What is a CV?
Why is a CV important when applying for a job?
What makes the good CV effective?
Which mistakes do you notice in the bad CV example?
Look at the two CV examples provided (Good vs Bad). What makes the good CV effective?
What technical skill is crucial for engineering jobs?
Which personal attribute helps engineers work effectively in teams?
What does attention to detail help engineers ensure?
Which skill is essential for effective communication as a doctor?
What skill helps a doctor make timely decisions?
Which of the following is crucial for patient care?
What skill aids a doctor in working with a team?
Which skill aids in evaluating student performance?
Which skill is important for engaging students?
How might a non-tailored CV affect an employer's perception of a candidate?
Why is it important to highlight specific skills in your CV for a certain job?
In today's competitive job market, having a strong resume, or curriculum vitae (CV), is essential. However, many job seekers make a common mistake: they fail to tailor their CV to the specific job they are applying for. Let's explore what can go wrong with this approach through a case study. Consider Sarah, a recent high school graduate seeking her first job. She created a general CV that included all her experiences, like babysitting and volunteering at a local animal shelter. Unfortunately, Sarah applied for a position as a marketing assistant at a tech startup. Her CV failed to highlight skills relevant to marketing, such as creativity, social media experience, and teamwork. As a result, the hiring manager dismissed her application, believing she lacked the necessary qualifications. Now, let’s compare that to John, another recent graduate. When applying for the same job, John took the time to study the job description and the company. He carefully adjusted his CV to emphasize his skills in digital media and his internship experience in a marketing firm. By specifically addressing the qualifications the employer was looking for, John greatly improved his chances of catching the hiring manager’s attention. This case study illustrates why it is crucial to tailor your CV. Employers often sift through many applications quickly. If your CV does not connect well with the job, it may not even be considered. Customizing your CV shows that you understand the role and are genuinely interested in the position, making you a stronger candidate.
Why is it important to tailor your CV?
Personal Information: Fill in your personal info section.
Education: List your current school, year, and any relevant subjects.
Skills: List 3–5 skills you have that would be useful for a job or placement.
Achievements: List 2–3 achievements (school, clubs, competitions).
Interests / Hobbies: List 2–3 interests or hobbies that reflect skills or personality.
Optional Peer Discussion: Share one skill or achievement with a peer and give feedback.
Which part of your CV are you most confident about?
Which part do you feel you need to improve before the next lesson?
Which skills or achievements could you work on developing for next week?
Task:
Using Microsoft Word, create your own CV using one of the available CV templates.
As you are currently in Year 9, you may have limited experience to include. Therefore, this should be a futuristic CV.
Personal Profile:
Write about the career area you are interested in and your future ambitions.
Education:
Your current school and subjects.
Future Experience (Futuristic):
Describe where you see yourself working in the future and what experience, skills, or qualifications you expect to have when you are older.
Skills:
Include skills you are developing now that will be useful in your future career (e.g. teamwork, communication, problem-solving).
Achievements / Interests:
Activities, clubs, hobbies, or achievements that support your career goals.
Use clear headings and bullet points.
Keep your CV neat, professional, and well-formatted.
Tailor your CV towards your chosen future career.
Check spelling and grammar carefully.
What did Sarah fail to include in her CV?
How did John improve his chance of getting hired?
What can happen if your CV does not connect with the job?