PDP – Formative Assessment Brief

Term 4 – Week 12

Formative Assessment

As part of your PDP, you are required to submit a formative assessment.

This consists of:

• A UK standard CV
• A UK standard cover letter

You need to submit using Turnitin.

Make sure you include a BPP cover sheet with your SRN.

The submission name is ‘PDP Formative Submission’.

The page order should be:

1. BPP cover sheet

2. Your UK standard CV

3. Your UK standard cover letter

Part 1: UK Standard CV

Find a job description for a role that you would like to apply for and write a UK standard CV as if you are
applying for the role. See Appendix 1 for an example. Some guidance is below:

1. Start by outlining your contact information: Include your name, city, and postcode (E. G
Stratford, London), phone number, and email address.
2. Write a personal statement: This should be a summary of your skills, experience, and why you
are suitable for the job role. The statement should also outline what you will gain from the role.

Highlight your skills: List your relevant skills for the position you are applying for. You should include in your
CV your knowledge and professional skills.

List your work experience: Start with your most recent employment and work your way back. For each job,
include the job title, name of the company, location, employment dates, and a brief description of your
responsibilities, skills and achievements.

List your education achievements: include name of qualification, the institution, location, and the dates you
attended. Include any other professional qualifications, or Awards.

3. If you have space, and it is relevant, include a section on your projects and achievements.
 4. List your hobbies and interests, try to tailor them to the role where appropriate.
5. Finish your CV with ‘References are available on request’.

Format your CV: Keep the formatting consistent and easy to read. Use bullet points, bold headings, and clear
section breaks to make it visually appealing.

Remember to tailor your CV to the position you are applying for, highlighting the skills and experience that
are most relevant to the job. Finally, proofread your CV carefully to ensure that there are no errors.

Part 2: A UK standard cover letter

Write a cover letter as if you are applying for the job you have selected for part 1. See Appendix 2 for a
sample. Below is further guidance:

Research the company: Before you start writing your cover letter, research the company you are applying
to. Learn about their mission, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your letter to the company's needs
and show that you have a genuine interest in the position.

Your address and date of writing should go in the top right-hand corner. The company name and address
should go on the left-hand side, slightly lower than your address. Address the letter to the hiring manager or
recruiter by name if possible. If you cannot find their name, use a greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager."

Paragraph structure:

1. Introduce yourself: Begin the letter by introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested
in the position. Mention where you found the job posting and why you think you would be a
good fit for the role.
2. Why should the company hire you? Highlight your skills and experience. Focus on the most
relevant skills and experience that make you a good fit for the job. Provide examples of how you
have used these skills in the past and how they would benefit the company. Do not just repeat
your CV.
3. Why do you want to work for them? Express your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
Explain why you are excited about the opportunity and how you can contribute to the company's
success in your role.
4. Close the letter: Close the letter by thanking the hiring manager or recruiter for considering your
application. Provide your contact information and let them know you look forward to hearing
from them.

Edit and proofread: Before sending your letter, make sure to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for
spelling and grammar errors, and make sure the letter is well-organised and easy to read.

Remember, your cover letter should complement your CV and provide more detail about your qualifications
and experience. Use it as an opportunity to showcase your skills and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the
position. Your letter should be one page in length.
Appendix 1: A sample UK standard CV

John Doe
johndoe@email.com
(123) 456-7890
Stratford, London

Personal Profile

Dedicated and experienced assistant manager with a proven track record of success in the retail industry.
Possesses exceptional organisational leadership, and communication skills. Adept at motivating teams and
achieving sales goals. Experienced in managing inventory, scheduling, and training new employees. Looking
for a new challenge in a dynamic and growing business.

Skills

• Excellent leadership and communication skills

• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and retail software systems
• Ability to multitask and prioritise effectively
• In-depth knowledge of inventory management and sales strategies

Work Experience

Assistant Manager, XYZ Store, Milton Keynes, January 2018 - Present

Key responsibilities:

• Assisting store manager with all aspects of store operations, including inventory management,
scheduling, and employee training.
• Achieving sales targets and improving store performance through effective merchandising and
customer service.
• Managing and supervising a team of 15 employees, providing coaching and support to ensure a
positive work environment.
• Monitoring sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions regarding inventory and
promotions.
• Maintaining accurate records of all transactions, including daily cash deposits and reports.
• Ensuring compliance with all company policies and procedures, including safety and security
protocols.

Shift Manager, ABC Store, Bognor Regis, June 2015 - January 2018

• Managing store operations during assigned shifts, including opening, and closing procedures, cash
handling, and employee scheduling.
• Coordinating with other departments, such as marketing and inventory management, to optimize
store performance.
• Assisting store manager with employee training and development, including coaching and feedback.
• Assisting customers with product inquiries, complaints, and returns, ensuring exceptional customer
service.
Education

• Bachelor of Business Administration (1st class), University of Basildon, Basildon, September 2011 -
June 2015
• A Levels: Mathematics (A), Science (B), Cookery (A*), Basildon College, September 2009-June 2011
• GCSEs: Mathematics (B), English (D), History of Art (A), Basildon College, September 2007-June 2009

Hobbies and Interests

• Watching business documentaries

• Mining BitCoin and NFT
• Developing my presence as a TikTok influencer

References

Available upon request.

Appendix 2: A sample UK standard cover letter

100 Achievement Avenue

Excellentown
Essex
CM12 8JG
28th April 2023
Jane Smith
Shops R’Us
Basildon
Essex

Re: Assistant Manager

Dear Miss Smith,

I am excited to apply for the Assistant Manager position at Shops R’Us. As a recent graduate with a degree in
Management from BPP University, I believe that I have the necessary skills and qualifications to excel in this
role.

During my time at university, I gained valuable experience through various internships and part-time jobs
that have prepared me for a career in management. I have developed strong leadership and communication
skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage teams and projects. Additionally, I have a solid
understanding of business operations and financial management, which I believe will enable me to make a
positive impact on the company's bottom line.

I am impressed with Shops R’Us’ commitment to innovation, and I am excited about the opportunity to
contribute to the company's success. I believe that my skills and qualifications align with the requirements of
this position and would be a great fit for the team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further in an
interview.

Sincerely,

James Morrisey