Work with a partner. Student A read the article "How to, . Write a CV" below, Student II read the article "The Write Way to Find a Job" on page 103.
STUDENT A
Teli your partner what recommendations "How to Write a CV" makes about:
• personal information and experience.
• layout, language and style.
Which of the fifteen points (a--o) in exercise 5 are mentioned in the article?
H O W T O W R IT E A C V
When opplyingfor a job you'll be In competition with a number of other candidates, So your CV is important - interviewers will decide whether or not to see you on the strength of what you have written. Don't just think oj it at a list of facts; it should sum up your personal, educational and career history, as well as being an indication of your strengths and weaknesses, Here arc a jew suggestions:
Presentation
Always type your CV. Use a good typewrite]- or word processor,
If a CV is hand-written, it goes into the wastepaper basket, Use good quality paper, Don't give the Impression this is just another photocopy.
Never send a CV without a covering letter explaining which vacancy you're applying for. If you're writing "on spec", send a short .letter explaining what kind of post vou're looking for,
Don't fax a CV unless you're asked to, It's a confidential document.
Content
Write a list of important headings, "i1io.se should include your name, dale of bird), your address (and your o-mall address, if you liavi1 one), phone number (at work and at hoijrxc), your work record and so on.
Start with your most recent job and work backwards. Don'l leave o.ui any vital information. If you spent a year or two 1 ravelling, say so. Years that are unaccounted For will seem s usul do us.
Don't include any negative information, such as exam failures or lost jobs, lie positive about yourself, but don't tie or you will undermine yourself I'vom the start.
Don'l ask for yourCV to be returned; many companies keep CVsion file for future reference.
(adapted from an article by Uleni Kyriacou in Midweek)
STUDENTB
Tell your partner what recommendations "The Write Way to Find a Job" makes about
• personal information and experience.
* layout, language and style.
Which of the fifteen points (a»o) In exercise 5 (page 13) are mentioned In the article?
ANSWERING advertisements is one way of finding a job, But there is a big gap ibelwecit the number of vacancies filled and those .ulvci'lised, So willing on spec, (o employers can often be a good idea.
The object is to get the employer to ,see yoti - no more, because the best you can hope for from such an approach is an interview, Asking straight out for a job is fatal because it invites a yes or no response. As no one will offer a post to an unknown quantity the answer will always be negative,
There are a number of golden rules:
0 Try to research the name (spelt correctly!) of a specific person to write to,
« 1*111 yourself in the employer's shoes, Think of what you have to offer,
* Try to keep your CV brief •» one page is enough; perfect prose isn't expected - note form is acceptable.
0 Gear your CV to the job• and orgamsntmn. No two CVs should be exactly alike,
* If you've been in work, explain your duties and how your work has evolved, Demonstrate on paper that you are a potential asset.
* List your outside interests and skills. Don't forget your language abilities, Participation in sports can show your capacity for team work.
If your covering letter is in English it should be checked by a native speaker, You should state at the beginning why you are writing and then try to keep the reader interested, You .must establish that you would like an interview, Editruthlesslyi Go over your letter as many times as necessary, Search out and get rid of all unnecessary words and sentences,
;(adaptctl from an article by GeolTey Golzen in THR TIMES)