CVs and cover letters

The purpose of a CV is to apply for a job, so before you start, make sure to research the sector you are applying in and the types of CVs they prefer.

When it comes to writing a CV, you should start with the job description - what skills and experience are required? Demonstrate you have the experience and skills by using examples from your degree, previous jobs, internships and extracurricular activities.

A typical CV should be no longer than two A4 pages (exceptions for academic CVs). The order of a CV varies, but you should display the most relevant and impressive information on the first page to grab the employer's attention.

Applications to creative industries may require extra focus on how your CV is designed or on submitting a strong portfolio.

Key sections of a CV

• Name and contact details
• Personal Profile or Professional Overview
• Education
• Experience or employment
• Skills
• Additional Information

Aim for four short paragraphs with a clear theme for each. You must use evidence to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position.

Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself

• Introduce yourself e.g. Final year BA (Hons) Psychology student at Edinburgh Napier University.
• Explain which role you are applying for and why.
• Explain how you heard about the vacancy e.g. on the company's website.

Paragraph 2: The employer

• Explain why you are interested in working for the employer e.g. their values, mission, products or services.
• Explain why this specific position interests you. Refer to responsibilities from the job description that appeal to you.
• Show you have thoroughly researched the employer and industry. You could give examples of their recent work or refer to relevant industry updates.

Paragraph 3: Your skills and experience

• Highlight two or three examples that show how your skills match the specific requirements of the job description. These can include extra-curricular activities, work experience, part-time work and university projects.
• Emphasise your personal qualities to demonstrate what you can offer the employer and what you would bring to the role. This is your unique selling point.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Summarise your main points from above and reiterate your suitability for the role and what you would contribute.
• Thank the reader for reviewing your application and state how you look forward to hearing from them soon.

When applying for a job via email, either include the cover letter within the email itself and attach your CV or attach a separate cover letter and a CV.

The email should be brief and professional, referring to your CV and covering letter attached. Name your CV and cover letter appropriately such as your name, date, and the company name you're applying to.

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a digital filing system used by many employers and recruiters.

There are many types of ATS that will be customised to the recruiter's needs. Many employers use ATS to simply organise and manage job applications from candidates. Others customise ATS to rank candidates.

ATS compares applications against the job description using natural language processing (NLP).

• Use clear headings: Make these easily recognisable e.g. 'Employment'.
• Use Sans Serif fonts: E.g. Arial, Calibri etc.
• Use only one language: E.g. English
• Tailor to the job description: Incorporate exact criteria (e.g. skills and experience) and support with evidence.
• Save as a Microsoft Word file rather than a PDF unless instructed otherwise.

This is likely based on screening or 'knockout' questions in the application process, not your CV or cover letter.

For example, you select that you require sponsorship but the job requires full right to work in the UK or you selected that you don't have a driver’s licence but the job requires this.

In these cases, the ATS can be instructed to automatically reject your application before it reaches a recruiter.

• The Secret to ATS-friendly CVs
• How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume: Tips for Job Seekers
• Here’s how recruiters are actually using AI in hiring | ISE
• SeeMeHired: A Guide to Small Business Applicant Tracking Systems