LASU CAREER FAIR 2019

Topic

The job interview process: Effective CV/ Resume and Cover letter

writing

Presented by: Norena Francis (ASHRM)

Tips for writing a motivational cover letter

Your cover letter is the recruiter’s first impression of you, and as such is an integral and vital part of the job application process. A high-quality cover letter will ensure that your CV is noticed, and will set you apart from the bulk of competition.

Before writing a Cover letter, a few things should be done:

• Analyze Yourself: Consider what you have to offer and what skills/ qualifications are relevant to the position and organization.

• Analyze the Advertisement: Take note of the description of the work, not simply the job title. Assume that the duties outlined are the ones the employer considers most important and think about how to link your skills and experience directly to them. Always keep the employer’s needs in mind and don’t mention items that are irrelevant to the position.

• Note the Qualification Listed: Consider how your qualifications match this list, and if they do not exactly fit, think about how or why you feel your qualifications would be relevant.

Writing the Cover Letter

Introduction (1-3 sentences):

• Ensure your email has a SUBJECT

• Avoid using Sir or Madam rather use ‘’Dear Recruiter’’

• Specify the name the job for which you are applying and tell how you learned about it

• State that you are qualified to do the job based on your background (give the employer a sense of your confidence in your own abilities)

• State that you are very interested in the job or the organization and indicate a specific or unique reason why this job or organization appeals to you, which in turn shows that you have done some research. keep this brief)

A cover letter has 3 major paragraphs – A) IntroductionB) Body C) Conclusion

Body (1-3 paragraphs)

• First paragraph should describe what you have to offer

• The second paragraph should describe your interest in and knowledge about the organization as well as your education, work/volunteer experience, skills, interests, personality and beliefs (focus on the ones which address the job’s most important requirements)

• State the skills/strengths you will bring to the job (address all those asked for in the job advertisement) and include examples or descriptions of how you have acquired and demonstrated each skill/strength

• Explain how the skills/strengths you mention would be useful in the new position

• When including an example of your abilities be specific to allow the employer to visualize what you have done and can do (quantify: how long did you do it, how much responsibility did you have, what techniques did you use and why were they useful?)

• If your body section is more than one paragraph, restate that you are qualified to do the job, but make this sentence different from the one in your opening paragraph

• Thank the employer for taking the time to consider your application• State that you would like to meet in person to further discuss the job and your

qualifications or that you hope to hear from them soon• You may also want to tell the employer where and when you can be contacted if

they require further information

Conclusion (1-3 sentences)

How to write a professional CV

• How do you write an interview-landing CV?

• How do you write one that stands out from the many CVs human resource managers and recruiters receive when recruiting?

• An ultimate rule for CV writing is – be different and show your selling-point.

What is a CV?

A CV is the acronym for CURRICULUM VITAE. Curriculum Vitae is a latin word for "the course of your life" often shortened as CV.

Hence a CV is a written brief synopsis or details of your educational, professional experience and skills and typically used for job applications

1. The Educational CV- This focuses on educational/professional qualification and academic work and is usually for applicants who have no work experience

2. The Experienced CV – This focuses on professional experience, skills and achievements and usually for applicants who have work experience

Types of CVs

Tips in writing a professional CV1. Contact details at the top - recruiters must be able to find your personal information at first glance.2. Remove all unnecessary information – Age, Avoid putting ‘curriculum vitae’ at the top of the document.

Similarly, don’t put ‘name’ in front of your name, ‘address’ in front of your address, etc. If your CV is clear and well structured, there will be no room for uncertainty.

3. Concentrate on your achievements not your responsibilities- This means listing things you have done - such as products launched, sales increase, awards won - not rewriting your job description. Quote figures whenever possible.

4. Make your most relevant experience and skills prominent - List other skills that could raise you above the competition such as languages and IT skills

5. Check thoroughly for correct spelling and grammar - Spotting errors is a quick and easy way of weeding out weaker candidates when faced with a mountain of CVs to read

6. Be clear and structured -There is no way recruiters are going to read all the CVs in detail. Make sure that you include all education and prizes awarded.

7. Avoid Embellishments - A CV is a professional document. Don’t try to make it stand out by using an eccentric font or colours. Keep it simple, clear and to the point.

8. Be concise - Your CV isn’t a novel. Avoid telling the story of your life. Make sure the document doesn’t exceed 1 to 2 pages of A4 if possible.

Things Employers Look Out For in a CV

SAMPLE