1. Uniting Talent and
Technology
Effective CV Writing
Presented By
Cherry Swayne
Head of Cambridge
DP Connect Ltd

2. First impressions count ….
•
An employer will only read your CV for 30 seconds before
deciding whether to interview.
•
They will be checking for 3 key things:
1.
Are you qualified to do the job?
2.
Have you got commercial experience?
3.
Are you passionate & enthusiastic about the job?

3. What to include in your CV
• Header
• Personal Statement & Objective
• Key Technical Skills
• Employment History
• Education
• Achievements / Awards
• Personal Projects / Research
• Additional Information

4. Header
James Smith
16 New Street, Cambridge, CB1 3SD
James.smith93@gmail.com
07842 661 945
https://github.com/jamess
uk.linkedin.com/in/jamessmith/
http://stackoverflow.com/users/10027
• Professional email address
• Mobile number (with professional voicemail message)
• Social media profile links – github, stackoverflow, dribbble, Twitter

5. Personal statement and career objective
Highly motivated computer science graduate, with excellent academic credentials
including a first class degree and award winning undergraduate dissertation.
Now seeking a graduate position in a software development company, where
my Java programming knowledge and strong problem solving skills can be
fully utilised.
• Keep it short and simple
• Tailor it to the job you’re applying for
• Sell yourself but keep it factual

6. Real-life examples of personal statements
I am a Software Developer with 2 Years of commercial experience as well as 2 Years of
additional Multi-platform Network Administration experience. I have a passion for NLP and Open
Source technologies. I am a meticulous developer and keep my projects well documented.
I am a keen programmer who is looking for a job developing software and broadening my
knowledge of programming languages. With previous experience of working in a games
company, I am a reliable, competent individual who is confident in tackling tasks alone as well as
being a great contributor in a team environment. I have a strong understanding of general
programming paradigms and can easily pick up programming languages. This is evident by how I
taught myself ActionScript 3.0 in the space of two weeks over the summer of 2011.
•
•
•
Show passion & enthusiasm
Undertaking projects in your spare time
Back up your claims with proof

7. Education
• Reverse chronological order (most recent first)
• List modules studied
• Detail your dissertation topic (if relevant)
• List ‘A’ Level subjects and grades
• GCSEs – don’t list every subject & grade
e.g. 10 GCSEs grades A-C

8. Work Experience
• Put relevant internships & work experience placements first
• Otherwise – put work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
• Include examples of your responsibilities in bullet points
• Use action words - (see handout)
• Highlight transferable skills
2010 – 2011 Intern at Progress Software
• Using C++, integrated Maths software components into the Progress Apama product.
• Worked independently, helping identify the work scope and schedule.
• Concluded by presenting 'new feature' demos to global field audience.
• Returned the following year to work on 'futures' financial elements.

9. Transferable Skills
Not all of your work experience will be relevant to your chosen career.
Highlight the key responsibilities & skills you learnt which display the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Self management
Team working
Business & commercial awareness
Problem solving
Communication & literacy
Application of numeracy
Application of IT
Optical Advisor: Using analytical skills to problem solve customer difficulties, culminating in customer satisfaction and diffused
situations. Developed a friendly and approachable demeanor and taught me the values of teamwork and co-operation.
IT Supervisor: Responsible for maintaining software and hardware in the store. Gained an appreciation of small networks and
troubleshooting general problems that arise with daily usage.
In-store Trainer: This involved training staff on a one-to-one basis. This enhanced my presentation and interpersonal skills.
PR Coordinator: Successfully arranged and orchestrated several store PR events for charity. These were covered by the press and
taught me the value of combining, managing and chasing different resources.

10. Extra Information
• Achievements / Honours
Semi-finalist of the Make Something Unreal Tournament 2013:
Project Managed a team of 10 and orchestrated the development timetable of planned software.
Student Representative for the third year Computer Gaming Technology students:
Liaising with tutors to solve concerns my year group had.
• Memberships / Affiliations
Chair of the MathSoc society during my second and third years, organising events with international
speakers and working with our business sponsors.
• Languages Spoken
• Charity / Volunteer work
• Interests : video games, attending expos, programming projects, reading about
computing, sport, outdoors activities, chess

11. Common pitfalls ….

12. Key points to remember …
Your CV is the only thing standing between you and an interview
You have 30 seconds to convince them that you are:
• Qualified to do the job
• Passionate & enthusiastic
• Capable of learning new skills
Make sure your CV is:
• Easy to read
• Tailored to the job
• Memorable …. For the right reasons!

13. My contact details
Cherry Swayne
Head of Cambridge
DP Connect Ltd
www.dpconnect.co.uk
Direct dial: 01223 393950
Email: cswayne@dpconnect.co.uk
Please feel free to call me for any advice about finding your first job …..