Résumé Writing for EFL Learners/Course Introduction
Contents
Introduction
Did you know that: “labor Department officials estimate that approximately 40% of the workforce change jobs every year “(De Alva, 2000 as cited in Howell, Williams & Lindsay, 2003, p. 28).[1] Therefore, if you’re one of these people, knowing how to write an American style résumé will come in handy. A well-written résumé can land you not only a good job interview but also a top position in a first-rate American company.
In this course you will learn the differences between a résumé and a CV. In addition, you will be provided with an example of the standard résumé format and a sample résumé. You will be required to analyze sample résumés and determine which essential components are missing. Finally, you will have the opportunity to review important grammar, vocabulary and preposition usage to help you create your résumé.
Course pre-requisites: Possess intermediate or advanced level English proficiency.
Why should I learn how to write a résumé?
Some facts:
- In the US, a CV is used mainly when applying for academic, education, scientific, research positions or fellowships and grants.
- On a American résumé personal information such as date of birth, nationality, and place of birth is usually not included.
- A CV is usually longer (up to two or more pages and contains a more detailed synopsis of your background and skills.
- Fact: many Brazilian companies are currently favoringg the résumé over the CV. Why? Because it's quicker to read, more objective, and easier to use as a benchmark to eliminate job candidates that don't fit the the position.
- ↑ Howell, S., Williams,P.B., & Lindsay, N.K. (2003). Thirty-two trends affecting distance education: An informed foundation for strategic planning. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 6 (3). State University of West Georgia.
Course Activities
Here are the activities for this learning pathway:
- Reading sample résumés and determining which essential information is missing from them
- Classifying résumés as being chronological or functional
- Writing a résumé critique
- Reviewing some basic grammar points such as: subject-verb agreement, phrasal verbs and word forms
- Creating a blog to register your tasks in this course and to upload your résumé critique and subsequent résumé drafts
- Providing feedback to other students' résumé critiques
