Question:
Can anyone help me with this CV cover note, it doesn't flow quite as well
as i'd like it to.
[note that #### is used for the sake of privacy]
Curriculum Vitae Cover Note
I am presently studying for my final year of a BSc (Hons) Computing at
#### University, a course which is the progression path from the ####
College HND in Information Technology.
The BSc (Hons) in Computing allows for a flexible choice of modules taken
from several final years program; infomatics, software engineering and
networking. I have therefore biased my studies towards topics that I find
both challenging and enjoyable, they are as follows;
Advanced Object Oriented C++ (MS Windows)
Advanced X-Windows Programming (Linux platform)
Communications Software Implementation with C & C++ (Solaris platform)
Database Development with Oracle
Advanced Database Systems (Data Warehousing, OLAP and Data Mining)
Advanced Networks
Web Based Application Development (XML, ASP and E-Commerce fundamentals)
Cognitive Interaction (progression on HCI modules)
During my final year I have continued to work part-time as a Visual Basic
developer in ####; employment that I originally sought as a welcome
addition to my income during the summer of 2002 whilst living in ####.
Maintaining part-time employment which involves a 140 mile round trip and
preserving my degree classification as a potential First, has been a
challenge, but one I am happy to undertake in my goal to become a
competent systems design/analyst.
I am 34 years of age and the degree I have undertaken represent a
significant career change from my previous employment - albeit my
interests in computers have remained consistent since I first sampled
programming with a Sinclear ZX81.
I hold a current and clean UK driving license and am happy to relocate to
any location given an appropriate opportunity for my potential.
My CV follows.
Answer:
this is not a cover letter. Much of the
information presented is more properly placed in the CV itself, and
other details, e.g., your driving habits, is likely to strike the
employer as irrelevant. I'm not sure about Great Britain, but, in
Australia, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of age. It is not
at all necessary to state your age or date of birth. Again, I am not as
familiar with the degree classification system in the UK, but surely it
is somewhat presumptious to state that you are studying for a bachelor's
degree with honours, since it is by no means certain (irrespective of
your academic abilities) that you will be graduated with honours until
you actually finish.
A more conventional cover-note might read as follows:
To whom it may concern,
Re: Job Reference No. 123ABC (Systems Analyst)
Your advertisement in the employment section of the Sydney Morning
Herald on the 12th inst. refers. I was most impressed by what I read,
and, accordingly, I should like to apply for the position of Systems
Analyst with your company.
I am in my final year, reading for a BSc (Computing); I expect to be
graduated with honours within a few months. Whereas my formal education
has given me the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for a
role with a software house. Complemented by the skills I have acquired
from university and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, my
personal qualities render me eminently suited to the position. As an
enthusiastic and highly motivated person, I believe I have much to offer
XXX and am confident my abilities will not be found wanting.
Notwithstanding my background, I see myself pursuing a career within the
IT sector and I am very much attracted by the exciting prospect of
diverse challenges I would face therein. XXX has a fine reputation among
the world's software houses - it would be a great honour for me to be
part of this capable team. What particularly appeals to me is the
emphasis XXX excellence in customer service.
Please find enclosed my curriculim vitae and a copy of my academic
transcript for your inspection. I look forward to an early interview.
