This document summarizes a workshop on writing CVs and cover letters. The workshop aims to help attendees recognize the importance of a well-written CV, identify their own skills, draft their own CV and cover letter, and provide feedback on sample CVs. It discusses what should be included in a CV, such as work experience, education, skills and achievements. Attendees participate in activities to reflect on their experience and skills and review sample CVs. The document also provides tips on writing strong cover letters to accompany CVs.

1. Dr Mona Ghassemian
Wednesday-30/02/94
CV Workshop

2. Tell me . .
1. What is a CV?
2. How is it used?
3. Who uses it?
A CV tells the recruiter what experience you
have that is relevant and how your skills
match the ones they want for their job.
It is your chance to help secure an interview!
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3. Aims and Objectives
By the end of the workshop you will be able to:
Recognise the importance of writing a good CV.
Recognise the importance of proof-reading for
spelling, punctuation, grammar and meaning.
Proof-read a “inexperienced CV” and suggest ways of
improving it.
Identify your own skills and personal qualities.
Draft your own CV.
Draft your own cover letter.
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4. It’s all about you
CVs are an opportunity to show an employer why you are an ideal
candidate for the job.
A good CV will:
Stand out from the crowd.
Draw attention to your relevant skills, experience,
achievements and potential.
Create such an impression on the employer that they will
not be able to turn you down for interview.
Everyone has potential
Everyone has more skills than they think they do
Everyone can write a good CV
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5. Activity A: Draft your CV
Individually or in pairs: write on a piece of a paper, your
thoughts to the following questions:
1.What am I most proud of in my career?
2.When have I received good feedback on my skills
from colleagues, managers, lecturers, team mates?
3.When have I used the skills I listed above?
4.What have I achieved, improved, put in place, as a
result of all of this?
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6. Drafting a CV
You can find CV templates on most recruitment
agency and many government websites including
Learn Direct and Directgov (see reference slide).

There are no hard and fast rules about which CV
template is best and each person should pick a
template that they like and they feel will best present
them as a potential employee.
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7. CV formats
In case you are familiar with LaTeX, have a look at
"ModernCV" package in LateX which provide easy to
create CVs. There are many common templates that
you can use as guidance.
You will find a CV template in MS-word as well
which you can use. Try The 7 Best Resume
Templates for Microsoft Word in 2014 or Trendy
Resumes – Creative Resume Templates – some of
the best resume templates out there!
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8. Proof-read
One obvious but often overlooked aspect of
good CV writing is proof-reading for spelling,
punctuation and other errors.
Make sure that your CV is the best document
you possess. It could make all the difference to get you
that interview!
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CVs should be checked,
drafted, re-drafted and
then checked again.

9. Do
Use a standard font size in black ink.
Include recent and relevant work experience (paid or voluntary).
Be consistent in your layout.
List your skills and achievements and back up with evidence.
Keep it short (maximum 2 pages).
Use positive action verbs such as “organised, delivered,
accomplished, achieved”.
Include a statement about your career aspirations and what you
have to offer the employer.
Be honest but positive (negatives can always be turned into
positives).
Proof-read for spelling, punctuation, grammar and meaning.
Get someone to check it for you.
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10. Don’t
Do it in a rush.
Leave gaps in employment.
Lie.
Include irrelevant personal details such as marital status.
Simply write a list of duties under work experience (remember you
are selling yourself!).
Use flashy or large font.
There is no single way to write a CV. It is your document and
can be structured and presented as you wish within a basic
framework.
The important thing to remember is that this is the first
impression an employer will have of you. It is your marketing brochure
through which you are trying to sell yourself.
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11. A typical CV format consists of ..
Personal information (name, contact details and
address)
Personal profile ( write something about you )
Work experience ( Skip this if you are a fresh
graduate and put a lot of focus on your skills and
education)
Education (start from your latest degree)
Skills and Achievements (focus on skills which
are required for the job you are applying and write
accordingly)
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12. A typical CV format consists of ..
Volunteer positions (whether you have worked in a charity
or was a member of a professional group such as ACM, IEEE,
etc., was involved in organising of an event in your school, you can
highlight them in your CV)
Hobbies and interests (write only those which you
genuinely like and care about. Don't try to fake this one!
Otherwise, you will be caught)
References (When you give out someone's name as
reference, first of all, be sure that you have permission to use them
as reference. Secondly, let them know they may expect to be
contacted. Provide some information on the job you have applied
for, so your reference can relate your experience to the job and
give you the best possible reference for the job.)12

13. Activity B: Reviewing A CV
Level 1: Proof-read the CV for spelling, punctuation and
layout.
Level 2 : Can you find anything else wrong with the CV?
What’s missing?
All: How could it be improved?
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14. 14
What is a covering letter?
A covering letter generally accompanies a CV
An important part of an application – not just a
formality
Highlights your key skills and suitability for the job
clearly, concisely and positively
It is targeted at the job/sector you are applying for
It complements and develops the information in the
CV rather than duplicates it.

15. 15
Opening paragraph
Why are you writing?
Responsive  name specific job vacancy and where
advertised.

Speculative  state broad type of work you are
interested in, on what basis (e.g. work placement, full
time) and when you are available.
Who are you?
A xxx undergraduate looking to develop work
experience in …....

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Middle paragraphs
Why that organisation and why that job/industry?
- demonstrate knowledge of and interest in both,
- make links through your degree subject if
 appropriate,
Why you?
- why should they consider you?
- what key skills/strengths can you offer?
- support your statements/assertions with evidence,

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Closing paragraph
Polite ending – convey interest and
enthusiasm in the role
May be indicate any times available/not
available for interview.

18. Activity C: A Cover Letter
assessment
Based on the information provided, assess
the cover letter (email) provided to you and
make suggestions to improve it.
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19. Get Hunted by Headhunters
1.Be visible: Get Active on LinkedIn
2.Network: Give out your card freely
3.Write and get read
4.Speak and get heard
5. Don’t get too carried away
6.with all the excitement
7.Work
8.Get Referred
9.Online CV
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20. 20
Resources for writing CVs and cover letters
1.www.prospects.ac.uk - Jobs and Work /Applications and Interviews
2.www.skillsworkshop.org/skillsworkshop.../e3l1l2writinggoodcv.ppt
3.www.targetjobs.co.uk - Careers Advice – Applications and CVs
4.www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-format-for-a-CV
5.www.onestopenglish.com/
6.jobsearch.about.com/od/curriculumvitaewriting/fl/curriculum-vitae-
tips-a-z.htm

21. Hope you enjoyed the event
 Slides will be available at www.itc.sbu.ac.ir
 Please return your activities to one of the ITC
ExCom members.
To join ITC: Contact us at itc@sbu.ac.ir
Follow us at instagram itc_sbu and upload
your pictures of today’s event.
Enjoy Lunch 
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