2. Consult the dictionary and read the words. Mind the stress in the underlined parts.

Human Resources department, curriculum vitae, resume, recruitment agency, application, descrip­tion, specifications, personal qualities, circumstances, qualifications, profile, experience, suitable, aptitudes.

3. Answer the questions.

1. What is a CV (resume)?

2. What is a cover letter?

1. What are the applicants' skills and qualities that are often sought by employers?

2. Have you ever written a CV or a cover letter? Share your experience.

4. Read two texts about writing a cv and a cover letter. Then do the tasks after them. 1

The CV (Curriculum Vitae - lit. record of life) is presenting your qualifications, skills and attributes to the employer. CV demonstrates the suitability of an applicant for the job. As well as providing an insight into previous qualifications and experience, it should show the employer the skills and qualities the applicant has, that will match the position being applied for. In compiling CV the applicant has one objective only - to get an interview in order to get the job.

A CV must be accurate, interesting and up-to-date. It must be pre­sentable so that it makes the best impression possible and gets noticed. It should be relevant - targeted to the needs of each particular position...

The letter of application, sometimes called cover letter, can be as important as the CV because it is the first direct contact between a can­didate and an employer. If this letter is not well written and presented, it will make a poor impression. The letter of application normally con­tains four parts in which you should:

1. confirm that you wish to apply and say where you learned about the job;

2. say why you are interested in the position and your interests are the same as those of the company;

3. show that you can contribute to the job by describing your most relevant skills and experience;

4. indicate your willingness to attend an interview (and possibly say when you would be free to attend).

Before making an application you should analyse the job descrip­tion (the information provided by the employer to establish the skills and qualities they particularly require). Job descriptions can be limited to outlines of the work-related tasks rather than the personal qualities needed. However, it is common now for employers to produce job de­scriptions or person specifications which detail the personal require­ments. They may distinguish between the attributes essential for the job and those that are desirable.

Person specifications will usually include: qualifications, skills, special aptitudes (e.g. IT), interests, personal qualities, circumstances (e.g. availability to travel)...

5. Decide if the statements are true or false.

1 The CV also presents your qualifications to the employer.

2 Any CV must be accurate, interesting and up-to-date.

3 The CV is sometimes called a cover letter.

4 The letter of application normally con­tains two parts.

5 Job descrip­tion is the information provided by the employees to establish their skills and qualities.

6. Match the sections of a CV (1-4) with their explanations (a-i).

1. Education 2. Job description 3. Work experience 4. Profile

a) Name, address and telephone number

b) Date and place of birth

c) Nationality

d) Married or single (give the ages of any children)

e) Dates and places of education

f) Examinations passed, especially if internationally recognized

g) Knowledge of English and of other languages

h) Previous employment

i) Outside interests, hobbies, etc.

7. Look at Anna Rezel’s CV. Match the headings from the box with the appropriate lines of the document.¹

Qualifications - Job description - Education – Interests – Work experience

Curriculum Vitae

Anna Rezel

Via Spartaco 39, Milan, Italy

02 4536 1253

anrezll@casscass.net

1. ____________

A marketing specialist with experience in the advertising industry, Anna speaks excellent English and Italian. She is looking for a job with an international media company in the UK.

2.____________

2001 to present Marketing manager, Cssanti & Cassanti advertising agency, Milan, Italy

1999-2001 Marketing assistant, Avanti & Driver advertising agency, London, UK

3. ____________

1996-1999 Leeds City University

1991-1996 Atherton Bridge School for Girls

4. ____________

BA (Hons) Italian literature with business studies

A levels Economics, History, Italian

5. ____________

Going to the cinema, playing tennis and reading novels