A cover letter and a curriculum vitae (CV) are both documents used to showcase an individual's skills and qualifications to potential employers. However, they are different in terms of their purpose, format, and length.
After a spell of having children and/or working part-time, finding a new job that you really want in a crowded marketplace can be made that much harder if you have some gaps in your employment record.
While any future employer should respect the time you took off as a parent, let your application do the first round of talking for you before you are invited for an interview. Knowing what to write and having some tips on the wording to use on your CV and in an accompanying letter (or email) can work wonders as the first part of the return to work process.
With almost 50% of working parents wishing they held a more family-friendly job, it is good to know that there are jobs that rate well for being child-friendly options if you are ready to return to work after having one, two or more school-aged children.
Here, we take a look at the art of composing a CV and cover letter and why making the content count can help show off your skills, talent and passion for a sought-after role.
What is a CV and a cover letter
A curriculum vitae, more commonly abbreviated to CV, is a comprehensive document that provides a detailed overview of a person's academic and professional history, including education, research, publications, presentations and awards. A CV is typically longer than a cover letter which should be short and sweet, but there’s no set limit to how long a CV should be. CVs are commonly used in academic and research fields, as well as in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand. They should be updated each time you accomplish something in your career, such as starting a new job or getting a promotion.
On the other hand, a cover letter will also build on the experience and skills you’ve mentioned in your CV. Your cover letter is the first document that an employer or HR person will read. They might make a quick decision from instantly reading it, so you need to state early on all the reasons why you are the right person for the role.
You need to formally write what you are applying for and briefly state why you would like the role, a small indication of any relevant work experience, skills and your accomplishments. The cover letter is typically only one page in length or written as a short email (or attached as a word document).
Cover letters can be embedded into online forms too, and are tailored to specific job applications and emphasise how the candidate's skills and experience match the requirements of the position. The goal of this style of document is to be as concise as possible. Most jobs will specify what they’re looking for in the job ad, but if you’re not sure, it’s best to ask for clarification before sending over the document.
Preparation is key
For anyone looking for a new job, or a flexible family-friendly role that you can fit around your responsibilities, the first stage of your application is important. Having an outstanding CV and a winning cover letter to support an application can really help you stand out from the competition so preparation and attention to detail are key.
Your CV and cover letter is an opportunity to communicate your winning potential and let a future employer realise that you are the right person for a role.
What to include
A solid CV will typically include the following information, though this can be tailored to the role, the business and the job ad:
- Your name and contact information, including phone number and email address
- Professional title and a brief summary of your job
- Education and qualifications
- Work experience and accomplishments in the workplace
- Conferences and courses you’ve attended
- Languages
- Specific skills
- Voluntary work experience
- Hobbies and personal interest
- Soft skills
- References
If you have been a stay at home mum, you can find some extra tips for creating a CV with motherhood mentioned. on the other hand, tends to include the following information and will go into greater depth:
The ordering of this information and format will vary from person to person, and may even be influenced by the industry you work in, so it can be worth looking for inspiration and examples to determine what works best for the job you’re applying for. You may also find it helpful to have a version of a CV or when the job ad or contact calls for it, so you have all the information to hand.
How to create a stellar CV
CVs and cover letters may differ globally, but there are a few universal tips you can apply to each document to ensure you stand out in the job market. Recruiters are permanently on the lookout for their next talent to enrich a pool of staff. HR personnel and employers will glean that your experience and skills are right for a particular role by analysing your CV and cover letter.
Infuse with your unique personality
Make sure you set yourself apart with your personality and interests. These interests show you’re a diverse person with character so don’t be afraid to showcase them, because each hobby offers its own unique set of benefits for a work environment or could even open up opportunities in a sector you would have never expected.
Tailor it for the job you want
It may take more time, particularly if you’re sending out applications to numerous jobs, but you’re far more likely to get called for an interview if you tailor your cover letter or CV for the job you’re applying for. That means mirroring the language they’ve used in their job description, highlighting accomplishments which are relevant to the position or demonstrating the value you could bring to the company in question. It will help you stand out to the recruiter and increase your chances of being asked to an interview.
Show how you’ve made an impact
It’s important that you list the responsibilities you had at a previous job or with a company, but you also need to show off your personal skills. What impact did you have in a specific role and how did you bring value to that position? Businesses want to know that you have the competency for the role they’re advertising for but they also want to have confidence that you’ll bring something to the business that will help them succeed. If you have provided tangible results and figures for the impact you’ve made in previous roles, it will really help to ramp up your cover letter or CV.
Check your spelling and grammar
Finally, you don’t want to be overlooked for a job because of small but easily rectified mistakes, so make sure you proofread your CV or cover letter and have it checked by someone else as a precaution. IIt’s worth asking a friend or someone you trust to provide you with feedback too. They may spot something you could elaborate on or remind you of an achievement you haven’t listed which could be valuable.
To summarise, while a cover letter is concise, a CV has no limit and can be several pages long. It’s important to check the job advert to know for sure what the recruiter is looking for so you can send them the right documents and increase your chances of success.
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