How to write a good CV

How to write a good covering letter


How to write a good CV

What is a CV?
- It is a list of your personal qualifications, work experience, education and other details.
- It is the one of the common ways of applying for jobs. It is very important that you have a good CV!

Why do you need a CV?
- It is your opportunity to show all the positive points you have to offer.
- It is an opportunity to show your abilities to an employer that you cannot meet face to face.
- A good CV will help you to get an interview.

General Rules
1 - Put the job title on the left and the dates on the right.
2 - List your jobs in order: start with the most recent.
3 - Talk about your successes, in the last three years especially.
4 - Put the most relevant points to the job you are applying for.
5 - Put your date of birth in.
6 - Use short sentences.
7 - Keep it simple and easy to read.
8 - Print it out on white paper.

1 - Personal data
Write down your personal data: name, surname, address, contact number. You can put them at the beginning or at the end.

2 - Jobs career
Describe yourself, giving your personal characteristics. This part can be placed at the end of the CV if you like (see the example).
List your abilities, for example: driving licence, experienced carpenter…
List your jobs beginning from the most recent. Put full names of employers or companies that you worked for.

3 - Education
List your study qualifications.
Also, list any courses you have done (like languages or computer).
Don't:
- Don't lie! If someone finds out you lied in your CV you will lose your job.
- Don't put negative points in! Remember you want to be employed, so talk about your positive points.
- Don't give too much space to hobbies and interests.
- Don't use capital letters or difficult fonts. The best thing is to use Arial, Verdana, or Times New Roman, because it is clear and simple.
- Don't put photographs of yourself.

Remember:
- Be confident and positive
- Be short, maximum 2 pages
- Check carefully for spelling and mistakes!

If you want to know more about writing a good CV have a look at this website

If you want to see an example of a CV click here

If you want to write your CV you can use this file - click here

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How to write a good covering letter

What is a covering letter?
- It is a letter that you send together with your CV every time you apply for a job.
- It is a chance to introduce yourself. Employers will read it and have an idea of your personality.
- It is the best way to make a first good impression on employers.

How to write it
- Structure your letter in 3 parts:

1) explain why you are writing
2) give information about yourself
3) show what makes you the best candidate.

- Select the key points from your CV and elaborate on them. Don't just copy your CV.
- Focus on your abilities and any experience that is relevant to the job.
- Be short - maximum one page, 3-4 paragraphs.
- Be clear.
- Always focus on your positive points and abilities.
- Find out the name of the person who will be reading your letter and address it to him/her.
- Always check for spelling and mistakes!!!
- Print it out on white paper.
- Always keep a copy of your letter and bring it with you at the interview.

Don't:
- Don't talk too much about yourself. Try to think of what you can do for the employer and write it down.
- Don't put photographs of yourself.
- Don't forget to send it with your CV!!!
- Don't be informal. Covering letters must be "professional".

If you want to know more about covering letters have a look at this website
If you want to see an example of a covering letter click here

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