Your CV in English - UTC · “High School Diploma ” -US, ou ‘British “A” levels ’ !...

Your CV inYour CV in EnglishEnglish

Some guidelines and links for writing Some guidelines and links for writing an effective and clear an effective and clear resumresuméé

UTC UTC -- M. M. VerlhacVerlhac, M. Price, Feb. 2010, M. Price, Feb. 2010

You can use two pages, but one is better...

OneOne--page page resumresum éé: an EXAMPLE (US): an EXAMPLE (US)

�� Name, etc. / enName, etc. / en--têtetête

�� Job title / mJob title / méétiertier

�� Objective (optional)Objective (optional)

�� ““Core CompetenciesCore Competencies”” (US)(US)

Key Skills Key Skills (UK)(UK)

�� Employment Employment experienceexperience

�� Education / TrainingEducation / Training

�� Computer SkillsComputer Skills

�� MiscellaneousMiscellaneous

Pour commencer :Pour commencer :�� Penser Penser àà votre votre ““ objective / objective / aimaim ”” et le ret le réédiger.diger.

�� Centraliser les informations et documents : diplômes, Centraliser les informations et documents : diplômes, adresses, noms des adresses, noms des ““referencesreferences””, etc., etc.

�� DDéécider du cider du typetype dede CV le plus appropriCV le plus appropri éé pour vous.pour vous.

�� Faire une liste des Faire une liste des ““jobs and jobs and experiencesexperiences ”” que vous que vous avez eus dans le passavez eus dans le passéé..

�� Pour chaque poste, Pour chaque poste, éécrire une liste de choses faites : crire une liste de choses faites : utiliser des utiliser des verbesverbes au prau prééttéérit rit -- pour dpour déécrire des ACTIONS crire des ACTIONS que vous avez menque vous avez menéées. es.

�� Il y a une liste Il y a une liste àà consulter sur le site suivant :consulter sur le site suivant :Http://www.itHttp://www.it --sudparis.eu/lsh/cvs/cvframe1.htmsudparis.eu/lsh/cvs/cvframe1.htm

http://http://www.cvtips.com/how_to_write_a_CV.htmlwww.cvtips.com/how_to_write_a_CV.html

�� Heading Heading -- CeCe qui qui vousvous mettezmettez en en têtetête !!

�� Informations personnellesInformations personnelles / / coordonncoordonnééeses ::�� PrPréénom nom + Nom + Nom (Pr(Préénom en nom en premierpremier, ne mettez pas de , ne mettez pas de majuscules majuscules

au nom.) au nom.)

�� AAdresse locale dresse locale (N(N’’oubliez pas de mettre le pays !) oubliez pas de mettre le pays !)

�� AdresseAdresse EE--mail mail �� NumNumééro de tro de tééllééphone / portablephone / portable�� (Si vous postulez (Si vous postulez àà ll’é’étranger, mettez le code international de votre pays.) EX : tranger, mettez le code international de votre pays.) EX :

+33+33 -- 3.44.23.23.233.44.23.23.23

�� En rEn rèègle ggle géénnéérale nous ne mettons rale nous ne mettons paspas dd’’informations sur notre informations sur notre vie privvie privéée (statut civil, date de naissance, enfants, photo, etc.) e (statut civil, date de naissance, enfants, photo, etc.)

�� Pour la Grande Bretagne, vous pouvez mettre la date de Pour la Grande Bretagne, vous pouvez mettre la date de naissance.naissance.

VotreVotre objectifobjectif

�� QueQue voulezvoulez--vousvous ? Il ? Il fautfaut exprimerexprimer en en termestermes succinctssuccinctset et clairsclairs cece queque vousvous recherchezrecherchez -- et et êtreêtre aussiaussi spspéécifiquecifiquequeque possible. possible.

�� UtiliserUtiliser un un anglaisanglais simple et simple et concisconcis !!

�� EXEMPLES :EXEMPLES :-- ““I am looking for a training placement for three months in a I am looking for a training placement for three months in a

chemical plant. /computer programming department. chemical plant. /computer programming department. /automotive design department./automotive design department.””,, etc. etc.

-- ““ I would like to gain experience in a factory / university / I would like to gain experience in a factory / university / company in laboratory protocol workcompany in laboratory protocol work”” (or (or ““in running in running experimentsexperiments””)) etc.etc.


�� ObjectiveObjective ::�� "" What is the next step for meWhat is the next step for me ?"?"

CeciCeci estest uneune phrase phrase courtecourte qui qui informeinformell’’employeuremployeur du type de du type de posteposte queque vousvouscherchez. cherchez. ExemplesExemples : :

�� Aim: a two month training period in a Web call Aim: a two month training period in a Web call centre.centre.

�� Objective: a 6Objective: a 6 --month internship in the network and month internship in the network and systems department.systems department.

�� Aim: A summer work placement in a sales position Aim: A summer work placement in a sales position to put my business skills into practice.to put my business skills into practice.

�� Objective: a fullObjective: a full --time position as a software time position as a software developer.developer.

Your DiplomasYour Diplomas –– 1 / 31 / 3

�� Ne Ne ditesdites PASPAS queque vousvous avezavez un un diplômediplôme dd’’un un autreautre pays ! pays ! ““ High School DiplomaHigh School Diploma ”” -- US, US, ouou ‘‘British British ““ AA”” levelslevels ’’ !!((SaufSauf sisi, , bienbien ssûûrr, , vousvous avezavez obtenuobtenu cesces diplômesdiplômes àà ll’é’étrangertranger !)!)

�� Il Il suffitsuffit de dire de dire queque vousvous avezavez un un ““ French French BaccalaurBaccalaur ééatat / Baccalaureate/ Baccalaureate ”” et et queque cc’’estest unun““ French Secondary School (or High School) Diploma, w ith French Secondary School (or High School) Diploma, w ith emphasis on Economics emphasis on Economics OROR on on Math(sMath(s ) and Science, ) and Science, OR OR on Technical / Literary / Social studieson Technical / Literary / Social studies ””

�� Si Si vousvous voulezvoulez dire dire ““avec mentionavec mention ””, , utilisezutilisez ll’’expressionexpression ““with with (high) distinction / honors(high) distinction / honors””

Your Diplomas Your Diplomas -- 22

�� DEUGDEUG : : TwoTwo--year degree inyear degree in + (+ (matimatièèrere, en , en anglaisanglais) ) aussiaussi : : TwoTwo--year university diploma inyear university diploma in ((matimatièèrere) )

�� LicenseLicense : : ThreeThree--year postyear post--secondary diploma / degree insecondary diploma / degree in + + ((matimatièèrere) )

�� MaMaîîtrisetrise : : Equivalent of Master’s of Science/Arts in Science/Arts in + + matimatièèrere((vousvous pouvezpouvez utiliserutiliser les les abbrabbrééviationsviations : M.Sc. or M.A.: M.Sc. or M.A. in in + + matimatièèrere))

�� DESSDESS ouou DEADEA : : PrePre--Doctoral Studies inDoctoral Studies in + + matimatièèrere

�� PrPréépapa : : OneOne--/Two/Two--year preparation program for competitive exams year preparation program for competitive exams or for admission to Business and Engineering schools.or for admission to Business and Engineering schools. ((MettreMettre le le nom, lieu de nom, lieu de ll’é’écolecole, et les dates !), et les dates !)

�� DUTDUT : : TwoTwo--year technical degree in / Twoyear technical degree in / Two--year core studies diploma year core studies diploma inin + (+ (matimatièèrere, en , en ll’’occurrenceoccurrence, , ““EngineeringEngineering”” ouou ““BiologyBiology”” etc.)etc.)

Your Diplomas Your Diplomas -- 33

�� Les Les employeursemployeurs ééventuelsventuels ne ne connaissentconnaissent pas pas nnéécessairementcessairement le le systsystèèmeme franfranççaisais. . MettezMettez bienbien le le titretitre de de vosvos diplômesdiplômes en en franfranççaisais, et , et donnezdonnez ll’’ééquivalentquivalent en en termeterme de de niveauniveau par rapport par rapport au au systsystèèmeme éétrangertranger, , ouou en en nombrenombre dd’’annannééeses passpassééeses dansdans le le cursuscursus franfranççaisais, , sisi vousvous ne ne trouveztrouvez pas pas ll’é’équivalencequivalence..

�� ExempleExemple:: BacBac S, S, LycLycééee Henri IV, Paris, June 2006. (Henri IV, Paris, June 2006. (Final French Final French Secondary diploma, with emphasis on Math/Secondary diploma, with emphasis on Math/MathsMaths.).)

�� Il ne Il ne ss’’agitagit paspas dd’’un travail de un travail de rechercherecherche sursur le pays, le pays, bienbien queque cece soitsoit utile de utile de montrermontrer uneune connaissanceconnaissancedd’’un un autreautre systsystèèmeme ééducatifducatif. . Il Il ss’’agitagit de de mettremettre en en termestermes clairsclairs cece queque vousvous avezavez fait, et fait, et cece queque vosvosdiplômesdiplômes reprrepréésententsentent dansdans votrevotre pays.pays.


�� ““ EducationEducation ””�� Il Il ss’’agitagit de de votrevotre formation. formation. ListezListez toutestoutes vosvos qualifications et qualifications et

diplômesdiplômes, y , y compriscompris les les certificatscertificats des organisations nondes organisations non--acadacadéémiquesmiques, les formations non, les formations non--terminterminééeses, et , et surtoutsurtout tout tout cece qui qui estest en rapport avec en rapport avec cece queque vousvous cherchez. (Avec cherchez. (Avec DATES et LIEUX!DATES et LIEUX! Ne Ne mettezmettez pas le npas le n°° de de ddéépartementpartement !)!)

�� Si Si vousvous avezavez plus plus dd’’expexpéériencerience professionnelleprofessionnelle queque de de qualifications, qualifications, mettezmettez cesces expexpéériencesriences avantavant les les diplômesdiplômes ; ; les les expexpéériencesriences intintééressentressent plus les plus les futursfuturs employeursemployeurs quequeles les parcoursparcours acadacadéémiquesmiques. Aux USA . Aux USA surtoutsurtout : : cece queque vousvouspouvezpouvez fairefaire prime ! prime !

Comment traduire les diplômes?Comment traduire les diplômes?

�� Diplôme dDiplôme d’’ingingéénieurnieur�� En gEn géénie mnie méécaniquecanique�� En gEn géénie des systnie des systèèmes mmes méécaniquescaniques�� En gEn géénie des procnie des procééddééss�� En informatiqueEn informatique�� En gEn géénie des systnie des systèèmes urbainsmes urbains�� En gEn géénie biologique / nie biologique / �� En En biobio--techniquetechnique�� En gEn géénie des procnie des procééddééss�� En aEn aééronautiqueronautique�� ……prpréévu pour juin 2011vu pour juin 2011�� DUTDUT�� DeutecDeutec�� Bac SBac S

�� MasterMaster’’ss in ___ Engineeringin ___ Engineering�� MechanicalMechanical EngineeringEngineering�� Systems EngineeringSystems Engineering�� ProcessProcess Engineering Engineering �� Computer EngineeringComputer Engineering�� UrbanUrban EngineeringEngineering�� Bio(Bio(logicallogical) Engineering / ) Engineering / �� BioBio--technologytechnology�� ProcessProcess EngineeringEngineering�� AeronauticalAeronautical EngineeringEngineering�� ExpectedExpected JuneJune 20112011�� TwoTwo--yearyear technicaltechnical diplomadiploma�� TwoTwo--yearyear corecore studiesstudies diplomadiploma�� French French SecondarySecondary / High / High SchoolSchool

DiplomaDiploma

Dans votre CV: le dernier diplôme obtenu en premierDans votre CV: le dernier diplôme obtenu en premier

�� DD’’abord: abord: LE DIPLÔMELE DIPLÔME –– en franen franççais, ais, ééquivalent en anglais entre quivalent en anglais entre parenthparenthèèses aprses aprèès!s!

�� Ensuite: Ensuite: ll’é’établissementtablissement –– nom en frannom en franççais ais –– ou le nom en langue ou le nom en langue dd’’origine ! origine ! ------ Ce nCe n’’est pas nest pas néécessaire de donner le nom traduit en anglais, cessaire de donner le nom traduit en anglais,

puisque cpuisque c’’est un nom propre. De plus, est un nom propre. De plus, ll’’UniversitUniversitéé de Technologie de de Technologie de CompiCompièègnegne peut apparapeut apparaîître en frantre en franççais puisquais puisqu’’il comporte des mots il comporte des mots «« transparentstransparents »» faciles faciles àà comprendre en anglais.comprendre en anglais.

�� Ensuite: Ensuite: le lieule lieu (ville, pays) o(ville, pays) oùù se trouve lse trouve l’é’établissement.tablissement.

�� La dateLa date peut apparapeut apparaîître avant ou aprtre avant ou aprèès, selon votre mise en page.s, selon votre mise en page.

�� Chaque Chaque éélléément peut être mise dans une forme diffment peut être mise dans une forme difféérente: gras, italique, rente: gras, italique, soulignsouligné…é… Il faut reproduire les mêmes mises en forme pour les Il faut reproduire les mêmes mises en forme pour les ééllééments ments semblables, par exemple, toujours mettre le lieu en italique, lesemblables, par exemple, toujours mettre le lieu en italique, le diplôme en diplôme en gras, etc. MAIS gras, etc. MAIS –– ne pas mne pas méélanger les polices de caractlanger les polices de caractèère !re !

ExampleExample for the Education part:for the Education part:

MARLEEN VERLHACMARLEEN VERLHAC

Bates Hall, room 414F, Mailbox #1287 Bates Hall, room 414F, Mailbox #1287 –– McMaster UniversityMcMaster University1280 Main St. W. 1280 Main St. W. –– Hamilton, ON L8S 4P1 Hamilton, ON L8S 4P1 –– CanadaCanada

EE--mailmail : [email protected]: [email protected] Phone: (905)Phone: (905) 525 9140 55555525 9140 55555

Objective : a 6Objective : a 6 --month internship in an Englishmonth internship in an English --speaking environmentspeaking environment

EDUCATIONEDUCATIONDiplôme dDiplôme d ’’ IngIngéénieur en Gnieur en G éénie Mnie M éécanique canique ((MasterMaster’’ss in in MechanicalMechanical Engineering)Engineering)UniversitUniversit éé de Technologie de Compide Technologie de Compi èègnegne –– CompiCompi èègne, Francegne, France Sept. 2005 Sept. 2005 –– presentpresent

* Degree expected: December 2010* Degree expected: December 2010

McMaster UniversityMcMaster University –– Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaHamilton, Ontario, Canada Sept. 2009 Sept. 2009 –– Dec 2009Dec 2009Exchange student completing final semester Exchange student completing final semester Courses: Fluid Mechanics, Mechanical Vibrations, Introduction toCourses: Fluid Mechanics, Mechanical Vibrations, Introduction to Robotics, Product Development Robotics, Product Development

HochschuleHochschule FurtwangenFurtwangen –– FurtwangenFurtwangen , Germany, Germany Feb. 2007 Feb. 2007 –– July 2007July 2007Exchange student completing semester field studyExchange student completing semester field studyField study : Field study : ““Product EngineeringProduct Engineering”” Attended classes and wrote all exams in German.Attended classes and wrote all exams in German.

Http://www.itHttp://www.it--sudparis.eu/lsh/cvs/cvframe1.htmsudparis.eu/lsh/cvs/cvframe1.htm

Your resume/CV should be one page in length (A4 size although American standard paper format is 8 1/2 by 11 inches i.e. 13.6 cm x 17.6 cm) of good quality white paper. It should be typewritten and printed on a good quality printer. (Never send photocopies.) By typing your resume/CV on a word processor it is easier to update or modify it. This is also very practical as companies now accept resumes/CVs sent by e-mail. An employer scans (looks at) your resume/CV very quickly in 10-20 seconds! Be clear and concise and only include relevant information (KISS keep it

short and simple)! As you gain more work experience, you will need two pages. For on-line CVs see here

Make your text as pleasant to read and as clear as possible.

• Spacing should help make your text attractive. • Choose an attractive font and do not mix contrasting styles. • Character size could be 12 for most of your details, 14 for headings and if necessary 10 for personal

information. • Use bold face, italics, underlining, or shadow to highlight headings, dates, or degrees. • Use bullets, indentation or even color to draw attention to specific details. On the other hand do not use

several different bullets, colors or effects. • Be consistent in your design. E.g. all titles should use the same graphic features. • Avoid abbreviations unless they are very well known. • Use a spell checker, proofread and have your text proofread by a teacher to make sure the language and

style is correct.

VosVos expexpéériencesriences -- travail, travail, autresautres stages, etc.stages, etc.

�� Ne Ne traduiseztraduisez pas mot pas mot àà mot. mot. MettezMettez un un ééquivalentquivalent procheproche. . Il Il ss’’agitagit de de communiquercommuniquer cece qui a qui a ééttéé fait. fait. DonnezDonnez des des explications explications courtescourtes sisi cece nn’’estest pas pas éévidentvident par le par le titretitre. Par . Par exempleexemple : : ““Research AssistantResearch Assistant”” peutpeut êtreêtre expliquexpliquéé par les par les tâchestâches et et estest plus plus parlantparlant queque ““Laboratory assistant Laboratory assistant managermanager””

�� UtilisezUtilisez des des verbesverbes dd’’actionaction pour pour ddéécrirecrire vosvos tâchestâches : : DroveDrove manager to meetings, manager to meetings, wrotewrote synthesis of analyses, synthesis of analyses, stackedstacked shelves, shelves, assistedassisted customers, customers, took charge oftook charge oftrainees, etc.trainees, etc.

ExampleExample –– WorkWork experienceexperience ::

WORK EXPERIENCEWORK EXPERIENCE

Customer RepresentativeCustomer Representative August 2009 August 2009 –– Sept. 2009Sept. 2009

AuchanAuchan (French super(French super--store) store) , , VVéélizylizy, France., France.

Provided excellent customer service while advising customers on Provided excellent customer service while advising customers on office supplies.office supplies.

Responsible for stocking supplies in a timely mannerResponsible for stocking supplies in a timely manner

Student Intern, Research and DevelopmentStudent Intern, Research and Development Sept. 2008 Sept. 2008 –– Feb. 2009Feb. 2009

SNR BearingsSNR Bearings –– Annecy, France Annecy, France

Improved finite element program designed to do calculations on mImproved finite element program designed to do calculations on mechanical systems such as gearboxes.echanical systems such as gearboxes.

Conceived 3D models of bearings, gears, and shafts using Visual Conceived 3D models of bearings, gears, and shafts using Visual Basic 6.Basic 6.

Summer Student Summer Student –– Field MaintenanceField Maintenance July 2005 July 2005 –– August 2005August 2005

Château Bel Air la RoyChâteau Bel Air la Royèère,re, Blaye, France Blaye, France

Maintained the vineyard in preparation for annual wine productioMaintained the vineyard in preparation for annual wine production.n.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCEVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Town Hall AssistantTown Hall Assistant August 2006August 2006

Town Hall of Town Hall of DietzenbachDietzenbach, , DietzenbachDietzenbach, Germany, Germany

One month volunteer placement in Germany to improve German languOne month volunteer placement in Germany to improve German language, oral and written age, oral and written

Helped employees to complete their daily work in the different dHelped employees to complete their daily work in the different departments of the city hall.epartments of the city hall.

ReferencesReferences

�� AvantAvant de de mettremettre les les nomsnoms et et coordonncoordonnééeses des des personnespersonnes ààcontactercontacter pour de plus pour de plus amplesamples rrééfféérencesrences sursur vousvous, , ilil fautfautleurleur demander demander leurleur accord ! MAIS :accord ! MAIS :

�� Les Les éétudiantstudiants et et employemployééss demandentdemandent souventsouvent des des ““Letters Letters of Referenceof Reference”” / / ““Letters of Letters of RecommandationRecommandation”” aux aux personnespersonnesqui qui sontsont susceptiblessusceptibles de de donnerdonner uneune bonnebonne ididéée de la e de la personnepersonne et du travail et du travail ququ’’elleelle a a fournifourni. Si . Si vousvous en en avezavez, , vousvouspouvezpouvez éécrirecrire““ References : available upon requestReferences : available upon request ”” en fin de CV.en fin de CV.

�� Si Si vousvous avezavez les les professeursprofesseurs qui qui peuventpeuvent ““vouch for youvouch for you””, , nn’’hhéésitezsitez pas pas àà leurleur demander des demander des lettreslettres de de rrééfféérencerence !!

Les TYPES de CVLes TYPES de CV

�� Les Les AmAm ééricainsricains acceptentacceptent des CV de tout des CV de tout genre ; genre ; vousvous pouvezpouvez mêmemême crcr ééerer votrevotre style !style !

�� ConseilConseil : pour : pour votrevotre premier CV, premier CV, suivresuivre un un modmod èèlele..

�� ToujoursToujours mettremettre les les choseschoses les plus les plus rréécentescentesdd’’abordabord ! !

The Chronological ResumeThe Chronological Resume

�� NameName

�� Job ObjectiveJob Objective

�� SummarySummary

�� (3/4 bullet statements why you will (3/4 bullet statements why you will

be good at your objective)be good at your objective)

�� Professional ExperienceProfessional Experience�� (Job title, job title, job title)(Job title, job title, job title)

�� EducationEducation

�� Community ServiceCommunity Service

Some useful websites!Some useful websites!�� http://www.resumehttp://www.resume--resource.com/extec1.htmlresource.com/extec1.html

�� http://www.resumetemplates.org/templates/http://www.resumetemplates.org/templates/�� http://http://www.primidi.com/cven.htmlwww.primidi.com/cven.html

((interestinginteresting linklink for the for the samesame CV in French and English!)CV in French and English!)

�� http://www.ithttp://www.it--sudparis.eu/lsh/cvs/intro.htmsudparis.eu/lsh/cvs/intro.htmLinks to Links to otherother parts of the site and the parts of the site and the downloadabledownloadable guide guide -- in in pdfpdf

�� http://www.cvhttp://www.cv--service.org/cv_engineering.htmlservice.org/cv_engineering.htmlSampleSample CV CV downloadabledownloadable

�� http://content.monster.co.uk/16132_enhttp://content.monster.co.uk/16132_en--GB_p1.aspGB_p1.aspSkillSkill--basedbased templatetemplate

�� http://http://jobsearch.about.com/od/cvsamples/a/cvtemplate.htmjobsearch.about.com/od/cvsamples/a/cvtemplate.htmGivesGives lots of links for lots of links for CVsCVs templatestemplates, etc., etc.

Some Some moremore useful websites!useful websites!

�� http://http://www.goinglobal.com/topic/resumes.aspwww.goinglobal.com/topic/resumes.asp

�� http://www.englishclub.com/businesshttp://www.englishclub.com/business--english/resumes.htmenglish/resumes.htm

�� http://careerplanning.about.com/od/resumewriting/http://careerplanning.about.com/od/resumewriting/Resume_Writing.htmResume_Writing.htm


�� Skills SummarySkills Summary

�� CetteCette partiepartie de de votrevotre CV CV donnedonne uneune listeliste de de vosvos““compcompéétencestences..”” Ne les Ne les ddéécrivezcrivez pas en pas en ddéétailtail ((PourquoiPourquoipas pas dansdans votrevotre lettrelettre de motivation, de motivation, sisi celacela vousvous met en met en valeurvaleur !) !) -- ne ne donnezdonnez queque les les MOTS CLESMOTS CLES ::

�� TECHNICAL SKILLSTECHNICAL SKILLS

�� MANAGEMENT SKILLSMANAGEMENT SKILLS

�� COMMUNICATION SKILLSCOMMUNICATION SKILLS

�� ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLSORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS


Concerning format, there are essentially two types: the chronological and the functional (or a combination of the two). Both present advantages and disadvantages.

In the chronological format you list experiences in chronological order. A good idea is to use reverse chronological order i.e. begin

with the most recent educational or professional experience. The advantage is to highlight your most recent experiences and achievements which are probably the most relevant or significant in relation to a particular job. It is very common practice and makes your resume/CV easy to read.

With the functional format you present information in terms of fields of expertise. For example: sales, marketing, management, network management. It can hide any periods of unemployment you may have had. You can include not only paid job experiences but also skills gained in other experiences, such as volunteer work.

The golden rule again is to make your resume/CV informative, readable, and convincing in a minimum of space and text. Do not forget that your resume/CV makes the first contact between you and the reader so your choice of style, language, inclusion of details, contribute to making the first impression.


1. International style With globalization and multinational companies playing an important role in today's world, there is a trend toward one style of resume, sometimes called the "international style". If you are applying for an international position, you should obviously stress personal skills and achievement, and any international experience you have had. Also important are travel, study, mobility, and interest in other cultures. N.B. If you are applying for a job for a national position in a national firm in a particular country, you should respect that country's tradition of CV writing. Once again company websites often furnish profiles of prospective candidates for posts indicating the type of person they are interested in recruiting.

2. European Style The CEDEFOP, a European institution, has designed the European curriculum vitae. This style, while interesting, is not in our view, adapted to INT students' requirements. On the other hand if this style is adopted systematically and CVs are going to be scanned automatically its importance could grow. (For more information, including a template, see here http://europass.cedefop.eu.int/).

3. British and American Style CVs and Cover(ing) Letters There are only minor differences between a resume to be sent to an American company and one sent to a British company. Personal details are a case in point, see here. There are no major differences between the American cover letter and British Style covering letters. Both should be typewritten and, at the beginning of a career, one page is sufficient for each. There are however some language differences including spelling, vocabulary items and equivalent expressions for diplomas.

For the United Kingdom baccalauréat C mention bien- GCSE Advanced level in maths and physics with honours ( or with distinction) DEUG University diploma in + (subject) or two year degree in + (subject) License B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) Maîtrise M.Sc. (Master of Science) M.A. (Master of Arts) For the United States and Canada baccalauréat C mention bien- High school diploma in math and physics with honors DEUG University diploma in + (subject). or Associate's Degree in + (subject) License B.S. (Bachelor of Science) B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) Maîtrise M.S. (Master of Science) M.A. (Master of Arts)


Transferable Skills and qualities An employer is interested not only in your specific formal academic training but also your practical experience, i.e. particular skills and qualities that are transferable to any job situation. It is up to you to try to incorporate them into

your cover letter. These include:

Typical transferable skills sought by employers

ambition communication competitive spirit

cross-cultural experiences and sensitivity decision making dealing with money

dealing with customers managing time discipline

meeting deadlines creativity commitment

problem-solving managing people teamwork

independence immunity to stress perserverance

knowledge of languages tolerance social skills

well-roundedness leadership qualities flexibility

adaptability desire for adventure success


There are some lexical differences in the American resume and British CV that need to be pointed out: spelling differences and word differences. Whichever language you choose the important thing is to stay coherent and be

consistent. If you start in English English stay that way and vice versa. There is also reference to this aspect of CV writing in the British and American styles, work related vocabulary and the CV examples.

Common spelling differences American English / British English

ge / gue analog analogue catalog catalogue

l / ll travel/traveled travel/travelled

m / mm program/programming programme/programming

er / re center centre theater theatre

or /our honors honours endeavor endeavour

ize / ise zation /sation

organization organisation organize organise

s math (mathematics) maths (mathematics)

Common lexical differences

private lessons to students tutor teach/taught

secondary school diploma high school diploma A levels

summer position internship training period/traineeship

intern trainee

time off vacation holiday

season fall autumn

3 or 4 year degree in science BS BSc

Master's degree in science MS MSc

Football Football American Football

Soccer Football

Underground railway subway tube, underground

transport ticket to and from a place round trip return


1. Action verbs are used to describe skills and accomplishments that you have gained through professional experience. When used together with the qualifiers below you can present yourself more fully thus giving the recruiter a better idea of your qualities.

Here is a list of the most common dynamic verbs

Achieved Constructed Examined Launched Sampled

Adapted Consulted Expanded Led Scheduled

Administered Contacted Experimented Maintained Selected

Advertised Contributed Explored Managed Serviced

Advised Controlled Expressed Marketed Set up

Aided Co-operated Facilitated Modelled Simplified

Analysed Co-ordinated Explored Modified Sold

Applied Created Focused Negotiated Solved

Approved Debugged Forecasted Operated Sought

Assembled Decided Found Outlined Specialized

Assessed Defined Graded Overhauled Spoke

Assisted Delegated Guided Participated (in) Streamlined

Authorized Delivered Handled Performed Structured

Bought Demonstrated Harmonized Pinpointed Summarized


Do not hesitate to be specific when relating your experience, or knowledge. To do so use a qualifier. Below you will find a list of qualifiers which are typically associated with particular words. To describe:

Experience: hands-on , strong, solid, excellent, wide, extensive, broad, varied, successful

Ability/background/skill: outstanding, excellent, proven, strong

Knowledge: in depth, detailed, thorough, first-hand, extensive

Company: leading, pioneer, small/medium sized, top-ranking, second biggest, large, major, fast growing

Position: challenging, rewarding, responsible, entry level, rewarding

Technology: leading edge, cutting edge, latest, most advanced

Miscellaneous: innovative approach, highly organized person, sound judgment strongly motivated, deeply committed

Problem solving: done easily, effectively, quickly, accurately

Respecting deadlines: meet deadlines, good time management

Sylvie Martin Address on campus (until June 30, 2006) TELECOM & Management SudParis Ch 2007

9, rue Charles Fourier

F-91011 Evry Cedex,

France

Permanent address: 11, rue Ordener

75018 Paris,

France

Tel. (+33) 1.60.76.20.07

email: [email protected] Age: 22

Nationality : French

Tel. (+33) 5.56.42.10.07

Aim :

To use my skills in management and interpersonal relations in your human resources department.

Educational achievements

2004-07 M.Sc. in Management; INT Management, Evry, France.

Relevant courses: Management, Company Organisation,

Human Resources Management. Dual diploma with MBA below

2004-07 MBA Université Paris Dauphine.

Relevant courses: Corporate Management, Psychology, Commercial Law

Research paper: Telecoms and Management in French Corporations

Professional experience

Summer 2005 AMB Bank, Leading private banking house, Paris

Compiled data and made a report on customers' investment needs.

Updated customer information on database.Training period in Human Resources Department

Dealt with employees' promotion files. Organized meetings and communicated necessary

information by e-mail and posted it on the Intranet.

Computer proficiency

Operating Systems: Windows 2000/XP/NT, Palm OS

Languages: HTML, XML

Software: Edited reports and long documents using Microsoft Office

Graphics Tools: Pagemaker, Illustrator, Macromedia Studio

Foreign languages

French and Portuguese: bilingual

English: excellent working knowledge. Sat TOEIC June 2005 (Score 910)

Extracurricular activities

Treasurer of the school humanitarian association. Managed budget of €2,000

Organised school gala. Responsible for sound system. Locating suppliers. Negotiating price,

installation, delivery and insurance.

Sport: Teach modern dance, swimming

Travel: U.K. (several stays with host family), W. Europe.

Other interests include Portuguese and Brazilian literature and history.

References: Available upon request

Jean-Jacques DUPONT Campus address (until June 30, 2006)

TELECOM & Management SudParis Ch 1007 9, rue Charles Fourier F-91011 Evry Cedex, France

Permanent address: 11, avenue de la République33000 Bordeaux, France

Tel. (+33) 1.60.76.10.07 Cellphone (+33) 6.78.90.07.01 email: [email protected]

Tel. (+33) 5.56.42.10.07

Objective : To use my skills in computer programmin g in a 2 month internship in the IT Department.

Education 2004-

07 M.S. in IS Management; INT Management, Evry, France .

Relevant courses: Computing, Business Information Systems, LANs WANs. Special project. Wrote a program to manage data using SQL.

2002-04

Lycée Jean Moinod, Paris Preparation for national competitive entrance exams to leading French "grandes écoles", specializing in math and physics. Ranked 10/3000.

2002 Lycée Marie Moinod, Paris Bac C, (specializing in science and math) with honors. (US equivalent: high school diploma plus one year.)

Professional experience Summer 2004 Face Software , Software publishing company, Paris La Défense

Responsible for developing and testing software to process data and trained clients in its use. August 2003 Internship ACDC Publishing , Specialised printing company, Paris Illustrated a book on basic computing.

Computer skills • Operating Systems: Windows 2000/XP/NT, Unix, Linux, Palm OS • Languages: C, C++, Java, XML, dBASE III • Software: Word, Adobe Indesign, Photoshop, Macromedia Director, Flash • Networks: Windows NT Languages French - mother tongue. English -good working knowledge.

German - reasonable working knowledge. Spanish - beginner. Extracurricular activities • President of student Computer Network Association. Manage students' residence halls

computer network. Responsible for installing, upgrading, troubleshooting. • Volunteer work: Work one hour/week with students who have difficulties in learning math. • Sports: football (practice 4 hours/week), tennis (won first prize in local competition) • Travel: U.K. serveral month long stays including 2 one-month periods in an Oxford language

centre) References: Available upon request

http://www.businessballs.com/curriculum.htm

Voici un “template” que vouspouvez télécharger et rempliravec vos informations…Téléchargeable en pdf aussi !

Template !Template !

Cover(ingCover(ing) Letter / ) Letter / LettreLettre de Motivationde Motivation

�� La La misemise en page en page doitdoit êtreêtre professionnelleprofessionnelle et faire et faire rrééfféérencerence àà la la personnepersonne commecomme ““Dear Sir,Dear Sir, ”” ouou ““Dear Madam,Dear Madam, ”” sisi vousvous ne ne connaissezconnaissez pas le nom du contact. pas le nom du contact. ((VoireVoire ““Dear Sir Dear Sir or Madam,or Madam,”” pour ne pas pour ne pas offenseroffenser !)!)

�� Pas plus long Pas plus long ququ’’uneune seuleseule page !page !

�� Elle Elle doitdoit êtreêtre facile facile àà lire, les lire, les paragraphesparagraphes pas pas trtrèèss longs. (Encore, longs. (Encore, en en anglaisanglais concisconcis et simple !)et simple !)

�� NN’’oubliezoubliez pas pas dd’’yy mettremettre la DATE et la DATE et toutestoutes vosvos coordonncoordonnééeses, , mêmemême sisi elleselles apparaissentapparaissent sursur le CV.le CV.

�� Ne Ne rrééppééteztez pas les pas les infosinfos trouvtrouv ééeses dansdans le CV !le CV ! UtilisezUtilisez la la lettrelettre pour pour éélaborerlaborer certainscertains points, points, donnerdonner plus de plus de ddéétailstails sursur vosvoscompcompéétencestences……

Cover(ingCover(ing) Letter / ) Letter / LettreLettre de Motivationde Motivation

�� EssayezEssayez dd’é’élaborerlaborer vosvos compcompéétencestences ((““skillsskills””) et les ) et les mettremettre en en valeurvaleur par rapport aux par rapport aux compcompéétencestences demanddemandééeses pour le pour le posteposte. .

�� MontrezMontrez cece queque votrevotre expexp éériencerience pourraitpourrait leurleur apporterapporter ..

�� Salutation : Salutation : ‘‘Dear Sir or Madam,Dear Sir or Madam,””

�� Salutation de fin : Salutation de fin : ““Yours faithfully,Yours faithfully,”” or or ““Yours trulyYours truly”” (GB) (GB) ““Respectfully (yours),Respectfully (yours),”” (US)(US)

�� ““Dear Mr. / Ms. Smith,Dear Mr. / Ms. Smith,”” ending ending ““Yours Yours sincerelysincerely,(GB,(GB) ) ouou ““Sincerely Sincerely (yours),(yours),”” (US)(US)

�� NEVER write NEVER write ““Dear Mister,Dear Mister,”” OR OR ““Dear Sir SmithDear Sir Smith”” !!

Your CV inYour CV in EnglishEnglishShould now, with some research and work, be very easy to Should now, with some research and work, be very easy to

correct correct -- and maybe perfect! and maybe perfect!

Contact the English department if you need some extra help.Contact the English department if you need some extra help.

[email protected]@utc.fr

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