EN - Introduction CV & LM + Quiz

INTRODUCTION on how to draft A resume AND A cover letter

WELCOME

resumeS AND COVER LETTERS

application file

Tips for your cover letter

quiz

tips for your resume

What is an application file ?

A standard application file consists of at least the following:

This file can also contain, depending on context:

an application file ?WHAT FOR ?

A Spontaneous application or a reply to a job offer: IF there is a difference, how to manage it ?

Main difference = where to find information ?

In both cases, build an application file containing a draft intended for a TARGET:

• either around a specific job offer,
• or around an existing job in the company that is close to our project (spontaneous application)

It is always easier to apply efficiently once you have identified your target.

In the case of a spontaneous application

In the case of a job application

How to present yourself, as a service provider or as a job seeker?

Being a job seeker is good. Being a service provider is better. Because the job seeker seeks and the service provider offers. It’s all in the verb. As a provider of services you can and should come across as equal to the recruiter. And you are ! You have the right to contact the recruiter and to propose a physical meeting enabling you to get acquainted and to explain your competences and talents even before you are asked. The job seeker knows perfectly well how to use his/her skills. The service provider has to know how to communicate his/her message. To engage with the recruiter the question is not to wonder...

"HOW ?"

But

"why ?"

In explaining “why” to the recruiter you tell your story and you give meaning to your candidacy. Each job offer corresponds to a service provider. It is all about a MEETING dynamic which sets off a mutual relationship between employer and provider

Conclusion: no single, unique resume, you have to adapt and personalize your CV to each application.

How should I send my job application ?

Basic rule: as specified in the job offer ! For spontaneous applications companies always state the best way to send your application on their website. Respect the company’s wishes. They will usually use :

Other means of communication are possible, practised and often efficient: leave your file in a shop, at the worksite etc. In that case make sure you are appropriately dressed and well spoken and be sure to give your file to the right person.

via standard email

via standard forms

My application via internet. What should I be careful about ?

Some advices:

DIGITAL resume - THE ESSENTIAL

CV MODELS

Need help or inspiration in creating your CV ? Take a look at CVdesignR - which is a free tool -, or consult the free templates available on Word and Google !

tips for your cv

headings

In general

Tips and advice Click on each point for more advice!

👀 Overall impression

🫵 Profile

📚 Training

👍 General content

🏋️‍♂️ Experience / Position / Sector

👉 Presentation and appearance

🎨 Skills

📣 Language

🗣️ Language skills

🎁 Extra

tips for your resume

In summary: Ask yourself the following questions before sending your CV to the proofreading service or an employer!

• Surname and first name
• Last position and employer
• Most important qualification
• Technical skills
• Language skills

• Career path
• Strengths, desired position
• Motivation
• Previously achieved goals
• Personality

• Size
• Photo quality
• Professionalism

• Experience
• Training
• Skills

Does the order of the sections show the strongest points first?

Do the following 5 points stand out?

Are the key points specific enough?

Does the app support your picture?

VIDEOS

Click on the + to access the video

Module 2

Module 1

Module 3

Holes in resumes

Video resume

Structure and content

Module 1 - STRUCTURE and content

Module 2 - holes in resumes

Module 3 - video resume

Module 4 - cover letter

Tips for your cover letter

🫵 1. Name and recipient's name

Sample cover letter Need help or inspiration when writing your cover letter? Take a look at the examples on Google Docs or Word for inspiration! On the next page, you will find tips for each section.

🏠 2. Address and date

👉 3. Subject

👋🏽 4. Salutations

🗣️ 5. Introduction

💪 6. Central part: motivation

✍️ 7. Conclusion

Tips for your cover letter

rubriques

Tips In your cover letter, show who you are, your qualities and why you are right for the job. Refer to the job advertisement and visit the company's website to find out more about it. Click on each point for more advice!

🫵 1. Name and recipient's name

🏠 2. Address and date

👉 3. Subjet

👋🏽 4. Salutations

🗣️ 5. Introduction

💪 6. Central part: motivation

✍️ 7. Conclusion

Tips for your cover letter

How do I write and present my cover letter effectively?

• The tone is professional and engaging.
• My sentences are short and clear.
• I avoid starting with "I".
• I have varied my wording and avoided repeating my CV.

• The format of the submission complies with the advertisement.
• I called beforehand to submit a speculative application.
• My file is correctly named: letter_first name_surname.pdf.

• I have corrected all the mistakes.
• Someone has proofread my letter.
• My vocabulary is appropriate.
• I have avoided abbreviations and informal language.

• My letter fits on a single page.
• The font is legible and professional.
• I saved the file in PDF format.

How can I avoid mistakes and improve my language skills?

How can I structure my letter effectively?

What tone and style should I adopt to be persuasive?

How do I send my letter correctly?

quiz

Are you good at CV writing ? Prove it !

start here

Hard skills of Soft skills?

Question 1/19

Curiosity

SOFTSkills

HARD Skills

Typing

Team spirit

Scientific expertise

Accountancy

Empathy

Language ability

Creativity

Listening ability

Software skills

SOLUTION

Answer 1/19

“SOFT” skills are an ensemble of abilities known as

• behavioural and/or relationship skills such as sense of community, ease of contact, empathy etc.
• * personal skills such as creativity, flexibility, curiosity, organization etc.

“HARD” skills are an ensemble of so called technical skills, such as language ability, software skills etc

Question 2/19

I have to put the subject of my final thesis / work on my resume.

FALSE

TRUE

TRUE

The correct answer is

Your final thesis / work subject can be a source of skills (subject covered, knowledge and expertise acquired, results, etc.). Note: After a few years of experience, it is not so necessary to mention it, you will have other elements to emphasize!

Question 3/19

I applied for an equivalence for a diploma obtained in another country but I do not have an answer yet. I mention it in my CV.

FALSE

TRUE

TRUE

The correct answer is

You must include this diploma on your CV with the mention “equivalence procedure ongoing”

Question 4/19

I started a training course,which I abandoned after a few weeks / months; I should still make it appear in my CV.

FALSE

TRUE

TRUE

The correct answer is

The mention of some training started (even if it is not completed), can justify "empty" periods on your CV.

Question 5/19

I must use the exact title of the training / diploma I obtained abroad.

FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

The correct answer is

You have to translate the name of your diplomas to stick to the "Belgian (french or dutch) vocabulary", without transforming reality. Certificate/ Diploma / Master / Bachelor in xxxxxx, equivalent to a Master / Bachelor / Diploma/certificate in xxxxxxxx

Question 6/19

I must always provide references (people) in my application file.

FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

The correct answer is

Better to indicate "references at your disposal".However, if you communicate reference persons (former employer, internship supervisor, mentor at DUO for a JOB, ...), it is preferable to let them know beforehand.

Question 7/19

In which language should I write my CV and cover letter?

In the language of the job posting

In my mother tongue

In English

Answer 7/19

In principle, you write your application in the language of the job advertisement.If you do not yet have a perfect command of this language, it is entirely acceptable to get help preparing your application. The control of languages on the CV must be expressed honestly, (Ex: French: Level ....). Note: If the job offer requires knowledge of several languages, you may consider applying with a CV in one of these languages and another in your cover letter.

In the language of the job posting

In my mother tongue

In English

Question 8/19

I must attach appendices to my application file.

FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

The correct answer is

A job application must generate interest to the point of obtaining an interview. It does not have to reveal EVERYTHING straight away. EXCEPT

• If one of the conditions for submitting an application is to have a specific status, attach it to the application file (ex: Activa, APE passport, ...)
• If certain appendices are useful and relevant in the file (e.g. diplomas, publications, articles, books or extracts from books, ...)

Question 9/19

I must automatically send a copy of my diplomas.

FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

The correct answer is

It is not necessary to send a copy of your diploma, unless it is requested. Later, if signing a contract, these copies will perhaps be requested in line with the usual recruitment formalities.

Question 10/19

I need to prepare myself before writing an application.

FALSE

TRUE

TRUE

The correct answer is

It is essential to prepare yourself before starting to write your application:

• Remember to always adapt it by informing yourself about the COMPANY (company activity, mission, values, development) AND THE JOB DESCRIPTION (nature of the job desc., tasks, expected skills, ...) via their website, annual report or other documentation.
• Look for information on similar positions (other job offers, description on IMTB, ...)
• Review your SWOT analysis (assessment of your skills)

Question 11/19

I include the exact same information in my resume and cover letter.

FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

The correct answer is

The resume and the cover letter are complementary documents. In your resume, you will mention your training, your professional experiences, your volunteering, in a factual way. While in your cover letter, you will instead highlight your soft skills (your assets), your personality, based on your skills assessment (SWOT) and the skills mentioned in the job offer. In addition, you also mention your accomplishments, completed projects, objectives achieved during your previous professional experiences (e.g. organisation of a digital seminar of 300 participants or cleaning of x rooms during the day)

Question 12/19

What is a job application file?

Resume

A request for information

Resume and cover letter

Answer 12/19

An application file always contains a resume and a cover letter written according to the job offer for which you are applying.

Resume and cover letter

A request for information

Resume

Question 13/19

Should I consider myself to be:

A job seeker

A service provider

Answer 13/19

I must consider myself as: a service provider Your application must allow you to present yourself as a service provider; i.e. expressing your professional objective (what you want to do, what you can bring (skills and interests), ...

A job seeker

A service provider

Question 14/19

It is essential to mention all my hobbies on my CV

FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

The correct answer is

Your hobbies are "additional" informations about you. It is therefore a question of being precise and specific (e.g: if you play football regularly, indicate "Football: Goalkeeper & Captain"), and to avoid banalities (e.g. "reading, cinema, sport")Indicate only hobbies that you are able to effectively discuss in the event of an interview (e.g. if you indicate "reading", you must be able to answer the question "What is the last book you read?" )

Question 15/19

Putting your photo on your CV is a must

FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

The correct answer is

The question of the photo is totally subjective. Whether or not you want to add it is up to you.If you choose to put a photo on your CV, make sure that it is professional and of high quality: rather frontal, sober, slightly smiling, framed on the face and sized in relation to the resume. Also note that for certain front office jobs (commercial, sales functions, etc.), adding your photo allows you to 'humanise' your application.

Question 16/19

My cover letter must be limited to one page.

FALSE

TRUE

TRUE

The correct answer is

Remember that the recruiter receives many applications and that it is a must to demonstrate your motivation and your interest in the position and the company in a clear way. For this, we strongly recommend that your letter does not exceed one page.

Question 17/19

I can use the same cover letter for different applications.

FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

The correct answer is

Your cover letter must be adapted and personalised for each job offer.

Question 18/19

I can use the same resume for different applications.

FALSE

TRUE

FALSE

The correct answer is

Your CV must be adapted and personalised to each job offer. A CV is not a fixed document. It must evolve over time but also according to the employers and the jobs sought. No question of lying or embellishing reality, but rather of highlighting one quality rather than another, depending on the company or the job to be obtained. However, it is possible to define a "basic" structure that you will always need to adapt and revise.

Question 19/19

CV template: spot the mistakes

SOLUTION

Answer 19/19

Spoken

End of the quiz

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SOLUTION

SOLUTION