Introduction to CV and cover letter writing

Crafting a compelling CV and cover letter is a crucial step for anyone seeking new employment. These documents serve as your initial point of contact with potential employers and can significantly influence whether you are shortlisted for an interview or dismissed from consideration.

In this section, we will focus on the importance of creating an effective CV and cover letter, with practical tips on how to structure them professionally and attract the attention of recruiters.

A Curriculum Vitae, often abbreviated to CV, or known as a resumé in American English, is a document that clearly and concisely summarises your work experience, education and skills. Its main purpose is to present your qualifications in a comprehensive and thorough manner so that the employer can quickly assess whether you are a good fit for the position they are seeking.

To start writing your CV, you need to make a detailed list of your work and educational experience. This should include your previous jobs, your academic education, any professional courses or certifications you have taken, and any extracurricular activities or volunteer work you have done. It is also important to include information about your skills, such as foreign languages spoken, computer skills or technical capabilities.

Once you have gathered all this information, you can begin to structure your CV in a clear and organised way. Start with your personal details, such as your name, address, telephone number and email address. Then move on to the work experience section, where you should list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the name of the company, your role and key responsibilities, and the start and end dates of your employment.

After ‘work experience’, you can include the ‘education’ section, where you should list your academic qualifications, such as degrees and diplomas. Include the name of the institution, the course of study, and the start and end dates of your education. If you have other certifications or have taken additional courses, you can add a separate section for them.

Finally, you can complete your CV with a section dedicated to your skills and abilities. Here you can list your language, computer and soft skills, such as the ability to work in a team or manage projects. Always remember to tailor your CV to the job you are applying for, highlighting the skills that are relevant to the role.

In addition to your CV, it is also important to send a covering letter to the employer. The purpose of this document is to introduce yourself and your academic and professional background in greater detail than your CV and explain how your key skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for the position.  Remember to be concise, avoid repetition and try to keep your letter to one page.

To write an effective cover letter, you need to do some research about the company you are applying to. This will allow you to tailor your message and show the employer that you understand their expectations of candidates and can respond articulately to their needs.

Finally, end your letter with a professional closing sentence and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your willingness to meet with the employer for a more in-depth discussion. Remember to thank the recruiter for their consideration and include your contact information, such as phone number and email, for easy communication.

Writing a CV and cover letter is an essential step for anyone looking for a new job. By following the advice in this chapter and tailoring your documents to the needs of the company, you will be able to present yourself professionally and convincingly to potential employers, increasing your chances of being considered for an interview and landing the job you want.

Writing an effective CV

Writing an effective CV is essential for presenting your skills, experience and qualities clearly and concisely to potential employers. A well-structured CV is key to attracting the attention of recruiters and increasing your chances of being selected for an interview.

Here are some tips and guidelines on how to write an effective CV:

• The CV structure should be divided into clear and well-defined sections. The main parts of a CV include: personal information, career objectives, education, work experience, skills, languages spoken and interests. It is important that all information is presented in a coherent and easy-to-read manner.
• Personal information. This part should include your name, telephone number, email address and home address. You can also include additional information such as your LinkedIn profile or a link to your online portfolio, if available.
• Career objective. In this section, briefly outline your career ambitions and the type of role that best aligns with your strengths. Tailor this part to the specific position you are applying for to make it relevant and compelling.
• In this section you should list your academic qualifications, including the qualification you obtained, the institution you attended and the year you obtained the qualification. It is also important to include any specialist courses or certifications you have obtained during your studies.
• Work experience. In this part it is important to list your work experience in detail, including the name of the company, the period of work and the duties performed. It is advisable to highlight the results obtained and skills acquired during the different work experiences.
• In this part you can list your generic and specific skills, such as IT skills, organisational skills, problem-solving skills, etc. It is important to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Language skills. Here you can indicate the level of your foreign language skills, in reading/writing, speaking or both. It is important to be honest about your language skills in order to avoid misunderstandings during an interview.
• In this part you can include a brief sentence or two about hobbies, volunteer activities or other personal interests which can help give the employer a more complete picture of your personality and passions.
• It is important to pay attention to the formatting of the CV, using a layout that is simple, not too elaborate and easy to read. It is advisable to use a readable font size and to avoid graphics or bright colours.

Before you send your CV, it is important to check all the information you have entered carefully for typing and grammatical errors. Ask someone you trust to review your CV for any mistakes.

In conclusion, creating an effective CV takes time, care and attention to detail. By following these guidelines and tailoring your CV to your specific experience and skills, you will increase your chances of being selected for an interview and achieving your career goals.