CVS AND COVERING LETTERS - Careers and Employment Centre CV Steps to Success
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CVS AND COVERING LETTERS
Careers and Employment Centre
CV Steps
to Success
www.brookes.ac.uk/
careers
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0
CV STEPS TO SUCCESS
Here are some suggestions to help you with the first draft of your CV.
STEP 1
Attend a lunchtime CV workshop
These are held during semester on the Gipsy Lane site and
Headington Hill campus as part of the Careers Centre Step
Programme. You can choose the workshop you want to
attend from here:
www.brookes.ac.uk/careers/news/workshops
STEP 2
Write a draft
Read through this guide and decide what type of CV you
are going to create, chronological, skills-based, or
academic. It needs to be fit for purpose, so decide what
your purpose is for now.
STEP 3
Bring your draft CV to drop-in at the
Careers Centre and we’ll look at it for you!
A Careers Coach will give you some constructive feedback
and help you tailor it to the job you are applying for, or the
sector you want to work in. You may want to come back
several times until you and the Careers Coach are really
happy with the final product. These are our opening hours:
www.brookes.ac.uk/careers/about/opening-hours
1
CONTENTS
1. The 3 main types of CVs (chronological, skills-based & academic) 3
2. Chronological CVs and examples 4-8
3. Skills-based CVs and an example 9-11
4. How to write a good ‘profile’ 12
5. Academic CVs and an example 13-15
6. Golden rules of writing a good covering letter & examples 16-19
7. 10 Reasons why I binned your CV! 20
8. Useful websites 21
9. Employer top tip 22
2
TYPES OF CV
First decide what type of CV is best for you, your CV has to be fit for purpose.
CHRONOLOGICAL CV (Page 4)
This is the most common type of CV that you will probably be familiar with. Your employment
and work experience is usually on the front page, listed in reverse chronological order (most
recent experience first).
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE A CHRONOLOGICAL CV?
If you have some relevant work experience in the area of employment, or sector you wish to
enter.
VARIATIONS OF THIS
You can include a short skills section, but the skills must be relevant to the role and be
evidenced. For example, if applying for a science post you might have a ‘lab skills’ section, and
for an IT post, a ‘software skills’ section. You can also include your skills in your chronological
work experience – for an example have a look at the ‘Jane Schiller’ CV on page 5. Or dividing
your employment into two reverse chronological sections ‘Relevant experience’ and ‘Other
experience’ can attract attention as your most relevant employment will be altogether on the
front page, see ‘Tom Brown’s’ CV on page 7.
SKILLS-BASED CV (Page 9)
This is a less traditional CV, but can be very effective. By moving your work experience to a
less prominent position on the second page, the focus moves to your transferable skills on the
front page. You can sell yourself really well by matching the skills you select to those required
for the job you are applying for, i.e. those on the Job Specification. It is REALLY important to
tailor your CV to each post. Each skill needs a clear example (some evidence), but this can be
taken from your degree, voluntary work, extra-curricular activities and employment.
WHEN WOULD YOU USE A SKILLS-BASED CV?
You may have very little or no relevant experience or you might be trying to break into a new
career. If that’s the case it can be quite difficult to sell yourself to employers through your
employment. So, if your work experience isn’t too relevant or is very lacking, promote your
transferable skills instead. Have a look at the example on page 10.
ACADEMIC CV (Page 13)
It may sound obvious, but this is what you need when applying for an academic post such as a
post-doc, a research position, or a postgraduate course, such as a PhD. Employers and HE
institutions will understandably want to know a lot more about your academic history and
achievements than they would normally. This requires extra space so it is standard to attach
appendices. Even with an academic CV employers and universities still want to know about
your softer skills such as team-work, attention to detail etc., so remember to highlight these too.
For an example go to page 14.
3
CHRONOLOGICAL CV TOP TIPS
1. Always start with your NAME
Your name never ‘CV’ or ‘Curriculum Vitae’.
Use slightly bigger font.
Your address 2. Don’t include 2 addresses e.g.
‘semester’ and ‘home’. This is
confusing.
Your email address and phone number
3. Think: do you have a
NOTHING else! No marital status, NI number, age, gender etc. professional-sounding email
address?
PROFILE 4. Write your profile last once you
are fully aware of your key
Not essential, some employers like them and some don’t. Must strengths for this role. Take your
be short and snappy i.e. no more than 3/4 sentences including time to write it well.
relevant experience, qualifications, skills (but not a long list of
them) and your career aim.
EDUCATION 5. Your expected degree class can
Your Oxford Brookes University course comes first including be added in the education
relevant modules and/or dissertation. Then your other section – especially if you expect
qualifications such as A Levels and GCSEs, just a summary for to do well!
GCSEs is all you need e.g. 10 A-Cs.
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE 6. All experience should be in
reverse chronological order, i.e.
By splitting your work experience into two sections you can really most recent first. You can include
tailor your CV to the job and importantly locate your relevant work
voluntary work experience too!
experience on the front page. For example if you are applying for
retail jobs put all your ‘Retail Experience’ in one section on the
front page with ‘Other Experience’ on the second page.
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE 7. For experience that may not be
AS relevant to the role, pull out
You don’t need to include every bar job & supermarket you’ve the tasks, skills and
ever worked in, but on the other hand you don’t want large gaps.
achievements that are the MOST
If you have had lots of jobs you could try grouping or
relevant.
summarising your experience.
INTERESTS 8. If you don’t have many interests
don’t lie, you could be asked
Yes, employers are interested, but just a paragraph will do. Try to about it at interview!
show a variety of interests to catch an employer’s attention, but
think about the impression your hobbies may give if you are a
train-spotter or stamp collector!
REFERENCES 9. ALWAYS ask your referees
FIRST!
‘Available upon request’ or two full references including name, job
title, address, phone number and email.
4
Do you have a
professional sounding Jane Schiller
email address, unlike Ground Floor Flat, Kinn Road, Oxford,
this one!? groovychicken@hotmail.com 000000077777
____________________________________________________________________________
Education
Oxford Brookes University 2002 – 2005
BA (hons) English and Music 2:1 predicted
Secondary School, Oxon 1995 - 2002
A Levels: English (B), German (C), Music (A)
AS Level: History (C)
GCSEs: 8 grades A* - C
____________________________________________________________________________
Relevant Work Experience The skills in bold are a
Publishing Co July 2004 - present reflection of the skills from the
UK Marketing Assistant job-spec/advert. This helps
tailor your CV to the job.
Duties and skills:
Event co-ordination: visiting prospective venues in the UK, liaising with event
coordinators and representatives, analysing survey results.
Creativity: copywriting for letters, e-shots, and posters.
Attention to detail: managing lead data and the marketing stock database, proof
reading documents.
Responsibility: creating and updating the marketing intranet page, providing
administrative support to the sales and marketing teams, dealing with enquiries by email
and on the phone.
Amateur Orchestra September 2003 - present
Concert Manager
Duties and skills:
Advertising: creating and sticking up posters, sending emails, creating programmes for
each concert on a weekly basis.
Negotiation: liaising with musicians about set length, finding out biographies for
programmes,
Time-management: arriving early to set up chairs and equipment, ensuring each
performance does not overrun. Notifying staff in advance about pending concerts..
Public speaking: presenting musicians to the audience and notifying the audience of
upcoming events.
5
Other Work Experience
Tesco Oxford July – October 2004
Food Service Assistant
Duties and skills:
Customer service: preparing orders, advising customers on products, dealing with
enquiries and complaints in person and on the phone.
Attention to detail: checking food quality, ensuring proper rotation of stock, signing
check lists.
Responsibility: setting up and closing down sections; working alone on sections when
required, training new starters, taking stock counts.
Coping under pressure: maintaining a high level of customer service when faced with
long queues of customers.
____________________________________________________________________________
I.T Skills
Very competent with computers and databases.
Particularly familiar with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the Web.
Languages
Conversant in German
____________________________________________________________________________
Interests and Achievements Make your
Writing: write for Oxford’s ‘Daily Info’ (www.dailyinfo.co.uk/reviews). interests
interesting! Long
Music: play drums in local bands and record music at home. lists of words don’t
work.
Sport: member of the university basketball team; school captain of the girls’ football,
basketball, hockey and cross-country teams;
Walking: completed the Inca Trail (Peru) July 2003
Charity events: raised £2000 for a Ugandan village by walking 550 km from Uganda into
Kenya with a group of 100 Africans and Europeans.
____________________________________________________________________________
References
Academic Richard Hamilton Building, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Hill Campus,
OX3 OBP
Tel: 01865 48 Email: @brookes.ac.uk If you are including
Employer Publishing Co, Oxford, Tel: 01865 0909099 Email: references make sure
you have full contact
details. Alternatively
‘References available
upon request’ is fine too.
6Tom Brown
2 Church Close
Oxford OX2 1TP
07823567890
tbrown@hotmail.com
A profile is not essential but if you are choosing to do one about three concise
sentences is all you need. Make sure it is really targeted to the job.
Final year Environmental Science student passionate about conservation and the environment.
Extensive voluntary experience working for wildlife trusts in various capacities, including
marketing, websites and writing press-releases. Looking for a position in a wildlife trust to
further develop skills in marketing and communications from July onwards.
Education
2006-2009: BSc (Hons) Environmental Science 2:1, Oxford Brookes
Modules include:
Biodiversity Law; Don’t include all your modules – just
Communities, Conservation, Conflict & Change; relevant ones for the role. You can
Sustainable Resource Use; also mention your dissertation if it is
Survey and Monitoring for Biodiversity. relevant.
Research Project: Field research on biodiversity in Malaysia has given me knowledge of
biological field techniques such as wildlife tracking using GPS telemetry, wildlife collating and
wildlife health monitoring.
2003-2006: Newbury College
A levels: Environmental Science (A), Biology (C), Chemistry (D)
1998-2003: Newbury School GCSEs were a long time ago and less
GCSEs: 8 A-Cs relevant now so a summary like this is fine.
CVs should be in reverse chronological order but if you
Relevant Experience have experience that is directly relevant to the role put
it on the front page in a ‘Relevant Experience’ section.
2006-2009: (weekend/voluntary) Oxford Wildlife Trust, Conservation Volunteer
Weekend volunteer working in small teams to clear rhododendron bushes, coppicing and
preparing environments for the Heath Fritillary butterfly.
Summer 2008: (Summer Intern) Oxford Environmental Centre, Marketing Intern
Managing telephone, email and written enquiries at the centre Bullet points starting
Working with the Marketing Team to promote the centre in with an action verb (in
Oxfordshire through direct mail and developing the website the same tense) make
Conducting visitor tours around the insect house your writing concise
and to the point.
Providing demonstrations of energy saving techniques to visitors
Summer 2006: Frontier, Conservation Volunteer, Ecuador
One month spent in Ecuador Wildlife Sanctuary working with injured mammals and organising
environmental education activities for visiting schools. Role also included writing regular press
releases for the Marketing Team.
7Pay attention to detail! Be consistent
Other Employment with full stops, capitals, dashes &
layout. There’s a full-stop missing here.
2007-present: Oxford Brookes University, Academic Support Worker
Taking lecture notes and editing materials for disabled students where I learnt to write quickly and
clearly, whilst pay attention to detail
2006-present: ABC Cinemas, Front-of-House Staff
Dealing with the general public through ticket and snack sales, bar work and ushering. I have improved
my communication skills and customer service and learnt how to work in a busy team.
2003-2007: Top Shop, Sales Person
Maintaining the shop floor, and stock and providing a good level of customer service. Opening and
closing-up shop, banking, sending orders and using initiative for customer requests and orders.
Practical Conservation Skills:
If these are really
A full clean driving licence with 4 wheel drive experience relevant skills for the
NPTC Agricultural Tractor Operation Certificate role Tom is applying
I undertook a small mammal identification course at Oxford Wildlife Trust for they could be put
Chainsaw certificate in a much more
First Aid Certificate prominent position -
PADI Diving Certificate on the front page.
Computer Skills: I can use a PC and Mac fluently along with all the standard software such as Microsoft
Office, Adobe Photoshop, Internet Explorer and Visual Basics.
These interests are especially good to mention as they
Interests: relate to the post Tom is applying for – see his profile.
I like to draw, paint and do other forms of arts and crafts as well as read and socialise. An avid reader of
Nature and New Scientist and have submitted articles on conservation in Ecuador expected to be
published this year.
Referees:
Dr Andrea Goodman Ms Manager
School of Life Sciences Cinema
Oxford Brookes University Oxford
Oxford Tel: 01865 222222
Tel: 01865 555555 Email: manager@wildlifetrust.co.uk
Email: agoodman@brookes.co.uk
oto at the top are all big ‘no, no’s’!
8SKILLS BASED CV ‘CV’ TOP TIPS
Your Name 1. ‘CV’ or ‘Curriculum Vitae’
or a photo at the top are
all big ‘no, no’s’!
Your address
2. Think: do you have a
Your email address and phone number professional-sounding
email address and
voicemail?
NOTHING else! No marital status, NI number, age, gender etc.
PROFILE 3. A profile takes time to
write well, you don’t want
Not essential, some employers like them and some don’t. Must be short and yours sounding like
snappy i.e. no more than 3/4 sentences including relevant experience, everyone else’s.
qualifications, skills (but not a long list of them) and your career aim.
EDUCATION 4. In the ‘Education’ section
If this is relevant to the role you are applying for keep your education on the you should always list
front page, if not you can move it to the back page. For example if you are your most recent
applying for a summer job at a supermarket where they are looking for qualifications first and
customer service skills and retail experience your degree isn’t always going include relevant technical
to be your best selling point! The front page needs to attract interest. expertise such as CAD,
SAGE and lab techniques.
5. You will have to change
SKILLS the skills for every role
Choose no more than 5/6 relevant skills for the post you are applying for. you apply for depending
Look at the job specification to help you, and then think of specific examples on what the employer
of when you have demonstrated these skills. These can be from extra- wants.
curricular activities, paid employment or work experience and from being at
university. Begin your evidence with an action verb, always in the same
tense:
Communication: Represented the English department at university
and successfully negotiated with academic staff for a change in course
work submission dates through meetings and verbal presentations…
Customer Service: Achieved ‘Waitress of the Year Award’ at Pizza Hut
from consistently delivering an exceptional level of service to customers.
6. If you have already
WORK EXPERIENCE covered this in the ‘skills’
As the emphasis is now upon your transferable skills your work experience section, you don’t need to
should go on to the second page. Remember to include details of the tasks repeat it in great detail in
and achievements for each job, especially where relevant. the ‘work experience’
section.
7. If you don’t have many
INTERESTS interests don’t lie, you
Yes, employers are interested in these, but just a paragraph will do. Try to could be asked about it at
show a variety of interests that might catch an employer’s attention but be interview!
mindful of the impression your hobbies give.
8. ALWAYS ask your
REFERENCES referees FIRST!
‘Available upon request’ or two full references including name, job title,
address, email and phone number.
9Linda Evans
10 Oxford Road
Don’t list endless skills – select a
Headington
couple and give some EVIDENCE
Oxford OX12 1PT for them as shown here. Good to
0723415902 end with a statement specifying
levans@hotmail.co.uk exactly what you are looking for.
A focused and motivated second year biotechnology undergraduate, with excellent laboratory skills in areas such as
spectrophotometry, chromatography and centrifugation developed during my degree. Able to communicate
effectively with a wide and varied audience and work in a team through customer service roles and university group
work. Looking for a 1 year placement in a commercial laboratory from July to develop skills further.
Education
2006-present, Oxford Brookes University, BSc (Hons) Biotechnology
Second year modules include:
Laboratory Techniques for the Biosciences
Genes and Genomes
Mammalian Biochemistry
Microbiology and Immunology Are all these modules relevant?
First year modules included: Don’t list all modules, try instead
Sciences Skills for Biosciences ‘Relevant modules include:’
Quantitative Science Skills
Control of Cell Function
Diversity and Evolution
Cellular Energy and Supply
1999-2006, High School, London
A Levels: Physics, Biology, Chemistry
GCSEs: 10 A-C grades including Maths and English
Skills
For a skills-based CV make sure you select skills that are relevant
to the role you are applying for and ALWAYS provide evidence.
Laboratory
Modules such as Laboratory Techniques for the Biosciences have greatly improved my ability, knowledge,
confidence and understanding of practical techniques, in particular spectrophotometry, chromatography and
centrifugation.
Communication
PowerPoint presentations at university have improved my oral and written communication skills, helping me
to project my voice and speak clearly when addressing large audiences.
Working as a waitress and developing a rapport with customers has greatly improved my inter-personal
skills. I was voted ‘Waitress of the month’ in August 2007 for excellent customer service.
Organisational
I have had to manage my time at university to meet multiple deadlines whilst working as a part-time waitress and
also maintaining many sports hobbies. I frequently make lists, use an electronic diary and prioritise tasks. This helps
to keep track of ordered procedures, which can be applied to laboratory work.
Teamwork
A of range of university projects such as paired lab work and group poster presentations have helped me
develop team work skills, obtaining excellent marks in all projects.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme allowed me to undertake an expedition with a team of four where we
successfully achieved our navigational goals over a three day period.
10IT
I am confident in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint which I use on a regular basis throughout my
degree programme.
Always highlight achievements from your work experience.
Even though this may not appear relevant it shows you
Work experience have good communication skills and customers like you.
2005-2007- Top Restaurant, Waitress
Employed for outside catering events where tasks included taking orders, using the till, setting up events and
responsive customer service. Voted waitress of the month by customers.
September 2007 Students in London, PR Assistant
Promoting student nights out in London and creating guest lists. Role involved developing relationships with
new people and excellent organisation skills in order to compile guest lists.
July 2004 and June 2006 Bradley Solicitors, work experience placement
General office work and creating databases for case files which greatly improved my organisational and IT
skills. Liaising with solicitors and the IT department over the design of databases and communicating ideas
in team meetings.
In 2006 I was employed for two weeks covering for an Office Junior, consisting of filing, sorting the post and
general office work. I learnt how to work under pressure in order to get post out for the next day delivery.
Other achievements
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme has brought me hours of enjoyment whilst working in a team to
achieve several goals including an expedition and service to the community.
I was in the school choir as well as the swimming, diving, gymnastics and dance teams. In addition I was
selected to be form captain, swimming captain and gymnastic captain several times.
Try not to provide examples from school activities – this is a
Hobbies and Interests long time ago for many of you! Think of something more recent.
Many of my hobbies revolve around sport including swimming, boxercise, gymnastics and dance. To help raise
money for charities such as cancer research I have participated in sponsored swimathons and sponsored walks, and
also helped the local Rotary Club to raise money for charities by selling raffle tickets. Music is another interest of
mine and I have attended several music venues in Oxford.
References
Professor Keith Smith Mr Manager
School of Life Sciences Top Restaurant
Oxford Brookes University Oxford
Oxford Email address
Email address Phone number
Phone number
11PROFILES
Profiles are not compulsory, but write a good one or don’t bother at all! This may
take some time to get it right...
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS?
What a long list of Wishy washy, what
adjectives with no I am a self-motivated, do you really want?
evidence! enthusiastic, hard-working and This profile could
Meaningless and very determined individual with have been written
anyone could write excellent communication and for ANY job!
it, but unfortunately team-working skills who thrives
employers see a lot in a challenging environment.
of profiles like this. Looking for a position that will
allow me to further my career and
build upon my existing skills.
AND WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THIS?
They say what their They talk about their
A final year business and
current situation is skills in the context
marketing student with one year’s
and sell their of their experience
experience of business to business
experience. That i.e.they provide
marketing, on track for a 2:1.
years’ experience EVIDENCE.
Excellent communication skills and
might only be
customer service skills from
several voluntary
developing relationships with They say what they
posts that together
clients at ‘Bank Busters’ to ensure want, when they
make up one year.
repeat business. With 6 months want it and use the
Attract good
experience in retail, now looking for opportunity to sell
attention where you
an entry level marketing position more relevant
can.
with an innovative retail company experience.
from June 2013.
12ACADEMIC CV TOP TIPS
Your Name
Your address
1. No marital status, NI number,
age or gender required. Just
Your email address and phone number your name and contact details.
CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS 2. Just give a flavour of research
interests and keep this really
In no more than a few lines summarise your research interests, concise – you could use bullet
ambitions or targets for the future as well as present and past points. Save the detail for the
research experience. appendice, or add more detail
in your education section.
EDUCATION 3. In ‘Education’ the focus should
be on your HE qualifications
Include degrees, dissertations/theses and names of supervisors. and achievements and in
Don’t forget to mention awards, scholarships, prizes and any research reverse chronological order.
techniques/methods acquired.
4. If you don’t have much
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE research experience yet focus
on your undergraduate or
This can include placements and summer research posts as well as postgraduate research skills
the supervision of undergraduates during your doctorate. List any and experience.
achievements and special responsibilities.
5. Use sub-headings to highlight
WORK EXPERIENCE the relevant areas of
experience – e.g. ‘Teaching’
Teaching/lecturing experience and administrative responsibilities and ‘Admin’ etc. Always
should be highlighted here. Include student supervision, seminar include any key achievements.
leading, and assessment. For any other employment that might be
less relevant emphasise your relevant transferable skills.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND 6. Always cross reference your
skills to the job specification.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT The starting point is always
thinking- ‘what skills are the
This can include relevant professional exams as well as Presentation employer looking for?’
Skills courses, Mentor Training and Project Proposal Writing courses
etc.
SKILLS
Specialist/technical, IT, languages, lab techniques etc.
CONFERENCES ATTENDED
Names, dates and locations – including any papers delivered and
conferences organised.
REFERENCES 7. Make sure your referees know
the details of the post you are
Two or three full references including name, job title, address, email applying for.
and phone number. Two must be academic referees.
8. The Appendices are where
APPENDICES you can provide some detail
about your research which is
List all publications, books, articles, book reviews etc. and an abstract
why your Academic CV will be
of your current research such as your PhD/Masters can go here too.
longer than the usual 2 pages.
13BE AWARE: Academic CVs
vary considerably depending on
your purpose and experience.
See here for more examples or
Mary Smith You might want to include
10 Park Street more detail here depending on
come and talk to us in the Oxford OX3 2PZ
Careers Centre: how relevant this is for the
marysmith@hotmail.com 077804456677 post. Alternatively you can go
www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/13
73/Academic%20CVs.html into more detail in the
appendices. Always mention
Education the names of your supervisors.
PhD in Medicinal Chemistry & Biochemistry (2004-2009) University of Leeds
Identification of new bacterial transference through microscopic interventions…
Supervisors: Prof. A. L. Biochemist and Dr. P. S. Scientist
Projects:
Biological evaluation of new inhibitors of mycobacterial mycolyl transferees relevant to the
treatment of cancer (part of a GlaxoWellcome CASE studentship)
Synthesis of glycolipids to investigate the structural requirements for cellular recognition &
presentation by CC1
Both projects support understanding of fundamental processes within mycobacterium and its mode
of action. Full details in attached appendix...
BSc. (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry, 2:1 (2000-2004) University of Chemistry
Dissertation Project: The synthesis of long-chain acids, and their 6-O-glucose esters. Modules
studied include: Drug Design, Chemical Toxicology, Cancer Chemotherapy, Biochemistry &
Pharmacology.
1998-2000 St Marks Sixth Form
‘A’ levels Mathematics (B); Chemistry (B); Physics (B)
1993-1998 Landsend School, Oxford
10 GCSEs 7 Grade ‘A’, 1 Grade ‘B’, 2 Grade ‘C’
Always highlight your research experience as this is likely to be
Research Experience a large part of any academic role.
04/00-08/05 Glaxo Wellcome Research & Development, Harlow
CASE Placement
As part of my sponsorship by GlaxoWellcome I was involved in a placement within a Medical
Research Team at their Harlow site.
11/04-present University of London
Postgraduate Demonstrator
Supervision of undergraduates in their practical classes and personally responsible for as
many as forty students.
Supervision of an ERASMUS student and a number of masters and undergraduate students
with their dissertations. This has honed my skills and understanding of project management,
development and the importance of meeting deadlines. /..continued
01/02-05/03 Biochemistry Department, Oxford Brookes University Industrial
Placement
Part of Professor Intelligent’s internationally renowned research group in the field of cancer
research.
Involved in the synthesis of protein derivatives used to investigate the biodegrading of cell
walls with the aim of developing novel inhibitors for cancer.
14Research Techniques
Competent in the following techniques:
Singular synthesis, for both development of optimum reaction conditions and multiple
synthesis.
Purification techniques such as Biotage and Solid Phase Extraction processes.
Working knowledge of NMR and Mass Spectroscopy, gained during my time at Prof
Intelligent’s lab.
Other Experience ‘Other Experience’ you may not consider relevant can be used to
highlight transferable skills. In this example – leadership.
05/99-03/02 The Big Hotel, Reading
Bar Manager
Worked as a silver service waiter in the VIP team, and then promoted to Bar Manager,
responsible for a team of ten.
Responsible for the general running of three bars including banking, mentoring and staff
development.
IT Skills Include software packages/IT skills relevant to your sector but be careful
with acronyms. If in doubt they will be understood by HR write in full.
Extensive knowledge of all Microsoft packages & working towards ECDL levels 3.
Competent in website development & currently constructing a Leeds University Biology
website.
Proficient in a range of scientific software packages including the ISIS suite, ChemDraw &
various PBR packages.
Interests & Achievements
• Awarded Leeds Biology Department-GlaxoWellcome sponsored prize 2005.
• Reading Rowing Club 2003 – Team Player of the year.
• Swindon University Staff Football Team Representative 2003-present.
• Secretary, Maths Department Student Society 2003-2006.
Referees
Provide full contact details including telephone numbers and email address of current
supervisor (ensure they know the details of the post you are applying for) and another
academic, preferably in the same or a related field.
Appendices: this section allows you to expand upon the following:
1. Research abstract: more details of your PhD and/or research interest. Tailor this to the
employer or university.
2. Publications: include here a list of any publications, articles, journals, papers etc. written
independently or jointly.
3. Conferences & courses attended: include dates, qualifications and any admin or
organisational involvement in the conferences you may have had.
4. Successful fundraising: Dates? What for? How much?
15THE GOLDEN RULES OF WRITING A
GOOD COVERING LETTER
ALWAYS INCLUDE A COVERING LETTER - unless you are specifically told not to.
‘Applicants who include a covering letter with their CV are 10% more likely to get a reply’
Research by Forum 3
TAILOR IT TO THE JOB - focus on the essential and desirable criteria on the job spec.
You may start with a standardised letter, but just like with your CV, unless you adapt it carefully
to the job requirements it’s meaningless and can be a little annoying for the employer!
DON’T WRITE MORE THAN ONE PAGE
An employer won’t have time to read it and 1 page really is enough!
MAKE SURE YOUR GRAMMAR AND SPELLING ARE PERFECT
‘Applicants sending CVs and letters without spelling mistakes are 61% more likely to get a
reply & 26% more likely to get an interview’ Research by Forum3
HAVE A STRUCTURE: 5 SIMPLE STEPS
Paragraph 1
In your opening paragraph briefly describe your situation and where you saw the advert and
specify the job you are applying for i.e. reference number (in case the recruiter has several
jobs currently on offer).
Paragraph 2.
Articulate enthusiastically WHY you want to work for the company, what your motivation is and
WHY you are interested in this particular post/sector. This will always require some research,
you might find they are they rolling out new and interesting products or services or that they
have been in the media recently.
Paragraph 3.
Summarise any relevant experience (including your degree modules and possibly your
dissertation) and explain how this will help you do this job.
Paragraph 4.
Talk about your relevant skills for the job - always focus on their key criteria/competencies.
Then provide examples from part-time work and extra-curricular activities etc. which is your
EVIDENCE that you can actually do the job! You might say something like 'I set out below how
I meet your criteria.' and then take each one in turn citing your evidence, so If communication
skills were the first criteria and problem solving the next…
Communication skills: I regularly write reports and present these to tutors & other students in
seminars. As a member of the debating society I take part in weekly debates & we have
recently partnered with a school to help fifth form pupils develop their debating skills. This has
given me confidence & the ability to communicate effectively with different audiences.
Problem-solving: my degree & work experience has taught me to analyse problems by x,y,z.
Paragraph 5.
Sign off with a polite & positive ending, stating when you would be available for interview. Use
‘yours sincerely’ if you are addressing it to a named person or ‘yours faithfully’ if not. Ideally try
to find a name, but with large organisations this is not always possible.
16.
Ground Floor Flat
Kinn Road
Oxford
OX2 6BB
27th March 2013
Sam Jones
Oxford University Press
Great Clarendon Street
Oxford
OX2 6DP
Dear Ms Jones
Always start with the job title and reference
Re: Marketing Assistant (W07/076) number of the role (if there is one).
I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Assistant, advertised on the Oxford University
Press website, and enclose my CV for your consideration.
My current position as UK Marketing Assistant at Publishing Co, together with my role as
Concert Manager at Oxford Brookes University have given me a strong interest in a marketing
career. My duties at Publishing Co include writing copy for e-shots, mailers and posters,
assisting with event co-ordination, liaising with suppliers and managing the marketing collateral
database. As a concert manager, I manage all the promotional aspects of weekly concerts, from
designing posters and e-shots to writing up concert programmes. I also liaise with musicians
about time-slots and equipment requirements. Alongside university and work, I write reviews for
Oxford’s ‘Daily Info’, which has enhanced the copywriting skills I have developed at Publishing
Co. These experiences have equipped me with solid marketing skills which will enable me to
quickly adapt to this role.
Summarise your relevant experience and skills for the job.
I am not only drawn to OUP because of its global reputation as a leading publisher, but also
because of its focus on education. My recent experience as an undergraduate and ‘end user’ of
academic journals such as Essays in Criticism and The Review of English Studies has sparked
an interest in how they are produced and targeted. I welcome the opportunity to explore this
further in a marketing role at Oxford Journals.
Balancing the demands of work with academic and social life has demonstrated my time-
management skills and desire to succeed. As a result of my experience to date both
professionally and academically, I believe that I could make a valuable contribution to OUP as a
Marketing Assistant.
I am able to work full-time from May 2010 and am available for interview at any time.
Show you are motivated to work for the organisation and
I look forward to hearing from you. to do the role – demonstrate your RESEARCH as Jane
Yours sincerely has here.
Jane Schiller
17SPECULATIVE COVERING LETTER
(from a press release)
This can help you access the unadvertised (hidden) job market. Many companies use press
releases as a discrete form of advertising saving on the cost of recruitment advertising. Speculative
letters must be individualised and targeted to open the right door for you. It’s always best to send
them directly to identified contacts/managers (outside of recruitment or HR), as these functions can
act as gatekeepers.
10 Palm Place
Oxford OX1 2BA
10th April 2013
Mr A Egan
UK Design Engineer Manager
Tourism Today
Oxford Road OX12 2PQ
Dear Mr Egan,
I read with considerable interest the recent report in the Oxford Times, describing (XX
company’s name) recent success in landing a contract to design two tourist
attractions in Egypt.
Your expansion plans suggest that you may have a need for additional staff.
I am attaching my curriculum vitae from which you will see that I am a qualified and
skilled Design Engineer, with considerable experience in construction, mostly gained
in the engineering industry.
I would welcome an opportunity to find out more about any opportunities you have,
and will telephone you in a few days to hopefully arrange a meeting.
Yours sincerely
Alan Anderson
18Networking Letter
(for approaching a contact)
This letter is a request for an ‘Information Interview’, a good way of finding out more
about a profession or sector you are interested in. You may be surprised that there are
potentially many people willing to give you help and advice, so never be afraid to use
all available sources of contacts.
53 Felix Street
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 6AU
21 March 2013
Mr Brown
Marketing Manager
Siemens Industrial Projects and Systems
Sir William Siemens House
Princess Road
Manchester M20 3UR
Dear Mr Brown,
Jo Smith suggested I drop you a line to see if it would be possible to arrange an
informal discussion with you.
I have decided that I want to move into the field of xxxx. I am not looking for a job
at present but rather to extend my knowledge of the sector and to see how suited I
would be to working in it. I am a graduate of xxx, with a variety of work experience
and skills which seem well suited to xxxx
I have already undertaken some research into the field and the type of companies
and roles available, and I can see my skills seem to be a good match for a
number of jobs. At this stage I am now trying to meet with knowledgeable people
to deepen my understanding of what it is actually like to work in this sector.
I would be very grateful if you could spare me 15-20 minutes for a discussion, at a
mutually convenient time. I attach my CV for information and will give your office a
call in the next few days to see if we can arrange to meet.
Yours sincerely,
Sam Crow
1910 REASONS WHY I BINNED YOUR CV
NOT TAILORED TO UNPROFESSIONAL ACRONYMS NO ONE
THE JOB Your CV is a marketing UNDERSTANDS
In this market less is more, document and a representation Only use them if you are certain
and it’s far better to apply for of you and your standard of work. an employer will understand
fewer more select jobs, rather groovychick@hotmail.com is not them, and even then use with
than firing out 100s of un- a professional email address, is caution. HR may do the initial
tailored applications. yours? And what about your screen of applications & they
Employers know what they answer machine message on may not be up-to-date on all the
want and are likely to get it, your phone? Make sure the technical jargon.
so you must adapt every CV language, look and feel of your
to the requirements of every CV doesn’t let you down.
job. Look at the job-spec and
reflect the skills, experience
and knowledge required into
your CV.
SKILLS WITHOUT
ANY EVIDENCE
‘I have excellent
communication skills, work well
UNNECASSARY in a team, can multi-task and
manage my time effectively’
INFORMATION AND Can’t we all? This is
YOUR LIFE STORY meaningless unless you back
Initially employers are only up your claim with an example,
really interested to see you EVIDENCE please!
meet the criteria on the
job-spec so don’t bombard
them with unnecessary
information. Employers also
don’t want, or need to know
your age, date of birth, gender TOO MUCH TEXT MORE THAN 2
or nationality. And they really
DON’T want a photo – no AND NOT ENOUGH PAGES
matter how great you look! WHITE SPACE This really is important (unless
you are writing an Academic
Keep it concise - don’t use long
CV). In some circumstances
sentences and long prose. This
you can use a one page CV,
isn’t an essay so try to use bullet
but this is quite unusual, and
points with action verbs where
POOR LAYOUT AND possible, e.g. negotiated,
very difficult to do properly.
PRESENTATION developed, produced, and
Your messages need to be researched.
delivered effectively so make
sure key information is on the
front page, try sub-headings
tailored to the requirements of
the job, or mirroring the skills
TYPOS YOU LIED!
from the job-spec . Then try the There is nothing more annoying OK, an employer may not spot
60 seconds test on your CV, than spelling mistakes, this initially, but when you go to
this is how long most inconsistencies and grammatical interview & you’re asked about
employers will scan it before errors. Make the right impression the interviewer’s favourite sport,
making an initial decision. and don’t send something sloppy, apparently one of your hobbies,
What stands out and what do but show you can really pay and it wasn’t entirely true, well
you remember? attention to the detail. it’s game over!
20USEFUL RESOURCES TO HELP
WITH YOUR CV
http://www.careerplayer.com/tips-and-advice/general-advice/polish-up-your-cv
Comprehensive video on writing a CV
http://www.graduate-recruitment.co.uk/cv-tips
Short video with 10 useful top tips on writing a CV
http://career-advice.monster.co.uk/cvs-applications/free-cv-templates/jobs.aspx
A selection of free CV templates
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv.htm
Detailed CV advice and examples for many different subject areas
http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/1373/Academic-CVs.html
The most useful website (with examples) for students wanting to write an Academic CV
http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-hunting-tools-downloads.
Example CVs for graduate jobs and internships
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/example_cvs.htm
Concise information and examples of the three main types of CVs
http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/cvs-and-applications/funny-cv-mistakes-bloopers
Some CV light relief – amusing howlers!
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/tools/cv/Pages/default.aspx
Free CV builder tool from the National Careers Service
http://www.grb.uk.com/graduate-cv
General CV advice
http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/cv-advice/
Guardian articles on CVs and covering letters – sign up for weekly emails
http://savedelete.com/100-most-creative-example-resumes-of-all-time.html
http://pinterest.com/giveagradago/cv-inspiration/
Useful resource for Creative CVs – plenty of examples
21“Students should check the grammar and
spelling in their CVs, application letters
and e-mails several times before hitting the
“send” button. Using “there” instead of
“their” and vice versa, “your” instead of
“you’re”, “it’s” instead of “its” are all things
that will simply prompt me to hit “delete”.
And learn how to use a semi-colon, too.
Don’t rely on the spell-checker on your
computer, because all of these words are
perfectly valid in a particular context!”
Andrea Powell, Executive
Director, Publishing, CABI
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