( In English writing class, the teacher assigned the students to talk about how to write application letter and CV. Julia and Erica are in a heated discussion)

场景：学校课室     人物：Julia、Erica

Erica: Julia.

Julia: Yes.

Erica: Oh, we have learned how to write an application letter and a CV. Are you clear about everything in preparing application letters and CV?

Julia: As far as I know, application letters, also known as cover letters, are usually sent along with CV.

Erica: Then what’s the purpose of application letters?

Julia: The application letter is to give the employer an overview of why you are a good candidate for the job, and make the employer want to review them.

Erica: You mean the application letter is to get the employer’s interest in the candidates and then read their CV?

Julia: Exactly. So application letters should be clear, concise and straight to the point. Look at this sample in the book. The first part of an application letter is usually to identify the job by title and let the recipient know how the candidate gets to know the recruitment.

Erica: Then what does the second part cover?

Julia: It summarizes the candidate's qualifications for the job, specifically the work experience, activities that show the leadership skills, and education. It also refers the reader to the enclosed resume. And in the third part, the candidate will ask for an interview, stating where the candidate can be reached and when the candidate will be available.

Erica: Oh, Julia, you are great. You have studied this part of application letters so carefully.

Julia: Thank you. Erica. Can you tell me something about CV?

Erica: I am much more familiar with this topic. CV is short written account of the main events of the candidates’ life. It is a personal summary of the candidates’ professional history and qualifications.

Julia: A personal summary of the candidates’ professional history and qualifications? 

Erica: Yes. To be specific, the candidates should write down the following information in their CV, including name, address, telephone number, date of birth, career goal, education, work experience, honors, and any special skills the candidates might have.

Julia: So in that way the CV will provide the employer with some general ideas of the candidates, and help them assess whether they are qualified for the positions.

Erica: That’s quite right. CV should be a kind of marketing document in which the candidates are marketing themselves. They need to "sell" their skills, abilities, qualifications and experience to the employers.

Julia: So, CV is very important for job application.

Erica: Yes, successful CV will enable the candidates to differentiate themselves from others. If the CV is hard to read: unclear, badly laid out and containing irrelevant information, the employer will just move onto the next one.

Julia: Oh, I see. I’m just thinking how long would it be proper for a CV?

Erica: A new graduate's CV should cover no more than two sides of A4 paper. Here are some sample CV. Let’s read them together.

Julia: OK.