Job Seeker Resources

Writing your CV cover letter

• State the position you’re applying for and where you saw the position advertised.
• Outline your objectives.
• Detail how your skills and experience are suited to the position for which you are applying.
• Describe the qualities that you bring to the employer.
• Finish by reiterating why you want to work for the organisation and how your skills and expertise are suited to the position.
• Ensure that you advise your prospective employer of the best way to contact you and provide those contact details.

Writing Your CV

• Choose a layout that’s simple, clear and easy to read.
• Ensure the content is relevant to the role for which you are applying.
• Pay attention to the submission requirements, I.e. the file format they are asking for the document to be saved in.
• Don’t waste time with a cover sheet – instead, list your name and contact details at the top of the first page, making sure you have included a contact phone number.(preferably one with an appropriate voicemail message). Ensure your email address is a private one and that you check it regularly.
• You don’t need to include details such as age, marital status, religion or the names of your children.
• Use headings to separate your different areas of experience.
• Keep your content concise and informative.
• Use bullet points rather than sentences.
• Record your work history in chronological order – most recent job first – and include the dates you worked for each company (month and year).
• Under each role, include subheadings achievements and duties. Your CV is a sales pitch, you need to sell your successes!
• Keep it short – two to three pages is ideal.
• The level of education detail provided depends on how recent that qualification is. For school leavers, providing NCEA results may be appropriate but not necessary if you’ve been working for ten years.
• It is unnecessary to include referees’ details – instead, state that referees are available on request. Once you have secured an interview, you can then provide these details. It’s important to let your referees know which positions you have applied for so they’re fully prepared when contacted by a potential employer.