CV & Career Advice

How to Write a Job-Winning CV and Cover Letter

In the competitive job market, your CV and cover letter are essential tools for career progression. They represent you before you ever meet potential employers, setting the crucial initial tone.

However, the process of creating standout CVs and persuasive cover letters can be systematically approached and mastered with proper guidance and a strategic framework.

In this article, we aim to provide you with practical tips on how to make your CV better and help you understand how to make a CV even if you have no experience.

The Blueprint of a Winning CV

Streamline Your Content

Keep your CV concise yet impactful. Aim for a two-page maximum, presenting information in clearly defined sections like ‘Personal Information’, ‘Employment History’, and ‘Educational Background’. This approach ensures readability and allows hiring managers to grasp your qualifications swiftly.

Prioritise Readability

Select a clear, professional typeface, maintaining a minimum size of 11 pt. Steer clear of challenging fonts and inconsistent styling. The goal is clarity and professionalism, making your CV accessible and appealing at first glance.

Personal Information

Start with the essentials: your name, address, contact numbers, and email. While including personal details like nationality and date of birth is standard, remember that for internal purposes only, and not necessarily for the employer’s eyes.

Showcase Your Qualifications and Skills

Chronologically list your qualifications, emphasising any specific courses or skills, especially those pertinent to the job you’re applying for. From computer skills to language proficiency, this section should reflect your competence and readiness for the role.

Employment History

Lead with your most recent position, detailing your responsibilities and accomplishments. Be transparent about employment gaps if any, and turn them into positive talking points about personal growth, learning, or skill development.

Delineate Your Interests

Be specific. Rather than stating ‘interested in drama,’ delve into your active participation in local theatre groups, underscoring your teamwork and commitment.

Content that Sells

Your CV’s content should do more than list; it should sell. Use dynamic language and quantify achievements where possible.

For instance, “Managed over 1,000 accounts receivable and payable accounts, working directly with the CFO,” presents a more compelling narrative than a mere list of duties.

You can start by checking out our CV checklist and downloading our simple and effective CV template.

4 Easy Steps for Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter

Tailor to Fit

Your cover letter should not be a one-size-fits-all document. Tailor it to the job and the company, reflecting your understanding of the role’s requirements and the company’s culture.

Engage with Power Words

Use active, engaging language. Words like ‘Achieved,’ ‘Led,’ and ‘Innovated’ add a dynamic nature to your narrative and present you as a proactive and result-oriented person.

Balance and Precision

While including keywords is crucial, especially for navigating Applicant Tracking Systems, balance is key. Ensure that the inclusion of keywords like ‘SEO copywriting’ or technical skills is organic and doesn’t detract from the readability or authenticity of your cover letter.

Showcase Achievements

Use your cover letter to highlight how your skills and achievements align with the job requirements. For instance, if you’ve led cross-functional workshops that significantly boosted leads, mention it. Such specifics add credibility and showcase your value.

The Final Step: Review and Refine

Before submission, review your CV and cover letter meticulously. Ensure factual accuracy, grammatical correctness, and alignment with the job you’re applying for. This step is your quality assurance, ensuring that your documents not only meet but exceed expectations.

Career Coaching

Consider investing in career coaching to further refine your job application materials and interview skills. Professional guidance can offer invaluable insights and strategies, tailoring your approach to your industry and career aspirations.

In the Netherlands the job market is continually evolving, hence the role of career coaching has become increasingly pivotal. Particularly, career coaching in the Netherlands offers a unique blend of local expertise and global best practices.

Whether you’re seeking career coaching online or prefer a more personalised ‘career coaching near me’ approach, the flexibility and accessibility of these services are designed to meet your specific needs.

Engaging with a career coach can be an enlightening experience.

But, what does a career coach do?

Essentially, a career coach serves as your strategic partner in career development. They provide tailored advice, actionable insights, and continuous support, helping you identify your strengths, overcome obstacles, and make informed decisions about your career trajectory.

For those who wonder whether a career coach is worth it, the answer often lies in the transformative results achieved through personalised coaching sessions.

From sharpening your interview skills to refining your CV, the benefits are tangible and often extend beyond immediate career gains.

However, as one progresses in their coaching journey, understanding what a career coach costs becomes important. Rates can vary based on experience, expertise, and the specific services offered.

The process of career coaching typically begins with an assessment of your current professional situation, followed by goal setting. A career coach will then devise a structured plan with clear milestones, providing guidance, resources, and support throughout your journey.

This structured approach ensures that every step you take is aligned with your ultimate career objectives, making the investment in a career coach not just worthwhile, but potentially transformative for your professional life.

In Conclusion

Creating a winning CV and cover letter is about more than listing your qualifications and experiences. It’s about crafting a narrative that resonates, reflects your unique value, and aligns with your prospective employer’s needs and culture. Follow this guide to master the art of first impressions and take a significant step towards your next career milestone.