This document outlines an agenda for a seminar on developing CVs, resumes, and application letters in English. The schedule includes sessions on CV development, tips for application letters, and a question period. The objective is for attendees to feel more confident producing English-language job applications. Topics that will be covered include the differences between CVs and resumes, writing and formatting tips, how to make a CV stand out, and how to write a cover letter. The document provides advice, examples, and common mistakes to avoid.

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CV, RESUME AND APPLICATION
LETTER DEVELOPMENT

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Barry O’Brien
NGSM Development
Email: enquiries@ngsm.se
Twitter: @ngsmeurope

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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

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Objective for today
By the end of the seminar you will be
more confident in producing
professional English language job
applications, using a winning
formula

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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

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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

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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

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A CV or a Resume?
What’s the difference?
1 page or 2?

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Prepare before you type...
 Analyse your career and personal
experience
 Choose key words you want to include
 Do not simply, translate your Swedish
CV

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Prepare your own 30 second
commercial
 Your name
 Your key strengths
 Your most recent position or role

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 A recent achievement you are proud of
 Your key responsibilities and
accountabilities
 What do you want to do next
 Why you are suitable for the role

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Some English CV basics
 An opening statement
 Reverse chronological order
 Points about your key skills and
achievements

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 Ten years work history is enough
 Do not use the terms I, Me, We
 Do not use coloured paper
 Write numbers in word form unless
financial

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Common mistakes on a CV
 Not tailoring it to the job
 Too much detail
 Spelling errors
 Bad formatting

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Examples of errors
‘My interests include cooking dogs and
interesting people’
Highly skilled at multi-tasting.
I was responsible for dissatisfied
customers.

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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.

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An exciting application or covering
letter
 A bonus opportunity to sell yourself
 Highlight your special features
 Gain a competitive advantage

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Key things to include
 Where you saw the job
 Why you are interested
 What experience you have that
matches their needs

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 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!)

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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)

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 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.

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A final quote from a modern
recruitment manager –
‘’Avoid employing unlucky people - throw
half of the pile of CVs in the bin without
reading them. ‘’