CVs & Covering Letters

CV ('Curriculum Vitae' - Latin for 'the course of one's life') is the common terminology used in the UK for a summary 'document' positively describing the qualifications, relevant skills, experience and training, you can bring to a job.

In a few countries (including the USA) this is known as a Resume` .

Top Tips

A CV must be easy to read, to photocopy and be kept brief, ideally two sides A4 of good quality white/cream paper.

Always present information positively (look up Power Words) and give examples or detail of achievements and skill development.

Online CV recruitment is an increasingly popular alternative.

A CV (together with a covering letter) can be sent to an employer in response to a job advert or to enquire about a prospective vacancy, but must not replace an application form, when available.

Applying for creative jobs? Why not design a 'creative CV' which will illustrate your work and demonstrate your skills.

Go to the Transferable Skills section of this Guide as a starting point.

Useful Links

http://prospects.iprofile.org/

iProfile is a simple online CV building service supported by Graduate Prospects.

Securely store your CV online, update as required and use it to send to recruiters.

www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm

Graduate Prospects - national careers website for HE students studying in the UK:

CVs and covering letters

http://targetjobs.co.uk/

GTI Media publication - click on sub-heading 'careers advice' and go to side-headings 'Applications and CVs' + 'Job hunting tools downloads'

http://careers.guardian.co.uk/

Guardian careers online - go to sub-heading 'CVs'

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