CVs &Covering Letters

Booklets produced by Careers & Employability 50 Park Place. Booklets sponsored by

, n o i t a m r o f n I Careers ice v d A & t r o p p Su

Help ur ques o y r e w s n a ing to tions

Last updated March 2012

CONTENTS THE CV
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... Why Do You Need a CV? .................................................................................................... When Do You Use a CV? .................................................................................................... General Guidelines - Things to Include 1 1 1 1 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 8

.................................................................

Layout ................................................................................................................................. Strategies for Getting Started .............................................................................................. CV Speak Effective Language ....................................................................................... Optional Extras ..................................................................................................................... International CVs ................................................................................................................. International Students .......................................................................................................... On-line CVs ......................................................................................................................... Mature Students and CVs .................................................................................................... Academic CVs .................................................................................................................... Disabled Students & CVs .................................................................................................... Sample CVs ........................................................................................................................ Sample CV Format ..............................................................................................................

COVERING LETTERS
Why? ................................................................................................................................................... 18 Format ................................................................................................................................................. 18 Sample Speculative Letter .................................................................................................................... 19 Sample Covering Letter ...................................................................................................................... 20 Final Points DOs ................................................................................................................................ 21 21

DONTs ................................................................................................................................ 21 Checklist ................................................................................................................................ 21

APPENDIX Optional Activities ............................................................................................................... Further Help 22

THE CV INTRODUCTION
This Booklet has been written to help students start creating their CV. We suggest that students read it, look closely at the sample CVs provided and write a first draft. You can bring your draft CV to a Quick Enquiry or Drop In session where a Career Consultant will look it over and give you some feedback. If you feel, for any reason, that you are at a disadvantage in the application process (e.g. because of a disability or any other issue), please make this known to a member of staff when visiting the Careers & Employability Centre, and we will do our best to help you. NB Please refer to the interactive CV section on Career Central: https://careercentral.cf.ac.uk

WHY DO YOU NEED A CV?

The purpose of a CV is to get you to interview. Sent to an employer either speculatively or in response to an advertisement, a CV should entice an employer to want to have a look at you in person, rather than on paper. In short, A CV IS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR YOU! A good advert makes you want to know more about a product. In a CV, you are the product.

WHEN DO YOU USE A CV?

In response to a job advert when a CV is requested (never when you are specifically asked to fill in an application form). When you are writing speculatively to an employer to find out if there are any opportunities in the organisation.

GENERAL GUIDELINES THINGS TO INCLUDE

Personal Details Name. Address (permanent and term time). Telephone number and e-mail. Nationality NB: Marital Status, Health, and Gender not necessary unless you have specific reasons for including these.

Education
Reverse chronological order. Dates, name of institution (not full address), subject, grades. (NB: Not essential to include all GCSE grades, use your discretion. You may want to give a short explanation of your degree, especially if it is relevant to the job/type of work. See sample CVs.)

Employment or Work Experience

Reverse chronological order. Include work experience, voluntary, paid, related, unrelated. Expand a little. Explain duties. Highlight any achievements and responsibilities. You may want to divide into related experience and other experience. This can have the benefit of giving less recent, but more relevant experience a higher priority. A large number of jobs that are similar? You could group these together, but make sure you highlight the skills you have developed from the work.

Relevant Skills
This is an important part of the CV. The length of this section will depend upon the content of the rest of the CV. Look at the example CVs that follow to get you started. Avoid duplication with the rest of the CV. For example, if you have brought out skills in your work experience, there is no need to repeat this in a skills section. Some of the skills may be hard skills e.g. IT (mention specific packages), others may be softer skills e.g. public speaking skills gained through debating. You may find it useful to look at Activity 2 Identifying the Evidence.

Interests/Responsibilities/Achievements
(You may want one or two sections here, depending on what you have done.) Dont just list. Explain a little, highlighting how your experiences have made you more employable.

Referees
Two, unless more are asked for. One academic, one employer if possible. Include address with postcode, telephone numbers and e-mail. Ask referees first.

LAYOUT
The norm is two pages. Generally no more than two pages although exceptions can be made for academic CVs. Some employers, for example, some areas of the media, like a one page CV, more like the American Resum. This may also be acceptable for first years who do not have lots of work experience. Think about where information is positioned on the CV. Information on the first page has more impact. Space = importance. Give more space to those parts of your CV that sell you better. Avoid splitting an important point between two pages, where possible. Keep it simple. No fancy fonts, colours etc. Look at some of the sample CVs for ways of formatting your CV. (NB: Although layout is important, dont rely on it. The content is crucial.)

STRATEGIES FOR GETTING STARTED

Stage 1 Putting pen to paper is always difficult, but there are some sections of your CV that hardly require any thought personal details, date of birth, education, exam results etc. Start with these and you will have made progress immediately. Stage 2 The most difficult part of the CV is pulling together relevant skills and linking these to things you have done. You need to think hard about the skills you have developed. You also need to research the sort of employer/type of work, and find out what skills you have to give evidence of: 1. Think about what skills you have developed so far in your academic career and from your work experience. List these skills and give evidence. 2. Research your employer or area of work. What skills are they asking for? How can you give evidence of these? 3. Include all of this information on your CV. Example: You are thinking about sending your CV to a firm of accountants. Do some thinking about why you are going to make a good accountant. Do you have the necessary skills? If so, how did you gain them? Give evidence. Do some research on accountancy (lots of information in our Careers & Employability Centre and on Websites). What skills do accountancy firms look for? Do you have the potential to develop these skills? If so, how?

Now you need to include this information in your CV. You can do this in a variety of ways. Under your work experience, explain how you have developed relevant skills. Maybe you will also want to include an extra skills section where you can highlight some of these skills too? Did you develop any relevant skills in your degree? If so, bring them out. (NB: Examples of situations in which work related skills can be developed are given at the back of this Booklet.)

CV SPEAK EFFECTIVE LANGUAGE

How you say something can be just as important as what you say. The same is true when writing a CV. You need to be positive, professional and enthusiastic in your CV. Choose words with an impact that will convey your ability to achieve. The best words to use are ACTION words. Examples are:Achieved Persuaded Invented Negotiated Managed Presented Developed Created Wrote Organised Researched Conducted Implemented Produced Analysed

Start your sentences with these action words rather than overusing the word I. Keep your sentences short. This has the effect of making your CV sound punchy and concise. Always use positive language. Sell yourself if you dont, no one else will do it for you. See example CVs for good examples of CV speak.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Personal Profile or Career Aim This can be an excellent way to grasp attention and to give the reader some focus to the sort of career you want to enter. It needs to be done well though. A badly written, unfocussed personal profile can give a negative first impression. Especially useful for students or graduates not wanting to focus on their degree discipline and for students who have a variety of different skills and experience to summarise. If you include a Personal Profile, ensure that the skills that you highlight are backed up by the rest of your CV. Beware: some of the more traditional employers e.g. law firms do not like Personal Profiles. Research this before sending off your CV and if you are unclear, ask a Career Consultant when you bring your draft CV in for feedback.

INTERNATIONAL CVs
If you are applying for work outside the UK, you must check the standard CV format for that country and adapt your CV accordingly. In the USA, for example, the emphasis is on a one page document and in Germany, a photograph in the top right hand corner is the norm. The Careers & Employability Centre has an excellent publication called Global Resume and CV Guide to help you with this.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The Careers & Employability booklet CVs for International Students is available from the Careers & Employability Centre or downloadable from our Website. This booklet contains additional information on creating a CV for International Students and has some very useful tips and hints about English usage and grammar. You might also find our booklet Employment Regulations for International Students useful.

ON-LINE CVs
The need to target your CV and provide evidence of skills is essential when you are asked to submit a CV on-line. Many firms or recruitment agencies will search electronically for key words like organised, managed or Excel (according to the description of the job for which you are applying). Some firms search for behavioural traits like enthusiasm or responsibility. If you have not used the key words, they will not be highlighted in the electronic search and so you might not be selected for interview. If employers use this method of selection, they will make their key words clear, so it is even more important that you do your research before submitting an on-line CV to an employer.

MATURE STUDENTS AND CVs

Mature Students often have a wealth of work and life experience that can be very valuable to a future employer. Not all employers initially realise this, and so Mature Students need to anticipate the gap and go the extra distance to market themselves on their CV. Career Changers should focus more on transferable skills gained from previous employment, rather than job specific, specialist skills. Consider using a Personal Profile. You may also want to include another section called Summary of Experience. This could be positioned in several places in the CV; before Education, before Employment History, instead of a Skills Profile. The Summary of Experience should summarise your work history to date but highlight skills you have developed that make you stand out from other graduates. See Combination CV- sample below.

ACADEMIC CVs
The same rules apply to academic CVs - sell yourself on paper in the best possible way and expect to accompany the CV with a covering letter/covering e-mail. Below are some points to get you started. Remember to show a draft to a Career Consultant and to your academic supervisor to get as much feedback from as many sources as possible. A Personal Profile is optional (see example CVs for an example of a Personal Profile). It is a good way of highlighting the area of research you want to enter and can be adapted for each application. Education should be in reverse chronological order, PhD first. You have a choice when writing about your PhD you can either spend a paragraph describing your research at this stage, or you can just put the title under the Education section and describe your PhD research in more detail in another section of the CV, perhaps one called Research Experience or as an Appendix. Split employment/experience between Research-Based Employment and Other Employment or perhaps Research Experience and Other Experience. Other sections to include where relevant: Published papers Teaching Experience Presentations/Posters at conferences Prizes/Awards received Section on Skills (see example CVs for ways of doing a Skills Section)

For further information on the Academic CV, see the Careers & Employability booklet CVs for PhD Students.

DISABLED STUDENTS AND CVs

If you have a disability, it is up to you when you choose to disclose this, if at all. If you decide to disclose your disability at the CV stage it is important, as ever, to market yourself effectively and highlight the skills and qualities that you have gained through the management of your disability. For example, a visually impaired student/graduate may have developed an aptitude for IT and other technical skills that will be useful in the area of employment in which he/she is interested. It may also be useful to highlight the determination and self reliance that undertaking a degree and managing your disability may have required. For further information on this look at www.skill.org.uk Careers & Employability runs two workshops on Should I Disclosure a Disability to a Potential Employer? and How to Identify Disability and Diversity Friendly Employers. To sign up for these and all other workshops, log onto www.cardiff.ac.uk/carsv

SAMPLE CVs
The following section of this booklet provides you with some sample CVs to help you create your own document. Read them all carefully and decide which format will work best for you. You may find that you wish to adapt your own format based on different sections of the CV. For example you may want to use the Chronological CV format but include a Personal Profile. Or perhaps you like the Functional CV but want to give your Education section a higher priority. It is up to you. Your CV is your document. Stick to the General Guidelines outlined at the beginning of this booklet and concentrate on marketing yourself effectively. Dont forget that you can book a Quick Enquiry or Drop In session to get some feedback on your first draft from a Career Consultant.

SAMPLE CV FORMAT
Your Name E-mail address (make sure it is a sensible name) Telephone number Term time address (with dates) Holiday address (with dates)

Personal Profile A personal profile can be an excellent way to grasp the readers attention and to give a focus to the sort of career you want to go into. Be careful though, the more traditional employers dont always like Personal Profiles. Education Reverse chronological, putting Cardiff University first. Highlight relevant modules and your placement year/year abroad, if you have done one. Give an indication of your expected degree class with evidence of why you expect to get this result. GCSEs can be combined. A levels should be listed, with grades. Relevant/Other Experience/Work Experience Think about how to divide your experience, paying particular attention to the experience that is most relevant to the employer to whom you are writing. You may want a section called Relevant Experience or Legal Experience or Research Experience or Sales Experience, for example, in order to promote the experience most relevant to your application. Dont miss out experience that doesnt seem relevant, but use it as an opportunity to give evidence of transferable skills. Relevant Skills By using this term, the implication is that you have many skills, but that you are highlighting the ones most relevant to the career area/employer you are applying to. This section is most striking if bullet points are used. Make sure you give evidence that you have gone some way to developing the skill you are highlighting. Interests/Achievements This section is an opportunity to highlight extra curricular activities, emphasising your enthusiasm to try new things and to dedicate yourself to long term projects. It is another chance for you to shine. Again, bullet points are useful here. Referees If you are applying to an advertised vacancy, it is expected that you have considered who would provide you with the best reference for this post. In this case, you should write your referees names and contact details. If applying speculatively, it is good practice to write References available on request. By doing this, you avoid having to send out a referees contact details until these details are requested.

THIS PAGE IS MEANT TO BE BLANK

Here is an example of a chronological CV

JENNIFER THOMPSON
Term time address: 5 Roderick Street Cardiff CF1 3AT e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 029 2066666 Date of Birth: 12th February 1989 EDUCATION 2008 - 2012 Home address: 42 High Street Coventry CV4 2PY Tel: 01203 666666 Nationality: British
Student has highlighted modules relevant to the job she is applying for Personal details can go at the beginning or end of a CV. Marital status is not necessary.

Cardiff University BSc Genetics (Class 2.1) Modules included Molecular & Microbial Genetics, Cyto-Human and Imuno-Genetics, Microbiology, Biotechnology and Genetic Manipulation. Industrial Placement year below. Goodstone Sixth Form College, Coventry 3 'A' Levels: Biology (A), Chemistry (B), Mathematics (B)
Highlighted all GCSEs. Not always necessary. Use your discretion.

2006- 2008

2002 - 2006

Greyhill Comprehensive School, Coventry 9 GCSEs: Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Mathematics (A), English (A), History (A), Economics (B), Geography (B), French (C), Music (C)
Academic study often provides relevant experience and should be mentioned in this section where appropriate

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Jan April 2012 Final Year Research Title of Project.. Brief description of project aims and outcomes. No more than 4 lines

2010 - 2011

Unilever, Industrial Placement Year Investigated the genetic control of virulence factors for pathogenic Ecoli. Gained experience of a range of genetic analysis techniques, including plasmid manipulation, DNA extraction, PCR and cloning.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT 2011-2012 Kala Bela Restaurant, Llandaff Part time waiting work to finance myself through university. 6 hour shifts, 3 evenings a week in a busy, 80 cover restaurant

Summer 2009

Data Processing Assistant, Coventry City Council Sorted and processed data relating to the housing list. Evaluated new software packages. Responsible for training new staff
General Foods, Moortown Logged deliveries of soft fruit and vegetables Worked well in a small team under considerable pressure, maintaining a high degree of accuracy

Summer 2008

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RELEVANT SKILLS

Bullet points are good. Key skills relevant to the job are highlighted

Good laboratory skills including techniques of genetic analysis as well as accuracy and attention to detail. Project management skills developed whilst organising my research work at Unilever. Good written communication skills gained during degree where clear, concise reports are essential and through writing articles for student newspaper. Verbal communication skills developed through delivery of presentations throughout placement year and university. IT literate in a range of packages including Word, Excel, Access, SPSS, SQL.
Use short sentences and action verbs. Dont give too much information about your interests.

INTERESTS
Hiking:

Organised several hikes whilst a member of the University Rambling Club. Explored the Auvergne whilst on vacation in France. Play for Cardiff University Womens 1st team and compete yearly in pan-university championships.

Hockey:

Student Journalism: Interested in current affairs and have had several articles published in Gair Rhydd, the Cardiff student newspaper, chiefly science news articles.

REFEREES

Dr P A Burnford School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff CF1 3AT

Tel: 029 2055 1451 E-mail: [email protected] Personal Tutor

Dr Geoffrey Millmore Head of Research Laboratory Unilever Colworth House Sharnbrook Bedford MK44 1LQ Tel: 0158 4565 4459 Industrial Placement Supervisor

You should have two referees one academic and personal or employment related. Include a telephone number and e-mail address.

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Here is an example of a skills based CV

JENNIFER THOMPSON
Term time address: 5 Roderick Street Cardiff CF1 3AT Tel: 029 2066 6666 E-mail: [email protected] Date of Birth: 12 February 1989 Home address: 42 High Street Coventry CV4 2PY Tel: 01203 666666

PERSONAL PROFILE

This grabs the readers attention and gives a focus to the sort of career you want to enter.

A commercially aware and IT literate Science graduate who is able to combine strong research skills with a years project based experience in the private sector, now looking for a career opportunity in Management Consultancy.
This is useful in bringing out skills relevant to the job description. Bullet points or use of bold font is effective. Evidence here is well expressed and brief but in a narrative form. Tailor your writing style to the type of organisation/job.

RELEVANT SKILLS

Communication Skills - Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in all work experiences and in publication of articles in a student newspaper. Customer service skills have been developed throughout part-time work in various types of business. Teamwork All my work experiences to date have involved working with people, from collaborating on scientific work in industry, to working as a part of a busy team of waiting staff in a restaurant. Hard working and cheerful, I know the value of working together to achieve results. Business Awareness - Gained insight into work in both the public and private sector. Working part-time in a variety of small businesses has helped me recognise the importance of excellent customer service and value for money. Problem Solving As a scientist, problem solving is second nature to me. I am logical, analyse issues and am able to stand back and look impartially at a situation. This has stood me in good stead throughout university where I have learnt to juggle academic work, part time employment and competitive sport. Ability to work independently - worked unsupervised for much of the time during Industrial Placement and final year project. I am quick to pick things up and happy to learn as I go, but not afraid to ask questions when necessary. IT Skills - worked with wide range of databases and statistical computer packages including Word, Excel, Access, SPSS, SQL
Compare this description of the degree with that of the previous CV. See how different parts of the degree have been highlighted to make it much more focussed towards Management Consultancy.

EDUCATION
2008 2012

Cardiff University BSc Genetics (Class 2.1) Scientific study developed logical and analytical approach to problem solving. Computer programmes used for modelling, database and statistical purposes. Industrial Placement Year at Unilever, detailed below

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2006 - 2008

Goodstone Sixth Form College, Coventry 3 'A' Levels: Biology (A), Chemistry (B), Mathematics (B) Greyhill Comprehensive School, Coventry 9 GCSEs: Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Mathematics (A), English (A), History (A), Economics (B), Geography (B), French (C), Music (C)

2003 - 2007

EMPLOYMENT/EXPERIENCE
2011 2012 Kala Bela Restaurant, Llandaff Part time waiting work to finance myself through university. 6 hour shifts, 3 evenings a week in a busy, 80 cover restaurant Unilever Industrial Placement Year Organised own work as part of a research project. Developed project management skills including management of resources and budget, scheduling work and communication with others working on the same project. Gained insight into financial implications of and constraints on scientific research. Data Processing Assistant, Coventry City Council Sorted and processed data relating to the housing list. Evaluated new software packages. Responsible for training new staff General Foods, Moortown Logged deliveries of soft fruit and vegetables Worked well in a small team under considerable pressure, maintaining a high degree of accuracy

2010-11

Summer 2009

Summer 2008

INTERESTS
Organised several hikes whilst a member of the University Rambling Club. Explored the Auvergne whilst on vacation in France. Hockey: Play for Cardiff University Womens 1st team and compete yearly in pan-university championships. Student Journalism: Interested in current affairs and have had several articles published in Gair Rhydd, the Cardiff student newspaper, chiefly science news articles. Hiking:

REFEREES

Dr P A Burnford School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff CF1 3AT

You should have two referees one academic and personal or employment related. Include a telephone number and e-mail address where possible.

Tel: 029 2055 1451 E-mail: [email protected] Personal Tutor

Dr Geoffrey Millmore Head of Research Laboratory Unilever Colworth House Sharnbrook Bedford MK44 1LQ Tel: 0158 4565 4459 Industrial Placement Supervisor

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This candidate has more experience than many people who will be using this CV booklet but there are still some useful points. The layout of the skills section is particularly good.

CAROL JENKINS BSc (Hons), DipM

6 Sketty Road, Swansea SA2 6BJ Tel: 01792 666666 Email: [email protected]

CAREER AIM

Career Aim gives a useful synopsis and clear focus.

A first class honours graduate who has progressed swiftly to senior management within an international financial business environment through top quality, innovative work coupled with a highly motivated approach and strong interpersonal skills. Currently seeking to refocus this experience within a Welsh public service environment.

RELEVANT SKILLS
Management

A highly effective Skills section which gives concise evidence of a broad range of experience. Attractive layout.

Experience of complex project management to tight deadlines and Effective team and vendor management and motivation.
within budget.

Communication
Evidence of different types of communication given.

Ability to generate concise reports for management and external

briefing. Development and delivery of presentations to clients. Established strong, productive and enjoyable working relationships with colleagues, vendors and clients.

Analytical

Benefit of statistical background combined with practical

experience. keen attention to detail ensures accurate and thorough analysis.

IT Skills

Highly computer literate with a wide range of experience across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus 1-2-3, Freelance, Crystal Reports,
Symmetry, Salestrak, Micropal, SPSS-X, WinFax. general office and specialist software packages and databases.

Languages

Fluent English, working knowledge of German, 'O' level French. Basic knowledge of Welsh, keen to develop further.

EDUCATION
Diploma in Marketing Gwent College of Higher Education, Newport Part-time study for Chartered Institute of Marketing qualification BSc (Hons) in Management Science Awarded 'First Class Honours' London School of Economics and Political Sciences, London Bishop Gore Senior Comprehensive, Swansea 'A' levels: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Geography GCSEs: nine subjects 2008 2009

2005 2007

1998 - 2005

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Description of work split between Responsibilities and Achievements. This is a good way to highlight effectiveness in the workplace.

EMPLOYMENT
Direct Marketing Manager Jan 2010 - Mar 2012

E D & F Man Investment Products, Switzerland Responsibilities included: definition of target groups for lead general and direct sales; development and execution of communications programmes for specific client segments; analysis of results and programme refinement. Achievements

established

direct marketing function thereby improving the effectiveness of the sales process by delivering targeted messages developed the contacts database to function as a marketing and sales system and introduced windows-based reporting package outsourced mailshot and faxshot activities resulting in significant cost savings and wider distribution opportunities Jun 2009 - Jan 2010

Marketing Analyst

E D & F Man Investment Products, Switzerland Responsibilities included: analysis of product performance against the competition and presentation of results of sales support material; project management of fund launch activities: briefing design, video, translation and PR agencies, producing brochures, creating presentations, analysing success; support of a range of marketing activities including corporate material production and event organisation. Achievements

initiated and produced the first divisional corporate brochure extended use of analytical software to improve sales arguments and
tools Jun 2008 Jun 2009

Assistant Marketing Consultant

KPMG Management Consulting, Cardiff Responsibilities included: provision of marketing research support to senior consultants for a range of government, utility, private sector and professional clients; organisation of regional seminars individually and with co-sponsors; initiation and co-ordination of internal marketing projects. Achievements

promoted December 2007 introduced and modified market research workshops for executives
July 2007 - Aug 2007 Jun and Sep 2006 Sep 2004 - Sep 2005
Less relevant work experience takes up less space.

Administrative Asst: Social Sciences Research Inst, UCS, Swansea Market Research: Guardian Royal Exchange Properties, London Work and travel abroad (Europe and Middle East)

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Management Marketing Presentation

Essential Management Skills, Chartered Institute of Marketing (5 days) Consulting Skills Workshop, KPMG Training Centre (5 days) Direct Marketing, Chartered Institute of Marketing (3 days) Market Research Skills, Chartered Institute of Marketing (5 days) Presentation Skills (2 days), Effective Speaking (2 days); KPMG

References available on request

Most undergraduates will not be in a position to include this section.

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Here is an example of a Law CV

Gemma Bailey
120 Walker Street New Estate CARDIFF Tel: 029 20 1234 Date of Birth: 2 September 1988

Personal Profile? Many commercial firms advise against incorporating this into your CV. Stick to a traditional approach which highlights education and legal work experience. The profile is best used in applications to smaller private client practices or by mature applicants or candidates converting to Law from another degree discipline.

EDUCATION 2009 - 2012 Cardiff University, LLB Law (class 2i) LLB III LLB II Modules Modules List all your modules year Etc Etc chronological order, to give Etc Etc legal content of your degree. Etc Etc LLB I Modules, Etc, etc, etc 2006 - 2008

by year in reverse a full picture of the

If final degree outcome is unknown, you will need nd to give a breakdown of your 2 year results (add st 1 year results as well, if impressive).

Coleg Glan Hafren, Cardiff A Levels: Sociology (A), Geography (A), History (B) New Estate High School, Cardiff GCSEs A Geography, Art & Design, Welsh History, English Language, Literature, B Double Science, Maths C French

1999 - 2006

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE Dec 2011 to date Evenings Administrator, XYZ Law Firm, Cardiff Paralegal work experience consisting of updating case files, data entry work on nationwide database and answering out-of-hours research requests. Broadened knowledge of the legal administrative framework and gave a real grounding in a variety of commercial issues. Summer 2011 Vacation Scheme, ABC Solicitors, Bristol Invaluable insight into the work of a major regional commercial firm. Shadowed a trainee in the Commercial Property department for a fortnight, then spent a week working in the Projects department. Highlights included sitting in on a number of client meetings and taking an active role in the organisation of a press briefing. Voluntary work experience %& Solicitors, Cardiff Unpaid administrative experience in this busy three partner Criminal practice. Updated files, fielded telephone calls, sat in on client interviews and attended Court on three occasions.

July 2009

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OTHER EXPERIENCE/EMPLOYMENT Summers 2010 & 2012 Sales Assistant, Village Pharmacy, New Estate, Cardiff Advised customers on a wide range of health and beauty products Took responsibility for tills and shop security in the occasional absence of pharmacist and pharmacy manager Pensions Telesales, Legal & General, Cardiff Gap year work taken to help fund degree. Contacted prospective clients on a cold-calling basis and marketed the range of pensions services. Arranged follow-up appointments with pensions personnel. Exceeded monthly target by 20% on six occasions. Evening Store Replenishment Team, J Sainsbury, Cardiff Gap year work (evenings) taken to help fund degree. Worked effectively in teams to ensure that store maintained agreed stock levels. Promoted to team leader of a group of four colleagues.

2008 - 2009

2007 - 2008

SKILLS Languages IT Literate Fluent Welsh speaker, conversational French and German. Use of Microsoft Word, Access and Excel databases and email. Presentation skills Developed via Student Tutoring and PR work at ABC & Co. Business acumen An insight into target led work whilst at Legal & General. INTERESTS Netball Enthusiastic player at school, representing South Glamorgan in two tournaments. At University, played for the Law School team throughout first and second year. Frequent visitor to Europe, represented New Estate Youth in a delegation to Stuttgart as part of the twin-town exchanges conference of 2003. Inter-railed through Eastern Europe in Summer of Gap Year. Student Tutor, acting as a Higher Education mentor for school pupils in a local secondary school. Gave talks on student life and career objectives to groups of 6th formers.

Travel

Voluntary Work

REFEREES Prof (Name) Cardiff Law School Museum Avenue CARDIFF CF1 0YZ Tel: 029 20 987654 (Personal Tutor) Ms S Ackerman Graduate Recruitment Co-ordinator ABC & Co. Solicitors Markets Avenue BRISTOL BS1 1XY Tel: 0117 123 6789 (Work Experience Supervisor)
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COVERING LETTER
WHY? A covering letter personalises your CV and gives you the opportunity to express your enthusiasm and specific suitability for a post. They should always be sent with a CV. Usually one side of A4.

FORMAT Section 1 Section 2 Why are you writing? In response to a specific advert or speculatively. Set the Scene. Who are you? What have you done? Why them? Explain what attracts you to a company/type of work Give some evidence that you have done some thinking and research about the employer. Personalise this section dont send the same paragraph to every employer. Why can you do the job? Outline your skills and experience. Refer to your CV, but dont repeat points. If you are replying to a specific advertisement, match yourself to two or three points in the job description. Bring out a real enthusiasm in this section. Dealing with problem areas. A failed A level, a change of course or a health problem can be mentioned here. Only do so if you feel the problem area is significant. Ask a Career Consultant if in doubt. If you are referring to a mistake, emphasise what you have learnt from the problem. Close. Give details of how you can be contacted.

Section 3

Section 4

Section 5 (optional)

Section 6

NB: You dont have to stick to this paragraph order. Make a covering letter your own; make sure you sound enthusiastic, interested, self aware and knowledgeable.

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SAMPLE SPECULATIVE LETTER

18 Coychurch Road Cardiff D J Rolleson Director of Administration Care & Concern Wales Llanishen Business Park CARDIFF CF11 2AB

Comments
[1] Has identified and written to key decision maker. Employers are more interested in themselves than in you, so starting your letter by talking about them grabs their attention. Has found out something about the company. Openings or Opportunities instead of job or vacancy. Conveyed enthusiasm and energy, outlining what she can do for the company rather than the other way round. Asked for a meeting. Finished with Yours Sincerely (following Dear Mr )

[2]

Dear Mr Rolleson [1] I am a Sociology and Welsh final year undergraduate at Cardiff University and am due to graduate this summer. I have been volunteering at a number of organisations throughout my time at University and have recently discovered that you are soon to have a base in South Wales. [2] I am now writing to you to enquire whether your organisation might have any opportunities for a very motivated and capable graduate with proven voluntary experience and a real desire to make a long term contribution to the not-for-profit sector. [3,4] You will see from my enclosed CV that I have a variety of work experiences with charities. My most recent placement was at the Donate Worldwide headquarters in London. Whilst at DW, I was able to see the administrative function of a major charity at first hand, but was also given the opportunity to play an active part in the organisation of a number of campaigns. Most notably for me, I was given the responsibility of creating a mailing database for last years well publicised Pounds versus Poverty campaign. This placement was such a valuable learning experience; it gave me the inspiration for my final year dissertation and confirmed to me that I am making the correct decision to aim for a career in the charity sector. I feel that I have developed many of the skills necessary for a career in the charity sector: my administrative and problem solving skills would enable me to be effective in an administrative role, whilst my communication and creative skills could be put to good use if there were an opportunity to work on fundraising and promotional campaigns. [5] Should you feel that there might be a suitable opening, now or in the future, I would be very pleased to discuss the possibilities with you. I can be contacted by letter, telephone or e-mail at the above address. [6] Yours sincerely [7]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6] [7]

Rhian Edwards

TOP TIP The message conveyed in this letter is Ive found out about you and this is what I can do for you. Avoid a message which says Here I am, an amazing graduate and Im interested in what your company can do to help me in my career.
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SAMPLE COVERING LETTER IN RESPONSE TO AN ADVERTISED POST

10 Renton Street Cardiff, CF3 4JS Date: Ms P Jones [1] Director Castle Housing Association CARDIFF CF6 9PJ Dear Ms Jones

Comments [1] Find out the name of the person responsible for recruitment in the company. Make it immediately clear what the letter is about. An enthusiastic first sentence. The candidate has made it clear where he/she saw the advertisement. The second paragraph should explain why you are writing and why you are interested in the field of employment. Paragraph 3 should highlight relevant work experience and skills gained. This is your chance to sell yourself. Be positive and enthusiastic. Finish with Yours sincerely (following Dear Mr/Mrs.)

[2]

[3]
re: TRAINEE HOUSING ASSISTANT (REFERENCE: 123) [2] Please find enclosed my CV in response to your advertisement in the Western Mail for the position of Trainee Housing Assistant. [3] You will see that I graduated from Cardiff University in June of this year with a BA Hons degree in Social Administration 2:1. This course has stimulated my interest in social policy and particularly in housing which formed the subject of my dissertation. I am now very keen to begin a career in housing management, hence my application. [4] During my vacation last year I worked in the Housing Department of Torfaen District Council. This gave me experience of the procedures involved in housing allocation and an insight into resource planning. Throughout my placement I found that I particularly enjoyed working with clients on a daily basis. I relate well to people at all levels and I also feel I have good organisational skills and a practical approach to problem solving. From looking at the job description and person specification, I can see that these skills will be really useful in this post and I am excited about the opportunity to work in an area that so suits my qualities. [5] With a relevant degree and hands-on experience, the position of Trainee Housing Assistant is exactly what I am looking for and I hope I have the opportunity to persuade you of my suitability at interview. [6]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

Yours sincerely [7]

Jason Budd

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FINAL POINTS DOs

DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO DO Aim your CV at an identified target audience. Present your CV well. Make sure it is neat and clear. Check alignment of paragraphs. Keep your CV to 2 sides of A4. No longer. Use short sentences. This stops you from waffling. Use words that make an impact and demonstrate your ability to achieve e.g. implemented, developed, researched, managed. Allocate space according to importance. Show a Career Consultant a draft. Spell check your CV and covering letter and show it to a friend for proof-reading. Focus your cover letter to the employer.

DONTs
DONT DONT DONT DONT DONT DONT Leave long gaps in employment and education. Employers will wonder why. Use lead in phrases such as My duties included.. Use action words e.g. organised, managed. Overuse I, but remember, you can use it sometimes. Use fancy fonts. Send out the same CV and covering letter to 100+ employers. You are unlikely to get a response. Put Curriculum Vitae at the top, its clear what it is. Put your name at the top instead.

CHECKLIST
Have you tailored the CV and cover letter to the job description? Have you used positive action words? Will your CV and cover letter keep the readers interest?

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APPENDIX
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES These Activities are optional and are used in conjunction with the Careers Management Skills sessions that may be delivered in your Department. ACTIVITY 1: You might find it useful to make notes outlining what sources you can use to find out what the employer wants e.g. look at the employers website. ACTIVITY 2: IDENTIFYING THE EVIDENCE A key part of constructing an effective CV is being able to identify specific examples which demonstrate your skills and abilities. These can then be used as evidence to prove to the employer that you have the necessary skills and qualities they are seeking. Study the Skills List on the following pages. For each skill or attribute, you will find a list of potential examples i.e. situations or experiences which may have helped you to develop in that area. Tick all those which you have experienced, and think about how you might give evidence of these skills. SKILLS LIST

ADAPTING CONFRONTING CO-OPERATING CREATIVITY DECISION MAKING DEXTERITY DIRECTING LISTENING MEMORY NEGOTIATING NUMERACY

ORAL COMMUNICATION PERCEIVING PERSUADING PLANNING PROBLEM SOLVING QUESTIONING SOCIAL CONFIDENCE SPATIAL SENSE VERBAL COMPREHENSION WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

This skills databank has been extracted from the PROSPECTS Planner computer guidance package.
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ADAPTING Changing or modifying your behaviour in response to the needs, wishes or demands of others. These types of activity will demonstrate your adaptability: Living abroad as part of an exchange programme Vacation work in a shop, restaurant or factory Playing team sports Being an au pair Group outdoor pursuits or expeditions Working or living with children or the elderly Industrial placements or teaching practice

CONFRONTING Challenging the beliefs, wishes or actions of others in a face-to-face situation. If you have had any of these types of experiences you will probably have had to confront others: Arguing a case in a tutorial Sharing house with other than close friends Political canvassing A job that involves disciplining people Teaching practice Being a course or hall representative Evangelising (or dealing with people who are trying to convert you) Committee work

CO-OPERATING Working with other people in a co-ordinated or complementary way in order to meet an objective or complete a task. Co-operating is important in many organisations, regardless of the job for which you are applying. So selectors are often looking for evidence that you have worked with other people constructively. Forms often ask you to write about a time when you worked constructively with others. Remember: Suitable evidence need not be limited to actual work experience. You should think about all aspects of your work, studies and social life. These types of activity involve co-operation: Group project work during your course Team games or outdoor pursuits such as climbing Committee work Organisation of social events Vacation work Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Amateur dramatics

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CREATIVITY Being original and inventive in order to solve problems, generate ideas or produce novel designs. It is important to remember that this does not only mean artistic creativity. Generating ideas and getting novel solutions to problems are creative activities. In your day-to-day life you may well have had to: Get an extension on an essay deadline Keep your bank manager at bay Turn a student hovel into a home Run a childrens party

Your leisure activities might include: Designing and making your own clothes Creating sets or costumes for drama productions Thinking of ideas for fundraising or Rag events Creative writing

Were you particularly imaginative in the way that you tackled your project or dissertation?

DECISION MAKING Identifying options, gathering information about their suitability, and then systematically using this to choose the best option. You may have used your decision making skill to choose your HE course and then to select options, modules or projects. Making a career choice is a good example of this type of decision making. Most application forms have sections where you are asked to write about your course, or about how you made your career choice, these could be used to highlight your decision making competence. If you have family responsibilities, you will have used this skill in many aspects of your life such as when choosing schools for your children. It is also used in these types of activities: Deciding where to live and who to live with Choosing a venue for a social or sporting event Living on a limited budget without an overdraft

DEXTERITY Using your hands, or equipment, in a precise way. Most of the jobs and courses that make extensive use of this skill are technical, medical or artistic and require a vocationally related qualification so the selectors will assume that it was developed as part of your course and not expect further evidence. On most application forms, you are asked to write about the part of your course you enjoyed the most. If you want to demonstrate this skill then remember to write about practical or laboratory work rather than theoretical studies. You could also present evidence of your skill by writing about any leisure activities that make use of it: Model making Dressmaking etc
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DIRECTING Controlling and organising the work of others by setting objectives, giving instructions and monitoring progress. The interest that selectors show in directing or leadership skill is so common that it is almost a clich. As student life tends to be co-operative, rather than hierarchical, many students are unsure about the sort of experience that is relevant or even if they can give any evidence at all. There are some student activities in which the connection is apparent. There are others where you may have used this skill without realising it. Obvious examples include: Being a team captain Drama directing Belonging to the Officer or Air Training Corps Chairing a committee

Less obvious examples are: Editing a magazine Doing lab supervision as a postgrad Co-ordinating the activities of a group who are planning a social event

You will have used this skill if you have worked in these types of jobs: Teaching TEFL Childrens summer camps and play schemes Any supervisory work

So your directing skill can be demonstrated by writing about social, study or work activities.

LISTENING Accurately understanding orally expressed views or information without misinterpretation or distortion. Lectures obviously involves listening, but your lecturers are (or should be) good communicators. Jobs that involve listening may well involve trying to understand in difficult circumstances. Sensitive listening may have been developed by: Working on a student nightline or helpline Being a course or hall rep, or committee work Having a job where you were hired and then left to find out what to do from your colleagues

You may have had work experience that involved answering questions, such as: Reception work Childrens summer camps Tourist guide Teaching Summer play schemes

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MEMORY Accurately recalling facts, data or details of procedures. Students use memory extensively so selectors often take it for granted and do not look for evidence. But your memory could be demonstrated by: A bar or restaurant job remembering orders Leisure activities that make extensive use of memory Trivial Pursuits, Pub quizzes, Bridge, Acting memorising lines, cues etc Representing students on a university committee Student Union work Trade Union work Parent/Teacher committees

NEGOTIATING Holding discussions with people in order to reach a position of mutual satisfaction and agreement about a contentious topic. It is likely that you will have used negotiating skills in many aspects of your day-to-day life. Try to think of situations where you have wanted something and the person you have been dealing with has been reluctant to give it to you. This is very common when dealing with bureaucracy e.g. Dealing with problems about welfare benefits Dealing with your landlord Extending your overdraft

You might have been in more formal negotiating situations such as: Getting sponsorship for a project.

NUMERACY Understanding and using facts or ideas expressed in numbers, graphs or simple equations. If a very high level of numeracy or mathematical ability is required, then a degree in a numerate subject will be an essential entry requirement. Whatever the requirements, if yours is a numerate degree, you will not need to offer further evidence. Selectors who are particularly concerned about numeracy often use numeracy aptitude tests. Careers & Employability will probably be able to arrange for you to try one of these or you could get a copy of the Penguin book Know Your Own IQ. Your numeracy would be demonstrated by: A, A/S or Scottish H level Maths A numerate BTEC Grade A pass in GCSE or Scottish S level Maths A job that involved a significant amount of work with numerical data A leisure or extra-curricular activity that involves manipulating figures.

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ORAL COMMUNICATION Using speech to express ideas, give information or explanations in a way that is easily understood by others who are unfamiliar with the topic. Selectors are often looking for good communication skills oral communication is one aspect of this. You may have developed good oral communication skills by engaging in these types of activity: Giving presentations as part of your course Being a member of staff-student committee where you had to explain student grievances or problems Involvement in local or student politics Debating society

Jobs in these types of area also use this skill: Telesales Customer relations Teaching or training Explaining tasks to others Giving information

PERCEIVING Assessing and understanding the feelings, attitudes or temperament of other people. Life is difficult if this skill is totally absent, so to some extent we can all understand others. A really perceptive person seems to have second sight. These types of activities will have used perception: Parenting or working in a caring role Being a student mentor Working on a student nightline or helpline Being a course or hall representative

PERSUADING Convincing other people to agree with you, or do what you want. You will probably have used persuasion in many aspects of your day-to-day life e.g. Living in a shared house When dealing with children Getting technicians to help you in the lab Working in groups on your course or on projects Any occasion when you had to enlist the help of other people

You will certainly have used persuasion if you are involved in these types of activity: Political canvassing or evangelising Committee work Course or hall representative

And if you have had these types of jobs: Sales work Working with children teaching, au pair

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PLANNING Working out how to schedule available resources and activities in order to meet an objective. You are likely to have used planning skills in your studies, particularly in project work. On most application forms you are asked to write about your course - if you want to demonstrate this skill then you should include information about: How you established what was important How you planned the work How you set the timetable

Your planning skill will have been developed if you have experience of these types of activities: Working to support yourself whilst studying Having family as well as study responsibilities Organising inter-railing or backpacking trips Organising social or sporting events Fundraising for charity or a political party

PROBLEM SOLVING Devising and then using an appropriate method, rule, technique or logic in order to find a solution to a problem. Problem solving is a core skill that is developed in many HE courses, particularly in sciences, engineering, linguistics, law, philosophy etc. Many application forms have a section that asks you to write about an aspect of your course that you particularly enjoy. This skill could be highlighted here. Forms also ask you about your leisure interests. If you are involved in these types of activity then you could write about them in a way that highlights their use of your problem solving skills. Chess Computing Logic games and puzzles Dungeons and Dragons

QUESTIONING Obtaining information from, clarifying the opinions of, or assessing the feelings of others by asking appropriate questions. You will have used your questioning skill in these sorts of student activity: Working on a student nightline or helpline Work shadowing or a placement in which you learned by asking others about their job Student Union welfare work Tutoring or mentoring other students Student journalism Being a course or hall rep Getting information from poor lecturers

You will certainly have used it if you have worked in these sorts of jobs: Reception work Market research interviewing Specialist sales work where you needed to find out exactly what your customers needed

REMEMBER: The emphasis is on getting accurate information in difficult situations.

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SOCIAL CONFIDENCE Establishing a good rapport with strangers, and feeling confident of your position in unfamiliar situations. These types of activity use the social skills that develop confidence: Inter-railing or backpacking Overseas exchange programmes Giving presentations or public speaking Political canvassing Industrial placements Sales work Any job dealing with the Public Being a Student Union officer

Your social confidence will have been tested and developed during your first term at University, particularly if you are: At a very large university With people from a different background to you Much older, or younger, than the rest Studying abroad

SPATIAL SENSE Extracting meaning from, understanding and using the information in diagrams or pictures or three dimensional structures. As most jobs and courses that make extensive use of this skill require a vocationally-related qualification in subjects such as art & design, architecture, geography, surveying, planning, engineering or sciences, then the selectors will assume that it was developed as part of your course and not expect further evidence. Selectors who are particularly concerned about it may use spatial reasoning aptitude tests. Careers & Employability will probably be able to arrange for you to try one of these. If you do need to present evidence of your skill, these types of experience could be used: A or H level Art & Design or Engineering Drawing Work experience in a drawing office Leisure activities e.g. model making, orienteering, dressmaking

VERBAL COMMUNICATION Understanding complex information, facts, ideas or instructions which are expressed in written English. As all HE courses involve reading complicated text books you will have used this skill extensively, so many selectors will take your competence for granted. Selectors who are particularly concerned about it may use verbal reasoning aptitude tests. Careers & Employability will probably be able to arrange for you to try one of these or you could get a copy of the book Know Your Own IQ. In your studies: Understanding instruction or software manuals Making prcis of technical reports or novels Background reading in preparation for essays

Outside your studies: Reading quality newspapers and periodicals A job that involved complicated instructions
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WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Producing grammatical, well expressed, easily understood and interesting text about topics that may be unfamiliar to the reader. Selectors are often looking for good communication skills written communication is one part of this. Remember: the way you complete your application form will give the selector a very good indication of your competence. In jobs where it is very important (e.g. journalism and advertising), you will be asked to send a piece of your written work or write a specific article. Careers & Employability may have examples of these. You may have developed good written communication skills by engaging in these types of activity: Writing essays, reports or a dissertation Writing an account of a work placement Any job that involved producing documentation Writing publicity material Student journalism Creative writing

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ACTIVITY 3: COMPARING CVs

This candidate wants to send this CV off to a company who are advertising graduate vacancies in Retail Management. How targeted is it? Would you make any changes?

Robert Phillips
Home Address Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Date of Birth: 3rd April 1988 SKILLS PROFILE Communication: This has been greatly enhanced by my degree both written and orally, through the presentation of data in seminars and continuous assessment by essays. It has also been affected by my experience with customers where satisfaction is requried. Self confidence: This is reflected in the participation of a work America programme over the summer of 2006, which involved finding a job and a place to live in strange and new surroundings. Learned to work rapidly under stressfull conditions. Organisation: My travely to and across the USA required a great deal of forward planning, raising money and organising train tickets are just a few examples. I manage a 7-a-side football team in a local Sunday league requiring organistiaon of the team form week to week. Time management: I have learned to manage my time efficiently through the study of my degree as practical work must be organised around the lecture course. Teamwork: I enjoy working within a team as many of my practical classes in genetics involve group cooperation. I can also work alone as my third year project demonstrates. My ability to work with others was an essential skill for completion of the Duke of Edinburghs bronze and silver awards. This involved conservation exersises and expeditions in which leadership responsibilities were required. Interpersonal skills: I have experienced a diversity of working environments and people from many cultures whilst gaining valuable insight into business structure. Computers: I am proficient at word processing and have experience with the use of data bases and spread sheets. I am keen to learn and enjoy challenges, seeking to complete what has been started. Problem solving skills have been developed during my degree. I posses an active social life and dedication to sport. University Address Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS 2008-2011 University of Leicester BSc Honours degree in Biological Sciences (Genetics) Expected result 2(i).

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2001-2008

Courses: Biochemistry Microbiology and Immunology Cellular development Physiology Genetics Final year project in genetic enginnering, involved the cloning of a gene into a vector and the production of the corresponding protein. Rainford High School A-levels gained: Geography (A), Chemistry (B), Biology (C), General Studies (C) Gained 10 GCSEs including Maths and English

EMPLOYMENT Summer 2004 Fishermans Restaurant, Seattle, USA Worked as a bus boy. This involved clearing and setting tables, serving drinks and generally looking after the customer. Carborundom, Mill Lane, Rainford Worked within a specialised international company that produce insulating fibre. Learned to use data bases to store information on spare parts for the production line which I had to organise. Some quality control was carried out to ensure consistency in the raw materials. J A Brown builders, Rainford Worked in the building trade as a general labourer Rainfor Village Hall Bar work, collected and washed glasses Work placement at Brook Lodge Primary School, Rainford. Involved marking boods and listening to children read.

Summer 2003

Summer 2002 2001-2009 1999

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS SPORT I have a keen interest in sport and have represented my school and town at Basketball requiring a high level of commitment to training and compet8ing. I coached children at Basketball camp on weekends run by the school. I represented my hall at basketball, football and rugby. Weight training and running regularly keep my fitness at the necessary level. I play football in a local Sunday league in which I manage the team. One of my other interests is in mountain biking and I often go on cycling weekends to Wales with friends. I participated in a student exchange programme with a French town, spending a week with a French family. I have traveled much of Europe with my family and spent time skiing in Austria on a school holiday. In the summer of 2005 I travelled to the USA with a scheme called BUNAC, I settled in Seattle and spent two months working in a restaurant. I earned enough money to cover my initial costs and travel across America by rail, spending time in many cities.

TRAVEL

I hold a full clean driving licence. REFERENCES available on request.

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This candidate wants to send her CV off speculatively to a company who want to recruit graduates from any discipline for a Career in IT. How targeted is it? Would you make any changes

Curriculum Vitae Sarah Jenkins Personal Details Address: Home: Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 123456 [email protected] British University: Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx

Telephone: Email: Nationality: Education 2008 University Studies

University of Leicester

Field Studies

Presently in my final year studying BSc Applied Geology. Expected degree classification: 2.1 2nd year: subjects studied: principles of mining and mineral processing, sedimentology, economic mineralogy, mineral deposit studies, igneous petrology, structural geology, plate tectonics. Geevor Mind (and assolciated Cornubian Sn-ore deposity): ore suite report. 3rd year: presently studying: geochemical exploration, geophysical exploration, mineral exploration A & B, tectonics and structural controls of mineralization, mineral economics, GIS for mineral exploration, applied sedimentology. Study of MVT mineralisation of S Pennines orefield, England North Yorkshire Moors: A level Geography, geomorphology, economic industrial location India/Kashmir: associated with A-level Geography, to undertake the mapping of a small glaciated valley Isle of Wight: A-level geological mapping Isle of Arran: A-level geological mapping Isle of Skye: BSc degree independent mapping Dolaucothi Gold Mine, Wales: BSc degree mining and mineral processes module: N.Devon & Cornwall: BSc degree structural module

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2001-2008

N Devon & Cornwall: BSc degree geochemistry & geophysics modules. Rhodesway Upper School, Bradford A level: Art (B), English Lit. (E), Geology (A), Geography (C) GCSE: Art (B), Design Communication (C), English Lang. (B), English Lit. (B), French (F), Geology (B), Geography (C), Maths (C), Modular Science (B).

Work Experience 2004-2009 2008-2010 2009-2010 Stakis Norfolk Gardens Hotel: restaurant/banqueting waiter Watmoughs Financial Print; assisting bindery operators Floris shop; general duties, including selling, taking orders

Non-Academic Achievement/Interests Archaeology: studied for one year as supplementary subject at university and attended 2 courses consisting of field work at Bradford University while studying A-levels Computing: computer literate, daily use of Word and Excel programmes and spreadsheets knowledge of geo-eas, interdex, minitab programmes Fencing: competed in France as team captain for the Bradford Fencing Club, coached as part of a beginners course which I organised. I am a member of the Leicester University Team where I coach weekly and currently hold the position of Captain. Geological Society; at Leicester University for which I am secretary I am presently learning Spanish Full clean driving license References Dr xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Dr Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

R:\General\literature\CV booklet updated MJ August 11 same as CMS.doc

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FURTHER HELP
If you have found this booklet useful, you may want to pick up or download our other booklets, from: www.cardiff.ac.uk/careers Career Central is an extensive online careers resource accessible from our homepage www.cardiff.ac.uk/careers by signing in using your Cardiff username and password. You will find a wealth of information, activities, video clips and reflection exercises covering all aspects of career exploration, job hunting, work experience and much more. Careers & Employability also runs a series of workshops in conjunction with these booklets. You can find out more about these on our website. We offer Career Management Skills (CMS) Workshops in many Departments. To find out if your Department hosts these sessions, contact your Department or School Office. THIS BOOKLET IS AVAILABLE IN WELSH AND ON CD on request at the Careers & Employability Centre

Careers & Employability aims to offer a fair and equal service to all its clients, regardless of their sex, ethnic origin, age, sexuality, religion or disability. We are able to offer additional support to students who may benefit from extra help. Please contact us for further details.

DISCLAIMER The information and advice provided by Careers & Employability is given in good faith and all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy. Neither Cardiff University nor the individual members of staff shall be liable to any person in contract, tort, statute or otherwise for any loss, distress or damage of any kind howsoever caused (except for death or personal injury caused by the negligence of Cardiff University or the individual members of staff). All information and advice is provided only on the basis of this disclaimer.

What is Careers & Employability?

Careers & Employability is part of the Universitys Registry, Governance & Students Directorate and will provide you with the professional careers-related support you need during your studies and beyond. The new Careers & Employability Centre opened in July 2010. It is free for you to use and is open weekdays from 9am - 5pm throughout the year. Whether you are just beginning to think about your future, have made some plans or simply havent a clue what you want to do there is an array of help available to you so please make use of it. Start today by reading this booklet and utilising the events and services on offer.

Where is the Careers & Employability Centre?

2nd Floor, 50 Park Place, Cardiff
Minutes from the Students Union and a short walk from most Academic Schools. Offering information, advice and guidance; appointments, drop-ins and workshops; A wide range of resources Employer events

As well as these services at the Centre we have a presence at Cardigan House, Heath Park Campus. We also have GO Wales situated at 5 Corbett Road, Cardiff. Please see the Web for further details: www.cardiff.ac.uk/carsv

GO Wales
Main Building

Careers & Employability Centre

Students Union

Glamorgan Building

City Hall

50 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT Tel: (029) 2087 4828 Tel: (029) 2087 4828 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]