Getting the job you want is all about preparation, presentation and a positive attitude. WorkForce is committed to helping you at every stage of the recruitment process.

Useful tips & suggestions

Getting the job you want is all about preparation, presentation and a positive attitude. WorkForce is committed to helping you at every stage of the recruitment process.

How to write a winning CV & cover letter

Your CV is your personal selling tool. It must present your information quickly, clearly, and in a way that makes your experience relevant to the position you want.

Presentation

• The final look and feel of your CV is a personal preference, but presentation should be concise and neat
• Never hand-write a CV – it should always be typed
• It must be easy to read and visually appealing
• Use fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial
• Use good quality, plain paper

Structure

Your CV should be no more than 2 pages long and include the following sections:

• Personal Details
• Qualifications and Education
• Key Skills / Strengths
• Detailed Employment History
• Hobbies & Interests
• References

Content

• Customise your CV for each job by focusing on previous experience or skills that are relevant to the advertised role
• Use clear, and concise language
• Make sure it is well presented and easy to read - use bullet points where possible
• Include your address, telephone number and email
• Ensure the information is current and up to date
• Present your employment history in reverse chronological order - with your current employment first. Always include the dates
• When listing your employment history, include responsibilities, achievements and results for each position
• Honesty is the best policy. Don’t exaggerate your experience as you may be asked more detailed questions at the interview
• Always send a covering letter with the CV, highlighting your relevance to the role
• Check for spelling or grammatical errors and always proof read your CV before you submit your application

Covering Letters

A well-written covering letter can help you to make a strong first impression with a potential employer. It is the perfect opportunity to summarise your qualifications and experience and illustrate information that is specific to the role you are applying for.

Create a perfect cover letter

• Be concise. Keep your covering letter to one page and your introduction brief
• Address the letter to the relevant contact listed in the advertisement
• Refer to the advertised job title, reference number and where and when you saw the advertisement
• Write your covering note in the first person
• Outline the reason for your interest in the role/company application and explain why your skills and experience are relevant to the advertised role
• Customise your covering letter for each position
• Demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic attitude to work
• Always ensure that you spell check and then proof read your covering letter thoroughly before submission

Get all the latest news,
join our mailing list