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Creating a CV & writing a cover letter |
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By
Andrew Bloom
Jun 22, 2005 |
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Creating a CV
People tend not to like writing about themselves. Some people feel a bit odd at having to 'boast' about themselves in black and white, while others go the other way and are tempted to oversell themselves, running the risk of getting caught out at a future date. Why not use the following simple tips as a guide?
Presentation
- Use good quality white paper with a plain type face – forget italics and decorative
- Don't demonstrate your DTP skills by adding an ornate border – remember you're not applying for a job as a graphics designer; you want to be noticed for what you say, not how you present it
- Try to keep your CV to no more than three pages – two is even better!
Structure
· Put your name right at the top of the front page, with your contact details directly underneath Include a mobile number; only include your work number if you do not mind being contacted there
- The structure of your cv should be clear and easy to understand. Your mission is to present facts about yourself clearly and concisely!
- Use bullet points rather than complete sentences (which can sometimes lead to unnecessary wordiness)
- Your educational history, academic achievements and work experiences should be listed in reverse order – university degree should come before your school exam results
- Never leave gaps – if you took a year out, or carried out interim assignments, say so - otherwise, employers can suspect the worst - perhaps you got sacked, or were even in prison! Leave nothing to chance
- Leave your hobbies and interests until last – and keep this section short
Double-check cv
- Check your cv carefully - always run a spell check over it carefully - and re-read to check it also makes sense; ask a friend to check it too - mistakes are not always as obvious to the person who made them!
- Simply staple the pages together - comb bindings and plastic wallets are irritating as they often do not fit in in-trays, so can end up separated from the other cv's.
- Send your cv off in a good quality, clearly addressed, A4 envelope, and send it first class to indicate efficiency
- Remember, your cv is the first impression your potential employer will have of you! Take the time to get it right. You may not have a second chance! Know who it is you're meeting, where and how to get there
Writing a cover letter
The cover letter is the first thing the recruiter sees. It's what introduces you and your cv. And just as you wouldn't turn up unannounced on their doorstep, you don't want your cv turning up "unannounced" on their desk. Although there's no such thing as the perfect letter, following a basic formula will help you on your way and make your cover letter a worthy build-up to your cv.
Type or write?
Opinion is often divided amongst recruitment experts as to whether covering letter should be painstakingly handwritten or typed out on a PC. The advantage of handwriting your letter is that it shows you have taken time over that individual application. It also allows you the opportunity to demonstrate neatness, spelling and an old-fashioned knack of simply being able to write a letter. Even with the proliferation of home computers, handwritten cv's generally had the edge over typed, until email came along.
With the advent of email and the subsequent speeding up of communications, it has become far more acceptable to send covering letters which have been typed on a PC. In fact, in many instances, applicants are invited to email their cv, leaving handwritten responses trailing behind.
However, regular recruiters such as personnel managers and recruitment consultants, can spot 'standard letters' a mile off. The key to making an impact when you are typing your letter is to customise it as much as possible to the job for which you are applying. This may take a little more time than if you are simply changing the address details, but take the time to do it.
Four stages of writing
- First paragraph – explain why you are writing; make sure it entices them to read on – if you're replying to an advert, say where and when you saw the advert and if there is a reference number, quote it
- Second paragraph – briefly explain your job and qualifications (professional and/or academic) – don't give too much away or they may not want to go on and read your cv; if you are replying to an advert, make sure the skills you specified are reflected in your cv
- Third paragraph – say why they should employ you and why you would be a good employee; tell the company a little about themselves (eg 'As the largest mastic asphalt spreading company in the south?') – to demonstrate you know something about the company too; find out more about them before you apply
- Fourth paragraph – lay down an 'action plan' - say you would like the opportunity to meet them for an interview and you'll await their response or that you will make a call in a few days to see if this is appropriate (you don't have to leave the ball in their court, although be wary of seeming to 'pester' - and if you do say you are going to call, then make sure you do)
Do's and don'ts
- Do make sure your letter is addressed to the right person at the right address; spell everything correctly
- Don't send your letter to 'sir' or 'madam' - find out who the right person is – either a department manager or HR manager – and address it to them
- Do make sure you put all your contact details on the cover letter, including address, phone numbers, email address; if the prospective employer can't get hold of you, you won't get your interview
- Don't send your letter without checking the main body of the text for spelling mistakes, typos, strange grammar, bad punctuation, coffee cup rings or smudged ink – make sure it's perfect
- Do write your cover letter is on good quality paper that matches the paper of your cv; coloured paper is generally a no-no – for best results, stick to good quality, white or cream paper
- Don't write reams – your letter should be short, succinct and to the point; there is no reason to duplicate the details shown in your cv
- Do use bullet points if you need to – it can be easier and quicker for the reader to scan; but still include a proper introduction and ending to your letter (bullets should be framed by proper paragraphs)
- Don't send your cv without a cover letter – the cover letter is the introduction to your cv
- Do make your letter bespoke – customised to the employer; anyone can download a standard cover letter, but personalisation shows you're serious
- Don't include negative information such as personality conflicts with previous employers, details of tribunals or adverse comments on your current employer
- Do pick out specific traits or skills mentioned in the job advert and demonstrate why you think you are suitable
- Don't use long words simply to impress – if you are using words you wouldn't usually use, then don't bother; it's an unrealistic representation of yourself and the reader may not understand what you are saying (similarly, don't get someone else to write the letter for you)
Use of email
With the advent of e-mail, 'snail mail' is not the only option for delivering your cv and letter. Generally, the same rules apply, but there are a couple of things to remember when you email your cover letter and cv.
- Make sure your letter is written in a common font with standard formatting and punctuation. Once it is sent to another computer, the whole presentation of the document may change, so the content has to be especially good
- If your letter is part of the initial mail message (as opposed to an attached Word document), don't become email-casual in your wording. Apply the same formalities at this stage as you would in a hand-written letter
- If you are attaching your cv to your mail - remember to attach it!
Established since 1958, Hays Accountancy & Finance is the leading Financial Recruitment Consultancy in Ireland. For further information please contact Andrew Bloom at andrew.bloom@hays.com : View Hays jobs on Accountingnet.ie
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