Unit 5.

CV’s and cover letters

Motto: “Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ’em,
‘Certainly, I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.”
(Theodore Roosevelt)

Objectives:

In this unit you will learn:

 how to draft and layout a CV / Resume

 how to tailor it to specific job requirements

 how to design a cover letter / letter of intent in point of structure, degree of formality, and
layout

 how to slant the information in it to make it suit the needs of the company you are writing
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 UNIT 5. CV’s AND COVER LETTERS

Lead-in

In groups of four agree on at least 4 criteria you would use to evaluate the company you would
like to work for. The group spokesperson will then present them to the class.

Job ads

Looking at job advertisements is one of the most common ways of finding out about vacancies.

Task 1
Read the following job ads and fill in the gaps with the appropriate words that are given below.
Caution! There are two words too many.

cover letter, motivation, scheduled, experience, confidence, demands, responsible for, career,
report to, expedite, command, marketer, forward, package, based, requirements, position,
professional, degree, commensurate with, candidate, industry.

1.
Matcote Ltd. Romania

American company looking for

SOFTWARE PROGRAMMERS
to work in USA and Romania

You will be …(1)… software programming services and …(2)… the IT Director of your
company.
Requirements:
 One-year minimum programming …(3)… in PHP, Xhtml, CSS, MySQL, xml (a
plus), Perl (a plus), Java Script (a plus), Windows NT (a plus).
 A …(4)… in Computer Science, helpful.
 The …(5)… will require to travel to the United States but will be …(6)… in
Romania.

Compensation …(7)… experience and ability.

Please urgently …(8)… your CV in English to office@matcote.com .
Interviews are …(9)… on May 12 -13.

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2.
EllionMobile – Lubricants and Specialties

Our client, EllionMobile, one of the world’s largest companies in the oil industry, with
operations in more than 125 countries, is a leading …(10)… of automotive and industrial
lubricants.
For its representative Office in Romania the company is looking for one …(11)… to fulfil
the …(12)… of the following position:

AUTOMOTIVE AREA MANAGER

The Successful …(13)… :

 At least two years of experience in business development and sales in lubricants
or automotive …(14)… ;
 University degree;
 Good …(15)… of English;
 Very good PC SKILLS;
 Located in Transylvania area;
 High …(16)… for independent work and a lot of travelling in the region.

Attractive …(17)… , intensive training and …(18)… opportunities within international

organisation are offered. For detailed information regarding this position, you are invited
to send until May 16th (in full …(19)…) your CV with …(20)… to:

Argirom Counsel
13-15 Mircea Voda Street, Bucharest
e-mail: argir@argirom-consulting.ro

CVs

It is common knowledge that, when you want to apply for a position, one of the documents you
need is your curriculum vitae. But how much do you actually know about CVs?

Task 2
In pairs, work through the list of statements below and try to agree whether each is true (T),
partially true (PT) or false (F):

1. A CV is a summary of your career history focused on the skills and experience you have
acquired.

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2. The CV is less important than other activities, e. g. interviews, in getting a job.

3. The aim of a CV is to get you to an interview with the employer.
4. Once you have written your CV you can use it every time you apply for a job.
5. Employers like a detailed, lengthy CV because it gives them complete information for
screening candidates.
6. The CV should contain details about your age, sex, marital status and ethnic origin.

Read the text below and check your answers:

1 If you are applying for a position, you will be asked to submit a CV also called a
"curriculum vitae," or a “résumé”, which is one in a series of important steps one takes towards
getting a job. Your purpose in preparing a CV is to interest a prospective employer enough to
invite you for a personal interview. Don’t forget that the space you have to present your most
relevant qualifications is rather limited (and the reader’s time is even more so!)

2 However, what is most relevant actually depends on your employment goal. In order for
a résumé or curriculum vitae to be effective, it must be targeted at the employer who is going to
read it. If you plan to apply for more than one type of job, you may develop more than one
version of your résumé. You may want to highlight different skills depending on the employment
opportunity.

3 Before drafting your resume, make a list of everything you might include. Eventually, you
will choose what to include or exclude, but initially it is important not to overlook anything
relevant.

4 As to the content and organization, you should remember that every résumé or CV
should include information about your education and relevant professional experience. Think
through the skills you would like to emphasize. For example, if you would like to stress your
organizational abilities, write descriptions which incorporate specific accomplishments
demonstrating those abilities.

5 A CV also includes publications and presentations. Many other sections may be added,
including a job objective, honours and awards, summary of qualifications, extracurricular and
community activities, certifications, professional memberships, languages, computer and
research skills, and background information.

6 Contact information such as your name and address should always come first. (Details
about gender, age and marital status may be included only if this is necessary and relevant to
the job you are applying for, but a CV does not generally comprise such information.) Continue
with whatever category of information is most important, given your career goal. In many cases
this is "Education". Continue to add categories in decreasing order of importance. One

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exception is "Publications." Despite their importance, if you have a long list, it is usually placed
at the end. Within each category, give information in reverse chronological order. In general,
whatever is most relevant merits the most space.

7 There is no page limit for a CV although you should present information as concisely as
possible. Most graduate students will be able to manage with not more than two pages, plus
publications in case one is applying for an academic position. This limit of two pages plus
publications is appropriate for most industrial research positions as well. For most other
employment, a one-page résumé is preferred. Usually academic settings, other non-profit-
making organizations and government agencies are the most tolerant of length. In many
businesses, there is a strong preference for a one-page résumé. In any case, if you use more
than one page, put the most important information on the first page (with the exception of
publications).

8 So, don’t forget: write a draft, experiment with the format, leave out irrelevant
information, have the résumé critiqued by a counselor or someone more experienced in the field
of recruitment, and make at least one more draft before you produce the final version.

(based on http://www.alec.co.uk/cvtips/cvreject.htm)

Task 3
Below are several CV fragments. Read them carefully and then fill in the CV format on page 112
with fragments a-j.

a)

1990-1995 Bachelor of Science Degree

POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, Department of
“Engineering and Management of Technological Systems”, Major:
Industrial Robotics
 Top of my graduation class: GPA 9.84 (on a 1 to 10 scale)
 Main focus on programming and analysis by Finite
Elements Methods

b)

1.10.1996- Assistant Professor at POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest,

present Faculty of Engineering and Management of Technological
Systems, Department of Machines and Production Systems

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c)

 First language: Romanian

 Other languages: English: fluent
Spanish: conversational

d)

1996-1997 Master of Science Degree in Industrial Robotics, POLITEHNICA

University of Bucharest, thesis: “Analysis of articulated structures of
industrial robots”

e) Available upon request

f)

1.07.1995- Network Engineer with ROM CANADIAN NETWORK

12.04.1996
Responsible for the installation, upgrading, configuration and
administration of company network.

g) Mountaineering, football, music

h) Member of ASME

i)

1996-1999 PhD Degree in Industrial Engineering from POLITEHNICA

University of Bucharest. Thesis: “Research on the optimisation of
industrial robot structural elements”

j) JAVA, C++, Perl, PHP; VB, ASP, COM+, SQL Server, Oracle

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RADU POPESCU
29 Pantelimon Str., 73561
Bucharest
Romania
Tel. (004021) 627 3541
e-mail: radupopescu@radu.ro

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

AFFILIATIONS

LANGUAGES

COMPUTER SKILLS

LEISURE INTERESTS

REFERENCES

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Task 4
Compare the CVs below and answer the following questions about each of them:

a. How is the information organised?

b. What makes it clear, easy to read?
c. What details are relevant to the objective?
d. How does it give evidence of accomplishments?
e. What is your overall impression?
f. Which do you prefer? Can you think of situations in which you would prefer one of the CV
formats below to the other? Why?

MARIA WAJDA
5 Daffodil Lane, Atlanta 0725
tel. (021) 432789
mariaw@gmail.com
Professional Objective
To develop my professional skills with a challenging company, to build upon my
experience and advance my career.

Qualifications
 Master of Science Mechanical Engineering (2001)
Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
 Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering (1997)
Krakow University, Poland

Work Experience
M&S Power Station , Georgia (2001-present)
Mechanical Engineer for main turbine and auxiliaries. Performed mechanical testing
and troubleshooting. Organised, coordinated and delegated responsibilities to a team
of 10 employees.

Georgia Refinery (2000-2001)

Test engineer. Responsible for testing, troubleshooting and tuning the instrumentation.
Resolved a serious steam supply problem for refinery.

Krant Power Plant, Krakow (1998-1999)

Station Engineer responsible for plant wastewater and room unit coolers.

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Volunteer Experience
Member of the Krakow Engineering Club, entertainment officer: organised and
coordinated social events (1995-1997)
Private tutor (Mathematics, Physics) –Krakow University (1995-1997)

Languages
 Polish (mother tongue)
 English (fluent)
 French (conversational)

Computer Skills
JAVA, Oracle, C++, SQL Server

Professional Affiliations
American Association of Mechanical Engineers
International Society of Quality Control

References
Available upon request

MICHAEL RAIMOND
10 Corvette Street, Liverpool 4957, UK
tel. 356 879
mcraimond@uk.uk

Profile
An innovative and ambitious professional with experience in waste removal and management.
Sound knowledge of environmental rules and regulations. Willing to travel or relocate. Bilingual
in English/German.
Qualifications
MS in Industrial Chemistry, London University, 1998
BS in Environmental Science, Purdue University, 2000

Additional Training
Environmental Law
Hazardous Waste Management
Underground Storage Tanks

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Management Skills
 Served as assistant to the Director of National Environmental Association
 Coordinated hazardous waste transportation operations of several companies
 Coordinated the proper storage and disposal of waste
 Delegated duties to a team of 20 people

Consulting and Negotiation Skills

 Provided consulting services regarding safety transportation and environmental
regulations
 Coordinated efforts between companies and environmentalist agencies
 Mediated an agreement between nuclear plants and local residents

Communication and Presentation Skills

 Communicated with all levels of authority on matters related to health, safety and waste
disposal
 Prepared and delivered speeches in front of various delegates of environmentalist groups

Professional Membership
National Environmental Health Association
Academy of Hazardous Materials Managers

Employment History
Tonkin and Taylor Consulting Engineers, consultant in hazardous waste management, 2002-
2004
National Environmental Association, Project Manager, responsible for site rehabilitation and
design, 2000-2002
Watercare Services Ltd., Assistant Manager, advanced waste treatment unit 1999-2000

References
Available on request

Task 5
Listen to Emily Dickson, Personnel Director of a large multinational company. Write down four
tips she mentions for writing a successful CV. Bear them in mind when drafting your own
resume.

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Task 6 Over to You

Before designing your own CV, carefully consider the questions below and answer them in note
form:
a. What education background do you have? List highschool and university attended, date
enrolled, diplomas and degrees, major field of study, major courses taken in university.
Class or graduation rank, if outstanding. Grade Point Average (GPA) if very good.
b. What work or employment experience do you have? List both paid and unpaid work as
well as volunteer experience. List places and dates. Mention any hands-on experience
you have (e. g. research/projects you have done in connection with your university
subjects)
c. What kind of special awards / recognition have you received? Specify the name of the
award, the date received and who gave it to you (e.g. First Prize, Countrywide Physics
Olympics, 200X).
d. What experience in supervising, managing or coordinating people have you had? List both
paid and volunteer experience.
e. What special skills or abilities do you have? (e.g. computer skills)
f. What job or position are you looking for?
g. What is your job / employment objective?

Example:
Job objective: Seeking a summer position in which my skills in engineering and
computers may be applied to problem solving and analysis.
Career objective: Seeking a career in research and development in aerospace with an
opportunity for steadily increasing responsibility and advancement.

Task 7
Read the advertisement below and write your own CV.

Dialphone Ltd. Romania

Mobile phone operator looking for customer service representative.

Responsibilities
 attending to customers
 responding to emergency calls

Requirements
 keen interest in mobile phone technology
 good command of English
 communication skills
 ability to work well under pressure and keep abreast of current technology in the field

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Task 8
Pair up with a colleague and give feedback on each other’s CV. Consider the following
questions.

Is your CV right for the job?

Are you comfortable with the content?
Does it meet the needs of your potential employer?

Cover Letters

Task 9
In pairs, work through the list of statements below and try to agree whether each is true (T) or
false (F):

1. You must include a cover letter when you send your CV to an employer.
2. A good cover letter can be sent to several companies in response to different job ads.
3. The cover letter provides additional information about you and gives a glimpse of your
personality.
4. You should impress the reader by writing long elaborated cover letters.
5. In a cover letter you should emphasise what you are looking for rather than the
contributions you can make to the company.

Task 10
Fill the gaps in the cover letter on the next page with one of the sentences 1-6. Careful! There is
one sentence too many.

1. The CV I have enclosed details my qualifications and further suggests how I might be of
service to Microchip.
2. I read your advertisement for software engineers in the January issue of the IEEE Spectrum.
3. I will be available for an interview at any time that is convenient to you.
4. I am interested in a position that will allow me to develop the skills I have acquired in
computer programming.
5. Your company meets my professional expectations, namely a career in software
engineering with an opportunity for steadily increasing responsibility and advancement.
6. I also have substantial experience in the design of interactive CAD software.

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24, Thirty-second Street

New York 12180
September 4, 2002
Ms. Anna Kleine
Recruiting Coordinator
Human Resources Department
Microchip Corporation
473 Sunny Valley
Burlington, New Jersey 05876

Dear Ms. Kleine:

...............(A)............... .I was drawn to the ad by my strong interest in software design and the
reputation of your company in the area of microchip technology. ...............(B)............... .

I have worked with a CALMA system in developing VLSI circuits. ...............(C)................ Due to
this experience, I can make a direct and immediate contribution to your department. Moreover,
my good command of Spanish and my experience in project managing would benefit your
company when dealing with potential clients ...............(D)...............

If you are interested in a results-oriented and dedicated professional, please contact me at the
above address or by telephone at (518) 271-9999. ...............(E)............... .

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely yours,
Michael Roundtree
Michael Roundtree

Task 11
Remember that cover letters are formal pieces of writing. The following statements are informal.
Change them into formal ones with the help of the words and phrases in brackets.

1. You needn’t send the documents in advance. (unnecessary, submit, beforehand)

2. I am writing to ask about possible summer jobs.(enquire, employment opportunities)
3. At present, as R & D Director I boss around a group of 450 guys who design and test
electrical motors in three separate facilities. (manage and supervise, persons)
4. I want to tell you that the interview is scheduled for 5 December. (inform)
5. During my university studies I had the chance to help professor Halsbury in his lab work.
(opportunity, assist)
6. I was in charge of a direct mail campaign which pushed up our customer base by 4.6%.
(responsible, increased)

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Task 12
Character Adjectives. Match the sentences in column A with the adjectives in column B.
Careful, there are 2 adjectives too many!

A B
1. I never worry about anything. a) cooperative
2. I am good at finding effective solutions to problems. b) sensible
3. I am easily hurt. c) narrow-minded
4. I am able to deal with people in a way that does not offend d) easy-going
them.
5. I am very friendly. e) moody
6. I am reasonable and practical. f) sensitive
7. I work very hard. g) reliable
8. I can easily make changes and deal with a changing situation. h) diligent
9. I cannot accept any idea that is different from mine. i) resourceful
10. I think I am more important than other persons. j) self-centred
11. I am willing to work with others to achieve a common goal. k) tactful
12. I can be trusted. l) outgoing
13. I am confident and not afraid of saying what I want. m) flexible
n) inquisitive
o) assertive

Task 13
Which of the adjectives mentioned above can be considered qualities that an employer would
look for in a candidate? Why? Can you think of other work-related qualities?

Task 14
For management positions, big companies usually have elaborate application forms which
include boxes for short essays on the candidate’s previous experience in specific situations.
Each situation may be focused on one of the qualities discussed in 12. Read the example
below. Can you guess which quality it illustrates?

When I was a member of the Local Education Authority, we decided to raise 10,000 E to set up
a multimedia laboratory at the local school. I recognised the opportunity for gaining sponsorship
from local companies and set a personal target of 6,000 E. I wrote a personalised letter to the
local companies. I followed up each letter with a visit to present my proposal. I raised 8,000 E all
by myself.

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Task 15
Think about one of the qualities in Task 12 and write a similar paragraph, then show it to your
partner. See if s/he can guess what quality you had in mind.

Task 16
Remember your CV and cover letter need to be grammatically correct. Can you use articles,
verb tenses and prepositions correctly? Do the exercises in this unit and find out.

A. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate article (the, a/an, zero article). (For further information
on articles, go to the Grammar Reference section, page 200.)

Dear Mr. Cork,

I am writing in connection with your advertisement in …(1)… Sidney Telegraph of 17 November

for …(2)… position of …(3)… assistant program director.

I have …(4)… degree in Psychology from the University of London, as well as …(5)… certificate
in Computer Science. I also hold …(6)… MBA from …(7)… Business Academy of New York.
After graduating, I worked as …(8)… school councillor for …(9)… Bakersfield College in
London.

At present, I am employed as …(10)… psychologist by MGC Advisor, …(11)… mixed British –

American company specialised in …(12)… mergers and takeovers. I am also part of …(13)…
management team of …(14)… company’s program for …(15)… prevention of work- and
alcohol- related disorders and counselling on such issues.

I have also undergone specialised training in …(16)… USA as part of …(17)… University of
Chicago’s summer 2001 Program for Alcohol/Drug Treatment. Thus, I have spent quite some
time in the USA, and I am …(18)… easily adaptable, hard-working person. I enjoy meeting
…(19)… people from other countries, and am considered to be friendly and enthusiastic.

I enclose my CV and would be glad to attend …(20)… interview at …(21)… time convenient to
you, provided that it is set on …(22)… date that allows me to make it to your country by plane.

Yours sincerely
Rhonda Jackson
Rhonda Jackson

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B. Put the verbs in brackets into the appropriate tense. (For further information on tenses, go to
the Grammar Reference section, page 203.)

Dear Mr. Green

I …(1)… (write) to apply for the position of Science teacher which …(2)… (be advertised) in B-
News on the 19th November.

I am a twenty-two-year-old student in my senior year at Lancaster University, studying for a

degree in Science. I also …(3)… (hold) a degree in child psychology from the Faculty of
Psychology, Lancaster University.

For the past year I …(4)… (be employed) as a part-time Science teacher by Baker Public
School, and I …(5)… (teach) children, as well as teenage students.

I am a very friendly, enthusiastic person, and I …(6)… (enjoy) teaching and, in particular,
working with children. As my references …(7)… (show), I am considered to be reliable and able
to handle responsibility. I …(8)… (not object) to a full-time position, either, since my schedule for
this academic year …(9)… (allow) me to hold one.

I …(10)… (enclose) a CV and references from my current employers, and would be glad to
attend an interview and/or an evaluation test at any time convenient to you.

Sincerely yours,
Robert Douglas
Robert Douglas

C. Read the letter and fill in the blanks with the correct preposition in the box. Some
prepositions may be used more than once.

after at for from in on with

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in connection …(1)… your advertisement …(2)… The Daily Telegraph …(3)…14th
May …(4)… the position of Financial Manager Assistant.

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I have a degree …(5)… Financial Management …(6)… UCLA as well as a certificate in

Computer Science.

…(7)… graduating, I worked as an accountant for a small private company in Sidney, Nebraska
…(8)… two years. …(9)… present I am employed by M.B.N., a large accountancy firm …(10)…
Atlanta.

I am a very reliable and organised person and I am willing to work long hours.

I have enclosed a CV and would appreciate a reply …(11)… your earliest convenience.

Yours faithfully,
Julian Gray
Julian Gray

Task 17 Over to You

a. Can you remember the formal writing conventions which you learnt in Unit 4? You will
need to use them when writing your own cover letter. Also, you can find more specific
information about cover letters in the box below.

COVER LETTER FORMAT

Sender’s
address
Date of Writing

Receiver’s name (if possible)

Title
Name of Organisation
Address

Dear __________________________:

Introductory Paragraph:
 State why you are writing (to apply for a position).
 Explain how you heard about the position (name of publication and date, name
of a personal reference).
 If you are writing an unsolicited letter to an organisation with no announced
openings, be as specific as possible about the type of job you are seeking.

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Body of the Letter:

 Present your strongest and most relevant qualifications for the job, in
decreasing order of importance.
 Use specific examples in demonstrating what you can do for the employer
instead of merely listing skills you have or relevant courses you have taken.

Closing paragraph:
 Close by making a specific request for an interview.
 Remind the reader that you are willing and able to be of service to the
organisation.
 Thank the employer for his/her consideration.

Yours sincerely/faithfully,

(Your hand-written signature)

Your typewritten name
Enclosures: (i.e. resume)

Re-read the job advertisement in task 7 and write a cover letter to accompany your CV. Send it
to the following address: Dan Ionescu, Recruiting Officer, 44 Calea Dorobanþi, Bucharest 1

b. Pair up with a colleague and give each other feedback on your cover letters in terms of
content, layout, accuracy, sentence and paragraph structure.

I. CASE STUDY

The class divides into two groups.

Group A:
Dorin Soare is looking for a new career opportunity.
He has found the opening below. Read it carefully.
Form groups of three and read Dorin’s biography presented at the end of this section. In
groups, write Dorin’s CV and cover letter for the job ad below.

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Sensor Inc.
We are an international company, based in Poland, producing high tech safety and sensor
systems for industrial automation. We are looking for a marketing manager whose main
responsibility will be to achieve business development objectives by researching and improving
marketing opportunities and plans.
Requirements:
 University degree
 minimum 2 years experience in similar position
 fluent English
 independent, self-motivated, results oriented
 analytical, creative and managerial skills

Group B:
Dorin Soare is looking for a new career opportunity.
He has found the opening below. Read it carefully.
Form groups of three and read Dorin’s biography presented at the end of this section. In groups
write Dorin’s CV and cover letter for the job ad below.

NOVA IT Ltd. Romania

British Company looking for

NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR
This is an opportunity to work in a well-established international company providing IT
assistance to a large number of clients. Your duties and responsibilities will involve handling
customer enquiries, solving IT related problems, communicating with internal and external
support specialists.
The successful candidate’s profile:
 Fluent in English (other foreign languages are an advantage)
 PC hardware and software skills
 Technically minded and willing to learn
 Ready for intensive training
 Excellent communication skills
 Ability to work in a team

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Dorin’s Biography

Dorin Soare, 27. Graduated from SF. SAVA Highschool in 1995 – top of his class. Received a
Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Telecommunications, Major: Telecommunications, from
POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest (2000) and an MBA in Marketing from the Academy of
Economic Studies (2002). As a student he took part in an Electronic Signals and Circuits
contest, coming fourth at national level (1998). He won a scholarship to study Computer
Graphics at Bournemouth Technical University (1999). He is now Assistant Brand Manager with
Key Systems Ltd. in Bucharest. His responsabilities include the following: designing market
strategy, raising brand awareness through point-of-sale displays, radio commercials, assessing
consumer behaviour regarding the design of hardware units. From July 2000 to March 2003 he
worked as Telecommunications Engineer with Titan Digital Exchange, where he was
responsible for the supervision and maintenance of digital equipment. While a student he had
various part-time jobs: e.g. sales agent (selling computer components), contributing to feasibility
studies for companies (collaboration with the Romanian Institute for Management). He is fluent
in English; his computer skills include: CAD/CAM, Data Base Program, MS Office (Word, Excel,
Access). He has got a clean driving license.

When you have finished, compare the CVs and letters focusing on the differences arising from
different job requirements.

Checklist

Tips on how to write a successful CV

 Keep your CV short, clear and relevant.
 The heading at the top of your first page should be your name.
 Use reverse chronological order for your qualifications and work experience sections.
 Create a separate section for foreign languages.
 Use words which suggest a proactive attitude and positive thinking.
 Use figures. They add impact.
 Don't rely on the spell check to pick up any mistakes, read the CV over thoroughly.
 Ask someone else to proof the CV for you (a fresh eye is useful to spot mistakes or offer
suggestions).
 If you apply to an online recruitment company the CV's will often be searched by
keywords. Therefore, aim to include words and phrases that are relevant to your skill set,
experience and industry sector.

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Useful CV vocabulary:
- Career / employment objective: seeking an entry-level position with …/ a position as …
Engineering assistant / seeking a responsible position as a …
- education: progressing towards a Bachelor of Science degree in…Engineering,
(expected 2006) / practical training includes field work in … / class rank: 2nd in class of
100 students / specialisation / honours /
- work experience: assist on ( a project) / assist sb. in (doing sth.) / implement / innovate /
manage / administer / train / make field observations / supervise / handle customer
complaints / responsible for / co-ordinate / design / develop

Cover letter vocabulary

Introduction:
Dear Mr/Mrs./Miss/Ms. Roberts,
Dear Madam or Sir,

Introductory Paragraph:
Following your advertisement …
Your advertisement for … which appeared in …
I am writing to request information about…

Body of the Letter:

I have worked with …
I have substantial experience in …
I am interested in a position that will allow me to develop the talents I have developed in …
I have enclosed a copy of my CV …
This work experience has enhanced my …
I gained a great deal of practical experience in …
extensive experience in / deal with / responsible for / take policy decisions / a knowledge of / act
as a… / be familiar with / my work experience has familiarised me with… / complete a .. course /
have the opportunity to use my training and organisational skills / my experience and expertise
would qualify me for the position of… / responsibilities covering areas such as… / competent /
consistent / communicative / effective / efficient / flexible / professional / proficient / resourceful /
dedicated / imaginative / motivated / a negotiator / reliable / strategist / co-ordinate / design /
develop / expand / streamline / supervise / systematise / install / improve /increase / head /
assess / oversee / negotiate / schedule / intimate familiarity with procedures / thoroughgoing /
work well with others / work in harmony

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Closing Paragraph:
I will contact you next Thursday …
I will be available for an interview …
You can reach me at …
If you are interested in a results-oriented and dedicated professional, please call me at …
If you wish to arrange an interview …
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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