how to create a great cv ellis parker. the cv what is a cv? what’s it for? why should i bother?...
TRANSCRIPT
How to create a great CV
Ellis Parker
The CV
• What is a CV?• What’s it for?• Why should I bother?• What should I put in it?• How can I get employers to read it?• I have a CV, what can I do to improve it?
The Product
Any well-sold product has some sort of brochure or leaflet to get its best points over to the people who might want to buy it.
Let’s buy a TV…. Which One???
What is a CV?
The brochure used in a job search is called a Curriculum Vitae - or CV.
We generally refer to this document as a CV although you will sometimes see the word “Resume” used in adverts.
A CV has only one purpose: to motivate the recipient to interview you.
What is a CV?
To do this it must attract and hold the interest of the reader, who may be busy, or bored, or have a pile of similar papers on her desk or emails on his computer.
A successful CV will be like a good advertisement; it will evoke a positive emotion in the recipient.
What is a CV for?
• It’s an advert or a brochure – of you• It’s a sales document – for you• It gets you noticed amongst the other
applicants• It tells potential employers what sort of
person you are• It can also tell them employers what you can
do for them
Why should I bother?
Source: http://nmweb.dur.ac.uk, Accessed: 01/12/11
Although lower than the region’s average, those seeking jobs in South Holland has increased a lot since 2008 (800 – 1500)
What should I put in it?
Things that will get you noticed for the job
Information in your CV will be:• Accurate and true• Interesting to the reader• Relevant to the job you apply for
What should I put in it?
How can I get employers to read it?
How can I get employers to read it?
Think back to the Google or the A4e websites• Make the beginning interesting and easy to
read (first screen thinking)• Draw the reader in with fascinating facts
about yourself and how it relates to the job• Use good language (see Useful words
handout) and check for errors
CV ChecklistIt SHOULD• Be attention getting.• Make the reader want to read on• Be clear about what the
‘product’ can do• Show off strengths and good
points• Be nicely laid out and easy to
read• Be honest and give the facts• Be business-like and accessible• Be produced on white, good
quality paper
It should NOT•Leave the reader in doubt about which
jobs you have had and why• Leave out simple facts - e.g. name,
address, qualifications or age• Leave out years between dates of
working or study• Puzzle the reader with names or
jargon• Make the reader look hard for
information• Give reasons for leaving• Give names of referees• Incorporate a photo
I have a CV, what can I do to improve it?
Ask someone you don’t know very well to look at it and ask for feedback.... is it:
• Interesting from an employer’s perspective?• Relevant to the jobs they look for?• Believable?• Easy to read and laid out well?• Free from mistakes?
WILL IT STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD?