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How to Write a CV
THE COVER LETTER
A customized cover letter should be sent with each resume. A cover letter is the way to distinguish what you have to offer, and the likelihood of an interview is at least doubled. Use the same quality paper and typeface for the letter as the resume.
Address the cover letter to a specific person by name. Research the specific institution in order to discover the person you would work for if you got the job. The likelihood of a personal response is directly related to the amount of personal attention you put into the letter.
Send an original letter, not photocopies, to each employer. Keep the cover letter brief, don’t rehash your resume. Be sure to clearly identify the job you are seeking.
In the body of the letter, communicate the way in which your unique skills will be of special value to the potential employer. Describe what you believe you can do for this employer; create interest. Ask for a personal meeting. State that you will call to set up an appointment.
Close your letter by thanking the employer for considering you for a position. Use any standard business-letter closing: Yours truly, Sincerely, or Cordially.
Sign your letter boldly and confidently. Don’t forget to follow up your letter with a phone call after giving the employer time to consider your resume. During the phone conversations be sure to ask for an appointment for an interview.
Sample Cover Letter
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The purpose of the Resume or CV is to persuade an employer to call you in for an interview. Here are some hints for improving your resume.
In a resume, looks count. Poorly written resumes requiring excessive time to read might make the employer think the candidate is disorganized. Your experience may be essentially the same as the other applicants, but if you have prepared a professional resume you may be the person the employer remembers and calls for an interview.
Make it easy for them to find your qualifications. Consider using them as a "headline".
Consider using an “Objective” on your resume when applying if it is relevant to the particular job.
Don’t be bashful, but avoid inflating your resume. Be honest. Describe what you have accomplished in the active voice - avoid the passive voice. Examples: handled inventory control and lowered supply costs or wrote procedure manual. Use everything you can to demonstrate that you are a producer, not just another dutiful worker.
Under Education, there is no need to include high school and college grades if you received your degree, unless you are a new graduate. If they are good grades, include them. Otherwise, state the degree, major, the year degree obtained, the institution and location. If you graduated with honors that can be included after the major and in italics.
Under Licensing, Certification, and Special Skill/Training, list name and type of license, date of certification. Include any special job-related training you’ve received, such as vendor training on automatic staining or processing equipment.
Do include awards in your resume; they verify you will be an asset to the institution.
Under Professional Affiliations, be brief and current. State the name of the organization and leadership positions you currently hold.
Avoid listing hobbies and extracurricular activities on the resume. They use precious space, do nothing to support your qualifications for the job and they could go against you.
Resume Don'ts
- Poor Grammar
- Spelling Errors
- Excessive underscoring, italics or bullets
- Don't use the heading "Resume".
- Mixed typefaces
- Don't include references. References listed on the resume, checked beforehand could keep you from getting an interview, if slightly negative. Remember the goal is to get an interview. It is preferable to use this important space to continue describing your suitability and achievements. Instad have a list of references, with addresses and phone numbers available to give the employer at the end of the interview.
- Don't incude salary information.
Resume Do's
- Use lots of white space.
- Use quality paper. Use white or beige, no loud colors.
- Use grammar and spell check.
- Use large envelope to mail a resume. If you fax it, mail a copy to the employer, also.
- Consider using a print shop instead of copying for a cleaner more professional look.
- Do keep a minimum of one to two pages, unless in academia.
Facts to exclude from the Resume
- Confidential information such as your social security number and the number of your professional icense.
- Age, gender, marital status.
- Health status or disabilities.
- Name and ages of a spouse and children.
- Height and weight.
- Why you left past jobs.
