GoodCVKeyToJob

A GOOD CV = A KEY TO A JOB

Whatever the name you give it : " Curriculum Vitae ", " Resumé " or " Personal Data Sheet " in the USA, it means the same thing : making yourself known to your potential employer. Seeing that a potential employer spends no more than one minute per CV and that he must cope with a huge number of them, you will understand that a good phraseology and an appropriate lay-out become essential.

A good CV should preferably not exceed one page. When writing your resumé, try to think of the impact it will have on the reader. Try to focus on what has been important in your career history. Some people are in favour of the reverse chronological order. If you have had a career gap (e.g. to raise your children), the Anglo-saxon companies would not view this negatively.

THE HEADINGS :

Personal information always comes first. It includes your first name (avoid " Christian name " because of the religious connotation) and surname or last name.

Your full address must be stated with your phone number. Try to give a fax number. No other information about your private life is required. The famous " situation familiale " is sometimes illegal in Anglo-saxon CVs and in any case is never formally mentioned. It might be viewed as discriminatory. Just indicate you date of birth (D.o.B.) and your age, if you wish, next to it.

EDUCATION :
It covers diplomas and university degrees. In the UK, education from the age of 11 should be explained along with the qualifications obtained. Degrees are usually awarded by universities, although some Higher Education Colleges have also the right to award them. " Baccalauréat " is either not translated from the French or translated by " A level equivalent ". The closest equivalent for " licence " is " B.A. equivalent ".
PROFESSIONAL/WORK EXPERIENCE :

We suggest the following order : title, description of the post and finally the place.

Titles : Assistant Manager ( for example)

Description of the post :

ensured the interface between the clients and the suppliers.

handled the international liaison.

ensured a permanent phone presence.

welcomed American tourists in the city.

assisted them in their administrative tasks.

Place : P.L.M. La Ciotat (13)

LANGUAGES :

State your level of proficiency.

" mother tongue " : for a native speaker.

" bilingual " : perfect command of the foreign language.

" fluent " : ability to speak without hesitation or fear of making mistakes.

" conversational level " : ability to converse in a foreign language.

" working knowledge " : use of language in professional situations.

STAYS ABROAD/TRAVELS :

Do not forget to mention the foreign countries visited.

COMPUTER SKILLS OR LITERACY :

It is important to specify it (type of machine, name of software, level of competence).

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST :

Avoid " hobbies ". You might prefer " general interest ".

THE COVERING LETTER :

Known as " letter of application " in the academic world, it represents the first and only contact with your prospective employer, so the greatest care must be given to its appearance. It must be printed on good quality paper with a neat and professional typing.

Ideally, each letter should be tailored to each job announcement. Emphasize aspects of your background and all relevant experiences to the job. Try to match qualifications and experience with the job description. Also state your availability for an interview.

EXAMPLE OF COVERING LETTER :

1st october 2001

Dear Sir, Madam,

In reply to your advertisement dated ... published in ..., I would like to apply for the position of ....

As you will see from the enclosed resumé, I have just completed a course in ... (topic) at ... (school)

My previous executive secretarial positions have prepared me to handle a job in which I could make full use of my solid secretarial skills.

I have an excellent command of word processing (Word 7) combined with the ability to use more dedicated software such as Excel, Publisher and Lotus. I also master the Internet browser EI5 and MS Outlook.

Well-travelled, I am able to answer the phone in 3 different languages.

Hoping that my application will be considered favourably, I look forward to meeting you shortly at your earliest convenience.

Yours faithfully,

Signature (preferably readable)

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A GOOD CV = A KEY TO A JOB

Whatever the name you give it : " Curriculum Vitae ", " Resumé " or " Personal Data Sheet " in the USA, it means the same thing : making yourself known to your potential employer. Seeing that a potential employer spends no more than one minute per CV and that he must cope with a huge number of them, you will understand that a good phraseology and an appropriate lay-out become essential. A good CV should preferably not exceed one page. When writing your resumé, try to think of the impact it will have on the reader. Try to focus on what has been important in your career history. Some people are in favour of the reverse chronological order. If you have had a career gap (e.g. to raise your children), the Anglo-saxon companies would not view this negatively. THE HEADINGS : Personal information always comes first. It includes your first name (avoid " Christian name " because of the religious connotation) and surname or last name. Your full address must be stated with your phone number. Try to give a fax number. No other information about your private life is required. The famous " situation familiale " is sometimes illegal in Anglo-saxon CVs and in any case is never formally mentioned. It might be viewed as discriminatory. Just indicate you date of birth (D.o.B.) and your age, if you wish, next to it. EDUCATION : It covers diplomas and university degrees. In the UK, education from the age of 11 should be explained along with the qualifications obtained. Degrees are usually awarded by universities, although some Higher Education Colleges have also the right to award them. " Baccalauréat " is either not translated from the French or translated by " A level equivalent ". The closest equivalent for " licence " is " B.A. equivalent ". PROFESSIONAL/WORK EXPERIENCE : We suggest the following order : title, description of the post and finally the place. Titles : Assistant Manager ( for example) Description of the post : ensured the interface between the clients and the suppliers. handled the international liaison. ensured a permanent phone presence. welcomed American tourists in the city. assisted them in their administrative tasks. Place : P.L.M. La Ciotat (13) LANGUAGES : State your level of proficiency. " mother tongue " : for a native speaker. " bilingual " : perfect command of the foreign language. " fluent " : ability to speak without hesitation or fear of making mistakes. " conversational level " : ability to converse in a foreign language. " working knowledge " : use of language in professional situations. STAYS ABROAD/TRAVELS : Do not forget to mention the foreign countries visited. COMPUTER SKILLS OR LITERACY : It is important to specify it (type of machine, name of software, level of competence). OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST : Avoid " hobbies ". You might prefer " general interest ". THE COVERING LETTER : Known as " letter of application " in the academic world, it represents the first and only contact with your prospective employer, so the greatest care must be given to its appearance. It must be printed on good quality paper with a neat and professional typing. Ideally, each letter should be tailored to each job announcement. Emphasize aspects of your background and all relevant experiences to the job. Try to match qualifications and experience with the job description. Also state your availability for an interview. EXAMPLE OF COVERING LETTER : 1st october 2001 Dear Sir, Madam, In reply to your advertisement dated ... published in ..., I would like to apply for the position of .... As you will see from the enclosed resumé, I have just completed a course in ... (topic) at ... (school) My previous executive secretarial positions have prepared me to handle a job in which I could make full use of my solid secretarial skills. I have an excellent command of word processing (Word 7) combined with the ability to use more dedicated software such as Excel, Publisher and Lotus. I also master the Internet browser EI5 and MS Outlook. Well-travelled, I am able to answer the phone in 3 different languages. Hoping that my application will be considered favourably, I look forward to meeting you shortly at your earliest convenience. Yours faithfully, Signature (preferably readable)

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