Job Hunting Tips

When applying for jobs you are usually required either to send in a CV with a Covering Letter or complete an Application Form.

CV (Curriculum Vitae)

A CV provides a summary of your employment history and qualifications to date and should highlight the skills and qualities you can bring to the job you are applying for. Your CV should be used as a selling document to get you an interview with your prospective employer.

Here are some helpful tips on how to write your CV:

1. Give your name, address and contact telephone number
2. Highlight your key skills, achievements and attributes
3. Include details of your employment history starting with your recent job and working backwards
4. List all relevant qualifications and certificates gained including details of recent training or skills development courses you have attended which could be relevant
5. Provide details of a few hobbies which you are genuinely enthusiastic about
6. Where possible, provide details of two referees
7. Use clear, simple language
8. Try to keep your CV to no more than 2 pages
9. Get it typed on good quality A4 paper
10. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.

To assist you in writing your own CV, we have provided three CV examples. The documents can be saved to your computer and then opened into Microsoft Word:

• Sample C.V. no. 1 - Warehousing
• Sample C.V. no. 2 - Call Centre / Adminstration
• Sample C.V. no. 3 - Information Technology

Covering Letter

Your CV should be accompanied by a short covering letter, which should grab an employer's attention and make them want to read your CV.

Here are some useful tips on how to write your covering letter:

1. Make sure you find out the exact name and address of the person you need to send your CV to
2. Quote the job title and any reference number
3. Explain where you found about the job (ie The Evening Times on Monday 15 July, the local Jobcentre)
4. State briefly why you are applying by drawing attention to any skills you feel are relevant to the post you are applying for
5. Say you'd like to meet with them to discuss your application in more detail
6. Keep the letter brief

Application Forms

Some employers prefer to use a standard Application Form when recruiting for new staff. Normally interested job applicants are required to request and complete an Application Form for the post they are applying for.

Make sure you check the application form for any spelling mistakes before submitting it and be certain to get it in on time.