Professional Practice: Cvs & Covering Letters

The professional practice lecture this week went through Cv’s and Covering letter. This is something that I have done before during my second year and while on work placement but I thought that it was interesting to get more insight into tips when writing your CV.

• Average time spent reading CV’s is 6.25 seconds
• When CV is being used. Initial application for a role, as part of an application or speculative application.
• 2/3 jobs in the UK are not advertised they are in the hidden jobs market. Through networking and word of mouth. Having a good up to date CV is useful in this instant – seeking out employment yourself.
• There are different styles of CV’s. (Chronological (Trandtional CV) Skills-based CV) Skilled based CV are better if you haven’t got a huge amount of employment history – can showcase the skills. – transferable CV.
• Creative CV always start with a transitional CV and then adapt to make more visual more appealing.
• About identifying my brand and identity. – transfer able throughout all of the platforms that I use to communicate.
• If the degree relevant to job applying for maybe consider adding in module topics from the degree – can help showcase skills.
• A levels and GCSE are taking up one line rather than listing all of them. A-levels should be listed though.
• Additional sections include Achievements and Interests. Only include something that’s relevant, don’t include something that’s not needed going to help.
• Interest section – showcasing the well rounded person. Maybe not mentioned enjoy spending time with friends and family.
• Relevant experience and employment are separate – most relevant at the top of the CV so that people can read it quickly.
• Skills based CV is structured differently from traditional CV. The skills are grouped together and then evidenced the skills underneath based on employment.
• Must Include: – Personal Details (link to platform you want the employer to see), personal profile, key skills and achievements – tailor to what you apply for, Education and academic qualifications, employment history, work experience/voluntary roles, Professional Qualifications & Interest.
• Referees – should be asked before including them on the CV.
• Make it graduate level – the first page should be impactful, tailored to the target audience, evidence based (examples included), Achievements highlighted, key words are important – matching what the employer in talking about. Bullet point not narrative and if using first person limited the amount of ‘I’ being used.
• Personal Profile Section – Sit at the top of your CV. Tell them who you currently are (where currently studying) What’s your USP’s? and What are you hoping to achieve?
• Everything should be backed up even in the Personal Profile section of the CV.
• fte – full time equivalent
• creative applications can be tailor to the job or company.
• There is not certain way to do a CV.

• Covering Letter/Email – adding narrative to the CV. Especially important in speculative approach when job hunting.
• Intro – What are you applying for? Research towards the company. Briefly introduce yourself. How did you find the role? Why do you want to work for them?
• 2nd Paragraph – Education has helped for the role? What experience do you have? What are relevant personal attributed? Examples are to be used just don’t regurgitate CV.
• Closing paragraph – re iterate your desire for the role and highlight availability for interview. Welcome the oppitunity to discuss application further. End formally Yours sincerely (named) faithfully (unnamed.)