A CV and cover letter go hand-in-hand for a job application.
A CV gives details of your academic and professional qualifications and career history.
Your cover letter is an opportunity to explain why you’re applying for the job and highlight how your experience matches the job description.
Below is some information to help you prepare and organise your CV and cover letter for your application.
What is it?
A CV shows an overview of your academic and work history. Think of it as your career snapshot, a list of your
qualifications, work history and achievements.
What content should it include?
• Personal profile (introduce yourself)
• Your education
• Work experience (most recent first)
• Skills
• Achievements, awards
What tone should it have?
Factual and well thought out.
How long does it need to be?
No more than one to two pages.
What is it?
A cover letter is your chance to tell your story and show your enthusiasm for the role you’ve applied for.
What content should it include?
• Introduce yourself
• Why you’re interested in working for ForHousing
• Highlights of how your previous experience matches the job description
• A few highlights from your CV and expand on this
• A call to action (for example, to ask for an interview)
What tone should it have?
Personal, persuasive, and tailored to the job.
How long does it need to be?
Usually one page (A4).
CV and Cover Letter checklist
Below is a checklist of the things you should include and do when preparing your CV and cover letter.
CV
Cover letter
More help and resources available
There are many other resources available if you need help preparing such as:
• Employment Support Service, if you’re a ForHousing tenant• National Careers Service
• Indeed
• TotalJobs
• Google resources
