Module 3- Jordan
Writing a CV/Resume and cover letter
In the last module we learnt how to set up our foundations that are needed to start our online job search and application. In this module we will discuss the key elements needed to be able to apply for jobs, these are:
You might be wondering what is a CV and a cover letter well think of it this way:
It is like if you have a rule in the house that there is no watching youtube on your phone until the children finish their homework. Your child would come and say he wants to watch youtube on your phone and that he is the one who gets to use the phone first not anyone else, WHY? because he was very good today and was the first to finish his homework, and then he brings you his finished homework to PROVE that he did it.
You might think of a CV and Cover letter as similar to that but in paper or document format, a cover letter is the means to tell the potential employer WHY YOU are the best candidate for the job and the CV is to PROVE to the employer that you have the skills that make you the best candidate for the job.
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or a Resume: Is a short for the Latin phrase curriculum vitae, which means 'course of life', is a document that details your best qualities as they relate to the open role. It is standard practice to submit your CV when applying for any job, from entry-level to senior positions (Indeed, 2025Link opens in a new window).
A Cover letter: Is a letter you write about yourself and submit alongside your CV when applying for a job. Within it, you explain why you are the right candidate for that role, based on your experience and skills(UCASLink opens in a new window).
It is important to note that sometimes certain jobs may ask you to provide a "Personal statement" instead of your Cover letter or alongside it.
The Personal statement and Cover letter say the same thing, but in different ways: a personal statement is more organised, and a cover letter feels more like a letter. In this module we will focus on Cover letters which you can use to write your personal statement.
This means that both the CV and Cover letter are dependent on each other and are very important for online job applications. Both documents need to be concise: the CV/Resume should NOT be more than 2 – 3 pages, and the Cover letter should not be more 1 - 2 pages unless specified differently by the employer.
🧰 What are the Dos and Don’ts for CV and Cover letter
Think about it first: Do you know what you should and should not do when writing or using your CV and Cover letter?
👆 Click each card to reveal the answer!
Do
👆 Click to revealAlways update and tailor your CV and Cover letter according to the job post or job description you are applying for.
Need to DO itDo
👆 Click to revealMake sure your CV is updated regularly (at least once every six months).
Need to DO itDo
👆 Click to revealMake sure your CV is 2 -3 pages maximum, your Cover letter is 1 – 2 pages maximum unless specified otherwise.
Need to DO itDo Not
👆 Click to revealSend the same exact CV and Cover letter to different jobs.
Do NOT Do itDo Not
👆 Click to revealHave your CV longer than 2 - 3 pages & your Cover letter longer than 1 – 2 pages.
Do NOT Do itDo Not
👆 Click to revealIgnore the job description or the job vacancy you are applying for.
Do NOT Do itIt is important that you watch Module 3 videosLink opens in a new window in addition to reading all the module details and sections, as the videos will provide practical examples of how CVs and Cover letters are created and how the templates are used.