Audioscripts

Silvia: So, Sophie, I’ve found a really interesting job vacancy at a communications agency in central London.

Sophie: That’s great. Have you sent off your applications?

Silvia: Actually, you were so great at helping me workout what my skills were, I was wondering if you could give me some words on writing a killer CV.

Sophie: Of course. Okay, so the two most popular ways of organizing a CV are a conventional chronological CV and a skills-based CV.

Silvia: Okay.

Sophie: So, obviously both of them start with your name in large letters.

Silvia: Why large?

Sophie: Your name’s got to be large so that the interviewer can easily find your CV hidden away in a pile of papers on their desk when they interview you! Then after that come your contact details: address, telephone number, email address, your name@hotmail.com, for example.

Silvia: Okay.

Sophie: If you were going to include a personal statement then it would go before this bit under your contact details, but they’re a lot more common in skills-based CVs. So, in a chronological CV you’d start with an education section, outlining your main academic qualifications, most recent first. As well as the basics – university name, degree and graduation date – you can include coursework that’s relevant to the job, academic honours or awards.

Silvia: Then what?

Sophie: Then you’d put your work experience next in chronological order starting with the most recent, with dates, duties, and the key skills you gained in each position.

Silvia: What about my expedition in Argentina last year? Where would I put that?

Sophie: Well, after your education section and work experience in a traditional chronological CV, you’d have a section on activities and interests – I’d put it in there. But remember to focus on the skills relevant for the job that these activities and interests helped you to develop.

Silvia: Right.

Sophie: And then lastly, you can list additional skills such as languages, computer skills, clean driving license and so on. It depends on the job really, and who’s applying.

Silvia: What do you mean?

Sophie: Well, just include the things that are relevant for the job. If you were a writer, for example, you might list your publications here. Whereas if you worked in computers, you’d have a specific section focusing on your computer skills.

Silvia: I see. And then at the bottom I put my references?

Sophie: Exactly.

Silvia: So what’s the difference with a skills-based CV then?

Sophie: Well, with a skills-based CV you’d start the same, but then it’s quite different. Some people include a personal statement or career profile. It’s just a couple of sentences that summarise your value to the employer. It’s not a bad idea to write one even if you decide not to use it, as just writing one will help you decide how you want to present yourself and what you want out of your career.

Silvia: Good idea. I’ll give it a go.

Sophie: Okay, then after that in a skills-based CV you list your key skills. Basically you decide what transferable skills the employer is looking for, and then you break these down into similar groups and provide evidence that you’ve got these skills.

Silvia: So you mean when the job advertisement mentions that they are looking for somebody who’s “an excellent communicator” and has “great research skills”, I should write the CV directly in reaction to that, with skills headings, such as “Communication”, “Research” and so on?

Sophie: Yes. That’s it. This approach is quite effective as it focuses your CV towards a specific job and proves you’ve got all the skills they’re after. Then after that you simply list your work experience details, education and professional qualifications, interests and lastly your referees.

Silvia: I quite like the sound of a skills-based CV, but I think the chronological CV seems easier to write.

Sophie: It is. And remember these are just two approaches. There aren’t really any strict rules on what order to put your sections in, or even what you want to call these sections. As long as the essential information is there, it’s up to you. It’s your CV and how you design and create it says something about you and reflects your character.

Silvia: Thanks, I’m really inspired now.

Felix: Hello, Felix speaking.

Vicky: Hi, Felix. It’s Vicky.

Felix: Hi, Vicky. It’s good to hear from you. What can I do for you?

Vicky: I’m after a bit of career advice, actually.

Felix: Really? Are you changing jobs?

Vicky: Hopefully, yes. I’ve been working for Green Pharmaceuticals for three years now, but I feel my career prospects here are rather limited. Anyway, I’ve found a couple of interesting jobs online.

Felix: I see. So have you applied for any of the jobs?

Vicky: Not yet, no. I haven’t written a cover letter for years and I’m not really sure what to put in it. I wondered whether you’ve got any tips or suggestions that could help?

Felix: Cover letters are really important, and I’ve got some great tips that I give all job seekers.

Vicky: Oh thanks, Felix.

Felix: First of all, it’s extremely important that you create a positive impression. If you’re sending your application by post then you should use good-quality, matching paper for your cover letter and CV.

Vicky: Right.

Felix: Also, remember not to be too informal as you want to sound as professional as possible. So don’t use any contractions – you know, write “I am” and not “I’m”, for example.

Vicky: Okay

Felix: Right. The most important thing to bear in mind is that every cover letter should be written specifically for the position you’re applying for. You should show that you’ve read about the company, done some research and thought about the specific position you’re applying for.

Vicky: What, you mean I should investigate the company in more depth, on the Internet for example?

Felix: Exactly. Find out as much as you possibly can. Then, when you write your letter, you should concentrate on demonstrating the skills that are required for the post, what you can offer the company.

Vicky: I see what you mean. Do you think I should send a copy of my university degree certificate with the letter?

Felix: No, don’t bother. If the company wants to see any documents like that, they’ll ask for them later, I’ll tell you what. I’ll send you a copy of a really good cover letter and make some notes on it so you can see what I mean and use it for inspiration.

Vicky: Thanks so much, Felix, you’ve been a great help. I’ll let you know how I get on with the application.

Felix: No problem. And if you need anything else, just ask.