CVs and Cover Letters

A CV is your chance to 'sell yourself' to an employer. As first impressions count, take care with the content and presentation. Producing your first CV may seem a bit daunting, but here are some tips to help.

Quickfire top tips for writing your CV Tips

  • Employers have to sit and read hundreds of applications, so make sure your CV is clear and well presented. Use headings, bullet points, paragraphs and an easy to read font.

  • Get permission before giving the names and contact details of referees. Rather than naming your referees, you can put, 'references available on request', or something similar.

  • Tailor your CV to each application to draw attention to your strengths, skills and experience that relate to that specific vacancy. Then make sure you save a copy of this CV so you can refer back to it if you get an interview.

  • Make sure you check your CV through for spelling or grammatical mistakes

  • Most importantly - never exaggerate or lie! You will be caught out,..

CV Templates

When writing a CV, what you need to worry about is the content. Using a template can help you to nail the presentation. Here are two templates we like, you can also google for other CV templates.

Unifrog also has a great CV/Resume tool which does it all for you!

CV_Example_by-GradTouch

Traditional CV Template

Copy of Skills based CV example.docx

Skills Based CV Template

Cover Letters

If your application and CV are a present, then your cover letter is the wrapping paper.

A cover letter is a means of introducing yourself and your application, and highlighting the relevant skills and experience you have. It gives you the chance to explain the employer why you are the best candidate for the job. As such, you should always write your cover letter with the position you are applying to in mind.

It does not need to be long, generally one side of A4 will do. Furthermore, it should be written in the proper letter writing style.

So, what should you include? There is no checklist of what you should include, but you could break it down into the following sections:

  • Paragraph 1

    • The opening statement should set out why you are writing the later. State the position you are applying to and where you saw it advertised.

  • Paragraph 2

    • Cover why you're suitable for the job, what attracted you to the role/company, and what you can offer the organisation.

  • Paragraph 3

    • Highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the job description and/or person specification. Summarise any additional strengths and explain how these could benefit the company.

  • Closing statement

    • Round up your letter, reiterating your interest in the role and the company. Finish by thanking the employer for considering your application and say that you look forward to hearing from them.

There are plenty of templates available online, like these from Prospects and Reed