cv writing presentation
TRANSCRIPT
Uniting Talent and Technology
Effective CV Writing
Presented ByCherry Swayne
Head of CambridgeDP Connect Ltd
First impressions count ….
• An employer will only read your CV for 30 seconds before
deciding whether to interview.
• They will be checking for 3 key things:
1. Are you qualified to do the job?
2. Have you got commercial experience?
3. Are you passionate & enthusiastic about the job?
What to include in your CV
• Header
• Personal Statement & Objective
• Key Technical Skills
• Employment History
• Education
• Achievements / Awards
• Personal Projects / Research
• Additional Information
Header
James Smith16 New Street, Cambridge, CB1 3SD
07842 661 945https://github.com/jamess
uk.linkedin.com/in/jamessmith/
http://stackoverflow.com/users/10027
• Professional email address
• Mobile number (with professional voicemail message)
• Social media profile links – github, stackoverflow, dribbble, Twitter
Personal statement and career objective
Highly motivated computer science graduate, with excellent academic credentials including a first class degree and award winning undergraduate dissertation. Now seeking a graduate position in a software development company, where my Java programming knowledge and strong problem solving skills can be
fully utilised.
• Keep it short and simple• Tailor it to the job you’re applying for• Sell yourself but keep it factual
Real-life examples of personal statements
I am a Software Developer with 2 Years of commercial experience as well as 2 Years of additional Multi-platform Network Administration experience. I have a passion for NLP and Open Source technologies. I am a meticulous developer and keep my projects well documented.
I am a keen programmer who is looking for a job developing software and broadening my knowledge of programming languages. With previous experience of working in a games company, I am a reliable, competent individual who is confident in tackling tasks alone as well as being a great contributor in a team environment. I have a strong understanding of general programming paradigms and can easily pick up programming languages. This is evident by how I taught myself ActionScript 3.0 in the space of two weeks over the summer of 2011.
• Show passion & enthusiasm
• Undertaking projects in your spare time
• Back up your claims with proof
Education
• Reverse chronological order (most recent first)
• List modules studied
• Detail your dissertation topic (if relevant)
• List ‘A’ Level subjects and grades
• GCSEs – don’t list every subject & grade
e.g. 10 GCSEs grades A-C
Work Experience
• Put relevant internships & work experience placements first
• Otherwise – put work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
• Include examples of your responsibilities in bullet points
• Use action words - (see handout)
• Highlight transferable skills
2010 – 2011 Intern at Progress Software
• Using C++, integrated Maths software components into the Progress Apama product.
• Worked independently, helping identify the work scope and schedule.
• Concluded by presenting 'new feature' demos to global field audience.
• Returned the following year to work on 'futures' financial elements.
Transferable Skills
Not all of your work experience will be relevant to your chosen career.
Highlight the key responsibilities & skills you learnt which display the following:
• Self management• Team working• Business & commercial awareness• Problem solving• Communication & literacy• Application of numeracy• Application of IT
Optical Advisor: Using analytical skills to problem solve customer difficulties, culminating in customer satisfaction and diffused situations. Developed a friendly and approachable demeanor and taught me the values of teamwork and co-operation.
IT Supervisor: Responsible for maintaining software and hardware in the store. Gained an appreciation of small networks and troubleshooting general problems that arise with daily usage.
In-store Trainer: This involved training staff on a one-to-one basis. This enhanced my presentation and interpersonal skills.
PR Coordinator: Successfully arranged and orchestrated several store PR events for charity. These were covered by the press and taught me the value of combining, managing and chasing different resources.
Extra Information
• Achievements / Honours
Semi-finalist of the Make Something Unreal Tournament 2013:
Project Managed a team of 10 and orchestrated the development timetable of planned software.
Student Representative for the third year Computer Gaming Technology students:
Liaising with tutors to solve concerns my year group had.
• Memberships / Affiliations
Chair of the MathSoc society during my second and third years, organising events with international speakers and working with our business sponsors.
• Languages Spoken
• Charity / Volunteer work
• Interests : video games, attending expos, programming projects, reading about computing, sport, outdoors activities, chess
Common pitfalls ….
Key points to remember …
Your CV is the only thing standing between you and an interview
You have 30 seconds to convince them that you are:
• Qualified to do the job
• Passionate & enthusiastic
• Capable of learning new skills
Make sure your CV is:
• Easy to read
• Tailored to the job
• Memorable …. For the right reasons!
My contact details
Cherry Swayne
Head of Cambridge
DP Connect Ltd
www.dpconnect.co.uk
Direct dial: 01223 393950
Email: [email protected]
Please feel free to call me for any advice about finding your first job …..