10 Tips on How to Write a CV and Cover Letter
By Career counseling

1. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter

  • Customizing your CV and cover letter for each job application is essential. Carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and experiences the employer is seeking. Highlight these in your CV, using specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your suitability. For your cover letter, address the hiring manager by name if possible, and explain why you’re interested in the position and how your background makes you an ideal fit. Avoid generic statements and focus on what makes you unique. Tailoring your application shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

2. Use a Professional Format

  • The format of your CV should be clean, professional, and easy to read. Use a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman in size 10-12, with clear headings for each section. Bullet points help to break up text and make it more readable. Ensure consistent formatting throughout, including alignment, spacing, and punctuation. Use bold and italics sparingly to highlight key points without overwhelming the reader. A well-structured CV allows hiring managers to quickly find the information they need, increasing your chances of making a strong impression.

3. Start with a Strong Summary

  • Begin your CV with a compelling personal statement or professional summary. This should be a brief paragraph (3-4 sentences) that highlights your career achievements, key skills, and professional goals. For example, “Experienced marketing professional with over 5 years in digital marketing and content creation. Proven track record in driving online engagement and increasing brand visibility. Seeking a challenging role in a dynamic company to leverage my expertise in strategic marketing and digital campaigns.” A strong summary sets the tone for your CV and grabs the employer’s attention from the start.

4. Highlight Achievements

  • Rather than listing job duties, focus on your achievements in each role. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you added value to your previous employers. For instance, instead of saying “Managed social media accounts,” you could say “Increased social media engagement by 30% through targeted content strategy and regular interaction with followers.” Quantifying your achievements provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and makes your CV more impactful.

5. Quantify Results

  • Where possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements. This helps to illustrate the scope and impact of your work. For example, “Reduced operational costs by 15% through process optimization,” or “Led a team of 10 to complete a project 2 weeks ahead of schedule.” Quantified results provide tangible proof of your effectiveness and are more memorable to hiring managers.

6. Focus on Relevant Skills

  • Emphasize the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Create a dedicated skills section in your CV, listing both hard and soft skills. For each skill, provide examples of how you have applied it in your previous roles. For example, if the job requires project management skills, you could highlight your experience in managing projects, including any relevant certifications like PRINCE2 or Agile. This demonstrates your proficiency and relevance to the role.

7. Keep It Concise

  • Aim for a CV that is one to two pages long. While it’s important to be thorough, avoid including unnecessary details that don’t add value to your application. Focus on your most recent and relevant experiences, and use concise language to convey your points. Similarly, a cover letter should be no more than one page, clearly explaining your interest in the role and summarizing your key qualifications. A concise CV and cover letter are easier to read and more likely to hold the employer’s attention.

8. Proofread Carefully

  • Proofreading is essential to avoid spelling and grammar errors, which can create a negative impression. Read through your CV and cover letter several times, and consider using a spell-check tool. Ask a friend or mentor to review your documents, as a fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes you might have missed. Ensuring your application is error-free demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

9. Use Keywords

  • Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications. To pass through these systems, incorporate keywords from the job description into your CV and cover letter. Focus on the specific skills, qualifications, and experiences mentioned in the job posting. For example, if the job requires experience in “SEO” and “content marketing,” make sure these terms appear in your CV. Using the right keywords increases the chances of your application being seen by a human recruiter.

10. Include a Professional Email Address – Use a simple, professional email address for your contact information. Avoid using nicknames or numbers that might seem unprofessional. An email address like “john.smith@gmail.com” is appropriate, whereas “cooldude123@gmail.com” is not. A professional email address helps to create a positive first impression and ensures you’re taken seriously as a candidate.