CV and cover letters made simple
A practical guide
What this guide covers
This short guide will take you step by step through writing a CV and cover letter that you can use when applying for future roles.
It’s been designed to be clear, practical and easy to follow, even if you haven’t updated your CV in a while or are starting from scratch.
Jump to section: CV | Cover letter
What is a CV?
Your CV is essentially your personal advertisement. It gives potential employers a clear snapshot of who you are, the experience you bring, and why you would be a strong candidate worth meeting.
It doesn’t need to include every detail of your career—just the most relevant information to help you stand out and get shortlisted for interview.
CV basics
A strong CV is usually no more than two pages long. It should be well structured, with clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for employers to scan quickly.
Where possible, tailor your CV for each role you apply for by highlighting the skills and experience that best match what the employer is looking for.
What to include:
Contact details
Include your full name, phone number, email address
Personal profile
A short summary about you and your goal
Work history
Start with your most recent role and work backwards
Key skills
Seven relevant and transferrable skills
Education & training
Include anything relevant to the role
Optional extra
You could also add voluntary work or interests
Personal profile
Keep this section short and focused - two to three lines is ideal. It’s your opportunity to introduce yourself and give a quick snapshot of your experience, strengths, and what you’re looking for.
Example
Experienced support worker with a focus on community wellbeing. Looking to join a team where I can support residents and make a difference.
Writing about your experience
List your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent.
For each role, include your job title, company name, dates of employment, and a short set of bullet points. Focus on what you achieved, not just what you did.
Example
Managed a caseload of 45 tenants, supporting them to maintain tenancies and access services, resulting in a 20% drop in arrears.
Cover letter: keep it simple
A cover letter is your opportunity to explain why you’re interested in the role and how your skills and experience match the key requirements.
It should be concise - typically half a page to one page - and tailored to each job. Avoid simply repeating your CV; instead, use it to expand on your experience and highlight your suitability for the role.
Cover letter structure
Stick to three short paragraphs
Intro
What role you’re applying for and where you saw it.
Personal profile
Why you want the role and that you're open to a chat or interview.
Why you
Mention relevant experience, skills or achievements.
There's no perfect CV
The most important thing is to ensure your CV is clear, relevant, and genuinely reflects you.
It can also be really helpful to ask a friend or family member to review it before you send it off, as a fresh pair of eyes may pick up any spelling or grammar errors you’ve missed.