CV Workshop

What is a CV?

A curriculum vitae is an outline of a person's educational and professional history, usually prepared for job applications.

• An outline of your education, qualifications and experience?
• A job-seeking tool?
• A marketing document?
• All of the above?

Key Points for a CV

First Impressions - A first impression can be created in less than 2 minutes!
Layout and presentation - Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read and you are putting your message across.
Do you meet our essential criteria for this job?
1. Academic?
2. Experience?
3. Skills?

CV Checklist

Does it make a strong visual impact?

• Consistent design – alignment, spacing, fonts
• Not too long: one or two sides of A4 is usually enough
• Is it structured, clearly presented and easy to read? - Use headings to guide your reader
• Recent and relevant information on first page

Does it show you posses the qualities and skills required? - emphasise the most relevant
Does it use powerful language? Have you paid attention to detail? Check for errors and spelling mistakes!

Covering Letters

The covering letter/email is as important as the CV. Try to find the name of a person to send it to (and make sure you get their name/job title right!). Use the letter to highlight and expand on the key selling points of your CV. Use a business like style and keep it brief - 3 or 4 paragraphs on one side of A4 paper (if printed). Sign off the letter in the correct form -Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully.

What should I bring with me to the interview?

• Valid Passport or Full / extract of birth certificate (we do not accept abbreviated versions)
• Driver's Licence
• Proof of National Insurance

copies cannot be accepted. If you do not bring all original documents required to your interview you may be turned away.
Please note, if the names on your documents do not match then we will require proof of name change or proof of connection in the form of Long Form Birth Certificate, Deed Poll or Marriage Certificate