CVs & Covering Letters
CV ('Curriculum Vitae' - Latin for 'the course of one's life') is the common terminology used in the UK for a summary 'document' positively describing the qualifications, relevant skills, experience and training, you can bring to a job. In a few countries (including the USA) this is known as a Resume` .
Top Tips
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A CV must be easy to read, to photocopy and be kept brief, commonly 2 sides A4 of good quality white/cream paper
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Always present information positively (look up Power Words) and give examples or detail of achievements and skill development
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Online CV recruitment is an increasingly popular alternative
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A CV (together with a covering letter) can be sent to an employer in response to a job advert or to enquire about a prospective vacancy, but must not replace an application form, when available
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Applying for creative jobs? Why not design a 'creative CV' which will illustrate your work and demonstrate your skills
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Go to the Transferable Skills section of this Guide as a starting point
Resources
http://prospects.iprofile.org/
iProfile is a simple online CV building service supported by Graduate Prospects.
Securely store your CV online, update as required and use it to send to recruiters.
Graduate Prospects - online national careers service for HE students studying in the UK:
Drop down 'Jobs & work' and click on 'Applications, CVs and interviews'. Go to 'CVs and covering letters' sections.
GTI online publication - drop down sub-heading 'Careers advice' to click on side-headings 'Applications and CVs' + 'Job hunting tools downloads'
http://careers.guardian.co.uk/
Guardian careers online - go to sub-heading 'CVs'
www.prospects.ac.uk/links/professional
Graduate Prospects Professional career coaching services for graduates seeking work or study in the UK
