‘JobsNow!’ Is a magazine for people who are looking for work. Read the ‘JobsNow!’ article about writing a CV and then try to match the paragraph letter with the correct heading.
Getting Ahead in the Job Market
Having problems getting a job? Maybe your CV is letting you down. Pieter Bogaars finds out how to make your CV work for you.
A. ____________________
So you've seen the job of your dreams advertised on the Internet. You think you're the best person for the job, but how are you going to convince the employer to give you an interview?
I asked Carol Lane, from international recruitment agency Ebbers Lane, for some tips. 'Before you do anything else, look through the job description and ask yourself: ''Do I have the skills and experience they're asking for?'' If the answer is ''No,'' don't apply for the job.'
B. ____________________
If the answer is 'Yes', the next thing you have to do is write your Curriculum Vitae (CV). Also called a Resumé, your CV is a summary of your professional and academic achievements. It's the first thing employers look at when they're selecting candidates for interview.
So each time you apply for a job, you should reorganise the information in your CV to make sure that it addresses the job description. 'You'd be surprised how many people send us CVs that don't address the job description, says Carol. 'We just throw them away.'
C. ____________________
According to Carol CVs that make a good first impression have a clean, professional look. 'Use a computer-compatible, easy-to-read typeface like Arial or Times New Roman in 10 or 12 point. And don’t type in CAPITALS! Limit yourself to two pages on A4 paper, or US letter if you are applying to an American company.'
Put your name at the top of the page and your contact details, in smaller type, at the bottom. Organise your information under the following headings:
1. Work experience
Employers are interested in your most recent achievements, so put your present job first.
2. Skills
Only list skills that the job description asks for. Words like 'fluent' speaker of English or ’proficient' user of Microsoft Word will show the employer your level of skill.
3. Education
Put your most recent diploma or degree first. Include the type of qualification, for example, Bachelor of Law, the result you gained and the name of the institution.
4. Interests
Show the employer how interesting you are by including a range of cultural, sporting and community activities that you do in your free time.
D. ____________________
So much for the design, now what about the content, Carol? 'Numbers talk and so do active verbs! Describe your responsibilities and achievements using short, precise points that show very clearly why you're the best person for the job. "A lot of shoes were sold." won't excite anyone, but "Increased shoe sales by 70%." will definitely help you get an interview!'
Well, that's how you make your CV work for you. Good luck and happy job-hunting!
Read the article again and use it to help you answer their CV quiz.
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