The document provides tips on writing a successful curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter. It discusses the goal of a CV as a living document and tailoring it for specific roles. Common mistakes to avoid include having the wrong career objective, being too long or having spelling/grammar errors. The CV formula section outlines the key components to include such as career objective, education, work experience with responsibilities and achievements, and referees. Cover letters should be addressed to a specific person at a company, demonstrate why the applicant fits the role, and be proofread before sending.

1. YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR PROFESSIONALS
The Wellington Timebank Presents:
How to Write a Successful
Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter

2. YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR PROFESSIONALS
About Me
• Claudia Gonzalez
• Eight years in Recruitment
• Mexico (3 y) and New Zealand (5 y)
• Permanent and contracting
• Private and public sectors

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Your CV
• The Goal
• Living document – create a Master CV
• Tailoring the CV
• Peer review – Tell me what I do – moving past our lingo
A CV is a tool for someone to ask questions

4. YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR PROFESSIONALS
Avoid Common Mistakes
• Wrong career or personal objective
• Too long, elaborate, generic
• Spelling and grammar mistakes
• Third party proofreading
• Formatting inconsistencies
• Unnecessary details (marriage status, children, religion, political affiliation,
photo all your hobbies or trainings)

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The CV Formula
• Functional Vs Reverse Chronological
• Defining the format – Less is more
• Applying through Springboard and other systems
• Personal details
• Career or personal objective
• Who are you?
• What drives you?
• What is their benefit?
• Education and training
• Relevant for this role

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The CV Formula
• Work experience
• Date/Role
• Organisation (is an explanation required?)
• Responsibilities (3 or 4)
• Achievements – ability to add value
• Clarify (Created, designed, implemented)
• Quantify (Percentages, numbers, overachievement, awards)
• Explain any substantial gaps
• Hobbies / Interests – can it be relevant to the role?
• Referees – Available upon request

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Other Things to Include in Your CV
• Foreign language skills
• On-going studies/other relevant professional development
• Publications
• Systems knowledge
Your Resume is
Telling a Story!

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Permanent Vs Contracting
CONTRACTING
Fist page = Sales Page
• Personal details
• Elevator pitch
• Skills
• Relevant education
• Experience – 10 years limit

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Cover Letters

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Cover Letters
1. Address it to a specific person (no spelling mistakes)
2. What position? How did you find out?
3. Demonstrate you know what the company does - Research
4. Explain your fit with the role - Mirror the Advert/JD
5. Mention if you are attaching any additional documents (like a portfolio)
6. Close with ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Best’ and type your name in the next line
7. Include contact details
8. Ask someone else to proofread it
9. Email it to yourself
Keep it short and sharp – ¾ of a page is Enough!

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THANK YOU