CVs, Cover Letters and Application forms

Workshop 2.4
Introduction
Section 1
Todays Session
• Introduction  
• Preparation before Applications
• Application forms
• CVs
• Cover letters
• Conclusion & Further Information and
Resources
How does this links with your assessment:
Part B of Component B:
Focuses on your employability, and is designed to help you develop the skills needed to identify
future opportunities in terms of employment, study etc., and to enable you to apply for a
graduate job. Your submission for Part B will comprise of four items:
1.The relevant job advert or course description
2. A CV and covering letter to accompany, tailored to suit the specific job advert you have
selected (or PG course you wish to apply for).
3.An outline of your desired graduate role and a supporting template showing whether and
how you meet the job specification for the role
4.A detailed development plan showing what you will do to acquire any skills or professional
accreditation that might be required and you feel should be strengthened.
Learning Objectives

To understand why and how to self-reflect on skills and values before writing applications

To recognise the importance of employer research before writing applications

To gain knowledge about the different application types

To gain knowledge about how to create an effective application

Preparation
Section 2
Motivations & Goals- Reflection

• What are your goals & What motivates you ?

• Motivation defines the real meaning & happiness in both your career and life
• Provides key information sought by employers and those with opportunities
• Motivation can be broken down into two key facets:
Internal
• Values- What’s important to you?
• Interest- What you like doing?
• Skills- What you can do?
                           External
• Reward, Recognition, Status 

Look back on or complete your personality profile  from L1 - what does that tell 
you about the above? 
Over to you....... Career Goals & Motivations
Make a note of your main goals and motivations regarding your career. Answering the
following questions may help
• What sort of jobs do you want in the future?
• What do you want from your career?
• What's important to you?
• What do you like doing?
• What are you able to do and good at doing?
• What have been your main achievements?
Before writing an application:

• What are your motivations for applying? If internal motivator- how are you going to show
this?
• How will you demonstrate your company knowledge?
Examples of facts to research about companies:
• Size of organisation
• Regions/countries it operates in
• Major clients & current projects
• Organisation’s performance
• Products and or services
• Name of CEO or partners
Further resources to help with research:
UWE Library, Careers Toolkit, Graduate Prospects, Glassdoor, Company website
Have you got the skills they require:
Self - Audit

Person Spec
• Report Writing Evidence
• Problem Solving • Degree
• Experience of IT • Research Projects
• Time Management • PAL Leader
• Relationship Building • Volunteering
• Presentations • Waiter in busy restaurant
• Working with Others • Created Website
It really boils down to ………….

Know what you have Understand what

to offer Connect the two in employer seeks
your applications
What to put in your CV after Covid 19?
• Virtual or remote work experience , internships or placements
• Formal or Informal volunteering .e.g. helping neighbours or family
• Learning new skills e.g. IT & platforms such as Zoom , Microsoft teams, 
• Creative skills developed whilst at home e.g. craft, cooking.
• Skills you have used when communicating and supporting with others virtually
• Adaptability & flexibility
Example Job Advert
Where can you look for Graduate roles?
• Gradlink: https://www.gradlinkuk.com/
• Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/index.htm
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/
• Prospects: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate-jobs
• ChinaJobsDaily: https://www.chinajobsdaily.com/
Application Forms
Section 3
Application forms

• Streamline way of deciding who to shortlist

• Avoids blanket applying
• Can test specific skills, e.g. commercial awareness or motivation (employer sets questions)
• Typical Questions:
Relevant personal details
Degree details & modules, expected grades
Relevant & non relevant work experience
Industry & company specific
Competency based questions
e.g. give us an example of where you’ve worked as part of a team
•Personal Statement/big blank box
Top Tips
• Read instructions carefully, give yourself enough time to meet deadline & get it checked 
• Research & tailor to each different vacancy & organisation
• Use STAR to provide specific evidence and examples to match each vacancy and organisation
• Professional & positive language
• Provide details but be clear and concise & avoid repetition
• Spelling, Grammar & presentation
• Consider length of document & keep to word counts
What do you prefer?

CVs or Applications
?
CVs
Section 4
The Content of your CV
. What ToCareer
Include
Toolkit
Developments & different types of  CVs

• Skills based, chronological & hybrid

• Career specific CVs (e.g. Law, Finance)
• Video & Infographic/creative CVs
• International CVs
• LinkedIn personal profile

Be Carerful, *Do your Research and do an appropriate CV for you, the job role, the organisation & sector
**Remember to access CV examples  & the CV360 CV Checker on Careers Toolkit
International CVs & Applications

Research country specific information to help your application be competitive & appropriate

Think about the format, presentation, structure and content of your CV, not all countries may have
the same requirements

Access GoinGlobal: For country profiles, vacancies for all over the world, culture and recruitment
process local information.
LinkedIn:
the online CV

LinkedIn is a social network for professionals

LinkedIn as the high-tech equivalent of going to a traditional networking event where you go and
meet other professionals in person, talk a little bit about what you do and exchange business cards.

Building a LinkedIn presence takes time, produce one now and over time build content and
connections.

https://university.linkedin.com/linkedin-for-students
 LinkedIn - Top Tips

• Write profile in the first person, not the third, include insight into your personality and character
• Include key words throughout your profile
• Take account of your company confidentiality policy, and do not include any confidential details
• Aim for five to eight recommendations but get as many as you can
• Improve your visibility by asking questions, providing answers and joining relevant groups
• Include a link to your LinkedIn profile on your CV and email signature

The Guardian: Has LinkedIn Taken over from the CV

CV exercise: which CV style suits your experience best?

Skills based CV (Jackie) or Chronological CV (Chris)

1) Access both CVs and review
• bit.ly/jackiecv
• bit.ly/chris1cv
2) Take 5 minutes to Review & reflect on 
• Which of these different types of CV do you prefer?
• Which would be most appropriate for you if applying for the
position highlighted above?
Cover Letters
Section 5
How to Sparkle in your
Cover Letter
Careers Toolkit
Cover letter tips

• Accompanies your CV
• Should be addressed to a named contact
• Shows enthusiasm & that you have researched company
• Highlights your key selling points/us
• Demonstrates why you are a good match for the role or company- EVIDENCE
• Opportunity to address areas of  concern
• **For Support with cover letters-go to careers toolkit
Structure of Cover letter
Paragraph 1: Introduction

Paragraph 2: Why are you interested in working

for the company? Show you know about them

Paragraph 3 & 4: Highlight how you fit the role

and organisation

Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Over to you... Have a go at trying to make this paragraph of a cover letter stronger

"I am very interested in working for Johnson and Johnson because of the range of products and
services you work with. I have researched your website and am particularly interested in how
Johnson and Johnson wants to help make the next generation of babies the healthiest
generation yet. I hope one day to be a Business Consultant for Johnson and Johnson which is
why I am applying for this position. "
Further Information &
Resources
Section 6
Further Information & Resources
UWE Website- Career Development
UWE Website- CVs, Covering letters & Applications
Careers Toolkit (See CVs, Applications & Interviews tab, as well as Resources section)
CVs Essentials Session
Prospects: Applying for Jobs
Target Jobs: Applications
 Further Specific CV Resources
Financial CVs
ttp://www.dayjob.com/content/financial-cv-template-269.htm
https://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/financial-services-and insurance/advice/284617-how-to-write-a-graduate-cv-fo
r-retail-banking-insurance-and-actuary-j
https://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers- blog/banking-cv
Law CVs
Graduate Prospects 
oCareers Toolkit: example CVs & law firm CV advice videos
Video CVs
 How to make a video CV
TotalJobs: How to make a video CV
Infographic & Creative CVs
https://uwe.careercentre.me/resources/elearning/hub.aspx
https://uwe.careercentre.me/u/vobd729i (5 Tips to create an infographic CV)
https://uwe.careercentre.me/u/yazt4oql (creative CV example)
https://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/stand-out-applying-work-infographic
Cover letter example
I am really keen to work for Johnson and Johnson because of their outstanding global
reputation. I currently work part-time for a big organisation called Waterstones and have had
the opportunity to engage in induction training and employment experience. This opportunity
deepened my appreciation of the importance to deliver a high standard of customer service. I
have researched what your employees say about working for Johnson and Johnson and
discovered you are passionate about doing what is right for your customers and communities
in the same way that Waterstones is. I would thoroughly enjoy working for an organisation who
values and invests in their customers.
 Careers and Enterprise

Careers Tool kit URL: Go.uwe.ac.uk/careertoolkit

• Our toolkit contains
information about: CV writing,
cover letters, interviews, further
study and much more.
• UWE Students receive Life-time
access to this online resource
• Check out placements and
other opportunities available!
• See helpful videos on how to
navigate Career Toolkit!
 First year 
 Second Year 
 Final Year and PGT 
 UWE Careers Support
• Career Pulse: A quiz to see how you’re doing in your own employability readiness
with resources to support
• UWE Career Toolkit Online Resources: Career & Employer Events, Vacancy
Announcements, Career appointments & resources (Interview tips, CV examples,
Career Assessments, Assessment Centre support etc.)
• Online Careers Essential Workshops: Gain valuable tips on CVs, Finding work
experience, Remote recruitment and much more!
• Online Workbook: Job searching during the Pandemic
• Live Chat (Mon-Fri)-schedule of support Quick answers to your ?s about Careers,
Placements, Study Abroad, Student Ventures, Vacancy Plus (Click on grey bubble
on right-hand corner of screen in career toolkit and type webchat message)
• My Questions ( Mon-Fri) Career toolkit, used for getting answers to general careers
questions ( i.e.: review of CV, cover letters etc.)
• ½ hr 1:1 Career Coaching Appointments : (Mon – Fri) Bookable via Infohub-
by phone or skype