Communication and Writing Skills: Cover Letters, CVs, and Resumes

Flashcard set for reviewing academic cover letters, formal letter formatting, CV structure, and resume creation based on Lecture 3(B) notes.

What is an academic cover letter and what is its typical length?

An academic cover letter is a piece of persuasive writing sent with a CV for teaching or research posts at a university to express interest, state reasons for applying, and demonstrate writing skills. It is typically one and a half to two pages long.

According to the lecture, how many applicants do recruiters typically screen compared to the number invited to an interview?

Recruiters often review 200–300 job applications to invite around 4 to 6 people to an interview.

What is the key difference between an application letter and a cover letter?

An application letter contains a brief description of the job seeker's work history or professional experience, whereas a cover letter contains less information about history and qualifications because it is accompanied by a detailed CV.

What information should be included in the first paragraph of a formal application letter?

It should clearly, concisely, and specifically state what position you are applying for at the very beginning of the letter.

What content belongs in the second and third paragraphs of a formal letter?

These paragraphs outline what you have to offer, including knowledge and skills acquired from your course, volunteer activities, and previous internships.

Where should the sender's address and the recipient's address be positioned in a formal letter?

Your address (return address) is placed in the top right-hand corner. The address of the recipient (inside address) is placed on the left side, starting below your address.

What are the rules for writing the date in a formal letter?

The date can be placed on either the right or left side on the line after the recipient's address, and the month must be written as a word.

Which salutation and sign-off pairing should be used when the recipient's name is unknown?

Use the salutation 'Dear Sir or Madam,' and end the letter with 'Yours faithfully,'.

Which salutation and sign-off pairing should be used when the recipient's name is known?

Use 'Dear' followed by the person's title and surname only (e.g., 'Dear Mr. Smith'), and end the letter with 'Yours sincerely,'.

What is the literal Latin meaning of 'curriculum vitae' (CV) and how is it defined?

It literally means 'course of life' and is defined as a summary of a candidate's qualifications and experience, traditionally referred to as 'a chronological statement of biographical details.'

In what order should educational qualifications be listed on a CV?

Educational qualifications should be presented in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent qualification.

How should a candidate with significant work experience order their CV sections when switching jobs?

They should specify their work experience prior to their educational qualifications.

What minimum number of referees is required on a standard CV?

A standard CV must have at least three referees.

What is a resume and what is its primary purpose?

A resume is a one- to two-page summary of skills, accomplishments, and educational achievements. Its basic purpose is to secure an interview.

Which personal details should be omitted from a resume?

Information concerning age, marital status, sex, or children should be omitted.

What are the rules for writing a career objective on a resume?

It must be highly focused and directly related to the position and organization's goals, including the position sought, job title, and field. Pronouns such as 'I' and 'my' must be avoided.

What is the five-tier process for creating the skills section of a resume?

1. List jobs, activities, or special posts held.
2. Jot down acquired skills.
3. Group skills into three to five categories.
4. Create suitable headings for each group.
5. Arrange headings in order of importance as they relate to career goals.

How does the inclusion of referees differ between a CV and a resume?

On a CV, at least three referees must be listed. On a resume, referees should not be mentioned unless specifically requested by the employer.