CV and cover letter in English
The layout of a CV and a cover letter in English, what goes in and what stays out, action verbs, the equivalents of French qualifications and language levels.
- 26 cards
- 3 topics
- Free
The outline, topic by topic
Each topic is weighted the way the exam weighs it.
- Concepts
- Questions
- Sort and link
A few cards from the deck
CV: what is it?
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In the UK, a one- or two-page document summing up a candidate's education, experience and skills; in the US, it is called a résumé.
A British CV has no photo, age or marital status: such details could lead to discrimination.
In your cover letter you describe an internship that ended in 2025. Which sentence is correct?
- I developed a booking website in 2025.
- I have developed a booking website in 2025.
- I develop a booking website in 2025.
- I was develop a booking website in 2025.
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I developed a booking website in 2025.
A past date (in 2025) calls for the simple past: developed. The present perfect is not used with a precise date.
A British CV does not include a …, a … or a marital status.
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A British CV does not include a photo, a date of birth or a marital status.
They are left out to prevent discrimination in hiring. A two-line "Profile" or "Personal statement" at the top is welcome.
Cover letter: what is it?
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The letter sent with a CV that explains why you apply for this job at this company.
It does not repeat the CV: it links what you bring to what the company needs, on one page.
How do you present your BUT in Computer Science in the Education section of an English CV?
- BUT in Computer Science (two-year technical diploma after the A-levels)
- BUT in Computer Science (three-year bachelor's degree, 180 ECTS)
- Master of Technology in Computer Science, French engineering school
- Licence in Computer Science (French university degree, two years)
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BUT in Computer Science (three-year bachelor's degree, 180 ECTS)
A foreign recruiter does not know the acronym: keep the French name and explain it. The BUT takes three years and is worth 180 ECTS credits, the level of a bachelor's degree; two years was the former DUT. Neither a master's nor a licence: never inflate or rename your degree.