Workshop: CV & Job Ad — matching + keywords

🎯 Workshop overview

👥 Target group

Age: 18–30
Size: 15–20 people
Format: In‑person
Language: Polish
Time: 180 minutes (3 hours)

🎯 Main goal

Teach participants how to tailor a CV to a specific job ad — read requirements, extract keywords, convert their evidence (STAR) into clear bullets, and create an ATS‑friendly layout.

📋 Final outputs

CV1 — Match map ad↔competencies
CV2 — Keywords & synonyms
CV3 — CV layout & sections (ATS)
Tailored CV to a chosen ad (1–2 pages)
CV5 — Quality checklist + scoring rubric

⚠️ Sensitivity note

Allow anonymous data or sample ads. Encourage hiding sensitive data during the workshop stage.

📚 Learning outcomes

Knowledge: Knows the difference between generic vs tailored CV; ATS‑friendly rules (simple layout, standard headers, avoid unreadable columns/graphics); bullet pattern = achievement + metric.

Skills:

Extracts 10–15 keywords from an ad
Builds a match map
Rewrites at least 5 bullets to match
Arranges sections in a logical order
Passes the “6‑second test”

Attitudes: Focus on specifics, transparency, anti‑bias (no photo/unnecessary data), respect for self and employer.

🔄 Process logic

🔍 Ad analysis

Read requirements, identify MUST‑HAVE vs NICE‑TO‑HAVE

🗺️ Match map

Connect requirements with your competencies & experience

🔤 Keywords

Extract keywords & prepare synonyms list

📝 STAR bullets

Convert achievements into measurable, tailored bullets

📄 ATS layout

Readable structure + 6‑second test

🗓️ Detailed agenda (180 minutes)

0–10'

🚀 Opening & rules

Goal: Safe process + workshop goal

Instruction: Present outputs, rules (voluntariness, confidentiality, right to pause). Explain we work on anonymised data.

10–20'

⚡ Icebreaker “6 seconds”

Goal: Show how a recruiter scans a CV

Instruction: In pairs — show 2 different CVs (printouts). Each person has 6 seconds to answer: “what did you remember?”, “which role does it fit?”. Note insights on a flipchart: headers, layout, first 1/3 of the page decides.

20–30'

📊 Mentimeter PRE

Baseline — 3 questions on matching, bullet writing, ATS rules.

30–65'

📋 MODULE 1 — Ad analysis & Match map

Goal: Read an ad “like a recruiter”

Materials: OG1–OG6, Card CV1, markers

Step‑by‑step:

Pick 1 ad (or your own)
Colour 4 sections: MUST‑HAVE, NICE‑TO‑HAVE, TASKS, KEYWORDS (skills/tools/role names)
On Card CV1 make a table: In the ad ↔ My evidence ↔ Where it goes in CV
Mark gaps (what’s missing) and compensations (what shows similar value)

Success criteria: Min. 10 keywords + complete match table

65–95'

🔤 MODULE 2 — Keywords & synonyms

Goal: Build a keyword list for ATS & recruiter

Materials: Card CV2

Instruction:

Extract role names, tools, competencies (e.g., “customer service”, “Excel”, “communication”, “B2 PL”)
Add synonyms/variants (e.g., “customer service” / “obsługa klienta”; “MS Excel” / “spreadsheets”)
Make a Top‑15 list and plan where they go: Summary, Skills, Experience (bullets), Education/Training

Mini‑exercise (5’): Turn 2 generic phrases into specifics with numbers (e.g., “customer service” → “handled 30+ inquiries/day, 92% CSAT”)

95–105'

☕ BREAK

Time to recharge

105–145'

📝 MODULE 3 — Achievement bullets (STAR → one‑liner)

Goal: Write measurable role‑matched bullets

Materials: Card CV4 (templates), MP2 from scenario 06 (STAR achievements — if available)

Bullet pattern: verb + task/context + action + result (number/%/time/quality)

Example: “Processed 25–30 tickets/day (mail/phone), introduced Excel macros → response time −35% in 6 weeks.”

Pick 5 requirements from Card CV1 and write 1 bullet for each
Ensure your wording includes keywords from CV2
Highlight the result (numbers or qualitative outcome: feedback, award, deadline)

Peer‑check (5’): In pairs — verify each bullet matches a specific requirement

145–170'

📄 MODULE 4 — ATS‑friendly layout + 6‑second test

Goal: Arrange sections and check readability

Material: Card CV3, layout examples

ATS rules:

Standard headers: “Summary”, “Experience”, “Education”, “Skills”, “Languages”, “Projects/Volunteering”
Formatting: 1 column, no tables/graphics/icons; font 10.5–12; margins 1.5–2 cm
File names: Surname_Role_City_CV.pdf
Length: 1 page (≤5 years exp.) or 2 pages (if justified)
Sensitive data: no birth date, photo optional, no full address
Ad language = CV language

6‑sec test: Swap CVs — partner has 6 seconds to say “which role” and 2 visible keywords at first glance

Success criteria: Partner correctly identifies role + 2–3 key competencies

170–178'

📊 Mentimeter POST + send plan

Goal: Close & implement

Instruction: POST (same 3 questions). Each person writes 1 ad to apply to within 48h + list of missing pieces to fix.

178–180'

🎯 Closing

Instruction: Photos of sample CVs (no personal data), reminder about neutral file names and logos on workshop materials.

📑 Printable workshop materials

Format: A4, one per person

🗺️

CARD CV1 — Match map (ad ↔ me)

In the ad (quote/phrase)	My evidence (project/role/result)	Where in CV (section/bullet)	Gap/compensation

🔤

CARD CV2 — Keywords & synonyms

Keyword from ad	Synonyms/variants	CV section	Used? (✓)

📄

CARD CV3 — CV layout & sections (ATS‑friendly)

📋 CV structure:

Header (name, phone, email, city, link)
Summary (3 sentences, 3–5 keywords)
Experience — role | company | period | 3–5 result bullets
Education
Skills (hard/soft)
Languages (CEFR)
Projects/Volunteering
Training/Certificates

💡 Formatting rules:

1 column, no tables/graphics/icons
Font 10.5–12 pt
Margins 1.5–2 cm
File name: Surname_Role_City_CV.pdf

📝

CARD CV4 — Bullet template (STAR → one‑liner)

🎯 Pattern: [Verb] + context/task + what I did + numeric/qualitative effect (%/number/time/CSAT/deadline)

✨ Examples:

“Organised a fundraiser for 120 people, recruited 8 volunteers → +35% attendance vs previous edition.”
“Implemented a contacts database (Sheets), reduced response time by 40% in 4 weeks.”
“Handled 25–30 tickets/day (mail/phone), introduced macros → response time −35%.”
“Delivered training for 15 new employees, achieved 95% test pass rate.”
“Coordinated logistics project, reduced costs by 12% while maintaining quality.”

My bullets:

1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

✅

CARD CV5 — Quality checklist + Rubric CV‑R

📋 Checklist (✓/✗):

☐ 1) CV language = ad language
☐ 2) 10+ keywords used
☐ 3) 5 result bullets
☐ 4) First 1/3 page says “who I am”
☐ 5) 1‑column, readable layout
☐ 6) Correct file name
☐ 7) No errors, no sensitive data
☐ 8) Consent line (if required)

Criterion	0 pts	1 pt	2 pts	Score
1. Match to the ad	No keywords	Partial	Full match	___/2
2. Result bullets	Generic	Partly measurable	STAR with numbers	___/2
3. Readability/ATS layout	Hard to read	Partly readable	ATS‑friendly	___/2
4. Language consistency	Inconsistent	Partly consistent	Fully consistent	___/2
5. No formal errors	Many errors	Some errors	Error‑free	___/2
TOTAL:				___/10

📊 Interpretation:

0–3 pts: Starting — needs more work
4–7 pts: Solid — minor fixes
8–10 pts: Ready to send!

💼 Ad set OG1–OG6 (anonymised)

Sample job ads for workshop exercises

OG1 — Office Assistant

Required: document organisation, Excel, phone contact, PL B1/B2
Tasks: correspondence, archiving, phone handling
Nice to have: office exp., CRM

OG2 — Sales/Customer Service

Required: cash/terminal, shifts, communication, PL B2
Tasks: customer service, sales, order
Nice to have: retail exp., schedule flexibility

OG3 — IT Support (junior)

Required: helpdesk, ticketing, Windows/Mac, EN B2, PL B1
Tasks: technical support, troubleshooting
Nice to have: IT certs, networks

OG4 — Logistics/Warehouse

Required: receiving/shipping, WMS, accuracy
Tasks: warehouse ops, QC, inventory
Nice to have: forklift licence, logistics exp.

OG5 — Social media/NGO

Required: content plan, Canva, reports, events, EU values
Tasks: manage social media, event org
Nice to have: NGO exp., trends

OG6 — Barista/retail

Required: service, cleanliness, teamwork, shifts, smile
Tasks: prepare drinks, cash register, cleanliness
Nice to have: gastronomy exp., coffee knowledge

📘 Trainer guide

🏢 Logistics

Room: U‑shape + 4 tables; 1 flipchart; projector

Printouts: A4, 1/person: Cards CV1–CV5 + Ad set OG1–OG6

Equipment: Computers (if available) or printouts

Evaluation: Mentimeter PRE/POST

Plain language & specifics: short sentences, numbers, outcomes
Fit > “pretty graphics”: layout should help find content
Anti‑bias: photo optional; focus on skills
Consistency: keywords from the ad must reappear in CV
Legality & ethics: truthful CV; no third‑party data

Language barrier: PL↔EN/UA glossary; allow original tool/role names in ad language
No computers: Work on printouts/notes; retype later
Less time (120’): M1 25’, M2 15’, M3 25’, M4 25’
More time (+30’): Add mini cover‑note (3 paragraphs: why the company, why me, CTA) or LinkedIn profile

Mentimeter PRE/POST: 3 questions (see Evaluation)
Outputs: CV1–CV5 + tailored CV
Peer‑review: 2 random CVs using Rubric CV‑R
Attendance & consents: List; consent to photos of outputs only

Before:

Print CV1–CV5, OG1–OG6
Example good/weak CVs
Mentimeter ready
Timer
Flipchart & markers
Projector working

After:

Photos (no personal data)
Collected CV‑R rubrics
Saved Mentimeter results
List “ad to apply within 48h”
Documentation per project rules

On cards & slides:

“Bridges of Hope” logo
EU flag + “Co‑funded by the European Union”
Erasmus+ logo
Partners (KIS, Asociația Se Poate)
Space for project number & info clause

⚠️ Data sensitivity

Keep participants’ data confidential. Work on sample/anonymous data during the workshop. Photos should not include sensitive personal data.

📊 Workshop evaluation

Mentimeter questions (PRE & POST)

1. “I can tailor a CV to a job ad (keywords, sections, bullets).”

Not at allPartlyDefinitely yes

2. “I know how to write a result bullet with a number/outcome.”

Not at allPartlyDefinitely yes

3. “I know ATS‑friendly rules (layout, headers, file naming).”

Not at allPartlyDefinitely yes

Additional comments & suggestions:

📈 Success indicators

Average PRE → POST increase: Min. +1 point on each question
Outputs: 100% participants complete CV1–CV5
CV quality: Min. 70% score 6+ in Rubric CV‑R
6‑second test: Min. 80% pass peer‑review
Application plan: Min. 90% have a concrete ad to apply within 48h