Creating a CV

Creating a CV : A Guide for Postgraduates

Careers Service

Creating a CV - A Guide for Postgraduates

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a marketing tool. It summarises your qualifications and experience to date, targeting what is most relevant. There are very few hard and fast rules about CVs but the following general principles apply. A CV should be no longer than 2 sides of A4. However, if your CV includes a detailed list of publications and papers, it may well be longer. Use good quality white or cream paper. More adventurous shades of paper are only appropriate for jobs in creative industries eg design. The content of your CV should be relevant to the position for which you are applying; if you want to include a “personal profile” or “career aim” section, make it short and relevant. Put it on the first page, after your personal information. Think about what information is most relevant for the reader. For example, if you are applying for an academic post, a detailed account of your postgraduate qualifications and publications/presentations would be appropriate. If you are applying for jobs where your transferable skills will be more important than specialist or technical knowledge, a skills focus to your CV may be more appropriate.

When listing a group of qualifications or a summary of work experience, think about what is most relevant to the reader; this will usually mean that you will start with the most recent and work backwards. Remember - the higher the level of qualification you achieve, the less important earlier qualifications become. Layout is important; leave clear spaces between sections and make section headings stand out as signposts for the reader. Avoid long paragraphs; your CV shouldn’t be written in essay style. Use bullet points and short summaries of information. Spelling and grammar are very important. Once you have word processed your CV, ask someone to check it for you. Even if you use a spell check, it can still include mistakes in the final version, as it does not understand context. Every CV should be sent with a covering letter. See the separate handout Writing a Covering Letter for more information.

Further Help The following are available for reference from the Careers Service information desk: The Perfect CV by Max Eggert Creating Winning CVs and Applications by Kathleen Houston Preparing Your Own CV by Rebecca Corfield The video Looking Good On Paper (21 minutes long, may be viewed in the Careers Service).

www.grad.ac.uk click on “Just For Postgrads” and www.shintonconsulting.com for information on all aspects of career development for postgraduate researchers Call into the Careers Service to pick up your free copy of “Your PhD … What Next?”

This Leaflet Is Available In Other Formats On Request

You can be creative with your headings; you don’t have to group all your information under neutral headings, such as “qualifications” or “work experience” - look at some of the examples in this handout for ideas. creating a CV - Postgraduates • 3

CRAIG WATTS Address

26 Lymington Terrace, Worsley, Manchester, M28 7YD

Telephone E-mail Date of Birth

0161 799 498 [email protected] 26th January 1980

EDUCATION 2002-Present

PhD Inorganic Chemistry, The University of Manchester “Towards Non-Noble Metal Emission Control Catalysts”

1998-02

BSc (Hons) Chemistry 2(i), Bristol University Including a one year placement at Ohio State University, USA.

1996-98

A-Levels: Chemistry(B), Geography(C), Mathematics(D) Tadcaster School, York

1994-96

GCSEs: 9 subjects at grades A and B including English Language and Mathematics

TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE PhD: The research objectives of my Ph.D project were to understand the preparation, characterisation and catalytic activity of a number of transition metal promoted heavy metal oxide catalyst materials. The heterogeneous catalysis discipline is very diverse, using impregnation, precipitation and inorganic sol-gel routes for the materials preparation. A wide range of analytical techniques were employed for the characterisation of the prepared materials including Powder XRD, TEM, EXAFS, FTIR, FT-Raman, BET, and PCS. The pore structure of the prepared catalysts was studied using the BET method as part of a collaboration with the University of Technology in Malaysia. Catalytic activity was measured using a flow-reactor and on-line FTIR to monitor the oxidation and reduction processes. A potential application of these materials is in automobile three-way catalysts as a replacement for precious metals. During my PhD I have also demonstrated to undergraduates for two years and supervised four undergraduate research projects. BSc: As part of my undergraduate degree I carried out an analytical research project using supercritical fluid chromatography to separate components of food-stuffs, and a theoretical project using computer models to predict photoelectron angular distributions. In the first year of my degree some experimental work in Materials Science was undertaken as an optional subject.

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PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS “Promoted Metal Oxide Catalysts, Overcoming the Problems of Cr” Lecture presentation, University of Nottingham Inorganic Chemistry Colloquia, June 2004. “Structure and Activity of Cu/Cr/Sn02 Environmental Control Catalysts” Poster and Paper, proceedings of the Fourth International Congress on Catalysis and Automotive Pollution Control, Brussels, March 2003, Stud. Surf. Sci. Catal., in press. Poster presented at Inorganic Chemistry at the Heart of England, Birmingham University, April 2003. “Characterisation of Cr Promoted Tin Oxide Exhaust Emission Control Catalysts” “Copper Cerium Oxide Catalysts for CO Oxidation: An EXFAS and XRD study” Posters presented at EXAFS IX, Grenoble, August 2003 Paper, J. Phys. IV France, 7, 2003 C2-963 “Sol-Gel Derived Mixed Lanthanide Oxide Catalysts” Poster presented at 1st UK-Ireland Sol-Gel group meeting, Sheffield, March 2002 and Inorganic Chemistry at the Heart of England, Birmingham University, April 2002. COMPUTING SKILLS I am familiar with the use of a number of word processing and data manipulation programs including Word, Origin, Excel and Paintshop Pro. I have experience of using the internet for the purpose of gathering scientific information. COURSES ATTENDED Oct. 2004: July 2004: June 2003:

CATAL INTERNATIONAL. Studying Heterogeneous Catalytic Reactions CRAC Graduate School - Skills & Career Development Course BP Team Development Course

WORK EXPERIENCE Dec. 2001: Temporary manager of a small Motor Sales showroom and Petrol Station. Work involved managing staff, deliveries, banking, accounting and dealing with customers. Summer 2000: Cinema auditor for Group 4 Security. I was employed to visit cinemas in the region in covert and report information on the cinema’s performance. 1997-2000: Retail assistant at a Newsagents. Responsibilities included stock control and ordering, banking cash, and securing the premises. REFEREES Dr R. Davies Dept. of Chemistry University of Manchester Manchester M13 9WS

Dr G. Hestin Dept. of Chemistry University of Manchester Manchester M13 9WS creating a CV - Postgraduates • 5

James Wright Address: 21 Steele Lane, Great Darnworth, Manchester, M22 4RF. Telephone: (0161) 379 502 E-Mail: [email protected] PERSONAL PROFILE A confident team member with excellent communication skills, I am now seeking to apply and further develop my skills and knowledge within a commercially focused technical environment. EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS 2002-2005 University of Salford - Procter and Gamble Research Studentship PhD Research Degree - ‘The Behaviour of Water in a Synthetic Zeolite’ A very diverse project, with strong product related objectives concerning the use of zeolites in commercial washing powders. I was ultimately responsible for all aspects of my research, and had to utilise and develop a broad range of key skills to ensure the success of my PhD: Project management skills - Throughout my PhD I have had to maintain and prioritise different projects, set objectives and meet targets within the tight constraints of time and resources. I have also had to continually develop my own knowledge and skills to keep up to date with current work. Communication skills - I am able to communicate confidently with people at all levels, from senior scientists (at Procter and Gamble Research) to my own immediate peers and technical staff. I have developed excellent written communication skills as a result of preparing a detailed PhD thesis. Team working skills - I am a confident team player with excellent organisational skills, developed through working within a very multi disciplinary research group. I am able to utilise the expertise of individual members, as well as offer my own skills and knowledge to achieve a common goal. Computational skills - I am a confident user of various MS Windows and VAX VMS based programs, particularly to control technical equipment, and to analyse and present complex data. 1998-2002 University Salford - BSc. (Hons.) Physics Degree with Industrial Experience (Pfizer) First Class My final year was sponsored by Pfizer, following my industrial placement. I also arranged to do my final year project with Pfizer: ‘The influence of Surfactants on the Rheology of Associating Polymers in Solution’. ACADEMIC AWARDS Awarded the University Prize for Physics twice, in recognition of first and second year degree examination results. Received the David Lyons Prize, upon graduating with first class honours. 6 • creating a CV - Postgraduates

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE 2002-2005 Laboratory demonstrator University of Salford I supervised students in the Physics Department undergraduate teaching laboratories, making sure they fully understood and successfully completed their practical work. The ability to convey complex and technical details in a simple, comprehensible manner was therefore essential. 2000-2001 BSc Industrial Placement Pfizer, Little Merring, Cheshire My project was related to the development of a new generation of environmentally friendly, water based paint formulations. I used a variety of experimental techniques and developed my own innovative ideas to investigate the rheology of novel paint thickeners under a range of different conditions. This contributed to the development of my practical and analytical skills and taught me how to apply my knowledge to other disciplines. VACATION WORK June 2002: General factory labourer at Pearson Engineering, Worsley, Manchester Summer 2001: Waiter and barman at The Lyceum Hotel, Preston, Lancashire Summer 2000: Part time sales assistant at Top Man, Manchester INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES I regularly play squash and was a member of the University Squash Club during my first degree. I have just taken up mountain biking and benefit from the relaxation and, of course, the exercise. I enjoy the theatre, particularly modern musicals. For the past two years I have been attending ballroom dancing lessons. I have worked as a volunteer for both the NSPCC and Scope at various fund-raising events. I recently travelled to France with Scope, to assist with one of its largest charity events, Beerjolais. I helped to co-ordinate team activities throughout the weekend and was also the event photographer. I had to capture the ambience of the event and organise the team photographs for the various companies that were involved. ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND INFORMATION I have a keen interest in personal computers and am fully conversant with various software packages, including Windows and the Microsoft Office Suite. I am a graduate member of the Institute of Physics. I hold a full, clean driving licence and have the use of my own car. REFEREES Professor M. Falmer Department of Physics, Joule Laboratory University of Salford Salford, M5 4WT

Dr K. Malone Procter & Gamble Research Unit Lester Place Warrington, WA45 9HG creating a CV - Postgraduates • 7

Della Barton Address Telephone Number E-Mail D.O.B.

27, Woodland Road, Moseley, Birmingham B14 6TT 0121 343 267 [email protected] 12/04/79

Academic Education and Qualifications University of Birmingham October 2002-2005

University of Warwick September 2001–September 2002

PhD in English Literature (Submission date July 2005) Thesis Title: A Study of the Metaphor of the Palimpsest in Modern Literature and Culture (funded by AHRB Studentship) Supervisor: Professor David Hughes [see appended Research Abstract] Masters Degree in Philosophy and Literature, Distinction. (funded by AHRB Studentship) Thesis Title: The Absurd Aporia of Meaning: Albert Camus and Samuel Beckett

Clare College, Durham University September 1997–June 2000 BA Honours Degree in English Literature, First Class. Thesis Title: Wallace Stevens: Poeticising (In)Finitude Dover Girls’ School June 1997

4 A-Levels, grade A, including English Literature AS level French, grade A English Special paper, grade 1

Publications ·

Della Barton ‘Palimpsesting: Reading and Writing Lives in H.D.’s Palimpsest,’ submitted to ‘Hystorical Fictions: Women, History and Authorship,’ special issue of Women: A Cultural Review, Summer 2004.

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Della Barton, ‘The Palimpsest,’ submission to Textual Practice, October 2003.

Teaching Qualifications and Experience Associate Teacher (Staff and Education Development Association) ·

Subject to assessment of Portfolio compiled after attendance at the Birmingham Postgraduate Tutors Teaching and Learning Programme.

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Confers credits towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGCertHE)

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Teaching: University of Warwick 2001 and 2002

Third year English Major course ‘The Uncanny’ Two seminars per week of 15 students for ten weeks. The course aims to develop students’ engagement with the notion of the uncanny across a broad range of literary and other texts, developing their skills of reading and critical analysis. Responsibilities: · planning and leading seminars · marking two pieces of coursework and giving feedback · supervising dissertations · writing end of term course reports · evaluating the course First year English and American Studies School course ‘Reading Literary Writing’ Two seminars per week of 15 students for ten weeks. The course aims to introduce non-English major students to a broad range of literary texts and critical approaches, and to improve both close reading skills and theoretical astuteness. Responsibilities: · designing course outline · planning and leading seminars · marking three pieces of course work · writing end of term course reports · evaluating the course

Examining: University of Birmingham 2002 and 2003

Examining of 30 finalist dissertations (on The Uncanny) including co-marking and moderation with colleagues.

Positions of Responsibility · ·

Staff Student Liaison Committee Student Representative for Philosophy and Literature Masters, Warwick, 2001-02. Durham University Tadpoles (Social-side of Swim Team) Secretary and Treasurer, 1997-99.

Papers Delivered ·

‘Palimpsesting: Reading and Writing Lives in H.D.’s Palimpsest’ Hystorical Fictions: History, Women and Authorship, University of Wales, Swansea, August 2004.

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‘Palimpsesting: Reading, Violence and Detective Fiction’ Effects of Reading Series, Aston University, May 2003.

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‘Palimpsestuous Undergrounds: Sigmund Freud’s Project for a Scientific Psychology (1895), Thomas De Quincey and the Structure of the Psychical Apparatus’ Undergrounds, Manchester University, January 2003.

Referees Available on Request creating a CV - Postgraduates • 9

Sonia Merchant 33 The Willows, Albury Peake, Cheshire C56 7GH 0161 557 487 Qualifications MA Cultural Studies (part time)

2003-2005 University of Salford

An interdisciplinary course incorporating literature, media, politics, philosophy and sociology. Modules included Cultural Theory and Textual Practice, Contemporary Cultural Theory and Postmodernism. 20,000 word dissertation “Women As Consumers of Popular Romance Novels”. Studying on a part time basis required excellent time management and organisational skills. The MA also helped me to develop a high level of research and analytical skills, particularly when writing my dissertation. BA (Hons) Modern Languages (Upper Second) Languages studied were French and Dutch. Interpreting and Linguistics.

1997-2001 City University

Modules included European Literature, Translation,

My degree course included a one year placement at the University of Lyon, France and a six month placement at the University of Utrecht, Netherlands. In addition to fluent French and Dutch, I also speak basic German, Swedish and Danish. Employment History Export Executive at Eurotechnic

2004 - Present

Key Duties: • • • • •

preparation of all relevant paperwork prior to export liaison with customers in Holland and members of the UK sales force to confirm requirements daily use of the “Export Easy” computer system to place orders liaison with Customs and VAT staff, as necessary daily use of European Language skills when dealing with overseas customers Personnel Assistant at Trotter & Co.

Key Duties: • • • •

upkeep of personnel records for 500 staff administrative support for the recruitment process e.g. advertising vacancies, preparing applications for shortlisting production of reports on request administrative support for the pension scheme Computing Skills

Fully conversant with Microsoft Office, Export Easy, Access, Sage and Power Point. 10 • creating a CV - Postgraduates

2001-2004

Additional Work Experience Administrator for DMA Temps

1997-2001 (vacations)

Whilst an undergraduate, I spent every summer doing a variety of temporary jobs with BT, Marriott Hotels International, French Connection and the Belfry Country Club. This helped me to develop good customer care skills, and gave me a sound introduction to basic office duties. I was called upon to use my language skills as an interpreter at two conferences when working at the Marriott, and to translate key export documents at French Connection. Training Courses Attended •

Key Skills In Customer Care

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Effective Letter Writing

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Effective Report Writing

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BT Advanced Telephone Skills

•

Introduction To Export Markets and Export Theory Membership of Professional Associations

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Registered with the Institute of Export

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Affiliate Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development Interests

I am interested in cookery and have attended two summer schools in France to develop my skills. Last year I spent July in Tuscany, learning the art of Italian food and wine. I am currently renovating my house during my spare time and have recently learned how to plaster and do basic electrical work through this project. I enjoy all types of sport and am a member of my local health club. I attend several classes and have recently taken up fencing. In addition to participating, I enjoy attending ice hockey matches and support my local team. Referees Ms Gill Fryer Export Manager Eurotechnic Hallerby Industrial Estate Manchester M27 5RH [email protected]

Dr Dave Martin Senior Lecturer Dept. of Cultural Studies University of Salford Salford M5 4WT [email protected]

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Careers Service The University of Salford Humphrey Booth House Salford, Greater Manchester M5 4WT. United Kingdom T +44 (0)161 295 5668/5088 F +44 (0)161 295 5922 E [email protected] www.careers.salford.ac.uk

Updated August 2005