Unit 3: Curriculum Vitae
Communication-II notes · PTU syllabus (BSIT201/BSBC201)
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Unit summary
A strong CV and interview performance open doors to a career. This unit covers drafting a CV, writing job applications and other applications, do's and don'ts while appearing for an interview, and types of interview.
After this unit you can
- Draft an effective CV
- Write job applications and other applications
- Prepare for interviews with key do's and don'ts
- Explain types of interview
PTU syllabus topics
- Drafting a CV
- writing job applications and other applications
- do's and don'ts while appearing for an interview
- types of interview
- 1
Research the company
- 2
Tailor your CV
- 3
Practise common questions
- 4
Dress and arrive on time
- 5
Answer with examples
STAR method
- 6
Send a thank-you note
Topic 1
Drafting a CV and job applications
- Application (cover) letter: solicited (in response to an advertisement) or unsolicited (prospecting).
- 1Opening
Position applied for and source
- 2Body
Relevant qualifications, achievements, fit with the company
- 3Closing
Request for interview, availability, thanks
Length
1–2 pages
Longer, detailed
Focus
Skills and achievements relevant to the job
Complete academic and professional history
Use
Corporate jobs
Academic, research, international roles
Customisation
Tailored for each job
Mostly constant
- Resume formats: chronological, functional, combination.
- Sections: contact details, career objective/profile summary, education, experience, skills, projects, achievements, certifications, extracurriculars; references available on request.
- Tips: action verbs, quantified achievements ("increased sales by 15%"), keywords for applicant tracking systems (ATS), no errors, honest information.
Topic 2
Other applications
- Leave application, application for certificates, bonafide or transcripts, internship application, application for scholarship, complaint letter to authorities.
- Format: sender's address, date, recipient, subject, salutation, body (purpose, details, request), closing, signature.
Topic 3
Do's and don'ts while appearing for an interview
Preparation
Research the company and role; practise answers
Go unprepared or late
Appearance
Dress formally and neatly
Wear casual or untidy clothes
Body language
Firm greeting, eye contact, upright posture
Fidget, slouch, avoid eye contact
Answers
Be honest, concise, give examples (STAR)
Lie, ramble or criticise former employers
Closing
Ask thoughtful questions; thank the panel
Ask only about salary or leave
Topic 4
Types of interview
Structured
Fixed questions
Unstructured
Free-flowing conversation
Panel
Several interviewers
Stress
Tests composure under pressure
Behavioural
Past behaviour as predictor — STAR method
Technical/case
Problem-solving
Virtual/video
Online platforms
- Preparation: research the company, practise common questions, prepare STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result), dress appropriately, carry documents, arrive early or test technology.
- During: greet confidently, listen carefully, answer concisely, maintain eye contact, ask thoughtful questions at the end.
- After: send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
Example
"Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer" — STAR answer: Situation (angry client at internship), Task (resolve within a day), Action (listened, offered replacement), Result (client renewed contract).
Key terms
- CV
- Detailed record of qualifications and experience
- Cover letter
- Letter accompanying a CV
- STAR
- Situation, task, action, result
- Panel interview
- Interview by several interviewers
- Stress interview
- Interview testing composure under pressure
Quick revision
- CV vs resume; sections; formats; tips.
- Job and other applications; format.
- Interview do's and don'ts.
- Structured, unstructured, panel, stress, behavioural, telephonic and video interviews.
Important exam questions
Practice questions written to the PTU exam pattern for this unit's syllabus: short answers (Section A style) and long answers (Sections B and C style).
Short-answer questions
- Q1.Distinguish a CV and a resume.
- Q2.State five sections of a CV.
- Q3.Draft a leave application.
- Q4.State three do's for an interview.
- Q5.What is a stress interview?
- Q6.What is the STAR technique?
Long-answer questions
- Q1.Draft a CV and a job application for a software trainee post.
- Q2.Explain the do's and don'ts while appearing for an interview.
- Q3.Explain the types of interview.
- Q4.Write applications for a bonafide certificate and for an internship.
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