What inspired or motivated you to use this tool/resource?
This software platform is something that the Careers and Employability service regularly signpost to students to use. Using this tool within an academic school setting enabled students to receive feedback on their CVs during the session, which then assisted in developing LinkedIn profiles. With a session of 50 students, it was unachievable to provide individual feedback on CVs, therefore utilising this resource enabled all students to receive feedback and staff time to be spent on adapting work experiences from a CV to the LinkedIn profile.
What was your aim in using this tool/resource?
The aim in using this was to empower students to use AI responsibly to gain feedback on their CVs. In particular, the aim was to provide students with a time and space to familiarise themselves with the platform so that they were confident in using it again at other occasions.
What did you use the tool/resource for?
This tool was part of a workshop where students were asked to develop or create a LinkedIn profile. A large proportion of the students had CVs and therefore needed to translate this information to the platform. Having feedback on the CV assisted students in ensuring the information on LinkedIn was appropriate and demonstrated skills, experiences and qualifications the individual had.
This tool was easy for students to use as it utilised their university credentials to log in.
How did the tool/resource impact your teaching?
Students took ownership of their own development which was positive. Students felt more confident about working on their online profile once they were transferring experiences from their CV.
This tool has the opportunity to support students as they go forward in making applications for placement opportunity and paid work. By embedding in a practical task, students have developed their familiarisation with it, meaning they feel able to go back to using it independently.
Hi Beth! I found your talk about LinkedIn very informative - I didn't realise the power it held before now! Thanks!
How well did the tool/resource perform, would you recommend it?
The tool gained positive feedback from students in being simple to use and quick. Colleagues should be interested in this tool as it can provide quick feedback, often avoiding the need for repetition in discussions about general norms within CVs. This also provides staff the opportunity to embed employability activity in the curriculum without having to be ‘trained’ in providing feedback.
In addition, the variety of sources of information available online has grown due to web technologies and social media and contains complex metadata— referencing these can cause consternation among students and RMTs can help with this. Switching styles is also a breeze.
Whilst reminders were sent to students about bringing a laptop to the session, this tool wasn’t as effective when used on a mobile device (feedback from student) which limited it’s effectiveness.
How well was the tool/resource received by students?
Students who engaged with the tool commented on how they liked that they could use it themselves and make changes before showing anyone their CV. A few students acknowledged their CV was out of date and would have felt embarrassed showing it to someone for feedback. Following the session, students continued to use the tool to support them in applying for work placements through the Cover letter feedback tool, building on previous use for the CV.
Share a ‘Top Tip’ for a colleague new to the tool/resource
Embed the use of this tool in a relevant activity so that students can see the value and benefit for them in a tangible way.
How would I summarise the experience in 3 words?
Fulfilling, practical, purposeful
Recommended reading:
Access the tool here: https://careerset.com/bangor
More information: https://my.bangor.ac.uk/employability-info/cv-resources.php.en
Contact for more information:
Dr Beth Edwards: b.a.edwards@bangor.ac.uk
There are a range digital employability resources and tools which you may be able to introduce to sessions, the Careers and Employability Team would be happy to discuss your requirements and make suggestions.
Contact careers@bangor.ac.uk