Writing a CV

CV – What does it mean ? The word CV comes from the Latin name Curriculum Vitae Which means “course of life” or Simply “Life Story” This is a list of your personal details, educational history, qualifications, experience, and interests—that is to say, the story of your life from a professional point of view.

It is to obtain an Interview. Why do you need it? It is Not to obtain a job. It is to obtain an Interview. CV is an advertisement of your abilities. It sells you and lets the companies know you.

PARTS OF A CV There are many different models of CVs. When writing a CV, you should include:

PERSONAL DETAILS (name, address, telephone, email, date of birth, nationality, etc). PERSONAL STATEMENT (brief summary of your status and personality, make it relevant to the job you are applying for). EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION (include dates, places, etc). WORK EXPERIENCE (include detailed data relevant to the job you are applying for). LANGUAGES (specify your command of languages: level, certification, etc. Some people put this information in “Other Information”).

INTERESTS AND HOBBIES OTHER INFORMATION (include any other information that has not been included before and can be relevant for the job i.e: driving licence, own car, computer literate, etc). REFERENCES/REFEREES (include two people that know you professionally so that about your work when asked, you should provide as much informthey can give reference ation as possible about them (email, telephone, work address, etc)so that your future employer can contact them easily.

What to avoid Small or big fonts (the ideal are Arial, Verdana and Times New Roman, size 10 or 12 Photo unless it is asked Poor quality paper and printer Unnecessary information Colours Abbreviations Negative words Spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes

Writing a COVER LETTER

Your name and contact information. Recipient's name and contact information. Identify the position you are applying for and mention where you found the announcement and when. If you have been referred through a person, mention their full name and title. Introduce yourself, your educational degree and your current employment situation. Begin by stressing your interest in the company and display some knowledge of its activities and/or achievements.

Identify your strong areas and why you think you match the position requirements. Highlight your biggest achievements and refer to your resume for more details. Close the letter by promising the reader to contact them on a specific day and time to schedule an interview. Thank the reader for taking the time to read your letter. Sign your name preceded by "Sincerely," "Cordially," or "Best Regards

PARTS OF A COVER LETTER The Start Dear Personnel Director, Dear Sir or Madam: (use if you don't know who you are writing to). Dear Dr, Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms Smith: (use if you know who you are writing to, and have a formal relationship with VERY IMPORTANT use Ms for women unless asked to use Mrs or Miss). Dear Frank: (use if the person is a close business contact or friend). The Reference With reference to your advertisement in the Times, your letter of 23 rd March, With reference to your phone call today. Thank you for your letter of March 5 th .

The Reason for Writing Requesting Enclosing Documents I am writing to inquire about… I am writing to apply for ... I am writing to apologize for… I am writing to confirm… Requesting Could you possibly? I would be grateful if you could… Agreeing to Requests I would be delighted to… Enclosing Documents I am enclosing… Please find enclosed… Enclosed you will find…

Reference to Future Contact Closing Remarks Thank you for your help. Please contact me if there are any problems. Please, contact me if you have you have any questions. Reference to Future Contact I look forward to ... hearing from you soon. I look forward to ... meeting you next Tuesday. I look forward to ... seeing you next Thursday. The Finish Yours faithfully, (If you don't know the name of the person you're writing to). Yours sincerely, (If you know the name of the person you're writing to) Best wishes, Best regards, (If the person is a close business contact or friend)