CV(Resume)/Cover Letter

Writing Advice

Center for Global Competence Development, Tsinghua University

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

The Resume Tells

The Cover Letter Sells

The Interview Compels

 PURPOSE OF THE RESUME

A resume is a summarizing document

that presents you in the best possible
light.

A resume is a one page summary of

your accomplishments, skills,
experience and education.
A good resume gives a foundation to
your cover letter so that HR can
understand what specific
contributions you can make to meet
the organization’s need based on
your qualifications.
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WHERE DOES A RESUME LEAD TO?

To create enough interest to make people

want to ask more questions.

And how do they ask more questions?

Yes, you guessed it, by inviting you to an

interview.

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CV/RESUME

写作目标：TELLS

努力方向：REALLY Analyze the opening description (认真审题)

Relevant background and experience (挖掘相关背景与经验）

期待效果：Create enough interest (对方感兴趣） - 提高取得面试的机会

Have one generic resume template ready, but

make sure customize for future opportunities.
 RESUME: STRONG AND WEAK

A STRONG Resume does the following:

1. Clearly outlines relevant skills, abilities, work experience, education and

accomplishments
2. Is results oriented and shows the outcome of your achievements
3. Is concise, consistent in format and has a clear narrative and direction
4. Uses precise and correct grammar, spelling, punctuation (MUST be
error free)
5. Effectively demonstrates transferable skills and shows a solid match
with the job requirements
6. Uses key words from the job description or that are commonly used
in the field you are targeting
7. Grab the employer’s attention
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A WEAK RESUME DOES THE FOLLOWING

1. Lacks creativity and individuality

2. Makes grammar and spelling mistakes
3. Is longer than 1 page (single-spaced)
4. Is repetitive: uses same action verbs multiple times

Remember: The average employer spends just 20 seconds

reviewing a Resume. You must stand out to get an interview.

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YOU ARE TELLING A STORY,
NOT SHOWING OFF YOUR SUCCESS

• Always remember to write a clear story or narrative: expresses who you are as a
professional, what do you offer? Why you are right for this type of work? Why they
should want you for this job?

• Do not discuss every job and experience you have. Emphasizes that relevant ones as long
as you don’t leave gaps in your work history.

• The following two experiences probably don’t go well together:

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WRITING THE RESUME: BASIC STRUCTURE

Basic
Structure Header
Professional Summary
Education
Work Experience
Additional Section 2019/10/26
WHAT IS THE PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY?

Professional Summary: Should outline the most compelling reasons why

someone should hire you over other candidates. It is the one chance you
have to entice the read to continue and get across what is most
important about you. When applying for a job, tailor this to align with
the specific job description.

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READ YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION
KNOW WHAT THEY WANT

https://careers.un.org/lbw/Home.aspx

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DON’TS
DOS
DOS
MAKE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND YOU
Consider the Following Phrases:
1. Managed Wechat public
page for University
Propaganda Department
2. Acted as a moral assistant
for undergraduates
3. Was a department head of
Communist Youth League of
Tsinghua University
Try these instead:
1. University Publicity
Department
2. Acted as a peer counselor
for undergraduates
3. Was a department head of
University Student
Activities Center
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EXAMPLES FROM YOU

Do not exceed one page.

Never put a photo in

your ENGLISH resume.

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COVER LETTER

写作目标：SELLS

努力方向：MOTIVATION (我要做)

QUALIFICATION (我能做）

期待效果： FIT (对方需要）= 提高取得面试的机会

STEPS FOR SUCCESS

Step One: Review the Announcement

Step Two: Scrutinize the Duties/Responsibilities

Step Three: Conduct Additional Research

 STANDARD FORMATTING

Header & Date

Hiring Manager’s Name and Address of the Organization

Body

Introductory Paragraph - Virtual handshake

Middle Paragraphs – Where you shine

Concluding Paragraph – Reiterate your interest in the position and in-person discussion

Closing

19
DRAFTING YOUR COVER LETTER

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A SAMPLE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

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DON’TS

• Write a generic cover letter

• Summarize your resume
• Make spelling and grammar mistakes
• Write more than 1 page
• Address the letter to “To Whom it May Concern” or “Sir/Madam”
• Only talk about why you want the position instead of highlighting how
you will be an asset to the organization
• Use unknown abbreviations
 DOS

• Write a cover letter responding directly to the opening announcement

• Describe your relevant skills and reasons for applying
• Be as specific as possible when describing relevant experience
• Proof read!
• Show understanding of the organizations’ goals and mission
• Be concise
• Address the cover letter to a specific person by name
• Entice the hiring manager to learn more about you
• Use high quality paper if sending by mail
• Highlight why you are motivated for the position
EXAMPLE FROM YOU

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GOOD EXAMPLE

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IMPORTANT TIPS

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THINGS TO CONSIDER TWICE

How to utilize your social, academic, and professional networks?

RECOMMENDED GUIDES TO READ
 Thank you for Listening!
Think Globally, Act Locally

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