Writing a CV / Résumé

A CV (CURRICULUM VITAE) is usually longer and more detailed than a résumé, with

no specific limit on the number of pages. It shows a full history of your education, work

experience, publications, skills, and achievements. CVs are mostly used for academic

or research jobs, and in countries like the UK and Europe.

A RÉSUMÉ, on the other hand, is shorter, usually just 1-2 pages, and highlights only

the most important skills, work experience, and qualifications for a specific job.

Résumés are mostly used in business and industry jobs, especially in the US and

Canada.

In short, a CV gives a complete picture of your career, while a résumé is a brief summary

focused on one job.

What parts does a CV have? Match the parts with their meaning:
1- Personal details - A. jobs you did before

2- Education and qualifications - B. things you enjoy (e.g., playing a sport)

C. your name, address, date of birth, email, phone

3- Work Experience -
number

D. the name of your school / college; exams you

4- Skills -
passed

5- Interests - E. things you can do (e.g., speak a language; drive a

car; use a computer)
F. names of people who know you (e.g., your teacher
6- References - or your boss), and who can say that you’re good for a
job
Read this job advertisement from a newspaper. Then, choose the correct
answer.
 1- What is the passage mostly about?
A- The need for skilled workers
B- An opportunity for skilled researchers
C- Several vacancies at a company

2- A research assistant at Bio Labs must

A- be familiar with computers
B- have studied biology
C- have excellent computer skills

3- Which is NOT true of maintenance jobs?

A- Training is provided on the job
B- Applicants must have experience
C- Some employees work at night

VOCABULARY – A- Match the words with their definitions

1- Unskilled a- needed
2- Desirable b- not requiring special training
3- Skilled c- wanted, but not needed
4- Necessary d- requiring special training or education
5- On the job e- happening while you are at work

B- Write a word that is similar in meaning to the underlined part

1- What period of time are you working today?

__ __ __ F __
2- John doesn’t meet the requirements

__ __ __ L __ __ __ __ A __ __ O __ __
3- Do scientific studies on how the business is performing

R __ __ __ A __ __ __
4- People trying to get an available job should send their CV to …

A __ __ __ __ __ A N __ S
 5- An educational class is available.

T R A ___ ___ ___ N ___ C O __ __ S __

-------------------- --------------------- ---------------------------

JOB INTERVIEW.
A job interview is your chance to show an employer what he or she will get if you’re
hired. That is why it is essential to be well prepared for the job interview. There are five
basic types of interviews:
The Screening Interview
This is usually an interview with someone in human resources. It may take place in
person or on the telephone. He or she will have a copy of your résumé in hand and will
try to verify the information on it.
The Selection Interview
The selection interview is the step in the process which makes people the most anxious.
The employer knows you are qualified to do the job, BUT the employer needs to know
if you have the personality necessary to “fit in.”
The Group Interview
In the group interview, several job candidates are interviewed at once. The interviewer
or interviewers are trying to separate the leaders from the followers. The interviewer
may also be trying to find out if you are a “team player.” The type of personality the
employer is looking for determines the outcome of this interview. There is nothing more
to do than act naturally.
The Panel Interview
The candidate is interviewed by several people at once. It can be quite intimidating as
questions are fired at you. You should try to remain calm and establish rapport with each
member of the panel. Make eye contact with each member of the panel as you answer
his or her question.
[En español, rapport se traduce como "relación armoniosa" o "buena relación". Se refiere a una
conexión positiva entre personas, donde hay confianza, comprensión y una comunicación fluida.
Es un concepto que se usa tanto en contextos personales como profesionales, y es clave para
crear un ambiente de trabajo colaborativo o fortalecer las relaciones interpersonales]
The Stress Interview
It is a technique sometimes used to eliminate those that cannot handle adversity. The
interviewer may try to artificially introduce stress into the interview by asking questions
so quickly that the candidate doesn’t have time to answer each one. The interviewer
may also ask weird questions, not to determine what the job candidate answers, but
how he or she answers.
------------------ --------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Preparing for the Interview
Before you begin to think about how you will dress for the interview, or answer
questions, you should gather as much information about the employer as you can.
Dressing for the Interview
Appearance is very important. Your hair should be neat and stylish. Your nails should
be well manicured and clean. Men’s nails should be short. Women’s nails should be
of a reasonable length and polished in a neutral color. Also, for women, makeup
shouldn’t be heavy. Perfume or cologne should be avoided as some people find
certain scents offensive.
Body Language
Eye contact is very important but make sure it looks natural. A smiling, relaxed face
is very inviting. Hands resting casually in your lap rather than arms folded across your
chest also is more inviting.
Answering Questions
Speak slowly and clearly. Pause before you answer a question. Your answers will
seem less rehearsed and it will give you a chance to collect your thoughts.
Asking Questions
Usually toward the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any
questions. You should have some. You should ask about what a typical day would
entail. You could also ask what special projects you would be working on.
Illegal Questions
We have all heard horror stories of interviewers asking job candidates inappropriate
questions, such as those about marital status, age, and family status. These questions
should not be asked, but it is up to you whether to answer them.
Money Questions
Money is a very sensitive topic. The candidate shouldn’t bring it up. However, the
interviewer may bring it up first. He or she may ask what salary you hope to earn.
You must prepare for this question before the interview. Find out what others in the
same position are earning. Always give a range, not an exact number.
After the Interview
This is something that is too often neglected. It’s the thank you note or follow-up letter.
It is your chance to reiterate something you mentioned on the interview or bring up
something you forgot to mention. It is also a nice gesture and a simple matter of
politeness.
Match the common interview questions on the left with the suitable
response from the list on the right.

Attending interviews

Good interviewers prepare their questions carefully in advance according to the

candidate’s application and CV. So, candidates need to prepare just as carefully.
Here are some useful tips on answering interview questions.

1. What don’t you like about your current position?

No job is perfect; there’s always something we don’t like. Be honest but don’t give
a list of complaints. The important thing is to talk positively about how you deal
with problems at work.
2. Where does your employer think you are today?
Be honest. If you lie to your current employer, you’ll lie to your next employer. Don’t
phone in sick on the day of the interview. Take a day’s holiday but don’t say why.

3. What are your professional objectives?

Think about these before the interview. Your objectives should be relevant to the
job you have applied for and achievable. If the new job can’t offer you everything
you want, the interviewer will think that you probably won’t stay with the company
very long.

4. What are your weaknesses?

Be honest; no-one is perfect. Think about this before the interview and choose
your answer carefully. Talk about how you deal with a weakness; this is far more
important than the weakness itself.

1. Interviewers ask every candidate the same questions.

2. You shouldn’t mention problems with your current job.

3. You should arrange to have a day off for the interview.

4. You should give your personal objectives.

5. Your objectives should suit the position you apply for.

6. You should practise your answers at home.

7. You shouldn’t discuss things you aren’t good at.