Toolkit Moving On

8/6/2019 Toolkit Moving On

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Photograph: Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk

Moving onSupporting UNISONmembers facing redundancy

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OVERVIEWWhen an organisation undertakes a redundancy

programme, UNISON learning reps can run this

course, or pick and choose activities from it, to help

members put themselves in the best position to

find new work that will meet their needs.

In addition, these exercises and activities are

also designed to help members develop the skills

to enable them to take on new roles in their

organisations after the kind of restructuring

process which might be negotiated as an

alternative to compulsory redundancies.

ULRs can also set up, run and support informal

learning activities that will equip members with the

lobbying and campaigning skills to take part in the

unions Million Voices campaign, which is making

the case at a national, regional and local

community level for properly-funded, publicly-

provided local services.

Whos the target audience? Anyone who is in the

process of change, be that through redundancy,

retirement or a change of career.

Who can run the course? Anyone who has

experience presentation skills and is used to

speaking to a group of people eg, ULRs, union

reps, lay tutors.

What materials do you need? Paper and pens,

flipchart and pens, photocopied job advertisements

from newspapers/websites as indicated, sample

forms as indicated.

What sort of venue do you need? Any decent sized

room set out in horseshoe style with tutor at the

front alongside flipchart.

This online publication is based on a pack

produced by Ricky Hopkins for UNISON:

[email protected].

Supporting UNISON membersfacing redundancy


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A STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Exercise 1.1: Looking for a jobAim: focus and motivate the participants by

raising awareness of the wide range of sources of

information on job vacancies and their various

advantages and disadvantages.

Timing: approx. 60 minutes

1 Before participants arrive, draw up a three-column

grid on a flipchart with the headings Where to

look, Advantages and Disadvantages.

2 When the participants have all arrived, spend five

minutes introducing the exercise. Point out that the

employment market may have changed

considerably since they last looked for work and

mention (without going into specifics) that there is

a wide range of places where people can find out

information on job opportunities. Explain that the

object of the exercise is to develop a comprehensive

list of places to go for information on job

opportunities with their pluses and minuses.

3 Divide the room into pairs or groups of up to

four people. Make sure everyone has some

paper and a pen.4 Explain that they have 20 minutes to think of all

the different places they could look for

information on job opportunities.

5 At the end of 20 minutes, bring everyone back

together and invite each pair or small group to

contribute an idea to the list you will be compiling

on the flipchart.

6 When the list is complete, invite each pair or

group to suggest one advantage and one

disadvantage for every item on the list (there

may be more than one). You should aim to end

up with something like table 1 on the next page.

7 Finish the exercise by asking what participants

have learned from the activity.

Exercise 1.2: understanding job advertsAim: show participants the difference between a

job description and a person specification and

help them identify which elements of a person

specification are essential and which desirable.


1 This activity is best done in pairs, but can be done

in small groups if the class is a large one and the

facilitator is good at drawing out peoples skills.

2 Circulate photocopies of job adverts taken from

recent newspapers/websites.

3 Explain the difference between a job description,which sets out the duties involved in a particular

job, and a person specification, which sets out

what qualifications and experience an employer

needs someone to have to do the job. Explain the

difference between what is essential (things you

must have) and what is desirable (extra things

they would like that would give someone an

advantage over others who dont have them).

4 Ensure that all pairs/groups have flipchart pensor pens and blank A4 paper.

5 Allow about 20 minutes for them to develop the

list and give encouragement by moving around

the groups supporting them with positive

comments.

6 Ask each pair/group to share what they wrote for

3 (a)-(d).

7 Write the responses on the flipchart visible to the

whole group.

Module 1: Next steps looking for work


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Where to look Advantages Disadvantages

National newspapers Wide coverage Not local

Requires basic literacy skills

Cost of purchase

Local newspapers Relevant to local area May not have wide variety of jobs

Easy to find Requires basic literacy skills

Specialist journals Specific jobs Not always available

Wide coverage

Internet Lots of information Too much information

Job search functions Requires basic literacy/IT skills

Shop windows Local information Infrequently updated

Jobcentre Plus Staff expertise Some ICT skills needed

Benefits advice Impersonal

Agencies Wide range of jobs Low pay

Shift work

No guarantees

May cost to register

Word of mouth Reliable information People must know youre looking for work

Massive source of jobs

Exercise 1.1: Table 1


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Exercise 2.1: identifying your skillsAim: help participants identify all the skills they

have acquired from all parts of their life work,

home, voluntary work and hobbies.


1 This is a quick activity to get the participants to

analyse what skills they have and how they are

transferable from one part of their life (eg, home)

to another (eg, work).

Exercise 2.2: positive speaking 1Aim: show participants that how they say

something is just as important as what they say.


1 Ask the participants to briefly read and analyse

the two statements and report back what they

think are the key differences between them.

2You are looking for positive and negative

differences and additionally gender as 70 per cent

of people consider the person in the description is

female (because of the reference to childcare).

Exercise 2.3: positive speaking 2Aim: show participants how they can translate

negative statements about work into positive

statements.


1 Explain that it is important to write about yourself

in a positive manner when applying for jobs and

how by using certain words you can do this easily.

2 Suggested answers:

(a) Given responsibility for some staff induction.

(b) Organised stock control and purchase.

(c) Versatile and experienced in all areas within

the company.

(d) Created the companys filing system and

organised staff training for its use.

(e) Controlled and kept audited records of

Playgroup accounts, including petty cash. I feel

this experience directly relates to the tasks in

your job description.

(f) I was encouraged to take on the responsibility

of my work unsupervised.

Exercise 2.4: preparing to fill in

application formsAim: show the participants how they can gather all

the information they need before they start filling in

an application form.


1 Explain how its essential to get together all the

information youll need before filling in an

application form. Explain that the object of the

exercise is to complete two key forms onelisting education and qualifications and the other

listing work experience so that participants will

have all the key information they need before

they put pen to paper.

2 Hand out the form headed Education and

qualifications. Give participants about 15

minutes to complete it.

3 Hand out the form headed Employment history.

Give participants about 15 minutes to complete it.

Module 2: Application forms


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Exercise 2.5: filling in application formsAim: show participants some of the key elements

involved in effectively completing application forms


1 Hand out the sample form headed Application

form along with the exercise handout.

2 Work through the four points on the handout first.

Emphasise how important it is for participants to

show they can follow instructions by looking out for

any instructions in the form. If you use green or red

ink and write in normal handwriting when it says use

black ink and write in block capitals, you are likely to

be rejected straight away because an employer will

think you cant follow instructions. More than one

major employer has given this as the main reason

for rejecting candidates at the short-listing stage.

3 Point out that participants can use the forms they

completed in Exercise 6 to help them fill in the

sections on education and employment.

4You could (if you have time) invite participants to

suggest some negative reasons for leaving a job

to write on the flipchart and then ask for

suggestions about positive alternatives.

5 Point out that while the sample form includes asection headed Additional information other

forms might have similar sections with more

specific questions such as, Please tell us about

any experience you feel is relevant to the post/job

or, Please tell us what you see as the main

challenges of the job. Whichever it is, make sure

that they answer what they have been asked.

6 Give participants about 30 minutes to complete

their form.

7 Finish off the exercise by inviting participants to

share their thoughts and feelings about filling in

the form.

Exercise 2.6: Good and bad application formsAim: help participants sharpen their application

form-filling by examining good and bad forms from

the viewpoint of prospective employers


1 Divide the participants into pairs and issue them

with the completed application forms for this

exercise.

2 Ask them to highlight what they think is good and

what they think is bad and make a note of their

reasons.

3 Introduce the shortlist form and show them how

to fill it in.

4 Invite the pairs to discuss who should get the job

and make a joint decision.5 Back in the whole group, divide a flipchart page

into two columns headed Good and Bad and

ask participants to contribute to the lists from the

evaluation of the completed forms.

6 Invite the group to offer examples of what they

have learnt from evaluating the forms from the

viewpoint of a prospective employer.


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Exercise 3.1: Top tips for writing your CVAim: share eight key points about CV writing with

participants

Timing: 15 minutes

1 This is a whole group exercise.

2 Take participants through points 1-8.

Exercise 3.2: Choosing your CV formatAim: introduce participants to the major CV formats


1 Divide the group into pairs and introduce the

object of the exercise: choosing your CV format.

2 Introduce the three main different approaches to

writing CVs:

chronological

functional

targeted.

3 Take participants through the definition of a

chronological CVon the handout. Explain how it

works well if:

you want to emphasise your employment;

you want a general information based CV which

can be used for any application; you have never worked but have excellent

qualifications, which can be listed in detail.

4 Move on to the functional CVwhich is useful if:

you have had a variety of unconnected jobs

from which you have gained different kinds of

experience, all of which are selling points to

potential employers;

you have limited paid work experience, but have

done voluntary work or worked in the home,

which would be difficult to express in a

chronological CV;

you have very general skill areas.

5 Move on to the targeted CV which is for anyone

who is applying for a particular job and wishes to

emphasise specific skills that relate directly to

that job. A targeted CV can be altered to relate to

each job you apply for and will give an employer

only the relevant information required for that

particular job. This is useful if:

you have a great deal of experience in one

particular field with a number of different

employers;

you want to emphasise particular aspects of

your work experience and qualifications, which

relate to a particular job.

6 Issue participants with the sample CVs and ask

them to read them all through to decide whichformat they fit.

7 Discuss their assessments and check that

everyone has decided which approach they are

going to follow on their individual CV.

Module 3: CVs and letters of application


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Exercise 3.3: Writing your own personalprofile

Aim: Show participants how to construct a personal

profile


1 Explain that a profile can be a useful way of

flagging an interest and skills for a particular

career on your CV, particularly if you have no

relevant degree or work experience to give your

CV focus. A profile is only part of a CV.

Show this sample profile: A motivated,

adaptable and responsible graduate seeking an

entry-level position in public relations which will

utilise the organisational and communication skills

developed through my involvement with Kent Rag

and promotional work during vacations. During my

degree I successfully combined my studies with

work and other commitments showing myself to be

self-motivated, organised and capable of working

under pressure. I have a clear, logical mind with a

practical approach to problem solving and a drive

to see things through to completion. I enjoy

working on my own initiative or in a team. In short,

I am reliable, trustworthy, hardworking and eagerto learn and have a genuine interest in PR.

2 Invite participants to make a list of words which

best describes them at work (eg, flexible, quick to

learn).

3 Invite participants to make a list of specifics

about their skills and experience.

4 Show them how to fit them together into a short

paragraph which gives a pen picture of

themselves.

Exercise 3.4: Selling your skills (targetedand functional CVs)

Aim: generate a comprehensive list of your skills


1 If participants have already generated a list of

their skills by doing Exercise 3, ask them to refer

to the list and invite them to consider whether or

not they now think its comprehensive. If they

havent done Exercise 3, simply start this exercise

at step 2.

2 Using the flipchart, show participants how to

divide a sheet of paper into two columns headed

Tasks and Skills.

3 Give participants 15 minutes to list the major

tasks involved in their most recent job and then

translate each task into a particular skill. If

participants have already done Exercise 5,

translating negative statements about work into

positive statements, point out that youre asking

them to do something similar: this time

translating neutral phrases about work tasks into

positive statements about work skills.

4 Once theyve finished, invite participants to ask

for help from the whole group with any tasksthey found difficult to translate into skills.


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Exercise 3.5: Completing your CVAim: use the material generated in previous

exercises to complete a CV


1 Hand out the sample CVs and take a few minutes to

go through the notes accompanying each section

2 Make sure participants have to hand the profile

they composed in Exercise 10, the list of skills

generated in Exercise 11 and the education and

qualifications and employment history forms

they completed in Exercise 6.

3 Give them around 20 minutes to use all this

material to complete their own CV.

4 Give participants another 10 minutes to compete

the Hobbies and interests and Additional

information sections.

Exercise 3.6: Letters to sell your skillsAim: show participants how to write a good letter to

sell their skills


1 Letters to sell your skills accompany application

forms which dont provide additional information

or to go with your CV. A good covering letter will

cover any problem areas and complex issues and

explain them thus making the CV more likely to

be read.

2 Explain how they tell the reader why you want the

job, why they should interview you, and that you

are available. A good covering letter will make the

impression that your CV is a good one, and that

you are therefore an excellent candidate. It allows

you the room to explain anything that isn't

obvious or needs clarification.

3 Suggest that if the CV is a sales pitch for yourself,

the covering letter is a sales pitch for the CV. The CV

is a tool to get you an interview, and the covering

letter a tool to get the CV noticed for the right

reasons. Preparing a good, personalised covering

letter takes time, but it is a worthwhile investment.

4 Hand out the sample letter from L. Matthews.5 Invite participants to identify five key strengths in

the letter.

6 Give participants 15 minutes to write a letter of

their own to sell their skills


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Exercise 3.7: Speculative lettersAim: show participants how to write a good

speculative letter


1 Explain how you can make speculative

applications to employers in your field: it can be

frustrating, with a relatively low response rate, but

if you do find an employer with a vacancy, there

will usually be less competition. The employer

may also keep your CV on file until an appropriate

job comes up.

2 It is important with speculative letters to give the

impression that you are only writing to one

particular company: this makes an employer think

that you have singled them out as the one you

want to work for. So do not address the letter to

the Personnel Manager or Human Resources

Manager; find out the name of the person and

their correct job title by searching online or

ringing the company directly.

3 Try to keep it to the point by only including the

skills that the employer would be looking for.

Remember you are also sending your CV, so the

employer can find all the other information aboutyou from that.

4 Give some really positive reasons why you would

like to work for the company or employer.

Remember that you are trying to show that you

are worth being considered for a job.

5 Distribute copies of the covering letter from Jane

Wilson.

6 Invite participants to identify five key strengths of

the approach.

7 Give participants 15 minutes to write a

speculative letter of their own.


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Exercise 4.1: Be preparedAim: help participants prepare before an interview


1 Use the example of going on a holiday to refer to

how we always make sure we have the essential

items, money, luggage, passport, and tickets

because planning is an essential part of enjoying

an holiday: we should apply the same thinking

when preparing for an interview.

2 Go through each of the three major questions and

ask each pair or group to make a list up of what

could go wrong in each case.

3 Invite each pair to develop an action plan for

making sure that what could go wrong doesnt

happen.4 Make sure participants consider these points

under the heading How will I get there?

Make sure you know where you have to be and

how you will travel there.

If you can, do a trial run to see how long it will

take.

Arrive in plenty of time.

5 Make sure participants consider these points

under the heading What will I wear? Decide what you will wear well in advance. You

need to look and feel good. Even if you know

that every-one wears jeans to work there, dont

do it for the interview put on something

smarter.

Choose something suitable but comfortable.

Make sure your outfit is clean and it fits you.

Avoid very high heels if possible.

Have you got the shoe polish you need?

6 Make sure participants consider these points

under the heading Do I know all I need to know

about the job?

Find out all you can about the employer

Are they involved in any special projects?

What will the job involve?

Telephone the employer contact if you need

more information.

Prepare for possible questions.

Dont forget your person specification

information.

Exercise 4.2: Making sure you always havesomething to say

Aim: help participants think about what they might

be asked in advanceTiming: approx 30 minutes

1 Invite participants to make a list of five questions

they might well be asked at an interview for a job

they might be interested in applying for.

2 Give them five minutes each to write a one or

two-sentence answer to each question.

Module 4:Job interviews


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Exercise 4.3: Listen carefullyAim: show participants how to structure their

answer to a key question


1 Divide the group into pairs: explain they will each

get to role play the interviewer and the

interviewee.

2 Explain that the aim of the exercise is to have an

answer prepared to the standard interview

question: Give me an example of when you

solved a problem which had a successful

outcome.

3 Explain how the answer should be broken into

three parts:

(a) setting the scene

(b) describing the problem

(c) describing the successful outcome

4 Explain that the interviewer should allocated one

to five points to each part of the answer.

5 When the pairs have swapped and completed the

exercise you could offer this 15-point example:

I was working on the tills in B&Q in December

2010 when a customer came in asking for an item

that was out of stock.

I asked him specifically what he wanted theitem for and sourced an alternative for him that

was at a lower price than the original item.

I was thanked by him and he left a satisfied

customer more likely to return in the future.

You should also point out obvious pitfalls eg,

when the question asks when you solved a

problem, you score no points if you answer with

We asked him what he wanted

Exercise 4.4: Preparing your answersAim: help participants ensure their mind doesnt go

blank in an interview


1 Divide the group into pairs and distribute copies

of the exercise handout. Point out where the list

of questions corresponds with any questions

participants prepared for in Exercise 17.

2 Invite participants to alternate the roles of

interviewer and interviewee and work their way

through the list of questions, using the notes to

guide their responses.

Exercise 4.5: Ten top tips for interviews

Aim: convey how participants should conductthemselves in a job interview

Timing: approx 15 minutes

1 Take participants through the ten tips.


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Where to look for information about job vacancies

1 Working in pairs (or a small group), make a list of all the waysyou can think of to find out about job vacancies.

2 For each item in your list, make a note of its advantages anddisadvantages. For example, national newspaper advertisingcovers a large area (advantage) but requires basic literacy skillsto access (disadvantage).

3 Working with the facilitator, compile a comprehensive list ofemployment opportunities information on a flipchart. Includethe advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Exercise 1.1


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Understanding job adverts

1 Look at one of the job adverts in the handouts.

2 Make a list of what duties and responsibilities you think wouldbe included in the job description.

3 Draw up an outline possible person specification using thefollowing four headings:(a) qualifications (certificates a successful applicant would

be expected to have);(b) experience (experience of the particular type of work);(c) skills (including skills people may have developed

outside work)(d) personal qualities.

4 Divide the entries into two lists: essential and desirable.

Exercise 1.2


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Identifying your skills

1 Divide a sheet of paper into five columns headed: at home

at work voluntary work hobbies and interests any others.

2 Think about all the skills you have in the different areas of yourlife, and list them under the heading which fits best.

3 What job skills did you identify that you did not develop at work?

Exercise 2.1


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Positive speaking 1

1 Look at these two statements:(a) Spent 10 years at home with the children and now I want

a change.(b) Decided to take a 10 year-break from paid employment to

support my children in their early years. Now they areindependent the time is right for a new challenge.

2 How do you think the two writers feel about what they have donefor the past 10 years?

3 Why do you think this?

Exercise 2.2


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Positive speaking 2

1 Look at this list of positive words:

2 Using words from the list, rewrite these statements in positiveversions:(a) Was asked to show new staff how to do the work.(b) Had to keep an eye on what stock was needed and place

new orders when we were running low.(c) The boss always asked me to fill in for people from other

departments when they were short.

(d) I had to sort out the filing system and then show othershow to use it.(e) Used to do the books for the local playgroup. What you

want is probably similar.(f) The boss would often leave me to work by myself all day.

3 What do you feel about the differences between the original

statements and the rewritten versions?

achieved

assessedcapablecompetentcommunicatedconsistentcontrolledco-ordinated

created

designeddevelopeddirectedeconomicaleffectiveefficientestablished

expanded

guidedimplementedimprovedinitiatedknowledgemanagedmonitored

organised

participatedpositiveproductiveresourcefulresponsiblespecialisedsuccessful

supervised

trainedvariedversatile

Exercise 2.3


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Preparing to fill in an application form

1 Fill in the form headed Education and qualifications.

2 Highlight any details you need to identify later.

3 Fill in the form headed Employment history.

4 Highlight any details you need to identify later.

Exercise 2.4


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Sample form

Exercise 2.4

Education and qualifications

Date Place Address Qualification Grade


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Exercise 2.4

Employment history

Dates Employer Address Job title Duties

Sample form


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Completing a sample application form

1 Read through the whole of the sample application form. Make amental note of any instructions. Does it ask for any or all sections

to be completed in a particular colour? In block capitals? Does itwant your employment history in chronological order (mostrecent last) or reverse chronological order (most recent first)?

2 Apart from the information in your Education and qualificationsand Employment history forms you completed in Exercise 6, doyou need to have any more information to hand before you startcompleting the form? Do you know your National Insurancenumber?

3 When you draft your reasons for leaving, remember to bepositive, not negative. No employer is likely to want tointerview someone who writes: Didnt get on with my boss.

Say something more positive, such as: Wanted to gain widerexperience.

4 Dont leave additional information blank: this space is a chanceto sell yourself, so make sure you include all the experience andskills you have that relate to the job, including any gained fromhobbies and voluntary work as well as previous work experience.

Exercise 2.5


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Exercise 2.5

Application for employment (1)Please type or write your answers in BLACK ink and continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

Sample form

Post applied for

Surname

First names

Home telephone Business telephone

Address

Postcode

Dates (month/year) School, College or University Examinations taken Results

Reference number

Dr, Mrs, Mr, Miss, Ms

Date of birth

Nationality

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

PERSONAL INFORMATION

SECONDARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION


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Application for employment (2)

Dates (month/year) School, Institute or Employer Subjects Qualifications (if applicable)

TECHNICAL, PROFESSIONAL OR OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING

Dates (month/year) Name and address of employer Position held Final salary and reasonfor leaving

EMPLOYMENT HISTORYin reverse chronological order, please


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Describe briefly the nature of your present position as well asany held previously that you consider relevant to this application.

EXPERIENCE


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Please use this space to give any information you feel is relevant but is not covered elsewhere.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Name and address

REFEREES

Postcode

Name and address

Postcode

Signed Date

Are we able to approach your referees without contacting you first? Yes / No


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Good and bad application forms

1 Read through the four completed application forms and mark theareas that you think are good and bad with your reasons.

2 Use the shortlist form to make your formal evaluation.

3 Based on your evaluation of the forms, discuss with yourworkshop partner who should get the job and make a jointdecision.

4 Based on evaluating the forms and making your decision,discuss what you have learnt that you could use the next timeyou fill in an application form of your own.

Exercise 2.6


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Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (1a)

1

CountyBoroughCouncil

ShortlistFormJobTitle:Administra

tionAssistant Requisition

Number:E/03244/CDP

CriteriaScoringGuide (scorescanbeused)

Doesnotmeetcriteria 0 1

23 Excellent

Applicant Hayley

Hawkes

John

Jenkins

JayneJones MarieMorgan

Practical

knowledgeof

ITsystems

Experienceof

officeenvironment

andabilityto

workina

team

Familiarity

withadmin

processes

andsystems

Good

organisational

skills

Abilityto

communicate

clearlyand

effectively

1a


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Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (1b)

2

CONFIDENTIAL

Pleasecompleteallsectionsandwriteclea

rly

APPLICATIONFOREMPLOYMENTAS:

ADMINASSISTANT

PERSONALDETAILS

Surname: Morgan

(Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)FirstName(s): M

arie

HomeAddress: Postcode:

TelephoneNos: Home:

Work:

EmailAddress:

NationalInsuranceNo:

NextofKin:Relationship:

Address:

EDUCATIONANDTRAINING

School/College/University

Dates Qualifications

Obtained(inc.

grades)

CardiffComprehensiveSchool

1981 OLevelArtC

CSEMathematics-1

DomesticScience3

English3

History-3

Geography3

MembershipofProfessionalInstitutes,

Associationsetc:

Training&Developmentactivityinlast

2years:

BridgendCollege2010-ECDL

1b


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Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (1c)

3

PRESENTEMPLOYMENT

Postheld/Jobtitle:

Namesandaddressofemployer:

Datecommenced:Periodofnotice:

Currentannualbasicsalary:

Otherbenefitsandapprox

imatevalue(egcar,feesetc)

EMPLOYMENTHISTORY

From/To NameofEmployer

PostHeld ReasonforLeaving

2005-2009 DudleyEngineering

AccountsAssistantRedundant

2002-2005 WirralConstructionLtd

Admin/AccountsAsst Movedhouse

1991-2000ShoefayreLTd

SalesAssistantDisagreementwith

newmanager

1981-1986

FineFareLtdCashier/Tillwork

Pregnancy

1c


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Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (1d)

4

SKILLSANDEXPERIENCE

Youareinvitedtodescribeyourskillsand

abilities,andyourworkexperiencetodate,

andtoexplainhowtheymatch

therequirementsofthepostyouareapplyin

gfor. Pleasestatethereason(s)foryoura

pplication.

Keen,enthusiastic,hardworkingandreliable

,withgoodtimekeepingandgoodattendan

cerecord

ofemployment.Workswellinavarietyo

fenvironmentsandisverykeentodevelop

newskills.

Workswellwithinateamaswellasonown

initiative,takesonresponsibilityasneeded.An

excellentcommunicatorandtimemanager.

Iamanon-smoker,marriedandhavetwoc

hildren. CurrentlyattendinganI.T.coursea

tBridgend

Collage. HavequalificationsinBookKeepi

ngandAccounts.

1d


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Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (1e)

5

OUTSIDEINTERESTS

REFERENCES

Pleasegivedetailsoftwopeoplewecould

approachforreferences(oneofthesesho

uldincludeyourpresent

employer)

Name:

Name:

Designation:Designation:

Address:Address:

Telephone:Telephone:

Email:

Email:

Note: Unlessyoustateheretothecontra

ry,itwillbeassumedthatyouhavenoobje

ctiontotheCounciltakingup

referencesimmediately. Onereferencesh

ouldbefromyourpresentemployer,orlas

temployerif

unemployed)

ABILITYTODRIVE

Doyouholdafulldrivinglicence? Y

ES/NODoyouownorhavea

ccesstoavehicleYES/NO

LANGUAGES

PleaseindicateyourabilityinlanguagesotherthanEnglish Degreeoffluency

LanguageWritten

Spoken

CRIMINALOFFENCES

Becauseofthenatureoftheworkinvolved,

thepostyouareapplyingforiscoveredby

theRehabilitationofOffenders

Act1974(Exceptions)Order1975and(Ex

ceptions)AmendmentOrder1986.Thism

eansthatyouareNOTentitled

towithholdinformationaboutconvictions,c

autionsorbindoverorderswhichmightoth

erwisebetreatedasspent.

Haveyoueverreceivedaconviction,c

autionorbindoverinrespectofacrim

inaloffence?YES/NO

IfyouhaveansweredYES,pleaseprovide

fulldetailsinacoveringletter.

Note:Ifyourapplicationissuccessful,you

willberequiredtoapplyforaDisclosurefro

mtheCriminalRecords

Bureau. Havingacriminalrecordwillnotn

ecessarilybeabartoemployment.

RELATIONSHIPS

AreyourelatedtoaCouncillororemployee

oftheCouncil?YES/NO

IfYES,pleasegivethenameoftheCounci

llor/employee:

.

WHEREDIDYOUSEETHISPO

STADVERTISED?

Ideclarethattothebestofmyknowledgeth

einformationinthisapplicationiscorrect.

Ihavenotcanvassed,either

directlyorindirectlyaMemberorofficerof

theCouncil inconnectionwiththisapplicati

on. Iunderstandthat

withholdingrelevantinformationorprovidin

gfalseormisleadinginformationrendersm

eliabletodismissal,if

employed. Iherebygivemyconsentforthe

informationcontainedinthisapplicationto

beprocessedbytheCouncil,

asrequired,inaccordancewiththeprinciple

softheDataProtectionAct1998.

Signed:

Date:

1e


32/65


7

CONFIDENTIAL


rly


AdminAssistant

PERSONALDETAILS

Surname: Jenkins

(Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)

FirstName(s): John


TelephoneNos: Home:

Work:

EmailAddress:



Address:



Dates Qualifications

Obtained(inc.

grades)

Porthcawl Comprehensive

1990 MATHS-C

GCSE ENGLISHE

COMPUTERSC

P.E.D

HISTORYD

CHEMISTRYF

MUSICF

GEOGRAPHY-E


Associationsetc:


2years:

2a


33/65


8

PRESENTEMPLOYMENT

Postheld/Jobtitle:UNEMPLOYED


Datecommenced:Periodofnotice:

Currentannualbasicsalary:

Otherbenefitsandapproximatevalue(egc

ar,feesetc)

EMPLOYMENTHISTORY



2008-10 SELF-EMPLOYED

2007-08NEWDEAL

2005-07UNEMPLOYED

2000-05 CWMOGWYRPETROLSTATION

STATION

ATTENDANT/

CASHIER

MADEREDUNDANT

1995-2000 G.H.HARRIES&SON

PAINTER&

DECORATOR

NOTENOUGHWORK

AVAILABLE

2b


34/65


9

SKILLSANDEXPERIENCE

Youareinvitedtodescribeyourskillsanda

bilities,andyourworkexperiencetodate,a

ndtoexplainhowtheymatch

therequirementsofthepostyouareapply

ingfor. Pleasestatethereason(s)foryour

application.

1. IAMALOCALPARISHCOUNCILLOR.

2.TREASUREROFPORTHCAWLCHR

ISTMASEVENTSCOMMITTEE.

3. SECRETARYOFBRIDGENDLIGHTO

PERATICSOCIETY.

4. EXCELLENTORGANISATIONALSKILL

SASSHOWNABOVE.

5.ATEAMPLAYER

6. PROVENADMINSKILLSASSHOWN

ABOVE

7. RELIABLEANDRESPONSIBLE

8. EXCELLENTTIME-KEEPER

9.IHAVEAFLEXIBLEANDMETH

ODICALAPPROACHTOWORK.

10. IUNDERSTANDTHEIMPORTANCE

OFTRAININGANDDEVELOPMENT.

11. IHAVEAGOODWORKINGKNOWLE

DGEOFMICROSOFTOFFICEANDTHE

INTERNET

12. IENJOYWORKINGWITHOTHERSA

NDAMGOODWITHOTHERPEOPLE.

13. SMARTAPPEARANCE

14. EXCELLENTCOMMUNICATIONSKIL

LS.

2c


35/65


10

OUTSIDEINTERESTS

PLAYINGGUITAR,SINGING,COMMITTE

EMEMBER

REFERENCES




employer)

Name:

Name:


Address:Address:


Email:

Email:




referencesimmediately. Onereferencesho

uldbefromyourpresentemployer,orlast

employerif

unemployed)

ABILITYTODRIVE

Doyouholdafulldrivinglicence? YE

S/NODoyouownorhavea


LANGUAGES

PleaseindicateyourabilityinlanguagesotherthanEnglish Degreeoffluency

LanguageWritten

Spoken

CRIMINALOFFENCES












inaloffence?YES/NO





mtheCriminalRecords



RELATIONSHIPS


oftheCouncil?YES/NO

IfYES,pleasegivethenameoftheCounc

illor/employee:

.


STADVERTISED?

Ideclarethattothebestofmyknowledge

theinformationinthisapplicationiscorrect

. Ihavenotcanvassed,either


theCouncilinconnectionwiththisapplicat

ion. Iunderstandthat




employed. Iherebygivemyconsentforth

einformationcontainedinthisapplicationto


asrequired,inaccordancewiththeprincipl

esoftheDataProtectionAct1998.

Signed:

Date:

2d


36/65


12

CONFIDENTIAL


rly


AdminAssistant

PERSONALDETAILS

Surname: Hawkes

(Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)FirstName(s): H

ayley


TelephoneNos: Home:

Work:

EmailAddress:



Address:



Dates QualificationsObtained(inc

.

grades)

GCSE

PortTalbotComprehensiveSchool

1997 EnglishLanguage-C

1997 EnglishLiteratureD

1997 GermanC

1997ArtB

1997 DoubleScienceCD

1997WelshD

1997HistoryE

1997 InformationTechnology-D

SwanseaFECollege 2

000 NVQBusinessAdmin

2003OCRRSATextProce

ssingIII

2004OCRRSAWordProc

essingII


Associationsetc:


2years:

FirstAidatWork2008; CustomerServic

e2008; ECDL-2010

3a


37/65


13

PRESENTEMPLOYMENT

Postheld/Jobtitle:TRAININGADMINO

FFICER


CardiffTrainingAgency, LlanwernRoad,

Cardiff

Datecommenced:2005-present Periodofnotice: 4

weeks

Currentannualbasicsalary:15

,500

Otherbenefitsandapproximatevalue(egcar,feesetc)

EMPLOYMENTHISTORY



2003-05 CrossHandsSurgery

AdminOfficer/

Receptionist

Offerofamore

challengingrolewith

greaterresponsibility

2001-2003 NewportHealthCentre

Administration

Assistant

Offeredamore

responsiblerole

2000-2001

HenryJamesEstate

Agents

AdminAssistant/

Trainee

Offeredabetterjob

withwidervarietyof

experiences

3b


38/65


14

SKILLSANDEXPERIENCE

Youareinvitedtodescribeyourskillsanda

bilities,andyourworkexperiencetodate,a

ndtoexplainhowtheymatch

therequirementsofthepostyouareapplyin

gfor. Pleasestatethereason(s)foryoura

pplication.

HavingreadthroughthejobdescriptionIha

vedecidedtoapplyforthispositionasIam

confident

thatIcanfulfileverythingrequiredinthespe

cificationtoahighstandard.Icanseethat

this

positionwillallowmetoutilisemyskillsand

experienceandwillbenefitthecounciland

thepeople

involved.

Icurrentlyworkinasimilarrole,workingfor

atrainingorganisation.Althoughmypositionisasa

manager,Ihavehadtoworkuptheladder

andlearneverythinginvolvedinthejob,n

otjusthow

tobeamanager.DuringmyyearsasAdmi

nistrationOfficerIcreateddelegatepacks,

collated

coursematerial,registereddelegatebookin

gs,sentjoininginstructionsandtrackedatte

ndanceon

completionofcoursesonadailybasis.

Thesedaysmydutiesmainlyconsistof:

Staffmanagement:

o Taskdelegation/HRissues,i.e.Conduc

tingstaffappraisalsandinterviewing

prospectiveemployees/anyotherissuestha

tmayarise

QualityAssurance

Attendingclientmeetings,minutetaking

andproducingreports

AssistingtheDirector

satcompanyexhibitions

ProducemonthlyKPIs(KeyPerformanceIndicators)usingMicrosoftE

xcel

ClientFileManagement

CoursematerialformattingusingMicro

softWord,ExcelandPowerpoint

TutorManagement:

o Coursematerial/DiariesManagement/A

ccommodation/Traveli.e.flights,trains,etc

via

internetandphone.

Stationarystockmanagement

o Checkingstocksupplies/budgetarycon

trol

Websiteupdatesandamendments

InmycurrentandpastrolesIhavebeenas

kedtofulfildifferenttasksotherthanmyno

rmal duties

andhaveenthusiasticallyundertakenthese

challenges.Ienjoybeinganeffectiveparto

fa

successfulteamandunderstandthatteam

membersneedtobeflexibleinorderforth

eteamto

meetitsgoalsconsistently.

Iamconfidentusingcomputersandamcurrentlyworking

towardsNVQIIIinITApplications.Iam

alreadyfindingtheknowledgeIhavelearnt

tobeveryusefulinaworkingenvironment.SectionsI

havecompletedsofarareMicrosoftWord&

Excelexpert,MicrosoftOutlookandEffectiv

e

BusinessCommunication.

3c


39/65


15

Communicationisandhasalwaysbeena

keypartofmyjobsandIhavetobeable

toconverse

andcommunicateprofessionallywithawid

evarietypeopleandstaffuptoandinclud

ingDirector

levelonadailybasis.Iamabletocommu

nicateeffectivelywithmembersofmyteam

,ensuring

thatIamunderstoodandthattheyareabl

etoaccuratelycarryouttasksthatIhave

delegatedto

them.Iamconfidentatdealingwithdifficu

ltcustomersandhavetheabilitytokeepd

ifficult

situationscalmbybeingpolite,understand

ingandprofessionalatalltimes.

Maintainingconfidentialityiscurrentlyani

mportantpartofmyrole.Iambroadlyawa

reofthe

FreedomofInformationandDataProtectionActsandembraceEq

ualOpportunitiesandanti-

discriminationpractice.

Iamfamiliarwithworkingtopoliciesandp

rocedureseffectivelyandaccurately,asm

ycurrentand

previousroleshaverequiredthis.Ialsoap

preciatetheimportanceoffollowingproce

duresto

ensurethattasksareundertakencorrectly

andtostandardiseworkingpractice.

Iamamethodical,calmandclear-thinking

individualwhodoesntpanicunderpressu

re.

Ihaveevidenceofgooddriveandcommitm

entfrommyprogressfromanofficejunior

tocurrently

beingamanagerandhavedonethisthrou

ghimprovingmyrelevantskillsbyapplyin

gmyself

academicallyanddevelopingmypractical

skillsviatheexperienceofwork.

Iamanhonestandtrustworthypersonwh

ohasgoodrelationships,bothinsideando

utsideofthe

workingenvironment.Iamaconfidentandoptim

isticpersonwhoencouragesothers.

OUTSIDEINTERESTS

Ienjoygoingtothegym,running,walking

,readingandsocialising

REFERENCES

Pleasegivedetailsoftwopeoplewecoul

dapproachforreferences(oneofthesesh

ouldincludeyourpresent

employer)

Name:

Name:


Address:Address:


Email:

Email:

Note: Unlessyoustateheretothecon

trary,itwillbeassumedthatyouhaveno

objectiontotheCounciltakingup

referencesimmediately. Onereferences

houldbefromyourpresentemployer,orl

astemployerif

unemployed)

ABILITYTODRIVE

Doyouholdafulldrivinglicence?

YES/NODoyouownorhave

accesstoavehicleYES/NO

3d


40/65

Sample forms Exercise 2.6 (3e)

16

LANGUAGES

Pleaseindicateyourabilityinlanguagesot

herthanEnglishDegreeoffluency

LanguageWritten

Spoken

CRIMINALOFFENCES

Becauseofthenatureoftheworkinvolved,thepostyouareapplyingforiscov

eredbytheRehabilitationofOffenders


ceptions)AmendmentOrder1986.ThismeansthatyouareN

OTentitled






inaloffence?YES/NO





mtheCriminalRecords

Bureau. Havingacriminalrecordwillnotne

cessarilybeabartoemployment.

RELATIONSHIPS


oftheCouncil?YES/NO

IfYES,pleasegivethenameoftheCounc

illor/employee:

.


STADVERTISED?

Ideclarethattothebestofmyknowledgetheinformationinthisapplicationiscor

rect. Ihavenotcanvassed,either


theCouncilinconnectionwiththisapplication. Iunderstandthat

withholdingrelevantinformationorproviding

falseormisleadinginformationrendersme

liabletodismissal,if




asrequired,inaccordancewiththeprincipl

esoftheDataProtectionAct1998.

Signed:

Date:

3e


41/65


17

CONFIDENTIAL


rly


AdministrationAssistant

PERSONALDETAILS

Surname: Jones

(Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)

FirstName(s): Jayne


TelephoneNos: Home:

Work:

EmailAddress:



Address:



Dates Qualification

sObtained(inc.

grades)

GCSE

NeathComprehensiveSchool

1987 EnglishLanguage-C

1987 EnglishLiteratureC

1987 TextilesB

1987 ArtB

1987 BiologyD

1987 MathsD

1987 InformationTechnology-D

NeathCollege2000

ECDL

2001 NVQIIBusinessAdmin

2005 NVQIIIBusinessAdmin


Associationsetc:


2years:

Health&SafetyatWork2008;TakingM

inutesatMeetings2008;ConfidenceatW

ork-2009

4a


42/65


18

PRESENTEMPLOYMENT

Postheld/Jobtitle:OfficeManagerDe

partmentofArt&Design


NeathCollege,Neath

Datecommenced:2003-present Periodofnotice: 4

weeks

Currentannualbasicsalary:16

,000

Otherbenefitsandapproximatevalue(egcar,feesetc)

EMPLOYMENTHISTORY



1990-2003NeathCollege

AdminAssistant

Promotiontomore

responsibilitywiththe

sameemployer.

4b


43/65


44/65


20

REFERENCES




employer)

Name:

Name:


Address:Address:


Email:

Email:




referencesimmediately. Onereferencesho

uldbefromyourpresentemployer,orlast

employerif

unemployed)

ABILITYTODRIVE

Doyouholdafulldrivinglicence? YE

S/NODoyouownorhavea


LANGUAGES

Pleaseindicateyourabilityinlanguagesoth

erthanEnglishDegreeoffluency

LanguageWritten

Spoken

CRIMINALOFFENCES












inaloffence?YES/NO




willberequiredtoapplyforaDisclosurefr

omtheCriminalRecords



RELATIONSHIPS


oftheCouncil?YES/NO

IfYES,pleasegivethenameoftheCounci

llor/employee:

.

WHEREDIDYOUSEETHISPOS

TADVERTISED?

Ideclarethattothebestofmyknowledget

heinformationinthisapplicationiscorrect

. Ihavenotcanvassed,either


theCouncilinconnectionwiththisapplicati

on. Iunderstandthat







asrequired,inaccordancewiththeprinciple

softheDataProtectionAct1998.

Signed:

Date:

4d


45/65

Top tips for writing your CV

1Your CV is an essential marketing tool to promote yourself to prospective employers.

Its a brief document that tells an employer about you, your experience, skills and

qualifications. CV stands for curriculum vitae, which literally means the course ofones life in Latin.

2 Keep it to two sides of typed A4 size paper if you can. (But dont miss off important

information to do this. If you have to use a third page then do so, but try to avoid any

more than that. An employer doesnt have time to wade through a novel to find out

about you.)

3 The layout should be clear and easy to follow, using headings to separate the different

sections of information.

4 It should be typed. You could do this yourself or ask a friend. If this is not possible, then

there are agencies that will produce one for you. If you type it yourself, make sure there

are no typing mistakes in it.

5 Make sure you dont miss out important skills and experience and be as positive as you

can, but dont lie: you will only be found out, if not at the interview, then once you have

started your new job, and you then risk being fired and you don't want that on your

next CV. You don't need to lie to make yourself look as good as possible.

6 Keep your CV up-to-date and dont leave any gaps of time. Sending one that is out of

date means that you will have missed off skills gained since you last wrote it, and

leaving time gaps will mean an employer doesnt have a full picture of what you havebeen doing.

7You should have a general CV, but you can change it around to suit a particular job. For

example, if you have had lots of different types of jobs, you may want to include more

details about those that were most relevant to the job you are applying for, and cut out

bits where a job was not similar.

8 Remember to keep one copy yourself as a master. Make photocopies to send to

employers. After all, you dont want to have to re-write it every time you apply for a job.

Exercise 3.1


46/65

Choosing your CV format

Use a chronological CV a list of your experience and education when:

you want to emphasise your employment;

you want a general information-based CV that can be used for any application; you have never worked but have excellent qualifications, which can be listed in detail.

Use a functional CVto list your various skills and experience when:

you have had a variety of unconnected jobs from which you have gained different kinds

of experience, all of which are selling points to potential employers;

you have limited paid work experience, but have done voluntary work or worked in the

home, which would be difficult to express in a chronological CV;

you have very general skill areas.

Use a targeted CVto emphasise specific skills that directly relate to a job youre applying

for. A targeted CV can be altered to relate to each job you apply for and will give an

employer only the relevant information required for that particular job. This is useful if:

you have a great deal of experience in one particular field with a number of different

employers;

you want to emphasise particular aspects of your work experience and qualifications,

which relate to a particular job.

1 Read through each of the sample CVs.

2 Decide which is chronological, which is functional and which is targeted, and make a

note of your reasons.

3 Decide which format would best suit you and your employment circumstances.

Exercise 3.2


47/65

Exercise 3.2


JamesJoyce

CURRICULUMVITAE

74MarloweRoad,OxtonMoorshireOX21PA

Tel:01298385776

Mobile:07707123456

Generalskills

Abletocommunicateeffectivelywiththepu

blicandworkcolleagues

Capableofworkingunderpressureinabu

syenvironment

Computer-literate

Provenabilitytoworkindependentlyando

nowninitiative

Diplomacy

Specificskills

EffectivesellingskillsComprehensiveprod

uctknowledgeofdomesticfurnituretrade

Experiencedinretailstock-controlsystem

s

Efficientatcashhandlingandprocessingc

redit/debitcards

Achievements

EuropeanComputerDrivingLicense(ach

ieved2005)

EmployeeoftheMonthAwardforoutstan

dingsalesonthreeoccasionswithpresent

employer

Redesignedlayoutofshopfloorin2003,w

hichhashelpedtocreateasustained

increaseinsales

Employment

1999topresent: Salesassistant,Williams&Co,furnitureretai

lers,Oxton

19941999: Salesassistant,Parkers

FurnitureStoreLtd,Chalford

19881994: Deliverydriver,SparksE

lectronicsLtd,Chalford

19831988: Generalassistant,Hillyer

sBuildingSupplies,Chalford

Education

19761982 ChalfordGrammarSchoo

l,3Olevels

19821983 ChalfordCollege,ONCbu

sinessstudies(part-completed)

Personal

Iamareliableandconscientiousemployee

,withtenyearsexperienceworking

successfullyinafront-linesalesrole.Iamf

lexibleandwillingtotrain.

Iamamemberofalocalquizteam,anden

joytravellingandwatersports.

Iholdacleandrivinglicence.

Referencescanbesuppliedonreques

t.

Sample CV


48/65

Exercise 3.2


CURRICULUMVITAE

FRANCESLANE

165COVENTRYROAD,HINCKLEY, LEIC

ESTERSHIRELE100JS

Tel:01455 635791 Mobile:07747043430

Email:[email protected]

EXPERIENCE

DavenportKnitwear plc1997 2010

Multi-skilledOperative

Competentinnumerous operations inmak

e-up department.

Keeping accuratedocumentation ofprod

uction figures.

Workingtotight schedule.

Abilityto prioritise.

Maintainaclean andtidy workarea.

Checkqualityandreportfaults toQCsupe

rvisor.

EarlyWorksExperience

Retail assistant.

Bar/Cateringassistant.

Cashier

Officejunior.

Housewife/Mother

SKILLS Goodorganisation

al skillsgainedthrougharrangingfund raising

projectsandChristmasfunctions.

PC literateincludingInternet ande-mail.

HavehomePC.

Pastexperienceofreceptionwork.

Customerservice skillsbothface-to-facea

ndbytelephone.

Preciseattentionto details,proceduresan

d records.

Abilitytohandlelarge volumes

ofworkandmeetdeadlines.

Punctualandmotivatedworkerwilling tolearnnewskills.

QUALIFICATIONS

OCRCLAIT ComputerLiteracy& Info

rmation TechnologyusingWord, Access&Ex

cel

OCRIBTIIIntegratedBusinessTechnol

ogyusingWord, Access,Excel,Graphs&Int

egration

OCRLevel1 TextProcessing&Word

Processing

OCR Level 2TextProcessing,WordPr

ocessing& MailMerge

OCR Level 3ShortlytakingexamsinT

ext Processing&WordProcessing

CollegecourseI amcurrently takingalsoincl

udes audiotranscriptionplusmedicaland

legaldocumentpresentation.

PERSONALDETAILS

D.O.B.13August1950

Marital Status: Ma

rried

Car owner,holderoffull cleandrivinglicence

HOBBIESANDINTERESTS

Reading,theatre,gardening andattending mot

orcycle racing.

Sample CV


49/65

Exercise 3.2


CURRICULUMVITAE

NAME: MarthaJames

ADDRESS: 22GreenockWay,Basford,

Nottingham,NG64BH

TELEPHONENO: 01159336699

DATEOFBIRTH: 22ndOctober1968

PROFILE

Ahighlymotivatedindividualwhopossessesexcel

lentinformationtechnologyand

clericalskillswhichsheiskeentoapplyinabusine

ssenvironment.Aneffective

communicatorwhoisabletorelatetoallpeoplew

hethermanagement,colleaguesor

membersofthepublic.Highlyadaptableandable

todealwithproblemsquicklyand

efficientlywhilstunderpressure.Willingtoundertakefurt

hertrainingwhereappropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

19951996 BasfordHallCollege,Nott

ingham

NVQIIIBusinessAdministration

RSA1TypingandWordProcessing

19801985 ErnestHolmesComprehen

sive,Nottingham

OLevel:EnglishLanguageB,EnglishLiteratu

reB,

MathsC,GeographyC

EMPLOYMENTHISTORY

1995Present OxfamVolunteer

Dutiesincludegeneraladministration,fundraisi

ng

19851987 Barrat&JamesSolicitors,

Nottingham

OfficeJunior

Dutiesincludedlearningallaspectsofofficead

ministration

inabusylegalenvironment,e.g.filing,dealingw

ith

correspondence,distributingpost,typing,recep

tiondutiesetc.

INTERESTS: Reading,gardening,walkin

g,andpubquizzes.

PERSONALDETAILSDriving: Full,

cleanlicencewithowntransport

References: Availableuponrequest

Sample CV


50/65

Writing your own personal profile

1Your personal profile should be the first thing an employerreads after your name and address. It gives you the chance to

instantly impress an employer and encourages them to read on.

2 Make a list of words which you think best describes you at work(eg, flexible, quick to learn).

3 Make a list of specifics about your skills and experience.

4 Fit them together into a short paragraph which gives a penpicture of yourself.

Exercise 3.3


51/65

Selling your skills (targeted and functional CVs)

1 Find the Employment History form you completed in Exercise 6.

2 Divide a blank piece of paper into two columns, and head thefirst Tasks and the second Skills.

3 Starting with your most recent employment first, make a list of allthe major tasks you regularly performed at work (eg, Sorted outthe filing system and showed people how to use it).

4 Take each major task and come up with a phrase that shows theskill it involved (eg, Created the companys filing system andorganised staff training for its use). Refer to the list of positivewords in Exercise 5: theyll come in handy here as well.

5 Repeat until you have covered all your employment history.

6You can repeat the exercise for voluntary work and home life.

Exercise 3.4


52/65

Completing your CV

1 Look through the sample CV and read all the notes attached toeach section.

2 Start by filling in your personal details.

3 Use the profile you developed in Exercise 10 to fill in the Profilesection.

4 Use the Skills list developed in Exercise 11 to complete the Skillsand experience section.

5 Use the Education and qualifications list from Exercise 6 tocomplete the Education and qualifications section.

6 Use the Employment history from Exercise 6 to complete the

Employment history section.

7 Make a list of any interests that show you have personal qualitiesan employer would be looking for (eg, including team sports youtake part in shows you are a team player).

8 Finally complete the additional information

you will be including in your CV.

Exercise 3.5


53/65

Exercise 3.5

Completing your CV

Name

Address

Telephone number

Profile


CURRICULUM VITAE

SKILLS

1REFER TO

NOTES

2REFER TO

NOTES

Sample CV


54/65


Dates employed Employer Job title

Duties

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Dates attended School /College/University Qualification Subject Grade

EDUCATION


Duties


Duties


Duties

3REFER TO

NOTES

4REFER TO

NOTES


55/65


Dates attended Where achieved Course Qualification

QUALIFICATIONS

INTERESTS

Date of birth

Driving license

Access to car

Marital status

References

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

4REFER TO

NOTES

5REFER TO

NOTES

6REFER TO

NOTES

7REFER TONOTES

9REFER TO

NOTES

8REFER TO

NOTES


56/65

Profile

Your personal profile should be the first thing an employer

reads after your name and address: it gives you the chance

to instantly impress an employer and encourages them to

read on.

Skills

If you are doing a functional or targeted CV, think back to any

job you have done or things which you may do in your spare

time or for which you do not get paid, and list the activities

which you perform. For example: Maintaining computerised

and manual record systems or Responsible for entertaining

and motivating young children

Employment history

Always list your employment history with the most recent first

Education and qualifications

Always list your education and qualifications with the most

recent first. You only need go back as far as secondary

school: an employer doesnt need to know your primaryschool or nursery education.

You should list the qualifications, which you have passed

the grades if they are good passes. If the grades are not

high, but are relevant to the job you are applying for, you can

either simply list the subjects you passed or put down the

grades if relevant.

If you left school several years ago and have gained a

great deal of work experience since then or other

qualifications, you may wish to omit your secondary

schooling. An employer will be less interested in what you

did at school 10 years ago than in your relevant experienceand qualifications for the job.

Any relevant qualifications gained since leaving school

should also be listed, as should short vocational courses

that relate to your chosen job.

Hobbies/interests

Listing your hobbies and interests will give an employer an

insight into your personality. For example, if you play football

you would be recognised as a team player or, if you enjoy

reading, you would be seen as a studious person who is

happy getting on with things alone. However, be careful

what you list: if you are a keen rock climber, prospective

employers could worry you will be away from work with a

broken leg for six months!

Date of Birth

This can go at the beginning of your CV or at the end.

Alternatively you dont need to put it on at all if you are

concerned that your age will be against you although an

employer may be able to work our your age from your

employment history anyway.

Mobility

If you have a full driving licence, please say so you may be

required to drive company transport as part of your job. If

you own a car or can get access to a car its useful to state

this as it shows you will be able to get to work even if your

employers are in a remote area. You can state that you have

a clean driving licence, but beware you may get stopped

for speeding and get three points on your licence, which

means you will have to amend your CV!

Marital status

An employer doesnt need to know this, although it can be

useful for some jobs. For example, if you are applying for ajob as a sales rep which entails travelling around the

country, an employer may prefer you to be single.

Alternatively stating that you are married with two children

will suggest to an employer that you will offer stability and

reliability to a job. But beware: putting your marital status

can be an equal opportunities issue an employer may

assume that a woman with children will be less reliable than

a single woman, simply because of her childcare

responsibilities.

References

You can name your referees on your CV. A potential employerwill expect your current or last employer to provide you with

a reference, although if this is not possible they may accept

character references. College or school references are also

acceptable. You can simply state that references are

available upon request that way you can either supply an

employer with written references which you may already

have or give them details of your chosen referees. The onus

is then upon the employer to contact your referees and you

dont have to worry about your current employer being

contacted without your permission.

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Sample CV notes


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Letters to sell your skills

1 Look at the covering letter from L. Matthews.

2 Identify five key strengths of the approach.

3 Now write your own letter to sell your skills.

Exercise 3.6


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Exercise 3.6

Letters to sell your skills

Sample letter

44SaxonDrive

Tamworth

B774JJ

Tel:01789711296

12November2010

MrsDFranks

HumanResourcesManager

EllisManufacturing

3133AndrewRoad

Walsall

WS37GN

DearMrsFranks

OfficeManager

YouwillseefromtheenclosedCurriculumVitae

thatmyskillsand

Qualificationscloselymatchtherequirementso

ftheaboveposition,

asadvertisedinTheTimes,dated9November2

004.InparticularmayI

drawyourattentiontothefollowinginsupport

ofmyapplication.Ihave:

Extensiveexperienceoverthelastfiveyearsm

anagingabusycontractsoffice,

supervisingandbeingresponsibleforsome30

staffcoveringallaspectsof

administration,purchasinganddaytodaymanagement.

Initiatedtheuseofanewcomputerisedsystem

toadministercustomercontracts

andtrainedothersinitsuse.

Excellentinter-personalandcommunications

killsenablingmetoinspire

membersofstaffandteamleaderstoachievea

ndmaintainhighstandardsof

work.

Iverymuchlookforwardtotheopportunityofm

eetingyouinthenearfuturein

ordertofurtherdiscussmyapplicationforthep

ostofofficemanager.

Yourssincerely

L.Matthews


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Speculative letters

1 Look at the covering letter from Jane Wilson.

2 Identify five key strengths of the approach.

3 Now write a speculative letter of your own.

Exercise 3.7


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Exercise 3.7

Speculative letters

Sample letter

56SpringfieldRoad

Hilltop

WestBromwich

B663YL

Tel:01215884771

MrsBNorton

Manager

FletchersLtd

50FarcroftRoad

Oldbury

B667RT

DearMrsNorton

Iwouldliketotakethisopportunitytoenquirei

fyouhaveanyvacancies,now

orinthenearfuture,wheremyskillsmaybeof

benefit.MyCurriculumVitaeis

enclosedforyourconsideration.

Havingenjoyedworkingfor14yearsinawareh

ousing/despatchenvironment,

Ihavegainedvaluableexperiencerangingfrom

orderpickingtore-organising

storesystems.Beinganeffectivecommunicato

r,Iamnumerateandliterate

andpossessahighlevelofphysicalandmenta

lstrength.

IamconfidentthattheskillsIhavedevelopedin

avarietyofpositionsand

mybeingreliable,flexibleandtrustworthywoul

dbeanassettoyourcompany.

Iwouldwelcometheopportunity,atyourconve

niencetodiscussanyopenings

youmighthave.

Ilookforwardtoreceivingyourearlyreply.

Yourssincerely

JaneWilson


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Be prepared

Youve been invited to a job interview.

1 How will I get there? What could go wrong?

2 What will I wear? What could go wrong?

3 Do I know everything I need to know about the job? What elsecould I do?

Exercise 4.1


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Making sure you always have something to say

1 Make a list of five questions that you might be asked at aninterview you might go to that are important and sensible: think

about the information contained in your person specification toguide you.

2 Write each question at the top of a piece of paper and think of agood one or two-sentence answer to each one.

Exercise 4.2


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Listen carefully

1 Working in pairs, decide who will role play the interviewer andwho the interviewee.

2 The interviewer should ask the following question: Give me anexample of when you solved a problem which had a successfuloutcome. This is a common question in many interviews, andone which bears a great deal of importance.

3 The interviewee should break their answer into three parts:(a) setting the scene(b) describing the problem(c) describing the successful outcome

4 The interviewer should allocate each section a score from one tofive points.

Did the interviewee communicate all the important elements ofthe scene-setting part? Were you unclear about whathappened, when and where?

Did the interviewee accurately describe the problem? Did the interviewee communicate precisely how they

successfully solved the problem?

5 Swap roles and repeat the exercise.

Exercise 4.3


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Preparing for common interview questions

Q1 Tell me about yourself

This is usually the opening question and, as first impressions are key, one of the most important. Keep

your answer to under five minutes, beginning with your current role and what you may have achieved.

Q2 Why do you want this job?Try to answer positively as if you see this job as an opportunity to use your skills in a new environment

or to try something different.

Q3 What are your strengths?

Ensure that these are relevant to the job. Try and relate your strengths back to the job spec and give

examples of why you're strong in these areas.

Q4 What are your weaknesses?

These should be positive weaknesses. Perhaps you have a tendency to work too hard or are a

perfectionist.

Q5 What's been your most significant success at work?

This is about your personal achievements and contribution. Interviewers aren't interested in the great

team you work with. If you have limited work experience, you could talk about achievements outsidework. But relate them to the job you are applying for.

Q6 What is the biggest mistake you ever made?

We all have one, but what's important is how you dealt with your biggest mistake and what you learnt

from the experience.

Q7 What is the greatest challenge you have ever faced?

Keep it relevant to the job and be positive. Again, interviewers want to know how you met the challenge

and what you might do differently, with the wisdom of hindsight, in a similar situation.

Q8 How do you cope with difficult colleagues?

It's all about trying to understand a situation from someone else's perspective -- that's team work.

Q9 You've changed jobs three times in the past five years, why should I think you are more serious

about this one?

Great opportunities came your way and you would have been foolish to turn them down. Or, you took a

job to achieve a particular goal and, having succeeded sooner than you expected, it was time to move on.

Q10 What do you do outside of work?

You want to appear active but not so busy that you could not get to work on time or stay late occasionally.

Q11 Do you have any questions?

You will also be given an opportunity to ask questions of your own. Think about anything you want to

know before you go. Some of your questions may be answered in the course of the interview: if so, make

sure you inform the panel that you have prepared for the interview by saying something like: I had

prepared a list of questions earlier but you have answered them all during the course of the interview.

Exercise 4.4


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Ten tips for interviews

1 Start smiling before you get there you dont know who might notice you

complaining in the car park or putting out a cigarette in the flower pot.

2You may be interviewed by more than one person. Make sure you look andsmile at all of them.

3 Wait until they ask you to sit down.

4 Sit comfortably in the chair but dont slouch. (This can look as if youre bored or

dont care).

5 Avoid any habits like playing with your hair or tapping your foot as these can be

distracting.

6 Remain formal and polite it helps concentration as well as giving a good

impression. Speak slowly and loudly enough to be heard clearly. Look at the

person who has asked you the question, but dont forget to glance round at the

others occasionally.

7 If you do not completely understand any of the questions, say so dont waffle.

8 Towards the end, you will be asked if you have any questions. Usually, they will

also ask if there is anything further you wish to say. If they dont ask and you

know there are things you havent had the chance to tell them, say something

like, May I just mention one or two things? Then, make them brief.9 When the interview is over, collect your things together and leave with a smile

for everyone, saying Goodbye and thank you, however badly you think it has

gone. You may be surprised. Dont blow it now!

10 Wait until you are well away from the place before you breathe a sigh of relief

Exercise 4.5

Toolkit Moving On

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