CVs & Cover Letters
Writing A CV
The Basics
- Know yourself
- Know your target
- Create a tailored CV with great
content and presentation
Do’s
- Always target your CV to each job. Check the specifics of what a CV looks like for your sector
- Match the skills you have to the skills the employer is looking for
- Make it easy to read: an attractive layout will grab an employers attention
- Pay attention to grammar and spelling: your CV may not get through to the next stage if there is mistakes
- Give specific examples to illustrate your skills. Remember who, what, where and when.
- Get someone to check over your CV
Don’t s
- Don’t lie
- Be honest and objective, you will be questioned about your CV in detail during the interview
- Don’t use the same CV for all your applications, target different audiences with your CV, such as creative or formal.
- Don’t write your curriculum vitae at the top of your CV
- Don’t write long descriptive sentences, keep them concise and to the point.
- Don’t be downbeat. Avoid negative words, false modesty or inappropriate email addresses
- Don’t include a photograph unless you are actively applying for a job in the modelling or acting professional.
Standard Headings
- Personal details – brief and relevant
- Profile/career
objective
- Education
- Relevant
work experience
- Other
work experience
- Skills
- Achievements
or Positions of Responsibility
- Interests/Hobbies
- Referees
Cover Letters
- Your current situation
- Why this job?
- Why this organisation?
- What you can offer that matches the
job? Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Things to Remember
- Never
underestimate the importance of the application form - the employer doesn’t
know you!
- Ensure
you have included all relevant information
- Explain
any chronological gaps
- Be
honest and avoid giving false information
- Keep
it neat and tidy and double-check your spelling and grammar
