Marketing yourself

One of the most important things to remember when applying for jobs is how you present yourself. Employers are looking for people with the right skills professionally and personally. You have to sell yourself. You have to do this right from the beginning, when preparing your CV and cover letter right through to the interview stage. This section will offer you advice on how to do your best at each stage of the process.

But for more guidance don't hesitate to contact your local Connexions service.

A CV or a Curriculum Vitiate is a document usually no longer than two pages that present someone's professional history from school qualifications right up to their recent or present employment.

Tip for writing a successful CV

Do's

• A CV should be well written and to the point no longer than two pages;
• It should be printed on good quality paper;
• It should be well presented, clear without stylised fonts and complicated presentation gimmicks;
• Be positive - keep it factual and honest;
• Information must be in reverse chronological order (the most recent at the top);
• Make sure you thoroughly check the document for correct spelling and grammar;
• Try to focus on your abilities and achievements that are more suited to the job;
• Include a personal profile that summaries your abilities, experience, and motivation. Keep it brief (no more than a paragraph);

Don'ts

• Don't try to be funny;
• Write too much - Don't give the employer unnecessary information;
• Don't tell the employer about things you canït do or would like to do. Stick to your achievements;
• Don't use Jargon as you need your CV to be a reader friendly as possible;
• Don't include reasons for leaving employment or studies as this will either be covered in the interview or be documented on an application forms;
• Don't include details of your personal life i.e. religion, children, marital status it is not needed;
• Don't give details of previous salaries again this is something that may be asked on an application form but is not needed in a CV;

See Appendices for an example of a good CV.

Cover Letters

Covering letters are sent in support to your CV they are used to explain your CV in more detail but specifically in relation to the job you are applying for.

Cover Letter Tips

• The letter must be personally addressed to someone by name.
• It must be laid out as a standard business letter.
• Try to keep it as brief and to the point as possible it should be no more than one page long of standard 12pt print.
• It should be printed on a good quality paper it sets a good impression. Make sure that you use the same fonts for your cover letter that you used for your CV to ensure there is consistency.
• It must quickly explain what you have to offer i.e. it must follow on from your CV and highlight the best parts of it that will sell the employer of the particular job you are applying for.