The perfect CV: Top 7 CV tips

Tailor your CV to the job youre applying for. You should have a different CV for
every job you apply for.
Use action words. Focus on what you have accomplished, and avoid starting every
sentence with I.
Include all types of work experience, especially at the beginning of your career,
including voluntary work or baby-sitting.
KISS: Keep It Short and Simple. Your CV should fit on one page, two pages
maximum.
Be honest. Lying on your CV never works. Many people who lie on their applications
end up losing their jobs when their employers find out the truth.
Similarly, dont say things that could be uncovered during the interview: for example, if
you write fluent English, make sure that you will be able to answer questions in
English.
Proofread. Never rely on spell check only. Even one misspelled word could put you in
the do not consider pile.
Present your CV professionally. Make sure it looks clear and organized. Use white
A4 paper, and fonts that are easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid
unnecessary embellishments: your CV is a business document, not artwork.
The job interview
Landing a job interview is already an achievement. Youve been shortlisted! Dont waste
your chances by overlooking that crucial stage.
First impressions count: interviewers will form an impression of you in the first
minutes, even before you even say a word. So start with a firm handshake, establish
eyecontact with your interviewers, and smile.
Pay attention to your body language all through the interview. For example, crossing
your arms could signal lack of interest.
Stay tactful and diplomatic. Avoid criticising former employers.
Be thorough but concise in your answers to the interviewers. Dont try and fill every
silence.
Remain calm and relaxed: dont panic if you cant answer a question straight away.
Rephrase it aloud to give yourself time to answer it.
Always ask questions if you are given the opportunity, especially about the firm or the
position.
Dress carefully; avoid heavy perfume or a lot of jewellery if youre a woman and strong
aftershave if youre a man.

Curriculum Vitae
Sylvie Martin, 23 years old
10 rue Consolat
13000 Marseille France
Tel: (+33) 4 32 65 17 22 / Mobile: (+33) 6 02 24 36 87
Email: sylviemartin@gmail.com
1
EDUCATION
2010: BTS MUC: 2 Two-Year Technical Degree
in Sales Management, Lyce Marcel Pagnol, Marseille.
2008: Baccalaurat STG (the equivalent of 3 A-levels : Administration,
Commerce, Management, Economics, Law, English and Spanish), Lycee Marcel
Pagnol, Marseille.
4
WORK EXPERIENCE
2011-present: Sales Assistant, Retail Store, Marseille:
5
Dealing with customers . In charge of selling
and ordering merchandise.
June-July 2009: Internship, Retail Store, Marseille:
Assisting the Sales Manager in the store.
July-August 2008: Voluntary work for the Red Cross.
6
LANGUAGE SKILLS
French 7 Native Speaker
English 8 : Advanced (TOEIC Score = 850)
Spanish: intermediate level.
9
COMPUTER SKILLS
Software: Word / Excel / Access / PowerPoint.
10
INTERESTS
Swimming
Martial Arts
Travelling
References available on request.
Use action verbs to add strength to your CV, especially to describe your achievements.
Avoid weak words such as do, enjoy, like, go, want and show.
Describe your language ability

Exercice: Getting a job

Words Diplomas, action verbs and linguistic ability
1. Match the following French diplomas with their English or US equivalent.
French diplomas Equivalent
A. Licence
1. Two-year Technical Degree
B. BTS
2. A-Level (GB) / High School Diploma
(USA)
C. Brevet des collges
3. Bachelors Degree (GB) / Associates
Degree (USA)
D. BEP
4. GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary
Education) (GB)
E. Baccalaurat
5. Technical School Certificate
Answers:
ABCDE
31542
Skills Build your own CV
4. Rank the following sections in the order in which they might appear on your CV.
Work experience 3 Language skills 4 Education 2
Personal details 1 Interests 5 References 6
What other sections could you add? : Computer skills
Which section wouldnt appear on a French CV? : References
5. Complete the ten points on the CV.
ACTIVITY: role play
Role-Play A job interview
6. In groups of three, role play a job interview for the following vacancy:
Trainee Sales Assistant Film & Game Packages
No Sales Experience Required Immediate Start Available
Location: Manchester Salary: 250-450 per week (OTE)
Job requirements
Youll need above-average customer service skills because you'll be speaking with
customers daily.
Movie, Film & Video Game knowledge.
Experience using an iPad is helpful because it's used to sign up new customers.
Full time availability is ideal because earnings and growth are based on your individual
sales results: so the more you put in, the more you get out!
Smart dress and a professional attitude are encouraged because you'll be interacting
with customers face-to-face.
You must be able to work independently and should be able to work within a team
environment.
Student A, you are the interviewer. Ask a selection of questions based on the job
requirements.

Student B, you are the candidate. Answer the questions as honestly as possible.
Student C, you are the observer. Write down the interviewers questions and make notes
on the candidates answers using the table below. Write yes or no for each assessment
criterion.
Questions / concise / articulate / honest / eye contact / relaxed / body language
Can you tell us something about yourself.
Why would you like to work for us?
Prepare questions and answers before starting.oncise articulate honest eye contact
relanguage
WORD BOX
achievement la russite
knowledge des connaissances
an advertisement/ad/advert une annonce
a network un rseau
an applicant un candidat
a requirement une exigence
an application une candidature
a salary un salaire
benefits des avantages
skills des comptences
a degree un diplme
temp work/temping le travail intrimaire
duniversit
to apply postuler
classified ads des petites annonces
to fire licencier
an employment agency une agence pour
to hire embaucher
lemploi
to look for a job chercher un emploi
an executive (senior/junior) un cadre
to recruit recruter
(suprieur/
to shortlist prslectionner
jeune)
available disponible
an intern (US)/trainee(GB) un(e) stagiaire
required exig
an internship (US)/
suit/suitable convenir/qui convient, apte
work placement(GB) un stage
a Job Centre un Ple emploi
job-hunting la recherche demploi
job opportunities des dbouchs
a job-seeker un chercheur demploi