CV Starters

CV Guide Personal Profile – I would recommend that in this section cover at least 3 key pieces of information including: 1. Who you are – Say who you are i.e. a current under / graduate at the University of Derby studying / studied on BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2. What you are looking for and what is the purpose of your CV - Say what opportunity you are looking for i.e. a graduate job, work experience, year in industry placement. 3. What skills do you have to offer? Avoid generic skills like communication, team work here try to pick out 3 – 4 key skills relevant to Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the skills that employers need or the role you are applying for. Education Section – Check that your education section includes your most recent first including your current course! Working back chronologically: 1) Make sure that you have included the relevant modules in relation to the job you are applying for or in relation to the SKILLS an Electrical and Electronic Engineer needs. Don’t just list all year 1 and 2 modules pick out what is relevant. 2) Next to these modules you need to list the SKILLS that you now have as a result of taking these modules. Think about a module you have taken and think about the process you went through from start to finish and within that what SKILLS you can evidence. 3) See these links for some ideas info: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/control_and_instrumentation_engineer_job_description .htm http://www.prospects.ac.uk/electrical_engineer_job_description.htm http://www.prospects.ac.uk/electronics_engineer_job_description.htm 4) Also Google “What does a Electrical and Electronic Engineer (or more specific role if you have one in mind) do” or “What SKILLS does an Electrical and Electronic Engineer need?” (or more specific role if you have one in mind) and use these SKILLS as a checklist and reference them back to your CV and give examples of how you developed these. 5) Have a look at some job profiles for your sector –see what SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE you need to have – match these to your CV and EVDIENCE them by giving examples of what you have done. 6) Avoid just making general statements like “I am able to work as a team”. I am a good Communicator” – you need to be able to EVIDENCE this with some examples. 7) With you’re A Levels and GCSEs, I would recommend you save some space by putting 3 A Levels and list the subjects next to it – you don’t need to put all grades in, same with GCSEs. Work Experience.

[Audio] When applying for any job it is essential to demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills required for the role. Make sure to include relevant modules that you have completed as part of your studies as well as any other relevant skills that you have acquired outside of the classroom. Evidence should be provided to prove that you have the knowledge and competencies to do the job. Consider the layout and presentation of your CV; think about how easy it is to read the font and the headers and titles. Visuals may be added to accompany your CV or as an example in a portfolio. Additionally ensure that two referees are already agreed upon prior to listing them in your CV. These aspects are important no matter what type of student you are..