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A professional approach to
CV's and cover letters
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
-
Taking that first step
-
It's now or never
Effective CV and cover letter writing
The purpose of your CV
CV presentation is key
Wow the employer
Elements of a CV that will impress
Writing your objective
Writing your summary
Writing the skills and accomplishments section
CV formatting
Three basic formats
- chronological CV
- chronological CV sample
- functional CV
- functional CV sample
- chronological/functional CV
- chronological/functional CV sample
Writing an electronic CV
Put your best foot forward
Writing your CV using power words
Writing the history/experience section
Writing the education section
Writing a professional affiliations section
Writing a publications section
Writing a personal interests section
Writing a references section
Your CV -- a work of art
Do not put in your CV
A variety of CV samples
- banking and real estate
- recent business graduate
- management consultant
- marketing/advertising/public relations
- pharmaceutical sales representative
The importance of writing cover letters
Cover letter outline
Key phrases to be used in your cover letter
Cover letter samples
- in response to a newspaper advertisement
- to request a position
Cover letter template
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
Employers are forever on the lookout for the
CV that jumps out at them. Not in terms of being fancy and
pretty to look at. Employers are looking to be impressed! Reading
your CV, they want to be able to feel that YOU are the right
candidate for the job.
They want to be able to do this before ever setting eyes on you!
Tall order, right? You bet it is!
The very first step in landing that ideal job is to write an ideal
CV and cover letter.
Without those two most primary of introductions, there most likely
won’t be a first
interview!
To begin, make a decision to discard any
former knowledge learned about the “rules” of CV and cover
letter writing. People commonly become stuck in “bad” writing
habits from a time gone by.
It is almost a certainty that since you last
wrote your CV, much has been learned and even more has been
changed. This is as it should be, for everyday, very creative
people are adding to the CV and cover letter writing arsenal.
Your most basic purpose in writing your
CV and cover letter will be to be noticed among the many. You
want to stand out as not just a good candidate but as “the”
candidate just fitting for the job you want.
To write a really effective CV, you will
use powerful statements that will impress. This is very important,
but, you do not want to oversell! There is a very fine line here
and you will learn all about it.
The primary element of an ideal CV
contains powerful and assertive statements about your talents,
characteristics and accomplishments. No need to be shy. You are
going for the gold so sell yourself with all that is in you!
If you are
interested in the essentials for perpetual job promotion, in a
blueprint for all career paths, then click the banner below and
join as a Pro Member:
Taking That First Important Step
Your CV places you in the front lines when job hunting. It
becomes your calling
card. It is not about compelling drama or clever prose; it’s a few
simple pages, expertly written, containing information that is all
about you.
Your CV will either place you front and centre where all the
good jobs are or it will not -- there is no middle ground.
It’s Now or Never
For the serious job seeker, this “CV and Cover Letter” e-book
will become as a
trusted friend. This will be your personal and comprehensive guide
to everything you
could ever hope to know about conquering the never ending “CV
and cover letter” paper trail.
Your CV writing skills will become well honed and your CV
will be fine tuned.
You will learn to sell yourself with simple, yet, effective words.
Your CV will not be relegated to the bottom of any pile -- it
will be placed where it belongs....at the very top!
You will write a CV that will rival any CV written by a
top-notch professional writer, and you will do this in complete
confidence.
Let’s Get Started!
EFFECTIVE CV AND COVER LETTER WRITING
To begin, make a decision to discard any
former knowledge learned about the “rules” of CV and cover
letter writing. People commonly become stuck in “bad” writing habits
from a time gone by.
It is almost a certainty that since you last wrote your CV, much
has been learned and even more has been changed. This is as it
should be, for everyday, very creative people are adding to the
CV and cover letter writing arsenal.
This e-book is chock full of the most recent and cutting-edge CV
and cover letter writing techniques, culled from writing
professionals and employment experts.
The Basics
For years, we have been told that to be most effective, a CV
should be only one page.
This just does not apply any longer! Today’s CV is creative and
unique.
Aside from the most essential and key elements, a CV should
reflect the personality and need of the job seeker and not be some
cookie cutter rendition of what is “acceptable and expected.”
Standards in CV's and cover letters have changed dramatically,
but, only so far as the job seeker has the creative expression and
know-how to pull it off! Therein lies the difference. Everyday,
employers read all of the standard CV's. They are required to go
through each and every one! But, which one will catch their eye?
Formatting in CV's and cover letters has expanded, too. When you
consider that your CV will be your own, personalized form of
marketing yourself -- this lends itself to all manner of unique
communication and expression.
Again, so long as the essential elements are included in each CV
and cover letter, you are at complete liberty to make certain that
your CV will impress and with a bang!
Just how, exactly, does one do this?
First of all, learn about the most basic principles involved in
writing a highly effective CV and cover letter. Once you have
this down, the creative expression can begin!
Your most basic purpose in writing your CV and cover letter will
be to be noticed among the many. You want to stand out as not just a
good candidate but as “the” candidate just fitting for the job you
want.
When you consider that next to your well written CV, not even
one hundred other CV's will be written as well as yours, you can
see the odds will be in your favour.
Your salvation here is in writing a CV that will compel a
perspective employer to notice your credentials. If you can master
this technique, the rest will be pure gravy.
THE PURPOSE OF YOUR CV
Your CV is an important tool that
communicates all about YOU. When it does the job right, you win an
interview.
Your CV doesn't simply provide a prospective employer with your
work history. It speaks loud and clear that you have the credentials
needed to be a complete success in this new position or career.
Your CV will attract immediate attention. The reader will want
to pick it up and read it top to bottom. Interest will be
stimulated. An interview will be arranged.
Your CV will contain:
- Your contact information, i.e. name, address, phone, email
address, website address.
- A defined job objective.
- A work history.
- Educational history.
- Affiliations.
- References.
- Your CV will be written using professional grade printing and
paper.
CV PRESENTATION IS KEY
An employer can have hundreds of boring
CV's to pour through. This means when something catches the eye,
it must really pop out!
Your CV must impress within the first important seconds or it
will not impress at all.
Employers will quickly scan all CV's and then grab for those that
catch their eye best.
To write a really effective CV, you will use powerful statements
that will impress.
This is very important, but, you do not want to oversell! There is a
very fine line here and you will learn all about it.
Above all, you will make honest statements about yourself. They will
be strong
statements and 100% true, or they will not be effective at all.
Just as you would sell any product that you believe strongly in, you
will learn to sell the product that is you! Once you have learned to
do this, you will find that you will get a better response from a
prospective employer than other prospects do and even those with
better credentials. It is all in how you market your product!
WOW THE EMPLOYER
First of all, who are you writing this
CV for? Your prospective employer will be the one who oversees
the day to day operations of the company you want to join.
They make the hiring decisions and they are entirely invested in
ensuring that you are the right one for the job. This person will
care about whether or not you can do a good job for that company and
so this is the one you are writing your CV for.
You want to be sure that you are the right candidate for the job.
You want to be sure you know everything there is to know about this
company. You want to understand exactly, which qualities are needed
to be the right candidate for this job.
You want to be sure you are not a good candidate for this job, but,
that you are the best candidate for this job.
Time to start writing
This is the time to put pen to paper and to lay out clearly what
your prospective employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. You
need to be able to solidify what it is that you bring to the table,
even before you begin.
Jot down every fine point about your training and experience, your
unique characteristics, special talents, even your attitude --
everything that shows you most qualified for the job you seek.
If you are new to the job market, be creative and draw on your
upbringing, life exposure and anything that can account for your
unique experience and qualities.
You will begin to be able to connect the dots during this process.
Simple statements will turn into sentences and sentences into
paragraphs. Keep this information in a safe place.
You will use it later to be incorporated into your finished product.
ELEMENTS OF A CV THAT WILL IMPRESS
The primary element of an ideal CV
contains powerful and assertive statements about your talents,
characteristics and accomplishments. No need to be shy. You are
going for the gold so sell yourself with all that is in you!
The secondary element of an ideal CV will show “you know your
stuff” and know it well! This will be proven by education,
experience, work history and any other relevant affiliations that
shows the prospective employer that you are a person of substance
and not only of design.
Keep in mind that the more standard CV will simply be a
chronological account of a very boring life and most people will not
give it a second glance. Write your CV to be interesting and
even impressive and watch as your phone rings for that important
interview!
You will write a CV that does much more than just inform; you
will write a CV that compels to action! Your CV will become
as a good bargaining tool! Your prospective employer will be
interested and will stand up and take notice! This is exactly what
you want.
Be bold about your assertive statements, but, not too bold. Leave
them wanting for more.
Tease a bit with nuggets of information and let them be interested
to know more.
WRITING YOUR OBJECTIVE
Be very clear in defining the name of the
job or job title you are so qualified for. Be
specific. Avoid general terms such as: I am seeking a Management
position. Well, OK, but what kind of Management position are you
seeking? Marketers signal in on one product at a time and so will
you!
You will hit the bull’s eye when you define your precise career
direction and put that
down on paper. When your prospective employer reads it, they should
have no doubt that you are seeking the exact job that they need
filled.
After starting your CV with your contact information, your next
section will clearly start with your job objective. Once your
prospective employer can see that what you bring to the table is
what they want, they will continue to scan for more.
Employers separate the wheat from the chaff very quickly. They look
for objectives that meet with their own expectations. They know
there are many prospects out there that really don’t know what they
want.
Employers are not looking for these types. Your objective will
convey that your
objective proves you will make the kind of contributions to the
company that they need and want.
Keep in mind, too, that an employer is looking for a candidate who
will meet their own needs, and not for one who is looking to meet
his or her own goals and agenda.
Your goal can be to offer this company your unique skill set and
experience, but, the key is in putting that across in a way that
proves you are their to service them and not the other way around.
Your CV must grab them within the first few seconds, so, your
objective must be dynamite! Clearly state the job title you are
going for and then add a few key phrases to show you will meet their
exact needs...more on this later.
WRITING YOUR SUMMARY
The Summary element of your CV needs to
pack a punch to be most effective. It contains the best about how
and why you qualify for the job.
You want the employer to focus in quickly on this section because it
will highlight your most important accomplishments, talents, and
qualities.
After reading your Summary, the employer should know, without any
doubt, that you are the best man or woman for the job. This is where
you will shine! This will be your moment to show your stuff. After
reading this section, the employer will be compelled to read more!
Writing this section, you will use many colourful and descriptive
words. If one of your best talents is sales, write that you are a
gifted salesman, able to close the deal in record time!
If your talent is hairdressing, write that your creations have been
featured at XYZ hair show and that your technique is now copied in
Salons throughout the Mid-West! You get the idea.
This section will only contain information about you that is
commendable and that will set you apart from the crowd. Using the
right kind of descriptive, complimentary words, you achieve this
handsomely. Your summary will show your prospective employer that
you alone will be the best fit for the position needed to be filled.
Tailor your Summary to your Prospective Employer’s Needs
Before writing your CV, you wrote notes on what makes you the
best candidate for your intended position. You will have looked at
the many characteristics and qualities that you believe your
prospective employer will be looking for in the ideal candidate.
Now is the time to tailor your Summary section to matching those
specific needs. Every statement made in your Summary section will be
targeted to show the employer that you have what it takes to fill
that position.
Work on writing positive and affirming statements that exemplify
your unique abilities and talents to be most affective in the
intended position. Practice using descriptive words.
If you want to write that you are a good leader, write instead that
you are “proven leader” with initiative and motivational skills that
cause others to act! Describe why you are good at what you do and
leave no room for interpretation.
Using words like “good” and “competent” speaks in general terms.
Describe how you
possess these attributes and you will have done your job well!
Below, you will find a variety of suggestions for composing your
Summary section. You can select those that best suit your skill-set.
Experiment a bit, first, and then zero in on those that best reflect
what you have to offer a perspective employer. Remember, your
Summary section is critical to your CV's success.
Few people will use all of the suggestions. Doing this might be seen
as over-kill. You are encouraged to say the most, while writing the
least.
Start with a concise phrase that describes your profession.
Next, another concise phrase showing your broad or specialized
experience.
Make a few more concise statements to show the following:
- the full extent of your skill-set
- the variety of your skills
- diversity in your experience
- an accomplishment worth noting
- Anything remarkable about your accomplishments.
Optional
- Professional achievements
- Personal Characteristics worth noting
- Concise statement to highlight professional objective.
WRITING THE SKILLS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
SECTION
In the Summary section of your CV, you
can brag a little. In the Skills and
Accomplishments section you can brag a little more.
This section will cap off all that qualifies you for your intended
position. You will show your prospective employer that there can be
no other and the journey stops with YOU!
How do you do this best? You continue to show that you are the right
one for the job by going into better detail about all that you wrote
of in your Summary section. This requires careful wording so as not
to be repetitious. If you can pull this off professionally, using
words that glow, you will have the attention you are looking for!
The most key point about writing this section is you are not going
to inform. You are going to highlight in more detail, what your
prospective employer already believes to be true about you as an
ideal candidate.
The Purpose of your Skills and Accomplishments Section
Go into good detail about the following:
· Any benchmarks or landmarks accomplished as the result of your
unique
skill-set.
· Using facts, figures and statistics, show how your best efforts
showed the best
results.
· Your specific talents and unique gifts as related to your job.
· All accomplishments that sets you apart.
To be most effective, you will use clear, crisp writing that sums
up. You are going into detail here, but not so much that this
section reads like a story.
Key Point -- Write so that you give hints and not complete details.
You want your
prospective employer to call you in for the interview to learn more!
This is critical.
CV FORMATTING
There are Three Basic CV Formats
The three basic formats of CV's are: Chronological, Functional,
and
Chronological/Functional combined.
The Chronological CV is the more structurally formatted of the
three.
Experience section is the key.
Jobs are listed in detail.
No focus of skills or achievements at beginning of CV.
Used generally when remaining in same job or career.
Caters to conservative type positions.
Always has an Objective section and Summary section.
Used especially with legal and academic professions.
This CV type is ideal when:
- Applying for positions within a more conservative profession.
- Of particular interest to older, more traditional types.
- Wanting to show good job detail and highlight employer names.
This CV type is not ideal when:
You want to showcase your best qualities and experience.
Wanting to make a change in career.
Example of a Chronological CV
John Pavlow
1032 Sherwood Street, Wildwood, NJ 07886
201-555-9384
jpavlow@aol.com
SKILLS:
Proficient in Windows 95, Windows NT, Microsoft Office, HTML, C,
C++, Java and
conducting Internet research. Fluent in both French and Spanish.
Excellent interpersonal skills and fine-tuned organizational
ability.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
· 1984-Present: Forsythe Metals & Alloys Company, Secausus, NJ
Manager, Chemicals Procurement
Successfully managed a corporate group that purchases the key
chemical raw materials for more than 150 plants within the US
Initiated all purchase decisions for pulp and paper chemicals,
plastic resins, inks, waxes, coatings, solvents, plastic film and
sheet, and lignosulfonates. Directed six professional buyers and
non-exempt employees. Personally created, developed, and implemented
a critical cost reduction program with a total savings of more than
$1 million per year. Established pioneer program in support of
Hazardous Waste Disposal project. Chaired meetings of strategy
planning and successfully negotiated for new cost-effective raw
materials.
· 1992-1994: Allied Metals & Alloys Company, Secaucus, NJ
Materials Manager
Designed key systems and procedures to establish automated
purchasing functions for C&K Chemicals, a subsidiary of AB&X.
Implemented primary purchasing activities
between corporate purchasing and C&K.
· 1988-1992: Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, LTD., Secaucus, NJ
Purchasing Agent
Successfully negotiated some $60 million in specialty and commodity
raw materials.
Contributed largely to Mistek’s cost reduction programs. Initiated
liaison function
between corporate purchasing and Mistek of America, Ltd. This
program greatly
improved reporting systems between plant Managers and purchasing
department.
EDUCATION:
· Master of Science in Chemistry, Browns University, May 1980
· Bachelor of Science, University of America, May 1975.
Major: Chemistry and Business.
References available upon request.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Next Basic CV Format is the Functional
Showcases achievements and major skills from the top.
Clearly states your strong suits.
Employer does not need to read through boring job details.
States (through summary) all you will bring to the table.
Only brief mention of company names and positions held.
This CV type is ideal when:
Wishing to change careers, for those who job-jump, for
homemakers returning to workplace, for students and the military.
Wishing to make only a minor change in job direction.
Highly recommended by CV writing professionals.
Used as an effective aid in achieving a new direction or goal.
This CV type is not ideal when:
Read by a more conservative employer looking for more information on
each of
your jobs.
Example of a Functional CV
Janice P. Smythe
1692 Banff Rd., Portland, OR 97208
(555)823-6169
jsmythe@msn.com
Insurance Law Practices:
· Directed management on insurance company policy and legality of
key insurance
transactions.
· Evaluated critical legal decisions and implemented necessary
changes in
insurance clauses to line up with corporate policy and to protect
company from
fraudulent insurance claims.
· Directed claims department in appropriate filing procedures to
identify against
over-payments.
· Initiated formatting and wording of all critical legal documents
such as insurance
claim contracts and payment release papers.
Corporate Law Practices:
· Created and developed key corporate law structure policy and
procedure, wrote
landmark manual on corporate legal rights.
· Retained as leading law agent for several major corporations in
wide variety of
essential law transactions.
Real Estate Law Practices:
· Performed multi-million dollar sale and transfer of prime
commercial property.
· Performed detailed ownership and transfer searches.
· Created and executed appropriate forms for commercial deeds,
mortgages, and
leases.
· Acting trustee of multi-million dollar commercial property and
recommended
help funds for investment.
Work Experience:
· 1985-Present: Commercial Underwriters of America, Inc., New York,
NY --
Head of Insurance Services
Education:
· 1984: University of California Law School. LL.B., Insurance Law
Policies,
Corporate Law Policies, Estate Planning and Income Tax Policies.
· 1992: University of California. BA Degree, Major: Geography
References on Request
The Final Basic CV Format is the Chronological/Functional
Combined
Can include headings of various jobs held with description of
accomplishments.
OR
Only a brief job description chronology.
Only a brief Achievements and Skills section.
OR
More detailed Summary that includes skills and qualifications.
This CV type is ideal when:
Wishing to take advantage of both CV types.
Highlights positives and down plays any possible negatives of
either type of CV.
This CV type is not ideal when:
Wishing to present a shorter CV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Example of a Combination Chronological/Functional CV
PETER J. PROBOST
222 Sport Crescent, New York, NY 95520
(336) 746-1345
bb3177@appstate.edu
EDUCATION
Avondale University
Bachelor of Science, Geography Cooranbong, Australio
1998
GIS
Minor in Geology
GIS INTERNSHIP
American Geological Society
New York, NY
1999
· Developed a geomorphic prototype data base with Arc/Info and
ArcView on a
UNIX platform.
· Performed leadership role in the development of maps for use with
the “Map
of the World” radioactive waste site assessment.
RELATED SKILLS
Computer Software and Operating Systems:
Arc.Info (PC and UNIX),ArcView, SAS, Atlas GIS, Surfer, ERDASIMAGE,
MapInfo,
GSMap, GSMCad, XV, PaintShopPro, Corel Draw, all versions MS Word,
MS Power
Point, DBExpert, WordPerfect, Lotus, Color Works, Canvas, and C
programming
Advanced knowledge of: DOS, UNIX, Windows: 3.1, 95, NT, MacOS, and
OS2.
Technical Expertise:
· Intermediate experience with interpreting air photos and satellite
images,
digitizing of web site design and advanced knowledge of web site
analysis.
· Published credit for 6 geological maps.
SELECTED WORK EXPERIENCE
Beaker Inn and Lodge
Manager, South Dakota
1993- 1998
Maintained long term work relationship while engaged in a full
academic course load
throughout college.
· Managed and supervised staff of 14 employees.
· Trained newcomers.
· Reported to owner.
· Responsible for overseeing entire operation in owner’s absence
over summer
season.
A separate section of this e-book will be devoted to a variety of
different CV types and
formats. This will give you full creative licensee to select what
suits you best. Getting
the basics down first, though, is every bit as important as the
final product that you will
create using this e-book.
The more creative that you will be in writing about yourself, your
credentials, your
experience and everything else of importance to a prospective
employer, the better.
This next section will deal with the *why and where for* in writing
specific information
in a variety of ways. There will be something of interest here for
everyone.
REFERENCES AND PORTFOLIO
Available upon request
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WRITING AN ELECTRONIC CV
An Electronic CV will not be read by an
employer until it has, first, been scanned by a computer. More and
more, employers are opting for this method of finding the best
candidate for their position.
Even when your qualifications are especially good, and you are very
confident that you are the best candidate for the position, unless
your CV meets with the standard in formatting, your CV will
*not* reach the employer’s desk. Those that are not aware of how to
format an Electronic CV, even with stellar qualifications, will
never be called in for that important interview.
Below are the elements necessary to meet the Electronic CV
standard:
Write using Nouns and not Verbs -- Nouns are the dominant words in a
scannable
CV. Use descriptive words such as bookkeeping, supervisor and
Pratt & Lambert.
Use of Descriptors -- Use keywords such as education, skill-set,
experience, talents and abilities. These are the words employers
look for when wanting to fill a position. Use plenty of keywords.
The more, the better!
Fancy is Out -- Scan able CV's are very conservatively written.
Do not decorate and do not use uncommon typefaces. Use only white or
beige paper, do not underline and do not use italics.
Use Simple Design -- The computer will read text and not graphics.
Anything that is
complex, such as tables and leader dots, should be excluded.
Avoid Abbreviations -- With the exception of very common
abbreviations, such as, BA (Bachelor of Arts,) use full terms.
Write your Name First and then your Contact Info on a Separate Line
Make Good use of White Space -- Leave ample space between sections
for the
computer to pick up that one section has ended and another has
started.
Write using Proper Language -- Use common words that all people will
understand.
Three to Four Page CV is Acceptable -- The hard and fast
“one-page” CV rule
no longer applies. Electronic CV's run 3-4 pages in length.
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
The job of the employer is to pour through,
sometimes, hundreds of CV's each and every day. They have a
well-trained eye for scanning and for identifying the candidates
that interest them most. All the same, they must read through all
kinds of really boring information.
Some CV's read like a long list of data that is anything like
remarkable. Your CV, however, will not. Your CV will be
formatted to give your prospective employer your most meaningful and
interesting information first and then all of the pertinent, less
exciting information, after.
Your CV packs a punch to begin with and then you boldly assert
your best qualities and talents. Now, you will back up your
assertions by proving you know your stuff. You will now show how
qualified you are for the job based on your work experience.
WRITING YOUR CV WITH POWER
Use These CV Power Words with Confidence:
A:
accomplished, advertised,
arranged,
achieved,
advised, assembled,
acquired,
adapted,
adjusted,
analyzed,
appraised,
approved,
assisted,
audited,
augmented,
administered, arbitrated,
authored
B:
budgeted, built
C:
calculated, conceived, coordinated,
catalogued, conceptualized, copyrighted,
charted,
conducted, corrected,
closed (a deal), consolidated, corresponded,
coached,
constructed, counselled,
compared, consulted, created,
compiled,
contacted, cultivated,
completed, controlled,
composed, convinced
D:
debugged, detected, discovered, decreased, determined, dispatched,
delegated, developed, distributed,
delivered,
devised, documented,
designated, diagnosed,
designed,
directed
E:
edited, enhanced, examined,
elicited, enlarged, exceeded,
eliminated, established, executed,
empowered, estimated, expanded,
engineered, evaluated, explained
F:
fired, flagged,
founded,
formulated
G:
gathered,
generated, guided
H:
headed,
hired
I:
identified, initiated, interpreted,
ignited,
innovated, interviewed,
implemented, inspected, invented,
improved, installed, inventoried,
increased, instituted,
influenced, instructed
J:
justified
L:
lectured,
led,
lobbied,
logged
M:
maintained, mediated,
managed, modified,
manufactured, monitored,
motivated
N:
negotiated
O:
obtained,
operated,
ordered,
organized,
overhauled
P:
patented,
prepared,
programmed,
performed, presented, promoted,
persuaded, presided,
proposed,
placed, processed, provided,
planned,
produced,
purchased,
posted, proficient
Q:
quantified, qualified
R:
recognized, reorganized, researched,
recommended, repaired, restored,
reconciled, replaced, reviewed,
reduced,
referred,
regulated,
reported, revised,
represented,
rescued
S:
scheduled, sold, suggested,
screened,
selected,
solved,
steered,
supervised,
supplied,
served, streamlined, systematized,
simplified, studied
T:
taught, tracked,
transcribed,
tested,
traced,
trained,
translated
U:
updated,
utilized
V:
vended
W:
won, wrote
As a practice exercise, take your old CV, and at random, look
for places to insert good power words. Watch how quickly your old
CV will be transformed!
Make good use of adjectives when writing your CV.
Remember, an adjective describes. When writing your CV you want
to be able to describe all that is important to you and your
accomplishments.
Write with description and your CV will be more interesting!
WRITING THE HISTORY/ EXPERIENCE SECTION
You can use a number of headings here:
"Professional Experience," or "Professional
History," they both work well. Shy away from using: "Work History,"
or just
“Employment.” These are not as effective and they don’t look as
professional.
To focus your reader, list all jobs held in reverse chronological
order. Concentrate on
giving good detail about your most current positions and offer only
limited information about the jobs held earlier on. In many cases,
you can write a simple statement to sum up holding several jobs
earlier on.
Decide which you want to highlight more, your job titles or the
names of the companies you worked for. The one you wish to highlight
is listed first and then the next follows.
Example:
Dow Chemical Petroleum, Ltd. - Product Engineer
OR
Product Engineer - Dow Chemical Petroleum, Ltd.
For this section include all service work and internships as well as
any key volunteer
experience. This section is not only for paid experience.
WRITING YOUR EDUCATION SECTION
As with your History/Experience section,
list your Education credentials in reverse
chronological order. Show your completed degrees or licenses first,
and then show your completed certificates and key training. Follow
by listing Education in progress with a proposed date of completion.
Bold type anything you wish to highlight, such as your completed
degrees. No need for too much detail here. Be concise by showing
only your major as well as any awards and distinctions received.
To be impressive list grade point averages of 3.5 or better and
highlight any courses of study engaged in currently as it relates
directly to the position you seek.
If your awards and commendations are impressive, give them a section
of their own.
Always quote sources to substantiate.
WRITING A PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS SECTION
In this section show your community
involvement and highlight current participation, especially in an
area that might impress the employer as being relevant to key work
issues. Give detail to show your abilities within specific areas,
such as: “Initiated leadership role in organizing minority group of
women wishing to return to the workplace.”
List participation on a Board or as a Chairman.
Hold back when stating political involvement as this can be judged
negatively by an
employer or company.
WRITING A PUBLICATIONS SECTION
If you can offer experience in this section,
your employer will be impressed! Only
highlight published material and summarize if you have lots of
credits.
Include stellar critiques and comments of your work and edit to
contain only the most impressive.
WRITING A PERSONAL INTERESTS SECTION
This can be a tricky call for someone who
does not have a lot of job hunting experience.
Do you or do you not write a Personal Interests section?
In most cases, you do not!
Those with targeted personal interests and skills that relate
directly to the job sought can take advantage of this section to
highlight how their hobbies and interests relate to the position
they seek.
For example, a baker who is applying for a chef’s position might
present a prospective employer with cookbook recently published.
This showcases talent, creativity and ability! An employer would
like to see this!
On the other hand, an accountant seeking a managerial position
within a large corporation would not be smart to include a Personal
Interests section to highlight his interest in collecting 18th
century currency from Spain.
This becomes a judgment call on your part! In most cases, candidates
opt to forgo this section.
WRITING A REFERENCES SECTION
The final closing of your CV can read,
“References on Request,” or “References
Available upon Request.”
Some candidates don’t use this as a close, however, and the
prospective employer
generally will assume you have references to offer. An employer will
not hesitate to ask for references when needed and they most always
are.
Consider writing a separate page listing a few really good
references. Include contact information, as well. You can hand this
page to your prospective employer when needed and so, this is always
good to have on hand.
YOUR CV -- A WORK OF ART
Now that we have covered the most basic
elements of an impressive CV, let’s take a look at some finer
points.
Your CV will be written to look appealing to the eye. This is
best accomplished by keeping in mind:
· Structure looks clean and flows well.
· Very easy to read/not at all complicated.
· Easily understood with simple wording and phrases.
· Contains good overall balance.
· Not crowded/contains plenty of white space.
· Sections are concise and shorter when possible.
All formatting should be offered consistently. Not too heavy on the
bolding, italics and underlining. This should only be used for best
effect and not in uniformity.
Your CV will be your front line in communication. Before you
meet your
prospective employer, your employer will meet you via your CV.
Your CV will be error free. This means free or typo’s, improper
spelling, poor
grammar, lack of punctuation and no errors in facts.
Key Information Included in your CV:
· Name
· Address
· Phone
· Email
· Positions held list
· Reverse chronological order
· Education credentials
· Degrees attained
· Targeted information as necessary
Positions Held List will Include:
· Position title
· Name of company
· City and state of company
· Years there
· Earlier held positions can be summarized
· Part time work can be excluded
Your CV will be targeted to show your suitability for the
desired position. This
position will be a goal you wish to achieve. You will be able to
show how and why you are the best candidate for this position. Your
CV will show you are uniquely qualified and should be chosen.
Your CV will contain no filler. You will only highlight your
best and this will be
expertly brought across by the use of strong, clear wording and
phrases that are
descriptive and colourful. Your CV writing will persuade and
cause your employer to want to know more. You will hint at
attributes, not giving out too much information.
You want your employer to feel compelled to bring you in for the
interview. Your
CV will grab the eye through the use of design, formatting and
proper balance.
Your CV will impact. The prospective employer will immediately
grasp your
meaning and will not feel the need to read through entirely.
Your CV will contain powerful words and statements that will
convey a message of impressive credentials and experience. Show you
will get the job done better than anyone else.
Write about your qualifications through clear statements about what
you have
accomplished. Don’t bore them with long-running lists of your
potential, talents, or
previous job responsibilities.
Show the exact results of your targeted accomplishments. Make good
use of adjectives to show the extent of your skills and experiences.
This will show you are results-oriented.
Write to be concise and keep to the point. Write sentences as short
and direct as you can.
Eliminate all repetitions. Don't use several examples when one
example has the same impact. Avoid trying to impress by using larger
words. Be as direct as possible and avoid complex sentences.
Use good variety by offering short and punchy sentences along with
sentences that are longer. Don’t repeat a power verb within the same
paragraph. Punctuate throughout for easy reading.
Create a work of art! Use the best supplies for your CV. Use a
laser printer or an ink jet printer to produce the best results. Use
a good-sized typeface (font) in 11 or 12 point.
Use off-white, ivory or bright white 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper, in high
quality. Submit a
CV without smudges, staples and leave a generous border.
A shorter CV is often best, however, if what you need to write
takes up 3 pages, then offer 3 pages. There is no hard and fast rule
for CV length.
Just make certain you don't bore them with the details. Always leave
them wanting to know more. Remember, you are marketing yourself and
not your entire life history.
Add good variety. Break it down into sections. Your CV will
contain no more than six lines of writing in any one writing section
or paragraph (summary, skill section, accomplishment statement, job
description, etc.) If you require more, start a new section or a new
paragraph.
Submit an accurate telephone number with area code. Be sure the
phone number on the CV will be answered in-person or by an
answering machine, Monday through Friday, from 8-5pm. You want to be
available when invited in for that important interview.
If you don't have an answering machine, buy one. Include your e-mail
and fax numbers as an alternate means of reaching you.
Omit any kind of information that can be seen as being
controversial, such as political affiliations.
Start each section with your most important information on the first
line. This will be read the most.
Use bold caps to highlight. Your name, section headings, skill
headings, titles or
companies, degrees, and school name can all be written in boldface.
Your name should be on top of each page of your CV.
DO NOT PUT IN YOUR CV:
- CV at the top of the your CV
- Flowery "objective" statements
- Salary information
- Addresses of former employers
- Why you left your previous jobs
- The names of supervisors
- Detailed references
ONLY THE FACTS
While you definitely want to sell yourself, you want to do this
honestly. Do not inflate the truth to put yourself in a better
light. You will need to be able to back up all claims about
yourself.
A VARIETY OF CV SAMPLES
There are a very wide variety of CV
styles set up to contain specific information
depending on the experience of the applicant. CV's can be
categorized by profession and experience, such as: Nursing, Legal,
Teaching and Business.
Below are a few sample varieties of CV's written a specific way
to highlight a specific profession. There are hundreds more!
Banking & Real Estate CV Sample
ANDREW PONDS
456 Pondrew Circle
St. Louis, Missouri, 55555
(555) 555-5555
email: ap4545@udu.net
QUALIFICATIONS
· Outstanding communication, presentation, and sales skills
· Strong ability in personnel interviewing, training, and motivating
· Skilled in organization and office procedures
· Ability to achieve immediate and long-term goals and meet
operational deadlines
EXPERIENCE
Development Corporation, 1990 - Present
St. Louis, Missouri
Vice President
Planned successful marketing and advertising strategies targeting
and developing new accounts, bringing more businesses and greater
economic support to the city
Expanded customer base through a variety of effective sales
techniques
Delivered convincing oral sales presentations to upper management of
major companies
Effectively coordinated the hiring of subcontractors and monitored
their performance
Able Bank
1979 - 1990
St. Louis, Missouri
Consumer Banking Manager-Supervisor
Promoted 3 times in 7 years from Teller to Consumer Banking
Interviewed, trained, supervised, and evaluated up to 22 employees
Identified and resolved conflicts between public and bank, employees
and management, clarifying work relationships and alleviating
communication problems
As Secretary to Board of Directors attended monthly board meetings,
took minutes, and handled all Board correspondence and directives
Initiated promotion of bank products utilizing various marketing and
advertising methods
Other positions held: Wall-Mart: Hired as Desk Clerk, promoted to
Lead Manager. Anton Fishery: Hired as Window Washer, promoted to
Front Desk.
EDUCATION
Monteray Business Careers Institute 1975 - 1979
St. Louis, Missouri
Office Management
Banking Courses, Seminars, Workshops
American Institute of Banking
Introduction to Supervision
Commercial Loans
Principles of Banking
First American Corporation
Building Retail Business
Managing Retail Business
Quality Service University
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
* Alpha Beta Sorority, Past President, Secretary
* American Business Association, member American Business Club
(AMBC) Secretary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Recent Business Graduate Sample CV
Gerry Traindorf 3332 Orange Drive
516-555-5555 Korham City, NY 55555
Personal Profile
Academic background in International Business, Marketing, Economics,
and History,
including a semester of study in Great Britain. Practical foundation
of administrative, supervisory, computer, and organizational skills
acquired from broad-based part-time work experience.
Enthusiastic, resourceful and trainable. Offer old-fashioned
work-ethic and excellent
prioritization abilities developed through balancing of rigorous
academic and
employment objectives throughout high school and college. Will do
whatever is
necessary to get a job done.
Education
New Fellow University
New York, NY
Bachelor of Arts in Business 2001 - 2005
Concentration: Business and Economics
Member: Languages Club
Representative courses: Marketing, Economics, Accounting, Business
Information
Systems, Management, Corporate Finance, International Trade and
Investments, Business Law, Statistics, Quantitative Methods,
International Relations, History and Culture of Africa.
University of Klein
London, England
International Culture 1988 - 2001
Studied British and Western European life and culture from medieval
times to present.
Gained a valuable overview of European economic and social culture
through travel
throughout Great Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, Austria,
Belgium, and the
Netherlands. Observed European and British cultural differences,
economic and business practices, currency exchange, Euro Dollar
conversion process, and national political environments.
Business Experience
International import export exposure with UPS. Learned to work in
high-pressure, quick-response disaster environment with Red Cross.
Gained supervisory and training knowledge from NYU's Arts'
Department. Experienced working in local government with Nassau
County.
Performing Arts' Assistant
New Times University, Cheshire, NY
1999
Estee Launder Assembler/Auditor
Graver Packers, NY
1998
International Audit Clerk
United Delivery Service, NY
1997
Audit Clerk Nassau County
City of Nassau, NY
1996
Flight 555 Disaster Aid
Blue Cross, NY
1995
Key Computer and Communication Skills
Mastery of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; WordPerfect; Windows
95/3.1 and DOS.
Familiar with Quattro Pro. Published writer and editor.
Management Consultant Sample CV
MANQUIST P. ROB
5333 Western Blvd. (555) 555-5555
Los Angeles, CA 55555 mct55@anydomain.com
PROFESSIONAL GOALS
Leadership role in a management consulting firm whose clients will
benefit from my
strengths in revenue enhancement, economic analysis, product
development, governance system development, performance
bench-marking, and other organizational enhancements.
QUALIFICATIONS
Projects: Project management support pertinent to managed care
delivery systems for HMOs, IPAs, medical groups, multihospital
systems, and national health care providers.
Verbal: Client communications/interaction (medical directors, chief
executives,
administrators), interdisciplinary team collaboration, and
management reporting.
Research: Data collection, organization, and analysis; investigative
and interviewing
skills.
Finance: Predictive models, financial impacts, budgeting,
projections. Economics degree.
Bilingual: Fluency in Spanish language, business etiquette, and
culture.
Computer: PowerPoint (multimedia presentations), Excel (financial
modelling,
budgeting), Word (report generation, business communications), and
E-communications.
EXPERIENCE
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT ADVISORS, Los Altos, California
1997 - Present
Consultant for consulting firm servicing market-leading health
plans, integrated delivery systems, integrators, and providers
throughout the US Clients include Columbia-HCA, Cedars-Sinai Medical
Centre, U-Mass Memorial Health Care, and others. Provide project
support in strategy and planning, network design operations and
organization, and health care finance.
Sample projects:
Challenge: For New England regional health system-expand scope of
services, create physician-linking mechanisms, foster medical
group-hospital relationships, and optimize acquisitions position.
Action: Developed and implemented instrument to conduct national
survey; determined respondents' needs and interests in joining
client's new institute that is designed to provide expertise in
practice management, managed care administration, and
population-based management.
Result: Proposed infrastructure model, regional sites, program
content, and target groups to participate in unique
think-tank/training institute; program will link physicians and
senior management from key IPAs and medical groups, expand scope of
services, and provide client with solid acquisition opportunities.
Challenge: For leading Midwestern health system-develop revenue
enhancement
opportunities.
Action: Collaborated with team to identify 14 major opportunities
and was assigned to handle Medicare Select component. Conducted
competitor research; prepared financial models (administrative and
marketing budgets, hospital impacts, enrollment projections, annual
growth rates); structured product benefits; developed story-lines,
slides, and materials for client presentation.
Result: Client selected Medicare product as strongest growth
opportunity with a projected revenue enhancement of $10 million.
EDUCATION
Scripps College
Edgeton, CA
Bachelor of Arts, English/History; minor in Economics 1997
Sigma Delta Pi. Economics, history, and literature courses
University of Sandrais
Spain 1995
Marketing/Advertising/Public-Relations Sample CV
Chance Braithwait
145-87 21st Street
Bevins, NY 55555
555-555-5555
cbraith@anydomain.com
Objective: Management Level in Marketing/Advertising and Public
Relations Profile
Enthusiastic, resourceful, and trainable recent graduate with
academic background in communications and internship experience as
Communications' Program teachers'
assistant.
Offer old-fashioned work-ethic and excellent prioritization
abilities developed through balancing of rigorous academic and
employment objectives throughout high school and college years.
Professionally committed and responsible. Adapt easily to new
situations. Successfully handle a wide range of functions using a
combination of creative, organizational, and writing skills.
Maintain focus in demanding work environments, under deadline and
pressure
conditions. Meet challenges head-on and always find a way to
effectively complete
multiple assignments or tasks.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
Post University, Greenmail, NY
2003
Courses included Introduction to Public Relations, Message
Criticism, Advanced Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communications,
Organizational Communication, and
Persuasion.
Internship
Teachers' Assistant Post University, Greenmail, NY 2002
Assisted professors in planning, teaching, and record-keeping for
forty-two students in two Communications classes: Interpersonal
Communication and Group Interaction and Discussion.
Tutored students daily and taught one day per week.
Wrote study guides and held review sessions. Aided in preparation of
professors' lesson plans and prepared lesson plans for own teaching.
Served as liaison between students and teachers. Kept teachers'
attendance records and grade book.
Originally suggested internship to one professor and pursued
existing opportunity with the other. Received excellent evaluations
from each teacher and from students.
Computer and Communication Skills
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Work in PC and Mac
environments.
Accomplished writer, editor, and public speaker. Conversant in
Spanish.
Employment
Donways Grocery
Deli Clerk
Flowerside, NY
1999
Theater in the Round
Theater Attendant
Flowerside, NY
1998 to 1999
St. John’s Nursing Home
Nurse’s Aide
Bayside, NY
1995 to 1996
Reitman’s
Cashier
Brooklyn, NY
1993 to 1994
Pharmaceutical Sales Rep Sample CV
ANDREA PROPIST
5555 West Norland
Treydon, California 55555
Phone/Fax (555) 555-5555
aprop@yourdomain.com
CAREER FOCUS
Senior Pharmaceutical sales position with a research-driven
organization committed to developing and marketing products that
preserve and improve the quality of life.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Experienced Professional: 14 years' sales experience, including
national key accounts management, product launches, territory
management, and training of national and retail sales associates.
Technical Skills: Good grasp of medical terminology, anatomy and
physiology, systems and disease processes, as well as managed care,
the formulary system, and cost issues facing practitioners.
International Orientation: Multilingual skills include fluency in
Italian, French, and
German; classical studies in Latin; conversational Spanish;
extensive travel throughout Europe; former resident of Italy.
SALES & BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Atone House Co., Inc.
Fullerton, California 1990-1997
Cofounded construction company that specialized in fabrication of
marble and granite, as well as installation of exterior finishes for
commercial structures. Developed marketing strategies for public and
private-sector accounts. Served as primary contact regarding
contracts, fees, billing, and project scheduling.
Sales Performance: Built annual sales from start-up to $600,000.
Identified niche market that delivered above-average returns, in
many cases adding more than 22% to profit margin.
Account Service: Developed relationships with decision-makers that
led to major
contracts (e.g., Well-Known Theatre restoration, State of California
prison, numerous medical office buildings).
Expense Management: Negotiated supplier discounts on purchases of
raw materials;
implemented quality control system to control labour expenses at
well-below industry average.
Jacoby and Sons
Los Angeles, California 1983-1990
Negotiated exclusivity agreement as sole US importer and distributor
of Sabattini, a
premier collection of silver object d'art and household implements.
National Sales: Developed national sales presence, opening major
markets (Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Beverly
Hills) and establishing 160+ high-end accounts such as Gums, Gnomon
Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman (average opening order was $17,000).
Conducted sales seminars for territory reps and retail sales
associates.
Event Management: Organized promotional exhibits at major US
museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago and Museum of Modern
Art in New York.
EDUCATION
International School of Design
Milan, Italy
Interior and industrial design 1980 - 1983
Institute Tenneco Linguistic Cardinal Ferrari
Milan, Italy
Business 1978 -
1980
THE IMPORTANCE OF WRITING COVER LETTERS
The cover letter is every bit as important
as your CV and should always accompany your CV or CV. Your
cover letter introduces you (and your CV) to your prospective
employer.
Your cover letter serves to ask for an interview. Your prospective
employer then decides whether or not to read your CV to learn
more about you. When all is said and done, the prospective employer
will feel compelled to call you in for that important interview to
learn more about you.
Below is an outline on how to write an effective cover letter.
Following, there are several different examples of a cover letter,
including a basic cover letter template.
COVER LETTER OUTLINE – HOW TO WRITE A GOOD
COVER LETTER
Top left hand corner of letter, write your
contact details, date
Jennifer Tilly
2150 Orange Grove
New York, NY 55555
(555) 555-5555
February 20, 2009
Write contact details of prospective employer
Mr. John Smythe
Director
Icon Management
5854 Tombon Road
New York, NY 55555
Dear Mr. Smythe
Opening paragraph - Use an opening that will bring yourself to the
attention of the reader and make clear the exact job you are
applying for. Use one of the following:
1. Summarize the opening
2. Name the opening
3. Request an opening
4. Question the availability of an opening
Secondary paragraph(s)- Provide descriptive information to provide
the reader with good reasons to invite you to an interview. Use a
variety of the following:
1. Education
2. Work experience
3. Ability to work with others and/or alone
4. Interest in your field
5. Interest in the company
6. Responsibilities in previous positions
Closing paragraph - This will be written so your prospective
employer will take action!
Take the initiative and suggest a good time for you to come in for
an interview. Be sure to include all of your contact information,
including your email and fax numbers.
Close with:
Sincerely,
Enclosure (this will be your CV)
To review, you will always begin your cover letter by placing your
full name, address, telephone number and email address, if you have
one, in the top left hand corner of your letter. You will follow
this with the same information addressing your letter to your
prospective employer.
When addressing your prospect, always use full name, address, etc.,
and do not use
abbreviations.
Address your letter directly to the person in charge of hiring.
Sign your letter by hand.
KEY PHRASES TO BE USED IN YOUR COVER LETTER
1) I am writing to you in response to your
advertisement in the Washington Post, dated May 13th, 2004.
2) As you can see from my enclosed CV, my experience and
accomplishments match this position’s requirements.
3) I would like to point out......(add text that is most relevant to
the position.)
4) During my 5 yrs. with Amsted and Querns, I initiated extensive
improvements that resulted in garnering 30 more clients for the
period ending....
5) I would appreciate the opportunity.... to meet with you to
discuss my qualifications for your position, OR,...to speak with you
in person.
6) Please accept this letter as an expression of my interest in the
position of...
7) A copy of my CV has been enclosed for your review.
8) I believe that my skill-set matches perfectly with your
requirements.
9) I possess the right combination of nursing skills to be an asset
to your organization.
10) I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my
potential
contributions to your company.
11) I look forward....to hearing back from you....OR.....to your
reply.
Cover letter samples
Cover Letter Sample in Response to a
Newspaper Ad
Jennifer Tilly
2150 Orange Grove
New York, NY 55555
(555) 555-5555
February 20, 2009
Mr. John Smythe
Director
Icon Management
5854 Tombon Road
New York, NY 55555
Dear Mr. Smythe
I am writing to you with regards to your advertisement, February
19th, in the Washington
Post, for a Sales Assistant, specializing in Public Relations and
Marketing. As you can
see from my enclosed CV, my experience and qualifications match
this position's
requirements.
I especially would like to point out at this time that I graduated
from the renowned
Brown’s Public Relations College and I have a history of exemplary
service in the field
of Marketing and Advertising. I have had the very good fortune of
working side-by-side
with seasoned PR representatives, this past 5 years.
During my stay with DeClerc Advertising, I added 30 new clients to
their already
impressive roster and I was quickly promoted through the ranks all
within my first year.
I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you and I will call
you within the next
three days to arrange an interview that will be convenient for you.
Sincerely,
Enclosure (this is your CV)
Cover Letter Sample to Request a Position
Jennifer Tilly
2150 Orange Grove
New York, NY 55555
(555) 555-5555
February 20, 2009
Mr. John Smythe
Director
Icon Management
5854 Tombon Road
New York, NY 55555
Dear Mr. Smythe
I am submitting this letter in interest of the position of Director
of Nursing Services.
Please accept a copy of my enclosed CV for your review. I am
familiar with the
important role your Centre plays within the community and I believe
that my
combination of Nursing and practical experience will bring a very
significant
contribution to the Centre.
In my current role as lead Nurse, I am responsible for coordinating
a very busy midnight shift. This has fine-tuned my administrative
skill-set, as well as my leadership skills in nursing. I am a team
player, with intuitive leadership ability and I have mastered
working in a high-pressure, team environment.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my potential
contributions to your company with you. Please contact me at your
earliest convenience, at: (555) 555-5555, M - F, 8 - 5pm.
I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Enclosure (this is your CV)
BASIC COVER LETTER TEMPLATE EXAMPLE
Using a good cover letter template, you can
simply fill in the blanks. You might want to do this until you feel
entirely confident in designing your own. All of the samples given
are just a few appropriate ways to write a good cover letter.
Your full name
Your full mailing address
Your City, state, and zip
Your Telephone number(s)
Your Email address
Today’s date
Your addressee’s full name
Their professional title
The Organization name
Their mailing address
Their City, state and zip
Dear Mr. (full name here) or Ms. (full name here)
Open your letter with something that will command attention—a
statement that
establishes you to your reader. Briefly state which job or position
you are applying for.
The secondary section of your letter should be highly relevant to
the position applied for.
Offer one or two (brief) paragraphs that point to why you are the
best one for the job. Do NOT simply summarize your CV!
Your closing paragraph is critical to your success! You need to
initiate action! Do this by explaining what action you will take,
such as: I will call you at such and such a time to arrange an
interview. If not being so forward, end with: I look forward to your
response.
If you leave the calling in their hands always state: Please contact
me to set up a good time for an interview and make certain they have
your contact information at hand.
Always finish your letter with:
Sincerely yours, or Yours truly, or similar
Your signature written by hand
Your name (typewritten)
Enclosure (you can type in “CV” after Enclosure, or leave blank)
CONCLUSION
Now that you have mastered the art of CV
and cover letter writing, it is time to
become a seasoned job-hunter.
Everyday, some 32 million people will leave their homes for a job
they absolutely hate.
Dark feelings of negativity will touch every aspect of their lives,
including their family, their friends and not to mention the many
activities they put their free time into.
These people might lack the know-how they need to change. They might
be afraid to leave the security of a weekly pay cheque behind, or
they might just feel locked-in to accepting a dead-end job.
Whatever the reason, there is a far better way to live. All it takes
is that first inkling to want more, want better and then.....to just
move on. Sure, there is an element of risk involved, but that just
comes with the territory. Without risk in life, well....life is not
nearly so interesting.
Change is not always easy. We all deserve change, though, if that is
what we need to live a better life. Meaningful purpose in our lives
can be the one driving force that adds dimension to our days.
Finding that meaningful purpose through our work, through our
career, well, that is what life is all about!
Take your passion for life and make that into your career -- live
your dreams now while you still can -- your job, your career, your
life -- can be so much more than just a wish, it can be your truth
and your reality.
It is up to YOU!
  
  
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