importance of cv and cover letter

Skip navigation

• Fall Updates
• For Employers
• In the Know
• Make An Appointment
• Internships
• Employers We Work With
• CCE Programs
• Funding Programs
• Drop-in Hours
• Career Counseling Appointments
• Practice Interviews
• Programs & Services
• Summer Updates
• Design Your Next Steps
• Resumes & CVs
• Cover Letters
• Negotiating
• Career Advancement
• Graduate School
• Free Premium Resources
• Communications & Media
• Engineering & Technology
• Environment & Sustainability
• Financial Services
• International Affairs
• Non-Profits & Social Justice
• Psychology, Counseling & Social Work
• Ways to Gain Experience
• Career Assessments
• Connect With Alumni
• Student Experiences
• First-Generation/Low-Income Students
• International Students
• Students with Disabilities
• Veteran Students
• LGBTQ Students
• Visiting Students
• Students of Color

How and Why to Write a Great Cover Letter

A cover letter is a one-page business letter that you submit when applying to a job, along with your resume. As a piece of persuasive writing, your cover letter will aim to convey to the employer why you’re a great candidate for the role.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

Your cover letter complements your resume by making it easy for the employer to see how your experience and interest connect to the position. Your goal is to convince the employer to interview you.

With your cover letter, you’ll aim to:

• Highlight your qualifications:  You’ll show how your skills and experience relate to the employer’s needs for a specific position.
• Showcase your motivation: You’ll demonstrate your enthusiasm for the specific position and the organization.
• Reflect your voice and written communication skills: You’ll give the employer a sense of your personality and writing style.

When should I write a cover letter?

Not all jobs require cover letters. So, how do you decide whether to submit one?

Submit a Cover Letter when…

• The posting explicitly requests that you do so
• You’re applying to an opportunity at a mission-driven organization
• You think that doing so could provide important information to the employer that they wouldn’t get from your resume

Consider Submitting a Cover Letter when…

• It’s marked “optional” in an application, and you have the bandwidth to do so
• You have content that you can easily recycle or repurpose into a tailored cover letter

No Need to Submit a Cover Letter when…

• A posting specifically tells you not to submit one
• There’s no way to submit one in an application portal, and doing so would require a serious workaround

If you’re applying to several similar opportunities, creating a draft cover letter in advance, geared toward that type of opportunity, can be a helpful way to save time in your actual application process.

How do I write a cover letter?

Your cover letter should articulate your qualifications and motivation for the position. Read the job description closely and research the organization. As you craft your cover letter, use examples that demonstrate your relevant skills, knowledge, and interests. The cover letter should be concise, clear, and well-organized.

Before Writing

Research the employer.

Learn enough about the organization to articulate why you are a strong fit for that firm. 

• Review the firm’s website and LinkedIn page.
• Speak with current or previous employees.
• Read articles and social media for current news.

Analyze the job description

Look for skills, duties, and qualifications of the job so you can design your letter to match these as much as possible.

Reflect on your experience and motivation

Identify skills and personal qualities you have developed which will be useful in this role. Ask yourself:

• What attracts you about this role/company/industry?
• What have you have done in your work experiences, classes, internships, activities, projects, volunteer work, travel, etc., that is similar to the duties required of the job? 

Cover Letter Structure

As a business letter, the cover letter should include:

• Heading: Include your name and contact information in the same format as your resume
• Salutation: Address your letter to the specific individual who can hire you, if this is known. If the name is not included in the job description, address the letter to the Hiring Manager or title mentioned in the job description.
• Body Paragraphs:  Discuss your experiences, interests, and skills to show the employer how you can add value to their team. See the section below for more guidance.
• Signature Line: Include a closing and your name.

The cover letter should be one page, about three or four paragraphs, and single spaced. Use 10-12 point font and one inch margins. 

When applying online, upload your cover letter as a PDF file, unless another format is specified. When sending your resume and cover letter by email, you may write a short note or paste your cover letter in the body of your email (without the address header) and also attach the PDF file.

Cover Letter Content

Your cover letter should answer who, what, when, where and why you are applying for the opportunity. 

Introduction

State the position for which you are applying. If you have a referral or spoke with someone from the company, you can mention it in the introduction. Provide some basic information about yourself; this can include your class year and what you’re studying at Columbia. Briefly outline why you’re interested in the organization and what you bring in terms of relevant experience and skills. 

Body Paragraphs

These paragraphs will highlight your qualifications and strengths that are most relevant to the organization and position. Use the job posting and your research as clues to determine what the employer is seeking in a candidate. Have your resume beside you and reflect on what you want the employer to know about you. Are there experiences you want to expand upon that demonstrate your understanding of the role and ability to do the job requirements?

Structure the paragraphs based on relevance, not chronology. Lead with your most relevant skill or strongest experience.

Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence.  This can highlight a key skill set, a transferable experience, or a core area of knowledge you’ve built through your studies. Walk the reader through a project or experience, integrating the relevant skills you used and qualities you demonstrated. Provide details about your accomplishments and impact. Connect how these experiences have prepared you for this role and why you are motivated to do this job. There is no need to apologize if you feel you lack experience; focus on the accomplishments that you have.

Recap what you would bring to the organization and your interest in the position. Thank the employer for their consideration. Keep your tone positive and enthusiastic. 

Check out our example of how to structure your cover letter content . 

Editing Tips

Use our  Cover Letter Checklist to make sure your format and content is in line with best practices. 

• Ensure that the content reflects the requirements in the job description
• Keep the cover letter concise, at one page or less
• Correct any errors in grammar, sentence structure, and spelling
• Use the active voice
• Avoid beginning too many sentences with “I”

Privacy Policy Accessibility Notice of Non-Discrimination Terms of Use

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative

After putting together a concise resume, the job seeker needs to sit down and write a cover letter.

The goal of a cover letter is to tell your story, to tell a hiring manager that you are more than just your CV or resume. A cover letter is also an opportunity for you to share your professional goals and help explain how the position to which you are applying would be a part of your career.

“Cover letters make a difference, even short ones,” Susan Adams writes in “How to Write a Cover Letter,” an article published in  Forbes  magazine. “Don’t ever send a boilerplate.”

Adams advises applicants to use the first line of the cover letter to mention a mutual contact, establish a relationship with the organization. She advises applicants to use a more formal style of writing instead of abbreviations and acronyms, and to proofread the letter carefully.

Adams says experts like cover letters in which the applicant names the job he wants early on and provides a brief summary of his career and accomplishments. A good letter will also provide additional context to an applicant’s resume, which lists experiences and achievements. Though a cover letter should be somewhat formal and respectful, it does not need to be boring. The cover letter is an opportunity to explain why you are interested in a specific position or a specific sector, which a resume will not include.

The letter should end with a request for a meeting and when the applicant plans to get in touch. The application is the first step, and a cover letter is an important part of the package. By establishing a follow-up request, applicants can express active interest in moving forward with the application process.

And, importantly, Adams says, cover letters of less than one page — or about four paragraphs — are best.

Este artículo también está disponible en   español .

Please call: (55) 8526 2561

Outside of Office Hours, contact: (55) 5080 2000

Outside of Mexico: 844-528-6611

• Online Degree Explore Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees
• MasterTrack™ Earn credit towards a Master’s degree
• University Certificates Advance your career with graduate-level learning
• Top Courses
• Join for Free

Cover Letter Writing Guide 2023: Examples and Tips

Learn about the importance of a cover letter, discover three CV cover letter examples for jobs including management and middle management, as well as for students, graduates, and beginners.

A well-structured cover letter, when combined with your CV, is key to finding the position you desire. A cover letter illustrates your expertise and qualifications for the job you seek. A cover letter offers the chance to describe specific situations, highlight important talents, and share professional goals that may not be addressed on your CV. 

Before you start drafting your CV cover letter, review some sample cover letters to discover effective techniques and important tips for creating a personal statement for your job application. This article explores three cover letter examples organised by genre and industry sectors to inspire you. 

Management cover letter example

[Receiver’s Address]

[Salutation],

I am a seasoned corporate executive with a strong reputation for accelerating corporate growth and reorganising global businesses. In the role of senior manager, I shall contribute my drive and will to succeed to your company. I have primary areas of experience that I will contribute to your company, which are as follows:

I have a deep dedication to [the respective industry/sector] , having served in many roles and competencies.

My effective [the respective industry/sector] knowledge as well as the capacity to develop, comprehend, and resolve [the respective industry/sector] processes is bound to boost business market share gains, ultimately leading to financial prosperity.

I have an independent spirit, agility, and expertise that will help you build important connections to succeed in business. 

My experience of over three decades of smart, critical thinking activities has delivered productivity and profitability.

My [name of degrees] and community outreach management responsibilities with several non-profit organisations have further enhanced my abilities and flexibility to satisfy the work criteria. Since I have done this over the years, I'd like to share with you the high-quality service and value I can offer to your organisation.

 Thank you for taking the time to read this. I can be contacted on [contact details]

With warm regards,

[Closing Signature]

Middle management cover letter example

I'm writing to express my interest in the position of [position name] at [company name] . I'm certain that my level of knowledge fits well with the obligations described in your job description since I have over six years of experience operating the [specified niche] .

I've proven myself to be quite an efficient manager and a good leader in my work as [name of previous job position and the company name] . As I single-handedly taught and trained the whole [team name] staff in prep work for [name a commendable task carried out by you] , my worth became clear to the proprietors. Throughout the following years, my team regularly exceeded monthly [specified niche] targets.

Your company, I feel, would greatly benefit my expertise in the key segments:

High level of customer service criteria 

A passion for quality

A high level of dedication as well as leadership abilities

Delivering results under pressure

I believe my skills will contribute to [business name] ongoing growth. My experience in this field has equipped me for this opportunity, and I genuinely hope that I will be able to contribute to your team.

It would be an honour to speak with you about the [job position] in further depth. I'd be delighted to visit whenever it is most suited for you. 

I appreciate the time, and eagerly await your response.

CV cover letter sample for beginners, students, and graduates

I'm writing this letter to express my interest in [company name] ’s internship programme. I learnt about your organisation via my institution's student placement centre, and after browsing your website, I've become interested in your outstanding work in [ industry name] .

I'm now majoring in [subject area] and minoring in [subject area] at [institution name] , where I'll graduate [graduation date] . In addition to my  [subject area] and [subject area] experience, I specialise in [interest/subject area] . The opportunity to do my internship with [business name] will expand my knowledge and experience to progress in my profession while applying everything I've studied to support your business objectives.

I aim to work with an organisation like [business name] after college to get hands-on experience, [professional goal] , and eventually [professional goal] . With the correct opportunity and professional experience with well-known clients, I believe I can achieve my goals. I previously interned at [business name], where I worked on important projects for their major customers. I had the chance to study [name of technical skills/tools learned] during the same internship. I also learnt [example of initiative and outcome] . Given that you are seeking to expand your [team name] , I feel my understanding of [subject area] may be of value to you.

If you have any questions that you would like me to address, please contact me on [contact details].

Looking forward to hearing from you,

3 tips for writing a great cover letter

The cover letter templates above go beyond the information in a CV, assisting the recruiting supervisor and potential employers in quickly recognising the applicant’s value as an employee. Let’s explore the key ways this is achieved.

Be straightforward and succinct. They express most about what a cover letter ought to state in the first paragraphs, such as their expertise level and status, as well as how they got the position.

Be specific about experience and impact. The applicant outlines key expectations from the position description and shows their relevant skills and previous experience with similar tasks. They also share an example about just how they have driven impact in their present job. Your cover letter should include applicable situations that illustrate your potential to accomplish the responsibilities mentioned in the job description whether you are a fresh graduate asking for an apprenticeship or early in your career looking for your next role.

Include a clear call to action. In each example, the applicant signed off by reiterating their interest in the company and role, sharing their availability and willingness to connect, and providing their contact details such as a phone number or email address.

Get started writing your cover letter

Your cover letter is an opportunity to distinguish yourself. Consider a period when you delivered impact with a major project or implemented a new strategy to spur innovation. Since you will have more quantifiable achievements to rely on as you gain more expertise, your cover letter is the perfect spot to bring out these details. Make the most of this desirable opportunity to show off your skills, expertise, and abilities. 

Learn more about effective cover letters in the online course Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters from the University of Maryland. For more career planning assistance, consider courses like Successful Interviewing or Career Planning: A Path to Employment .

Keep reading

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

$1 unlocks unlimited opportunities

• For a limited time, get your first month of Coursera Plus for $1 .
• Get unlimited access to 7,000+ learning programs from world-class universities and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Yale.
• Build the skills you need to succeed, anytime you need them—whether you're starting your first job, switching to a new career, or advancing in your current role.

• Privacy Policy
• Write for Us

One Stop Solution for Writers

• Same-Day Delivery in the On-Demand Economy
• Last-Minute Tips for Acing JEE Mains: Dos and Don’ts
• How to Get a Better Night Sleep
• How to Invest in Gold for Newbies
• How to Effectively Optimize Content for Google Discover
• How to Prepare for Your Interview
• Why Wear a Sports Bra for Running?
• Best Eyeliner for Almond Eyes
• How to Lose Weight Fast in 7 Simple Steps
• Why MBA? 10 Reasons Why You should Pursue MBA

Understanding the Importance of Résumé and Cover Letters

Today’s job market is extremely tough, and with the automatic screening companies do, with the help of Applicant Tracking Systems , you don’t want your résumé to end up in a résumé black hole .

Résumés and cover letters are important tools that aid your job search as they display your strengths, skillset, qualities, and achievements in a way that it becomes easy for employers to figure out if you’re right for a specific role. A great résumé and cover letter can help you get to the first interview.

If you’ve been wondering about improving your résumé or how important a cover letter is for a job, keep reading to learn not just about how your cover letters and résumés should be optimized but also the importance of creating an optimized résumé and cover letter.

What is a Résumé?

A resume is an essential document required for any job position or role you might apply for. It’s a summary of your academic and professional career and important details like your personal information, career objectives, education, work experiences, skills, interests and hobbies, strengths, and achievements. It also includes references from past employers or people you have a professional relationship with who can vouch for your credibility when it comes to the skills and abilities you’ve mentioned on your resume.

Length and Format

Your resume should be precise and to the point. The format should be simple and easy to skim through or read. An employer’s attention goes toward the headings and subheadings, so make sure to highlight those.

What It Includes and Its Types

There’s no need to include details that aren’t relevant to the position you’re applying for. For example, every single work experience and your marital status aren’t relevant details to include in a resume.

Why is a Résumé Important?

A resume acts as an essential link required between you and your potential employer. It makes the first impression and reaches your employer before you do. It helps you stand out from a crowd of thousands of resumes.

If you have a well-written resume, you’re almost at the interview table. A resume helps convey a great deal about you to your prospective recruiter and talks about your past experiences and future goals in a quick and concise manner.

You need to convince your employer that you’re the best fit for a particular role or position, and your resume does half the work for you before you even get a chance to talk to your employer.

A resume also helps you sell your skills and brand yourself to the professionals you might end up working for. You should have your skillset mentioned in a way that highlights why a company might require your expertise and your abilities.

What is a Cover Letter?

Many people who are new to the job market and are on a hunt for their first jobs ask about cover letters and their importance. A cover letter is usually attached with the resume or CV you provide to your employer, and, just like your resume, it’s tailored according to the job description of the position you’re applying for.

Employers and hiring managers are always looking for individuals who stand out amongst a crowd of thousands, and cover letters help you address your potential interviewer or employer. It entails information such as your contact details, why you’re applying for a particular role, and details that back up the information on your CV or resume. The cover letter also highlights why you think your past experiences would make you the best fit for a position.

Types of Cover Letters

There are different types of cover letters. A cover letter accompanied with a CV, for example, is mainly consisting of your introduction and how you were referred by your professional mentors, peers, or past employers. A cover letter tailored for a job with a resume usually focuses on the details of your qualifications and achievements and what your career objectives are.

When to Submit a Cover Letter

You should submit a cover letter if the recruiters have asked for one. It’s usually stated explicitly in a job opening’s details, and you’re supposed to attach your cover letter with the job application you send. Some employers ask for a cover letter during an interview and if you have been referred to a position by someone, be prepared to send a cover letter.

Why is a Cover Letter Important?

Your resume requires little tweaking when applying to different jobs, but a new cover letter should be drafted each time you apply for a new job. Make sure to always research about the company or organization you’re applying to and also about the employer or interviewer.

The cover letter allows you to target your employers and the job you’re applying to in a way that resumes are unable to. Cover letters help you stand out in the eyes of your prospective employers.

A cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain the qualifications and skills mentioned in your resume and how they make you a great fit for the role. You can also mention your core values and what you might bring to the job if you’re hired.

Cover letters also help you build a relationship with the professionals you might end up having a conversation with. If your cover letter impresses them, they might end up referring you for a future job if not for the current role.

A professional team of resume writers and editors can help you tailor your resumes in a way that will impress prospective employers. Resume Writing Services has a team of experienced resume writers who have helped more than 1,000,000 clients secure a good job. Contact them today to hire resume writing services.

About the Author

The author of this blog is J. Harrison who is a professional working in the field of marketing for the past two decades. He believes that individuals should also know how to market themselves, so he guides his peers and fellows on how to perfect their resumes, CVs, and cover letters.

He’s also passionate about technology and loves reading up on new and innovative ways companies have employed to make the hiring process easier.

GENESIS EXECUTIVE SEARCH

• Apr 16, 2022

The Importance of a Cover Letter with your CV

Updated: Apr 21, 2022

Do Cover Letters Help You Get a Job?

A majority of candidates and job seekers sometimes still doubt whether or not a cover letter is really useful or never read at all. I for one as a recruiter rarely look at a cover letter, but then again I am a recruiter. I review over a hundred applications each day. I have spoken to most hiring managers in Dubai. Most direct applications via email or on the career page of the companies website require you to upload a cover letter and your CV. About 80% of the employers and hiring managers read cover letters and they are the decision-makers, not the recruiter.

So it may be wise to prepare a cover letter with your job application.

When Do You Absolutely Need a Cover Letter?

A cover letter allows you multiple advantages. Let's see some of these below.

Effort: Writing a Cover letter shows the additional effort you have taken to apply for a job which means the chances of effort being recognized over someone who does not put up a cover letter will work to your advantage.

Sales Pitch: You can use a more " sales " technique to pitch yourself to the reader. This is based on identifying specific reasons that you can share that you feel make you the best candidate.

Skillset: Your ability to share a short paragraph about your skills and expertise that is required for the job that you have.

Experience: Your past hands-on experience in doing the job and hence lesser " learning on the job " time.

Personality: Your personality traits that match with the role. If you have undertaken a personality o psychometric test and have the report which has been reviewed to have the same evaluation for the job, then this is a huge plus.

Knowledge: Your knowledge on the subject or areas that will add extra value where other applicants may miss out.

Keywords: The cover letter helps you utilize keywords (make the word bold), to attract the attention of the reader. It will help generate interest in your CV even before your CV is read. Keep your cover letter to 1 page only.

Who really does require writing a cover letter?

Career Change : If you are making a career change or fresh out of university, then a cover letter can explain why you feel you deserve this job. It also an opportunity to highlight how your transferable skills will help you in your next job. For example, you could be a credit analyst applying for a Relationship Officer position or a financial consultant applying for a Risk Manager role.

Career Gaps : New mothers who have had to take a career break to look after their child, Professionals who have had a career gap due to work stress, burnout, or even not getting a job for a long time due to certain circumstances which could range from looking after a family member who is unwell or just not being able to attend interviews due to micromanagement.

New Geography : Coming in from a different country: So many of us settle down or want to make a career in a new country lacking local experience which tends to sometimes weigh negatively with competition from candidates having local experience.

Internal Reference : So many times someone within the company points out a vacancy within the organization. In fact, some companies even incentivize their employees who recommend a suitable candidate for a vacancy. This type of referral is best addressed in a written with a mention in a cover letter.

While the margin of job rejection is less than 20% for not writing a cover letter, you can definitely get a job without a cover letter. But ask this: Do I want to risk making my job application weaker, without a cover letter. How much more effort is really required to write a professional cover letter and what do I have to risk losing?

Sample Cover Letter

Recent posts.

Navigating Your Career When Faced with a Job Loss

Losing your job can be one of life's most challenging and disheartening experiences. The uncertainty it brings can be overwhelming, but it's crucial to remember that you're not alone. Many have faced

How Recruitment Agencies in Dubai Can Help You Land Your Dream Job

Introduction Finding a job in a competitive market like Dubai can be a challenging task. The job market in Dubai is known for its diversity and international appeal, making it an attractive destinatio

Navigating Change using Outplacement Services

In today's business world, organizations are constantly evolving to adapt to market trends, technological advancements, and economic shifts. As a result, workforce restructuring has become a common oc

Why Do I Need a Good CV-Importance of Professional CV & Cover Letter

• by Gospel Chinonso
• September 27, 2023

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to speak and hang around multi-national companies’ HRs. Trust me, they all speak the same language. The question of Why Do I Need a Good CV or The Importance of a Professional CV can not be overemphasized.

Thus if you are asking any of these questions:

• how to write a cv pdf
• cv writing format
• how to write a cv template
• cv template doc
• best cv samples pdf
• professional resume format
• cv examples for students
• sample of cv for job application

it means you understand that having a good cv is one step towards landing your dream job.

some of us go as far as even searching for the best cover letter format . Well, in this article, I will share deep secrets from the human resource desk.

On, why a good cv and cover letter is all you need to get an audience in that your dream company.

• Free Online Courses at Yale University in2021-2022
• Free Online Courses with Certificate of Completion
• Best Schools for Aerospace Engineering, 2021
• Free online Courses for Developing Countries in 2021-2022
• Free Online Courses from Harvard University in 2021-2022
• Short Courses in Nigeria 2021-2022
• 10 Best Online Photography Courses in 2021-2022

Get access to over 1000  free online courses

Before I do that, I know a lot of us confuse a RESUME and CURRICULUM VITAE (CV).

Resume vs CV

When should job seekers use a curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as a “CV,” rather than a resume? In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific, medical, or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants. Here’s more information about when to use a curriculum vitae instead of a resume.

When seeking a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather than a resume.

Keep in mind that overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American resume, such as date of birth, nationality, marital status, and place of birth.

Thus, United States law governing what information job applicants can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country.

Why Do I Need a Good CV

If you have not asked this question in your job search, it only means one thing and that is: you are not ready to land that dream job just yet. You can also read: Top 10 Resume mistakes to avoid

Whether you are applying for an executive position, changing your career, or moving from a military to a civilian job – you need a good cv.

Research says that on average, recruiters look at CVs for up to 6 seconds – at most!

If you want to even get the chance to prove your worth, a good CV is your gate pass.

A top-quality CV will considerably boost your chance of getting a face-to-face interview.

so, it is worth spending time and effort on the content and presentation. It will make all the difference in obtaining the position you want.

By definition : A CV is short for the Latin phrase curriculum vitae. which means “course of life”. CV is a detailed document highlighting your professional and academic history.

CVs typically include information like work experience, achievements, and awards. Even, scholarships or grants you’ve earned, coursework, research projects, and publications of your work.

You may be asked to submit a CV when applying for jobs in academia or a job outside the US.

Therefore this article will be a gentle reminder that you need a professional CV. So follow me as, In the end, we have a surprise package that you won’t want to miss.

What Must A Good CV Have?

While your CV should be specific to your background and the position you are applying for, there are what I consider MUST-INCLUDE in every CV. This is to ensure you are writing a good cv. They are:

• Contact information
• Academic history
• Professional experience
• Qualifications and skills
• Awards and honors
• Publications
• Professional associations
• Grants and fellowships
• Licenses and certificates
• Volunteer work
• Personal information (optional)
• Hobbies and interests (optional)

Your CV should normally NOT be longer than two pages. So make sure you tailor it specifically for the position you are applying for and indicate the skills, qualifications, and experience that are most appropriate for the position. An employer wants to find the following information on your CV as listed above.

Now, you know what a good cv should contain, the next question on your mind should be. How do I write A good CV?

How To Write A Good CV

No dought, Writing a CV for an interview is a difficult task for many.

How do you write one that stands out from the many CVs hiring managers and recruiters receive when they are hiring?

The ultimate rule for CV writing is: be different and show your selling point .

Interestingly, there isn’t a single format for writing a CV. However, one rule to keep in mind is that your CV can put you in the spotlight for the position you are applying for.

This will inform the hiring manager or recruiter about the decision to invite you for an interview.

Typically, there are two types of cv – the educational cv and the experience-based type.

The former focuses on educational/professional qualifications and academic work and is generally aimed at applicants with no work experience, while the latter is geared towards work experience, skills, and performance.

It is preferable to list educational or professional experiences, starting from the most recent to the oldest. It is important to always adapt your CV to an employment area and to change it systematically for the advertised positions.

Without further ado here are my quick tips for writing a good cv.

Quick tips for writing a good CV

• Use active verbs wherever possible. For example, you could include words like ‘created’, ‘analyzed’ and ‘devised’ to present yourself as a person who shows initiative.
• There should be no spelling or grammar mistakes in your CV. Use a spell checker and enlist a second pair of eyes to check over it.
• Avoid using generic phrases such as ‘team player’, ‘hardworking’, and ‘multitasker’. Instead, provide real-life examples that demonstrate all of these skills.
• Take a look at the company’s website, local press, and the job advert to make sure that your CV is targeted to the role and employer.
• Decide whether the chronological, skills-based, or academic CV is right for you. For more information, take a look at example CVs.
• Don’t put the term ‘Curriculum Vitae’ at the top of your CV.
• Provide a professional-sounding email address.
• Never lie or exaggerate on your CV or job application. Not only will you demonstrate your dishonesty to a potential employer, but there can be serious consequences too. For example, altering your degree grade from a 2:2 to a 2:1 is classed as degree fraud and can result in a prison sentence.
• If you’re posting your CV online don’t include your home address, as you could be targeted by fraudsters.
• You should always include a cover letter unless the employer states otherwise. It will enable you to personalize your application for the job. You can draw attention to a particular part of your CV, disclose a disability, or clarify gaps in your work history.

Job Opportunities in Nigeria

Things employers look out for.

According to an online survey, this is what every hiring team is looking out for, based on the most important information.

Looking at my 10th tip, I made mention of adding a cover letter. As important as a good CV is, a good cover letter to go with it will go a long way to help your job application.

How Important Is a Cover Letter?

Like I said earlier, most companies will require you to send a cover letter alongside your cv explaining why you are qualified for the job. While a cover letter may be optional for some companies, it’s usually a good idea to include one in every application you submit.

The question now is, why is it important that you send one out with your cv.

Here are a few reasons why a cover letter can help you get the job: 

It tells your story

The cover letter gives you a chance to tell your story before you can speak to the hiring manager.

While you have the opportunity to explain why you are the right person for the job, an employer learns more about your current situation.

For example, you may have left a previous employer and are trying to start a new career path, or you’re an entry-level employee who’s looking to gain professional work experience. 

Either way, a cover letter gives you an opportunity to define your personal brand and demonstrate the type of core values you can bring to the company.

It builds a relationship with the employer

Relationship building is important in finding a job that fits your career goals. The same applies to writing a cover letter. The main difference between sending a resume and a cover letter is that a resume covers the facts about what you’ve done while a cover letter shows your personality to an employer.

It is highly recommended that you demonstrate which accomplishments have meant most to you in your professional career and why. By explaining your accomplishments, you highlight what makes you meaningful in the workplace and why.

It explains your relationship with someone who referred you

You may be in a position where you’ve used the network to find a job.

Perhaps you’ve attended a briefing or know someone who works there (such as a friend or family member), or you heard about the job at a networking event.

Either way, a cover letter will explain how you met your recommendation and how your conversation with them inspired you to apply.

Now, you know the importance of a cover letter, here are my quick tips on writing a good cover letter for your job application.

Quick Tips on Writing a Good Cover Letter

• Read the job description.  A job description will usually list the desired qualifications for the job. This can help you figure out if you’re the right fit for this role. Be sure to also pay attention to any application instructions written in the description. This step reveals what materials they need to review in order for them to consider your application. Even with a referral, you’ll still need to follow the steps listed in the job description. 
• Allocate your time properly.  You should be sending most of your time customizing your resume and cover letter for the job. An employer wants to know how you can benefit the company, so your resume and cover letter should convey this.
• Create a portfolio.  Create a portfolio to showcase the work you’ve done throughout your career. You can also include a copy of your resume, which makes it easier for the employer to see everything all on one page. If you get to the interview stage, consider having a print copy of your portfolio to show to your hiring manager. 
• Monitor your social media.  Today, more employers check social media accounts to see what an applicant has posted publicly. This can be an indication for employers to see if you’re the right fit for their company. Be mindful of what you post on your social media accounts, and post links to your social media accounts in your portfolio if you’re applying to a job in that field.

The CV and cover letter are usually the main pieces of content a candidate sends to an employer. However, keep these tips in mind before you submit your resume and cover letter for the next position you are applying for.

Information we need to prepare your professional CV

• Personal information (Name, email, date of birth, phone number, address, LinkedIn ID, sex, marital status)
• Work experience and with date duration
• Education from the least to the highest (Add gradings too e.g CGPA)
• Skills/proficiency (relevant to the job opening)
• Certifications (if any with dates)

EDITORS RECOMMENDATION

Here are some of our recommended posts you can check out alongside this post. 2021-2022

• Federal Government Scholarships 2021-2022 for Undergraduates and Postgraduates
• OPEC/OFID Scholarships 2021-2022 for Developing Countries [$50,000]
• Fully Funded Youth Opportunities for Africans 2021
• Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2021-2022 for Developing Countries (Masters & PhD)
• Canadian Scholarships for International Students 2021-2022
• 20 Scholarships for International Adoptees 2021-2022
• 20 Scholarships for Public Health in UK for International Students 2021-2022
• University of Toronto Acceptance/Admission Rate 2021-2022
• 20 Scholarships for People who have Lost a Parent 2021-2022
• 15 Scholarships for People with Disabilities 2021-2022
• 35+ Schools with Low Tuition Fees in Canada

If you like this article, then subscribe to our weekly scholarship update. There you will be able to receive scholarships you can apply for in 2021 and 2022.

Thanks for reading, Please share this content to your families and friends.

Gospel Chinonso

Gospel Chinonso is an SEO technician and Content developer with over 5 years of work experience. He is known for his love and passion for helping others achieve their goals and dreams. This lead to the birth of Academic Related.His love for many has to lead him to help thousands of students seeking scholarships with the right information. Gospel being the CEO and founder of Academic Related will continue his good work on helping students with the right information that will lead to achieving their dreams and goals.

The Importance of Design for Your Resume

What are your weaknesses best interview answer in 2023, you may also like, top 10 highest paying medical jobs in 2023.

• by Promise Akujiobi
• October 31, 2022

How to Get Back On Your Feet After Losing Your Job

• February 2, 2022

15 Best Massage Therapy Schools in Wisconsin in 2023 | How to Apply

• by Henry Musk
• February 10, 2023

How to Find Work-From-Home Jobs that are Hiring Now| Start Your Career at Home

• December 21, 2022

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Jobs in 2023

• by Academic Related
• October 4, 2022