I390 Professional Practice
Preparing An Effective CV
Lecture Overview
CV content and layout
Cover letters
What is a Curriculum
Vitae?
An introduction to a prospective employer
A document listing your experience and
training
Also known as a Resume
An opportunity to sell yourself!
A CV is a selling tool
Must provide a clear picture of your skills,
abilities
Must impress a potential employer
Must be accurate
Must make you stand out from ‘the crowd’
CV Facts
Modify and update your CV for every job
you apply for
The CV must be targeted to the job/employer
Everything in your CV should be positive
Professional presentation –
Cover page
Bound or in a folder
High quality paper
What MUST I have in my
CV?
Personal Details
Details on Project Work (particularly if you
have not worked previously)
Details on Work and Education
Skills targeted to job
Could include details on hardware/software
knowledge
Referees
MUST have items in your
CV?
Personal Details
Full name, address, phone number, email (avoid humour)
Details on Project Work
I399 project
• Provide an overview of key tasks, what you accomplished, new
skills learned, final result
Other project work
• Include any significant project work where you had a degree
of independence to develop scope/control over outcome
Include some reference to your role on the project –
particularly highlighting your responsibilities if it was a team
project
Other MUST have items
Skills
(Each task within a job will require several different skills. These are
the critical factor of every job)
Identify the skills wanted by the employer and try
to provide examples to demonstrate you have this
skill
Most important or relevant skills listed first
If you have a lot of experience you could break
your skills section into sub-headings
Be aware of the skills employers want
Soft skills wanted by
employers
Interactive
Listening
Interpersonal
Teamwork
Relationship Building, Written Communication, Adaptability,
Friendliness, Attire, Grooming
Motivational
Willingness to learn
Enthusiasm
Initiative
Problem solving
Planning, Stress Tolerance, Dependability, Time Management,
Innovation, Self confidence
Other MUST have items
Hardware/Software Knowledge
Indicate your level of ability and experience
Try to include examples that are relevant to each job
Make sure your knowledge is up-to-date in case they ‘test’
you at the interview or once on the job
Education/Academic Details
List at least all tertiary education and secondary if recent
Mention your grades if you did well
Avoid abbreviations - BICT, CCS
More Must have items
Work History
Give priority to industry relevant work
Consider transferable skills
• Communication skills, customer service
Include relevant work experience or volunteer
work
Referees
Minimum of 2 usually needed
Hints and Tips cont..
Referees
Choose people who communicate clearly
No relatives!
Include their job title, organisation and phone
number
Employers often ask them negative questions
Check regularly they are happy to remain a
referee
Give them a copy of your current CV and any
updated copies
What CAN I leave out?
Date of birth, height, weight, marital
status, religion, details on children, health,
gender, nationality
Photo
Reason for leaving a job or study
Wage/salary details
Anything ‘negative’
Other CV headings
Training
Interests
“Employers have an appreciation for well-balanced people
who are able to contribute in a variety of ways to the overall
environment” [Link]/employment/nz
Awards
Professional memberships
Achievements
Personal statement/personal qualities list
CV Layouts
Chronological – (Date Order)
Employment history organised in reverse
chronological order
Functional/Skills
Information organised according to similar skills
rather than on a ‘job by job’ basis
Example – Customer Service (list all your relevant
experience related to customer service)
Example – Project Management (list all your
relevant experience)
Chronological CV
Advantages
easy to organise and produce
familiar format for most employers
Disadvantages
can highlight lack of work experience
gaps in employment stand out
varied jobs are harder to record
Functional CV
Advantages
Can highlight key skills
Can customise information to suit a particular
job
Disadvantages
Need several different versions
Takes longer to write
Hints and Tips
Resources
Library 650.14
• The Essential CV Survival Guide - Doug Pitcher
CV Web Pages
• [Link]
Microsoft Word Resume Template
Hints and Tips cont..
Highlights page - Include key skills or most
relevant points on 1st page
Gaps in employment – Give a broad statement
rather than showing start/finish dates or try a
functional CV layout
Always get someone else to check your CV
before sending it
CV length – can vary – aim for conciseness
Developing a One Page CV
Contact details
List highest qualification
Summary of key skills relevant to job
and/or hardware/software knowledge
Referees
Cover Letter/
Job Application Letter
Include some of the highlights from your CV in
the letter.
Some employers read the letter more
thoroughly than the CV
Type the letter unless requested in handwriting
Try to use wording from the job ad in your letter
See example – Graduate Engineer
Cover Letter cont..
Full block layout
Include an informative subject line that clearly identifies
the letter topic
1st paragraph – Focus on your skills so employer knows
WIIFM
Consider your opening sentence
Body of letter–
Mention your knowledge of the organisation/job role
Include facts and supporting evidence – be specific
Final paragraph – Mention when you would be available
to interview and any other details you want them to
know
If you don’t gain an interview
what next?
Send a ‘thank you for considering me’
letter and ask for feedback on your CV
Reflect on the job and skills required
Keep applying
If you do gain an interview
Check the appointment time
Ensure you know where to go
Do some more research on the
business/job
Try to find out who will be interviewing
you
Prepare 4-6 questions to ask them
Review your CV and the job description
Summary
Try different layouts and personalise your CV,
but it must be easy to read
Check all your details - particularly spelling
Update your CV regularly so it is always ready to
take to an interview
Target the CV to the job and employer
Get other opinions on your CV and be aware of
changing workplace requirements
Remember – the CV and letter are just the first
step
