An application should have the same structure and layout as a letter and you should use a normal font and standard size letters.

The header of the application should always refer to the title of the advert.
E.g.
Advert: Skilled and experienced car mechanic required
Application: Application for position of car mechanic
Always mention where you saw the advert.

The application should be brief, but provide information on why you are applying for the position in question, and the qualities, qualifications and experience that you feel make you particularly suitable for the position advertised.

Your application should only cover one page, and not be too detailed.

Read the advert carefully, and have a close look at what is being asked for.

Read the advert carefully, and have a close look at what is being asked for.

CV stands for the Latin Curriculum Vitae, which roughly means “course of life”. A CV is a brief description of you, your background are and what you have done in your life so far.

Before you start writing your CV it is important that you first closely analyse the job advert. This will provide you with valuable information on the applicants’ skills, background, values and qualities being sought by the business.

If you successfully identify just what the business is looking for this will make it much easier to write a CV that impresses its intended target group.

A CV should contain:

• Contact information
• Key qualifications
• Work experience
• Education/training
• Courses
• Driving licence/certifications
• Languages
• IT skills
• Honorary positions
• Military service
• Other important information
• Interests, hobbies
• References

How to write a CV:

• Your CV should be designed and laid out chronologically, simply and succinctly.
• Use a font that is attractive and easy to read, for example Arial or Times New Roman.
• Start with your personal details including your full name, address, e-mail, telephone, civil status, details of children if applicable.
• Present key qualifications (significant experience and personal qualities) as early as possible on your CV. Emphasise the qualities that make you most suitable for the position for which you are applying.
• Avoid typos, poor language, confusing statements or logic errors. Get someone to proof your CV before you send it to a potential employer.
• A CV is not simply a list of statistics. Remember that your CV should always be adapted to suit the individual position for which you are applying. If you use the same CV for every job you apply for, you are virtually guaranteed to struggle.
• Make sure you present assignments for each individual job which are potentially most relevant for the job for which you are applying.
• Think carefully about who you are asking for references. It is a good idea not to “use up” these contacts unnecessarily. It is important that the person giving you a reference is aware you are naming them as a reference. Get this confirmed by the person in question.
• If you have extensive work experience it is quite acceptable for your CV to cover several pages. If you are newly qualified with little work experience your CV should only be one page long.
• Make sure that your CV and job application are consistent and that there are no gaps in the information. Inconsistencies or errors between/in the application and CV create uncertainty in the eyes of the reader.

Good luck!