Writing a first-rate CV
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Avoid common pitfalls and learn how to sell yourself in this 15 minute masterclass. Presented at SLS Lab Show and Conference, 25 May 2016.
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Writing a first-rate CV
- 1. 10 things you need to know when writing a good CV Scientific Laboratory Show 25th May 2016 Alice O’Connor
- 2. • Introduce the 10 things you need to know when writing a good CV • Careers service at the Royal Society of Chemistry Overview
- 3. • Try to aim for two pages • Focus on recent experience and achievements • Focus on areas that are relevant to the job 1. Length
- 4. • Make it easy to read • Use bullet points • Don’t use colours • Use 11 pt minimum in an easy to read font 2. Format of CV
- 5. • Use your spell checker • Proof read your CV 3. Spelling and grammar
- 6. • Tease the reader • Make it short and simple • Make it to the point • Avoid buzz words, i.e., motivated, enthusiastic • Be specific 4. A meaningful introduction
- 7. CV’s are marketing documents, not life stories! • Targeting: key skills/experience brought to attention of the recruiter early on • Each CV and cover letter needs to be targeted 5. Tailoring
- 8. • Highlight key skills/areas • Promote those skills in the CV 6. Understand the job description
- 9. • Includes skills, experience and interests • Skills – communication skills, computer skills • Experiences – use active language such as ‘developed, organised or achieved’ • Interests – don’t include passive interests 7. Making the most of yourself
- 10. • Don’t include personal detail such as age, sex, religion • Include your phone number and email address • Don’t use email addresses that look unprofessional 8. Personal details
- 11. • Don’t lie about: - Qualifications - Salaries - Job titles - Achievements 9. Lying or misleading information
- 12. • Include references from past employers 10. References
- 13. • Taking the next step up the career ladder • Career change • CV or application check • Mock interview • Redundancy support • Returning to work after a career break • Improving personal effectiveness Careers service
- 14. Find out more • Careers • Email: careers@rsc.org Alice O’Connor Email: oconnora@rsc.org Tel: 01223 432408
Editor's Notes
- Today I am going to be talking to you about how to write a good CV and the 10 things you should bear in mind when writing a CV. Along the way I am going to give you little nuggets of information that hopefully you can take away from this and use when it comes to writing your own CVs.
- Number one is length of the CV. You should try to make your CV two pages. You should focus on recent experience and achievements for example if you have over 20 years of experience then it is probably not worth putting a Saturday job on your CV that you did when you were sixteen. Likewise if you went on to study at University, it is not worth adding your gsce qualifications. If you are struggling for space, then focus on areas that are relevant to the job itself.
- This one I hope is pretty self explanatory but always check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send your CV in. Proof read your CV and also get somebody else to proof read it.
- You should include a brief statement at the start of your CV that entices the reader in and makes them want to read more. Make it short and concise and to the point and avoid buzz words that I am sure the recruiter has seen many times before. Avoid saying something like a dynamic and enthusiastic individual with…
- Now I am going to move onto the things that you should know that aren’t perhaps as obvious. You should tailor your CV specifically for each different job that you apply for. Add key skills and experience that is particualrly relevant for that role. Part of this is adapting and tailoring the CV and cover letter for each job.
- So making the most of yourself. This includes making the most of your skills, experience and interests. It is important to mention your skills whether they are work-related or not. You may have gained good communciation skills through one of your hobbies. Use active language relating to your experiences such as this role involved planning, organisation… In your interests try to use ones that are relevant and valuable, i.e I am part of this football club, where I am the captain. I have to show good leadership skills, respect, team work etc.
- This one might sound quite self-explanatory but it is an important part of your CV. Try to get people to be your references who you have worked with before and can vouch for your skills and experiences.