Writing a CV

1- Get a "career objective" sentence together and outline the structure of your personal CV.
2- Organise your CV the way you think will be an advantage to you and write down the different parts of your CV using the help words.

Example sentences

Here are a few examples of how you can express some ideas and give information about yourself, in a positive way.
Below, you will also find a list of useful words which can help you give a good pen picture of yourself.
These are only example to help you get started; you should try and make you own up!

●"An enthusiastic, self motivated individual who always strives to achieve very high standards in whatever is undertaken."

●"Offers the ability to motivate others; proven leadership abilities within team environments; extensive experience and understanding of the importance of customer service."

●"A conscientious, punctual and hardworking person capable of working alone or with others in a group. I am licensed to drive Lansing Electric Trucks, Pendulum Cranes and Pedestrian Controlled Flat Bed Trucks and I am seeking a job where I can use my specialised driving skills."

●"My personal strengths include determination, generosity, consideration for others and the ability to use my initiative. I am able to talk to a variety of people and can explain my ideas clearly. I am honest, trustworthy, have a good sense of humour and try to see things from other people's points of view."

●"A highly qualified experienced electrical and electronic engineer who is computer literate and able to work on his own initiative. A good team member with multi level communications skills."

●"A highly committed and successful manager experienced in industrial problem solving, who has produced creative solutions and implemented them in both factory and laboratory environments."

●"An effective communicator who enjoys working with people in teams.


Useful words and expressions

Consider the following words when preparing your CV or completing your application. They will help you to make a positive favourable impression on the potential employer.

Achieved Efficient Processed
Administered Engineered Productive
Analysed Established Proficient
Built Expanded Profitable
Capable Experienced Qualified
Competent Guided Repaired
Communicated Implemented Resourceful
Consistent Improved Sold
Controlled Initiated Specialised
Co-ordinated Led Stable
Created Managed Successful
Designed Monitored Supervised
Developed Organised Trained
Directed Participated Versatile
Economical Positive Wide Background


Here are useful expressions to describe your personal skills.


Advising individuals Operating equipment
Arranging social events Organising people and work
Calculating numerical data Persuading others
Checking for accuracy Planning agendas
Classifying records Preparing charts or diagrams
Coaching individuals Programming microcomputers
Compiling figures Promoting events
Constructing buildings Protecting property
Co-ordinating events Raising funds
Correspondence with customers Recording data
Counselling people Repairing mechanical equipment
Delegating responsibility Reviewing
Dispensing information Running meetings
Drafting reports Selling products
Editing documents Serving the public
Handling customers' complaints Setting up demonstrations
Inspecting Speaking in public
Interpreting data Supervising staff
Interviewing people Teaching
Maintaining records Managing staff
Mediating between people Motivating others

Some hints and tips

Do not try to find a French equivalent for diplomas, they probably do not exist. Give the French name along with a brief explanation.

Length: a two-year degree.
Level and nature: a two-year technical degree / a postgraduate degree.
Specialisation: a two-year degree in mathematics.

Do not translate the names of schools and universities.

Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Toulouse: a Graduate School of Management / A three year course leading to a Master in Management.

Baccalauréat : French secondary school diploma. (UK: A levels)
Baccalauréat S (Sciences and Maths).

Agrégation = graduate degree based on nationwide competitive exam. Gives access to teaching positions in secondary and university systems.

BTS = two-year technical degree in office technology, international trade accounting...

CAPES = degree awarded after successfully completing a nationwide competitive exam. Gives access to teaching positions in secondary schools.

Classes préparatoires = intensive undergraduate studies in physics and maths, in liberal arts, economics to prepare competitive exams for admission to French Grandes Ecoles.

Concours = nationwide competitive examination for admission to French engineering schools, national French Business schools...

DEA = one-year degree required before doctoral studies, equivalent to M.S./ M.Sc., M.A.

DESS = one-year postgraduate degree in computer science, accounting...

DEUG = two-year university degree in mathematics, psychology...

DEUST = two-year university program leading to degree in biology, computer programming...

Diplôme d'ingénieur = degree in electrical, mechanical... engineering, equivalent to M.S./M.Sc.

Docteur-ingénieur = Ph.D. in nuclear, control, electrical... engineering.

Doctorat = equivalent to Ph.D.

DUT= two-year university degree in technology, major accounting, chemistry, nuclear technology...
ENSI = national school of engineering.
IEP = institute of political science
IUT = university institute of technology

Licence = three-year‚ university degree in history, economics, political, science, equivalent to B.A., B.S/B.Sc.

Maîtrise = equivalent to M.S./M.Sc., M.A. in chemistry, psychology, linguistics...

MIAGE = equivalent Io M.S./M.Sc. in computer science applied to management.

MST = four-year University degree in science and technology, equivalent Io M.S./M.Sc.

Here is an example of what your CV could look like:


Try and write up your CV using the template provided.