CV and Cover Letter Tips

Let's squeeze the most out of your job search! Writing a CV and cover letter might not be the zest-iest task, but if you want to land the right job, they need to do more than just sit there like a forgotten lime at the back of the fridge.

The good news? It doesn't have to be painful. With a few simple tweaks, your CV and cover letter can go from 'meh' to 'must read'.

Your CV is your personal highlight reel, not your life story. The goal? Get the right details across quickly and make it obvious why you're perfect for the job.

Keep it clear and clean - No fancy fonts or wild colours. Stick to a professional layout that's easy to scan.

Tailor it for each job - One-size-fits-all doesn't work. Highlight the skills and experience that match the job you're applying for.

Show impact, not just duties - "Managed social media accounts" is nice, but "Grew engagement by 40% in six months" is better. Numbers matter.

Cut the fluff - Employers care about what you can do for them, not the fact you're a 'hardworking team player'. Skip the clichés.

Mind the length - One page for early careers, two max for experienced professionals. No recruiter wants to read a novel.

Check, then check again - Spelling mistakes can ruin an otherwise great CV. 'Attention to detail' isn't convincing if you've written 'manger' instead of 'manager'.

If your CV is the main event, your cover letter is the warm-up act - and a good one makes the hiring manager want to see more.

Keep it short - No one has time for an essay. A few paragraphs will do.

Get personal - If you can, address it to a real person instead of 'Dear Hiring Manager'.

Show enthusiasm - Employers want to hire people who actually care about the role. If you're excited, say so!

Make a connection - Why this company? Why this job? If you've done your research, this should be easy to answer.

Don't just repeat your CV - Use your cover letter to add personality and explain why you're a great fit.

Finish strong - End with a simple, confident statement about looking forward to discussing the role.

And yes, always thank them for their time.