A great CV, covering letter or LinkedIn profile can make the difference between being shortlisted or not. Employers are keen to pick out the relevant information about you and how you would be an asset to their organisation or team.
Each time you apply for a job, you should tailor your CV and covering letter to the role. We’re here to help and can support you in making a great first impression!
Our Career Development Course has units to help you produce a great CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. This is a great place to start! You can also book a careers appointment to review your CV and get personalised advice and guidance.
What to include in your CV?
- Contact details (a phone number and email address)
- A section on your qualifications
- A section on your education
- A section on work experience (include any internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs)
- Involvement in extracurricular actives is well received by employers, these could include student societies, sports, or awards.
How to write a covering letter?
A covering letter accompanies your CV when applying for a job. If well-written, its an opportunity to express why you think you’re the right candidate for the role. Avoid using a generic cover letter and instead explain why your interested in working for the organisation and express how you feel you meet key aspects of the job description.
While being specific, try to keep this brief. Ideally 2 or 3 paragraphs, highlighting your skills and experience. Remember this content should complement your CV.
Try the following Career Development Course units for more information and guidance: ‘Producing a great CV, Cover Letter and LinkedIn profile’ or ‘Developing Your Self-Awareness’.
Why LinkedIn is a great tool for recruitment
To put it simply, LinkedIn is your online CV. It allows you to share your skills and experience, whilst connecting professionally with current and former colleagues, fellow students, and academics, the list is endless!
To get started, set up your profile with a recent photo and complete as much of the profile information as you can. Join relevant groups and follow organisations to improve your commercial awareness. Don’t forget to provide and ask for recommendations.
Many employers will advertise job vacancies on LinkedIn, so it can be a great platform to use when jobhunting. Visit our Where to find jobs page for more information on where to search for work opportunities.