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Career Information Literacy Libguide: Resume,Cover letter, Job Interview Preparation

The purpose of this guide is to prepare the SPU students for the job market and guide them through their career journey

Cover Letter

What is a cover letter 

A cover letter is a piece of writing typically included with a job application that summarizes the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position. A cover letter is sometimes one of just two documents given to a potential employer, therefore its quality will determine whether or not the candidate is contacted for an interview.

Key Elements 

  • A cover letter outlining the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position is frequently included with a job application.
     
  • A strong cover letter supports the CV and outlines why the applicant is the best choice for the position.
     
  • A job applicant can be eliminated by making common cover letter errors.

Click here for more details on how to write a cover letter

From: Investopedia

Resume / CV

What is a Resume?

A resume is a formal document that gives a summary of your educational background, work experience, and pertinent abilities. Your job history, education, a professional profile, and a list of your talents are all common elements on a resume. The three types of resume formats are functional, reverse chronological, and combination.

What is a CV?

A CV, short for curriculum vitae (Latin for "course of life"), is a thorough record of your professional and academic background. In most cases, a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) will include information about your work history, achievements, honors, scholarships or grants you've received, coursework, research projects, and publications of your work.

A CV is normally two to three pages lengthy, although it's not uncommon for mid-level or senior job hopefuls to submit considerably longer versions given that a CV serves as a comprehensive summary of one's professional achievements. But when it comes to CVs, don't omit important details to make room.

From: Indeed Career Guide

Click here for Resume and CV writing tips

Below find a video on how you can start with putting together your resume and cv 

From: CareerVids, 2021

Job Interview

How to prepare for your job interview

From: Nokuhle Khumalo CA(SA), 2020

8 Important Interview Tips

  1. Research the company well in advance 
  2. Make a list of questions you would like to ask at the end
  3. Be conscious of your body language during the interview
  4. Practice how you going to tell your story when responding 
  5. Sort out your dress code well in advance 
  6. Peruse your resume / cv in order to refer to it
  7. Be specific when answering possible questions 
  8. Always follow up after the interview 

Please click here for more interview tips