CV and cover letter

How to write a good CV

When applying for a job, your CV is your first opportunity to make an impression. It opens the door by showcasing your skills, experience, and potential, and persuading an employer that you are the right candidate.

A well-prepared CV should clearly communicate who you are and what you can offer before you are even invited for an interview. It must be high quality, tailored to the specific position and industry, and written in a way that resonates with the employer.

For example, when applying for an IT internship, you should highlight the software tools and programming languages you are proficient in. In contrast, a chemistry internship CV should focus on the laboratory equipment you can use and the field of chemistry you specialised in during your studies.

Knowledge & skills

You need to demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills required for the job you are applying for. You need to ensure that you are capable of doing the job you are applying for and are ready to enter employment. You must know the demands associated with the job and the qualities required of an individual within your career of interest. Career shadowing would be a good way to find out exactly what is required of you as an individual within a specific career.

Cover Letter

Your cover letter must introduce to the potential employer the person you are without them having met you yet. You must ensure that your language and grammar is good, you portray an image of professionalism and you use clean language. No swearing, slang or truncated language can be used under any circumstances. Your cover letter must also give a brief history of the experience you have and the type of work you have done including your achievements.