IN BRITAIN OR IRELAND

There are lots of benefits to getting work experience in an English-speaking environment. This will impress prospective employers : a good level in English is essential, and that will prove that you can adapt to new environments and cultures. It should be fun too.

A GOOD CV AND COVERING LETTER

A translated, up-to-date CV is essential. This would be typed on one side of A4 paper in note form and include personal details, education, relevant experience and skills. You should also have two referees.

There are many books on the subject, but the easiest method is to search on the net under “curiculum vitae”, many career services and recruitment agencies give CV advice. One of the best sites is London University’s. For good advice, and an example CV, go to www.careers.lon.ac.uk, then click on “Jobs Seekers” and then “On-line Helpsheets”.

Covering letter

Your covering letter must be typed on one side on A4. The objective is to create the best possible impression. A good idea is to have your letter/CV corrected by a native English speaker.

Introducing a CV

Every CV sent by post needs to have a covering letter to introduce it. The letter:

must encourage the employer to take your CV seriously :
sets the reader’s expectations of what will be in the CV
persuades the employer that you are a suitable candidate for the job
indicates evidence for the claims you make about yourself.