After some careful reflection you have probably designed, chosen or written up a CV that you believe is ready to go and you want to send your CV. Not so fast. There are several things many applicants forget and subsequently get rejected for that can be solved through a strong revision at the end of writing your CV.
Distinguishing yourself from the rest of the field is thus going to go down to how you look after the details in your CV and the frequency with which you revise and improve your CV over a period of time. Don’t hesitate to browse our extensive collection of CV templates, so that you know exactly.
Things you need to do before you send your CV
Read the application instructions again : you need to know what format the CV must be sent in, or even its style could be very specific. Some organisations in Europe for example demand a Europass CV format. Others will require specific sections to be left out or even a more detailed CV or Resume than is expected.
Rereading the job description again is also wise : you may have missed out a skill or a requirement that you need to include in the professional skills section of your CV. You also need to tailor your CV or Resume in general to what is required : start eliminating irrelevant experience from your CV.
Needless to say too that you need to check your spelling in your CV. One small spelling mistake can lead to a discarding of your CV. Have another peer or a native speaker if it is a foreign language check all the spelling for you.
Email body for sending resume
Your email body for sending your CV is the first thing the recruiter will read from you so make sure you come across as professional. Striking the right tone in an email is difficult because often you can come across as either too casual or too rude. A good tip is to pretend you are sending a formal letter to someone you hate but have to stay polite to.
Your email should contain the following elements :
- Open the letter by addressing the recruiter formally. Make sure you address it to someone rather than a general introduction.
- Explain why you have sent your candidacy by stating that you are applying for the specific job title you are applying for.
- Explain who you are very briefly, in a similar way to your personal statement on your CV (in fact, you can choose to leave out the personal statement if you include it here in the email body).
- Mention where you are in relation to you experience and studies.
- Indicate what you are attaching to the email. You may have also included a reference letter. Mention this.
Whilst redacting the email make sure you have named your CV, cover letter and whatever supporting documents appropriately. Usually there are guidelines as to how to name it.
What are some very important tips you should do before submitting your cover letter?
Your cover letter has sometimes as much importance as your CV, so it is also vital to review it and have it reviewed. Look out for the following common mistakes in a cover letter :
Make sure you are not just listing your CV in your cover letter. List instead your expectations and the projects you expect to be put on, the industry issues you would like to explore more and your willingness to learn.
- Avoid negative language or any self-depreciation. Humour is also discouraged. Try to avoid the use of conditional sentences too.
- Personalise your letter by adding some anecdotes and examples to back up your claims.
- Make sure you have understood the limitations set out by the instructions.
- One page means one page! Following specific instructions is part of the evaluation, and indeed a fundamental part more often than not.
When should you send your CV?
You should not necessarily aim to submit your CV at the last minute or the day of the application. Not only is it risky due to you potentially having made a mistake or not read the precise time of submission. It also shows a certain work ethic of yours.
Recruiters are split on the practice though : Some maintain sending in your CV early shows you do not leave things to the last minute. Others will say that working on your CV and cover letter on shows you are constantly looking to improve.
One last tip : As long as you continuously update your CV you will not have to worry about most of the last minute details. Reviewing your CV every 3 months is important.