Session 1 CV Planning Worksheet

Use this worksheet to gather and organize the information you will include in your video CV. Write clearly and use the new vocabulary from the CV Vocabulary Handout.

1. Contact Information

Full Name:

Email Address:

Phone Number:

LinkedIn or Portfolio URL:

2. Professional Summary

Write a 2–3 sentence summary highlighting your background, strengths, and career goals:

3. Education

Institution Name:

Location (City, Country):

Dates Attended (MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY):

Degree or Qualification:

Major or Subject:

Key Achievements (awards, projects, GPA, etc.):

4. Work Experience (Optional)

Entry 1

Job Title:

Company Name:

Dates (MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY):

Main Responsibilities / Achievements:

Entry 2

Job Title:

Company Name:

Dates (MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY):

Main Responsibilities / Achievements:

5. Skills

List up to five of your strongest skills (hard and soft):
1.

6. Additional Information

Certifications or Courses:

Languages and Proficiency Level:

Hobbies / Interests:

7. Video CV Preparation Questions

1. What is the main goal of your video CV?

1. Who is your target audience (employers, scholarship committees, etc.)?

1. What tone or style will you use (formal, friendly, enthusiastic)?

1. Which section do you think is your strongest, and why?

1. Which section needs the most work before you start filming?

CV Vocabulary Handout

Use this handout to learn and review the key terms you’ll need when planning and writing your video CV. Each term includes a simple definition and an example sentence.

Contact Information
Definition: The details that tell an employer how to reach you.
Example: “My contact information includes my email address and phone number.”

Professional Summary
Definition: A short 2–3 sentence paragraph at the top of your CV that highlights your background, strengths, and career goals.
Example: “I am a motivated high-school student with strong teamwork skills and a passion for graphic design.”

Education
Definition: The schools, colleges, or courses you have attended, including the degree or qualification you earned.
Example: “Education: Springfield High School (09/2018 – 06/2022), GPA 3.8.”

Work Experience
Definition: Paid or unpaid jobs, internships, or volunteer roles where you gained skills and responsibilities.
Example: “Work Experience: Retail Assistant at BookWorld (06/2021 – 08/2021) – helped customers and managed inventory.”

Skills
Definition: The specific abilities (hard and soft) you have developed that make you effective in a job or role.
Example: “Skills: Time management, public speaking, Adobe Photoshop.”

Achievements
Definition: Notable awards, honors, or accomplishments that show your strengths and successes.
Example: “Achievements: Winner of the school science fair, Member of the honor roll for all four years.”

Session 1 Warm-Up: What Is a CV?

Time: 5 minutes

1. Individually, write a one-sentence definition of “CV” and list two pieces of information you would include on yours:

1. In pairs, compare definitions and lists. Discuss any differences or surprises:

1. As a class, we’ll share one clear definition and one important detail you listed about a CV.

Session 1 Cool-Down: Exit Ticket

Time: 5 minutes – Complete this before you leave.

1. One thing I learned today about CVs is:

1. I’m most confident about the _____ section of my planning worksheet because:

1. I need more practice with the vocabulary word _____ (or section _____) because:

1. One question I have before our next session (scriptwriting) is:

Video CV Script Template

Use this template to draft your video CV script. Write full sentences for each section and incorporate transition words from the Linking Phrases Handout.

1. Greeting / Introduction

Begin with a friendly greeting, state your name and current role or status:

“Hello, my name is ___, and I am a ___.”

2. Professional Summary

Summarize your background, strengths, and career goals in 2–3 sentences:

“Firstly, I have ___ and I am passionate about ___.”

3. Education & Experience

Describe your education, key projects or courses, and any work/volunteer experience. Use linking phrases like “In addition” or “As a result”:

“In my studies at ___, I ___ . In addition, I worked as ___ where I ___.”

4. Skills & Achievements

Highlight 3–5 of your strongest skills and a related achievement for each. Use phrases like “I am skilled in” and “This resulted in”:

"I am skilled in ___, which resulted in ___.”

5. Closing Statement

Thank your viewer, provide next steps or contact details, and end politely:

“Thank you for watching. I look forward to ___ . You can contact me at ___.”

Reminder: After drafting, review your script for clear organization, proper tone, and smooth transitions.

Linking Phrases Handout

Use these linking phrases to connect your ideas smoothly in your video CV script. Choose the appropriate phrase for each purpose and try to include at least three in your draft.

1. Introducing Points

• Firstly / First of all

• Example: “Firstly, I have completed a digital marketing internship at XYZ Company.”

• Secondly / Next

• Example: “Secondly, I volunteered as a tutor, where I developed my teaching skills.”

2. Adding Information

• In addition

• Example: “In addition, I organized a fundraising event that raised $2,000.”

• Furthermore / Moreover

• Example: “Furthermore, I am proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.”

3. Showing Cause and Effect

• As a result

• Example: “As a result, attendance at our club meetings increased by 30%.”

• Therefore

• Example: “Therefore, I was recognized as ‘Volunteer of the Month.’”

• This led to

• Example: “This led to my selection for a leadership workshop.”

4. Contrasting Ideas

• However

• Example: “However, I realized I needed more practice with public speaking.”

• On the other hand

• Example: “On the other hand, I enjoyed collaborating with my classmates on group projects.”

5. Concluding and Summarizing

• Finally / Lastly

• Example: “Finally, I am excited to bring my skills to your team.”

• Overall

• Example: “Overall, I believe my combination of creativity and organization will benefit your company.”

Session 2 Peer-Review Checklist

Use this checklist to review your partner’s Video CV script draft. Provide honest feedback and specific comments to help them improve.

1. Clarity of Information

• Is each section (Greeting, Summary, Education/Experience, Skills, Closing) easy to understand? Yes / No
  Comments:

1. Use of Linking Phrases

• Are at least three linking phrases included and used correctly? Yes / No
  Comments:

1. Tone and Formality

• Is the tone appropriate for a professional video CV (formal but friendly)? Yes / No
  Comments:

1. Logical Flow

• Does the script flow smoothly from one section to the next? Yes / No
  Comments:

1. Language Accuracy

• Are there any noticeable grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation issues? Yes / No
  Comments / Corrections:

1. Overall Feedback

• One strength of this script:

• One area for improvement:

Session 3 Equipment Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare your recording station before you film your Video CV. Check off each item as you complete it:

Equipment Items

• Camera or smartphone with sufficient storage
  
• Tripod or stable support to hold your device steady
  
• Microphone (built-in or external) for clear audio
  
• Lighting source (desk lamp or natural light) to illuminate your face
  
• Quiet, uncluttered recording space free from background noise
  
• Fully charged batteries or power adapter
  
• Extra storage (memory card or free device space)
  
• Printed copy of your final video CV script or cue cards
  

Setup Steps

1. Position your camera at eye level and secure it on a tripod or stable surface.
   
2. Frame the shot so your head and shoulders are centered and visible.
   
3. Check lighting: avoid backlighting and adjust lamps or curtains for even illumination.
   
4. Record a brief test clip to verify audio clarity and volume levels.
   
5. Adjust the microphone position for optimal sound capture.
   
6. Eliminate distractions: silence phones, close windows or doors.
   
7. Place your script within easy view of the camera to maintain eye contact.
   
8. Do a final equipment check: confirm battery levels, storage availability, focus, and sound quality.
   

Once everything is set up, you’re ready to start recording your Video CV!

Video Recording Tips Handout

Use these tips to ensure your Video CV looks and sounds professional. Review each section before you record.

1. Preparation

• Organize your space: Choose a quiet, tidy area with a neutral background. Remove clutter or distracting items.
• Check lighting: Face a natural light source (window) or position a lamp in front of you. Avoid backlighting and strong shadows.
• Position your camera: Place your device at eye level on a tripod or stable surface. Frame yourself from the chest up with some headroom.
• Review your script: Have a printed copy or cue cards nearby. Practice reading aloud until you feel comfortable without relying on notes.

2. On-Camera Presentation

• Eye contact: Look directly at the camera lens, not the screen or your notes. This helps you appear confident and engaged.
• Posture & body language: Sit or stand up straight. Keep shoulders relaxed. Use natural hand gestures but avoid excessive movement.
• Voice & pacing: Speak clearly at a moderate speed. Enunciate key words and pause briefly between sections. Vary your tone to sound friendly and professional.
• Facial expressions: Smile and show enthusiasm—avoid looking too serious or stiff.

3. Technical Considerations

• Audio quality: Use a good microphone (built-in or external). Record in a quiet space and test for background noise. Adjust volume so your voice is clear without distortion.
• Video quality: Set your camera to at least 720p (HD). Clean the lens for a sharp image. Check focus before recording.
• Test recording: Record a short clip (30 seconds) to check framing, lighting, and sound. Review and adjust settings as needed.
• File management: Ensure you have enough storage. Save recordings with clear filenames (e.g., FirstName_LastName_CV.mp4).

4. Do’s and Don’ts

• Do maintain a steady frame—avoid zooming or panning.
• Do speak naturally, as if you’re talking to one person.
• Do check your appearance: dress appropriately for your field.
• Don’t use distracting backgrounds or loud music.
• Don’t rush—allow time for each section to sink in.
• Don’t read word-for-word; aim for a conversational tone.

Reminder: Practice makes perfect. Apply these tips during your final recording to create a confident, engaging Video CV.

Session 3 Self-Review Checklist

Use this checklist to evaluate your own (and peer’s) Video CV. Watch the recording carefully and check each item. Provide comments and note areas for improvement.

1. Content Accuracy & Organization

1. Introduction: clearly states your name and role/status? Yes / No
   Comments:

1. Professional Summary: highlights your strengths and goals effectively? Yes / No
   Comments:

1. Education & Experience: presented in a logical order with key details? Yes / No
   Comments:

1. Skills & Achievements: clearly explained with examples? Yes / No
   Comments:

2. On-Camera Presentation

1. Eye Contact: maintained with the camera throughout? Yes / No
   Comments:

1. Voice & Pacing: clear volume, proper speed, and natural tone? Yes / No
   Comments:

1. Body Language & Facial Expression: confident posture, natural gestures, appropriate expressions? Yes / No
   Comments:

3. Technical Quality

1. Lighting & Background: face is well-lit, background is tidy and non-distracting? Yes / No
   Comments:

1. Audio Clarity: no background noise, voice is audible and not distorted? Yes / No
   Comments:

1. Framing & Focus: camera is stable, head and shoulders are centered and in focus? Yes / No
   Comments:

1. Video Quality: resolution is clear, no pixelation or blurriness? Yes / No
   Comments:

4. Overall Reflection

One strength of my Video CV:

One area I will improve before final submission: