You've taken the first step, got your appearance in check...so now what's next?

You've chosen what career path you want to take, you've addressed the three simple rules to appearance and presentation...Now...CV and Cover Letter, fix it up and make it look sharp! ;)

CVs

Build a Stand-Out-CV

• Make sure you have your name and contact details (a company can't hire you if they can't contact you).
• Have an opening statement about yourself. No more than 3-4 lines is required. Keep it brief and straight to the point, stating who you are, your key strengths and your career goals.
• List your educational background, putting the most recent at the top. Put the name of the place you studied at, followed by the subjects you studied plus your grades.
• Next, list your past work experience, putting the most recent/current job first. Start with the company name and the name of your job role, then bullet point the duties/tasks you did in your job role.
• Lastly, briefly list some of your hobbies and interests to help the employer build an idea about your character. Keep it short. (They don't need to know the ins and outs of your daily routines).
• At the very end of your CV, put two past employer references, with the Manager's name, the company address and a contact number. (So your future employer can check how worthy you are, before taking you on board).

HERE ARE THE MOST COMMON CV MISTAKES...DON'T LET YOUR CV BE ONE OF THE WORST.

COVER LETTERS

Write an eye-catching Cover Letter

• Keep your cover letter to a one- page spread. Try not to make it any longer.
• REMEMBER: Your cover letter is not another CV in the format of a letter; DO NOT repeat everything that is on your CV.
•  Put your name and contact details. (Yes both your CV and Cover Letter should your name and contact details :) )
• Your cover letter should let the employer know more about you; your relevant skills and past experience, and specifically why you would be the right candidate for the vacant position.
• State why you are writing this letter, and where you saw the job advertisement. Summarise your education and past work experience. Explain why the skills you have would benefit the advertised role. Describe who you are as a person and what you can bring to the company (make it interesting and different, not like the average person's cover letter)
• TRY NOT TO use commonly used CV / Cover Letter words such as "I'm hard-working,  friendly, great personality etc.
• TRY NOT TO start every sentence with "I was" or "I am" etc
• Finish your letter with a "Thank You, Look forward to hearing from you, and Sincerely yours".