Unit2_Writing_an_Impressive_CV_Detailed.pptx (English for Job hunting)

How to write an impressive CV

1. Unit 2 – Writing an Impressive CV Detailed teacher slides with full answers (based on Student Book & Teacher's Key)

2. Objectives Understand CV structure & purpose Avoid common CV mistakes; correct examples provided Write an effective personal statement (model answers included) Identify and demonstrate key transferable skills with concrete examples Detail education, interests, and references correctly Produce polished Work Experience & Education sections using action verbs

3. Structuring Your CV — Key points Two common formats: Chronological & Skills-based Chronological = dates first; Skills-based = headings of skills with evidence Essential sections: Name, Contact, Personal statement, Education, Work experience, Skills, Interests, References Keep CV concise (1 side preferred; max 2 pages). Tailor to each job.

4. Ex 1c / 2.1 — CV structure (Answers) Answers for CV structure (fill-in): 2 Contact 3 Personal statement 4 Education 5 Work experience 6 Interests 7 Skills 8 References 9 Your name 10 Contact details 11 Personal statement 12 Skills 13 Work experience 14 Education 15 Interests 16 Referees

5. Ex 1e — Silvia CV (verbs) — Answers Use past forms of verbs: (answers from key) 2 Developed 3 Persuaded 4 Represented 5 Completed 6 Organised (Coordinated) 7 Held 8 Researched 9 Achieved 10 Coordinated

6. Ex 2d — Spelling corrections (1) Extract 1 corrections (7): prevous → previous; responsable → responsible; dealling → dealing; correspondance → correspondence; massages → messages; arrangeing → arranging; apointments → appointments

7. Ex 2d — Spelling corrections (2) Extract 2 corrections (10): form → from; beneffits → benefits; experiance → experience; off of → of; studing → studying; abraod → abroad; practice → practise; foriegn → foreign; develope → develop; strenghts → strengths

8. Ex 2d — Spelling corrections (3) Extract 3 corrections (examples): assistent → assistant; personal → personnel; acheivement → achievement; lead → led; witch → which; improveing → improving; startegic → strategic; buisness → business; planing → planning

9. Listening 2.2 — Ella's advice (summary) Common mistakes: spelling, long unnecessary detail, wrong word forms Keep CV short & concise (1 page ideal) Be honest — CV is a legal document and lying can cost job Adapt CV for each job; presentation and proofreading matter

10. Ex 3a — Silvia's personal statement (analysis) Silvia's statement sentences map to: a What sort of person? → 'Well-organised, highly motivated communications strategy adviser.' b Area of expertise? → 'communications strategy adviser' c Most important qualification? → 'Geography graduate; Currently completing Master's in Development Studies' d Most relevant skill? → 'Fluent spoken and written English; excellent communication and interpersonal skills' e Current activity? → 'Currently completing Master's in Development Studies with specific focus on sustainability.'

11. Ex 3c — Complete model personal statements (answers) 1 Professional, well-organised individual. Communicates confidently and effectively at all levels; demonstrates initiative and confidentiality both independently and within a team environment. 2 Enthusiastic PA with three years' full-time professional experience. Excellent written and oral communication skills have enabled me to establish a strong network of professional contacts in your area. Proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritise whilst maintaining consistently high standards. Substantial experience organising meetings and conferences.

12. Ex 3e — Which statement fits the PA ad? For the PA temporary position (9–12 months) the second statement is more appropriate: - Strong focus on professional skills and concrete experience - Matches advert requirements: highly organised, multitasker, excellent written English, interpersonal skills, previous experience essential

13. Ex 4 — Eye-catching headings (suggested) Business skills: Marketing, Sales, Financial management, Presentations & publications Areas of professional experience: Dealing with customers, Managing people, Point-of-sale experience Personal strengths & competencies: Innovation & creativity, Leadership, Strategic thinking, Problem-solving

14. Ex 5b — Which skill NOT demonstrated? (examples) 1 'assist in organising and managing 12 events' → (communication / teamwork / creativity / organisation) → NOT: creativity? (teacher key suggests choose the non-demonstrated one) 2 Expedition to Andes → (motivation / teamwork / achievement / creativity) → demonstrates achievement, teamwork; NOT: creativity 3 As sole Spanish speaker acting as spokesperson → (interpersonal / communication / analysis / negotiation) → NOT: analysis

15. Ex 5e — Fill missing words (answers) Complete with words from box: entire, excellent, fully, in-depth, international, substantial, successful, successfully, top, wide E.g. 'Three months of training and fundraising preparation resulted in the successful crossing...' 'I researched top international universities for my degree course.' 'I have an excellent command of Microsoft Office Suite.'

16. Ex 5f — Model sentences highlighting skills Communication & teamwork: 'As Communications Officer at UCL I liaised with suppliers and colleagues to organise events attended by 300 people.' Research & computer skills: 'I am currently completing in-depth research for my Master's dissertation, using professional journals and interviews.' Organisational skills: 'I organised and managed catering for more than 10 separate events.'

17. Ex 6 / 2.3 — Klaudia example (work experience section) Klaudia — Suggested Work Experience entry (teacher key style): Secretary / PA to Managing Director — duties: diary management, answering calls (customer-facing), preparing minutes, organising meetings. Skills to emphasise: responsibility, high-level trust, liaison with executives, written communication, organisation. Use strong verbs: managed diary, represented MD, coordinated meetings, produced minutes, handled customer enquiries.

18. Action verbs — concise alternatives (examples) I made recommendations regarding allocation → Recommended allocation of resources. I was responsible for coming up with the training plan → Devised the training plan. I looked after the budget → Managed the office budget. I looked for new suppliers → Sourced new suppliers. I gave a presentation → Presented client feedback questionnaire. I was in charge of the design team → Led the design team.

19. Detailing Education & Qualifications (answers) Put education near top if recent graduate or qualification is key. Use headlines/essential info only (term used in book = 'headlines' or 'main pieces of information'). Include A-levels only when recent or when required by employer. List qualifications in reverse chronological order; mention professional/IT certifications when relevant.

20. Interests — make them count Choose interests that demonstrate transferable skills: leadership (captain), teamwork (volunteer projects), research (independent projects). Use adjective–noun phrases: 'competitive volleyball captain', 'voluntary community researcher', 'sustainable development advocate'. Avoid generic hobbies like 'reading' unless qualified with specifics.

21. References — choosing referees (answers) Prefer professional/academic referees over friends when possible. Provide referees if requested; otherwise write 'References available upon request.' Ensure referees can back up facts on your CV and are aware they may be contacted.

22. Peer review checklist (for class) Is English natural and accurate? Spelling checked? Does CV give a clear picture of candidate's suitability? Is language impressive and evidence-based (use achievements)? Is layout attractive and logical? Is it concise (1–2 pages)? Are transferable skills demonstrated with specific examples?