9. Writing CVs, Emails, and Letters
9. Writing CVs, Emails, and Letters
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
1. Identify the purpose and structure of key professional documents, including CVs,
professional emails, motivation letters, and cover letters.
2. Develop clear, concise, and well-organized content tailored to specific professional
and academic contexts.
3. Demonstrate the ability to align personal qualifications and experiences with role or
program requirements effectively.
1. Writing a CV:
1.2. Purpose:
1.3. Structure:
Personal Details: Include your full name, contact information (email, phone number),
and relevant professional links, such as your LinkedIn or personal portfolio.
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Example:
Jane Smith
Data Scientist
[email protected] | +987654321
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith | Portfolio: janesmithdata.com
Professional Objective/Summary: A brief statement showcasing your goals and
major accomplishments.
Example:
Results-driven data analyst with 3+ years of experience in predictive modeling and big data
tools. Proficient in SQL, Python, and Tableau. Eager to contribute to innovative solutions in
machine learning.
Education: List your degree, institution, duration of study, and relevant subjects or
projects.
Example:
M.Sc. in Data Science, ABC University, 2021–2023
Relevant Projects: Predictive Analytics for E-commerce; Deep Learning Applications
Work Experience: Highlight jobs, internships, or research with measurable
accomplishments.
Example:
Data Analyst Intern – XYZ Solutions (Jan 2023 – June 2023)
- Developed a forecasting model using Python, increasing forecast accuracy by 20%.
- Created dashboards in Tableau, enhancing report clarity for cross-functional teams.
Skills: Specify technical skills (tools, programming languages) and soft skills (e.g.,
leadership, communication).
Example:
- Programming Languages: R, Python, SQL
- Data Visualization Tools: Power BI, Tableau
Certifications and Awards: Mention relevant certifications or notable achievements.
Example:
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (2023)
- Winner, International Hackathon on AI Solutions (2022)
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2.2. Purpose:
2.3. Structure:
Subject Line: Provide a brief and relevant summary of the email’s content.
Example:
Application for Data Analyst Role – Jane Smith
Salutation: Greet the recipient formally.
Example:
“Dear Prof. Johnson,” or “Dear Hiring Committee,”
Body:
- Opening: State the purpose of your email.
- Details: Offer supporting information or context.
- Closing: Conclude with gratitude and a polite statement.
Example:
Dear Prof. Johnson,
I am reaching out to inquire about potential research assistant positions in your lab. With my
background in machine learning and recent research on natural language processing, I believe I
can contribute significantly to your ongoing projects.
Please find my CV attached for further details. I would be happy to discuss this in a meeting at
your convenience.
Best regards,
Jane Smith
Signature: Conclude with your name and contact information.
Example:
Kind regards,
Jane Smith
[email protected] | +987654321
3.1. Definition: A motivation letter is a document where you articulate your reasons for
applying to a particular program, internship, or position and why you are a strong candidate.
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3.2. Purpose:
3.3. Structure:
Introduction: Mention the opportunity you are applying for and your interest in it.
Example:
I am thrilled to apply for the Master’s program in Data Analytics at DEF University. My
fascination with big data and its transformative power drives me to pursue advanced education
in this field.
Body: Detail your background and its relevance to the program or role.
Example:
As a graduate in Computer Science, I led a capstone project on optimizing algorithms for
financial forecasting. This experience sharpened my analytical and problem-solving abilities. I
am eager to advance these skills through your comprehensive curriculum.
Conclusion: Reaffirm your enthusiasm and appreciation.
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to
and grow within your esteemed program.
4.1. Definition: A cover letter is a personalized document submitted with a job application
that elaborates on your suitability for the role.
4.2. Purpose:
4.3. Structure:
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Example:
During my tenure at JKL Corp, I automated data cleaning processes, reducing manual effort by
40%. I also led the development of a scalable data warehouse solution, enhancing data
accessibility.
Conclusion: Convey eagerness to proceed further and express gratitude.
Example:
I would be delighted to discuss how my experience aligns with GHI Tech’s objectives. Thank
you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your
innovative team.