Professional Module: CV and Cover Letter workshop/discussion

I am returned to the last dregs of this MA course, and as a result find myself to be in a bit of an existential limbo. However, I do feel that this will be the most important and informative module. Now that the thematic contents of my project are out of the way, we are being told to highlight our plans for the future, professional world. In my case, this would involve the world of visual arts and design.

The module was started off today with an insight into the very basics of making a CV, which I admit was a step above the mediocre, mandatory workshop at a job center in a doomed town with no prospect. It was slightly more interesting, because it was tailored towards creative students.

Anyway, to recap on some particular aspects of the lecture:

Covering Letter

What is a Covering Letter?

• This is a professional business letter that demonstrates one's career interest and highlights relevant strengths and experiences. 
• It selects key aspects of your CV and matches them to the needs of your potential employer. 
• It introduces you to the reader and should stimulate interest to your application. 
• It should show real interest in working the specific job that you have applied for.

What should a Covering Letter contain?

• As an opening, it needs to say whom you are for a start, state which job you are applying for, where you spotted the advertisement (if it was an advertised position).
• You should explain in the main body why you are interested in this particular job, evidence your knowledge of the company as well as your interest into the contents and nature of the job.
• State previous experience, special skills and interests and knowledge that make you suitable, referring to selected experiences on your CV.
• At the end, indicate your availability for interviews, then close politely and positively.

Tips

• Always send it to a named person and not a title. Ring if necessary.
• Keep it brief and to the point
• Research the target company and tailor every application to the specific company and role
• Consider "why you over the hundreds?" and "what's in it for the employer?"

Things to avoid

• Cliches that suggest a lack of imagination and independent thought e.g "I think I can honestly say..." and "May I take the liberty of..." 
• Negative aspects e.g "Although I am only 19..." 
• Imprecise words like Quite, Fairly, Almost etc.
• Generalisations and unsupported claims e.g. "I am a good team player."

CV

This was a very basic look into the structure of the CV, what it is (Curriculum Vitae - Latin for "Path of Life"), how you structure one, examples of various templates and what you should/shouldn't include. This will be highlighted in the next post with my own example template. The generally agreed structure of a CV in this session was the one I was already using.