2. In pairs, discuss the following questions. Listen to Silvia and her friend Sophie, discussing cVs and check your answers.

1. What are the two most popular ways of structuring a CV?

2. What are key differences between the two most popular ways of structuring CVs?

3. Does any of Sophie’s advice surprise you?

c) Listen again and complete the following CV structures:

Chronological CV	Skills-based CV
1.your name in large letters	9. ________ ________ in large letters
2. ________ details	10. ________ ________
3. (________ ________)	11. ________ ________ / Career profile
4. ________ / Academic Qualifications	12. Key ________
5. ________ ________	13. ________ ________ details
6. Activities and ________	14. ________ / Professional qualifications
7. Additional ________	15. ________
8. ________	16. ________

6. a) Discuss the questions:

1. What general skills and knowledge do most employers look for in job applicants?

2. Apart from specific qualifications and technical expertise, what skills and knowledge have you got that make you employable?

b) Match the transferable skills (1-8) to the examples of professional behavior (a-h):

analytical skills	a) I have a justified belief in my ability to do the job. I am able to express my opinion or provide advice when necessary. I am good at making decisions.
creativity	b) I actively seek feedback on my performance and carefully consider feedback. I demonstrate an interest in and understanding of my own and other cultures. I understand my own strength and limitations.
self-confidence	c) I am good at getting a good deal. I am good at developing and managing relationships with others. I am able to persuade, convince and gain support from others.
communication skills	d) I am able to formulate new ideas to solve problems. I am able to think ahead to spot or create opportunities. I set aside thinking time to come up with alternative ways of getting things done more effectively.
independence	e) I can work with sustained energy and determination on my own. I can find ways to overcome obstacles to set myself achievable goals. I strive forward my own targets and refuse to settle for second best.
interpersonal skills	f) I am good at data analysis. I am excellent at interpreting data to see cause and effect and am able to use this information to make effective decisions.
negotiation skills	g) I am able to express myself effectively. I am able to make my opinions totally clear and am rarely misunderstood. I produce clear, well-written reports that can be easily understood.
self-awareness	h) I am good at working cooperatively. I am good at working and communicating within a team to achieve shared goals. I am a good listener.

c) Work with the mind map. Follow Appendix 5.

d) Read the personal statement from the skills-based CV and find words and phrases which demonstrate the following points: education; character; knowledge; experience; success. Answer the questions on it.

Well-organised, highly motivated communications strategy adviser. Geography graduate with recent professional experience developing communication strategy for positive change. Currently completing Master’s in developing Studies with specific focus on sustainability. Fluent spoken and written English. Self-motivated, resourceful and able to motivate others, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

1. What sort of person am I?

2. What is my area of professional expertise?

3. What is my most important qualification?

4. What is my most relevant skill for the job?

5. What am I doing at the moment?

7. Read Marc’s chronological CV. He is applying for graduate schemes specializing in Environmental consultancy and Impact assessment. Answer the questions:

1. Which school did he go to?

2. What subjects did he study at school?

3. At which university did he study?

4. What subject did he study?

5. What did he do while he was in Germany?

6. Where is the Eden Project?

7. What did he do there?

8. What does he think his strengths are?

9. What does he do in his free time?