Skip Navigation

CVs and cover letters

A CV is a document that markets your skills, knowledge, and experience in relation to a job you are interested in. A cover letter introduces you to the person reading your CV and provides a little more detail about how you can do the job you are applying for. Your CV and letter should be a pair of documents that complement each other.

The sole purpose of a CV and cover letter is to make an employer want to meet you. Explore the information on these pages to help you write an effective CV and cover letter.

CVs

Use a CV and covering letter when:

  • the employer asks you to apply using a CV
  • applying speculatively to an employer

The “perfect” CV

There isn’t one. CVs are subjective – what one person likes another person will dislike. Depending on the sector you are applying to, employers may have individual preferences which you will need to research. If you want to make your CV individual, these 10 fonts can help you to make the right first impression.

Writing an effective CV

A CV is designed to be a record of relevant personal, educational and work details (whether employed or through volunteering). It is a marketing tool that can be used to persuade an employer that you might be the right person for the job or course.

An effective CV is tailored or customised for a specific career objective or job. That means you need to research the company and adhere to the job requirements the employer has set out (often in the Job Description but mainly in the Person Specification). It is important to use examples to reinforce what you are saying and offer evidence for your relevant abilities.

Two students working at a desk.

General rules

Be consistent – all your information should be in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

  • Your CV should be no more than two pages long.
  • Font size should be no smaller than 11.
  • Create a CV with impact by using clear bold statements, power words (verbs) and bullet points.
  • Avoid using large blocks of text – they are time consuming to read.
  • Headings need to stand out – use Bold and headings that are different to the main text.
  • Space and positioning of content should be allocated according to the importance of the information on your CV.
  • Account for any large gaps in your educational or employment history.
  • Proof-read carefully and check grammar and spelling as these mistakes can cost you.
Headings for your CV
Highly-Skilled Language
Top tips for your CV

Types and examples of CVs

There are different types of CV such as the traditional (chronological), part-time job (normally one–sided), skills-based, teaching, academic or even a creative CV.

Choose a CV type that works best for you and the sector you want to work in. Make sure that your CV sells your knowledge, skills and experience as effectively as possible. We don’t recommend producing one generic ‘one-size-fits-all’ CV as you need to ensure your CV meets the needs of the employer.

Every time you apply for a different vacancy you need to tailor your CV to that role, using the details the employer has included in job advert and/or person specification.

Here are some example CVs:


What is a cover letter?

There are different types of cover letters that have different purposes. This content covers how to write a brief summary letter you would attach when sending a CV to an employer.

An effective cover letter will showcase and highlight the key things you can offer in relation to the vacancy and will demonstrate your enthusiasm and motivation for the role.

You should be aiming to demonstrate the following:

  1. Why you are interested in the role and the organisation.
  2. What makes you a strong candidate for the job.
  3. Why you are a good fit for the organisation.

When responding to advertised jobs, you should research the job advert and job description with person specification to ensure you are writing an effective cover letter. If you are writing speculatively to an organisation, you should consider the kind of work you are looking for and what you could offer them.

The cover letter can also be a good opportunity to flag up any issues – for example, explaining any gaps in your CV, disclosing a disability or explaining as an international student how you can be employed in the UK.

Writing effective cover letters

Cover/ covering letters are normally sent with your CV when applying for a job or when you are writing speculatively about possible opportunities for jobs or work experience. A cover letter should convince the employer that you are motivated, enthusiastic and have the skills and experience required to do the role you are interested in. You need to express why it is that you want to work for them (why you and why them).

In your letter you need to match yourself to the job you are applying for. It is important to say what attracts you to the role and to this particular organisation. Your letter is your chance to say what you know about the role, organisation and industry. For a brief letter you include along with a CV, one side of A4 should be sufficient. Make sure your letter is addressed to a named person within the organisation rather than Sir/Madam. More support on writing an effective cover letter is provided below.

Student writing notes on a piece of paper

Structuring your cover letter

A good cover letter should usually be no more than one page and normally comprises of around four or five paragraphs. If the job advert states apply by CV and cover letter, ensure you address all the criteria the employer has identified in their advert for example a person specification or job description. If there are lots of details provided by the employer (i.e. a long person specification) the letter might need to be more than one page long, for example a letter of application for teaching. You should not produce a letter longer than two sides of A4 however so you will need to write concisely.

Ensure you read any instructions from the employer carefully as you may need to ensure you give examples for much of the criteria being sought.

Example cover letter
Tailoring your cover letter
Top tips for your cover letter

Additional information

Cover letters can also be a good opportunity to highlight things you or the employer may be concerned about or want to be made aware of. This could be around explaining the circumstances behind disappointing grades for example or explaining any gaps in your CV which you may be due to going travelling or because of illness.

You may decide you want to disclose any disabilities – for more advice on whether to disclose these and how to visit: Disability Rights UK.

It’s important to consider how you can write about different issues in a positive way. You may find it useful to discuss these issues with a Careers Adviser.

Review your CV and cover letter

When you have completed your CV and cover letter, read them back – would you hire yourself?

You can receive fast, detailed feedback on your CV or cover letter via CareerSet, an online platform that gives you actionable, personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter in an instant, 24/7.

Review your CV and cover letter on CareerSet

Further resources

There are lots of helpful resources and more tips and examples on the Prospects website and Target website. These include good examples of CVs and cover letters, including speculative letters, examples of disclosing disabilities and guidance for international students.

A student sat on a green couch whilst typing on their laptop. They have their textbooks next to them on the couch. There is another student walking past in the background.