English Rewind - 6 Minute English: Does your CV shine?

Summary

In this episode of 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English, hosts Rob and Neil discuss the importance of crafting an impressive CV to stand out in the competitive job market. They explore tips for jobseekers, including how to confidently present one's strengths, be concise, and ensure accuracy. The episode features a story about Daniel Conway, who went viral with a creative approach to job hunting. Additionally, career coach Corinne Mills emphasizes the need for confidence in interviews, where first impressions matter most. The show wraps up with practical advice on writing effective CVs and succeeding in job interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 A CV (curriculum vitae) is a key document for jobseekers, outlining work history, education, interests, and skills.
• 😀 In some parts of the world, a CV is referred to as a 'résumé'.
• 😀 A job interview lasts, on average, less than 10 minutes, making it crucial to make a strong impression quickly.
• 😀 Some jobseekers go to extreme lengths to get noticed, like Daniel Conway, who posed shirtless with 'employ me' written on his chest.
• 😀 The phrase 'stand out' means to distinguish oneself from others and be more visible to potential employers.
• 😀 'Get your strengths across' means to effectively communicate your skills and qualifications to an employer.
• 😀 Confidence is key to making a strong impression in job interviews. Being self-assured in your abilities helps employers trust you.
• 😀 Jobseekers should avoid being too modest and instead showcase their skills with confidence.
• 😀 When writing a CV, being concise is important—keep the document brief, ideally no more than two pages.
• 😀 Providing evidence of past successes (e.g., helping secure clients) can enhance your CV and make you stand out.
• 😀 Accuracy and checking for correct spelling and grammar are critical when writing a CV, as errors can harm your credibility.

Q & A

What is the meaning of 'CV' and how is it different from 'résumé'?

'CV' stands for 'curriculum vitae,' which is a Latin term used to describe a document that lists an individual's work history, education, interests, and abilities. In other English-speaking countries, this document is referred to as a 'résumé.'

Why is it important for jobseekers to have an impressive CV?

An impressive CV is essential because it serves as the first step in getting noticed by potential employers. It helps jobseekers stand out among other candidates and increases the chances of being invited for an interview.

How long, on average, do managers take to decide if they will consider a candidate during a job interview?

According to a recent survey mentioned in the script, managers typically decide whether they will seriously consider a candidate within less than ten minutes of the job interview.

What unusual method did Daniel Conway use to get noticed by potential employers?

Daniel Conway attracted attention by posing shirtless in the street with the phrase 'employ me' written on his chest and uploading a viral video on social media asking to be hired.

What does the phrasal verb 'stand out' mean in the context of job hunting?

In the context of job hunting, 'stand out' means to make yourself more visible or noticeable than others in order to attract the attention of potential employers.

What is the meaning of the phrase 'get your strengths across'?

'Get your strengths across' means to effectively communicate or convey your strengths, skills, and good qualities to an employer so they understand why you're a good candidate for the job.

What quality do jobseekers need to demonstrate according to career coach Corinne Mills?

Career coach Corinne Mills emphasizes that jobseekers need to be confident. She suggests that if a jobseeker isn't confident about their abilities, it will be difficult for an employer to have faith in them.

What advice does Corinne Mills give about being modest during a job interview?

Corinne Mills advises against being modest during a job interview. She encourages jobseekers to confidently highlight their skills and achievements, as this is the opportunity to show how capable they are.

What are some important tips for writing a successful CV mentioned in the script?

Key tips for writing a successful CV include being concise (briefly presenting your information), providing evidence of past success, ensuring accuracy (telling the truth), and checking for spelling and grammar errors.

What is the average amount of time a jobseeker has to make a good impression during an interview, according to the survey?

The survey found that jobseekers typically have about 6 minutes and 25 seconds to make a good impression during the first meeting with an employer.