Professional Practice

Part 1: CVs and Cover Letters

Outcome 1: be able to describe what should and should not be included in a CV
Outcome 2: reflect on the requirements of specific job descriptions and tailor your CV to match

Outcome 3: know how to stand out from the crowd due to your ability to create CVs and cover letters which are based on your skills and experiences.

Review quiz 1

Question 1. Which of the following shows Goleman's components of Emotional Intelligence

a. Self-management, self-confidence, Apathy, Enthusiasm,
Interpersonal skills
b. Self-esteem, self-awareness, Sympathy, Motion, Interactive skills
c. Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Empathy, Motivation, Social skills

Question 2. Goleman's theory divides skills into two types of competencies:
personal and...

a. Social
b. Workplace
c. External

Question 3. The Chimp Paradox divides the brain into three parts. Which of the parts is the logical decision making part?

a. The human
b. The chimp
c. The computer

Question 4. Which of the following are examples of your chimp taking control of you?

a. Procrastinating and avoiding necessary tasks
b. Acting impulsively and then regretting your actions
c. Having unwelcome and unproductive thoughts
d. All of the above

Question 5. Which of the following are means of controlling your inner chimp?

a. Reward your chimp by asking for praise from someone whose opinion you trust.
b. Distract your chimp by focusing on another task
c. Only a.
d. Only b.
e. Both a. and b.

Question 6. the Stanford University Marshmallow Test (Mischel, 1972) measured...
a. how well children delay gratification
b. how children prefer to play
c. how often children eat sweets
d. how children react to experiments

Part 2:

Question 1. Analyse the job advert and then adapt your CV to its requirements
• Identify the skills, knowledge and competencies needed for the job
• Identify the desired personality characteristics needed for the job
• Identify areas of your experience which will interest the employer most.
• Target your application to meet the employer's needs, using clear and concise language
• Include key words from the advert in your CV
• Demonstrate your development potential

Question 2. Consider using a personal profile section in your CV
• Remember that employers spend only seconds looking at CVs.
• A personal profile gives you an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills.

• Use the following structure Situation
Skills
Selling point

Consider these two examples of personal profiles.
Which is more effective? Why?

A
Determined and ambitious business studies undergraduate with excellent communication and team working skills. Having worked for two summers for NatWest Bank, I offer proven experience in finance and customer service. I am now seeking a graduate opportunity in retail banking where my analytical and negotiation skills can be further developed.

B
Dynamic, natural-born leader and a ‘people person', who is also studying Business studies at London Met. Looking for an exciting opportunity in a global company to springboard my career.

Review quiz 2

Question 1. Which of the following should not be included in a CV.

a. Personal profile
b. Date of birth
c. Marital status
d. Transferable skills
e. Unprofessional email address
f. References on request

Question 2. Why might a person choose to use a skills-based CV?

Question 3. True or false?
You should analyse the job advert and adapt your CV to its requirements.
a. True
b. false

Question 4. Why is a personal profile useful on a CV?

Question 5. Which of the following are successful ways of making your CV and cover letter stand out?

a. Researching the company to refer to in your application
b. Ensuring that you have matched your CV to the specific job you are applying for
c. Including a photo of yourself
d. Getting a second opinion on your CV and cover letter

Portfolio task
Task 1a. Create a personal profile for your CV
Spend some time reflecting on your skills, abilities and competencies and create a personal profile for your CV

Task 1b. Upload a copy of your CV to CV360 and reflect on 5 key suggestions

Use CV360 to receive some feedback on your CV.
Write down 5 key pieces of advice that you received from the CV360 website and reflect on the advice you receive.

You now have the rest of the class to complete your class Portfolio Tasks and to work on your Development Episodes.