Empyment Communication: Cover letter & CV Professional English 2 – 3 MAS Sem1 2014

Introduction What perception on talent and people management do each of the following pictures illustrate? Which one do you prefer?

Brainstorm (pair work)  What is important when choosing who to work for?  Take down at least 5 features of a satisfying job  Take down at least 5 elements that will certainly put you off  What about...  Ethics?  Perks and privileges?  Performance related pay?  International assignments?

How to select the best people for the job?  Steps in applying for a job?  How do employers know which applicant has the most potential?  How to STAND out from the crowd? First things first… Summary Writing5

COVER LETTER Summary Writing6

Cover letter Some useful jargon  Cover/covering/motivation letter, letter of application  Not the same as: reference letter, letter of reference/recommendation 3 kinds of cover letters:  Standard, conservative letter  Standard, speculative letter  Letter for creative jobs

Survey Results

Real-life example A good motivation letter? Comment on  Structure  Content  Style

Before you get started – key tips  Keep it brief. No more than one side of an A4. No essay. Use brief, informative sentences and short paragraphs.  Language - Avoid inappropriate language such as slang or technical jargon. - Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation carefully. - Use your own words not formal long-winded clichés. - Action verbs can help to make it sound better.  Do careful research Find out what makes them special. Read the advert closely so that you can tailor your application to the requirements of the job.  No lying or exaggerating!

Structure The usual order of a job application letter or is:  Introduction: mention the position you apply for  Second paragraph: Why you want the job/company  Third paragraph: Why you are the perfect candidate for the job  Closing paragraph

1/ Introduction  Addressing ‘Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms xxxx’ if you know the person’s name ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ if you don’t know their name.  State the job you’re applying for as a heading, or refer to it in the first sentence of your letter, using the reference code if there is one.  Where you found out about it If you heard about it through someone already working for the company, mention their name and position.  Mention it appealed to you + smoothly introduce paragraph 2

2/ Why you want the job/company MOTIVATION  Why you're interested in that type of work  Why the company attracts you (if it's a small company say you prefer to work for a small friendly organisation!)  Your current situation - optional:  if you’re working, briefly outline your current job. Pick up on the job requirements outlined in the advert and focus on any of your current skills or responsibilities that correspond to those requested. TIP: NEVER give negative comments on your current employer  If you’re still studying, focus on the relevant aspects or modules of your course.

3/ Why are you the perfect candidate for the job  Summarise your strengths and how they might be an advantage to the organisation.  Relate your skills to the competencies required in the job.  Language:  Linking words (first, secondly, as a third, furthermore etc.)  Start with a question: refreshing

Closing section  Thank the employer and say you look forward to hearing from them soon  Hope for an interview  When you can start to work (optional)  End “Dear Mr Bloggs“ => end with "Yours sincerely“ "Dear Sir or Madam" => end with "Yours faithfully"

Useful suggestions  Leave out words/phrases expressing doubt  Be original  Use of insiders’ names  No salary questions  Mention and include appendices (normally only CV). Creative jobs: also portfolio

CURRICULUM VITAE CV / RESUME Summary Writing17

Before you get started – key tips A marketing document designed to sell your skills and strengths rather than just portray a bio of the candidate.  Format your resume wisely (25 min scan!)  Identify accomplishments, not just job descriptions What was the benefit of having done what I did?  Quantify your accomplishments

Strong Resume Structure 1.Personal + contact details 2.Open with a strong, clear headline 3.Build a powerful professional summary 4.Include a list of core competencies 5.The meat of the resume - professional experience 6.Education and Training 7.Qualifications 8.Interests 9.References

2. Open with a strong, clear headline  Let the reader know who you are, and what you're looking for. Be clear and concise.  If you're looking for management assistant roles, “ASSISTANT MANAGER" immediately brands you for the opportunity you're seeking.

3. Build a powerful professional summary  This initial paragraph is in many ways the key to the resume. You're telling the reader who you are, and what makes you stand out from the crowd.  Focus on your differentiators - the things you do differently or better than your peers.  Avoid soft skills, and concentrate on the abilities that will be fleshed out in the body of the resume.

4. Include a list of core competencies  But don't go overboard - 12 is a good number; more can be overkill.  Pick the skills that are most valuable, and most in demand - a search through interesting job postings can be very helpful here.

5. The meat of the resume - professional experience  There's a fine line between too much detail and too little. Don't overwhelm the reader - but do give enough detail on your duties and responsibilities to give clear context for your accomplishments.  Always quantify scope of responsibility - size of teams and budgets - and include numbers for achievements whenever possible. Numbers make the information in your resume concrete and far more memorable.  Order: from new to old

6. Education & training  This section is pretty straightforward - but it's important to keep the format clear and consistent.  Also, professional training can demonstrate both a greater range of skills, and a commitment to professional growth and advancement.

7. Qualifications  This section can include a range of material that adds value –  Technical competencies  Languages  Publications

8. Interests  Optional  Only if you have unique interests that may connect with a potential hiring authority, they can add value.  Sports! Always good to mention. Show sperseverance, team spirit and will stay in the hiring authority's memory. Also: summer camps, youth movements, …  Do be careful to avoid anything controversial - political or religious affiliations, for instance, should generally be omitted.

9. References  Optional  Contact details  Only when approved of!

 Look for a job advertisement (in English!) concerning a position that truly interests you  Draw up a cover letter and a professional CV in order to apply for that job  Select an appropriate style and lay-out  The task should consist of the following three elements: the job ad, your cover letter and your professional CV Task 2 – Application letter & CV Summary Writing28