HKU HKU Dept of Statistics & Actuarial Science, HKU
   
 

Career Advising Programme (CAP) - Guideline to Writing CV and Cover Letters


 A1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) Samples

For CV sample, please click the following link according to your major/curriculum:
 
 

 A2. Guideline to Writing CV

Nature of CV

  • A marketing tool for yourself
  • Highlight things of interest to a potential employer
 

Purpose of CV

  • To obtain an interview
  • To supplement an application
 

CV Writing Guidelines

  • No such thing as a perfect CV
  • Customise CV for each position
  • Reflect employer’s needs by making it a strong reflection of one’s qualifications, experiences, skills and qualities
  • Limit to one page
  • Reverse chronological with the recent experience first
  • Use action words
  • Use a font style that is easy to read (e.g. Arial, Times New Roman)
  • Use a font size of 12, try not to go below 10
  • Avoid jargon and abbreviations
  • Do not use unprofessional email address (e.g. hellokitty@abc.com)
  • Keep to standard headings
    • Education
    • Work Experience
    • Extra-Curricular Activities
    • Skills
 

Layout of CV

  1. Personal Details
    • Name
    • Address
    • Telephone
    • Email

    Example

    CHAN Tai Man
    Room 808, Kwun Lung Lau, 8 Lung Wah Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
    Tel: 8088 8808            E-mail: tmchan@hku.hk

     

  2. Personal Statement
    • Optional

    Example

    University undergraduate with highly developed analytical and computer skills ready to contribute during the period of internship

     

  3. Educational Information
    • Name of Institution
    • Period attended
    • Programme of study
    • Grade
    • Relevant courses taken

    Example

    The University of Hong KongSep 2012 – Jun 2016
    B Sc (Major: Statistics)
    CGPA: 3.50 / 4.30
    Relevant Courses: Survey designing, business Statistics, Data Mining, Stochastic Models, SAS programming

     

  4. Working Experience
    • Include full-time / part-time jobs, volunteer work & internships
    • Provide information such as job title, employer and period of work
    • Summarise under each experience key responsibilities and accomplishments
    • Focus experience to the key requirements of the job applied

    Example

    Financial Analyst, ABC BankJun – Aug 2015
    • Conducted quantitative analysis of the financial investment in local stock market. Analysis formed the basis of recommendation to Business Development Manager

     

  5. Extra-Curricular Activities
    • Include any activities if they are directly related to the position
    • State position and the name of clubs/societies including period
    • State responsibilities and accomplishments

    Example

    External Vice-Chairperson, Statistics Society, HKU Student UnionDec 2013-Dec 2014
    • Arranged 10 alumni as mentors in providing career advice to 50 years 1 – 3 undergraduates
    • Organised 6 alumni sharing sessions to a total of 200 students in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science

     

  6. Skills
    • Draw a match between skills (computer and language) and the employer’s requirements
    • List familiarity with computer systems, applications and programme
    • State degree of proficiency in speaking and writing

    Example

    • Language: Cantonese (native); fluent in both written and spoken Chinese and English, Spanish (basic)
    • Computer: Programming (C++, Java); Applications (Microsoft Word, Excel & Power-point)

 

 B1. Cover Letter Samples

For Cover Letter sample, please click the following link according to your major/curriculum:
 
 

 B2. Guideline to Writing Cover Letters

Purpose of Cover Letter

  • Express your interest in a position
  • Detail why you are a good match
  • Demonstrate your abilities
  • Draw reader’s attention to specific qualifications on your CV
  • Provide a sample of your written communication
  • Is a complement to CV
  • Get an interview
 

Cover Letter Writing Guidelines

  • About 3-4 short paragraphs
    • 1st para : explain why you are writing
    • 2nd para : why you
    • 3rd para : ask for an interview
  • Highlight qualifications / skills / competences related to the positon as shown in the job advertisement
  • Prove that you align well with the organization and that you meet the job requirements
  • Make you stand out from other applicants
  • One page
 

Layout

  • One inch margin on all sides
  • Use single space throughout
  • Use one blank line between paragraphs
 

Structure

  1. Salutation
    • At the top of a letter in which one greets a person one is writing
    • Do not use “To Whom It May Concern” nor “Dear Sir / Madam”

     

  2. Opening Paragraph
    • Grab reader’s attention
    • State the position you are applying for
    • State where you saw the job advertisement
    • Explain why are writing

    Example

    As the enclosed CV attests, the Data Analyst position advertised on the JIJIS is a perfect fit with my qualifications. My experience working as a summer intern in the Research Department of L & M Ltd from June to August 2015 and my study of Statistics in HKU have prepared me for the analytical ability this job requires, making me an ideal applicant for this position.

     

  3. Body Paragraph
    • Write 1-2 concise paragraphs, each for a distinct skill or a set of related skills or experience relevant to the job that the company will benefit from hiring you
    • Use phrases and descriptions from the job advertisement

    Example

    The experience of offering high quality of analysis on big data in the Research Department of L & M as a summer intern was transferrable. It has not only given me a solid background in handling complex data, but also exposed me to making presentation to senior management. Thus, I am confident that I will contribute as a data analyst once on board.

     

  4. Final Paragraph
    • Ask for an interview
    • Include contact information
    • Thank the reader for their time and consideration

    Example

    In essence, I have good education background, sophisticated analytical and technical skills to be a data analyst at your company. Whilst I am pleased to enclose my CV, I would like to further discuss this position in person at an interview. I can be contacted at 8088 8808 or via email at tmchan@hku.hk. Thank for your time and consideration.

     

  5. Closings
    • The closing is the short line at the bottom telling the person that the letter is about to end

    Example

    Salutations:Dear Mr Chan
    Closings:Yours sincerely