Top tips for perfecting your CV

You have just spotted a perfect vacancy that you cannot wait to apply for? Or are you trying to polish your CV to send a speculative application to your employer of choice? Whichever stage of job hunting you are embarking on, your first concern is ensuring that your personal advertisement i.e. CV stands out from the crowd at first glance. The following five tips aim to help you do just that.

Source: http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/curriculum-vitae-resume-infographics-35-xl.jpg

1.    Don’t start writing your CV as a first step

Now if this is your first attempt to writing up a CV, consider it a self-evaluating task. You only have 2 pages to market yourself to the employers regardless of various work experiences you have done, numerous projects you have involved in, and several skills you think you possess. So it helps to list everything you perceive to be your achievements, competencies, work experiences, volunteering roles, extra-curricular activities, and education. Articulating all these facts about yourself is a good start to thus put them into categories with priorities to match the job specifications and personal specifications.

Source: http://coachpate.edublogs.org/files/2012/08/2012extracurricular-ogpjra.jpg

2.    Make layout work for you

Choosing a lively and logical layout that makes the employer instantly picks out your CV is frequently overlooked although a clear and concise impression of CV structure enables the reader to better focus on your unique selling points. Make sure you highlight headings and key words in text by using CAPITALs/bold type. As an example, if the essential skills needed for the job are leadership and time management, it is better to list experiences that you demonstrate these two qualities under two respective headings. Don’t go for any font size smaller than 10.

Source: http://www.jobcred.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/template-for-CV.jpg

3.    Have a general up-to-date CV for your own reference

Every time you complete a training course, finish a volunteering project, or gain a new position in your society/club, your CV deserves an update. This general version is for yourself to keep track of your achievements especially when it comes towards the end of university and you have forgotten that those activities you got involved in as a fresher could boost your employability. Then tailor job-specific CVs according to the position you are applying for from the general version.

4.    Cover the universal areas

There are no absolute rules regarding what your CV should contain but it is generally recognised that most CVs tend to include (in no particular order):

·        Personal details

·        Education/qualifications

·        Work experience

·        Skills and qualities

·        Positions of responsibility/achievements/interests

·        References

Don’t blabber on about mundane tasks you do in a job but focus on your key achievements such as being a course rep, you have managed to negotiate with the department for social sponsorship and access to the answer of past papers.

5.    Feedback, feedback, and feedback

Two heads are better than one – this remains true for CV creation. Why not show your CV to someone else and see if they can pick out all the points you want to convey? Whether it is your university career adviser, tutor, or friend. In case the CV has not done its job well to help you progress to the next application stage, constructive feedback can still be actively sought from the employer instead of simply accepting that they are too busy without trying.

Source: http://www.empirepopcorn.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/images/we-want-your-feedback.jpg

What to shop and what to drop

Research by vouchercodes.co.uk shows that an average student only needs 51 days to spend their entire first student loan instalment. For most freshers, this is the first time they are responsible for their own finances. With managing bills, paying rent, and buying food, staying trendy can be slightly tricky, especially a floral mesh t-shirt or a sequin vest wouldn’t necessarily fit in the necessity expenditure. But it is possible to look stylish as a student and stick to a small budget – here are a few tips:

Source: http://recoveringshopaholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/resale-shopping-pros-and-cons.jpg

What to shop?

Things you will most likely use more often: The frequency of wearing a clothing item has little to do with how gorgeous or posh it is but simply how comfortable and confident you feel in front of the mirror.

It can be a t-shirt, a cardigan, ripped jeans, or a simple coat. If you plan to wear it frequently and over a long haul, it is worth investing in a good one which you feel totally happy about.

A nice jacket: A nice and fit jacket is a long-term companion throughout cold days. As you can rarely go out of the house without a jacket of some sort between October and March or so in the UK, it can be pretty much a fashion statement of the owner.

Source: http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/623554515/Lady-s-Dowm-Jacket-Rex-Rabbit-Fur-Hooded-Medium-Long-All-Match-Slim-Women-s-Down.jpg

Shoes: A pair of high heels in beige or neutral colours, a pair of black flat shoes, and a pair of trainers are amongst must-haves for almost every occasion from going out to sports and going to lectures.

Bags: Bags are with you out and about all the time which is why beige and neutral colours should be the priority to go for if you don’t want to end up with 10 bags of different colours to mix and match with clothes. A good sized bag is supposed to sufficiently carry your notebooks, books, and files without sacrificing the look.

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RT0tR1WVJV1O7wl24OZiOS7dhCA-uEQYtYpzhp5JATvZKGmXy40xUWz-K98dyMU_ilim55BdS_ZxhJC10D2jPg6_ptXjP_QZPID7o9oREs6QGSVqMioT-8F3REgCMrEwBset8GELoUg/s1600/IMG_5045..jpg

Proper lingerie: If you thought underwear is the last thing to think about, Gok Wan would be keen to prove that it is better to go with a simple t-shirt and jeans with nicely shaped lingerie than designer clothes with unsupported underwear. Don’t underestimate the unmentionables’ impact because they can uplift a whole outfit and make you feel great and at the same time, spoil all your effort in the visible wardrobe.

What to drop?

Things you will renew frequently: Socks and tights are easily worn out and hence there’s no urgent need to buy expensive ones.

Jewellery: Jewellery trends are short lived. Choose more affordable high street brands such as Peacocks, H&M, and Primark rather than Hermes or Micheal Kors.

Source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/03/19/article-2117157-123D20AE000005DC-350_468x286.jpg

Belts: A suitable belt pulls your outfit together and adds a subtle touch to your style yet the trend goes quickly outdated. Acidic neon tones and punchy prints may currently be in season but who knows if they will remain the same next month?

Sequin items: A midi sequin dress is a decent idea for a dress-up and knees-up. However, that may be the only appropriate occasion to take it out of the wardrobe. So why should you bother spending on a few of them?

Neon coloured items: Although they are part of the trend this year, take into consideration how straightforward it is to mix and match when it’s out of season.

Source: http://www.florencefinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Mango-sequin-dress.jpg

Swimwear: Water in the swimming pool and the sea as well as sands, sunlight, and wind can always deteriorate the quality of swimwear. You can resist the temptation to buy several swimsuits by getting cheaper bikini basics to mix and match.

Sausage and prawn tagliatelle

This pasta dish is a tantalising combination of prawns, sausages, colourful peppers, and garlic served over spaghetti.

What’s in it? (2 servings)

Cooking oil

4 sausages

40g prawns

180g tagliatelle

1 pepper, diced

1 celery stalk, chopped

Half an onion, chopped

250g garlic and onion pasta sauce

Half a chilli, sliced

Salt, pepper, and mixed herbs

Parmesan or hard cheese, grated

A couple of fresh coriander twigs and leaves

How’s it made?

Heat oil in a frying pan and brown the sausages on all sides until they are evenly brown, about 5 minutes. Add prawns and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove sausages and prawns from the frying pan.

Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Once the water is boiling, stir in tagliatelle and return to the boil. Cook tagliatelle uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain well and set in the sink.

Cook and stir peppers, celery, and onion in the hot frying pan until the vegetables are slightly softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Slice the sausages, and return them together with prawns to the frying pan.

Stir garlic and onion sauce with the sausages, prawns, and vegetables. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Throw in chillies and simmer until the vegetables are soft, sausages are no longer pink in the middle, and the sauce has reduced to about half its volume, 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs.

To serve, place tagliatelle on a warmed plate and spoon the sauce over before sprinkling with parmesan and coriander.

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A Piece of Cake – Berry soft cheese coffee cake

Have you ever got bored of ordinary biscuits to accompany your warm cup of tea or coffee? Try this coffee cake layered with a buttery sponge, a gooey soft cheese texture, and a sweet topping of berry streusel.

What’s in it? (8-10 servings)

Streusel Topping:

1/3 cup (45 grams) all purpose flour

1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated white sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup (56 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Soft Cheese Filling:

8 ounce package (227 grams) soft cheese, at room temperature

1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (peel)

1 tablespoon all purpose flour

Cake Batter:

1 cup (130 grams) all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup (56 grams) (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup (80 ml) milk

1 cup (240 ml) fresh blackberries, raspberries or blueberries or 1/2 cup (120 ml) raspberry preserves. Alternatively, use frozen berries at a lower cost.

How’s it made?

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/177 degrees C/Gas 4. Butter a 9 inch (23 cm) spring form pan and line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

Streusel topping:

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Soft cheese filling:

In your electric mixer or food processor, beat the soft cheese until creamy and smooth. Add the rest of the filling ingredients and beat until smooth and creamy.

Cake batter:

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Add the flour mixture, alternately with the milk, and beat only until combined. Spread the batter onto the bottom, and slightly up the sides, of the prepared pan. Next, spread the soft cheese filling over the cake batter. Scatter the berries over the filling and top with the streusel.

Bake for about 70 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

(Source: Adapted from JoyOfBaking’s recipe http://www.joyofbaking.com/breakfast/BlackberryCreamCheeseCoffeeCake.html )

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A Piece of Cake – Rhubarb and Almond tart

Rhubarb and almond tart is the combination of tangy rhubarb in ground almond mixture on top of crisp, buttery pastry. It was a hit at my gathering with friends who would otherwise not fancy rhubarb’s strong and tart flavour. Better save this recipe for March – April time when this fruit is fresh in season.

What’s in it? (6 servings)

½ x 375g pack lighter ready rolled puff pastry

100g unsalted butter, at room temperature

100g white caster sugar

2 medium eggs, beaten

150g ground almonds

Zest of 1 orange

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

225g rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 4-5cm lengths

1 tablespoon flaked almonds

½ tablespoon icing sugar, for dusting

How’s it made?

Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas 5. Cut the pastry into a 22cm circle (use a dinner plate as a template). Press into a round 18cm loose-based cake tin, lining the base and part way up the sides.

Using a hand-held electric whisk, cream the butter and sugar together. Add the eggs and 2 tablespoons of the ground almonds, and whisk again. Fold in the remaining ground style-almonds with the orange zest and cinnamon.

Spoon the almond mixture into the pastry-lined tin, then top with the rhubarb. Sprinkle over the flaked almonds. 

Bake for 40 minutes, until golden. Dust with icing sugar and remove from the tin. Cut into slices and serve warm.

(Source: Adapted from Sainsbury’s recipe http://www.sainsburys-live-well-for-less.co.uk/recipes-inspiration/recipes/rhubarb-almond-tart/ )

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5 handmade gifts of the heart

Valentine is coming in a matter of days but you haven't got a clue what to get your significant other. Worry not, for those who have normally given out shop bought prezzies, why don’t you jazz things up and prepare in advance a simple handmade gift to impress him or her? Below are 5 inspirations for your creative minds to get your hands on.

1.  Love bug biscuits

These easy recipes are all under an hour to prepare and cook, making a romantic Valentine gift. Follow the recipe here: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2865683/love-bug-biscuits

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQgHwWtf2M6IaSjUicD-dKKD_Pptw8LUOvo04z2rAn0W5FasovI6jtm7lrlDjxi7sqSWhs0-0a4Qi_xhdrj1VA2NB9213ZUHoWlF9tzLPWL4qQD9Hyidj6o5GxREFamiSH6LSbfUD9UQ/s1600/lady+bug+cookie+pops.jpg

2.  Love coupons

You can easily create romantic and fun love coupons that they will enjoy and bring you closer together as a couple. Take advantage of free printables here: http://tatertotsandjello.com/2011/02/guest-project-free-printable-valentine.html

Source: http://www.thinkingcloset.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/LoveCouponBook.jpg

3.  Vintage paper chandelier

Paper chandeliers brighten up the room of your special someone and recall lots of memory between you both. Follow instructions here: http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/01/vintage-paper-chandelier-valentines-style.html

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vwOgSQy7KqeBnEXSCTJ06-LuiJvf1WNFt3w_0L3T1Dneaz5Snvp8p-grWpAdjxSEIWPIyopQID6bWb1701mqGnKtUuS8P17jXw0eWdXaroMCo6rMVc1qFvw6Av7oSvX3inLTnxR2ORi3/s1600/paper+chandelier+2.jpg

4.  Moustache coffee mug

A little moustache love to dress up the tea and coffee can now be ‘implanted’ onto a cheap mug using an oven. Follow instructions here: http://www.buffalospree.com/Buffalo-Spree/February-2013/Pastimes-Handmade-gifts-for-Valentines-Day/

Source: http://www.jengordon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/P1050491.jpg

5.  Red-hot infused cinnamon vodka

Infused vodka, is still vodka but with added flavour.  As a word of caution, unless you typically sip vodka straight up, don’t expect to sip infused vodka.  Instead, use infused vodka in your favourite drink mixes. Follow the recipe here: http://www.buffalospree.com/Buffalo-Spree/February-2013/Pastimes-Handmade-gifts-for-Valentines-Day/

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A Piece Of Cake – Chocolate Cupcakes

Who can resist the sweet and delicious charms of a cupcake? Easy to make, simple to decorate, and perfect for any occasion, these chocolate cupcakes can also be conveniently packed for a gift.

Ingredients (Makes 9)

2 tbs cocoa powder

2 tbs hot water

115g butter, softened

115g sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

115g self raising flour

25g chopped mixed nuts

100g chocolate, melted

115g marshmallows

Method

Preheat the oven to 180^oC/350^oF/Gas Mark 4. Put 9 paper cases in a muffin tray.

Blend the cocoa powder and hot water then set aside. Play the butter and sugar in a large bowl then beat together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs and cocoa mixture. Sift in the flour and, using a wooden spoon, fold in gently.

Spoon the mixture into the paper cases. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until risen and firm to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.

To make the topping, stir the nuts and marshmallows into the melted chocolate. Pile on top of the cupcakes. Leave to set.

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Asian Cooking Made Easy – Delicious fried rice

Fried rice is easy to prepare and tastes great as a meal on its own. You can pretty much add anything you like to it to make your fried rice such as roasted pork, chicken and ham; vegetables such as peas, sweetcorn, spring onions, carrot, broccoli and asparagus; or even small, cooked prawns. Just make sure all your ingredients are chopped into bite-sized pieces, and don't forget the egg! The following recipe is richly flavoured to become your delicious kind of fried rice.

Ingredients (2 servings)

Cooking oil

4 eggs, beaten

A dash of milk

1 tsp ground ginger

4 garlic cloves, diced

1 onion, thinly sliced

125g bacon rashers

1 tsp sugar

1tbs Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry

400g long grain rice, cooked and cooled

1 tbs oyster sauce

50g spring onions, chopped

20ml soy sauce

¼ tsp sesame oil

½ chilli, diagonally sliced (Optional)

Method

Heat the oil in a frying pan until the surface seems to shimmer slightly.

Mix the beaten eggs with milk and pour the mixture into the pan. Scramble for about 1-2 minutes until just done. Set aside.

Add extra oil to the pan and stir-fry garlic and onions until aromatic.

Add the bacon and stir fry for a further minute, or until lightly browned.

Stir in the sugar and wine, then stir fry for 30 seconds.

Add the rice, reserved eggs, oyster sauce, spring onions, soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir fry for three minutes, or until the rice is heated through.

Divide the rice between individual bowls and garnish with chilli.

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Asian Cooking Made Easy – Sweet and sour chicken

Here is a classic Asian favourite containing a succulent chicken absorbing a lighter take on sweet and sour sauce. It is so simple to cook at home that you will think twice before ordering greasy fried food covered in goopy take-away sauce on your next craving for Chinese.

Ingredients (2 servings)

225gr chicken breast fillets, cut into small pieces

½ tsp ground ginger

Soy sauce

Sugar and/or honey

Salt and pepper

Cornflour

Cooking oil

½ onion, sliced

1 pepper, diced into small pieces

40g celery, chopped into small pieces

Rice wine vinegar

A handful of peanuts

1 chilli, diagonally sliced

Method

Marinate chicken in ground ginger, soy sauce, sugar/honey, salt, and pepper about 15 minutes before cooking. Combine chicken with a thin coating of corn flour.

Heat the oil over high heat and stir onions until softened. Turn the heat to medium and stir-fry chicken until nearly cooked.

Add peppers and celery to stir-fry until softened.

Stir in rice wine vinegar to your desirable sour taste. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is thickened. Pour water in if necessary.

Sprinkle peanuts on top and serve hot with rice.

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