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Creating an online professional profile or portfolio can significantly boost your job search by showcasing your expertise and accomplishments to potential employers.

Social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, are increasingly vital for professionals to highlight their career achievements, skills, and work history. A well-optimised LinkedIn profile enhances your visibility in searches, improving your chances for career advancement.

A professional portfolio, especially valuable in fields like design and journalism, should feature work samples and detailed insights that demonstrate your skills and experience relevant to your target positions. Include project overviews, skill highlights, the impact of your work, and key lessons learned.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD CV

A CV (curriculum vitae) is an essential tool for job applications, serving
as your first chance to showcase your capabilities to potential
employers. Here’s what makes a CV effective:

• Relevance and conciseness: Tailor your CV to the specific job you
  are applying for and keep it concise, ideally within two pages
• Clarity and professionalism: Ensure the CV is easy to read and
  professionally presented.

WHAT TO INCLUDE

• Contact information
• Educational background and qualifications
• Work experience, highlighting responsibilities and achievements
• Key skills, including additional relevant skills like languages or
  specific IT proficiencies
• LinkedIn profile link
• A brief personal profile summarising your skills and career objectives.

WHAT TO LEAVE OUT

• Personal details such as age, marital status, health, nationality
• Full address (if your CV is publicly accessible)
• Irrelevant qualifications or details about educational institutions.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF CV

When choosing a CV format, it’s essential to select one that best
showcases your skills, achievements, and experience relative to the job
you’re applying for. The main types of CVs include:

• Chronological CV: Ideal for those with a steady career progression
  and relevant job experience. It lists details in reverse chronological
  order
• Skills-based or functional CV: Focuses on skills and qualities rather
  than employment history, suitable for career changers or those
  with gaps in employment
• Hybrid CV: Combines elements of both chronological and
  skills-based CVs, emphasising skills and achievements within a
  conventional layout
• Technical CV: Used for IT roles, highlighting specific technical and
  soft skills
• Creative industries CV: Allows for more creative formats, like
  infographics, particularly in fields like marketing, design, or
  journalism
• Video CV: Useful in customer-facing or creative roles to showcase
  personality and communication skills.

KEY STEPS TO CREATING A CV

Here are some key steps for creating an effective CV:

• Develop a master CV: Start with a comprehensive CV that includes
  all your skills, qualities, and achievements. Tailor this for specific job
  applications
• Gather essential information: Include educational and employment
  dates, qualifications, and volunteer work, emphasising skills over
  the context of employment
• Choose the right CV format: Depending on your career stage or job
  type, select a chronological, skills-based, or hybrid CV
• Craft a personal profile: Write a succinct career summary that
  introduces you and highlights your suitability for the specific role.
  Keep it brief and focused on your strengths and career goals
• Use clear and positive language: Incorporate keywords from the
  job description and avoid clichés. Be clear and to the point.
• Be concise: Organise information to fit within two pages, using
  bullet points and clear headings to enhance readability
• Review and proofread: Ensure your CV is free from errors and
  aligns with what the employer is looking for. Seek feedback to
  refine it further
• Tailor your CV for each job: Emphasise relevant experience and
  skills that match the job requirements, using specific examples that
  show your impact and value.

Cover letters can be crucial in job applications, whether for advertised
roles or speculative submissions. They accompany your CV or
application form, providing a platform to highlight your strengths and
suitability for the position.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR WRITING COVER LETTERS

• Purpose and personalisation: Treat your cover letter as a brief yet
  compelling introduction to your application. Tailor it to the specific
  job and organisation, highlighting your enthusiasm and how your
  skills align with the job requirements
• Structure and content: Start by addressing the letter to a specific
  person if possible. Outline why you’re applying, and how your
  experiences meet the job specifications. Use concise examples to
  demonstrate your skills, ideally applying the STAR (Situation, Task,
  Action, Result) method to convey your achievements effectively
• Additional information: Use your cover letter to explain any unusual
  aspects of your career path, such as a career change or gaps in
  employment. If applicable, mention any accommodations you might
  need due to a disability
• Closing: End with a professional closing statement and express
  your willingness to discuss your application in further detail.

FOR SPECULATIVE APPLICATIONS

• Emphasise the skills relevant to the organisation and the type of
  role you seek. Offer to discuss how you can contribute to the
  company and ask if your details can be kept on file for future
  opportunities.

DISCLOSING DISABILITIES OR
CRIMINAL RECORDS

• If relevant, you can use your cover letter to disclose a disability or
  criminal record upfront, facilitating a transparent discussion about
  any accommodations or concerns. This can demonstrate honesty
  and proactive communication
• For more information regarding disabilities, refer to our page on
  disclosing disabilities in job applications.

Ensure your cover letter is visually appealing, well-organised, and free
from errors, making a strong first impression that encourages further
review of your application.