1. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
CV, RESUME AND APPLICATION
LETTER DEVELOPMENT

2. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Barry O’Brien
NGSM Development - www.ngsm.se
Email: enquiries@ngsm.se
Twitter: @ngsmeurope
“Member of the Professional
Association of Resume Writers”

3. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Schedule for today
10-11.30 : Focus on CV development
11.30-11.45 : Coffee Break
11.45-12.30 : Tips on a winning
application letter
12.30-13.00 : Questions

4. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Objective for today
By the end of the workshop you will
be more confident in producing
professional English language job
applications, using a winning
formula

5. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
What will you learn today?
 CV or Resume – Understand the
difference
 Writing and format tips
 How to make your CV stand out
 How to write a cover letter

6. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Task 1: Prepare your own 30
second commercial
 Your name
 Your key strengths
 Your most recent position or role

7. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
 A recent achievement you are proud of
 Your key responsibilities and
accountabilities
 What do you want to do next?

8. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Please also think about your
objectives for the seminar and say
something about your current
English CV and how ready it is, for
the market?

9. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
An English CV is a marketing tool!
 Presents you as you want to be seen
 Sell yourself, but you must feel
comfortable with it
 An English language CV is a key to the
international business the world

10. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Why have one?
 To get an interview at a multi-national
 To get an English speaking recruiter
interested in you
 To act as a discussion document during
the interview

11. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
A CV or a Resume?
What’s the difference?

12. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Prepare before you type...
 Analyse your career and personal
experience
 Choose key words you want to include
 Do not simply, translate your Swedish
CV

13. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Ten Tips for a great English CV!
1. Your name in bold and centred at the
top in 14 point font with contact details
2. An opening profile statement, Impact!
3. Bullet points about your key skills and
achievements

14. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
4. Reverse chronological order - latest job
first + clear dates
5. Job title and Company name in bold –
minimum size 12 point font
6. Ten years work history is enough
7. Do not use the terms I, Me, We

15. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
8. Do not use coloured paper
9. Write numbers in word form unless
financial
10. Maximum 2 Pages of paper!

16. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Common mistakes on a CV
 Not tailoring it to the job
 Too much detail
 Spelling errors
 Bad formatting

17. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Examples of errors
‘My interests include cooking dogs and
interesting people’
Highly skilled at multi-tasting.
I was responsible for dissatisfied
customers.

18. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
A less effective CV

19. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
A basic professional CV

20. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Remember that there are no
absolutes, 100% perfect, no lose CV
formats. BUT there are accepted
principles and best practices.
Stick to those principles and you
have a great chance.

21. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
An exciting application or covering
letter
 A bonus opportunity to sell yourself
 Highlight your special features
 Gain a competitive advantage

22. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Key things to include
 Where you saw the job
 Why you are interested
 What experience you have that
matches their needs

23. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
 What additional skills you can offer
 Something interesting you know about
the company and their market
 Why you are looking for a new role
 An insight into your personal life (No
mushrooms!)

24. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Sample covering letter format
 First paragraph — lead with why
you're interested in the job
 Second / third paragraphs — what
makes you a strong candidate
(personal characteristics, relevant
experience, achievements and skills)

25. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
 Fourth paragraph — address any
issues such as career change,
employment gaps, personal sabbaticals
 In closing — Ask for an interview. Give
your contact details, email address and
phone number and thank your reader
for their consideration.

26. NGSM Development
enquiries@ngsm.se
Examples of covering letters