ITM - CV and Cover Letter

C.
Difference between CV, resume and bio data

People use the words RESUME, C.V., and BIO-DATA interchangeably for
the document highlighting skills, education, and experience that a
candidate submits when applying for a job. On the surface level, all the
three mean the same. However, there are intricate differences.
Resume is a French word meaning "summary", and true to the word
meaning, signifies a summary of one's employment, education, and other
skills, used in applying for a new position. A resume seldom should be at
the most two pages. It does not only list out all the education and
qualifications, but only highlight specific skills customized to target the job
profile in question. A resume is usually broken into bullets and written in
the third person to appear objective and formal. A good resume starts
with a brief Summary of Qualifications, followed by Areas of Strength or
Industry Expertise in keywords, followed by Professional Experience in
reverse chronological order. Focus is on the most recent experiences, and
prior experiences summarized. The content aims at providing the reader a
balance of responsibilities and accomplishments for each position. After
Work experience come Professional Affiliations, Computer Skills, and
Education.
C.V Is a Latin word meaning "course of life". Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) is

therefore a regular or particular course of study pertaining to education
and life. A C.V. is more detailed than a resume, usually 2 to 3 pages, but
can run even longer as per the requirement. A C.V. generally lists out
every skills, jobs, degrees, and professional affiliations the applicant has
acquired, usually in chronological order. A C.V. displays general talent
rather than specific skills for any specific positions.
Bio Data the short form for Biographical Data, is the old-fashioned
terminology for Resume or C.V. The emphasis in a bio data is on personal
particulars like date of birth, religion, sex, race, nationality, residence,
marital status, and the like.
A resume is ideally suited when applying for middle and senior level
positions, where experience and specific skills rather than education is
important. A C.V., on the other hand is the preferred option for fresh
graduates, people looking for a career change, and those applying for
academic positions.
Personal information such as age, sex, religion and others, and hobbies
are never mentioned in a resume and in the C.V.
More Info on CV
The CV should be designed to open those doors of opportunity. The CV is

not an application, personal file or biography. It is a concise advertisement
of yourself that should communicate your value in the job market and
create an interest and motivate the reader to call you in for an interview.
The first thing you should do to build a more marketable targeted CV is to

make sure that you are targeted and looking in the correct job direction.
A targeted CV focuses on a clear, specific job target, listing appropriate

capabilities and supporting accomplishments. Each job target requires a
different CV. You must be clear and specific about your job target, the
particular title, or occupational field you want to pursue. Capabilities and
accomplishments must be stated briefly, each in one or two lines and be
directly related to your job target. Your list of capabilities should answer
the question, "What can you do?" Your list accomplishments should
answer the question, "What have you done?" Experience and education
are included, but not stressed; they support the image conveyed by the
CV.
The CV should fit on one page with plenty of white space.
Some of the steps to be followed are:
Step1: Uncover your achievements, skills, abilities and special talents –

qualities you possess, problems solved, what can you do well, your values.
Classify them into Education, Activities, Skills
Step 2: Objective
The objective section is the first line of your resume, right under your
name and contact information, and states what you are looking for in a
job. It makes CV look like you have direction and know what you are
looking for in a job, and that you took the time to research the company
and know what it can offer you. Objectives are usually five to 10 words
long, but those are an important five to 10 words.
Finally, one of the suggested formats of a CV is –

a. Personal Introduction
b. Objective
c. Educational Qualifications (reverse chronological order)
d. Projects (reverse chronological order)
e. Internship Experience (reverse chronological order)
f. Skills – Computer and Soft Skills
g. Achievements (reverse chronological order)
h. Awards – Honors, Certifications, Certifications (reverse chronological

order)
i. Hobbies
j. References
Tips:
1. No lies and complicated communication
2. Use of action verbs like < accomplish achieve acquire adapt

administer analyze assemble balance budget collaborate compile
composed conduct coordinate communicate compile conduct
contribute complete create delegate design develop direct double
edit engage establish evaluate expand forecast found generate
implement improve insure interpret increase initiate instruct invent
lead maintain manage motivate negotiate operate organize oversee
participate perform present plan produce promote propose provide
publish recruit reorganize research review select solve supervise
survey support teach train >
3. Spell check
4. Percentage or grade mentioned only if it’s really good
5. No long sentences, only points but no full stops
6. Use of Sentence case and Bold for Headings
7. Font: Verdana or times new roman with size: 12
8. Left indented
9. Proof read
10. Remember: What you write on a CV will be questioned and
checked
A sample CV is as follows:
SAMPLE CV
Amit Ghosh
789 White house Road, Koramangala, Bangalore 998 009, India
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 91-80-45676687
OBJECTIVE: To secure a job in the IT industry where I can utilise my knowledge for the
organisation’s growth
EDUCATION
B.Tech. Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai (2001-
2005)
Thesis Title: Efficient use of software in offices
Advisor: Anne D’Coasta
Summary: Improvement in the use of the software that is used in offices at the moment. This
was published in Graphics India magazine in 2005
St. Xavier’s School, Bangalore (Graduated 2000)
Ranked 2nd in school in 12th C.B.S.E. Board Examination.
PROJECT WORK (B. Tech)
• Built a computer that could work on solar energy.
TRAINEESHIP EXPERIENCE
• Research Assistant, TIFR, Mumbai (Aug – Dec 2004):
• Helped the professors to research and collate information on various computer related
topics.
• Project Trainee, ABC Networks, Bangalore: (Jan 2005-present):
• Work as a project trainee for this start-up company. Implemented new projects and
participated in them. Tested the new software.
COMPUTER SKILLS
• Software: SQL Server, Apache, CVS, Mathematica, Latex. Also, audio/video formats
and codecs. Languages: C/C++, STL, Python, Javascript/C#
• Platforms: Linux, FreeBSD, Windows 98, NT 4.0, 2000.
ACADEMIC AWARDS
• Best B.Tech thesis – 2004. Dept of Computer Science. IISC Bangalore
• Silver Medalist at the International Mathematical Olympiad at school.
• Ranked 10th in IIT Joint Entrance Examination – 2000.
TRAININGS / CERTIFICATIONS
• A six month course in C, C++ and Java from the National Computing Agency
• A ceritfication in multi-media and animation from Animation Toonz
• Communication skils workshops conducted by the British Agency in Bangalore
Other Achievements
(Won many awards and prizes in sports and debate competition (give details)
Hobbies and Interest
Mention some hobbies that you have pursed seriously as your second passion after your
academics. Hobbies are a strong indicator of your talents and interest that might be relevant
in the prospective jobs.
Languages Known
(Mention all the languages in order of their proficiency)
REFERENCES
• Will be furnished when asked for.
Cover Letter
Important points about cover letter:

Also known as a Job Application Letter, a cover letter is a business letter
written to a prospective employer to express your interest in and
qualifications for a position. Keep in mind -- your cover letter is one
long answer to the question: "Why should I read your resume and call
you for an interview?"It accompanies your resume and serves as an
introduction to your resume. The cover letter also allows you to
expand on certain points that could only be mentioned in the resume.
Present your cover letter about how you can make a difference to the
company.
Purpose is:
Type of position you are seeking
How exactly you qualify
Source
Explain things your CV can’t (gaps / break)
1. Always include a cover letter even if the job ad does not specify that
one is needed.
2. A cover letter is a way of showing your writing and reporting skills.
Format of a cover letter
Letter Structure
1. Your Full Name and Address on the extreme right hand side
2. The following info appears on the extreme left hand side:
a. Exact name of person to be contacted (if known) and Full address of

organisation
b. The above information is followed by Date
c. Then comes - Subject: Application for the position of. (ref. No.)
d. Dear (name of person) / Sir / Madam

Introductory paragraph:
This is with reference to your advertisement in..... dated....
Your synopsis:
The position adverstised in .... fits my qualifications as my enclosed

resume will attest
OR
My educational background is in....and therefore I possess in-depth

knowledge of.....
Main body of the letter:
• Should be two to three paragraphs in which you summarize your

experience and skills
• Highlight area of specialization
• Highlight unique points
• Describe personal skills
Closing paragraph:
• Thank the recipient for the opportunity given
• Inform the recipient to revert for any clarification

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C.

Difference between CV, resume and bio data

C.V Is a Latin word meaning "course of life". Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) is

The CV should be designed to open those doors of opportunity. The CV is

The first thing you should do to build a more marketable targeted CV is to

A targeted CV focuses on a clear, specific job target, listing appropriate

The CV should fit on one page with plenty of white space.

Some of the steps to be followed are:

Step1: Uncover your achievements, skills, abilities and special talents –

Finally, one of the suggested formats of a CV is –

c. Educational Qualifications (reverse chronological order)

d. Projects (reverse chronological order)

e. Internship Experience (reverse chronological order)

f. Skills – Computer and Soft Skills

g. Achievements (reverse chronological order)

h. Awards – Honors, Certifications, Certifications (reverse chronological

1. No lies and complicated communication

2. Use of action verbs like < accomplish achieve acquire adapt

4. Percentage or grade mentioned only if it’s really good

5. No long sentences, only points but no full stops

6. Use of Sentence case and Bold for Headings

7. Font: Verdana or times new roman with size: 12

Hobbies and Interest

(Mention all the languages in order of their proficiency)

Important points about cover letter:

Type of position you are seeking

How exactly you qualify

Explain things your CV can’t (gaps / break)

2. A cover letter is a way of showing your writing and reporting skills.

Format of a cover letter

2. The following info appears on the extreme left hand side:

a. Exact name of person to be contacted (if known) and Full address of

b. The above information is followed by Date

d. Dear (name of person) / Sir / Madam

This is with reference to your advertisement in..... dated....

The position adverstised in .... fits my qualifications as my enclosed

My educational background is in....and therefore I possess in-depth

Main body of the letter:

• Should be two to three paragraphs in which you summarize your

• Highlight area of specialization

• Highlight unique points

• Describe personal skills

• Thank the recipient for the opportunity given

• Inform the recipient to revert for any clarification

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