CV Development

How can you present yourself?

• CV
• Cover letters and emails
• Artist statement
• Application form
• Personal website/blog
• Portfolio
• Showreel
• Business cards
• Social media

The purpose of a CV

• It's a marketing tool
• It can be used to get an interview or work experience
• Don't tell your life story - only include achievements and highlights
• On average, employers spend 30 seconds reading a CV

What should a CV include?

• Contact information
• Links to online portfolio
• Education and qualifications
• Experience, work history, volunteering
• Achievements, awards, competitions
• Hobbies, interests, societies
• References
• Maybe a personal profile

CV Styles

There are three styles

• Chronological
• Skills based/functional
• Creative

Get the content right before focusing on the design

Tips

• Make it no longer than two pages (one page double-sided)
• Format it in reverse chronological order
• Make the layout consistent and attractive
• Double check it for errors and spelling/grammar mistakes
• A CV needs to be tailored for each role you are applying for
• Find the right balance between too much and not enough information

What is in a successful CV?

• Provide evidence of most relevant skills, knowledge, and experience
• Use examples from a range of contexts, e.g., uni, work, hobbies, volunteering
• Be specific - what did you do? What skills did you use? What did you learn/achieve?
• Write clearly and consistently - no waffle
• Use strong action words to describe yourself, but "passion" is overused