CVs

University of West London Career Guidance Notes

Introduction

  • Presenter: Bernie Laffey, Careers Consultant
  • Contact: Careers@uwl.ac.uk
  • Created on www.british-sign.co.uk, March 2026

Learning Outcomes for the Session

  • Understand elements of a strong CV and strategies to enhance its impact.
  • Learn to write an effective cover letter.
  • Ability to tailor applications for specific roles to enhance shortlisting chances.
  • Access to tools for CV enhancement.

Assessment Overview

Components of the Assessment

  1. CV and LinkedIn Profile

    • Must submit an up-to-date, 2-page CV based on semester learning and research.
    • Include a link to your LinkedIn profile.
    • Essential sections to include:
      • Personal statement
      • Key skills
      • Education and qualifications (include awards if applicable)
      • Relevant experience.

  2. Cover Letter

    • Select a job advert and write a cover letter (up to 1 page).
    • Include relevant information about what the employer is looking for and demonstrate understanding of the role.

  3. Job Advert Submission

    • Submit a PDF version of the job advert from which the personal statement is derived, but this submission is not marked.

Common Reasons for Application Failures

  • Lack of Targeting: Employers often find that applications are not specific to the vacancy, indicating a 'mailshot approach'.
  • Poor Quality CV: Errors and lack of detail can lead to rejections.
  • Overreliance on AI: Excessive use of AI tools can detract from authenticity.
  • Psychometric Tests: Difficulty in passing these tests can result in failure to progress.
  • Video Interviews: Failure to perform well in initial video interviews can eliminate candidates.

Use of AI in Applications

  • Employer Reactions to AI:
    • One-third of large graduate employers disapprove of AI usage in applications.
    • Nearly half are comfortable with AI as a tool for support (e.g., for crafting cover letters and CVs).
  • Authenticity: Employers emphasize authenticity; AI-generated content can often show a lack of personal touch, frequently using cliché phrases.

Writing Skills in Your CV Using AI Tools (e.g., Co-Pilot)

Examples of Skills Descriptions

  1. Project Management: Familiar with tools like Trello and Asana; capable of organizing and tracking progress.
  2. Research and Analytical Skills: Experienced in conducting research and analyzing data to aid decision-making.
  3. Customer Service: Skilled at customer satisfaction and issue resolution.
  4. Leadership: Demonstrated leadership through project management and team initiatives.
  5. Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and high quality across all tasks.

Personalised Skills Section Examples

  1. Team Working:
    • Team leader for a group assignment; managed a team of four to deliver a presentation to 90 students, achieving a grade of 75%.
  2. Communication:
    • Awarded 'Employee of the Month' three times for outstanding customer service.
  3. Problem Solving:
    • Shift leader in retail; successfully resolved staff shortages and customer complaints.

What to Include in a CV

  • Personal Details: Name, phone number, email.
  • Personal Statement/Profile (optional): Required for assessment.
  • Education: List relevant academic qualifications.
  • Relevant Experience: Include projects.
  • Other Experience: Any additional roles held.
  • Key Skills with Evidence: Details on skills demonstrated in practice.
  • Achievements: Significant accomplishments in studies or jobs.
  • References: Professional references upon request.
  • Interests: Personal interests that may be relevant to the job.

CVs for Information Technology Roles

  • Technical Skills Section: Highlight technical proficiencies.
  • University & Personal IT Projects: Showcase related academic projects.
  • Extracurricular Courses: Demonstrate commitment to continued learning.
  • Professional Memberships: List any affiliations, e.g., British Computer Society.
  • Interests: Include activities such as hackathons and competitions.

CV Layout Principles

  1. SPACE Principle: Ensure to utilize space effectively to enhance readability.
  2. Clear Section Headings: Use concise headings for organization.
  3. Bullet Points: Employ bullet points for easy reading.
  4. Readable Text: Use a font and size that facilitate legibility.

CV Format Guidelines

  • Font Choice: Use professional fonts such as Arial.
  • Text Size: Body text should be a minimum of 10 point (preferably 12).
  • Chronological Order: Structure information in reverse chronological order.
  • Consistency: Maintain a consistent style throughout.
  • Alignment: Utilize left-side alignment for text.
  • Headings: Avoid using ALL CAPS.
  • Underlining: Minimize underlining in text.

Understanding Personal Statements

  • Definition: A personal statement summarizes what you offer to a potential employer.

Writing a Personal Statement

Key Guidelines:

  • Keep it brief (3-4 lines preferred).
  • Focus on factual content; avoid clichés.
  • Tailor to each application using job descriptions for structure.
  • Include evidence of relevant skills succinctly.

Evaluating a Profile Example

  • Exemplary Profile Evaluation:
    • "I am a friendly, organized, reliable hard-working degree student…"
    • Contains vague descriptors and lacks specific accomplishments.
  • Ideal Structure: Briefly describe who you are, skills, experience, and career goals in relation to the job applied for.

Education Section

  • Inclusions:
    • Relevant modules from your degree.
    • Details on dissertations or significant projects relevant to the position.
    • High academic grades or awards for recognition.

Work Experience Overview

  • Focus: Display achievements and results over mere task lists.
  • What Employers Want: Clear demonstration of positive impacts and outcomes from roles held.
  • Utilization of Action Verbs: Use verbs such as Accomplished, Achieved, Implemented, etc., to create dynamic descriptions.

Additional CV Sections

  • Relevant Work Experience: Specific to the job role.
  • Voluntary Work: Include any unpaid work relevant to your profile.
  • Additional Responsibilities: Highlight any extra roles taken on.
  • Additional Skills: e.g., language proficiency, driving license.
  • Professional Memberships: Relevant professional organizations you belong to.
  • Interests: Personal interests that may relate to the job.

Strategies for Making Your CV Stand Out

  • Join professional bodies (e.g. APM, Chartered Institute of IT).
  • Attend guest lectures or employer events.
  • Engage in volunteering opportunities.
  • Take on leadership roles in part-time positions.
  • Utilize platforms like LinkedIn Learning.
  • Participate in student societies and live briefs.

Characteristics of a Good CV

  • Targeted: Relevant to the job applied for.
  • Formal Appearance: Avoid fancy fonts.
  • Logical Structure: Should not exceed 2 pages.
  • Grammatical Accuracy: Free of spelling and grammar mistakes.

Cover Letter Definition

  • Description: A cover letter accompanies your CV and personalizes your application, helping to articulate your suitability for a role.

Cover Letter Checklist

  1. Read the job advert carefully.
  2. Identify key skills highlighted by the employer.
  3. Match your specific skills to the role requirements.
  4. Conduct company research to impress.

Optimizing Cover Letter Structure

  1. Opening: State your intentions, including job title and reference number.
  2. Motivation: Convey your reasons for applying for this role.
  3. Organizational Fit: Articulate your desire to work for this company, highlighting what makes it unique.
  4. Skill Match: Detail experiences and skills that align with the job specifications.
  5. Sign-Off: Use a polite closing.

Rules for Signing Off a Letter

  • Yours sincerely: When addressing a named person.
  • Yours faithfully: When using a general salutation (e.g., "Dear Recruitment Manager").

Reasons for Wanting to Work for an Employer in a Cover Letter

  • Consider the employer's values (e.g., Sky Code of Conduct).
  • Reflect on the employer's projects, clients, products, and strategies.

Common Mistakes in Cover Letters

  • Tone Issues: Avoid being overly friendly or flattering.
  • Inappropriate Focus: Do not concentrate on what the company can provide for you.
  • Underwhelming Presentation: Avoid underselling your skills.
  • Template Use: Steer clear of copying and pasting cover letter templates.
  • AI Overuse: Edit AI-generated content for personalization.

Characteristics of a Successful Cover Letter

  1. Addressed to the recruiting manager by name if possible.
  2. Clearly states the job title and source of the job advert.
  3. Outlines reasons for applying for the role and organization.
  4. Demonstrates relevant experience and skills through bullet points.

Targeting Your CV and Cover Letter

  • Tailor both your CV and cover letter to a specific job vacancy to maximize effectiveness.

Example Job Description: Technical Support Placement Year

Requirements

  • Relevant degree subject.
  • Passion for technology and high organization.
  • Enthusiasm for learning and excellent customer service skills.
  • A methodical approach to tasks.
  • Predicted grade of a 2:1 or above.

Activities for Evidence of Skills

  • Checklist for providing evidence for skills related to the job description (e.g., relevant degree, organizational skills, enthusiasm for learning).

Tips for Successful Applications

  • Conduct thorough research.
  • Write a well-structured CV free from mistakes, utilizing CareerSet for AI feedback.
  • Personalize CVs with experiences tailored to the specific role.
  • Apply early to graduate schemes, typically available from September to January.
  • Include a cover letter detailing your interest in the company and position.
  • Submit applications before deadlines; some vacancies close early.
  • Prepare for psychometric tests with resources like Graduates First.

Websites for Graduate Jobs

  • Gradcracker - Careers for STEM Students.
  • Prospects.ac.uk - Search graduate jobs.
  • Student Hub (UWL) - https://studenthub.uwl.ac.uk/
  • Graduate Jobs & Schemes at Bright Network.
  • Targetjobs - Graduate Jobs, Schemes & Internships.
  • LinkedIn: Example job listing for a Desktop Support Analyst in London at Acora Limited.

Access to Careers Support

  • Appointments: 30-minute bookable appointments are available online and in person through the Student Hub.
  • Contact: For careers-related inquiries, email careers@uwl.ac.uk. For direct contact, reach out to Bernie Laffey at bernie.laffey@uwl.ac.uk.

Graduate Schemes Definition

  • Description: Structured training programs generally lasting up to 2 years, incorporating rotations across different business areas.
  • Usage: Common among large organizations (e.g., engineering, construction) to cultivate future leaders.
  • Professional Qualification: Graduates typically strive towards relevant professional qualifications.
  • Responsibilities: Graduates often manage key projects early in their careers.

Applications for Graduate Schemes

  • Application Window: Generally from September to January for roles commencing the following summer.
  • Requirements: Most schemes necessitate at least a 2:1 degree and some experience (work/volunteering).

Understanding Graduate Jobs

  • Definition: Any job requiring a degree, distinct from graduate training schemes.
  • Opportunities: Can arise year-round, and some positions might not be advertised, thus involving the 'hidden job market'.

Breaking Into the Hidden Job Market

  1. LinkedIn: Build a strong profile and be active.
  2. Networking: Develop your professional connections.
  3. Speculative Applications: Create targeted speculative applications to smaller organizations and SMEs.