Language of selection
and recruitment for
International Students
Ellen O’Brien
[email protected]
www.intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/careers/international
International Careers Consultant
Session overview
•
General background and tips for CVs, cover
letters and application forms
•
Competencies and competency based
questions
What is the purpose of the CV?
•
To inform and persuade potential employers
of your match to their specific requirements
•
To provide a brief overview of your
background, skills and experience in order to
convince them that they need to interview you
•
To create a unique selling document – in an
ordered and methodical way
Ten most common CV writing
mistakes
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•
•
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•
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Too long
Disorganised
Poorly typed and printed
Overwritten
Too brief
Lack of results
Too many irrelevancies: a photo of yourself, your gender, your
state of health, your marital status – none of these needed in
the UK.
Incorrect spelling
Tries too hard: fancy typesetting and binders, photographs
and exotic paper stocks
Misdirected: ensure your application is addressed to the right
person in the organisation.
CV content
6 main elements:
• Personal details
• Education
• Employment experience
• Specific skills
• Leisure interests
• Referees/References available on Request
may also include sections on Professional
Membership, Achievements, Awards
Example of Education section of CV
EDUCATION
Say something
about your
Sept 2014 – July 2015 MSc course
University of Birmingham
Business and Management
• Modules studied include: Accounting, Marketing Management,
Organisational Behaviour, Strategic Management
• Specialist modules taken: International Business, e-marketing
Mention your
• Conducted business analysis projects on Ford and Disney
dissertation
corporations as part of dissertation
• Practical experience of in-depth research, statistical analysis
techniques, report-writing, data presentations to large groups,
project management and multicultural team work through syndicate
group work
Talk about the
skills you have
developed on
your course
Example of employment experience
on CV
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
July 2013 - June 2013
Financial Analyst internship, Marque Luxury Cars,
Bedford, UK
• Supervisory responsibility for financial analysis of eight cost centres
• Prepared reports for monthly financial reviews with senior management and budget
holders including Finance Director
• Analysis of monthly accruals and prepayments
• Reconciled and collated headcount figures creating variance analysis reports for
parent company
• Developed skills in financial forecasting, research for due diligence reports
and training up new staff
• Took responsibility for drafting budget report and business plan for cost centres
General points about your employment
experience
•
Write it in the past tense
•
Start each bullet point
with an active verb
planned, investigated,
analysed, led,
provided, arranged,
coordinated,
presented…
•
These phrases might be
helpful:
• Succeeded in .....
• Worked closely with
....
• Familiar with ....
• Constantly
interacted with …
The cover letter – what is its
purpose?
• To connect to the opportunity and
employer
• To highlight the relevance of your
background and experience
• To signpost to the key parts of your CV
The cover letter - structure
•
Opening paragraph
• introduce yourself and say why you are writing
• Your name is at the bottom of the letter so doesn’t need to go here
•
Second paragraph
• why you are interested in the position and employer
• show an understanding of their industry from your research
•
Third paragraph
• show how you meet their criteria
• highlight important experience and achievements
• use key words mirroring those in the advert or job specification
•
Closing paragraph – fairly standard eg
• Thank you for considering my application for this post. I am available for
interview at any time and I look forward to hearing from you
Format
Your address
Employer contact
Their job title
Employer name and address
Date
Dear Mr Smith
Graduate Trainee: Procurement
I recently met Caroline Green at the University of Birmingham Autumn Careers Fair and she suggested that I contact you about graduate
opportunities at Perfecta. In July I will be completing my MSc in Business and Management at UoB Business School and I am aiming to enter a
career in procurement.
As you can see from the enclosed CV, I completed a 12 month internship at Maxipipe Ltd as an Assistant Procurement Officer. I led a major project
identifying ways the company could improve its use of IT. Implementing my recommendations enabled Maxipipe to achieve a 5% improvement in
procurement efficiency, saving the company nearly £2m per year.
My time at Maxipipe confirmed my desire to begin my professional career in procurement and your company’s vacancy would be an ideal
opportunity for me. My professional ambition is to complete the CIPS examinations while working in an environment which demands a productive
contribution as early as possible. The new contract Perfecta recently won to provide castings to the Ministry of Defence will demand excellent
project management and co-ordination skills and I believe I could make a significant early contribution to the role.
If you require further details, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Starting and ending cover letters
•
Start with Dear Sir/Madam;
end with Yours faithfully
•
Start with Dear Professor/Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms
Jones;
end with Yours sincerely
General tips for application forms
•
Read the form and instructions very carefully
•
Copy the form and use the draft at first
•
Keep a final copy for the next stage
•
Check spelling and grammar – UK not US
•
Copy and paste into word for checking and
get friend to proof read
Spelling-check and check again!
Acordng to an elgnsih unviesitry sutdy the
oredr of letetrs in a word dosen’t mttaer, the
olny thnig thta’s iopmrantt is that the frsit and
lsat ltteer of eevry word is in the crcreot
ptoision. The rset can be jmbueld and one is
stlil able to raed the txet wiohtut dclftfuiiy.
Tackling the questions
•
Describe a time when you demonstrated….
•
Tell us about a time when you showed…
•
Give an example of an occasion when you…
Providing evidence in your example
Competency: Planning and Organising
•
•
Definition:
Establishes a course of
action for self and/or
others to accomplish a
specific goal. Plans
proper assignments and
appropriate allocation of
resources.
Evidence:
Sets priorities, takes account of
short/long-term needs.
Plans course of action before
starting projects.
Sets realistic targets and priorities.
Adjusts assignments/schedules to
meet work priorities.
Uses a system to keep track of
schedules/ deadlines.
Has a clear agenda and objectives
for meetings.
Achieves tasks and assignments
within timescale.
Structuring a competency
question
C ontext
A ction
R esult
•
20%
60%
20%
A common mistake is to have too much context and
too little action
Providing evidence in your examples
Competency: Planning and Organising
•
Definition:
•
Establishes a course of action for self and/or
others to accomplish a specific goal.
Plans proper assignments and appropriate
allocation of resources.
Achieves tasks and assignments within
timescale.
•
•
Providing evidence in your examples
Competency: Planning and Organising
• Evidence:
• Sets priorities, takes account of short/long-term
needs.
• Plans course of action before starting projects.
• Sets realistic targets and priorities.
• Adjusts assignments/schedules to meet work
priorities.
• Uses a system to keep track of schedules/
deadlines.
• Has a clear agenda and objectives for
meetings.
Tips for tackling competency
questions
•
•
•
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•
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Consider the purpose of the question and understand the
competency being assessed
Answer the questions fully
Choose a range of examples from work, extra-curricular and/or
academic situations
Give a specific example rather than a general one
Focus on “I” not “we”
Write concisely within the space/word limit
Consider layout: can you use bullets and/or subheadings?
Use active verbs associated with the competencies
– Eg Teamwork question: co-operated, shared, contributed
Example One - Organising and Planning
Tell us about a demanding assignment or activity that you have
had to plan, organise and put into action? What did you do
and what was the outcome?
In my previous role as office assistant the team of which I was part was assigned a task by
our line manager where we were required to plan and organise a computer training course
for the staff in the office. This was demanding because we had never organised this type of
training before so we requested a follow-up meeting with our line manager to establish
detailed guidelines of the processes we would need to go through to make this happen. We
then established the deadlines we would need to complete the training exercise by, and
how many people would need to receive the training, and working back from these
deadlines put a schedule in place to complete the relevant parts of the process in time. We
split up the tasks accordingly among the members of the team, and reported back to each
other at our weekly up-date meetings, as to how we were all progressing, and depending
on how the team were doing, re-allocated tasks. This was a really effective way of working
as it meant that everyone was up-to-speed with the progress of the project. We spend a
large amount of time compiling detailed handouts which were used by the delegates of the
training, and posted onto the company intranet for all employees to use as a reference
guide, which was really satisfying. Overall the project was a great success as the training
was delivered to the delegates effectively, smoothly and to the deadline.
Example One - Organising and Planning
Tell us about a demanding assignment or activity that you have
had to plan, organise and put into action? What did you do
and what was the outcome?
In my previous role as office assistant the team of which I was part was assigned a
task by our line manager where we were required to plan and organise a computer
training course for the staff in the office. This was demanding because we had
never organised this type of training before so we requested a follow-up meeting
with our line manager to establish detailed guidelines of the processes we
would need to go through to make this happen. We then established the
deadlines we would need to complete the training exercise by, and how many
people would need to receive the training, and working back from these deadlines
put a schedule in place to complete the relevant parts of the process in time. We
split up the tasks accordingly among the members of the team, and reported back
to each other at our weekly up-date meetings, as to how we were all progressing,
and depending on how the team were doing, re-allocated tasks. This was a really
effective way of working as it meant that everyone was up-to-speed with the
progress of the project. We spend a large amount of time compiling detailed
handouts which were used by the delegates of the training, and posted onto the
company intranet for all employees to use as a reference guide, which was really
satisfying. Overall the project was a great success as the training was delivered to
the delegates effectively, smoothly and to the deadline.
All about what
the team did
Had to do it
“We”
throughout can’t tell what
“you” did
Not using
initiative or
suggesting own
ideas
No mention of how it
was personally
successful to you
individually
Example Two - Organising and Planning
Tell us about a demanding assignment or activity that you
have had to plan, organise and put into action? What did
you do and what was the outcome?
In my final year curriculum I was part of a group over several months producing
a detailed design for a piece of plant. Through showing my knowledge and
enthusiasm and gaining the respect of the group in early discussions I was
established group leader. I set out with the group’s input to draw up a schedule
of events and activities so everyone was clear on the project milestones and
deadlines - since none of us had attempted a task of this nature. It was critical
for completion that time was managed properly and the workload was spread
evenly. I organised and facilitated weekly progress meeting where individuals’
work could be assessed and if appropriate new goals established. These
meetings were an essential aide to completion. I kept myself well informed
about the others’ work to monitor progress and assist them in solving any
problems encountered. I sought feedback from my tutor and worked in
conjunction with individuals from other groups to gain valuable input and
address areas of uncertainty or arising issues. I found the project extremely
demanding but extremely rewarding, and due to my effective planning and
organising throughout the project, I received the highest mark in the class and
was awarded the 3rd year design prize.
Example Two - Organising and Planning
Tell us about a demanding assignment or activity that you
have had to plan, organise and put into action? What did
you do and what was the outcome?
In my final year curriculum I was part of a group over several months producing
Gaining a detailed design for a piece of plant. Through showing my knowledge and
input from enthusiasm and gaining the respect of the group in early discussions I was
the group established group leader. I set out with the group’s input to draw up a schedule
of events and activities so everyone was clear on the project milestones and
deadlines - since none of us had attempted a task of this nature. It was critical
for completion that time was managed properly and the workload was spread
evenly. I organised and facilitated weekly progress meeting where individuals’
work could be assessed and if appropriate new goals established. These
meetings were an essential aide to completion. I kept myself well informed
about the others’ work to monitor progress and assist them in solving any
problems encountered. I sought feedback from my tutor and worked in
conjunction with individuals from other groups to gain valuable input and
address areas of uncertainty or arising issues. I found the project extremely
demanding but extremely rewarding, and due to my effective planning and
organising throughout the project, I received the highest mark in the class and
was awarded the 3rd year design prize.
Selling Self
Good use of
“I” throughout
Using wider
networks to
influence and
aid the project
Highlights a
tangible result
Personal statements – structuring
responses
•
•
•
Aim to address each criteria on the job specification by making a short statement,
providing a concrete example and adding depth through reflection
Combine key criteria where appropriate
Use the space to explain your reasons for applying, demonstrating your motivation
and commitment to employer and role
Example from Prospects website showing commitment to promoting Equal Opportunities
I have always aimed to ensure in my personal life that I am sensitive and Inclusive of the
culture and circumstances of other people. In 2011 I worked as a mentor/facilitator to a
group of students on the Aim Higher Project to encourage pupils from non-traditional
backgrounds to consider applying for university. I designed activities projects and activities
that recognised and focused on the diverse experience within the group to ensure
participation. The programme was successful for the pupils and a rewarding learning
experience for me, as it showed the potential and understanding that results from working
with mutual respect
Action words – creating energy in your application
Experience
Demonstrated skills in…
Extensive academic/practical background in…
Experienced in all aspects of…
Knowledge of/experienced as/proficient in…
Provided technical assistance to…
Ability
Trained in…
Proficient in/competent at…
Initially employed to…
Expert at…
Working knowledge of…
Organised…
Success
Promoted to…
Succeeded in…
Proven track record in…
Experience involved/included…
Successful in/at…
Instrumental in…
Delivered…
Responsibilities
In charge of…
Supervised/delegated…
Now involved in/coordinate…
Familiar with…
Employed to/handle…
Assigned to…
Project managed…
Roles
Analysed/evaluated…
Established/created/designed…
Formulated…
Initiated…
Managed…
Presented…
Personal attributes
Committed to…
Confident
Enthusiastic user of…
Actively sought…
Active Verbs
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•
Team work:
Communicate, co-operate, appreciate, negotiate, acknowledge,
encourage, support, liaise.
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Problem solving:
Identify, analyse, relate, compare, distinguish, anticipate, project,
evaluate, conclude.
•
•
Oral communication:
Confident, articulate, fluent, intonate, enunciate, explain, clarify,
express, present, deliver, tutor, teach.
•
•
Planning and organising:
Organise, monitor, set targets, systemise, review, achieve, plan,
prepare, co-ordinate.
Summary
•
Identify the employer’s likely criteria and/or
competencies
•
Use the CAR structure (20:60:20) when
answering competency questions
•
Demonstrate you have researched the
employer and the role
•
Make your application a pleasure to read
Finally…
• Avoid humour in written applications – it rarely
works
• Don’t leave gaps – type ‘Not applicable’ where
appropriate
• Keep a copy of your form ready for the interview
you expect
• Make sure you are eligible for the opportunity and
meet the criteria before you start applying
Some application form mistakes!
• I do not have any major achievements that I would consider to be of interest
to this application
• I loathe filling in application forms so much that I’ll give you details at the
interview
• Finished eighth in my class of ten
• I have a criminal record but I am not in jail at the moment
• I have a desire to work with commuters
• At secondary school I was a prefix
• Hi, I want 2 get a job with U
• In my spare time I enjoy hiding my horse
• I am a conscious individual....
• Size of employer: about 5’ 10”
• Here are my qualifications for you to overlook
• Suspected to graduate early next year
• Am currently reading Lady Gaga’s thought-provoking autobiography
• I hope hear from you shorty
Additional resources
•
AGCAS Special interest guide – Applications, CVs and covering
letters
Available in print and via www.prospects.ac.uk – see jobs and
work/applications and interviews
•
AGCAS video – Looking good on paper
•
See a Careers Adviser: book appointment via
www.intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/careers