Writing my Curriculum Vitae and my Cover Letter
What is a CV? ď ľ
A CV is a written description of your work experience, education background and experience.
A CV format should include: 1. contact information name address telephone mobile phone e-mail 2. personal information date of birth place of birth citizenship visa status (if you apply for a job abroad) sex 3
3. optional personal information:
4. employment history: position details and dates (in chronological order) work history 5. education high school graduate school 6. professional qualifications certificates computer skills 7. languages 8. references 9. interests & hobbies 4
RESUMÉ American style ___________________________________________________ Jennifer Roberts Married 1320 Forest Drive No children 1 Palo Alto, CA94309 tel: (650) 498-129 email: jlroberts@mailbox.com _____________________________________________________________________ Objective To obtain a position as a German-English translator with a firm in the Bay Area. Education_____________________________________________________________ 1996-98 Master of Arts in Translation, Stanford University 1990-94 Bachelor of Arts (cum laude*) Major: German; Minor: Russian, Georgetown University 2 ________________________ *at the third level of the three highest levels of achievement that students can reach when they finish their studies at college
5
Experience___________________________________________________ 1998-present 3 1996-98 1994-96 Germany
Freelance technical translator, German-English mostly for hi-tech industries in California Teaching Assistant (German), Stanford University English Teacher, Cambridge Institute, Heidelberg,
Languages
Fluent German and Russian
Personal Interests sailing, cooking and entertaining friends. ____________________________________________________________________ Reference 4 Dr. M. Rosen, Chair, Department of Modern Languages, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA94305
6
Personal details Date of birth: 30th April 1992 Education and qualifications 2010-2011 Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Bangkok (Thailand). Diploma in Nursing Work experience 2011-2012 nurse at Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok
Skills Languages: Thai (fluent); English (elementary). UK driving license Interests I enjoy football and played for the women’s team at school. References Mr Mark Hargreaves, ESOL lecturer, Beechen College mhargreaves@beechen.ac.uk
Things that you have to DO in your CV
No more than two pages.
Say the truth!
Focus on achievements and results.
Check spelling and Word choice.
Pay attention to the organization.
Things that you DON`T have to do in your CV
Use capital letters
Do not use different fonts, try to use Arial or Times News Roman.
Focus on specific points.
Use relevant information.
Avoid the use of “I” or “my”
How To Write A Cover Letter - Rules
Give enough information to interest the reader, don’t overwhelm.
Research the company. Address the letter to a specific person.
Answer an ad if you have 50% of the skills or that the ad requires.
Mention the person who referred you if appropriate.
background
How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents
Your address, city, state, zip, and telephone number.
Date
Name, title, company, address, city, state, and zip of person you’re writing to.
Greeting, followed by a colon.
How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents
Paragraph 1:
What you want.
How you know about the organization.
Mention enclosure of your resume.
Paragraph 2:
Concise overview of work history and skills that will help you perform the job.
Paragraph 3:
State confidence in your ability.
Give information on how you can be contacted.
How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents
Paragraph 4:
Express appreciation
Closing, signature, and typed name
PARAGRAPH 1 I am writing ... - explain which job you are applying for and how/where you heard about it other useful phrases:
•
I noted with interest your advertisement for a .... in today’s edition of ...
•
I am writing in response to your advertisement in ... for the position of ...
•
I would like to apply for the vacancy advertised in ...
•
I am interested in applying for the post of ...
•
With reference to your advertisement in ...
•
As you will see from my CV ...
•
I have enclosed a copy of my CV, from which you will see ...
•
Please find enclosed a copy of my CV.
16
PARAGRAPH 2 Since graduating ... - briefly describe your most relevant qualifications and/or experience other useful phrases: •I am currently studying …. at … •After graduating from …, I … •Since leaving university, I have … •On leaving school, I … •Having gained a degree, I … •While I was working at … •During my employment at … •I am currently employed at …
17
PARAGRAPH 3 I would welcome ... - explain why you want the job and why you think you would be good at it other useful phrases: •This post interests me because … •I would welcome the chance to gain more experience of … •I would be greatful for the opportunity to improve my … skills. •I have extensive experience of …
18
PARAGRAPH 4 I am avaliable ... - say how you can be contacted and/or when you are available for the interview other useful phrases: •If •I
you consider that my experience and qualifications are suitable … am available for interview any afternoon and would be pleased to discuss
the post in person. •I
will be available for interview from … to …
•I
can arrange to attend an interview whenever convenient for you.
19
A CROATIAN COVER LETTER
Tijardovićeva 17 10110 Zagreb (01) 3881 477 hrvoje.horvatic@fer.hr April 22, 2010 SIEMENS d.d. Human Resources Heinzlova 70 a 10000 Zagreb
Dear Sir, I would like to apply for the post of Development Engineer, as advertised in the 20 April issue of Electronics Today. I enclose my CV with the name of one
I am now looking for a permanent position in a dynamic, interesting and challenging working place which would give me an opportunity to fully realize my interests and qualities and to continue my education. I am confident that with my relevant qualifications, knowledge of English and German, as well as my personal qualities, I will be able to satisfy all your requirements. Please find attached a copy of my CV and reference. Hoping that you would take my application under serious consideration, I remain, Yours faithfully, Hrvoje Horvatić Hrvoje Horvatić
21
A COVER LETTER your address: 32 Green Road K-10004 Freetown March 2, 2011 the person in charge: Mr Frank Peterson, Personnel Manager Jeans and Co. 254 Main Streeet Seattle, WA 98502 Dear Mr. Trimm 22
I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for a local branch
My current position managing the local branch of a national shoe retailer has provided the opportunity to work in a high-pressure, team environment, where it is essential to be able to work closely with my colleagues in order to meet deadlines. In addition to my responsibilities as manager, I also developed time management tools for staff using Access and Excel from Microsoft’s Office Suite. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to personally discuss why I am particularly suited to this position. Please telephone me at (360) 352-0259 after 4.00 p.m. to suggest a time that we may meet. I can also be reached by email. Sincerely, Peter Smith Peter Smith Enclosure 23