Writing a CV and Cover letter

CV Layout

There’s so much information out there on how to create a perfect CV , but the truth is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. It’s just a matter of finding out what works for you and the job you’re applying for, while there is no rule of the layout, bare in mind that the main aim is to deliver the most relevant information pertaining to the job ad as fast and as comprehensively as possible. Below i have tried to come up with a simplified layout that you can follow when writing your CV.

1.Contact details – It is extremely important to provide a range of up-to-date contact options including your home address, your main phone number and your email address to make it easy for employers to get in touch with you.Make sure your name is spelled correctly, and that your email address is appropriately professional.

2.Personal Statement – Following your personal details, write a personal statement in twenty five to thirty words. Your personal statement should be closely aligned to the job role that you are applying to. By doing this you are clearly displaying your intention to join the employers firm and apply the required skills in order to succeed specifically in their role. Your personal statement should also be simple and keep your voice consistent – choose first person e.g “I am a hardworking IT graduate and I…” or in third person e.g “A hardworking IT graduate who…” and stick with it throughout.Tailor it for each job you are applying for basically summarize who you are, your education, the relevant skills and experience you can offer your potential employer, and your career goals in that statement.

3.Employment history/ Work experience – It is advisable to include the jobs that are relevant to the position you are applying for beginning with the most recent one. If you haven’t had much relevant experience, however, you may want to include your whole work history and display your pro-activity by showing your employer what you were doing with that time, for example travelling might have allowed you to learn new languages, or volunteering may have given you a new set of skills.

4.Working Skills and strengths – Emphasis on your skills and strengths,it is vital when writing a CV. A strength may be something you are naturally good at, and a skill is something you acquire/attain with education and experience. Be sure to demonstrate how your skills and strengths will help you to do well in the job.

5.Relevant Qualifications and Education – Your education and qualifications may not be directly related to the job you are applying for, but they’re still important achievements that any employer will want to see.

6.Additional skills – We develop plenty of skills outside of work that can help us in our jobs. In this part/section of your CV, you should include anything that you think may help you in the role you are applying for. For instance:
-Foreign languages
-Technological skills – e.g. typing or experience with specific software
-Driving licence
-Vocational training

7.References – You can finish your CV off with at least two or more references. Provide their names, job title, company, company address, telephone number and email address. Make sure one of these references is your current or most recent employer.

COVER LETTER LAYOUT

First Paragraph/ Introduction

The letter should be addressed to a named person and state why you are writing the letter. Say which role you wish to apply for, how you heard about it and outline the other documents you have enclosed your CV.

Body/Middle section

Take a couple of paragraphs to highlight the skills and experience you have that relate to this role, using the key requirements outlined in the job description. Arouse your reader’s curiosity by mentioning points that are likely to be important for the position you are seeking,and how your education and experience suit the requirements of the position, and, by elaborating on a few points from your resume, explain what you could contribute to the organization.Your cover letter should complement, not restate, your resume.

Closing paragraph

Politely request an interview at the employer’s convenience ,thank them for their consideration and let them know that you look forward to hearing from them. Also, it’s worth mentioning any dates you won’t be available for interview.And if you do manage to address the letter to a particular person, you should sign off your letter as ‘yours sincerely’. If you’ve had to insert ‘sir/madam’ instead, you should end the letter with ‘yours faithfully’,and include your name and contacts as well. ©