How to write attractive CVs & Résumés.pptx

CVs and Cover letters

1. May Youssef ENGL-202 English Department Spring 2023   CVs & R ésumés Detailed Guide

2. Warm up 2

3. Optional extension task: Name the top 3 jobs for which you’d be most qualified (Any skill, personality traits, life experiences, courses, education, …etc.) 3 Examples Someone could say: “I could possibly be a good secretary because I am a people-person, and I can multi-task.” (personality) “Last year, I volunteered at a shelter in Africa, and I did a lot of heavy-lifting, so I could be a bricklayer.” (Life experience/volunteer work) “I took a wood-crafting course a few years ago, I could be a good carpenter with some training.” (course)

4. Getting a job depends on several factors…

5. 5 What’s the difference? Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin for "course of life. The CV presents a full history of your academic credentials and experience, so the length of the document is variable. In general, it’s longer than a resume. R ésumé is French for "summary."  In contrast, a resume presents a concise picture of your skills and qualifications for a specific position, so its length tends to be shorter and dictated by years of experience (generally 1 page long – or 2 for very experienced people).

6. Why are CVs/resumes still used in the recruitment process? A resume gives you a chance to showcase yourself and provides an overview of what you can do for the employer - (as it should be tailored for -and directly related to- the vacancy they're looking to fill). 2- Because all applicants include the same types of information, this makes it easy for companies to compare and contrast all resumes/applicants and pick the best fit. 3- They’re essential for companies that rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that rely on a standard format to scan resumes and create a shortlist of the best applicants. 6

7. Applicant Tracking Systems An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software that companies use to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications they receive for their open positions. An ATS resume is designed to be read by applicant tracking systems. This means your resume needs to be formatted in a way that makes it easy for computers to scan and interpret your data 7

8. CV TIPS AND TRICKS for creating an ATS-friendly CV

9. Make use of the white space and choose a layout that is easy on the eyes and allows recruiters to locate the information they need within a few seconds. 9 Is this a good or bad resume? Why?

10. 10 - Don’ lie on your resume. - Customize and tailor the resume to match each job you apply for. - Don’t copy and paste things from the internet.

11. Don’t use any graphical elements such as borders, graphs, emojis, clipart items, …etc. (only minimal horizontal lines to separate sections are acceptable). If you opt for a more modern layout that splits your content into columns, ensure you choose a left-hand column or rail with the body content on the right (The ATS doesn't read it if it's the other way around) 11 Keep your resume design simple

12. Use apps like Grammarly (and another set of human eyes when possible). 12 ALWAYS proofread your resume. Spelling mistakes could easily get you disqualified.

13. Use industry-specific terminology (Job description and requirements sections of the job ad show the terminology used by the employer) 13

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16. If you decide to include any acronyms , add the full description before it to avoid confusion and to cover all possible ATS keywork searches – at least once (when you mention it for the first time). 16 Examples: Personal assistant = (PA) American University in Cairo (AUC) Nile University (NU) Point of Sale (POS)

17. Although PDFs ensure the formatting stays the same on all computers , many ATSs read Word files and not other formats so unless specifically asked to upload a PDF, stick to Word.   Other file types/formats aren’t acceptable (JPEG ...etc.)   17

18. Keep it simple (Stay away from embedded charts or images) Use a professional lookin g font and stay away from word art, flashy fonts and colors, different fonts … etc 18

19. Types of resume formats 19

20. https://youtu.be/KKJnZSCH1ko?t=15 20 - What are the types of resumes mentioned in the video? - What are the differences between them?

21. 21 The chronological resume format is one of the most common types of resumes. It emphasizes its reverse-chronological feature that lists working experiences from the latest to the oldest.  Chronological Resume Format 🟢 Pros: The most preferred resume format by recruiters. ATS-friendly resume format. Clearly shows working history and progress. ❌ Cons: Not a good choice for those who have a gap in their working history. It will be obvious if you have a rough career progress.

22. 22 The functional resume format is a skill-based resume format that focuses more on elaborating skill sets rather than on a progressive career history. Functional Resume Format 🟢 Pros: Hides gap years and unstable career history. Emphasize career expertise and skills. ❌ Cons: Not an ATS-friendly type of resume. Requires a considerable number of relevant skills.

23. 23 This kind of resume is a combination of chronological and functional resume format. The combination resume requires a certain number of qualifications and work experience, which is why this resume format might seem fancier and is only made for those with abundant skills and career histories. Combination (Hybrid) Resume Format 🟢 Pros: Shows professional and strong working qualifications and experiences. Perfect for career changers with rich working experience. ❌ Cons: Not an ATS-friendly resume format. Takes a longer time to read. Prone to repeat certain skills/ work experience.

24. The main and most popular sections included in the chronological resume structure: 24 24

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26. A “perfect” CV/resume doesn’t exist! There’s no one-size-fits-all magical format or template. The goal is to create an ATS-friendly CV/resume that showcases you and what you have to offer in the best way possible. 26

27. 27 The layout & organization of the section depend on Where you are at in your career,  What role you're applying for, and  Which elements of your resume you want to highlight.

28. If you’re a fresh grad/a student or don’t have much experience… Place the Education section above the Work Experience section to draw the recruiters’ eyes to your most recent achievements. You could mention any stand-out modules or courses that you took that are closely related to the job you're applying for. 28

29. If you’re more experienced… Place the Work Experience section above the Education section. 29

30. If you’re a career changer… Draw the recruiters’ attention to your skills and what you can actually do. (List the skills before your work experience and education) 30

31. NAME & CONTACT INFORMATION

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33. Contact information is usually mentioned right after the name section at the beginning of the resume Dos - First & last name ( CAPS: AHMED ALLAM or Ahmed Allam) - Phone number (country code is added if you’re applying to a job in a differen t area/location , - Email address (make sure it is professional and not your current work email) Optional Depending on your background, the following could be relevant: - professional title, - LinkedIn URL, - social media profile(s) 33 Don'ts Current job email address or phone number, your date of birth (to avoid bias), an unprofessional email address ( [email protected])

34. What about your detailed home address? Different recruiters have different opinions about this. If your address is a long way from your desired place of work, then this could put off recruiters.  Also, listing it could subject you to discrimination and rejection if you live in an area that's stereotypically associated with a certain demographic. Though in many countries it's illegal to directly ask about a candidate's racial background, making a decision based on your address is a way of getting around that and could subject you to resume bias. However, It’s optional. So— If you think you’ve got an advantage from living close to your desired employer, include your address in the header of your resume. If the job is remote, then the hiring manager will likely not expect to see the address of the applicant. If you’re worried about discrimination or you live further away, don’t put your home address on your resume. If you’re really worried about the ATS implications of leaving out your address, then do this. Put the city and zip code of the employer on your resume in your professional summary. 34

35. OBJECTIVE

36. 36 A  resume objective   is a short introduction of you and your career goals. Resume objectives are best for candidates with little work experience. It’s usually the 2 nd section of the resume (after the name & contact information)

37. Which do you think is a better objective for an Administrative Assistant resume? Why? 37 English graduate with proven communication, travel planning, and email management skills. Seeking a position as an administrative assistant at Acme Inc., to leverage organizational and research skills to support internal and external communication. Looking for an admin assistant role where I can apply my skills. Not much office experience yet, but I’m a self-starter and I want to make a difference. This is the better choice. This candidate refers to skills she learned through internships, volunteering, and college. And she clearly shows how her qualifications will benefit the employer. This candidate simply said what she wanted out of the job. That won’t be enough to impress recruiters. All other candidates are  looking for an admin assistant role.   A) B)

38. To write a resume objective: ✓ Start with a strong trait, add 2–3 key skills, ✓ Describe your professional goals and say what you hope to do for the company. ✓ State the position to which you’re applying and use the name of the company. ✓ Keep it short: 2–3 sentences or 30–50 words is the sweet spot. ✓ Use resume action verbs to add impact. 🗴   Avoid personal pronouns (me, my, mine...etc.) 38

39. Identify the parts of the following objective statement: Hard-working retail associate, skilled in Point of Sale (POS) technology and inventory management. Seeking to increase sales and customer loyalty as a Sales Associate at Chiller Outfitters. Built volunteer retail experience at Goodwill as cashier and restocker , receiving management commendation for excellent customer communication. 39 Objective checklist: Does it s tart with a strong trait? Are 2–3 key skills mentioned? Are the professional goals and what they hope to do for the company mentioned? Is the position to which they’re applying mentioned? Is the company name mentioned? Is it short( 2–3 sentences or 30–50 words)? Are resume action verbs used? Are there 1 st person pronouns? Hard-working  ( strong trait )  retail associate, skilled in POS tech and inventory management  ( 2 key skills ). Seeking to increase sales and customer loyalty  ( what you hope to do for the company )  as a Sales Associate at Chiller Outfitters  (the position and company name ) . Built volunteer retail experience at Goodwill as cashier and restocker , receiving management commendation for excellent customer communication.

40. Identify the mistake(s) in the following objective section: I am a motivated Business Administration student seeking a position as an administrative assistant at your company, to leverage organizational and research skills to support internal and external communication. Experienced in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. 40 Start with a strong trait, add 2–3 key skills, describe your professional goals and say what you hope to do for the company. State the position to which you’re applying and use the name of the company. Keep it short: 2–3 sentences or 30–50 words is the sweet spot. Avoid 1 st -person pronouns

41. EDUCATION

42. 42 Where the education section is placed in the CV depends on whether you have a lot of work experience or not. If you’re a fresh grad or a student , you may choose to list it before the work experience section

43. For a student or someone without much work experience The education section is listed before the work experience section. Mention the subjects or courses that are relevant to the job post Make sure that each listed institution includes name, location, graduation date or expected graduation date Mention your GPA (If it’s above 3 or 3.5) 43

44. 44 If you’re still studying… The name of your college/university Location of the college Graduation date Field of study Your GPA (you should only include this if you have a GPA of 3-3.5 or higher as it could end up hurting your chances if it’s lower) ( Example: BSc in Marketing, X University, predicted 3.8 GPA , e xpected to graduate in September 2023)

45. EXPERIENCE

46. 46 If you don’t have much experience or you’re applying for your first job, the Education and Skills sections will be more highlighted than the Experience section. However, you can always dig deeper and include any relevant experience such as: Any v olunteer experience Part-time jobs Extracurricular activities Internships Projects

47. 47 Experience may include previous jobs, volunteer work, internships…etc. Entries should be listed in reverse-chronological order (new to old) Make sure you only list things that are related to the job description Use key words (Use the job description to identify those and match the words mentioned in it to increase the chances of being detected by ATS) If someone has a ton of experience, work they’ve carried out decades ago is unlikely to be an essential part of their resume. For each entry, mention the role, name of the company and years of employment. (For example: 2020-2022 / 2020-present)

48. Job title Company (You could mention the location too – especially if it’s in another country. Employment dates (mm/ yy or yy only) Bullet points: Your duties, responsibilities, achievements, No 1 st -person pronouns / not full sentences. Action verbs should be unified and consistent (gerunds, past simple…etc.)

49. Remember: List entries in reverse chronological order 49

50. Find the mistakes in the following Work-Experience entry and fix them. 50 50

51. 1 st -person prnouns + Full sentence X Different font Right-flushed

52. Try the STAR technique to list quantifiable achievements To draw attention to your skills and abilities, start your achievement with the Approach first, followed by the Task There’ll be occasions when the STAR technique can’t be applied in full to every single achievement or work experience example - which is absolutely fine. Instead of following it religiously, simply see it as a loose guide to help structure each point 52 S T A R Situation Task Approach Results

53. 53 Example 1 Utilised design and copywriting skills to produce new social media creative that increased likes and comments by X%   Example 2 Implemented new email templates that streamlined the email building process , and saved X number of hours each week Example 3 Analysed customer feedback to design and implement a new specials menu that boosted sales by X%   Example 4 Managed a team of X amount , keeping them motivated during a period of cost-cutting measures Example 5  Set up a system to alert customers when new stock arrived , which reduced customer complaints by X% S T A R Situation Task Approach Results

54. SKILLS

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56. Skills Watch the video and answer the questions: What’s the difference between soft and hard skills? What are a few examples of each? Which of the mentioned skills do you have? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bZi-34IFxs 56

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58. Formatting

59. Format and alignment 59 The main text on your resume should be left-aligned (left-flushed) . This is standard for most professional documents and makes your resume easy to read. Your resume heading, which normally consists of your name and contact information, can be center-aligned if you prefer. You can use a “ bold ” font on your section headers but avoid random bolding of words across your resume. Use 10-12 font size across the resume , but you can increase the font size of the headers up to 14 . Use a unified font type across the resume ( Professional fonts include Ariel, Calibri, Cambria, Helvetica…)

60. Bullet points Using bullet points in your experience, skills or education sections allows employers to easily read the most relevant information from your background. Make sure all the bullets have the same size Bullet points should be used to list your achievements. Avoid using only one or two bullet points in a single section — if you have less than three pieces of information, simply list them without bullets in sentence form or use other punctuation to separate different ideas. 60

61. Game(s) to wrap-up / check understanding https://create.kahoot.it/details/d110e41e-9ed6-46ba-a6aa-da01d3ebd5a5 https://www.baamboozle.com/game/554532 61