Curriculum Vitae Introduction

 CV stands for curriculum vitae (Latin for ‘course of life’).

 Your CV sells you to a possible employer.
 It should interest the employer and secure you an interview.
 A CV usually sums up your education and work history.
 It also shows your skills, abilities and achievements.
 Sometimes you can send a CV for a job vacancy.
 You can use your CV to help you fill in an application form.
 Your CV must always be up to date.
 Make sure that your CV is well presented and check it before you send it off.

CV stands for curriculum vitae, which is Latin for ‘course of life. Your CV is a very important
document because it sells you to a possible employer. A good CV should interest the employer,
showing clearly and concisely why you are the right person for the job.

A CV usually contains a brief summary of your achievements in education, your skills, abilities,
interests and work experience.

Sometimes, job advertisements ask you to send in your CV rather than completing an application
form. You would also include your CV when sending in a speculative letter to an employer.

If a job advertisement asks younto fill in an application form, you can use the information on
your CV to make sure that you include all your relevant qualifications, skills and experience.

Employers receive hundreds of CVs and only have a very short time to look at yours. You need
to make every single word on your CV work in your favour. You also need to make sure that it’s
well presented, easy to read and that the spelling and grammar is correct.

A CV is not a historical document that stays the same for ever once it’s written. You must keep it
up to date by adding in new skills, achievements, experience and qualifications as you obtain
them.

You can change the way your CV is presented, depending on the type of job you are applying
for. For example, you can highlight your skills to show that they match the skills needed to do
the job. Or, you can show that you have had experience of doing the same kind of tasks, or that
you have the qualifications needed.

TIPS TO BUILD A GOOD CV

Introduction

 A good CV sells you to an employer and gets you an interview.

 Use positive statements about yourself.
 Use a computer to produce your CV.
 Use section headings to make information easy to find.
 Choose information that presents you in the best way.
 Change the order of the information to your advantage.
 Make use of bullet points and keep sentences short.
 Check your spelling and grammar.
 Keep your CV up to date.
 Try to keep your CV to two sides of A4 and print it on good quality paper (single-sided).

A good CV is one that gets you an interview! It has to be relevant to the job you’re applying for,
or to the organization you’re sending it to.

A good CV should contain positive, selected information about your skills, qualifications and
experience. It should make the person reading it be interested in finding out more about you.

Your CV needs to be well presented and easy to read; the reader should be able to find all the
information they need without searching around the document. Using section headings should
make this easier.

It should always be up to date and accurate. Don’t stretch the truth or put anything on your CV
that you can’t back up with evidence.

You should use a computer to produce your CV. If you don’t have access to one, try your local
library.

Use the past tense for previous experience, and try not to use ‘I’. For example, put ‘Supervised
five people’ rather than ‘I supervised five people’.

Don’t use long sentences or paragraphs. Try to make use of bullet points to list things like skills
and achievements where you can. Set out your information in columns, tables or neat rows. You
could use Bold to make a few key points, but don’t underline headings or text.

You should always check what you have written, and then check it again. Check your spelling
and grammar (use the spellchecker and a dictionary). Make use of IT, but don’t be a slave to it.
Beware of American spellings and words that sound the same but are spelt differently.

When you have checked it, ask a friend or relative to check it. Try reading it out loud to make
sure it all makes sense. Careless mistakes on your CV will usually result in rejection.

The person reading your CV will only spend a very short time looking at it. So, it should be as
short as you can make it, without losing any important information. Don’t waste valuable space
with unnecessary words (like putting Curriculum Vitae at the top – it’s obvious that it’s a CV!).

Make your CV sound professional; don’t go for the humorous approach.

Guidelines suggest that the ideal length is no more than two sheets of A4, or equivalent. This
will depend on your experience and the job you’re applying for.

If you are emailing your CV to an employer, you could firstly email it to yourself to make sure
that it is in the correct format when opened as an attachment.

Online recruitment agencies usually allow you to attach your CV to their registration page.

There are a number of important elements involved in creating the perfect CV. These elements
can be summed up as the 4Cs. In short these are:

* Content: What to include.

* Clarity: Make it easy to read.

* Concise: Stick to the point.

* Correct: Check for errors.

It may be a good idea to write them on a scrap of paper so that you can see them in front of you
while you work on your CV.

Content – What to write

Remember most CVs these days are ‘Ability Based’. For more details read our guide to the
different types of CV, and in particular the “Functional CV”.

To summarize, the following things need to be included:

* Name

* Achievements

* Skills and Abilities

* Education

* Career Summary

* Other relevant information

* Contact details

Note: Unless specifically asked for, there is no need to include information about age, marital
status, nationality etc. Employers are bound not to discriminate under Employment Legislation.
Clarity – How to write with clarity

Your CV needs to look clean and crisp and must be well presented and easy to read. For further
information, read our article on “Your CV layout”, which specifies exactly how the above can be
achieved.

Some of the information may seem obvious but is often overlooked, so it is worth stating. Small
things can make the difference between success and failure.

Concise – How to write concisely

Perhaps that last sentence should be changed to ‘keep it short and simple.’ Say what you have to
say as quickly and crisply as possible. Under ‘Achievements’ (see below), for example try and
express each one in a single sentence, preferably on a single line.

Sentence Example: Set up a spreadsheet to capture stock management data.

By doing this you will be able to include more items without cluttering up the visual appearance.
The more items you can include, the more you are selling yourself to a potential employer.

Correct – How to ensure it is correct

Always check for errors. In fact, better still, get someone else to check it for you. We all have a
tendency, when proofreading our own work, to read what we meant to say rather than what we
actually wrote. Don’t forget to use the spell checker programme on your PC. There is no need for
any errors at all.

In addition to the 4Cs, you also need to remember the 2Ts –

1.     Tailor

2.     Truth.

Tailor: Develop your own bank of information to draw on for ‘Specific’ applications. Do not
just have one ‘blanket’ CV for every application. Check the job description and person
specification. Google the company and ‘get a feel for them’.

For speculative applications (where you are sending your details to a range of prospective
employers) select the best from your bank relevant to the occupational sector concerned. For
sending your CV to agencies etc assemble all your ‘big hitters’.

Truth: Do not falsify information. Misrepresenting qualifications, for example, can result in
dismissal if unearthed.

Printing your CV
You might need to send a paper copy of your CV off in the post, or you might need paper copies
to hand in at recruitment agencies, for example.

Don’t print your CV double-sided; print each sheet on a separate piece of paper. Research has
shown that anything on the back might get missed.

Choose the best quality paper that you can, and don’t fold your CV if you can help it. White or
cream paper with black type seems to be the preferred choice for employers.

Always print a fresh copy of your CV each time; don’t photocopy it. Otherwise, it will look as
though you have just run off lots of standard CVs and not given any thought to this particular
vacancy or employer.

It will not help you to put your finished CV in a folder, binder or any other presentation
stationery – it will make it harder for the person reading it to keep it in the pile of other CVs. Just
staple the two sheets together and put your covering letter on top.

You are not writing a novel and so your page must not be crammed with unnecessary words and
black ink. The function of a CV is not to get you the job, but to intrigue the reader and spark
interest so that he wants to see more.

In CV terms, minimal is best.

Below are some pointers and general rules on how a CV should be set out and presented.

The best font for a CV

Here you need to consider the font type and the font size.

The text needs to be clear, well spaced out and easy to read. You may be tempted to use a fancy
font to make your CV stand out, however, it is best to stick to classic types such as Times new
Roman, Arial or Verdana. Bear in mind that these days, many CVs are scanned by a computer
before being read by an actual person and so you must use a font that a computer will recognise.

Although you might want to use small-sized writing in order to fit more on your page, the ideal
is a font that is no less than 11pt. Too small will mean that your reader can’t see it and might just
toss it to one side. Writing that is too big will also have a similar effect.
Stick to one font and use it throughout the document, otherwise it will look messy and do not use
capital letters unless you are starting a sentences or writing a title or sub-title, as this looks blurry
to the eye.

Always use black ink.

Using underlined, bold and italic text in a CV

Use these effects sparingly. Yes, you may want to highlight certain points or key words, but limit
bold to titles, subtitles and the odd important phrase.

Underlining and italics may only be necessary in certain cases but are not essential to a CV. Only
use if they enhance the appearance of the document, making it clearer and easier to read, and
don’t clutter up the page.

Do not let these effects distract from the content of the CV.

Language style

Your CV needs to be crisp, short and to the point. For this reason, brief statements, bullet points
and a punchy style are the norm. Do not use long sentences or long paragraphs and try to get
your message across in the shortest way possible.

Sentences should be between 10 – 20 words but do not use abbreviated words unless they are
commonly understood by everyone. Under no circumstances should you use text messaging
speak!

Use plenty of strong action verbs in your sentences such as “adapted”, “projected”, “planned”,
“facilitated”, as this enlivens the reading process and can help to shorten long descriptions. Try
to start each bullet point with one of these verbs.

It is common nowadays, in modern CVs, to drop the use of personal pronouns (I, you, he, she
etc), in order to save space and some say, to sound more professional. So, instead of “I achieved
consistent annual sales of over 1 million.” you would say, “Achieved consistent annual sales of
over 1 million.”

If you work in a specialized field, try not to use specialist jargon, as the reader may not always
understand, particularly if they belong to another department such as Human Resources or
Administration.

Check for errors

There is nothing more off-putting for potential employers than a document that is full of spelling
mistakes and grammatical errors. Even though spelling may not be one of your strengths,
everyone knows what a dictionary is and you should look up any words that you are unsure of
how to spell. Be careful with spell-checks on the computer, as they are often set to the American
version.

A document with mistakes can give the impression that you are careless and hasty in your work.

Once your CV is written, go back and check the document at least twice or get someone else to
do it, as it is often easy to overlook your own mistakes.

Length of a CV

A CV should be no more than two sides of A-4 paper and the general rule is one page to every
ten years of work experience.

Best paper to use for a CV

Now that you have written, checked and rechecked your CV and it is ready to print out, you must
now choose the type of paper that you are going to present it on.

Choose a good quality paper such as 80 or 90g; you don’t want it to rip or appear too flimsy. On
the flip side, it mustn’t feel like cardboard either.

White is the best choice for colour and cream if you have to be a little different. Abstain from
using patterned, textured or anything other than plain, white paper. It is more professional.

Job Opening For Hr Coordinator In Helios and Matheson Information Technology Ltd
February 10th, 2010

Experience:0-2 years

Job Title: Hr Coordinator

Location: Bangalore

Education: UG – Any Graduate – Any Specialization

Name of the Company: Helios and Matheson Information Technology Ltd

Job Description:

Manage recruitment in order to deliver suitable skilled candidates to the business in a timely and
cost effective manner

Scheduling Interviews

Providing timely feedback to candidates and consultants

Work on Employee personnel data management

Manage the leave management system and generate monthly report

Other HR Operational activities

About the company:

Commencing operations in 1991, helios and matheson has helped scores of clients maximize the
performance of their IT organizations with a powerful suite of services driven by a seamless
global delivery model.

we are headquartered in chennai, india with offices and subsidiaries in usa, singapore and india.

Over time we have built a strong USA and european presence and deep client relationships.
Sustained infrastructure and sales/marketing investments over the last 16 years have helped
create a world-class knowledge-networked work environment that empowers our team to provide
high quality solutions to clients.

Address:

Helios and Matheson Information Technology Ltd

1281, 21st Main, JP Nagar, Phase-2

Bangalore 560 078 Karnataka India

Phone.No:+91-80-41950500

Email at:[email protected]

Things to avoid in a CV
February 10th, 2010
what to avoid in a CV      As there is certain information that should always be included in your
CV, so is there other information that could possibly be included or should definitely not be
included if you are hoping to land an interview for that dream job.

Heading

Starting with the top of the document, a very common mistake is to write the title “CV,
Curriculum Vitae, Resume” or similar. None of these should be included, as it should be plainly
obvious that the document is your CV. If it isn’t clear, then you need to look at the layout and
content! Your CV should begin with your name and contact details.

Photographs

Unless you are applying for a modelling job, do not send a photograph of yourself with your CV.
It used to be the case previously, but is no longer deemed necessary. An employer cannot
determine whether a person is a suitable candidate purely from looking at a photo of them.

Age, race, nationality, sex or religion

Again, these areas were always included in CVs a number of years ago, yet today they should be
left out. As above, whether or not you can do a job properly should not be determined by the
colour of your skin, your age, sex or religion.

Marital status

If it does not help your chances of getting a job, do not include.

Health and physical description

Unless it is relevant to the post that you are applying for, leave it out. An applicant for a gym
instructor’s post or a personal fitness instructor would perhaps include this information.

Hobbies and Interests

This is a tricky one but can be included if they could somehow help your chances of landing the
job that you want. For example, if someone was applying for a local reporter’s position, then
they could write down that their interests include travelling, photography, reading and creative
writing.

Reason for leaving

It is not necessary to state why you left or plan to leave your job on your CV. More than likely,
this will be touched upon during your interview.

References
There is a good reason why you should not include your references on your CV. It will suffice to
write “References available upon request”. If you are called for an interview, which then goes
very well, it is at that moment and not before that your potential employer will investigate
further. If he is not interested in you from the interview, then he won’t bother checking up on all
the references. It’s all a matter of time.

Salary

Mention of money does not go on your CV. There is no need to say what you have earned in the
past or what you want to earn in the future. Details of salary would be covered in the interview if
both parties were interested.

Charts and graphs

There is absolutely no need to include any charts, graphs or tables on your CV. They take up
space and are not helpful at all. They would just make things very complicated. If producing
graphs or tables were part of your job, then maybe you could bring some samples to the
interview but do not produce them unless asked to do so.

Terminology

Keep the language you use simple and clear. Do not use any specialist lingo, as often a specialist
will not be the first person to read your CV.

Do not lie

Most CVs are certainly exaggerated slightly, as candidates “talk themselves up”. However, it is a
sackable offence to lie on your CV and it could cost you your job if you were found out.
Actually, it is being found that more and more people are including false information in their
CVs and subsequently, employers are carrying out more rigorous checks, so don’t be caught out
by including information that just isn’t true.

Layout

This was featured in detail in our “Your CV layout” article. Ensure that a clear font is used and
that the document is typed on plain white or cream paper.

Do not use fancy fonts and use tools for highlighting such as bold, underlining and italics
sparingly.

On a final note, make sure that when you send your CV off to a prospective employer that you
also include a covering letter.
5 Important CV tips to create an impact
February 11th, 2010

Your CV is a vital tool in the job seeking process. It’s your first chance to impress a prospective
employer, providing details that underline your suitability for the role. On average, recruiters
take just eight seconds to decide whether or not to keep a CV, so you need to be on the ball.

Our top five tips will give your CV maximum impact:

1. Keep it concise
Recruiters are often faced with mountains of CVs and don’t have the time or patience to trawl
through a rambling document. Remember that your CV is only the first step, a way of getting
your foot in the door, so keep it punchy. Make it no more than two sides of A4 paper and save
the real detail for your interview.

2. Tailor your CV
Take time to adapt your CV for each individual role you apply for. Research the company and
use the job ad to gauge what it is looking for in an employee. Link your skills and experience to
the requirements of the role. Similarly, if you are logging your CV with a job site database, look
at the sort of jobs on the site and the employers who are advertising, and rework your CV
accordingly.

3. Don’t leave gaps

Gaps invite the recruiter to guess what you were up to, so instead of allowing them to make their
own assumptions give them the details. Even in time out of employment you can develop soft
skills such as communication, teamwork or project management. You should update your CV
regularly, regardless of whether you are actively jobseeking, to avoid having to recall distant
points in your career.

4. Ensure it’s free of errors

One of the easiest ways for recruiters to weed out weaker CVs is to scan them for errors. If you
fail to check your CV for basic spelling and grammatical mistakes, you are setting yourself up
for a fall at the first hurdle. Most errors can be rooted out using your PC’s spell-checker, but you
should also ask someone else to read your CV and ask that person for an opinion.

5. Tell the truth

It’s one thing to highlight the positives on your CV, but telling blatant lies is a bad idea. You are
highly likely to be caught out and your application rejected. Many companies check the facts —
such as qualifications — that candidates supply. And a good interviewer will soon spot any
inconsistency in your story, even if it concerns your leisure activities. It would be hugely
embarrassing to be caught out by an interviewer who’s an expert in your half-baked hobby.

Cover letters
February 11th, 2010

Cover letters: Your introduction to company

A cover letter has only one purpose: to encourage recruiters to read your CV. The letter gives
you the chance to demonstrate that you understand the nature of the job being advertised and to
show how your skills and abilities fit the vacancy perfectly.

While your CV tells the employer about you, your letter should concentrate on the position and
the company. Remember to research the firm fully by visiting its website or store, using every bit
of information you find to help improve your chances. The cover letter is usually your first
contact with a potential employer and can make or break your chances of securing a job:

Here are a few important points to remember:

* Include a personalised cover letter with every CV you send out to outline how your experience
matches the job requirements.
* Never send out standard cover letters to different employers for different positions.
* Present it in the usual letter format, keeping it short and factual.
* Tell the recruiter where you saw the job advertised and include any reference numbers.
* Refer to the CV you have attached to encourage the recruiter to find out more about what you
can offer.
* Highlight what you would bring to the role.
* Explain why you want the job and how it would fit into your career plan.
* If the job is in a different sector from those in which you have previously worked, draw links
between the two.
* Demonstrate any research you’ve already made into the organization.
* Include any dates when you might be unavailable for interview.
* Check that you have addressed your letter to the right person, used the correct job title and
spelt their name correctly.
* Don’t mention salary at this stage. That subject should be saved for an interview.
* Never underestimate the value of the cover letter. It can increase the impact of your CV if your
experience is lacking.

It can be worth sending a speculative letter to a company that you wish to work if it is not
advertising vacancies.

* Begin by outlining the type of work you are seeking.

* Explain why you want to work for this organization.
* List the skills you have that might be particularly relevant.
* Ask for your CV to be held on file for any vacancies that may come up.

Most Important Basic Resume Tips

December 28th, 2009

Important basic Resume Tips :

Always Follow These Basic Standards….

* Don’t overcrowd your resume; allow for plenty of white space.

* Keep your resume to one page whenever possible.

* Keep the number of fonts you use to a minimum — two at the most.

* Use a font that is easy to read. Times Roman works well.

* Do not justify the lines of type on your resume. Allow the right side of the page to “rag.”

* Do not overuse capitalization, italics, underlines, or other emphasizing features.

* Make sure your name, address, and a phone number appear on your resume and all
correspondence, preferably at the top of the page.

* Print your resume on white or cream paper using a good-quality printer.

* Second- and third-generation photocopies must be avoided

* Print on one side of the paper only.

Avoid Mistakes :

SPELLING MISTAKES:

To avoid spelling mistakes:

* Don’t use words with which you aren’t familiar.

* Use a dictionary as you write.

* Perform a spell check on your finished resume.

* Carefully read every word in your resume.

* Have a friend or two proof read your resume for you.

PUNCTUATION MISTAKES :

Things to look for :

* Periods at the end of all full sentences.

* Be consistent in your use of punctuation.

* Always put periods and commas within quotation marks.

* Avoid using exclamation points.

GRAMMATICAL MISTAKES :

Grammar hang-ups to watch for:

* The duties you currently perform should be in present tense (i.e., write reports)

* Duties you may have performed at past jobs should be in past tense (i.e., wrote reports).

* Capitalize all proper nouns.

* When expressing numbers, write out all numbers between one and nine (i.e., one, five, seven),
but

* use numerals for all numbers 10 and above (i.e., 10, 25, 108).

* If you begin a sentence with a numeral, spell out that numeral (e.g. Eleven service awards won
while employed.).

* Make sure your date formats are consistent (i.e.11/22/01 or Nov. 22, 2001, or 11.22.01. Choose
one and stick with it.).

Choose Your Words Carefully :

Phrase yourself well:

* Be on the lookout for the following easily confused words:

* accept (to receive), except (to exclude)

* all right (correct), alright (this is not a word)

* affect (to bring about change), effect (result)

* personal (private), personnel (staff members)

* role (a character assigned or a function), roll (to revolve).

* Use action words (i.e., wrote reports, increased revenues, directed staff).
REFERENCES:

In most instances it is not necessary to include names and address of references on the resume. If
you include a reference, make it sure that the referenced person knows very well about you. It is
also advisable to add the persons as references, whom the employer can contact easily. If
possible add the phone number and e-mail ID of the reference. Never add a person as a
reference, about whom you know nothing

STICK TO THE POINT :

Employers have a busy schedule, so don’t expect them to read through a long resume. Ideally,
resumes should be of one page, or of two pages only if absolutely necessary, to describe relevant
work experience.

WORDS COUNT :

Use of language is extremely important; you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly and
efficiently. Address your potential employer’s needs with a clearly written, compelling resume.
Avoid large paragraphs (five or six lines). If you provide small, digestible pieces of information,
your resume will be read. Use action verbs. Verbs such as “developed”, “managed”, and
“designed” emphasise your accomplishments. Don’t use declarative sentences like “I developed
the …” or “I assisted in …”, leave out the “I”. Avoid passive constructions, such as “was
responsible for managing”. Just say, “managed”: that sounds stronger and more active.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE :

Employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for
them. Don’t be vague. Telling someone that you “improved the company’s efficiency” doesn’t
say much. But if you say that you “cut overhead costs by 20 per cent and saved the company Rs
20 lakh during the last fiscal year”, you are more specific.

HONESTY IS A GOOD POLICY :

Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your accomplishments. There
is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it. A
falsified resume can cost you the job later.

DOUBLE-CHECK FOR MISTAKES :

Check your resume for correct grammar and spelling – evidence of good communication skills
and attention to detail. Nothing can ruin your chances of getting a job faster than submitting a
resume filled with preventable mistakes. Make your resume easy on the eye. Use normal margins
(1″ on the top and bottom, 1.25″ on the sides) and don’t cram your text on the page. Allow for
some space between the different sections. Avoid unusual or exotic fonts. Preferred fonts: Arial
and Times Roman.
Tips on Impressive Resume Writing :

The following are some tips on writing your resume and effective interviewing that may help
you in the job-seeking and placement process.

Resume Writing Tips

An effective resume provides concise, factual, and positive information about you to help
employers decide whether you are the best candidate. It is your marketing tool to assist in selling
your talents to a prospective employer. Since it remains after your interview is over, it reminds
the employer about your background.

It should be limited to one to two pages and summarize your experience, skills, and education to
highlight your qualifications for employment.

Your resume should say:

* Who you are

* What you know and have done

* What kind of work you want

* Why you should be hired

A cover letter should accompany your resume, because it serves to focus the aspects of your
experience and education that are directly applicable to the job. A cover letter may demonstrate
your attitude, work ethic, and written communication skills. A well-written cover letter and
resume can play a major role in establishing your candidacy and increasing the likelihood you
will be called for an interview.

Your work history should include the name of each employer, your job title, employment dates,
and a brief description of your duties and responsibilities, as well as relevant achievements and
specials skills, including military experience.

List, if appropriate to your field of work, memberships in professional organizations, knowledge

of foreign languages, articles published, inventions or patents, and skills such as typing or
computer software knowledge. Avoid religious or political affiliations.

In citing your educational background, don’t provide details (like a listing of major courses)
unless the job requires it, your work experience is limited, or you did not graduate but want to
show you have taken courses related to your occupation. If you want to emphasize your
education, place it before your work history; otherwise, you should place it after your work
history.
* List all conferred degrees, starting with the highest. If you have not received a degree but have
attended college, you may list the total number of hours completed. Give the name and location
of the college, degree(s) conferred, and major field(s) of study.

* Include job-related extracurricular activities and significant scholastic honors.

* Include any other pertinent education, such as vocational, professional, or military schools.

List professional licenses or certificates.

Do not list references on your resume. Simply include a statement, such as “References available
upon request,” at the bottom of your resume. Have a separate sheet listing your references and
bring this to an interview. Notify your references if it appears you are being seriously considered
for a position. It is a good idea to send copies of your resume to the references you plan to use.

Carefully consider the language and format of your resume. Limit the length of your resume by
using concise phrasing rather than complete sentences. You should convey a positive tone and
use strong action verbs to describe job-related responsibilities and accomplishments. A few
examples of action verbs are: instructed, demonstrated, performed, planned, motivated,
increased, trained, solved.

* Make your resume easy to read and scan; use white space to make text stand out.

* Use serif fonts (Times New Roman or Ariel), type size 10.5 or 11.

* Avoid using “I” statements; instead begin sentences or phrases with action verbs.

* Devote more space to recent jobs than to earlier ones.

* Write out all numbers from one to nine; use numerals for 10-999,999.

* Write your name and phone number on each page (in case pages get separated).

* Do not misrepresent or exaggerate your experience.

* Do not use abbreviations or jargon, either professional or technical, unless it is relevant to the
position and all readers will be sure to understand the terms.

* Do not include a snapshot.

* Be aware of information or dates that could be used to screen you out of consideration.

Neatness definitely counts, so be consistent with the layout- – pay attention to the arrangement of
headings, captions, use of capitals, underscoring, and fonts. Lead your reader’s eye through
points with headings, bullets, bold type, and white space. Of course, check for typographical
errors and mistakes in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Be critical – - have at least one other
person proofread and review your resume.

What Makes a Curriculum Vitae Stand Out?

You’ll generate a better response with your curriculum vitae if it is well organized and is packed
with relevant information to match and support your professional, academic or research
objective.

As a Job Placement Specialist for the University of Washington, Bothell I worked with students
submitting curriculum vitaes for graduate programs. In this capacity, I applied several unique
strategies when writing each curriculum vitae. The first was to prioritize and list the most
relevant academic, research, volunteer or work history experience first within the curriculum
vitae. The second was to include an Objective and Summary of Qualifications section at the top
of each C.V. The third was to incorporate many of the strategies and resume writing techniques
you’ll learn by perusing the resume tips in this site as well as in my sister site which offers 40
Free Resume and Job Search Workshops.

These strategies proved to be extremely effective and boosted the acceptance rate of students
applying for highly competitive graduate programs – many of which accepted only one to twelve
students out of 300 to 600 applicants. My endeavors and success in this arena were recognized
and commented on by the Director of Student Activities as a result of students reporting their
acceptance into graduate programs.

Preparing effective C.V.’s presents a unique challenge due to length, which can make them
boring and result in important data being buried or lost in such a long document. As a result,
prioritizing your top skills and experience to be presented in the first or uppermost section of
your C.V. makes sense. Then detail additional educational, employment or academic experience.

In this way you will maximize important criteria which you do not want to be overlooked by
academic or hiring committees.

Who Needs A Curriculum Vitae?

A curriculum vitae is often required for those applying to graduate or professional programs,
employment with international firms, or when promoting oneself within professional and
academic fields.

How Does a Curriculum Vitae Differ From A Regular Resume?

A curriculum vitae is longer than the average 1-2 page resume because it provides a greater
range of information which can include:

Professional, Vocational or Research Objective

Summary of Qualifications
Professional Licenses or Certifications

Education including Post Graduate, Graduate and Undergraduate Degrees and Studies

Listing of Relevant Course work to Match Career or Academic Objective

Educational or Professional Honors or Awards

Scientific or Academic Research, Laboratory Experience and Related Skills

Description of Thesis or Dissertation, Papers Written, Publications

Academic or Professional Presentations

Related Extracurricular Activities, Professional and Association Memberships

Community Involvement

Work Experience – Paid or Volunteer

Technical and Specialized Skills such as Computer Progamming or Laboratory

Instrumentation

Interests – Future Academic or Professional Goals

Travel / Exposure to Cultural Experiences

Foreign Language Skills

Additional Information that May Support Objective or Qualifications

CV Tips – some tips on how to write your Curriculum Vitae

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of sites out there offering tips on how to write your
CV or Resume – this article covers the basic CV and Resume tips you need to get started.

CV Tips – Use clear formating on your CV – there’s no point having having great content if it is
horrible to look at!

CV Tips – Don’t make your CV too long – your Curriculum Vitae isn’t an essay!

CV Tips – Only certain groups of people need photos on their CV (actors, models, etc) – NOT
everyone!

CV Tips – Your CV /Resume is about tomorrow, not yesterday. Concentrate on experience and
achievement that equips you for an even better future and leave out stuff you have gone beyond.
CV Tips – Put yourself in the mind of the reader and ask what will make them excited. Your CV
is not a list of demands for what you want so don’t focus on an objective or a naive profile;
replace both with a strong but simple list of the assets (knowledge, skills, track records,
achievements) that you will contribute to your NEXT employer.

CV Tips – PELLING. Check it once. Check it twice. Have others read it.

CV Tips – There is no conventional grammar in a CV -resume (it’s all bullets; phrases; headlines
and captions) so turn the grammar checker OFF and don’t try to use full sentences.

CV Tips – Never use the first person, I, me, we, our – unless you are very young and want to
seem cute.

CV Tips – No text boxes or tables under any circumstances; agencies may wish to manipulate
and reformat your CV and that will hinder them.

CV Tips – Watch for repetitions like “responsible for” and try to make your points more than
just a job spec or an embarrassing list of “action words” – being all functional and results biased
is already old hat – read our advice for more sophisticated and thoughtful alternatives.

Writing your European Curriculum Vitae –

5 top CV tips

The five basic principles for a writing a good CV are:

1. Concentrate on the essentials

* A CV must be brief: in most cases one to two pages are sufficient. In any event, do not exceed
three pages.

* If your work experience is limited, describe your education and training first; highlight work
placements during training

* If language skills are important for the job you are applying for, fill in the Europass Language
Passport available on this site and attach it to the CV.

2. Be clear and concise

* Use short sentences.

* Concentrate on the relevant aspects of your training and work experience.

* Explain any breaks in your studies or career.

3. Adapt your CV to suit the post you are applying for

* Before sending your CV to an employer, check that it corresponds to the profile required.

* Do not include work experience or training which is not relevant to the application.

* Highlight your advantages according to the specific needs of the prospective employer.

* Beware: do not artificially inflate your CV; if you do, you are likely to be found out at
interview.

4. Take care over the presentation of your CV

* Set out your skills and competences clearly and logically, so that your advantages stand out.

* Pay attention to details such as spelling and punctuation.

* NB: Print your CV on white paper. Retain the suggested font and layout.

5. Check your CV once you have filled it in

* Remove any spelling mistakes, and ensure it is laid out clearly and logically.

* Have someone else re-read your CV so that you are sure the content is clear and
easy                                to understand.

Top Tips

Don’t worry too much about whether to follow a functional, skills-based, or chronological
format. Instead focus on finding the most effective way to showcase the assets that make you a
strong candidate. Although there are no hard and fast rules associated with writing a CV, by
following simple guidelines, you will give yourself the best opportunity to shine.

Put yourself in the shoes of the employer

Write down a description of the person the employer is looking for and use this as a blue-print
for this particular CV. The more effectively you show a clear match between the skills required
and those you possess, the more likely you are to succeed.

Be honest and factual

If you find it difficult to match your own experience with the requirements of the role, perhaps it
is not the one for you. A CV not only gets you through the door but will in fact structure the
interview. Providing inaccurate information will only lead to problems further down the line. In
fact, according to research appearing in The Guardian (July 06), 86% of interviewers think that
CVs are not completely truthful. Employers are likely to check the validity of information on
your CV if you are offered the role, give yourself the edge and tell the truth.
Headline key skills and attributes

If a recruiter has to trawl through your CV to find strong evidence of where you have proven
yourself against their criteria, then you are severely limiting your changes of being noticed.
Ensure you draw attention to your key skills and attributes in a precise and clear format.

Describe key responsibilities and achievements

Although the job description and/or advert will highlight the technical skills required for a
particular role, underlining key achievements will provide the opportunity to show how you can
add value and distinguish yourself from other candidates.

Provide your most relevant information first

If the information contained within your CV clearly demonstrates your suitability for a role and
enhances your chances of being short-listed, always include it near the beginning. The beginning
of your CV should act as a hook for the reader and as such will impact their future perception of
you. By making a strong statement at the beginning you will be more likely to get the reader to
buy into what you to say.

Avoid irrelevancy

As interesting as the recent birth of your cat’s new kittens might be to you, unless it relates to the
job you are applying for, leave it out.  Employers will view irrelevant detail as a waste of space
and it may only serve to highlight how little appropriate experience you have to offer.

Recent and relevant training

Including recent and relevant training highlights will highlight your commitment to professional
development and could make the difference between you and other candidates with a similar
background.

Professional memberships and relevant qualifications

You should be very proud of your 25 metre swimming certificate, but is it relevant?!
Memberships of bodies such as the CIM, the Law Society or CIPD are.

Include referees

These can be ‘available on request’, however providing the details of individuals willing to speak
on your behalf sends out a great message. If you are worried about potential employers
contacting referees before the appropriate time, state that you do not want them to be approached
until you have given permission.

Make yourself easy to contact

Have all your contact details easily available on page one. Make sure to include your name,
address, phone (with an alternative number, if available) and e-mail. If you have created a
particularly good personal website, then include the website address.

Make the most of your experience and expertise

According to research published in the Guardian (July 06) only 8% of employers regard
academic qualifications as indicators of an employees’ ability to do a job. There are obviously
exceptions to this rule, such as roles that demand high academic ability (e.g. brain surgeon,
physician). On the whole though, employers see more value in a potential employee’s
achievements and attitude, and in their ability to recognise what is required to successfully get
the job done than they do in academic achievements.

Keep it short

Your CV should be no more than two pages – remember quality over quantity. Don’t waste
space talking about why you left prior roles, as this is sure to feature in the interview. Provide
enough information to tempt recruiters but leave them wanting more.

Pay attention to the format, look and feel

Almost all roles now require a degree of computer literacy. Demonstrate that you understand the
principles of presentation and ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes in. Use a
universal font such as Arial or Times New Roman and print with black ink onto a quality white
A4 paper (minimum 100gsm).

Always include a covering letter

For details on how to format a covering letter, please see “Covering Letters”.

Do’s and Don’ts

Once you have decided on the structure that’s best for you, it is important to follow these simple
yet highly effective rules.

DO…

* Use keywords to show you match the particular requirements

* Keep it short and snappy

* Put your most important skills at the beginning

* Keep the format simple

* Use plain fonts: no italics, underlining or borders

* Provide your full contact details on page one

* Keep a printed copy close by in case of enquiries

* Explain gaps in your career history

DON’T…

* Mailshot companies – direct approaches to companies or organisations should be personalised

and unique

* Waffle

* Be tempted to be dishonest

* Try to hide failures, mistakes or shortcomings; accept them, learn from them, seek to improve
on them, and explain why and how you have done this

* Include current salary details

* Be arrogant – it does not sit favourably with recruiters who have seen more inflated statements
than you could ever imagine

* Be tempted to use overly elaborate designs

What is a CV?

Your CV is a brief summary of your abilities, education, experience and skills. Its main task is to
convince prospective employers to contact you for interview.

If your CV is well produced, and a genuine reflection of who you are and what you can do, it
will give all the information employers need to decide that you are the right person for the
interview.

Why is your CV so important?

*It will probably be used to form an employer’s first impression of you.

*A well-produced CV helps you get the interview for the job you want and are most suited for.

*It is a marketing tool that you are in total control of.

*It’s an opportunity to play to your strengths and pass over your weaknesses.

When should you use a CV?

*When asked to send a CV.

*If an advertisement says “apply in writing”.

*To take to careers and recruitment fairs.

*As a tool to help you to write application forms or practice job interviews.

*To contact employers you would like to work for.

*When meeting someone who might help you getting a job.

Fuse Says A CV is not an application form and should never be used instead of one.

An application form has been designed by someone else, but YOU control the design and content
of your CV.

What’s the right structure?

On one level, whatever works!  But the most common tried-and-tested format is:

Personal Details (doesn’t need a heading, it’s obvious what it is!)

Name, Full Address and Phone Number, e-mail address.

Personal Profile (again, doesn’t need a heading)

This should be a brief description of you.  It should include who you are, the skills you bring and
what you want (i.e. now looking for…)

Key Skills or Technical skills (use a bulleted-list if you can, it’s easier to read)

Your most relevant skill and abilities for the job you are applying for.  Include skills derived
from training, such as ‘word processing’, skills derived from experience at work such as ‘office
administration skills’, and skills derived from other experience, such as ‘communication skills’.
Where possible don’t just list it, explain how good you are.

Employment / Work / Career History

Most recent job first – that’s the one they’re most interested in. Include your job titles, employer,
the dates you worked and a short description of your role (focus on your achievements not just
the tasks you did).  Don’t repeat things, don’t worry with jobs over 10 years ago.  Don’t forget
any work experience or voluntary work.

Education and Training

You may not wish to list all your subjects and grades.  Think about what is positive and
relevant.  Start with the most recent or relevant qualifications and training.  Don’t overload this
section with swimming certificates from twenty years ago!

Personal Information

*Driving licence – cab be worth mentioning, but only if it is full and clean and relevant to the job
you are applying for (e.g. a driving job!)

*Interests and Hobbies – worth mentioning if they are current, they show you have an active
interest in many things, and may make a point of discussion at the interview, or if they’re
relevant to the job you’re applying for

*List membership of any professional associations, any groups you’re involved in – even if it’s
chairing the neighbourhood watch or a school council it all helps!

Things to remember…

oMake sure you have a professional message on your answer phone – voice mail, you never
know who could call, or when

oAsk someone to proof read your CV, to check for spelling errors or content mistakes

oCheck your personal details – sound obvious but the amount of times people put the wrong
phone number on their CV would amaze you

oThink about what your e-mail address says about you.  Addresses like
[email protected] or [email protected] will not help present a
professional image.  Consider obtaining a free email account from Hotmail or Yahoo and keep
job application emails separate from personal email.

oIf you are sending your CV by post, use good quality plain white A4 paper, post it in an A4
envelope and don’t fold it,  by the time it gets to it’s destination it could look a mess

oBe honest – although a CV does allow you to gloss over things (such as exam results), or
exaggerate a little, never lie or mislead – you’ll only get found out at interview and waste
everyone’s time including your own!

So what makes a great CV?

+targeted – to the specific vacancy, role or sector you are applying for

+clear and easy to read- logically ordered, a sensible font, and not cramped

+informative but concise

+accurate – in content, spelling and grammar

+short – usually no need for more than 2 A4 pages.

+positive- shows confidence and highlights your strongest points

10 Top Tips for CV Writing :

When you are writing a CV, you are communicating with someone who you have probably never
met. Its important to try and make this first impression count. Quick wins as you write your CV
are easy, and its not hard to make a good CV. Follow our top CV tips to make your job hunting
successful! Good luck with writing your CV.

1) Your Curriculum Vitae will not get you a job.

The best you can hope for is that the company you are applying to will look at your Curriculum
Vitae and offer you an interview. When creating your Curriculum Vitae, its worth bearing in
mind that the person looking at it will be considering inviting you for for an interview. Don’t
give them so much information that they can easily dismiss your application. Concentrate on
positive statements and your achievements, however small they may appear to you.

2) On our Curriculum Vitaes we do not have a section for hobbies & interests.

It doesn’t matter if you like hang gliding or are a committed pagan, they are unlikely to be
relevant to the job. They can only serve to be taking up valuable space at best. At worst, they can
serve to get your application rejected.

3) Pictures.

Unless you are applying to be a model, what you look like should not make any difference. Most
Curriculum Vitaes will be printed out by the companies so they can sort through them and make
notes. Have you seen your photo printed out on a mono laser printer? Everyone looks like a
photofit from Crimewatch. Attaching photographs, unless specifically requested, will again
hinder the companies who are sorting through the application.

4) Keep it simple.

Your Curriculum Vitae should be to the point. Don’t think of it as an exercise in your literary
prowess, just concentrate on getting the spelling right! There is no ideal minimum, but if it
stretches to more than 3 pages, consider reducing some of the items in length, but never miss out
anything.

5) Work the system.

Many agencies use software to search through Curriculum Vitaes for key words. Our Curriculum
Vitae system makes best use of this. Remember to always use keywords in your descriptions too.
Start your Curriculum Vitae now

6) Tailor your Curriculum Vitae for different jobs.

Check the job description and move the emphasis on your Curriculum Vitae to match the
requirements. This doesn’t mean lie, its simply a method of getting your Curriculum Vitae to
work for you. For example a driving job may ask for good knowledge of London. If you have
this knowledge, make sure its in your skills list and appears in the description of each job where
it was used. This will really improve your chances of getting that interview.

7) Print quality.

Paper choice is important, make sure is bright white and A4. If you can get it printed out on a
laser printer, even better. Make sure it goes out clean and if at all possible, unfolded. If you do
not have access to a decent printer and paper, we can do it for you. Look for the upgrade option
when you login and write your CV.

Covering letter.

Some companies request a covering letter in you own handwriting. If your handwriting is bad,
don’t get someone else to do it. Simply keep it very brief and to the point. Ensure that it looks
neat & tidy and is readable. Get someone else to check it for spelling too.

9) Don’t leave gaps.

Missing years in your history will be viewed with suspicion. The recipient will have visions of
years at Her Majestys pleasure at worst. At best, they will think of a string of failed jobs which
you are trying to hide. Remember to always tell the truth.

10) Always keep your Curriculum Vitae up to date.

Through the course of a year at work, you will experience new things, and probably go through
some training both formal and informal. Its easy to spend an hour a month keeping your
Curriculum Vitae updated, rather than try to remember what training you did one day three years
ago. Remember, CV writing is easier when you are adding to an existing CV rather than starting
from scratch.

First employment

Your first job must be a good learning experience you can get when you leave college life after
graduation and get hired and join the work force – which is the real world you should fit in. You
are now a professional and your first employment would bring you much excitement working
day by day five to six days a week. Since you are very excited of your first job you are very
eager to learn many things, too aggressive to get the work done as professionally as possible.
Here you would start examining yourself as an employee and what you can do and help to make
your bosses proud of you. After all, you are paid to the job and this must be the best benefit you
can get from working, aside from other bonuses and fringe benefits which maybe given to you
later.

As your bosses discover your potential the excitements never stops there. You begin to attend to
seminars and employee workshops to widen your horizon and become efficient and very
productive. Your boss would also let you attend trainings representing the company if you posses
the quality of a future section head or department head depending on your educational
background, qualifications and the kind of training you have attended. If you aim for promotion
you should increase your level of education by enrolling yourself in graduate studies to get
advance units for master degree level. This is very important especially when you work in
educational institutions. Your level of education will be the first priority for promotion, length of
service and seminars and training you’ve attended.

An employee would become candidate for promotion if he reaches many years in his work
assignment and when his supervisor would recommend to the promotion board. Remember,
when you are promoted to a much higher position that your previous one, this would mean an
increase in your salary and other benefits.

CURRICULUM VITAE

PRANAY.M

Email:[email protected]

Mob: +91-9849139892

CAREER OBJECTIVE:

I am looking forward to take up challenging assignments to the related field of industry. I assure
that I will set record and will grow with the organization.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:

Qualification Institution Board of Education Period Percentage

B.E.(ECE) CBIT JNTU 2005-2009 89
M.P.C Sri Chaitanya Junior Board of 2003-2005 83%
College Secondary     
Education
10th St.Ann’s School S.S.C 2002-2003 92%
PGDCA NIIT 2004-2005

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

* Undergone In plant Training at BSNL, Trichy.

* Undergone In plant Training at TamilNadu Cement Corporation limited, Arriyalur.

* Completed the Training Program of seven days workshop at Jade Training Resources

* Programming Languages : C, C++.

* Packages : Multimedia (Photoshop).

AREAS OF INTRESTS:

* Internet

* Robotics.

* Electronic Circuits

STRENGTHS:

* Adaptable to any situation.

* Willing to learn new Technology

* Get along well with colleagues

* A strong will power with desire to contribute and succeed

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

* Actively organized symposiums

* Attended International conferences and seminars

* Technical Committee Chairman in our college club.

* Industrial visit to HAL and BSNL in Delhi.

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS:

§ Good Logical and Analytical Skills.

§ Communication Skill.

§ Highly Motivational.

SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENTS:

* Topper in Higher Sec.(Physics)

* State topper in 10th class.

* Topper in degree (Electronics)

PROJECT DETAILS:

Project Title:

REMOTE POWER ON/OFF CONTROL AND CURRENT MEASUREMENT FOR HOME

ELECTRIC OUTLETS BASED ON A LOW-POWER EMBEDDED BOARD AND ZIGBEE
COMMUNICATION

I have completed my project by using EMBEDDED BOARD AND ZIGBEE

COMMUNICATION. This Project specially designed to use in electric power system. It can be
used to maintain the power factor for effective power utilization and also easily identify the uses
of power, over loading condition and temperature for industries and home appliances by
automatic or manual control.

MY PROFILE:

Name ranay.M

Gender : Male.

Marital status : Single

Name of father : M.Krishna

Date of Birth : 31.10.1987

Languages : English,Telugu,Hindi

Permanent Address :

M.Pranay,H.no:503,Road no:9

Jubilee Hills,

Hyderabad

India

Mobile No.:9849139892

DECLARATION:
I hereby declare that above mentioned information is correct up to my knowledge and I bear the
responsibility for the correctness above mentioned particulars.

Date:

Place:                                                                                                                         SIGNATURE

Difference Between Resume, C.V. and Biodata

December 29th, 2009

People use the words RESUME, C.V., and BIO-DATA interchangeably for the

document highlighting skills, education, and experience that a candidate

submits when applying for a job. On the surface level, all the three

mean the same. However, there are intricate differences.

RESUME

Resume Is a French word meaning “summary”, and true to the word

meaning, signifies a summary of one’s employment, education, and other

skills, used in applying for a new position. A resume seldom exceeds one

side of an A4 sheet, and at the most two sides. They do not list out all

the education and qualifications, but only highlight specific skills

customized to target the job profile in question.

A resume is usually broken into bullets and written in the third person

to appear objective and formal. A good resume starts with a brief

Summary of Qualifications, followed by Areas of Strength or Industry

Expertise in keywords, followed by Professional Experience in reverse

chronological order. Focus is on the most recent experiences, and prior

experiences summarized. The content aims at providing the reader a

balance of responsibilities and accomplishments for each position. After

Work experience come Professional Affiliations, Computer Skills, and

Education

C.V CURRICULUM VITAE

C.V Is a Latin word meaning “course of life”. Curriculum

Vitae (C.V.) is therefore a regular or particular course of study

pertaining to education and life. A C.V. is more detailed than a resume,

usually 2 to 3 pages, but can run even longer as per the requirement. A

C.V. generally lists out every skills, jobs, degrees, and professional

affiliations the applicant has acquired, usually in chronological order.

A C.V. displays general talent rather than specific skills for any

specific positions.

BIO-DATA

Bio Data the short form for Biographical Data, is the old-fashioned

terminology for Resume or C.V. The emphasis in a bio data is on personal

particulars like date of birth, religion, sex, race, nationality,

residence, martial status, and the like. Next comes a chronological

listing of education and experience. The things normally found in a

resume, that is specific skills for the job in question comes last, and

are seldom included. Bio-data also includes applications made in

specified formats as required by the company.

A resume is ideally suited when applying for middle and senior level
positions, where experience and specific skills rather than education is

important. A C.V., on the other hand is the preferred option for fresh

graduates, people looking for a career change, and those applying for

academic positions. The term bio-data is mostly used in India while

applying to government jobs, or when applying for research grants and

other situations where one has to submit descriptive essays.

Resumes present a summary of highlights and allow the prospective

employer to scan through the document visually or electronically, to see

if your skills match their available positions. A good resume can do

that very effectively, while a C.V. cannot. A bio-data could still

perform this role, especially if the format happens to be the one

recommended by the employer.

Personal information such as age, sex, religion and others, and hobbies

are never mentioned in a resume. Many people include such particulars in

the C.V. However, this is neither required nor considered in the US

market.. A Bio-data, on the other hand always include such personal

Difference between CV and resume primarily lies in its length,content and purpose.To put it in a nutshell,a
resume focuses on specific achievements and result oriented responsibilities whereas a CV goes into
detail with regard to experience/job responsibilities.

SAMPLE FORMAT

 
JOYEE
LAHIRI                                                                                                                                                                             
     9836213303

Address                                                                                                                                                                            
                     [email protected]

OBJECTIVE

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE(if any- THAT IS WORK EXPERIENCE)

EDUCATION

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

If you have any training/diploma/certificate courses attended and awarded)

ACADEMIC PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN( IF ANY)

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

participation in inter-collegiate competitions

association with clubs( literary etc)

actively taken part in competitions,sports activities

class representative/placement rep/

ACHIEVEMENTS( IF ANY)

whether you have any rank

whether you have vmade outstanding presentations

whether you have been awarded any scholarship

whether awarded any certificates for elocution/etc

PERSONAL DETAIL

Date of Birth

Gender

Languages known

Interests and hobbies

How to Write a Cover Letter

A cover letter has 3 purposes:

1. It formally introduces you, and can personalize the presentation of your resume

2. It highlights specific information from your resume and from your background that
applies to a specific field or position. Can also give reader insight to items not addressed
in a resume

3. It helps to facilitate a meeting between you and the employer

Cover letter allows you to personalize your resume when it is mailed to prospective
employers in response to advertisements or to inquire about possible interviews. The
cover letter's main purpose is to advertise your strengths and assets in a way that would
interest employers in interviewing you. It is also useful in that it can save valuable time
by enabling you to visit only the most promising prospects or helping you avoid places
where there is no interest in you as a prospective employee.
To attract the reader's ATTENTION, the cover letter must look good and be easy to read.
Use of quality 8 1/2" X 11" paper, correct English, spelling, spacing, paragraphing, margins
and above all, flawless typing is a must. Address it to a particular person by name, making
sure that the spelling and title of the individual are correct. The person addressed should
hold an influential position in the company. A good cover letter is not too long, so try to
limit yours to only part of a single page.

The first paragraph should arouse the reader's INTEREST. This can be done by stating some
particular knowledge you have of the reader's business, by a comment on some "timely"
issue relating to the company's operation or by an impersonal statement of some
outstanding fact relating to your ability that would probably appeal to the employer.

The body of the cover letter should make the employer DESIRE to interview you by
explaining what you can do for his/her company. Put yourself in the employer's position as
you write and present facts that will both be interesting and accurately describe your assets
and qualifications. Your prospective employer will be interested in your ability to make
and/or save money, to conserve time, to effectively assume and discharge responsibility
and to produce results more rapidly and economically than anyone else. Do not stress your
bad points, such as lack of experience or unemployment.

The last paragraph should request ACTION. Ask directly for an interview stating specific
times and dates when you will call to arrange an interview. In all circumstances be
courteous but use a direct approach.

The letter should end with the formal salutation, "Sincerely yours." Below the salutation,
type your name and then add your signature. Remember the use of AIDA (ATTENTION,
INTEREST, DESIRE, ACTION) will result in a cover letter that is both pleasing to read and
effective.

Sample Cover Letter Outline

Your Address
City, State, Zip
Date

(Ms. or Mr.) I.M. Hiring

Personnel Manager
Name of Company
Company Address
City, State, Zip

Dear (Ms. or Mr.) Hiring:

Your opening paragraph should arouse interest on the part of the reader. Tell the employer
why you are writing the letter. Do not say in the first paragraph that you are looking for a
job. Give information to show your specific interest in the company.

Your middle paragraphs should create desire. Give details of your background that will show
the reader why one should consider you as a candidate. Be as specific as possible about the
kind of a job you want. Don't make the reader try to guess what you would be interested in.
Refer the reader to your general qualifications on your enclosed resume or other material.
Use as much space as you need to tell your story but keep it brief and to the point.

In your closing paragraph you ask for action. Ask for an appointment suggesting a time
when you will contact the individual. You may now list your dates of availability.

Sincerely yours,

[Your Signature]
Type your name here

Sample Cover Letter

349 Adams Street

Newton, MA 02160
January 19, 1994
Dr. Melvin W. Simms
Northeastern University
P.O. Box 746
Boston, MA 02117

Dear Dr. Simms:

I am presently a Cooperative Education student in the Northeastern University College of

Computer Science. I have had experiences in programming in Pascal, FORTRAN, "C"
language and am familiar with the DEC-VAX System. As a native of Japan, I know that my
language skills would prove useful to your company. I would be most interested in obtaining
a cooperative education assignment with Northeastern University for the summer and fall
1994.

I am currently completing a course in computer electronics and am working on a project

revising a system for radio communications. Additionally, I am working at a local Radio
Shack franchise selling electronic equipment. As you can see, my course work and
experience would be appropriate in your environment.

My resume is enclosed for your review and consideration. I will telephone you during the
week of June 3rd to discuss the possibility of setting up an interview. I will be available for
full-time cooperative education employment from June 25, 1994 through December 31,
1994.

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely yours,

[Signature]
Moshi Shieko
Nature of the Work About this section
Almost every firm, government agency, and other type of organization employs one or more
financial managers. Financial managers oversee the preparation of financial reports, direct
investment activities, and implement cash management strategies. Managers also develop
strategies and implement the long-term goals of their organization.

The duties of financial managers vary with their specific titles, which include controller,
treasurer or finance officer, credit manager, cash manager, risk and insurance manager, and
manager of international banking. Controllers direct the preparation of financial reports, such as
income statements, balance sheets, and analyses of future earnings or expenses, that summarize
and forecast the organization's financial position. Controllers also are in charge of preparing
special reports required by regulatory authorities. Often, controllers oversee the accounting,
audit, and budget departments. Treasurers and finance officers direct their organization's budgets
to meet its financial goals. They oversee the investment of funds, manage associated risks,
supervise cash management activities, execute capital-raising strategies to support the firm's
expansion, and deal with mergers and acquisitions. Credit managers oversee the firm's issuance
of credit, establishing credit-rating criteria, determining credit ceilings, and monitoring the
collections of past-due accounts.

Cash managers monitor and control the flow of cash receipts and disbursements to meet the
business and investment needs of their firm. For example, cash flow projections are needed to
determine whether loans must be obtained to meet cash requirements or whether surplus cash can
be invested. Risk and insurance managers oversee programs to minimize risks and losses that
might arise from financial transactions and business operations. Insurance managers decide how
best to limit a company’s losses by obtaining insurance against risks such as the need to make
disability payments for an employee who gets hurt on the job or costs imposed by a lawsuit
against the company. Risk managers control financial risk by using hedging and other techniques
to limit a company’s exposure to currency or commodity price changes. Managers specializing in
international finance develop financial and accounting systems for the banking transactions of
multinational organizations. Risk managers are also responsible for calculating and limiting
potential operations risk. Operations risk includes a wide range of risks, such as a rogue
employee damaging the company’s finances or a hurricane damaging an important factory.
(Chief financial officers and other executives are included with top executives elsewhere in the
Handbook.)

Financial institutions—such as commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions,
and mortgage and finance companies—employ additional financial managers who oversee
various functions, such as lending, trusts, mortgages, and investments, or programs, including
sales, operations, or electronic financial services. These managers may solicit business, authorize
loans, and direct the investment of funds, always adhering to Federal and State laws and
regulations.

Branch managers of financial institutions administer and manage all of the functions of a branch
office. Job duties may include hiring personnel, approving loans and lines of credit, establishing
a rapport with the community to attract business, and assisting customers with account problems.
Branch mangaers also are becoming more oriented toward sales and marketing. As a result, it is
important that they have substantial knowledge about the types of products that the bank sells.
Financial managers who work for financial institutions must keep abreast of the rapidly growing
array of financial services and products.

In addition to the preceding duties, financial managers perform tasks unique to their organization
or industry. For example, government financial managers must be experts on the government
appropriations and budgeting processes, whereas healthcare financial managers must be
knowledgeable about issues surrounding healthcare financing. Moreover, financial managers
must be aware of special tax laws and regulations that affect their industry.

Financial managers play an important role in mergers and consolidations and in global expansion
and related financing. These areas require extensive, specialized knowledge to reduce risks and
maximize profit. Financial managers increasingly are hired on a temporary basis to advise senior
managers on these and other matters. In fact, some small firms contract out all their accounting
and financial functions to companies that provide such services.

The role of the financial manager, particularly in business, is changing in response to

technological advances that have significantly reduced the amount of time it takes to produce
financial reports. Technological improvements have made it easier to produce financial reports,
and, as a consequence, financial managers now perform more data analysis that allows them to
offer senior managers profit-maximizing ideas. They often work on teams, acting as business
advisors to top management.

Work environment. Working in comfortable offices, often close to top managers and with
departments that develop the financial data those managers need, financial managers typically
have direct access to state-of-the-art computer systems and information services. They
commonly work long hours, often up to 50 or 60 per week. Financial managers generally are
required to attend meetings of financial and economic associations and may travel to visit
subsidiary firms or to meet customers.
Financial managers oversee the preparation of financial reports and investment activities.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement About

this section
Most financial managers need a bachelor's degree, and many have a master's degree or
professional certification. Bank managers often have experience as loan officers or in other sales
positions. Financial managers also need strong interpersonal, math, and business skills.

Education and training. A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business

administration is the minimum academic preparation for financial managers. However, many
employers now seek graduates with a master's degree, preferably in business administration,
finance, or economics. These academic programs develop analytical skills and teach financial
analysis methods and technology.

Experience may be more important than formal education for some financial manager positions
—most notably, branch managers in banks. Banks typically fill branch manager positions by
promoting experienced loan officers and other professionals who excel at their jobs. Other
financial managers may enter the profession through formal management training programs
offered by the company.

Licensure. Many financial managers work in accounting departments. Accounting positions

normally require workers to be certified public accountants (CPAs). (See the statement on
accountants and auditors elsewhere in the Handbook.)

Other qualifications. Candidates for financial management positions need many different skills.
Interpersonal skills are important because these jobs involve managing people and working as
part of a team to solve problems. Financial managers must have excellent communication skills
to explain complex financial data. Because financial managers work extensively with various
departments in their firm, a broad understanding of business is essential.

Financial managers should be creative thinkers and problem-solvers, applying their analytical
skills to business. Financial managers must have knowledge of international finance because
financial operations are increasingly being affected by the global economy. In addition, a good
knowledge of regulatory compliance procedures is essential.

Certification and advancement. Financial managers may broaden their skills and exhibit their
competency by attaining professional certification. Many associations offer professional
certification programs. For example, the CFA Institute confers the Chartered Financial Analyst
designation on investment professionals who have at least a bachelor's degree, work experience,
and pass three difficult exams. The Association for Financial Professionals confers the Certified
Treasury Professional credentials to those who pass a computer-based exam and have a
minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. Continuing education is required to maintain these
credentials. Also, financial managers who specialize in accounting or budgeting sometimes earn
the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. The CMA is offered by the Institute
of Management Accountants to its members who have a bachelor's degree, at least 2 years of
work experience, pass the institute's four-part examination, and fulfill continuing education
requirements. (See accountants and auditors elsewhere in the Handbook for additional
information on the CMA designation.)

Continuing education is vital to financial managers, who must cope with the growing complexity
of global trade, changes in Federal and State laws and regulations, and the proliferation of new
and complex financial instruments. Firms often provide opportunities for workers to broaden
their knowledge and skills by encouraging them to take graduate courses and attend conferences
related to their specialty. Financial management, banking, and credit union associations, often in
cooperation with colleges and universities, sponsor numerous national and local training
programs. Subjects covered by training programs include accounting management, budget
management, corporate cash management, financial analysis, international banking, and
information systems. Many firms pay all or part of the costs for employees who successfully
complete the courses. Although experience, ability, and leadership are emphasized for
promotion, advancement may be accelerated by this type of special study.

Because financial management is so important to efficient business operations, well-trained,

experienced financial managers who display a strong grasp of the operations of various
departments within their organization are prime candidates for promotion to top management
positions. Some financial managers transfer to closely related positions in other industries. Those
with extensive experience and access to sufficient capital may start their own consulting firms.

Employment About this section

Financial managers held about 539,300 jobs in 2008. Although they can be found in every
industry, approximately 31 percent were employed by finance and insurance establishments,
such as banks, savings institutions, finance companies, credit unions, insurance carriers, and
securities dealers. About 7 percent worked for Federal, State, or local government.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment growth for financial managers is expected is to be as fast as the average for all
occupations. However, applicants will likely face keen competition for jobs. Those with a
master's degree and certification will have the best opportunities.

Employment change. Employment of financial managers over the 2008–18 decade is expected to
grow by 8 percent, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. Regulatory changes and
the expansion and globalization of finance and companies will increase the need for financial
expertise and drive job growth. As the economy expands, both the growth of established
companies and the creation of new businesses will spur demand for financial managers.
Employment of bank branch managers is expected to increase because banks are creating new
branches. However, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate downsizing are likely to restrict the
employment growth of financial managers to some extent.

Long-run demand for financial managers in the securities and commodities industry will
continue to be driven by the need to handle increasingly complex financial transactions and
manage a growing amount of investments. Financial managers also will be needed to handle
mergers and acquisitions, raise capital, and assess global financial transactions. Employment of
risk managers, who assess risks for insurance and investment purposes, also will grow.

Some companies may hire financial managers on a temporary basis, to see the organization
through a short-term crisis or to offer suggestions for boosting profits. Other companies may
contract out all accounting and financial operations. Even in these cases, however, financial
managers may be needed to oversee the contracts.

Job prospects. As with other managerial occupations, jobseekers are likely to face competition
because the number of job openings is expected to be less than the number of applicants.
Candidates with expertise in accounting and finance—particularly those with a master's degree
or certification—should enjoy the best job prospects. An understanding of international finance,
derivatives, and complex financial instruments is important. Excellent communication skills are
essential because financial managers must explain and justify complex financial transactions.

As banks expand the range of products and services they offer to include wealth management,
insurance, and investment products, branch managers with knowledge in these areas will be
needed. As a result, candidates who are licensed to sell insurance or securities will have more
favorable prospects. (See the Handbook statements on insurance sales agents; personal financial
advisors; and securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents.)