CV, cover letter and job interview workshop

Last Friday, Romain, Ameline and I did a workshop in SOU "Gorce Petrov" in Prilep.

It’s was our first time. It’s not the easiest thing to do; talking in front 15 youngsters but it’s a satisfying experience.

In order to get a job there are 3 important steps and you must be prepared. That’s not an easy exercise but it’s necessary even more in times of crises. We want to help you with some tips.

To summarize the Workshop, we decided to split it in 3 parts. When you want to apply for a job or for a university you need first to write your CV. Then, you have to show to the employer you are motivated, and that you are the one they need. You explain your motivations, why you want this job. As soon as the recruiter is interested in your profile you will have a job interview. You need to prepare it in order to give a good impression to your future potential employer.

In order to have a good CV you need to concentrate on the essential, be clear and concise, always adapt your CV to suit the post you are applying for, pay attention to the presentation of your CV and check your CV once you have filled it in.

In your CV you need to put your personal information, the job you apply for, your work experiences, your education and training, your skills and additional information.

Then for your motivation letter, you need to structure it. In a best case, a motivational letter has no more than 4 paragraphs. The goal of the 1st is to specify what you are applying for and how did you hear about that vacancy. The 2nd paragraph should list your qualifications and that make you the appropriate person for the post you are applying for. The third paragraph should point out why you want this job. You should state your interest for the skills you are going to learn if you get the job. Then you put the formal salutations.

Here is an example for sectors such as business, law, accountancy and retail:

Dear Mr Black,

    Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 30 November. 

The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one course, [insert course], an understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential. I found this subject very stimulating.

 I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

 Yours sincerely

If you succeed to the previous two steps, you will certainly have a Job Interview. At the beginning you have to look confident and avoid mistakes. You need to be well dressed as we explained it to you.

During the interview you should know yourself to market yourself, go further your CV, know the company you apply for and show your human qualities. You should also be careful about the technical aspect of your language, avoid little bad words, and explain your qualities and flaws if you are asked for it. After the interview, stay in touch, you can send a mail which says that you are still really interested by the job.

If you need advices, Romain, Ameline and I are available to help you for your CV, motivation letter or simulated job interview. In this case we could organize little group or individual meetings. We can also send you our PowerPoint.  You can contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bérénice Kermoal.