By Jake Smith

Getting a job in an English speaking country is probably the best thing you can do to learn better English. However, before you even start the long, scary process of job applications and interviews, you need to sit down and write a C.V (or a résumé if you prefer to speak like our American cousins).

This is not just incredibly difficult for English Language learners but also for native speakers too and it is something that we all dread having to write.

Also read about How to answer job interview questions?

Here are some tips on how to write a C.V for an English speaking country:

You are Vincent Van Gogh!
Well, not exactly. But you should aim to create something similar to a self-portrait – paint the best picture of you!
Firstly, pick your best features. Just the same as you would in a painting of yourself, you would want to make sure your hair is perfect and that your teeth are super straight. So, make a list of all the impressive and important things you have done. For example, that time you did work experience for that really great company or how you have solved difficult situations in the past.

Leave out the part where you spilled coffee all over your boss’s laptop however!

You also want to paint the right picture for the right job. If you were creating a painting for an art exhibition about the beach, you might want to spend most of your time painting a beautiful boat or someone sunbathing in the golden sunshine.

Similarly, if you are applying for a job in a restaurant, you can write about your customer service experience, bar work and how much you love food! Make it relevant for the job.

You are special!

The first thing you want to do is to impress your potential employer. So, start with your most relevant/impressive achievement or qualification.

Also, talk about relevant personal interests and hobbies. This adds personality to your C.V which most people forget to talk about. Your employer wants to be friends with you as much as they want you to do your job!
There are also certain words you might want to avoid saying. This is because so many people often use the same words in their CVs. Remember you need to be different so try to avoid these words if you can:

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Flexible
  • Motivated
  • Multi-tasker
  • Independent

Obviously, if you the job description says these skills are essential it may be worth using a few. However, these skills are often expected of you already. For example, every job requires you to be ‘motivated’, or the work wouldn’t ever get done! Be different, interesting and special!

You only have 6 seconds to impress!

According to studies, the average time a recruiter looks over a CV is six seconds. Yeah, that’s right, six seconds! This is the amount of time you have to impress your future employer.

So you need to make it as short as you can – no more than 2 sides of A4.

Finally, you have lots to talk about!

You should always include all of these topics, putting the most important ones first:

  • Personal details – Don’t forget to include your name and your telephone number!!
  • Work Experience – All your relevant experience with the most recent first.
  • Personal Statement – Talk about why you’re a good fit for the job.
  • Education – Include dates when you got the qualification.
  • Hobbies and Interests – Make yourself sound exciting and have something interesting to talk about in the interview.

So, there you have it. Some tips on CV writing. Creating a clear and concise CV will highly increase your chances of getting a job in an English speaking country.

Also , find out how to answer the job interview questions correctly, in our 4 series of Interview tips!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNcfxD6u-vxJEi-7pwIUlf0hX2q7vIuYf

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