CAREER PORTAL

CAREER PORTAL

CV & Cover Letter Tips

Your CV and cover letter are often the first impression you make with potential employers, so it’s essential to get then right.

At Stuart Hall Consulting, we’re here to help you craft professional impactful documents that showcase your skills and make you stand out.

Writing A Strong CV

A CV should be clear, concise, and tailored to the role you’re applying for. Follow these best practices to create a winning CV:

Essential Sections To Include:

  • Contact Information: Name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
  • Professional Summary or Objective: A brief overview of your skills and goals.
  • Work Experience: List relevant roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements.
  • Education: Include degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
  • Skills: Highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to the role.
  • Additional Sections:   Certifications, languages, or volunteer work can be added if relevant.

Tips For Writing A Strong CV:

1. Keep It Concise

  • Aim for 1-2 pages, focusing on the most relevant skills and experiences.
  • Use bullet points to break up text and make it easy to skim.

2. Tailor Your CV For Each Job

  • Highlight specific experiences, achievements, and skills that align with the job description.
  • Use keywords from the job posting to demonstrate your suitability.

3. Include A Professional Summary

  • Start with a short, compelling summary at the top of your CV that highlights your expertise and career goals.
  • Example: “Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years experience in digital campaigns, specialising in SEO and content strategy.”

4. Focus On Achievements

  • Showcase your impact with measurable results.
  • Example: Instead of “Managed social media accounts,” write Increase social media engagement by 35% through targeted campaigns.”

5. Use A Clear And Professional Format

  • Choose a clean professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri) and use consistent formatting throughout.
  • Ensure proper alignment, spacing, and section headers (e.g., Education, Work Experience, Skills).

6. Proofread Thoroughly

  • Spelling or gramma mistakes can hurt your chances. Review your CV carefully or ask someone else to proofread it.

Writing A Tailored Cover Letter

A tailored cover letter allows you to showcase our personality and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Here’s how to make it impactful:

1. Address It To The Right Person

  • Research the name of the hiring manager or recruiter to personalise your letter. If unsure, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”

2. Start With A Strong Opening

  • Capture their attention with a compelling introduction.
  • Example: “As a seasoned project manager with a track record of delivering complex IT solutions on time and under budget, I was thrilled to see your opening for [Job Title].”

3. Showcase Your Fit

  • Highlight your skills and experiences that align directly with the job description.
  • Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully handled similar challenges.

4. Demonstrate Enthusiasm

  • Show genuine interest in the company and the role. Mention something specific about the company’s values, projects, or reputation.

5. Be Concise And Direct

  • Limit your cover letter to one page with three or four short paragraphs.

6. End With A Call To Action

  • Conclude with a confident statement ab out your interest in the role and a call to action.
  • Example: I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs. Thank you for considering my application.”

7. Proofread And Edit

  • Like your CV, your cover letter must be error-free and professionally written.