C'V'sApplication Forms Covering Letters

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C.V.s/Application Forms / Covering Letters
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• The Curriculum Vitae

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• Purpose of a CV is to invite others to know more
• Its a tool to get you an interview

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• Presentation style and format is a matter of
  personal choice, but there are recommended
  approaches

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• Word processed
• Avoid lengthy CV 2 pages maximum
• Avoid lists of responsibilities

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• Logical - work backwards
• No gaps
• Dont undersell your achievements

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• At the end of the day you must be comfortable
  with what you write and able to defend the
  statements made

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CURRICULUM VITAE TOP TIPS

• Be concise 2 pages maximum

• Keep it simple
• Unique to you

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CV Top Tips

• Check for mistakes
• Tailor to the job/course applied for

• Structure functional/
• reverse chronological

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CV Top Tips

• Choose a style of quality
• Check it with a friend

• Highlight your achievements
• Be Truthful

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Curriculum Vitae - Content

• Education
• Skills
• Work

• Personal Details
• Personal Profile

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Content continued

• History
• Achievements

• Hobbies/ Interests (optional)
• References (optional)

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Real CV Blunders(Brook Street Consultants)

• I am a rabid typist
• Proven ability to track down and correct erors

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• Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a
  chain store
• Personal interests donating blood - 15 gallons
  so far!

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CV 5 Points to remember
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• Is the order logical
• Is the presentation clear
• Am I saying what I can do for the employer

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• Am I focusing on benefits
• Am I only telling them what they need to know

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• Application Forms

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• Common recruitment tool used both in the private
  and public sector
• Inevitable part of job search

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Application forms

• Essentially more disadvantages for the applicant
  than advantages

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• Not enough space to say what you feel is
  necessary
• Greater emphasis on academic achievement

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• Little scope for individual expression
• Often hand written

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APPLICATION FORMS

• 80 of organisations use application forms in
  recruitment
• Particularly widespread use in Public Sector
  99.3

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Application forms

• Information contained used as first stage filter
• Personal details
• Education background
• Work background

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• Private Sector relies more on CVs 69
• Can be used as a reference point for follow up
  interview questions
• PR tool

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TIPS ON COMPLETING APPLICATION FORMS
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• Take a photocopy and do a dummy run
• Follow instructions carefully (use correct ink)

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• Use additional information section to sell
  yourself match your strengths to the j/d or p/s
  and clearly state your achievements

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• Answer all questions in relevant boxes clearly
  mark any sections not applicable to you with n/a

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• Where you are constrained for space attach a
  separate sheet make this clear on the form

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Remember!

• Always keep a copy of your application

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• The Covering Letter

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• Your covering letter should
• Draw together all the facts and comments in your
  CV and make an overall case for being a
  suitable candidate for the job

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Your covering letter should

• Give the reference for the job you are applying
  for and where you saw that advert

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Your covering letter should

• By typed
• Be set out clearly on good-quality paper