CV, Cover Letter, Job Interviews

Catalina, Edwin, Melinda

Graduate CV Template

Header, document and CV title Your first and family name to appear at the top of each page — not "CV"

Profile: A statement of about 30 to 40 words that describe your work skills

Qualification description:List the institution that you studied at, the start and finish date, subject, type of qualification( and the grade).

Work history

Interest and hobbies

Awards and membership of professional bodies

References

Contact details

CV: Advertisement of your skills, interests, experiences!

Targeted, specific and quantifiable!

Use skill headings and job titles.

Sellable content---> gets attention

“References Upon Request”-Outdated

Use numbers to describe responsibilities & achievements

Analyze key words in job-descriptions.

USEFUL TIPS

Enclose it with your CV or a completed application form.

In your covering letter you can draw attention to particular information which you wish to highlight.

COVER/APPLICATION LETTER

Tell them why you are writing - is it in response to an advertisement? Say where you saw the add/ call

Why are you interested? What can you do for the organisation? What are your strengths? Match the terminology used

in the advert and job description. Elaborate on relevant skills and experiences that you

mentioned onCV. Show enthusiasm for the company and the job - do

your research = find out as much as you can about them!

Make them believe that you believe what they believe!

USEFUL TIPS

Introduction: State the Purpose of the Letter why you are writing? why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

Body: Express Interest and Sell Yourself describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it.

Closing:Express Intentions and Thanks than the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up.

FORMAT

The introduction paragraph indicated the specific position or field I am seeking.

If I read only the first sentence of each paragraph, I get the message of the cover letter.

My purpose for sending the letter to the reader is clear. My introductory paragraph motivates the reader to continue. I demonstrate interest in the organization/field. I address specific skills, experiences, or education that the

organization/field is seeking. My cover letter "flows" smoothly. Similar skills are grouped in

the same paragraph. I have thanked the reader. My contact information is included (phone # and email

address). I have indicated my next step

COVER LETTER CHECKLIST

 I address specific skills, experiences, or education that the organization/field is seeking.

My cover letter "flows" smoothly. Similar skills are grouped in the same paragraph.

I have thanked the reader. My contact information is included (phone # and email address). I have indicated my next step My cover letter comes off as personal, warm, and professional. I have used active voice and action verbs. My sentences are easy-to-read, with varied structure and length My cover letter is in a business letter format. There are no spelling or grammatical errors in my cover letter. I have signed my cover letter.

COVER LETTER CHECKLIST

Appelation: CV is widely used in Europe, in the US it known as

Resume;  Australia , Asia and Africa use the terms interchangeably,  referring to pretty much the same document - one that  provides a snapshot of your professional career, background and skills.

The Curriculum Vitae in the US  and Canada refers to a document normally used when applying for scientific and academic positions and is much more extensive, including publications, honors and grants.

How CVs Differ with Countries

Personal Information: Date of birth, gender, marital status citizenship

and a profile photo are commonly included on CVs  in some European countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France or Italy.  

In the UK just like in the US and Canada, Name, address, phone number and email will suffice as personal information. Some countries will include the passport or ID number on the CV. In south Africa for instance, your ethnicity is included on the CV.

How CVs Differ with Countries

Generally, in countries where age and gender are not required, such information is considered sensitive as it could influence the choice of a jobseeker, and not necessarily his/her qualification.

Leaving gaps in the CV is generally not accepted in some European countries eg Germany and Austria. You don’t necessarily need to explain all the gaps on your CV in some other countries.

In Germany it is common to find signed CVs, which is not a requirement in any case. Signatures are totally out of the picture when it comes to other countries.

How CVs Differ with Countries

KEY FACTS The first one-on-one contact between a job seeker  and a �

potential employer or representative

It gives the interviewee the opportunity to sell him/herself

The personality of the interviewee counts�

An successful interview demands background work�

The CV/Resume is Intellectual, the job interview is �emotional.

JOB INTERVIEWS

Master as much information as possible about the �institution.

Prepare every information about yourself that relates to the job.

Sell yourself because no one else will do that for you.

Anticipate questions that will often be asked during interviews.

Be confident about what you are offering the company.

INTERVIEW DOS AND DON’TS

Lie to a potential employer about your skills and �background.

Criticize former employers and colleagues

Talk about money unless you are asked about

Argue with the employer no matter what.

Read from your CV or from notes.

Use personal issues as a reason for quitting first job.

DON’T

Your appearance and body language during �the interview.

�http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd_dGhHAAFc

Your strengths are key feature to increase �your chances and weaknesses could also be used to your advantage.

�http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igSbCFqrE6Q

CONSIDER