Week 2- Applying for a job
Lecture summary
Daniels lecture this week talked about applying for a job, this included information about our first project which is creating our CV’s. I have never made a cv before so information that I learned within this lecture was very useful. He talked about what information I should include in a cv and what they are used for. He also discussed things that I shouldn’t do with my cv like don’t make it too long, spell check and avoid obnoxious language and terms. We also talked about cover letters and what they are and why I need to know how to write one for applying for any job. I will need to produce both when it comes to the end of the semester.
What is a cv?
A concise, formal document that summarises your education, skills and experience. It should be easily read and referenced and explain who you are. It should be easy to scan and include no images or illustrations- just plain text!
What is a cover letter?
Daniel explained what a cover letter was and he said it is an introduction for the person receiving your application and a chance to explain to them what has attracted you to their company specifically. It’s also an opportunity to summarise what you’re good at, your experience so far and your aspirations (that align with what the company can offer).
What should I include?
- Contact details
- Short bio
- Skills
- Work experience
- Education
- Awards
- Additional info
- References
Studio Workshop
After our lecture we went up to the studio where Daniel got us into groups and we completed a ’20 questions’ task. We each had to select a random post-it with a job title on it and keep this secret, our colleagues in the group must find out what you do in 20 questions or less without asking outright what you do.
this was a very fun activity but why did Daniel ask us to do this? He said that it’s important to understand the most important qualities of a job and the skills that make up the role and that this task should get you in the right mindset to start assessing yourselves. I totally agree and when I was asking my group questions about what their role could possibly be it really did make you think of the specific roles and skills that each job role requires.
Reflection and what did I learn?
Todays class was very beneficial, I learned some very vital information that I need to know before applying for placements in the next couple of weeks. I learned very specific details about CV’s and what I really enjoyed was learning what I should do! I learned things like I should include an image of myself, that is information that I would necessarily have ever known as online information tells you different. I trust Daniel and his judgment so I will definitely refer back to all of information and lecture when it comes to building my CV.
What’s next?
I want to do some research into cool ways to present your CV to see if I can come up with anything unique and fun so employers remember me and my work Daniel talked about this in his class today but I want to do some extra research into this. I also will begin building my CV I want to start with some sketches first to be prepared and to get a good foundation. I will also conduct some research into what makes a good CV and I will update my blog with this information.