In order to get us prepared for entering the industry, we had a workshop on how to write a standard CV and covering letter, as although these may seem simple, they are easy to get wrong and because they are the first impression, it is important to get these as right as possible.
We started with covering letters and covered the layout and correct etiquette to use when addressing professionals for a job. Although there wasn't much to cover we were given some useful tips:
- Always start with Dear...
- Never use I want or need
- Be grateful and appreciative and considerate.
- DO research before you email the company or person
- keep it short - 3 paragraphs (4 if you know them)
- Explain what you like about their work - butter them up, show interest in their work or company
- Be enthusiastic but not patronizing.
After applying we were told that it is okay to follow up your emails/ letters and that we shouldn't leave it any longer than 2 weeks. It is also important to thank those that respond, even if it's a no, as this will help to build a database of connections. Also, apply as many times as you can to as many places (even if it means for more than one position at the same place). It could be helpful to create a spreadsheet of the places you have applied to, or want to apply to, as this will keep you motivated and help you apply to as many places as possible.
Finally, end an email with "looking forward to hearing from you" as this prompts a response as no one wants to be rude.
The workshop then moved on to inform us what to do if we get a call back for an interview or a chat. Even though it may be a job interview, you needn't dress too smartly, smart casual will be fine so long as you are comfortable and well presented. You should also go in with a positive attitude and one that demonstrates that you are passionate about working for the company and animation in general. And it goes without saying, but you should always do your research and show enthusiasm over your own work and where you intend to be in the future.
With the first part of the workshop over, we moved onto writing a CV. This is something I've never really written before, so I found the workshop to be extremely useful and I feel that it will aid in me writing a strong CV in the future to send out with job applications. Again, the workshop was a series of tips and tricks like the others have been that were all extremely useful. In order to create a strong CV you must:
- Sell yourself, it is a first impression and will give an employer a good sense of who you are as a person.
- Be succinct and precise, your CV should be no longer than 2 pages.
- Keep your address broad and your name and contact details clear.
- use dashes or spaces between your mobile number as it makes it easier to remember.
- Use your personal email address, not your student one.
- Your personal statement should be lively and succinct. You should avoid cliches such as hard working and works well in a team, as these should be obvious.
- Make sure to include any achievements you have made outside of university, it shows interest outside of uni and gives an insight into your personality and personal life.
- List relevant skills, experience and ambitions that are appropriate for the job.
- DO NOT LIE
- If it's working knowledge of a programme, don't put expert.
- Make use of placements, commissions and internships.
- List education with the most recent first, but don't list all A-Levels and GCSEs, simply mention how many you have and at what grade.
- Be specific about your hobbies and interests, it'll be a talking point.
- Always ask if it's okay to put someone down as a reference and state that you ca provide references on request.
Overall, I'm really pleased that we got the chance to attend these workshops, as I feel that I have gained a lot of useful knowledge that will help me to build a professional portfolio that I can begin to use as a gateway into the industry.
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