Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Covering Letter (Grade 12 NSC Matric English HL): Revision Notes

Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Covering Letter

What is a curriculum vitae (CV)?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a professional document that summarises your educational background, work history, skills, and achievements. This essential document is submitted when applying for employment opportunities and serves as your first impression to potential employers.

Essential characteristics of an effective CV

A well-written CV demonstrates several important qualities that employers look for:

• Clear and organised layout - Information should be presented in a logical, easy-to-follow structure that allows employers to quickly locate relevant details
• Professional language - The document must maintain a formal tone throughout, using appropriate business terminology
• Truthful and precise information - Every detail included should be accurate and verifiable, as employers often check references and qualifications
• Relevant content only - Focus on including information that directly relates to the position you're seeking, avoiding unnecessary personal details

Structure of a CV

1. Personal information

This opening section establishes your identity and provides essential contact details:

• Your complete legal name
• Current telephone number, email address, and postal address
• Date of birth (this is optional and not always required)

2. Career objective

Write a brief, focused statement that outlines your professional goals and demonstrates what value you can bring to the employer. This section should be tailored to each specific job application and highlight your enthusiasm for the role.

3. Education and qualifications

Present your educational background in a clear, chronological format:

• Names of schools, colleges, or universities you have attended
• Specific qualifications earned and the years you obtained them
• Include relevant courses, certificates, or additional training programmes

4. Work experience

Detail your employment history, focusing on roles that demonstrate relevant skills:

• List previous positions with job titles, company names, and employment dates
• Provide brief descriptions of your key responsibilities and any skills you developed
• Include part-time work, volunteer positions, or internships if they show relevant experience

5. Skills and abilities

Highlight capabilities that make you a strong candidate for the position:

• Technical skills such as computer literacy and software proficiency
• Interpersonal abilities like communication and teamwork skills
• Leadership experience and problem-solving capabilities
• Language skills or other specialised knowledge

6. References

Provide contact information for people who can vouch for your character and abilities:

• Include at least two references from previous employers, teachers, or professional contacts
• List their full name, job title, company or organisation, and current contact details
• Always ask permission before using someone as a reference

What is a covering letter?

A covering letter (also called a cover letter) is a formal business letter that accompanies your CV when submitting a job application. This document serves as your personal introduction to the employer and provides an opportunity to explain why you are the ideal candidate for the position.

Key characteristics of an effective covering letter

• Professional tone and structure - Uses formal business letter format with polite, respectful language
• Concise and focused - Should never exceed one page in length
• Personalised content - Tailored specifically to the job and company you're applying to
• Strong connection to your CV - Highlights the most relevant skills and experiences from your CV

Structure of a covering letter

1. Address and date

Follow proper business letter formatting conventions:

• Place your home address in the top right corner of the page
• Write the date directly below your address
• Include the recipient's name, job title, company name, and address on the left side below the date

2. Salutation

Begin with an appropriate formal greeting:

• Use "Dear Hiring Manager" if you don't know the specific person's name
• "Dear [Employer's Name]" when you know who will be reading your application
• Avoid informal greetings like "Hi" or "Hello"

3. Introduction

Your opening paragraph should accomplish two main objectives:

• Clearly state the specific job position you are applying for
• Mention how you discovered the job opportunity (newspaper advertisement, company website, etc.)

4. Body paragraphs

Develop your case for employment across three focused paragraphs:

First paragraph: Showcase your most relevant skills and any previous work experience that directly relates to the job requirements.

Second paragraph: Explain why you would be an excellent match for this particular role, demonstrating your understanding of the position and company.

Third paragraph: Express genuine enthusiasm for both the role and the organisation, showing that you've researched the company.

5. Conclusion and sign-off

End your letter professionally:

• Thank the employer politely for considering your application and taking time to review your materials
• Use formal closing phrases such as "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully"
• Include your full name and contact information below the closing

Example topics for practice

Quality checklist for CV and covering letter

Exam tips

Remember!