Looking for a Job -
Writing a good
CV and Cover
Letter
I Term - 5th Class
How to
write a
CV
How to
write a
CV
neatly - bullet points - to exaggerate - to highlight - potential -
the layout - selective - relevant
Definition
a. possible in the future
b. deliberately choosing some things and not others
c. to bring attention to something important
d. directly connected with what is happening or being talked about
e. the way that something is designed or arranged on the page
f. symbols, usually small black circles, used in a text to separate each
item in a list
g. to make something seem bigger, more important, better, worse, etc.
than it is
h. in a simple and tidy way
Writing a good CV
When you’re looking for work, you need an attractive, clear
and memorable CV (curriculum vitae) that shows your
potential employer all the skills and experience you have for
the job. What should you include in a CV? This article mainly
focuses on writing a UK-style CV. If you’re applying for a job
internationally, be aware that the standard length, format
and tone can vary from country to country. It’s a good idea
to check the expected format in the country or company
you’re applying to.
Contact details
Make sure the potential employer has a way of contacting
you. Include your full name, telephone number and email
address.
Photo?
In many countries, employers expect to see a
professional-looking photo on a CV. In others, like the UK,
Canada and the USA, the law prohibits employers from
asking for a photo, and it is better not to include one. Try to
find out if it is usual to include a photo in the working
environment you’re applying to.
Education
Make sure the potential employer has a way of contacting
you. Include your full name, telephone number and email
address.
Skills
These could include the languages you speak, the
computer programs you can use well, the
class type of your driving licence and any other professional
skills you might have that are
relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Work experience
List and date the jobs you’ve had and the companies you’ve
worked for, starting with the most recent. It’s usually enough
to cover the last ten years of your work history. Include your
job title, responsibilities and achievements in the job.
If you have a lot of work experience, give the job titles but be
selective about which responsibilities and achievements you
highlight. Reduce the detail about jobs that are less relevant
to the role you’re applying for and draw attention to the
most important experience you bring.
Some useful tips
1. Keep it short … but not too short!
Your CV should be one to two sides of A4 paper. If you
find you’ve got too much information, summarise and
select the most relevant points. If it’s shorter than a
page, consider including more information about your
skills and the responsibilities you had in your previous
roles.
Some useful tips
2. Fill in the gaps.
Avoid leaving gaps in your employment history. If you
were travelling the world, on maternity leave or looking
after small children, include that in your CV.
3. Make sure it’s up to date.
Always ensure your CV is up to date. Include your most
recent experience at the top of each section.
Some useful tips
4. Don’t exaggerate or lie.
Your potential employer can easily check information
about where you have studied and worked. Don’t be
tempted to lie or exaggerate about your expertise,
because sooner or later this will be discovered and
may result in you losing the job.
5. Include a cover letter.
When you send your CV, you should send it with a
cover letter or email to introduce your application. The
cover letter should show your personal interest in the
role, highlight the skills and experience you bring and
encourage the employer to read the attached CV.
Writing a good CV takes time and is hard work, but
these tips and your effort will help you get the best
possible start in your job search. Good luck!
Sort out these elements of a cv and put
them in the right section
Work
Skills Education
experience
“Responsible for production in a reputable
Seoul-based design firm”
Work
Skills Education
experience
“Developed over 200 graphic design
projects”
Work
Skills Education
experience
“High levels of critical thinking, creativity
and problem- solving”
Work
Skills Education
experience
“Led a team of designers to develop
graphic and production materials”
Work
Skills Education
experience
“Excellent communicator who brings
friendliness, confidence and empathy to
leadership and delegation skills”
Work
Skills Education
experience
“Diploma in Graphic Design, York College
(July 2008)”
Work
Skills Education
experience
“Proficient with Microsoft Office, Adobe
Photoshop and Sketch”
Work
Skills Education
experience
“Proficiency in English and Italian”
Work
Skills Education
experience
“BA in Philosophy, Politics and
Economics, University of Oxford (June
1998)”
Work
Skills Education
experience
“MA in Creative Arts and Design, Leeds
Arts University (July 2011)”
Work
Skills Education
experience
“Computer literate”
Watch the video and fill in the gaps:
Philip is the CEO of WebWare, an IT company. He needs to
hire a new sales director as soon as possible.
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil
.org/business-english/youre-hire
d/episode-01
Qualifications:
• a first (1)………………………………
• a master’s degree or MBA
Experience:
• at least 5 years’ relevant experience in an
(2)……………………………… company
• a proven (3)……………………………… in sales
• experience with (4)……………………………… sales
(desirable but not …………………)
Skills:
• a (5)……………………………… player
• strong (6)……………………………… skills
• (7)………………………………
• (8)……………….. (English and another language)
Words:
Interpersonal
Team
track record
Languages
International
Online
Vision
degree
Look at the candidates and form your
shortlist
Names of
people on CV
What is a Cover letter?
Read the example of cover
letter then answer the T/F
questions
https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/c1-writing/cover-letter
Language in a Cover Letter:
prepositions!
https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/c1-writing/cover-letter
Writing practice:
Look at the job advertisements on the website and choose one
to apply for. Think about what experience and skills you have
that you can highlight. Write your cover letter below.
Writing practice:
Writing practice:
EVALUATION CRITERIA
