Chronological CV (Traditional)

Education 2001–2004 University of London, BA (Hons) History (2:1 expected)

Relevant Modules: • Qualitative Research Skills • Market Forces • Social Statistics • Research Statistics

Skills Gained: Developed a wide range of transferable skills within the fields of analysis and qualitative research. For my dissertation on the economies of South East Asia I analysed and interpreted information from various sources including the Internet, libraries and museum archives

1993–2001 Westminister School for Boys, London

A levels: History (A), Geography (B), Maths (B) GCSEs : 8 subjects all passed at grade “B” or above, including English Language and Maths

Example 2: Skills Based CV

Education

2000 – Present University of London MEng, Civil Engineering, 2:1 pass predicted

Key Modules: • Research Methods • Computing • Presenting Ideas to Clients • Information Technology • Surveying • Mathematics • Research Methods • Computing

Dissertation on presenting computer aided designs to manufacturers with little or no engineering background. This project involved regular communication and presentation within a fast-pace service environment

1992 – 1999 Queen Mary’s Secondary School, Maidstone

A Levels: Chemistry (B), History (A), Mathematics (B) 7 GCSEs (B and above)

Allocate space according to importance of qualification (more for degree than A Levels)

Relate your degree to the skills required in the job your applying for (in this case – research skills)

Dates easy to see (reverse chronological order)

Include any relevant modules and outline a relevant dissertation

Allocate space according to importance of qualification (more for degree than A Levels)

Describe some achievements from your degree which relate to the job (skills gained are outlined

later in the skills profile)

Include relevant modules and outline a relevant dissertation

Remember – relate your degree to the job

For more examples refer to sample CVs (page 11)

Mixture of bullet points

and text

7 Work Experience

− Include volunteer work, part-time jobs and vacation work, include most recent and relevant, e.g. over the last 4 years

− Include dates, the job title, the name of the organisation and the town or city − Dates do not have to be exact (Summer 2002 or June – Sep. 2001 will do) − Include a short job description highlighting the duties and achievements which are

relevant to the job you’re applying for − For chronological CVs also relate your experience to the skills required (See page…)

Example 1: Chronological CV (Traditional)

Work Experience Summer 2003 Marketing Assistant: Sainsburys, London

Skills Gained: Motivation / Organisation Co-ordinated a small research project team looking at customer responses to refurbished Sainsbury’s Stores. I initiated this internship myself, and negotiated my conditions and salary. At the completion of the project our team was awarded the 2003 Sainsbury’s prize for the best contribution to Market Research.

Oct 2002 – Present Fund organiser, Childline

Skills Gained: Analysis / Problem Solving Childine was finding that it was not attracting quality volunteers and many calls were going unanswered, I have been able to alleviate this problem by rerouting resources and initiating a ‘triage’ system for new calls.

Summer 2002 Cashier: Tesco, Neasden

• Assisted in designing a questionnaire • Analysed data using Excel • Presentation to regional marketing managers

Summer 2000 Check Out Operator: Tesco, Fulham

• Developed numeric skills and customer awareness • Organised weekend work rotas • Responsible for training new weekend staff

Remember – relate your work experience to the

job

Avoid too much scene

setting – how you

show a skill is more

important than when or

where Relate past jobs to the skills required in the job

you’re going for

Outline how you showed each skill (“alleviated…by rerouting and initiating”)

Dates easy to see (reverse chronological order)

Less detail for less recent / less

relevant jobs

8 Example 2: Chronological CV (Traditional)

Relevant Employment March - May 2000 and May - June 2001: Birkbeck College, London University

• Research Assistant on the ‘Works of Robert Boyle and Correspondence of Robert Boyle’ − Proof correction and manuscript work, editing skills

September 2000 - May 2001 and September 2001 – present: Queen Mary College, London University

• Teaching Assistant and seminar leader on first year Shakespeare course. − Educational and communication skills including report writing; presentation and negotiation

Additional Employment July - August 1996 and 1997: KPMG Management Consulting

• Associate Researcher − Conducting surveys, editing and compiling reports, IT, networking, professional and

communication skills with a wide range of clients

Example 3: Skills – Based CV

Work Experience

2002 – 2003 Sandwich Placement at John’s Consulting Engineers, Exeter

Duties included: Project management; strategic planning in a client –focused environment

1999 – 2000 Gap year: Adventure Planner at Brighams Adventure Holidays Duties included: Organising and managing water-based adventure holidays for school aged children

1997 – 1999 Sales Assistant, Homestyle, Maidstone (Vacations) Duties included: Retail sales and customer care

1995 – 1997 Various holiday jobs including:

− Child – care − Holiday camp entertainer − Teaching assistant

For more examples refer to sample CVs (page 11)

If you have a lot of work experience you can split it up into ‘Relevant’ and ‘Additional’ experience

Brief outline of duties (relate to duties in the job you’re applying for) – Skills come later in the skills profile

Mixture of bullet points

and text

9 Interests

Relate your interests to the job you’re applying for just as you do for your education and work experience. You have to pass the ‘So what?’ test

Example 1: Chronological CV

INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES Publicity Officer Oxfam: Arranged a publicity campaign. Gained experience in

delegation, proofreading text, desktop publishing, and working under pressure to meet deadlines.

Treasurer Karate: Kept accounts for a committee of eight. Helped organise

a campaign to extend membership of club, which resulted in 50 new members.

Vice Captain University Football Team: Organised venues and fixtures for

three teams as well as playing in the First XI. Example 2: Skills – Based CV

Interests / Achievements • Music: guitarist in my own band which performs gigs in and around the London area • Travel: Backpacking in Asia and North America • Sport: University Hockey team player

References Either: Include a professional referee (a current employer or one from your recent past) and an academic referee (a tutor from your course, e.g. your personal tutor) Or: Write – References available upon request • Make sure you ask your referee’s permission to use them as your referee and

tell them what sort of work you’re applying for • Include all contact details

Example

References

Academic Dr C H Glove Personal Tutor School of History University of Exeter 0123 765 4835 [email protected]

Professional Mr G Speed Market Research Division J. Sainsbury plc Stamford Street London SE1 9LL 01238 456 7890

Relate your interests to the skills required in the job you’re going for

Brief outline of activities – Make sure you refer to them in the Skills Profile!

10Key Words Before writing your CV highlight the key words included in the job description / personal specification for the vacancy (and similar vacancies). Include these words as you write your CV and when you’ve finished check to see if there all there. Positive Action Words • Avoid negative comments such as: ‘I feel I can’ / ‘I think I can’ • Use positive words: Ability; achieved; analysed; administered; conceived; determined; enthusiasm; enhanced; formed; guided; guaranteed; implemented; instigated; introduced; ingenuity; initiative; judgement; lasting; launched; maintained; managed; merit; negotiated; organised; performed; progress; planned; presented; promoted; redesigned; responsible; stability; stimulated; surpassed; thorough (For more positive words see Careers Booklet: ‘Action Words’) Optional Sections Personal Profile / Career Objective CVs are increasingly prefaced with a personal profile and / or a career objective, usually placed just below the personal details. The jury’s out at present as to whether employers look favourably on them. On the one hand they may be viewed as a good way of summarising a candidate’s abilities and experience, whilst on the other hand they are often seen as a verbose, self-indulgent re-hash of what should be written in a covering letter. Ask yourself if the profile is absolutely necessary (i.e. whether or not it will actually increase your chances of securing an interview). If you do decide to include a profile and / or career objective then make them specific, substantiated claims, frame it in the third person (don’t refer to yourself as ‘I’ or ‘my’), and use positive ‘action’ words. Include personal qualities, experience, skills, and personal strengths

Some Examples Career Profile Science graduate with experience in health service management studying management information systems, seeking to combine work and academic experience in management consultancy in the health care industry A Computer Science graduate with a keen interest in practical applications and information systems, seeking a career where a background in problem-solving would be an advantage

11Other Achievements and Additional Skills

Example

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS & ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

I.T: Regular user of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Maple 6 (mathematics software) and am familiar with research on the Internet and using E-mail. Brownie Leader: I am an active leader for the Brownies which involves taking girls on pack holidays and day trips, helping to prepare badge work and developing evening meeting programmes and developing. Improves stamina, imagination and patience.

Full clean driving licence held for four years.

Hints for Using Microsoft Word (Press Help within word for more guidance) Tables One way to align personal details and references is by using a table and colouring the lines white so they’re invisible. • To draw a table press ‘Table’ on the top bar, then press ‘Insert’ / ‘table’ and follow directions • To change colour line

− Press ‘Table’ − Press ‘Draw Table’ − On the toolbar which appears press the border colour button and change the colour to white − Press the pencil button − Go over the black lines with your pencil and turn the lines white

Example: Steve Davies 07936 414445

[email protected] Home Address: 26 High street

Fulham London SW3 4HP

Term address: (From October 10)

23 Ches Avenue London London LS6 9PL

Tel: 0123 735 6832 Tel: 01234 004 4801 Date of birth:

12 February 1982

Home Address: 26 High street

Fulham London SW3 4HP

Term address: (From October 10)

23 Ches Avenue London London LS6 9PL

Tel: 0123 735 6832 Tel: 01234 004 4801 Date of birth:

12 February 1982

Table with black lines

Table with white lines

12Adjusting Margins On the top bar press File / Page setup… Bold Text Highlight the text to be copied then either: • On the keyboard press ‘Control’ and ‘B’ at the same time • Or: Highlight the text then press ‘B’ on Formatting bar at the top of the page Cut Text Highlight the text to be copied then either: • On the keyboard press ‘Control’ and ‘X’ at the same time • Or: Press the scissors icon on the standard toolbar Copy Text Highlight the text to be copied then either: • On the keyboard press ‘Control’ and ‘C’ at the same time • Or: Press the icon showing two pieces of paper on the standard toolbar Paste Text • On the keyboard press ‘Control’ and ‘V’ at the same time • Or: Press the clipboard icon on the standard toolbar Aligning Text

13

Example CVs

Chronological CV (Traditional) aimed at a job requiring research skills……… Chronological CV (Traditional) aimed at a job in retail…………………………… Skills - based CV for a science student aiming at a job in the service sector…. Skills - based CV for an Informations Systems student aiming at a job in IT….. Academic CV1………………………………………………………………………… Academic CV1…………………………………………………………………………

PAGE

12 14 16 18 20 23

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Steve Davies 07936 414445

[email protected]

EDUCATION 2001–2004 University of London, BA (Hons) History (2:1 expected) Key Modules:

• Qualitative Research Skills • Economic History • Social Statistics • Politics in Post War Britain • Market Forces • Tiger Economies: Dead or Asleep?• Post-war Europe and the USA

Skills Gained: Research Developed a comprehensive range of transferable skills within the fields of analysis and qualitative research. For my dissertation on the economies of South East Asia I analysed and interpreted information from a wide range of sources including the Internet, libraries and museum archives.

1993–2001 Westminister School for Boys, London A levels: History (A), Geography (B), Maths (B) GCSEs : 8 subjects all passed at grade “B” or above, including English

Language and Maths

WORK EXPERIENCE Summer 2003 Marketing Assistant: Sainsburys, London

Skills Gained: Motivation / Organisation Co-ordinated a small research project team looking at customer responses to refurbished Sainsbury’s stores. I initiated this internship myself, and negotiated my conditions and salary. At the completion of the project our team was awarded the 2003 Sainsbury’s prize for the best contribution to Market Research.

Oct 2002 – Present Fund organiser: Childline

Skills Gained: Analysis / Problem Solving Childline was finding that it was not attracting quality volunteers and many calls were going unanswered, I have been able to alleviate this problem by rerouting resources and initiating a ‘triage’ system for new calls.

Home Address:

26 High street Fulham

Term address (From October 10)

23 Ches Avenue London

London SW3 4HP London LS6 9PL Tel: 0123 735 6832

Clear, attractive

font

Allocate space according to importance

of qualification (more for degree than A Levels…)

Address with dates

Relate your degree and work experience to the

skills required in the job you’re applying for

Reverse chronological

order

Avoid too much scene setting

Dates easy to see

Chronological CV (traditional) - aimed at a job requiring research skills

15Summer 2002 Cashier: Tesco, Neasden

• Assisted in designing a questionnaire • Analysed data using Excel • Presentation to regional marketing managers

Summer 2001 Fence building in Papua New Guinea

Skills Gained: Initiative and Problem Solving Before I started University I wanted to travel, but also to help people in some sort of voluntary capacity. Gap programs were all too expensive so I looked at the projects they offered; subscribed to a cheap phone company and contacted overseas organisations directly – within a week I was on a plane to PNG

Summer 2000 Check-Out Operator: Tesco, Fulham

• Developed numeric skills and customer awareness • Organised weekend work rotas • Responsible for training new weekend staff

INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES Publicity Officer Oxfam: Arranged a publicity campaign. Gained experience

in delegation, proofreading text, desktop publishing, and working under pressure to meet deadlines.

Treasurer Karate: Kept accounts for a committee of eight. Helped

organise a campaign to extend membership of club, which resulted in 50 new members.

Vice Captain University Football Team: Organised venues and fixtures

for three teams as well as playing in the First XI. ADDITIONAL SKILLS • IT: Good knowledge of MSWord. Through my job at Sainsbury’s I also

gained valuable experience of spreadsheets and databases. • Clean driving licence • Conversational French

REFEREES Academic Professional Dr C H Glyns Mr G Spender Personal Tutor Market Research Division School of History J. Sainsbury plc University of London Stamford Street London LS2 9JT London SE1 9LL 01234 765 4835 01238 456 8679 [email protected] [email protected]

Relate interests to the job you’re seeking

Use positive words

Include all contact details and make sure you’ve told your referees before including their names

16

LISA CARTWRIGHT 26 Stanley Park Gardens, London, London, LS2 9HG

D.O.B 17.05.81

Email-mail: [email protected] D.O.B 17.05.81 012342562478

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

2001 – Present BSc (Hons) Biology, predicted 2:1

The University of London

Skills Gained: Analytical Skills: Requisites for my Biology degree include problem solving, logical thinking and calculating. I enjoy using numbers to back up discussions. Time Management: I am punctual and reliable through balancing education with shift work in factories, sales and catering. I like to always be organised and present myself well.

1999 – 2001 3 ‘A’ Levels; Biology (A), Physics (B) & Maths (C)

Cheltenham 6th Form College, Gloucester 1997 – 1999 10 GCSE’s (A* - B) including Mathematics, Science and English

Cheltenham High School, Gloucester

WORK HISTORY: April ’99 – present (vacations only) Shop Assistant, Levi’s Store, Cheltenham • Five years of retail vacation work has given me a wide knowledge of the structural and

procedural elements of a store, this relevant experience can be adapted to other retail stores where loyalty and satisfaction of customers is paramount.

• The enthusiasm and initiative I showed towards the job enabled me to gain more responsibility when last summer I was promoted to Acting Assistant Manager.

• My responsibilities included opening up, motivating, leading and persuading the team of staff to deliver prompt and personal service, developing my communication and interpersonal skills.

June ’99 – 2001 (vacations) Various Sales and Catering positions through ADR Agency, Cheltenham. • Worked within Fridge, Furniture and Coathanger to Crab, Chicken and Pizza! • I advanced my operational and team skills in pressured and productive environments, whilst

working efficiently and effectively with a wide range of people • I often took the lead role in a Coathanger factory, which involved co-ordinating the line and

training new recruits, thereby developing my organisation and communication skills. Sep ’99 – June 2001 Presenter on College Radio Apr 2000 – June 2001 Presenter on ‘RSL Cheltenham’ 105.8FM • These experiences helped to develop my confidence, enhancing also my interpersonal and

communication skills that enabled me to thrive and perform well in a pressured and fast moving environment.

Chronological CV (traditional) for a science student aiming at a job in the Civil Service

Dates easy to see

Allocate space according to importance

of qualification (more for degree than A Levels…)

Relate your degree and work experience to the skills required in the job your applying for

Reverse chronological

order

Relate your degree to the skills required in the job

you’re going for

17June ’99-Mar ’01 Veterinary Assistant, Sunnybank Surgery, Cheltenham. • Through dealing with worried, anxious and sometimes very upset clients, I further

developed my interpersonal and communication skills and tact. • Excellent teamworking skills were developed with other staff when ensuring that consultations, operations and other duties were successfully completed. Apr’98-Aug’99 Bar Supervisor, Holiday Inn Plaza, Cheltenham. • Through the responsibility of serving drinks, preparing light meals and stock control, I

demonstrated good customer service whilst coping with demanding requests in a stressful environment.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS & ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

I.T: Regular user of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Maple 6 (mathematics software) and am familiar with research on the Internet and using E-mail. Brownie Leader: I am an active leader for the Brownies which involves taking girls on pack holidays and day trips, helping to prepare badge work and developing evening meeting programmes and developing. Improves stamina, imagination and patience. Full clean driving licence held for four years.

INTERESTS: MUSIC: I have played the piano for many years and have reached Grade 6 practical and Grade 5 Theory of Music. SPORT: I was Captain of the Hockey and Tennis teams during my entire school years and still pursue tennis now and regularly attend the gym. SOCIETIES: I am also a member of the University Horse Riding Club and the Circus Skills Society, which involve meeting regularly to discuss possible events, teamworking on activities and co-ordinating events.

REFEREES:

1) Dr K.Smith, Head of Biology, University of London, London, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT Tel: 01234 233 5859 E-Mail: [email protected] 2) Mr S. Jackson, Levi’s Store, Park Square, Cheltenham, Gloucester, GL24 4HG Tel: 01652 248975 E-Mail: [email protected]

Relate interests to the job you’re seeking

Include all contact details and make sure you’ve told your referees before including their names

18

Cynthia Xiu Ehien Term Address: (Until July 20) 23 Ches Avenue, London LS6 9VQ Tel: 01425 2537766 / 0151 4478321

Home Address (From July 20 – October 8): 63 Deancroft Avenue Queensbury London NW13 9EP Tel: 01233 205 1830 / 07845 345444

E-mail: [email protected] Date of Birth: 12 February 1981

Natonality: British

Education & Qualifications

2000 – Present University of London MEng, Civil Engineering, 2:1 pass predicted

Modules Include:

• Research Methods • Computing • Presenting Ideas to Clients • Information Technology• Surveying • Mathematics

Dissertation on presenting computer aided designs to manufacturers with little or no engineering background. This project involved regular communication and presentation within a fast-paced service environment

1992 – 1999 Queen Mary’s Secondary School, Maidstone

A Levels: Chemistry (B), History (A), Mathematics (B) 7 GCSEs (B and above)

Work Experience

2002 – 2003 Sandwich placement at John’s Consulting Engineers, Exeter Duties included: Project management; strategic planning in a client–focused environment

1999 – 2000 Gap year: Adventure Planner at Brighams Adventure Holidays Duties included: Organising and managing water-based adventure holidays for school aged children

1997 – 1999 Sales Assistant, Homestyle, Maidstone (Vacations) Duties included: Retail sales and customer care

1995 – 1997 Various holiday jobs including:

• Child-care • Holiday camp entertainer • Teaching assistant

Interests / Achievements

• Music: guitarist in my own band which performs gigs in and around the London area

• Travel: Backpacking in Asia and North America • Sport: University Hockey team player

Dates easy to see

Address with dates

Reverse chronological

order

Use positive words

Skills - based CV (for a science student aiming at a job in the service sector)

19

Skills Profile

Initiative : During my placement at Johns Consulting Engineers I was given responsibility for a number of projects where I had to work independently to fulfill key areas of the client brief. My interests always involve taking an active role in 'making things happen'. I formed a band at university in which I was the lead guitarist and singer, and this group continues to meet at weekends. Commitment: I needed considerable motivation and commitment in order to maximize the benefits of my gap year in 2000. I wanted to travel and increase my work experience in the service sector without incurring debt before I even started my degree! After an exhaustive search I found a very fulfilling job and earned enough money to fund the trip of a lifetime to India and Canada. Organisation: The key to my role at Brighams was the ability to organise a series of holidays, from co-coordinating the bookings and liaising with the customers to checking the equipment and planning advertisements in the local media. No matter what aspect of the job I was working on, I was constantly aware of the fact that there was a limited time in which to complete the day's tasks. Throughout my studies I have also been able to allocate a certain amount of time to leisure activities and work without allowing my studies to suffer. Team-working: In various groups at University I was able to bring together a wide range of opinions to ensure that we worked efficiently and achieved successful results. My work experience has also allowed me to work with a wide range of people. In addition, I am a member of the university hockey team. I particularly enjoy the social interaction of this sport. Communication: I have always achieved high grades in my written and oral work at university. I have given a number of presentations in tutorials. My experience at Homestyle and Brighams has also given me the skills and confidence to deal effectively with the general public, as well as colleagues.

Additional skills

• Full clean driving licence • Conversational Spanish • Excellent knowledge of web design and Windows-based computer packages

References available upon request

Avoid too much scene setting

Relate your degree, work experience, and interests to the

job you’re seeking

Tailor the headings in your skills profile according to the skills required by each different employer

20

Mr. Richard Southern 12, Sutton Avenue, Wakefield, WF2 7TU

Home: 01924 2589674 E-mail: richardsouthern@yahoo.

Mobile: 077592365 Date of Birth: 14 October 1978

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

1997 - 2000 BSc (Hons) Information Systems, 2:1 The University of London, West Yorkshire.

Modules included:

Final Year Project: ‘Learning styles of computing students’ 1995 - 1997 3 ‘A’ Levels - Information Technology (B), French (C), Biology (C) New College Sixth Form College, Pontefract. 1990 - 1995 9 GCSE’s (A* - C) including English and Mathematics Kettlethorpe High School, Wakefield.

SKILLS PROFILE IT KNOWLEDGE • Windows ’95, ‘98, NT 4.0 - Microsoft Word 6.0, 7.0, 97, Excel 97, Access 97, • PowerPoint 9, FrontPage 2000 - Internet Explorer 5.5, Netscape Navigator - HTML,

SQL. TEAMWORK • Teamwork involving good listening skills, encouragement and negotiation was an

essential part of every group work exercise conducted at university to ensure a successful result.

• Working as a Silver Service Waiter and bar assistant encouraged me to work efficiently and competently in a team to please customers.

COMMUNICATION • Good communication skills gained from conducting presentations in front of large

audiences consisting of both lecturers and students. • Often being left in charge of the Queens Hotel Conference and Banqueting department

required excellent communication to fellow employees and to customers. • As part of a module exercise, I was elected to be a mentor to a small group of Computer

Science first year students. Whilst monitoring their progression, the task expanded my communication skills and encouraged me to listen and to be understood.

• My vast retail experience has led me to develop excellent customer service skills where communication is a core tool. This also involved dealing with complaints and difficulties calmly and professionally.

Artificial Intelligence Database Management Human Computer Interaction Information Management Information systems development/practice Operating systems and communication

Operational Research Office Automation Professional Development Software Engineering Criminal Law Astrology

Skills - based CV for an Informations Systems student aiming at a job in IT

Relate your degree, work experience, and interests to the

job you’re seeking

Tailor the headings in your skills profile according to the skills

required by each different employer

List relevant Modules / Projects

21 LEADERSHIP • Leadership qualities have been shown through numerous group exercises throughout

my university career where I adopt a dominant but yet supportive and positive role. • Captaining a university rugby team required respect from team members, an essential

component of good leadership. PROBLEM SOLVING • Problem solving has been dominant throughout my education. It was an essential skill in

a number of modules such as operational research, database management and information systems development.

• Often dealing with customer complaints and difficulties has led me to find solutions to problems in a calm and efficient manner.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT My final year project allowed me to acquire essential project management skills, such as written communication, self-management and problem-solving skills through a 300-hour investigation and production of a 50-page report. LANGUAGES • French - intermediate written and spoken. • German - basic understanding.

EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY 30/08/02 - 12/02/03 Website Co-ordinator. IT Direct, Westgate, Wakefield. 11/2001- 07/2002 Silver Service Waiter/Bar Assistant. Queens Hotel, London. Vacations 2000/01/02 Retail Assistant. WH Smith, Nottingham. Summer 1999/2000 Retail Assistant. Boots the Chemists, Nottingham.

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS Travelling 6-month journey through Australia with en-route visits to Bangkok and

Singapore. This has undoubtedly been one of the most influential experiences of my life. It has not only made me a more confident person but has helped me to integrate with all nationalities and broaden my horizons.

Fund Raising I have helped in the fund raising campaign for the construction of my local

community centre, which eventually raised £400 000. I have taken part in many sponsored events ranging from small local fun runs to marathons to raise money for charities in Nottingham.

Sport I consider myself an extremely active person who enjoys a wide range of

sports such as rugby, long distance running, swimming and golf. I have been a keen rugby player for many years and frequently compete in university, departmental and national tournaments.

References

Available upon request

22 Academic CV 1

John Smith Address: 96 Green Road Email: [email protected]

London Tel: 01234 275 3456 London Tel (work and/or mobile): LS13 6HG Date of Birth: 20 September 1978

Education 2001 – 2004 PhD “Insert Title Here” University of London Supervised by……. – due for submission… (E.g. autumn 2004)

Brief outline your thesis relating it to the post you’re applying for, e.g: Outline projects undertaken and mention any collaborations with industry. Think about the length of the paragraph – is it readable? Consider bullet pointing key aspects that you want to highlight Include: ‘A synopsis of the work carried out is attached’

2000 – 2001 MSc, Title University of London Dissertation – “Title”

Modules included: (List Relevant modules / Outline any relevant research) 1997 – 2000 BSc (Hons) 2:1, Title of Degree University of London Modules included: (List Relevant modules) 1995 – 1997 Sixth Form College, Birmingham A Levels: Physics (A); Chemistry (B); Biology (B) 1990 – 1995 Comprehensive School, Birmingham 9 GCSEs: 8As, 1B Research Interests A couple of paragraphs on

• where your research interests lie • what you are currently investigating • what your future research plans are

Three pages

23Research Experience Summer 2001 Research Assistant

Department of Chemistry, University of London Successfully managed a six week research project to ……………., under the direction of Professor X. Outline what the work involved, i.e. novel approaches tried, what you achieved, any further work carried out as a result of what you did – mention any publications that have come from it. Highlight deadlines that you had to meet, or budgets that you had to work within. What did you learn? Think about technical skills – for example analytical techniques (e.g. NMR, Mass Spectroscopy and HPLC), specialist software or particular research methodologies used.

Teaching and Administrative Experience 2001 – 2004 Postgraduate Demonstrator, University of London

During my PhD I have been involved in supervising undergraduates during their practical classes and was responsible for up to thirty students.

10/03 – 04/04: Supervised a Masters student

10/02 – 05/03: Supervised a BSc student with his final year projects In each case I was involved in assisting in project management, development and completion.

Mention any marking or administrative experience gained.

1999 – 2001 Student Tutor, Campus Connect, University of London

Gave support to year 10 and 11 school pupils in maths and science one-to-one and in groups Outline any teaching experience gained.

Publications 1. Can include journal articles, conference papers, presentation and work in

progress etc. 2. Use the Harvard System to reference Conferences and Courses Attended 1. Conference title, Where Held, When 2. E.g. Royal Society of Chemistry Annual Conference, York, September 2003 3. Or, Research Council’s Graduate School, October 10th – 15th 2002 Professional Memberships Include if appropriate IT Skills Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes and proficient at using… - include all specialist packages, e.g. SPSS, ChemDraw, CAD/CAM packages

24 Interests and Achievements 2001 – 2004 University of London Staff Cricket Team 2000 – 2001 Event Coordinator, A Student Society Not as important on an academic CV. References First Reference Research Supervisor Full name and title Address Phone number Email

Second Reference [Another academic, preferably in a field related to the position applying for] Full name and title Address Phone number Email

Attach A synopsis of the work carried out on your PhD

25 Academic CV 2

Jane Smith Address: 96 Green Road Email: [email protected]

London Tel (Home): 01234 275 3456 London Tel (Work or Mobile): LS13 6HG Date of Birth: 20 September 1978

Education 2001 – 2004 PhD “Insert Title Here” University of London Supervised by……. – due for submission… (E.g. autumn 2004)

Brief outline of what your thesis investigates, different projects undertaken and mention any collaborations, e.g. with industry. Think about the length of the paragraph – is it readable? Consider bullet pointing key aspects that you want highlight Full details in attached appendix

2000 – 2001 MSc, Title University of London Dissertation – “Title”

Modules included: List relevant modules / outline any relevant research 1997 – 2000 BSc (Hons) 2:1, Title of Degree University of London Modules included: 1995 – 1997 Sixth Form College, Birmingham A Levels: Physics (A); Chemistry (B); Biology (B) 1990 – 1995 Comprehensive School, Birmingham 9 GCSEs: 8As, 1B Research Experience Summer 2001 Research Assistant

Department of Chemistry, University of London Successfully managed a six week research project to ……………., under the direction of Professor X. Outline what the work involved, i.e. novel approaches tried, what you achieved, any further work carried out as a result of what you did – mention any publications that have come from it. Highlight deadlines that you had to meet, or budgets that you had to work within. What did you learn? Think about technical skills – analytical techniques, software packages used, or research methodologies.

Three pages

26 Teaching and Administrative Experience 2001 – 2004 Postgraduate Demonstrator, University of London

During my PhD I have been involved in supervising undergraduates during their practical classes, being responsible for up to thirty students.

10/03 – 04/04: Supervised a Masters student

10/02 – 05/03: Supervised a BSc student with his final year projects In each case I was involved in assisting in project management, development and completion.

Mention any marking or administrative experience gained.

1999 – 2001 Student Tutor, Campus Connect, University of London

Gave support to year 10 and 11 school pupils in maths and science one-to-one and in groups.

Mention any teaching experience gained Other Experience 1998 – 2000 Bar Supervisor, The Dragon Hotel, London

Initially worked as a silver service waiter in the conference and banqueting team and then transferred to the wine and bar section. Responsible for running three bars and required me to manage stock, produce staff rotas and balance the tills.

Highlight skills that are relevant to the post you are applying for, e.g. leadership, management, communication, etc.

Professional Memberships Include if appropriate IT Skills Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes and proficient at using… - include all specialist packages, e.g. SPSS, ChemDraw, CAD/CAM packages Interests and Achievements 2001 – 2004 University of London Staff Cricket Team 2000 – 2001 Event Coordinator, A Student Society This section is less important on an academic CV. References First Reference Second Reference [Another academic, preferably Research Supervisor in a field related to the position applying for] Full name and title Full name and title Address Address Phone number Phone number Email Email

27

Appendix Research Abstract Summarise research carried out here. If you would normally describe your research using diagrams then include them in your abstract for clarity. Publications 1. Can include journal articles, conference papers, presentations and work in

progress, etc

2. Use Harvard System to reference Conferences and Courses Attended 1. Conference title, where held, when 2. E.g. Royal Society of Chemistry Annual Conference, York, September 2003 3. Or, Research Council’s Graduate School, October 10th – 15th 2002