Read what a human resources manager says about CVs and compare your ideas in ex. 1.

APPLYING FOR A JOB

Curriculum Vitaes

Work in groups. Discuss these questions.

1. What makes a good CV?

2. How long should it be?

3. What should it contain?

Read what a human resources manager says about CVs and compare your ideas in ex. 1.

There's lots of advice on CVs and a lot of it differs so it's hard to say exactly what the perfect CV is. I'd say a good CV should cover no more than two sides of A4 paper and be divided into clear headings. The first section should include personal details: name, address, telephone number, email and things. Some employers like to see a photo, too. You can always phone the company and find out.

Next comes education and qualifications starting with the most recent things. The third section deals with work experience – again starting with the most recent job. I think it's important here to be brief so use bullet points and. You don't need to use complete sentences as long as it's very clear what you've done.

Following this is the section on professional skills. Show the employer your abilities, including your ability to use IT and foreign languages.

Finally, detail your interests. An employer likes to know what kind of person you are and things like team sports, for example, show this.

Perhaps the most important thing is to show how you meet the criteria in the job advertisement. Make it easy for the employer to ask you to an interview.

Presentation is also important. Good quality paper and a clear typeface make a difference. And once you've written your CV check your grammar and spelling carefully.

Useaction verbs to describe your experience. They attract attention and demonstrate that you are an 'action' person. What are these typical action verbs in your language?

achieve		introduce
co-ordinate		manage
create		organise
develop		plan
direct		research
establish		set up
implement		supervise

3. Read the text again. Are these statements true or false? Correct any false statements. How is this advice different to CVs in your country?

1. A CV should be no longer than two pages.

2. You should always include a photograph.

3. You put the most recent experience first.

4. You should write in full sentences.

5. An employer is not interested in your hobbies and interests.

6. You should adapt your CV to the job description.

7. You should use good quality stationary.

8. You should make sure there are no grammar and spelling mistakes.

4. Now look at the CV. Does it follow the advice above?

Resume / CV

Thomas Crown       Objective Seeking an International Sales Management position in Information Technology where my extensive sales experience will be used to the full         Experience 2003-present Intelel Inc. London, UK   National Sales Manager   Increased sales from £60 million to £100 million. Implemented Internet sales grossing £25 million. Doubled sales per representative from £5 to £10 million.   2001-2003 Teletrona Systems Edinburgh, UK   Northern Sales Manager   Increased regional sales from £95m to £200m. Suggested new services adding £35m to revenue. Expanded sales team from 30 to 60 representatives.   1999-2000 ESS Holdings Cambridge, UK   Senior Sales Representative   Increased sales by 300% annually. Closed deals with 100 major new accounts. Won over 25 competitor clients - adding £50 million to revenue.   1996-99 ESS Holdings Cambridge, UK   Sales Representative   Increased sales by 300% annually. Awarded company's top sales award each year. Developed 'Winning Presentations' training course. Education 1992-96 London University London, UK   BA, Business Administration & Information Systems Captain of University Rugby Club   1988-92 St Andrew's School Plymouth, UK   4 GCE 'A' Levels President of school's Drama Society Interests St Andrew's Board of Governors, rugby, drama, chess         17 King's Terrace, Richmond, Surrey, UK Tel: +44 181 123 456 Email: [email protected]

5. Draft your own CV using the sample form below. The words in italics will give you some ideas how to present each section in a CV.

Curriculum Vitae

NAME	DATE OF BIRTH
ADDRESS	NATIONALITY
TELEPHONE	SEX

EDUCATION

WORK EXPERIENCE
June - August 1999	Merrill Lynch: Private Banking Intern Skills gained: working in a team report writing working to deadlines supervision of others liaison with clients

ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS
…… - …….	Cellist in school and college orchestra
…….. - …….. Summer 1998	Skills gained: performing in public social skills Publicity officer, College Geographical Society Skills gained: managing a budget working to tight deadlines Travel round Eastern Europe Skills gained: planning and organizing independence

ADDITIONAL SKILLS
	clean driving licence conversational French computer literate, Microsoft Office, Excel and Word

REFERENCES
Prof. N Smart Kings Charles College London WCIZ 9ZZ (Tutor)	Mr T Davis Merrill Lynch London EC3T 2NB (Employer)

6. Show your СV to a partner / your teacher. Ask him or her to evaluate it using these check points.

1. Does it look good?

2. Does it list experience starting from the present?

3. Is it too long / too short?

4. Is the contact information clear?

5. Does it provide a good basis for an interview?

Cover Letters

1. A short cover letter should always accompany your CV. Organise the following advice into two categories, dos and don'ts.

1. Type your letter of application.

2. Use interesting coloured paper.

3. Write at least two pages.

4. Repeat what is already on your CV.

5. Point out professional skills that you have acquired.

6. Emphasise how you believe you meet the employer's needs.

7. Tell the employer that you will call in to discuss your application.