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What is a CV?

A CV (also known as a Curriculum Vitae, or résumé), is a written overview of your skills, education, and work experience. They may be used for a variety of reasons, however, the most common of these is to send to prospective employers when looking for a new job.

What should a CV include?

Although there’s no official CV structure, certain key information should always be included. Here a few essential things you should aim to cover in your CV:

• Your personal details (e.g. name, address, phone number)

• A personal statement (a brief personal summary of who you are and what you’re looking for)

• Relevant key skills

• Work experience (listed in reverse chronological order – with the most recent coming first)

• Education and qualifications (listed in reverse chronological order)

• Hobbies and interests (if you think they might help you get the job)

• References (often available on request)

What is a CV used for?

You’ll usually be required to submit your CV during the initial application stage for a job, often in conjunction with a cover letter or application form.

An employer will then be able to judge it in line with their person specification and company needs, to see if you’re a good fit.

If you are, you’ll usually be invited to interview, whether it’s on the phone, face-to-face, or through a video format. If that goes well, you could then be offered the job.

A CV will also be needed to apply for: internships, work experience, or volunteer work.

How should a CV be formatted?

The layout of your CV says a lot about you as a candidate, and the presentation is just as important as the content.

After all, how is a recruiter going to see your skills and experience if they’re written in size 10 Comic Sans, in one paragraph, filled with spelling mistakes? It also wouldn’t be a good example of your organisational skills or attention to detail.

To make sure your CV is clear, concise, succinct, and easy to read – it’s always best to follow these key rules:

• Be logical

• Keep it brief (and relevant)

• Check spelling and grammar

• Choose a professional font

• Use headings and bullet points

How many types of CVs are there?

There are many different ways you can get your skills across to recruiters – and it doesn’t always have to be in writing (yes, video CVs are a thing).

Whether you want to draw attention to your education, prove your creative abilities, or place an emphasis on your relevant skills, it’s all about tailoring your CV according to your strengths, and the industry you’re applying for work in.

It may also depend on your previous experience, or current circumstances. A graduate CV, for example, will look a lot different from the CV of someone returning after a career break or redundancy.

Here are a few more CV types you could choose from:

• Creative CV (for showing skills in marketing, design, and other creative fields)

• Technical CV (for IT-based positions)

• Teaching CV (for teaching roles)

• Academic CV (for research/lecturing based positions or PhDs)

• Skills-based CV (for those with little work experience)

How long should a CV be?

Size matters when it comes to your CV.

In fact, 91% of recruiters see a Word document of two to three pages as the perfect CV length – so always aim to keep it short and sweet.

Only include what’s going to make you a good fit for the role you’re applying for, and don’t overdo it with unnecessary detail. You can always use your cover letter to elaborate on any skills and experience you didn’t have room for in your CV.

As long as they’re relevant, of course.

***Source: Reed.co.uk

What's the difference between a resume and a CV?

Most resumes are competency-based: they are personal marketing documents intended to showcase the candidate’s skills, notable achievements, and work experience to the greatest advantage.

Curriculum vitae, submitted for jobs in academia, scientific research, and medical fields, are credential-based, providing a comprehensive (and often lengthy) listing of one’s education, certifications, research experience, and professional affiliations and memberships.

***Source: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/cv-vs-resume-2058495

What is a Resume?

Simply put, a resume is a one- to two-page document that sums up a job seeker's qualifications for the jobs they're interested in. More than just a formal job application, a resume is a marketing tool that job seekers use to communicate their value to employers.

What Goes into a Resume?

A resume summarizes the most important information an employer needs to know when they consider a new hire. The job seeker's relevant qualifications, training, and work history are listed under easily understood resume headings such as "Summary of Qualifications," "Professional Experience," or "Education." A typical resume will include the following:

1. Contact information

• Job seeker's name, address, phone numbers, and email.

2. Objective or Summary of Qualifications

• Relevant and impressive qualifications for the desired position, presented at the top of the page, directly under the contact information.

3. Work History

• Present and/or past employment, including dates, companies, job titles, and relevant skills and accomplishments.

4. Education

• Highest level of education completed.

If appropriate for your field or job, it can also include topics under such headings as Achievements, Licenses, Computer Skills, Professional Affiliations, and Related Coursework.

Who Needs a Resume?

You'll need to submit a resume if you're applying for a job with an organization that doesn't rely solely on standard, handwritten application forms. Companies that require resumes will say so in their job postings, and those that don't will ask you to fill out an application. But it's also a good idea to have a typed resume to submit with the application form, especially if your handwriting can be difficult to read.

What's the Purpose of a Resume?

The popular belief is that resumes land jobs. Not true. The resume's sole purpose is to land you an interview. If employers like what they see in your resume, they'll contact you to schedule an interview. During the interview, they'll evaluate how well your skills match the job requirements, and how well your personality fits with their team.

***Source: https://www.pongoresume.com/articles/391/what-is-a-resume-a-brief-overview.cfm

What Is a Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation describes a person's qualifications and skills as they relate to employment or education. These letters typically come from previous employers, professors, colleagues, clients, or teachers. They discuss the qualities and capabilities that make the candidate a good fit for a given position, college, or graduate school program.

How a Letter of Recommendation Works

Applicants for a job or program typically request letters of recommendation from qualified individuals, who then send them directly to the employer, other hiring personnel, admissions committee, or department. Recommenders may offer you the opportunity to review the letter before they send it, but they aren't obligated or expected to.

Requesting a Recommendation Letter

Choosing the best people to write your letter of recommendation can be tricky. The letter writer should be someone who can speak directly to the quality of your work.

The ideal recommendation would come from someone who:

• Is familiar with your work and feels positive about it

• Has the time to write a letter that will truly impress a hiring manager

• Is in a position of authority or otherwise has a reputation that will mean something to the employer or admissions officer

Once you approach someone and have a positive response, prepare a short list of qualities and accomplishments you’d like to highlight in the letter. You might say something like, “I know the hiring manager is particularly interested in candidates with marketing skills, so if you feel positive about my contribution to ABC project, that might be something to mention.”

Proofread your emails to the people who are writing your letters and the final letters themselves if the recommenders share them. Pay close attention to the spellings of company names and other branded entities. If you notice a mistake in the letter of recommendation, it’s fine to ask the recommender for a quick fix.

Tips: Some jobs and programs directly request letters of recommendation via email. If you know letters may be required for a job or program you're applying for, talk to potential recommenders before you start the application process so they're not caught by surprise.

Writing a Letter of Recommendation

If you’re asked to write a letter of recommendation, ask the requester for guidelines on what to include. They should be able to tell you which skills and qualifications are most important for the job or academic program.

Some organizations will provide a format for these letters; if they don’t, review letter of recommendation samples. Use them to inform your writing, but be sure to customize your letter for the specific requirements.

Advice:

1. A letter of recommendation is a letter written by someone who can recommend an individual's work or academic performance.

2. These letters typically come from a previous employer, professor, colleague, client, or teacher. 

3. If you're requesting a letter of recommendation, ask for one from someone who is familiar with your work and feels positively about it. 

4. If you're writing a letter of recommendation, ask the requestor what should be highlighted. 

What Is a Cover Letter?

Before you start writing a cover letter, you should familiarize yourself with the document’s purpose. A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience.

The letter provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Don’t simply repeat what’s on your resume -- rather, include specific information on why you’re a strong match for the employer’s job requirements. Think of your cover letter as a sales pitch that will market your credentials and help you get the interview. As such, you want to make sure your cover letter makes the best impression on the person who is reviewing it.

A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Employers use cover letters as a way to screen applicants for available jobs and to determine which candidates they would like to interview. If an employer requires a cover letter, it will be listed in the job posting. Even if the company doesn’t ask for one, you may want to include one anyway.

It will show that you have put some extra effort into your application.

The Different Types of Cover Letters

There are three general types of cover letters. Choose a type of letter that matches your reason for writing.

• The application letter which responds to a known job opening (see cover letter samples)

• The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions (see inquiry letter samples)

• The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search (see networking letter examples)

• When you are applying for a job that has been posted by a company that’s hiring, you will be using the “application letter” style.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch to your application for employment. Find out more about the differences between a resume and a cover letter to make sure you start writing your cover letter with the correct approach.

A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression. Something that might seem like a small error, like a typo, can get your application immediately knocked off the list. On the other hand, even if your cover letter is error-free and perfectly written, if it is generic (and makes no reference to the company, or to any specifics in the job description) it is also likely to be rejected by a hiring manager.

Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences. Determine relevance by carefully reading the job description, evaluating the skills required and matching them to your own skills.

Think of instances where you applied those skills, and how you would be effective in the position available.

Review a list of what to include in a cover letter for a job before you get started.

What to Leave Off Your Cover Letter

There are some things that you don’t need to include in the cover letters you write. The letter is about your qualifications for the job, not about you personally. There is no need to share any personal information about yourself or your family in it. If you don’t have all the qualifications the employer is seeking, don’t mention it. Instead, focus on the credentials you have that are a match. Don’t mention salary unless the company asks for your salary requirements. If you have questions about the job, the salary, the schedule, or the benefits, it’s not appropriate to mention them in the letter.

One thing that’s very important is to not write too much. Keep your letter focused, concise, and a few paragraphs in length. It’s important to convey just enough information to entice the hiring manager to contact you for an interview.

If you write too much, it’s probably not going to be read.

***Source: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/cover-letters-4161919

What is a Motivational Letter and Why it Matters?

A motivational letter is a one-page letter that’s used to describe why you are the perfect candidate for a certain position. It is usually attached to your resume. 

You are required to write a motivational letter in these 4 specific scenarios...

1. You are applying to get admitted to an educational program at a college or university (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate). 

2. You are applying to work at a non-profit organization.

3. You are applying as a volunteer in an organization.

4. You’re applying for an internship in a company.

The motivational letter shouldn’t be confused with a cover letter, the purpose of which is to highlight how specific information on your resume matches a job opening. Think of a cover letter as the introduction to your resume for a hiring manager and your motivational letter as the powerful closing sales pitch for a university or non-profit. 

So why exactly does the motivational letter matter? You’re a doer more than a talker: you’ve listed everything there is to know about you on your resume. That should be enough, right? Wrong! 

All organizations are looking for people who genuinely want to be there and are excited about what they do. The intent should be your driving motivation! 

Writing a good motivational letter can be an absolute game-changer. It can provide a boost for your resume, but also make up for lacking required skills.

How to Structure a Motivational Letter

A good motivational letter is a one-pager where you introduce yourself, your story, and show your interest in the position or organization you are applying to.

There are two main ways to structure your motivational letter:

1. Using the classic 3 main paragraphs structure, where your motivational letter has the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. 

2. Using the 5-7 paragraph structure, where you divide your main body paragraph into smaller 1-3 sentence paragraphs according to the main points.

The Structure of a Motivational Letter

Whichever structure you go for, it should consist of 3 main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Here’s what to include in each one:

Introduction: A short, engaging pitch about yourself and why you are applying. Here, you can include:

• Personal information. Who are you and what do you do?

• What are you applying for? Where?

• An intro to the bulk of your essay. Mention the general reason on why you’re applying, and then deep-dive in the bulk of your motivational letter.

And of course, don’t forget to mention contact information on top.

Body of the Motivational Letter: this is the main bulk of your motivational letter. This is where you really sell yourself, mentioning stories behind your achievements, skills, and passion for whatever you’re applying for.

Try to be as factual as possible - anyone that frequently reads motivational letters can tell made-up stories from the real ones. When possible, you can also use metrics to back up your qualifications.

Conclusion: 

Finally, you can wrap up the motivational letter and send it in. In this section, you can:

• Briefly summarize your main points - “I believe I’d be a good fit for the program because of __________”

• Mention your overarching goal - “I’d love to be a part of _______, as it would allow me to ___________.”

• Thank the reader and conclude the motivational letter

How to Write a Motivational Letter 

So how do you write a motivational letter that stands out from the pool of applicants? The way to avoid generalizations and add depth to your motivational letter is by tailoring it to the specific organization and program/position you are applying to:

1. When writing a motivational letter, you want to make sure you know what and where you are applying to. Find out who is in charge of deciding your fate and address them directly in your opening remarks as Dear Mrs. Smith. 

2. Look at the program requirements and the institution’s website. Find out the top three requirements for the position and explain how you are the best candidate.

3. Demonstrate that you share the organization’s values or are exceptionally qualified through a short story or personal examples. Be specific.  

4. Your motivational letter should demonstrate that you really want to be there! There is a fine line between pleading and showing intelligent interest while also selling yourself. State specific reasons, demonstrate knowledge and express passion for applying to the institution or organization without showing off or begging.

5. DO NOT LIE! If you write anything remotely untrue, your reader will sense it. Unconsciously, we inflate feelings and ideas when we lie. If you tell a fake story or inflate your excitement or achievements, you will be put into the “lying Pinnochio pile”. Consider your case rested and your application denied. 

***Source: https://novoresume.com/career-blog/how-to-write-a-motivation-letter