Write a CV for an English-Speaking Job - Tips to Write a Great Resume

Summary

This lesson by Oxford Online English offers valuable insights on how to write an effective CV or resume in English. It covers essential sections such as the personal profile, work experience, education, and skills, providing tips on how to highlight your strengths and achievements. The video offers practical examples and guidance, focusing on how to craft clear and specific content. It also emphasizes the importance of proofreading and consistency in CV formatting, while suggesting the inclusion of relevant skills and hobbies. Whether you're starting out or refining your CV, this lesson provides useful advice for job applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 CV and resume have the same meaning; 'CV' is more common in the UK, while 'resume' is more common in the USA.
• 😀 A CV typically includes a personal profile, work history, education, skills, and optionally hobbies and interests.
• 😀 Your personal profile should be a short, 4-5 sentence introduction of yourself, including your career goals and skills.
• 😀 Avoid clichés like 'team player' or 'good communicator' in your personal profile; use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
• 😀 Use time references in your personal profile, such as 'during', 'over the last ... years', or 'since', to avoid repetitive sentence structures.
• 😀 Your work experience section should list job roles, companies, dates, responsibilities, and achievements in bullet points or sentence fragments.
• 😀 For work responsibilities, use active and specific language (e.g., 'Created promotional materials' instead of 'Made promotional materials').
• 😀 The education section should include your institution, qualification, grades, and dates, along with any relevant modules or projects.
• 😀 If you have significant work experience, you can keep your education section concise without going into details about high school results.
• 😀 Optional sections like skills, languages, and hobbies can be added at the end of your CV, showcasing your proficiency or interests.
• 😀 Always proofread your CV before submission to avoid mistakes that could result in it being discarded by recruiters.

Q & A

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

In everyday use, a CV and a resume are the same thing. However, the term 'CV' is more common in the UK, while 'resume' is used more frequently in the USA. Despite some beliefs of a difference, both refer to a summary of one's employment history, education, and skills for job applications.

What should be included in the personal profile of a CV?

The personal profile should include a brief introduction about yourself, your key skills, and your career goals. It typically consists of four to five sentences, starting with an introduction to who you are, followed by your relevant skills, and concluding with your career aspirations.

How can you make your CV personal profile stand out?

To make your personal profile stand out, avoid clichés like 'team player' and 'good communicator.' Instead, provide specific examples of your skills and achievements, such as past internships or leadership roles, and focus on what you can contribute to the job you're applying for.

Is it better to write your personal profile in the first or third person?

It is generally recommended to write your personal profile in the first person using 'I.' Writing in the third person can sound impersonal and distant, so first-person writing helps create a more approachable tone.

What should you avoid when describing your skills in the personal profile?

You should avoid overused and vague terms like 'team player,' 'good communicator,' or 'passionate.' Instead, focus on showing your abilities with concrete examples and specific details about your work experience or accomplishments.

What style should you use when listing responsibilities in the employment history section?

When listing responsibilities in the employment history section, use sentence fragments starting with either an '-ing' verb or a past simple verb. For example, 'Designing training programs' or 'Designed training programs.' Avoid mixing the two styles in the same list.

How should you highlight your achievements in the employment history section?

To highlight your achievements, use active and specific vocabulary. Instead of general terms like 'made promotional materials,' use more precise verbs such as 'created' or 'designed.' This demonstrates your involvement and responsibility more clearly.

What information should be included in the education section of a CV?

The education section should include the institution, qualification, grades, and dates of study. For example, 'University of Warwick, 2015 to 2018, BSc in Chemical Engineering, 2:1.' You can also include relevant modules, projects, or your thesis title if it's pertinent to the job you're applying for.

Is it necessary to include details about high school education in your CV?

If you have significant work experience or relevant achievements, it may not be necessary to include high school details. For more experienced professionals, the focus should be on higher education or work history rather than secondary school exam results.

Should you include hobbies and interests in your CV?

Including hobbies and interests in a CV is optional. While some people choose to add them, it depends on the relevance to the job. If you do include them, make sure they are appropriate and reflect positively on your personality or skills.