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Career Skills - Step 2 takes the reader through the process of creating the major selling tools – their CV and Letters of Application. Step 2 on pages 10 to 15 of Career Skills covers insights and advice on the techniques used to “present the real me” to potential employers.

Aims

Students will develop an appreciation of the significance that their CVs and Letters of Application have to their job search and understand the techniques that can be used to enhance content and presentation.

Learning outcomes

It is suggested that students will:

  • develop a catalogue of their experiences to date (reference page 7) 
  • carry out a strength and skills self audit (reference pages 7 to 9) 
  • understand the need for a CV and its constituent parts (reference pages 15 to 17) 
  • create a personal CV – using key word descriptions (reference pages 13 & 18to 20)
  • create a letter of application (reference Pages 20 to 23) 
  • prepare for a telephone application (reference pages 25 to 26)
  • understand the process recruiters follow (reference pages 24 to 25)


Resources needed

Student copies of Career Skills allowing personal note making. Other resources could include:

Copies of downloadable forms for issue to students :

  • Experiences Catalogue form (Appendix 4)
  • Self Audit form (Appendix 4)
  • CV Working Paper (Appendix 4)

Style notes (for application letters) (Appendix 1)

Video camera and tape recorder for role plays (if available).


Tutorial structure for group or individual support

The detailed content of Step 2 in Career Skills could be used assist in the development of tutorials for group or individual support: 

  • the needs of the recruiter: – why are CVs and Letters of Application so important – opportunities for group discussions;
  • activities to explore experiences at school, university, leisure, sport, voluntary service and work; build up databases – using Experiences Catalogue form;
  • self analysis of these experiences and activities - what provides the “buzz”;
  • activities for students to explore their personal strengths and areas that need to be developed – individually or in pairs/small groups using Self Audit form;
  • prepare content for CVs (emphasis of profile, key skills and attention to key words) using the CV Working Paper form –work in pairs to assess content;
  • group discussion on issues of style and presentation in CV and Letters of Application (samples needed to encourage criticism);
  • practice letter construction using briefs or own experience – letter and email;
  • develop script for telephone applications or enquiries – role play opportunity (record for group assessment).

 

 

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