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Introduction

Most professional positions require applicants to submit a CV and cover letter as part of the application process.

Your CV is the first document a hiring manager will look at when reviewing your application, and therefore is a true ‘first impression’.

Put time and effort into developing and maintaining an updated, accurate CV.

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What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV) ?

is a detailed document highlighting your professional and academic history. CVs typically include information like work experience, achievements and awards.

A CV is summary of a job applicant's:

Professional experience
Educational background
Other relevant information regarding the candidate's qualifications.

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Writing Your CV

Before you get started, think about your strengths, personal preferences, Skills. The best way to convince employers that you will add value is to show them that you've done it before.

Follow these steps when writing a CV:

Include your contact information
Detail your academic history in chronological order
Record your professional experience
Include relevant skills and qualifications
List honors and awards
Include relevant publications and presentations
List your professional associations and affiliations
Check your CV for errors

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CVs Style

There are several basic types of CVs used to apply for job openings.

CVs come in a few types, including chronological, functional, and combination formats.

Chronological

Functional (skills based)

Combination

Select a format that best fits the type of job you are applying for

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Which CV type is right for you?

That depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

The goal of any CV is to show a hiring manager the applicant's strengths, skills, and experience in as short a time as possible.

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CV Summary

A CV summary acts as the opening statement for your CV. It’s a brief introduction that tells the hiring manager who you are, what skills and strengths you have, and the professional experience that you possess.

It goes by many names, but they all mean the same thing. Here are some of the CV summary synonyms you might come across:�
CV personal statement
CV personal profile
CV professional summary

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CV Summary Checklist��So how do you write those first few lines of your CV—the summary section—to compel the recruiter to keep reading? How do you make sure you get the call? How do you make your summary memorable?�

Here’s a checklist:

Adjust your summary to each job application.
Focus on results you’ve achieved.
Note the organizations/companies you’ve worked in.
Include years of experience.
Avoid generic terms.

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What to include in your CV?

Expected Sections:

Contact Information
CV Profile
Work Experience
Education
Skills

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Active Verbs to use on your CV

MANAGEMENT

Manage/ led/ organize/ plan

Coordinate

Develop

Supervise

PEOPLE SKILLS

Communicate/ present

Encourage/ motivate

Interact/mediate

TECHNICAL

Repair

Maintain

Operate

Install

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Achieve/succeed

Improve/ transform

Resolve/ reduce

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CV Language

The CV language should be:

Specific, rather than general
Active, rather than passive
Written to express, not impress
Fact-based
Written for people who scan quickly

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Principles to remember

DOs:

Start with a short summary of who you are and why you’re the right person for the job
Emphasize accomplishments over responsibilities
Create a new version of your resume for every opportunity

DON’Ts:

Use clichés — explain what makes you a good candidate in concrete; use specific words
Cram text in or use a small font size — it has to be readable

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Top 5 CV Mistakes

Spelling and grammar errors
Missing e-mail and phone information
Using passive language instead of “action” words
Not well organized
Too long

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Tips

Think of it as a storytelling document.

Use consistent spacing, underlining, italics, bold, and capitalization for emphasis.

Use Power Keywords and Action Verbs (such as experience, skill, development, knowledge, leadership, managed, led, analyzed, launched, etc.).
Avoid the personal pronouns (such as I, me, she).

Don't put the term 'curriculum vitae' at the top of the page.

Provide a professional-sounding e-mail address.

Give examples that supports your skills and qualifications

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More Tips

Always proofread to avoid spelling or grammar errors. Ask a friend or a relative to read it.

Keep it short and organized and visually appealing.

Label your CV file correctly.

Be sure that your formatting translated properly if converted to a .pdf format

You should always include a cover letter unless the employer states otherwise.

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Cover Letter

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What is a Cover Letter?

You do this by highlighting relevant skills and experience; therefore you should always write your cover letter with the position you're applying for in mind.

A cover letter is a document sent alongside your CV when applying for jobs.
It acts as a personal introduction and helps you with your application.
Cover letters should complement your CV but not duplicate it.

A cover letter is necessary as it gives you the chance to explain to an employer why you're the best candidate for the job, what distinguishes you from the other candidates.

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What to remember when writing a cover letter?

An effective employment letter should:

Be targeted and personalized
State why you are interested in the organization/company
Explain how you can fill a need (skills and experience)
Why you want to change career
Convey your enthusiasm about the opportunity

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How to write a cover letter?

Do your research first
Demonstrate an understanding of what the company/organization needs
Personalize your cover letter
Open strong
Catch their attention
Convey enthusiasm
Keep it short
Always proof read

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Structure of a cover letter

Greeting
Introduction/Objective
Body of the message
Closing
Signature

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