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application?

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Would you apply for this job?
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Job title: Project Supervisor/Officer (Finds) Job title: Project Supervisor/Officer (Finds)
Hosted by: Wessex Archaeology, Rochester office Hosted by: Wessex Archaeology, Rochester office
Closing date: 17 November 2010 Closing date: 17 November 2010
Salary: £17,294 - £23,891 per annum Salary: £17,294 - £23,891 per annum

Description
Recruiting a Finds Supervisor or Finds Project Officer to co-ordinate
finds work at the new Wessex Archaeology regional office in
Rochester. This is a new post and is an excellent opportunity for an
ambitious individual. The successful applicant could be someone who is
at an early stage in their career with an aptitude for, and some experience
of, working with finds. Or the post would suit an experienced finds person
looking for a new challenge. The post holder’s role will include the
organisation and supervision of the efficient processing and initial
recording of data, liaison with specialists and site staff. The post will also
include liaising with archives staff and the preparation of archives for
deposition.
Specifications
• a sound archaeological background, supervisory experience and a good
knowledge of all practical aspects of finds work.
• other demonstrable skills, for example fieldwork, surveying or illustration as
initially this finds role may not initially be a full-time one.
• essential to have a positive approach to commercial archaeology and to be
computer literate. You must be able to demonstrate strong communication
and interpersonal skills, and be a confident and energetic problem-solver
with the ability to write basic reports in order to develop further post-
excavation skills.
• A demonstrable interest in a particular aspect or aspects of finds, archives
and/or post-excavation would be an advantage

Handling criteria/competencies Selling Yourself

• “For my survey project I had to carry out a topographic survey
• Provide evidence and examples of Kilallan Kirk. This involved laying out the survey area and
• e.g. “Experience of working as an effective part using a total station. A GIS was used to store the information.
of a team” The project was finished on time and was awarded a B1
“I have developed excellent team working skills during grade.”
my work experience” • “Devised and undertook a topographic survey of Kilallan Kirk.
[Statement but no supporting Designed the survey strategy, employing a total station.
evidence]
Created a GIS to analyse and interpret the results. Completed
“As Trench Supervisor, I clearly have the ability to the project on schedule and achieved a B1 grade.”
work well as a team member”
[Job title with no explanation of how this involved
the skill required]

“I think good teamwork means valuing everyone’s

contribution”
[Statement of opinion, but no practical examples
of how the skill has been demonstrated]

1
 Positive/Action Verbs Demonstrating Skills
• Accelerated •Guided •Saved •Enforced •Procured
•
•
•
Decreased
Formulated
Obtained
•Organised
•Researched
•Addressed
•Affected
•Edited
•Improved
•Incurred
•Prepared
•Simplified
•Standardised
•Assumed
•Ensured
•Instructed
S Situation or Task
preceding the …
• Replaced •Developed •Persuaded •Arranged
•
•
•
•
Achieved
Defined
Fulfilled
Operated
•Handled
•Originated
•Revamped
•Selected
•Analysed
•Eliminated
•Engineered
•Initiated
•Presented
•Produced
•Started
•Audited
•Established
T Action or Activities
undertaken by you,
•Administered •Improvised •Sold
•
•
•
•
Reported
Acquired
Demonstrated
Generated
•Directed
•Identified
•Participated
•Revised
•Pioneered
•Served
•Appraised
•Employed
•Assembled
•Enhanced
•Inspired
•Processed
•Interpreted
•Programmed
•Strengthened
•Broadened
A leading to the …
Results – the benefits
•
•
•
•
Optimized
Represented
Adapted
Designed
•Advised
•Documented
•Implemented
•Performed
•Increased
•Planned
•Settled
•Approved
•Solved
•Assessed
•Enlarged
•Instituted
•Estimated
•Interviewed
•Proposed
•Studied
R or consequences of
your actions
•………………

Demonstrating Skills What makes a good CV?

S Situation / Task
– “Undertook a time-management study of
• Targeted on the
specific job or career
MasterMap to NMR record linkage” area
T Action • Carefully and clearly
– “Presented analysis to national heritage laid out
A Results
organisations and Ordnance Survey”
• Informative but concise
• Accurate in content,
R – “Initiated development programme within
Royal Commission” spelling, grammar

Presenting a CV How long should it be?

• Carefully and clearly laid out • New graduates: no more than 2 sides of
• Each page on a separate page A4
• Concise – focus on what is relevant • Academic CVs may be up to 4-5 sides
• Positive and confident
• Truthful How to fit it all in?!
• Watch the ‘sweet spot’ (upper middle of • Be concise
first page)
• Don’t fold it – if emailing, send as PDF • Use bullet points
• Use sensible spacing and
fonts

2
 What to include? Types of CV
• Personal details • Chronological
– name, address, phone number, email – Outline career history in reverse date order
• Education and qualifications – Detailed, comprehensive, biographical
• Work experience – Does emphasise age, career breaks, non-relevant
– Emphasise skills and relate them to the job work experience etc.
– Use ‘action words’ • Competency
• Interests and achievements – Relate skills and abilities to specific work area
– Short and to the point! – Closely targeted to specific job
– Relevant to the job; evidence of employability skills,
leadership etc.
• Skills
• Referees

Chronological CV Competency-based CV
• Personal details • Personal information
• Personal statement
• Education and Qualifications
• Skills
• Work Experience
• Education and Qualifications
• Activities and
• Work Experience
Interests
• Additional
• Additional Information
information • Referees
• Referees

Career / Objectives Statements Covering Letters

• May appear in CV or Covering Letter • No more than 1 side of A4
• States clearly what type of position you • What to include:
want – What you’re applying for and
– Be specific rather than general – being too where you found out about it
general smacks of desperation!
– Why you’re interested and why
• Indicates your skill set and qualifications the organisation attracts you
– Support with evidence – “dynamic individual – Summarise your strengths and
with excellent communication skills” just
sounds arrogant … how they would be
advantageous to them
– If responding to an advert, ensure you cover
the ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ skills – Relate skills to the job
• What’s in it for the employer?

3
 How not to draw attention to
Other things to think about …
your CV …
• Don’t use a spell checker because: • Use credible email addresses
– “I am a prefectionist and rarely if if ever forget details.”
– full-name ones are best
– “I have a proven ability to track down and correct erors.”
• No need to proof read because: • Vet your presence on the web
– “I hope to hear from you shorty” – What do you get if you google
– “I am a conscious individual.” your name?
– “Reason for leaving last job: maturity leave”
– “Suspected to graduate early next year” – Avoid the Facebook page on your
drink-fuelled rampage in Ibiza
• Don’t bother to get the name of the
organisation/person right – What does your blog say about
you?
• No need to include a reply address on your CV
• Do try and be funny and amusing

Further Information Putting it into practice …

• Government Careers Advice Service • Find a job …
– CV tools, advice on application forms etc. – http://www.bajr.org/Employment/default.asp
– http://www.shovelbums.org/
https://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/
• Prepare a CV (or, if an
• Prospects: graduate careers application form is provided,
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/ use that) & covering letter
• British Archaeological Jobs Resource • Submit it with a copy of the
http://www.bajr.org/Employment/default.asp job details to your
programme convenor
• Due: Monday 15th
November