Created by CakeIn this article, you will learn about:How to Write a Good CV for a PhD ApplicationWhat to Include in an Academic CV for a PhD ApplicationTips for Writing the Best PhD Application CVHow to Pick the Best Academic CV Template for a PhD Application CV for PhD ApplicationSampleDuring the process of applying for a PhD, there are many documents that are required, and an academic CV for your PhD application is one of them. It’s important to write an impressive academic CV during a PhD application, so that you can present an overview of your educational background and display your ability to pursue a PhD. In this article, Cake will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to create an academic CV for your PhD application, along with a sample academic CV for a PhD application at the end of this article.How to Write a Good CV for a PhD ApplicationStep 1: Research on the desired school and program. First of all, you should begin by narrowing down your choices. What is your desired school? What program do you want to attend? It’s important to keep your mind set on a certain goal before starting on the process of writing your CV to apply for a PhD, so that you can create a customized academic CV that best fits the PhD program you are applying for. Make sure to do a thorough background research on the school and program you want to attend. Step 2: Choose the right CV format for your PhD application. Most applicants prefer using the reverse chronological CV format for their PhD CVs. It’s a suitable CV format for prospective PhD students, because you can list your qualifications and publications from the most recent to the oldest, which helps the admission board understand your current educational background, while providing information on your research interest and past achievements. Step 3: Look up PhD CV templates examples online for reference. After picking a suitable resume format for your PhD application, the next step is to find some inspiration. If it’s your first time writing a CV for a PhD application, it’s completely okay to rely on online resources, as long as you do not plagiarize any content. If you want to find the best CV template for your PhD application, consider searching the keywords “PhD student CV template” or “academic CV for PhD application template” online to find a suitable CV template for your PhD application. After you’ve chosen a resume template for your PhD application, it’s time to look for some actual resume examples. Typing the keywords “CV for PhD application sample” or “PhD candidate CV example” into the search engine may help you find some good CV examples for a PhD application. Step 4: Tailor your PhD CV to the school and research topic. Now that you’ve got the basics down, the next step is to tailor your PhD CV to your desired school and program. It’s important to create an academic CV that fits your research topic, so the school will know that you are goal-driven and clear on what you want to study during your PhD. Step 5: Proofread. There’s one last important step to writing a CV for a PhD application. Make sure to double check and proofread your CV before submitting your PhD application. An academic CV for a PhD admission should be free of mistakes, so the school will see how dedicated and detail-oriented you are.What to Include in an Academic CV for a PhD Application1. CV Header A CV header should include personal details and is crucial in a CV for a PhD admission. This section is usually located at the top of your academic CV and includes basic information, such as your full name and contact details, location, along with a brief phrase that states your educational background and interest in specific research topics. 2. Research Interests Since you are writing an academic CV, describing your research interests in a clear and concise way is important so that you can demonstrate your dedication and passion for your chosen field of study and the PhD program. This is similar to a career objective for your PhD application. If you’re having trouble thinking of what to write, consider searching the keywords “sample career objective for PhD application” online for references. 3. Education/Academic History Your academic history should be listed in reverse chronological order, from the most recent to the oldest. If you’re still pursuing a degree, state it clearly in your PhD CV. This part of your PhD candidate CV is important, because it helps the institute see that you are qualified to study for a PhD with the hard skills you currently possess. If there are a few courses where you performed exceptionally well academically, consider including them in your PhD application resume. 4. Work, Research, or Teaching Experience Next is the “work experience” segment of your CV for a PhD admission. In this part, list your relevant work, research or teaching experience. Since most candidates applying for the same PhD as you may have a similar level of education, including the details on your past work experience may help you stand out from other applicants. Keep in mind that you should try to include research experience that is relevant to the PhD program you are applying for in your CV. This shows your dedication and in-depth knowledge in this particular field of study. 5. Skills Now, let’s start working on the “skills” section of your PhD application resume. In this section, you should include any hard or soft skills that could help prove that you are capable of becoming a successful researcher. You can consider including: Technical knowledge and experience (e.g. computer softwares that are commonly used in your field of research)Skills you’ve developed in previous courses or assignments (e.g. academic writing, presentation skills, laboratory skills, etc.)Your level of proficiency in foreign languages 6. Publications Most undergraduate or postgraduate students do not have publications under their names, but if you do, remember to include them on your PhD student CV. If you have publications to list, for example any journal articles, books or chapters, published reports and patents, list them in this section of your PhD CV in reverse chronological order. Pay close attention to details, such as the format style (choose either MLA or APA style) when you are referencing your works.Further reading:How to List Publications on Resume (+ Format Examples) 7. Awards, Honors or Funding We’re almost finished with creating your CV to apply for a PhD! In this part of your PhD CV, you can include any relevant awards, grants, scholarships and funding you’ve received in the past. Including your awards and funding can show your competency as a researcher and add some bonus points to your PhD application resume. 8. Additional Information Last but not least, here’s a list of additional information you can consider including in your CV for a PhD application. Academic association membership: this can show your commitment to a research topic.Previous conferences or seminars you’ve attended or spoken at. Tips for Writing the Best PhD Application CV✅ Tip 1: Customize your PhD CV for the school. As we mentioned previously, it’s important to have knowledge on the institute and research program you are applying for. It’s even better to do research on your instructors and have a clear understanding of their research topics. It’s important to customize your PhD CV, so they can see that you are goal-oriented and clear on what type of research you want to focus on. ✅ Tip 2: Highlight what makes you unique. Since most applicants probably have outstanding educational qualifications, it’s crucial to highlight what makes you unique. This is why you should list your relevant research experience, skills, publications and honors in your CV for PhD applications. ✅ Tip 3: Quantify results on your PhD student CV. Just like any other CV you would create to apply for a job, you should quantify results on an academic CV for a PhD. Having quantifiable results can prove your competency in a research field. ✅ Tip 4: Adopt CV action words. CV action words are verbs that you can use to provide a clearer overview of your ability when you're listing your qualifications in a CV for a PhD application. Instead of stating that you “did” some research as a student, using action verbs like “identified” or “investigated” specifies your role and makes you look much more professional. If you’re having trouble figuring out what action words to use to describe your experience, consider looking online for PhD application CV examples. ✅ Tip 5: Write a PhD CV for a specific field of study. The process of applying for a PhD differs depending on your field of study. If you’re aiming for a PhD in Language Studies, your publications could be the key information that can help you stand out from other candidates. However, if you are writing a CV for the following fields of study, it’s important to include your experience in laboratory research, such as: CV for PhD application in physicsCV for PhD application in biologyCV for PhD application in chemistry How to Pick the Best Academic CV Template for a PhD Application🖋 Q1. How long should a PhD application CV be? Keep your academic CV for a PhD application short and simple. It should only be around 2-4 pages, depending on the amount of relevant experience you have. If you are planning to write a PhD CV that is 4 pages long, be sure to include the most vital information in the first two pages. 🖋 Q2. What is the best font to use in a CV for a PhD admission? It’s important to choose fonts that are both formal and easy to read. Consider going along with a font that you use most often when you’re writing research papers:Times New Roman. List of fonts for your CV/resume:Century GothicLucida SansCalibriGeorgiaGaramondHelveticaTahomaVerdana 💁‍♀️ Reminder:Adjust your font size and margins according to the layout of your PhD CV, ideally 14-16pt for the headers and 10-12 for the body text. 🖋 Q3. What format should a CV for PhD applications be in, Word or PDF? You should definitely send your PhD CV in PDF format, so formatting of your CV does not change when it is viewed on different devices. You should only submit your academic CV in Word format if the institute specifically requests you to do so. CV for PhD Application Sample Lily MillerOutstanding Alumni of Stanford University [email protected]213-785-3065Los Angeles, California (USA)Research interests Social psychology (social cognition, stereotypes and prejudice) Education Stanford UniversityM.A. in Psychology2014 - 2016 Stanford UniversityB.A. in Psychology2010-2014 Experience Research AssistantDepartment of Psychology, Stanford UniversitySept 2016 - May 2017 Assisted Dr. Gerstenberg in research on 10+ topics related to Social psychology.Managed and documented all findings related to the research topics. Teaching AssistantIntroduction to Social Psychology, 2015Sept 2015 - May 2016 Instructed lessons on stereotypes with the guidance of Dr. Gerstenberg.Graded assignments and exams of more than 100+ students. Skills Hard Skills An in-depth understanding of the social determinants of behaviorPsychological research methodsResearch skillsSpecific knowledge in neuroscience, social and forensic psychologyPsychology major theories and history Soft Skills Problem solvingTime managementResearch ethicsAcademic writingPresentation skills Publications Miller, Lily. “Why Do We Care So Much about the Opinions of Others?” The Current Social Behavior of Humans, 20 May 2016.Miller, Lily. “The Main Problem behind Panic Buying and How to Avoid It.” The Current Social Behavior of Humans, 13 Apr. 2015. Awards honors Teaching Assistant Award, Stanford University, 2015Social Psychology Research Grant, Stanford University, 2016Member of American Psychological Association (APA) since 2016 With Cake, the best resume builder online you can easily create your CV for PhD application online and download your CV in PDF format for free. Trynow!Create CV--- Originally written by Celine Chien---

Created by CakeResume"Never place your hobbies or interests on the resume or CV."If you ask most recruiters and hiring managers now, you'd hear this. Well, this statement is true to some extent. But did you know that if done correctly, hobbies and interests can help you stand out from other candidates?Other than checking if you're qualified enough through your work experience, achievements, and skills, many recruiters will look at the hobbies and interests section and evaluate if they will be the perfect match for the role and the company's culture. So the questions here are, "How do they know if YOU are thecandidate that suits the position AND the company culture?", and "For which vacancy should you include the hobbies and interests?".In this article, we will answer everything related to the hobbies and interests on resumes and CVs—the appropriate circumstances to includehobbies and interests on a CV, how you should list hobbies and interests on your resumes/CVs, a list of interesting hobbies and interests to include in resumes/CVs, and more expert tips on writing hobbies and interests for CV. TABLE OF CONTENTSShould You Put Interests and Hobbies on a resume/CV?How to Put Hobbies and Interests on a Resume/CVBest Hobbies and Interests to Put for a Resume/CV (50+ Examples)5 Tips for Writing Hobbies and Interests on a Resume/CVShould You Put Interests and Hobbies on a Resume/CV?Recruiters typically spend less than a minute reviewing a resume or CV, which means it's crucial to include all necessary information within the limited space of your resume or CV.With that being said, there are specific circumstances where you can have your personal interests on your CV.💡 Tips:While hobbies are activities that you enjoy doing in your spare time. Interests, on the other hand, are things or subjects that fascinate and pique your curiosity. You might be interested in art, but you can't say art is your hobby. 1. When theHobbies in Your Resume/CV Match the Job Requirement This is the most important point to remember when considering including a hobbies and interests section on your resume/CV. Say you're applying for a position in a marketing and advertising firm and one of your hobbies happens to be painting and sketching. Those examples of hobbies on your CV are good because it shows that you understand design and visual art.2. When Space Is Not an Issue on Your Resume or CVHaving a "Hobbies/Interests" section in your CV is always better than an empty space. Leaving a significant blank area on your resume/CV will make you look like you don't have anything to offer on the table, and no one will perceive it positively. 3. When You Have Little to No Work Experience For fresh-out-of-college job seekers, one of the ways to grab the hiring manager's attention is with an eye-catching field of interest in your CV.📚 Further reading:3 Tips to Write a Professional Resume for Freshers Just Out of College 4. When the Job Ad Specifically Asks You to Include Your Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume/CV When the job post specifically asks you to include your hobbies and interests on your resume/CV, it's non-negotiable. But remember only to put relevant hobbies and interests that reinforce your skill sets. 5. When the Employer Seeks Unique Individuals to Their Team Some companies highly value personalities that can enrich the work environment. Thus they will prefer someone who is not only professionally qualified but also who gets the company's morals.Some Other Reasons Why You Should List Down Your Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume/CV Having a hobbies and interests section on your CV will allow you to show recruiters that you are, after all, just a human being with different passions, likes, and dislikes. The interests, hobbies, and even other activities on your CV can also reflect qualities that the company might find valuable and help you stand out from other candidates. Moreover, the area of interest in your CV can amplify your work experience and/or educational background. It can also be another means for you to demonstrate the characteristics and skills that the employer requires. And lastly, another benefit of having your hobbies and interests listed on your CV is it will make it easier for the hiring manager to approach you since your field of interest has complied with the company's culture. How to Put Hobbies and Interests on a Resume/CV 1. Read the Job Description Carefully To understand the required skills for a job, carefully read the job description. This will help you identify the interests and hobbies that align with the job's requirements. Additionally, some companies provide an "about the company" section in their job description. By picking out keywords related to the company's values, you can include them in your hobbies and interests section and catch the recruiter's attention. 2. Always Research about the Company Go to their website and other social media accounts to check out what they promote (outside of their products and/or services). For instance, major corporations usually have to publish a CSR report annually, and from these reports, you can analyze what the companies value most. 3. Make a List of Hobbies and Interests and Select the Most Suitable Ones Write every hobby and interest you have, go over them and examine which ones will make you look good if you incorporate them in your CV’s interests and hobbies field. Now that you've selected the interests and hobbies to be put on your CV, you might wonder, what to write for interests and hobbies in a CV? "Can I just write 'video games' or 'a foodie' in the area of interest on my CV?" First off, there is no right or wrong way to write hobbies and interests in a CV. However, there are always better ways to present them, let's look at the below section! 4. Use Bulleted Point Using bullet points to list hobbies and interests in your resume and CV is the simplest way and it is straightforward. But at the same time, it is unclear and can come across as lazy. Because there is no further explanation when you opt to write with the bulleted list, whatever you put is a free interpretation depending on the reader. Here’s an example of hobbies and interests for CV using bullet points: HOBBIES INTERESTS PhotographyTravelPlaying ChessOutdoor activitiesDancing So what's other way for you to include your hobbies and interests while provide further clarification? The answer is to adopt an expanded bullet list. This way, you can elaborate your hobbies and interest on your resume and CV – what the hobby/interest entails, how the specific hobby/interest contributes to your skill set, or how long you have been involved in this area of interest, to name a few. However, this type of writing can take up a lot of space, so be aware of that. Here’s an example of hobbies and interests for CV using expanded bullet points: HOBBIES INTERESTS Nature and sports: join monthly hiking with Outdoor Enthusiast Club, 5 years of playing basketballFood blogging: write restaurant reviews, photograph food, and compose cooking and baking recipesParticipate in weekly recycling in the local community and monthly beach clean-up dayTake the guesswork out of resume writing. Our AI resume checker analyzes your resume against industry standards and provides instant feedback.Get Feedback Best Hobbies and Interests to Put for a Resume/CV (50+ Examples)So, we guess now you have enough information to decide whether or not you should include interests and hobbies and how to put them in your resume/CV. When do it right, this section can tell a lot about you as a person. Hence, you'll want to create an appealing narrative by choosing the right hobbies and interests for your resume and CV. So, what are the best hobbies and interests to include on a resume and CV? Don't worry, we've compiled a list of the interesting hobbies and interests that should be included to your resume and CV. Consider each one and think of what narrative they will say about you. Good hobbies and interests for CV examples to show teamwork skillsSoccerRock-climbingBasketballParticipating in local community theater/musicalVolleyballGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show analytical thinking skillsWritingPlaying chessComposing musicSketchingLearning sign languageGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show interpersonal skillsMixologyLanguage exchange meet-upsBook clubVolunteering at an animal shelterJoining a choirGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show patienceDecoupageGardeningKnittingTai chiYogaGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show marketing skillsHost a podcastPhotographyHosting dinner partiesPersonalCopywritingGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show problem-solving skillsBuilding puzzles and legosBoard games enthusiastTinkering appliances/gadgetsSculpture makingWoodworkingGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show determinationCampingTriathlonPotteryCalligraphyCookingGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show intelligenceLearning new languagesGeocachingUpcycled DIY projectCrossword puzzlesSudokuGood hobbies and interests for CV examples to show technology-savvy skillsCodingPersonal blog/web designStrategic video gamesBuilding PCVideography (with DSLR and drone)Good hobbies and interests for CV examples for a fresher CVFootballDancingVolunteering at a retirement homeBakingSolo traveling5 Tips for Writing Hobbies and Interests on Your Resume/CVWe're glad that you stick with us until the end of this article. We're almost done, just a few more insider tips for you. Then, you can start making your resume and CV complete with the hobbies and interests section. 💡 Be specific. Try to leave as little ambiguity as possible to prevent the hiring manager from perceiving your hobby or interest negatively. 💡 Be efficient. Although you need to be specific, don't elaborate the interests in your resume/CV with too many words that it starts taking too much space. Work with the space you have left. 💡 No exaggeration. List 3-5 hobbies and interests for a CV. The hobbies and interests section on your CV might help you stand out, but it's not the main selling aspect of your CV, so it’s best to keep them short. 💡 Place it at the bottom of your CV. The list of hobbies and interests on your CV, your hobbies and interests section should always be put last as they serve more as an addition. You might even consider not including them at all if you have more important things to add to your CV. 💡 Avoid violent or dangerous hobbies and interests in your CV. To avoid bias and discrimination, you shouldn’t include the below types of hobbies and interests:❌ Hobbies and interests that seem violent and dangerous.❌ Hobbies and interests that portray signs of antisocial behavior.❌ Hobbies and interests that disclose sensitive information such as religious affiliations, sexual orientation, political views, etc. 🔑 Key Takeaways:Although it might seem like an easy section to fill out, the hobbies and interests section should be well-curated just like the rest of your resume/CV contentPersonal interests on a resume and CV should be done attentively and intentionally because you want them to speak to the recruiter, that they strengthen your skills to fulfill the job position, and resonate with the company's culture. Ultimately, a perfect resume/CV is one that is the most relevant to the job. --- Originally written by Teresa Edria---

At some point in your studying path and career, you've probably needed a recommendation letter, which may go by different names such as a letter of recommendation, recommendation letter, letter of reference, or job reference. Whatever the term may be, this formal document is commonly associated with employment and university applications. A recommendation letter is typically written by a candidate’s past or present professional contact. A recommendation letter serves as a detailed endorsement that allows companies and schools to understand a candidate better from the perspective of someone who knows or knew them. If you come across this article, it’s probably safe to assume you’ve been asked to write one. Whether it’s a recommendation letter for students or a recommendation letter for professionals, both types typically follow the same format as a regular letter. However, there is a slight difference between the type to use. In this article, we will share exactly what constitutes a recommendation letter, a letter sample, and how to write a professional one.TABLEOFCONTENTS What Is a Recommendation Letter Recommendation Letter Samples Recommendation Letter Components How to Format Them Recommendation Letter Template How to Write a Professional Recommendation Letter Conclusion In this article, we will share exactly what constitutes a recommendation letter, a letter sample, and how to write a professional one.What Is a Recommendation Letter? Though you’ve likely come across it before, let’s look at its definition again: a recommendation letter is a formal document in which you vouch for someone’s character or work ethic. This is usually done by briefly recounting examples, such as past performances, where an individual has exhibited certain characteristics or skills that organizations and institutions would be interested in. Recommendation letters are often requested by companies and schools to verify the accuracy of candidate applications, as they are typically written by past or present employers or professors. There are many possible situations where the need for recommendation letters may arise, such as in applications for: A new job.An internship.A new school, university, or program within higher education.A scholarship. In addition to the list above, recommendation letters are great for potential candidates to have at their disposal, particularly when wanting to strengthen their resumes. Whether it’s required for the job or not, a simple recommendation letter should always be in their arsenal. Wait a second. Isn’t a recommendation letter just a referral or reference letter? Can you use them interchangeably? To put it bluntly - no. When a referral letter acts as just an endorsement of someone’s character, a recommendation letter provides specific examples that discuss the candidate’s skills and abilities. Let’s check out some samples for more of an idea about what a recommendation letter looks like.Recommendation Letter Samples The two most common uses for recommendation letters are for new employment applications and university applications (including relevant internships, scholarships, and graduate school opportunities). This being the case, we’ve created two recommendation letter samples: Recommendation letter for job applicationsRecommendation letter for studentRecommendation letter for employee from managerRecommendation letter for students Components of a Recommendation Letter How to Format Them Let’s be real: writing a recommendation letter is much like writing a normal letter, except for the content. If you ignore that crucial caveat, a recommendation letter format is pretty much the same as your cover letter. Let's have a look at the components of a recommendation letter: Letterhead Perhaps the main similarity of any formal letter you’ve ever written is the letterhead for letters of recommendation. Taking up the top left-hand corner of the document, the letterhead is made up of the: DateRecipient nameRecipient title or positionRecipient addressGreeting When writing a greeting for a letter of recommendation, it’s advisable to steer clear of the classic and seriously overused opening address of ‘To whom it may concern.’ If the applicant doesn’t know who the recipient is, the greeting for a professional letter of recommendation should be: “Dear Head of Admissions for Swarthmore College” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” You can check the samples above for some more letterhead examples. Your introduction The introduction is the first of three sections that are included in the recommendation letter. For this opening section, it is imperative to: Express your sincerity in recommending the applicant.Introduce the candidate and the position they’re applying for.Introduce yourself: who you are, how you know the candidate and the length of your relationship. All of the above is key to setting the context and relevance of the recommendation letter. This part should ideally fit within two or three sentences. An optional sentence to fit into the introduction would be to highlight key strengths that pertain to why you feel the candidate is special. Recommendation Now it’s the main part of the recommendation letter, where you should strive to answer the question, ‘Why should the candidate get this role?’. No pressure. To properly answer this question, it’s advisable for you to mention at least two specific skills and qualities, as well as two characteristics that you feel would enhance the candidate’s application. This may involve outlining the candidate’s academic or professional proficiencies as well as the personality traits that would suit their proposed role or position. Examples After writing about the recommendation section, it’s time to reinforce your points with some examples in your recommendation letter. Remember that for any claim of skill, characteristic, personality, quality, etc., you should always provide an example - a justification, if you will. Closing The third section of any recommendation letter, also known as the conclusion or closing, is where you should offer some final thoughts about the candidate’s application, followed by reaffirming your support and briefly mentioning why the candidate is worthy of your recommendation. The closing part of a recommendation letter should also include your encouragement to accept the candidate and to contact you for further information should the need arise. The recommendation letter is then properly closed with a sign-off, usually with a ‘Best,’ ‘Best regards,’ or a ‘Sincerely.’ Your contact information Don’t forget to add your contact information before signing off a recommendation letter. Though it’s not compulsory, offering your contact information is a great way to show sincerity. You can add two contact methods in case the recipient wishes to discuss further. Recommendation letter contact information can be added in a paragraph all by itself, weaved into the closing, or placed below your signature. Signature Though some may consider this addition a little too fancy, providing your signature is actually expected in a professional letter of recommendation. The signature should go right after your closing sign-off, and above your full name, position, name of company/school, and any other contact information you might want to add.Recommendation Letter Template Now that we’ve seen two examples of recommendation letters, and have learned how to write a strong one, the next step is to craft your own.If this feels like a big step, go on and use our generic letter of recommendation template. Whether you’re writing a recommendation for a past employee or student, this recommendation template is sure to make the process easier.Recommendation Letter Template[Date: Month-Day-Year] [Recipient name][Recipient title][company/university name][Company/university address] Dear [Mr/Mrs/Ms.] [recipient name], It is my pleasure to recommend [candidate name] for [role/position] at [name of organization/institution]. For the past [duration of relationship, I have had the honor of [working with/teaching] [candidate name] as their [your position] at [name of company/university]. Throughout our time together, [candidate name] has performed exceptionally well at [company/school] and I am fully confident that they will be an invaluable asset to your [company/school]. Among [candidate name]’s many [professional/academic] accomplishments, their [list at least one quality or skill] have contributed greatly to our [department/company/school]. When [mention a relevant situation that arose], they [mention how they helped resolve it and the impact that had - could be mentally as well as economically]. Outside of the [classroom/office], [candidate name]’s [characteristics that have impacted the company/school culture] have greatly benefited our department. Their [example of this characteristic and the impact it had]. Throughout their [degree/time with company], [candidate name] has been a pleasure to [teach/work with]. Their [state one skill, characteristic, or quality that relates to what you’ve already mentioned] have been an incredible addition to our [team/department/school], and I strongly recommend you to accept them for this [program/role]. Should you wish to discuss [candidate name]’s application further, feel free to contact me by phone [your phone number] or by email [your email]. Sincerely, [your signature] [your name][your position][Company/university’s name] How to Write a Professional Letter of Recommendation Regardless of who your recommendation letter is for, let’s have a look at how to write a good letter of recommendation: Understand the purpose of the recommendation letter. Before even starting the process, you need to make sure you understand the purpose of the recommendation letter. Is it a work recommendation letter? Or perhaps a recommendation letter for a student applying for an internship or higher education? These are the sorts of things that will impact not only how you approach the recommendation letter, but also the tone and contents of the letter. Different purposes will also call for different skills and qualities to be highlighted. If it’s a generic letter of recommendation for a candidate to have in their arsenal and not for any specific position or application, this will also change what you may want to mention and discuss. In short, it is crucial that you understand the purpose of the recommendation letter before you start writing a recommendation. If you already know what it is, great. If not, ask for more specific requirements or instructions. Ask for any specific requirements/instructions. Writing a professional letter of recommendation for a former employee or student can be challenging, especially if you’re struggling to find adequate recommendations and examples to include. When the going is getting tough, it doesn't hurt to ask the candidate for more information, specifically what they might like you to mention. Most of the time, a candidate will have chosen you as their reference for a reason and are likely to have an idea in mind of what you should mention in your recommendation letter. If it’s proving difficult to figure out what that idea might be, ask the candidate to provide you with: Their resumeThe job description or academic programAdditional information about any skills, achievements, or qualifications With the above, you should be able to appropriately tailor the recommendation letter to their application. Just remember to avoid repeating anything unless it appears significantly important in creating the ideal applicant. Provide specific examples of your recommendation. When writing a recommendation, you should aim to provide at least two specific examples that reflect the candidate’s qualities and can attest to positive characteristics. Remember to make these relevant to the job position or academic application. For an idea of how to weave in examples, why not take a look at the letter of recommendation examples for jobs and students further up this article? Don’t be contradictory. This may seem self-explanatory, but it’s good to remember that a professional letter of recommendation has a clear line throughout and doesn’t make contradictory statements. An easy way to ensure this is to avoid extending the truth. Lying in a recommendation letter, or for any part of an application, is frowned upon anyway and won’t bode well for you or the candidate in the long run. Keep it simple concise. While the length of a recommendation letter isn’t really that important, the general consensus is that it shouldn’t exceed a one-sided page with a size 12 font. If you’re inching ever closer to two pages, that’s okay, just make sure that everything you’ve written is genuinely relevant to their application. If it’s not, cut it. Don’t be afraid to decline a recommendation request. It can be daunting to open your email and see “Request for a recommendation letter from professor” staring back at you, especially if it’s from a student you don’t feel you can provide sufficient commendations for, for whatever reason. If something similar happens to you, remember that there’s no harm in declining a recommendation request. Recommendation letters work best when their writers can provide positive feedback on someone’s work. If you’re unsure whether you can actually do that, it’s probably best to decline.Conclusion Writing a recommendation letter can sometimes feel like both an honor and a burden, but with the right format - cue our letter of recommendation template - this process can feel like a breeze. That said, in crafting a truly professional letter of recommendation, you’ll still have to adjust the tone for different purposes, as well as provide relevant examples for the recommended qualities and characteristics that link to those purposes - see our sample recommendation letter for employee, recommendation letter sample for job, and tips for a better idea on how to do this. Found this article helpful? Follow us for more details.Get recruiter-ready in minutes. Our AI resume checker reviews your resume for common pitfalls and suggests targeted improvements.Get Recruiter-Ready--- Originally written by EVA O'MARA ---

Created by CakeIn this article, you will learn: Tips on writing a great high school graduate resumeHow to create a good job objective for a high school graduate resumeHow to write a professional resume summary for a high school graduateHow to list high school education on a resumeHow to write a high school graduate resume with no experienceHigh school graduate resume sampleFinding a job is never easy, even more so for high school graduates for the lack of professional experience. A resume for a high school graduate is thus one of the most crucial elements. It can reflect a job applicant’s value, strengths, and background. As most fresh high school graduates have few work experiences, designing a top-notch high school graduate resume is the first thing to nail the job-seeking processes.Tips on Writing a Great High School Graduate ResumeA resume is essentially a summary of your educational and professional background. If you recently graduate from high school and have limited experience, you might not have much to write on your resume. However, despair not! Here are some tips to help you make up for the lack of employment history on your resume. Tip 1: Adopt an ATS-friendly resume format. An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a human resource software for the employer to efficiently organize a large number of resumes. To stand out from competitors, your high school graduate resume has to be high-ranking in ATS, which means adopting an ATS-friendly resume format is necessary. Tip 2: Refer to online resume templates and examples. There are now plentiful resume resources online, including examples, templates, and resume builders, which you can refer to when writing your resume after graduating from high school. With a high school graduate resume template, you can develop your own unique resume effortlessly. Tip 3: Tailor your resume for the job position and adopt keywords in the job description. By tailoring your resume, you can show your enthusiasm for the position and how you strive to get the job. Also, pay attention to the differences between resumes and CVs (Curriculum Vitae). Resumes are used for regular job applications, whereas CVs are more common for people who wish to find a job in academia or scientific fields. Thus, check the job description carefully, adopt keywords from it and create the resume or CV for senior high school graduates accordingly. Tip 4: Quantify results on resumes. With statistics in the resume of a high school graduate, the hiring manager can easily let review the applicant’s achievements effortlessly. What is more, the significance of your experience can be shown explicitly with numbers. Tip 5: Include relevant academic accomplishments. An obstacle high school graduates may encounter is that they do not have sufficient working or related experience to show in their resumes. Usually, in this case, they can instead include their academic accomplishments and transferable achievements that demonstrate their skills. However, this kind of information may be considered irrelevant and distract the employers. So read the job description carefully and only include the relevant ones! How to Create a Good Objective for a High School Graduate ResumeAn objective in the resume states your goal or purpose of the career. The length of a well-written resume objective can range from 2-3 sentences. There are principal elements for crafting a successful career objective for a high school graduate in the resume: Your traitsCareer goalsPersonalized statementsSpecified experiences The following career objective examples for a high school graduate are provided for your reference. Example of objective in high school graduate resume with little work experience:Enthusiastic and self-motivated high school graduate, with 2-year experience in fashion retail. Seeking a part-time sales assistant position in GU Company. Example of objective in high school graduate resume with no work experience:Passionate and responsible high school fresh graduate, who is looking for an entry-level position in retail. Looking forward to learning and improving marketing strategies and procedures while gaining customer service skills.How to Write a Professional Resume Summary for a High School Graduate A resume summary, as the name suggests, summarizes the content and the important parts of the resume. For applicants, especially a recent high school graduate, a resume summary is crucial because it determines if the hiring manager will continue reading the rest of the resume. As a result, applicants should ensure that they have gotten a summary stated in their high school graduate resumes that catch the eye. Information that should be highlighted in this section includes: 1. Experience First and foremost, try to pick out the key experience that adds value and attracts the attention of the employer. Think about what you have done, and most applicants have not. Keep in mind that the experience must be related to the position you applied for, and it must have happened in recent years. 2. Skills In the application process, both the soft and hard skills of all applicants will be evaluated. To amaze the hiring managers at the very beginning, read the job description thoroughly and embed your compatible skills in the high school graduate resume summary. 3. Qualifications While some qualifications are prerequisites, others are just a plus. They are always helpful because they attest to your ability. If you own any relevant qualifications, remember to mention them in the resume summary. Example of resume summary for high school graduate with no work experience:Ambitious high school graduate with a 3.85/4.0 GPA and sound attendance record. Served a term as student congress chairperson with 65% support from student representatives and organized a vote of government members of student council successfully. Example of resume summary for high school graduate with little work experience:Diligent high school fresh graduate with clear concepts of sales, marketing, and customer services. Past participant of city youth marketing trainee camp. Served as a summer marketing intern at ABC Co. Attained a 1300+ score in SAT. Example of resume summary for high school graduate with various skills:Versatile high school graduate with Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and English proficiency. With practical experience in social media marketing, keyword analysis, and database management. Currently serves as the student ambassador of a company in the FMCG industry. How to List High School Education on a Resume Education is where you can stand out as a high school graduate looking for a job. An eye-catching education background balances out the lack of relevant work experience or skills in your high school graduate resume. Here is information you need to put in this section and how you can organize it: 1. The degree and where you obtain it Specify the type of your degree and the name and location of your high school you graduated from in the resume as the types of schools, such as including public schools, private schools, international schools, and vocational schools, and degrees vary. Thus, make sure you mention the correct degree and school name here. 2. Duration The duration and the graduation year are vital as well on your high school graduate resume so that the recruiter will know there is no gap in between. 3. GPA Not all enterprises take much care of your academic performance. Nevertheless, it is still recommended that you incorporate their final GPAs into the senior high school graduate resume if your GPA is 3.7 or above. 4. Honors and awards If you have earned any honors or awards during secondary school or upon graduation, feel free to bring them up in chronological order. Still, avoid trivia content and keep the important ones. 5. Electives and extra-curricular activities If you have taken any electives or participated in any unique, noteworthy events, briefly introducing them in your high school graduate resume can be a clever idea as they might impress the employer unexpectedly.Example of education on a high school graduate resume:Victoria First Science High School (CA, U.S.) | 2018-2021 | GPA: 4.0/4.3Honors Awards:2020 Science Vision AwardNational Science Youngster Scholarship2019 Elizabeth’s Charity: Volunteer of The YearExtracurricular Activities:Cheerleading CaptainPresident of Physics Club Example of education on a high school graduate resume:ABC High School (LA, US) | 2016-2020GPA: 3.7AP in History, Physics and MathStudent council secretary How to Write a High School Graduate Resume with No Experience Do not worry too much about the absence of related experience. By following the advice below, you will be able to nail the job application! Advice 1: Choose the right resume format. There are three common resume formats:ChronologicalFunctionalCombination Resume For high school graduates, the functional format best suits them because it emphasizes skills instead of showing work experience directly. Or you can choose to list your extracurricular activities chronologically and write a combination resume as a high school graduate. Advice 2: Write a career objective. As mentioned above, a clear career objective shows your vision and ambition as a starting professional, arousing the interest of the employer. Advice 3: Highlight your education. With the tips and advice above, we believe you are now able to generate a well-written part of education. Try to craft an intriguing story for the hiring manager to find out! Advice 4: Include your portfolio/side project/personal website. A personal website and/or portfolio are unique and valuable materials and can have positive effects on your application. The more special a high school graduate resume is, the more likely it will stand out from competitors. Advice 5: Write a sincere cover letter. A sincere cover letter works to your advantage when you compete with many applicants with similar conditions. It helps the hiring manager to see the efforts you put in and your passion for the position. High School Graduate Resume Sample Marshall CarneyAward-winning sales representative with great communication skillsSouthaven, MS+1-228-5742296 [email protected] Resume objective Desire to secure an entry-level sales position at a fashion retailer, to apply the communication skills gained in the High School Student Sales Trainee Program. Graduated from Southaven Christian School and has been a representative in the student council. Resume summary Fresh high school graduate passionate about fashion branding and sales operations. Highly competent team player, having participated in multiple inter-class projects to completion. Has a sense of style, being able to discover high-end fashion designs.SkillsHard skills:PhotoshopIllustratorVideo EditingJavaFrench (fluent)Soft skills: Time ManagementTeamworkCreativityWillingness to LearnOpen-mindedness Work experience XYZ Corporation High School Student Sales Trainee Program, MS01/2020 - 11/2020 Awarded the trainee of the yearSolved 10+ real-world business and sales cases efficiently Student helper at Lily’s Bookstore, MS01/2019 - 01/2020 Responsible for 200+ merchandises’ promotionsIncreased magazines’ sales by 30% Education Southaven Christian School, TN | 2018-2021 GPA: 3.8/4.3Awards and honors2021 Ted-Amanda Love Academic Scholarship2020 Second Runner-Up in Inter-class Speech Contest Extra-curricular activities 2019 Representative in Student Council2019 Captain of Volleyball Club --- Originally written byFu-Yen Chen---

Created by CakeIn this article, we'll cover: Sample Cover Letter for Assistant ProfessorHow to Write an Assistant Professor Cover LetterAssistant Professor Cover Letter TemplateIf you are ready to mentor students and pursue a rewarding academic career, an assistant professor position could be perfect for you. Assistant professors perform an important function at any college or university. They teach, conduct research, and work with students. Daily tasks can include answering inquiries, hosting office hours, grading assignments and planning lessons. Unlike professors, assistant profs don’t have tenure and might not have much teaching experience. To land an assistant professor position, a cover letter for the application is essential. While your resume will list your experience, your assistant professor cover letter will elaborate on your specific skills and give the hiring committee an idea of why you are passionate about the position. Putting a little extra effort into your cover letter for an assistant professor job will help you to beat out your competition and land an interview. Sample Cover Letter for Assistant Professor✉️ Cover letter for assistant professor in English If you are applying for the post of assistant professor in English, you’ll need to customize your associate professor cover letter to the specific English department. This cover letter sample for assistant professors can act as a guide for your own application. Peter Ettore111-111-1111[email protected] Ginette VibekeEnglish Department ManagerGreat Mind University Dear Ms. Vibeke, I’m writing to apply for the open Assistant Professor position in the English Department at Great Mind University. I have a master’s degree in English literature from New City College and relevant experience as a teacher’s assistant. I believe my professional history will make me a good fit in your department. In my previous position as a TA, I was responsible for planning and teaching tutorials and maintaining regular communication with my students. I developed tests and assignments, and graded essays, all of which required keen attention to detail and strong organization skills. I was able to develop my confidence as a teacher during those two years, and I look forward to bringing these skills to an assistant professor position at Great Mind. My passion has always been medieval literature, and your English department is second to none in this regard. My particular focus is on the early Renaissance period, and I’m excited at the prospect of exploring this further in an assistant professor role. If you have any questions about my qualifications, you can reach me by email or phone. I look forward to discussing my resume in person. Thank you for your time. Sincerely,Peter Ettore ✉️ Cover letter for assistant professor in mathematics If the faculty you are applying to is mathematics, make sure you demonstrate relatable skills in your cover letter for associate professors. Use this cover letter for a faculty position example to help inspire your writing. Eliana Thando123-123-1233[email protected] Nathan MehmoudHiring ManagerAcademy University Dear Mr. Mehmoud, I’m excited to submit my application for the assistant professor position at Academy University. I have a master’s in applied mathematics, and previous history as an associate professor. My combination of skills and experience make me an ideal applicant for this role. I’ve spent the last four years working as an assistant professor at Small City College, where I planned lessons and taught tutorials while maintaining frequent communication with students and faculty. My experience as a tutor helped me develop my interpersonal skills, and I found a passion for helping students to meet their potential. These experiences all transfer directly to the assistant professor role. I’m excited by the mathematics department at Academy University because its program attracts applicants from all over the world. I’m confident my skills and experience can support Academy University to achieve its objectives and students from diverse backgrounds. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. You can reach me by phone or email. Thank you for your consideration. Regards,Eliana Thando How to Write an Assistant Professor Cover LetterLike any application letter, writing a good assistant professor cover letter takes some time, but don’t overthink it! Here are some simple steps to writing a great cover letter for an assistant professor job. ✏️ Do proper research Before you write your assistant professor cover letter, do some research about the position and the school. Knowing more about the faculty or school you’ll be working for can help you incorporate some key details into your cover letter for a university staff job. If you understand what the school is looking for in their profs, you can use the assistant professor cover letter to demonstrate that you share their values and meet their needs. ✏️ Include necessary elements An associate professor cover letter should include all the standard components of any application letter. Use these tips to help you create an outline for your cover letter for an assistant professor job. Information of the sender and recipient The very first section of your assistant professor cover letter should be basic personal information. Include your name, address, email, and links to online profiles at the top of your associate professor cover letter. You should also write the name of the hiring manager, their position title, and the company name on a cover letter for an assistant professor job. A clear subject line (for emails) If you’re applying for the post of assistant professor by email, use a clear subject line. It should be specific but brief and include the position title. For example, use a subject line like ‘Assistant Professor Job Application’ or ‘Assistant Professor Cover Letter and Resume.’ Greetings The greeting of your associate professor cover letter should be polite and professional. Use ‘Dear’ and then the manager’s last name. Body paragraphs The body paragraphs of your cover letter for the assistant professor position should be tailored to the position. Be specific about your relevant skills and experience and use direct examples of times you’ve used those skills. Try not to fit too much of your work history into the associate professor cover letter, since this will already be laid out in your resume. Closing Use the closing paragraph of your assistant professor cover letter to let the manager know how they can contact you. Thank them for their time and attention and invite them to follow up with you. Be confident but polite when closing your cover letter for the post of assistant professor. Sign-offs The sign-off of your associate professor cover letter should be professional and polite. Words like ‘sincerely,’ or ‘best regards’ are safe choices. Your contact information (for emails) If you’re writing your cover letter for an associate professor post as an email, don’t forget to include your contact information at the end. List your email and phone number once more, so the manager has easy access to your information after they’ve read your assistant professor cover letter. ✏️ Highlight assistant professor skills When you are applying for the post of assistant professor, certain skills will make you stand out from your competition. Your assistant professor cover letter is a great opportunity to showcase these skills in action. Communication One of the best skills you can demonstrate on your assistant professor cover letter is good written and verbal communication. Assistant professors must communicate with faculty and students both in-person and over email. They also need to write papers and get their ideas across clearly and concisely. In your associate professor cover letter, you can give examples of times that you’ve used communication skills. Research Assistant professors are often tasked with conducting research and submitting their findings to be published. Experience or training in research methods is a great skill to highlight on a cover letter for a university staff job. When you are applying for the post of assistant professor, you can mention any previous research projects you’ve worked on. Analytical While writing a cover letter for the post of assistant professor, look for ways to demonstrate your analytical skills. Professors need to teach their students reasoning skills and be critical thinkers themselves. One way to demonstrate analytical skills on your assistant professor cover letter is by describing a challenge at work and your method of resolving it. Writing Keep in mind as you’re creating your assistant professor cover letter, that writing will be a big part of your job. Professors must write their research as well as email correspondence with students and faculty. A great way to demonstrate writing skills is with a well-written associate professor cover letter, but you can also indicate times that you’ve successfully used writing skills in your academic career. Passion If you’re applying for the post of assistant professor, you are likely passionate about academia and have dedicated a huge part of your life to your studies. Don’t be afraid to show your passion for your subject or the department in your associate professor cover letter. Passion will let the hiring manager know that you care and help your assistant professor cover letter stand out. Patience Educators have a challenging position and occasionally need patience when dealing with students and other faculty members. Patience is therefore a good skill to incorporate in your assistant professor cover letter. Try to give an example of a time when patience and thoughtfulness helped you in a work environment. Leadership Since assistant professors must lead a class of students, then leadership skills are essential to include in your assistant professor cover letter. You could be speaking in front of a large group at times and may need to take charge of different tasks in your department. Include examples of your leadership ability on your cover letter for an associate professor job to help your chances with the hiring committee. Motivation It will help you to show you’re a motivated person when applying for the post of assistant professor. Professors have a difficult job, and the hiring manager will want to know that you are enthusiastic. Look for ways to give examples of your tireless commitment to academia in your assistant professor cover letter. Confidence Since professors work independently, present their ideas, and speak publicly, confidence is a crucial skill to demonstrate in a cover letter for a university staff job. Give examples of times you’ve been self-assured in a previous position when applying to the post of assistant professor. Organization A professor has many duties they need to juggle, including countless administrative tasks. It may help your chances to show your organisation skills in a cover letter for an assistant professor position. Give specific examples of your organisation skills in action when you write your assistant professor cover letter. ✏️Proofread The best thing you can do to perfect your associate professor cover letter is to proofread it. Wait some time after you’ve finished your assistant professor cover letter to reread it and check for grammatical errors or awkward sentences. You can improve your cover letter even further by asking a friend or colleague to proofread it for you. ✏️Highlight relevant experience Whether you are applying for the post of assistant professor for the first time or have experience teaching at the university level, use your associate professor cover letter to elaborate on applicable experience. This can be anything from tutoring to camp counselling. Don’t go into your entire work history in your assistant professor cover letter but instead write about directly relevant experience and pick one or two positions you think will help you shine.Assistant Professor Cover Letter TemplateIf you’re not sure how to start writing, try following an example of a cover letter for a faculty position as a jumping off point. Use this template of an assistant professor cover letter and fill it in with your own details. [Your Name][Your Phone Number][Your Email][Your Website URL] [Hiring Manager’s Name][Hiring Manager’s Position Title][School Name][School Address] Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I’m writing to apply for the position of [Position Title] at [School Name]. I am skilled in [list skills] and I have relevant experience in [list experience]. My qualifications and professional history make me an ideal candidate for this role. In my previous role as [Previous Position Title] at [Company Name], I was responsible for [describe several key responsibilities]. During my time there, I [list major accomplishments]. I used this opportunity to advance my skills in [describe a skill] when I [give specific examples of that skill in action]. I am excited by the prospect of working for [School Name] because [give a reason you are excited]. I look forward to bringing my expertise in [list skills] to the team at [School Name]. If you have any questions about my qualifications, you can reach me by [preferred contact method]. I look forward to meeting you. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely,[Your Name] 🔑 Key Takeaways If you’re applying for the post of assistant professor, you surely have a passion for academia and maybe even some experience under your belt. Writing a strong associate professor cover letter is the first step in a rewarding career. Think about the skills you need to demonstrate when you write your assistant professor cover letter and give specific examples of your accomplishments. Do some research before writing a cover letter for a university staff job, and make sure you proofread before you submit. A well-written assistant professor cover letter can land you your dream position! With Cake, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume in PDF, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Land your dream job, create your resume online (free download) now!Create resume--- Originally written by Tiffany Quinn---

Core competencies in a resume can go under many names such as “Core Qualifications” or “Highlights”. They are a list combining your skills, abilities, and qualifications that make you a good fit for the position.For example, below are 5 examples of core competencies in business:Research skillsConflict resolutionCommunication skillsForecastingTask delegation The purpose of putting core competencies in a resume is to pique the employer’s interest since the very beginning. Hence, it’s very important to write this section properly and provide outstanding key competencies examples. Table of Contents:What Are Core Competencies on a Resume?20 Core Competencies ExamplesHow to Use the Core Knowledge Competencies Examples on a ResumeCore Competencies Examples (for Different Resume Types) What Are Core Competencies on a Resume?The concept of core competencies was first introduced by C.K. Prahalad and Gary Hamel. According to the authors, core competencies are referred to as a unique set of skills and resources that helps a company to operate more effectively and efficiently than competitors in the market. Simply put, they are what makes an organization or individual stand out from the crowd. In the context of resume writing, core competencies include your strengths, soft skills, and hard skills related to the position you are applying for. They are often listed in a separated section and as phrases instead of full sentences. The point is that employers will be drawn to your CV/resume and have a picture of you from the start. Note that they only spend an average of 7 seconds on an individual application, hence, grab their attention by listing key competencies in your resume. 20 Core Competencies ExamplesLet's check out the list of common competencies examples as well as key competencies for your CV:CommunicationTeamworkManagement SkillsCustomer ServiceLeadershipCreative ThinkingAdaptabilityInnovationProblem-solvingMultitaskingInterpersonalAnalytical SkillsCritical ThinkingTechnical SkillsComputer SkillsMicrosoft Office SkillsDecision-makingOrganizational SkillsTransferable SkillsJob-related Skills 1. Communication Communication skills facilitate the interaction, understanding, and coexistence among individuals in both the workplace and personal life. Examples of communication skills on a resume: Negotiation skills Active listeningPhone skills Public speaking Accepting feedback 2. Teamwork Teamwork skills are the ability to interact and cooperate effectively within a group, team, or organization. Nowadays, most tasks require collaboration so employers value professionals with strong teamwork skills. Examples of teamwork on a resume: ToleranceRespectfulnessCommunicationTask delegationNetworking 3. Management skills Management skills cover a wide range of areas, including: planning, supervision, evaluation, budget control, etc. They are important attributes that help you manage your tasks efficiently and accomplish your career objectives. Examples of management skills on a resume: Planning organizingCoordinatingEmotional intelligenceConflict managementRisk management 4. Customer service Customer service skills are traits and practices necessary to communicate with customers, ensure their satisfaction, and solve their problems. Examples of customer service on a resume: Communication skillsRelationship developmentProblem-solvingNegotiation skillsAttention to detail 5. Leadership Leadership skills incorporate a set of personal traits and techniques which are especially beneficial for managerial positions like team leaders, supervisors, managers, or C-suite executives. Examples of leadership skills on a resume: Recruiting trainingStrategic thinkingPrioritizing tasksTeam buildingConflict resolution 6. Creative thinking Creative thinkers are able to see things from diverse perspectives and actively explore different approaches to a problem or a challenge. Examples of creative thinking skills on a resume: Analytical mindsetOpen-mindednessExperimentationActive listeningDivergent thinking 7. Adaptability Adaptability refers to the ability to adjust mindset and behaviors to fit into a new environment. Examples of adaptability on a resume: Fast learnerNetworkingCommunicationAnalytical thinkingSelf-motivation 8. Innovation Similar to the concept of innovation in business, innovation skills drive you forward with your creative thinking, determination, and courage. Employers would expect someone who will bring new ideas that can make a breakthrough and contribute to the organization’s growth. Examples of innovation on a resume: Creative thinkingBrainstormingIdea developmentResearch skillsAnalytical thinking 9. Problem-solving Having problem-solving skills means that you are able to handle difficult or unexpected situations and come up with an effective solution in a given time. Examples of problem-solving skills on a resume: Critical thinkingDependabilityDecision-makingRisk assessmentConflict resolution 10. Multitasking Multitasking is switching back and forth among different tasks, and effectively performing one right after the other. Examples of multitasking on a resume: Planning organizingOrganization skillsDependabilityTeam-buildingDeadline-driven 11. Interpersonal Interpersonal skills refer to the behaviors and tactics used to effectively communicate, interact, and work within an organization. They are considered as a specific type of social skills essential for both career and personal life. Examples of interpersonal skills on a resume: Written and verbal communication skillsDiplomacy (handling affairs without hostility)Inspiring and motivating other team membersRelationship buildingResponsive 12. Analytical skills If you can collect information and analyze it thoroughly, it means you have analytical skills. These are often required to successfully solve problems and make decisions. Examples of analytical skills on a resume: Logical reasoningData collectionResearchForecastingReport Analysis 13. Critical thinking Critical thinking is a thinking strategy that allows you to be logical when approaching an issue. You will need to understand the matter thoroughly and use the given facts to resolve it. Examples of critical thinking on a resume: Problem-solvingObservationActive listeningResearch analysisRelevance 14. Technical skills Technical skills, also listed as hard skills in some cases, are job-specific capabilities or knowledge that must be learned through online/university courses, hands-on experience, and training. They are often geared towards a specific career or a general set of expertise. Examples of technical skills on a resume: Industry knowledgeAbility to operate a specific toolSoftware proficiencyData analysisTechnical reports 15. Computer skills Whether or not you are proficient in using different tools, software, and applications on the computer to produce desired results efficiently - that’s the basic concept of computer skills. Examples of computer skills on a resume: Word processingWeb browsersScheduling toolsSocial media managementWeb development programming 16. Microsoft Office skills You may see “Microsoft Office Skills" very often in the requirements section in a job posting. These are the techniques and practices that you learn when working with Microsoft Office programs or tools. Examples of MS Office skills on a resume: Creating and formatting documentsData presentation visualizationExecuting formulasTask delegation and assignment on OutlookPrinting 17. Decision-making Decision-making skills demonstrate your proficiency in choosing between two or more alternatives in a certain situation. Examples of decision-making skills on a resume: Analytical thinkingProblem-solvingProfessionalismRisk assessmentEmotional intelligence 18. Organizational skills Organizational skills are a set of attributes that help you to plan and organize tasks effectively and be professional in a business setting. Examples of organizational skills on a resume: ProfessionalismCoordinationPlanning schedulingAttention to detailFacilitation 19. Transferable skills Transferable skills, or portable skills, are personal traits and abilities that are relevant and helpful across different areas of life. They can be utilized whether you are a student or employee; entry-level or higher-level professional. Examples of transferable skills on a resume: Time managementPersonal motivationPersonal developmentAvoiding stressNumeracy skills 20. Job-related skills Job-related skills are specific skills that allow you to excel in a particular job, for example, the job you’re applying for. Some are attained by attending courses or developed through professional experience at work. Examples of common competencies in business: Ceaseless innovationGreat customer serviceResult-drivenProblem analysisSituational awarenessTired of sending resumes into the void? Our AI resume checker ensures your resume is optimized for both ATS systems and human reviewers.Optimize My ResumeHow to Use the Core Knowledge Competencies Examples on a Resume💡 Write down a list of your core strengths If you don’t know where and how to start, list out all knowledge and qualifications that you have and pick the 5-10 most outstanding key competencies for your CV. They should be those that makes you stand out from the rest. 💡 Keep your core competencies writing concise but descriptive As mentioned above, employers find it easy to read if you use bullet points to list out core competencies in your resume. They will be more impressed to see how you elaborate further on what you’ve listed.Example of core competencies in entrepreneurship: “Leadership skills: Led a team of 6 front-end developers, ensuring 100% uptime.” 💡 Tailor each resume core competencies for each application Similar to hard and soft skills, core competencies in a resume should be tailored to match the specific position. You may have plenty of strengths but not all of them can benefit you at work.For instance, creative thinking is a key skill for creative industries such as writers, designers, and artists rather than managerial positions or public sector jobs. 💡 Place your core competencies in the correct resume section You can present your key competencies in the following resume sections: Resume profile (check the examples below)Work experienceA separate section for your core strengths and qualifications 💡 Think about your core competencies in a professional setting Bear in mind that you’re writing a resume to apply for a job, not a biography. Thus, avoid listing what can be seen as too personal and not beneficial for your actual job, such as humor and extroversion. Core Competencies Examples (for Different Resume Types)Keep on reading to see resume core competencies examples for different professions:Project Manager Core Competencies Resume ExamplesCore Competencies in Resume for Freshers ExamplesCore Competencies for Sales Resume ExamplesCore Competencies for Logistics Resume ExamplesTeacher Core Competencies for Resume ExamplesCustomer Service Core Competencies Resume Examples1. Project Manager Core Competencies Resume ExamplesCreated using CakeResume2.Core Competencies in Resume for Freshers ExamplesCreated using CakeResume3.Core Competencies for Sales Resume ExamplesCreated using CakeResume4.Core Competencies for Logistics Resume ExamplesCreated using CakeResume5.Teacher Core Competencies for Resume ExamplesCreated using CakeResume6.Customer Service Core Competencies Resume ExamplesCreated using CakeResume🔑 Key Takeaways:Adding core competencies in your resume/CV can quickly show employers what value you can bring to the organization.When providing key competencies examples, keep in mind to list them properly and professionally, either at the top of the resume or in a separate section. --- Originally written byMay Luong ---

Created by CakeIn this article, we'll cover:What is the Managerial Round of Interviews?Managerial Round Interview Questions and AnswersGood Questions to Ask in the Managerial Round of an InterviewA company's hiring process often has several stages, including initial screening, HR interviews, technical interviews, and a managerial round. The managerial round interview is usually placed at the final stage of the hiring process, after the human resources department finished scanning the basic qualification requirements. At the managerial round of interviews, the managers of the company will ask questions to determine whether you are truly competent for the role. You will have to gain company leaders' approval, by nailing the managerial round interviews and answering the questions perfectly, to ultimately land your dream job. Read on to learn more about managerial rounds and 15 sample interview questions and answers to get fully prepared. What is the Managerial Round of Interviews?The managerial round of an interview is when a manager or multiple managers interview a job candidate. After you’ve succeeded in the first few stages of an interview, the HR will pass you to the managerial round and the hiring manager will ask questions to decide whether you truly are suitable to work with them. The purpose of a managerial round is for managers to participate in the human resources screening process since you will be part of their teams and working with them closely. In addition, you’ll get to meet the manager in the managerial round to know more about the company’s culture, working styles, and future collaborators. Managerial Round Interview Questions and AnswersYou might be wondering “what should I expect in a managerial round?”, which is why we’ve gathered 15 common managerial round interview questions with sample answers provided: Common managerial round interview questions Why should we hire you? This managerial round question often makes candidates a bit nervous. However, this is used to test your confidence when you face managers in the final round. List your strengths and qualifications as you would in any other interviews. “First, my skills and career history match perfectly with your requirements for a sales representative. I have also been a big fan of your company’s products and am very familiar with them. I’m excited to leverage my people skills to close sales projects with big clients, utilizing my strong experience to help you achieve your company vision. I believe I’m your most passionate and competent candidate.” What are your strengths and weaknesses? Managers ask you this question both to understand you and to know how well you understand yourself in the managerial round of interviews. Answer candidly and show them that you are working on your weaknesses. “My strength is my communication and organization skills. I can communicate things clearly to strangers and organize large, complex tasks and break them into manageable pieces. On the other hand, my weakness is my discomfort with taking big risks. That’s why I’m reading books on psychology and decision-making strategies to understand how to see risks as opportunities.” What motivates you? This is one of the most common managerial round interview questions since motivations are what make us do our work better. Employees with strong motivation will have a higher sense of accomplishment and productivity, which in turn benefits the company. Employers ask this in the managerial round to understand what keeps you passionate. "Creating visually impressive designs is what motivates me to work as a motion designer. I enjoy the final moment when I see my animation come together and reach thousands of audiences. That’s also what inspired me to join your company since I admired your motion works.” What do you least enjoy in your last job? Managers ask this question in the managerial round to observe your professionalism and understand reasons behind your resignation and what you value in a company. You should answer the managerial round question positively. Discuss tasks or situations rather than individuals or the environment. "In my time with Marketstraat, I had the chance to learn various management techniques for large corporations. Nevertheless, I’m looking to join a smaller organization to expand my skills, take on more responsibilites, and work as a change agent to bring positive effects on an organization's long term mission and goals.” What do you think managers and leaders can do to support their employees? A good manager cares about their employees. They don’t just want to know if you are a good fit for the company; they also want to know if they can help you grow professionally as a supervisor. As a result, when this question shows up in the managerial round, you can voice opinions or experience in the interview. “I always appreciate constructive feedback from my superiors. I believe managers can guide their employees with directional opinions and point out overlooked aspects. Also, I think it’s important for managers to communicate with their employees frequently. This is crucial for managerial tasks such as delegating tasks and responsibilities.” What are your career goals? Setting a career goal is always good for you. Employers also ask this in the managerial round to know about your aspirations. Career goals help employers in the managerial round know your focus and plans to progress in your profession and if they match those of the company’s. “My goal is to advance into the lead software developer role to guide a team of developers in the next two years. For leadership skills, I’m now providing mentorship for junior software developers online and taking management courses. As for my technical skills, I challenge myself to build a more robust system, with at least 2.5 million requests per minute to improve data management skills.” How do you perform under pressure? Performing under pressure is a quality that can make a difference between an outstanding employee and an average one. This could be a potential question asked at a manager interview to learn about your ability to stay calm, think logically, and deal with unexpected situations. “I am often calm when meeting unexpected obstacles. One time, I was expected to complete and close the project in a week. However, one of our engineers had a car accident and was sent to the hospital. As a result, I immediately took on some of the remaining tasks, delegated a small portion of them to other engineers, and made sure they were on track. Afterward, I specifically thanked them for their efficiency in the celebrating party in public and visited the engineer in the hospital.” How do you deal with conflicts between co-workers? Disagreements in workplaces are not uncommon. Conflict-related questions are asked in the managerial round to determine your communication skills and reaction to conflicts with colleagues. “I deal with conflict using active listening. Empathizing with my teammates without feeling offended is crucial. When facing conflicts or obstacles, I will first hold back my opinions to listen to the other person’s viewpoint. Also, I will build a safe space for people to voice opinions privately to avoid complications.” Are there things you would like to share about yourself? If this question is asked at the end of the managerial interview round to wrap up the conversation. The managerial round is the final chance for you to demonstrate your accomplishment, skills, qualifications, so if you feel like you haven’t brought out the best side of yourself when answering previous questions, you can take this chance to explain it again in the managerial interview round. “Actually, yes! We didn’t talk about it previously, but I have several years of experience working in customer service, which allowed me to develop transferable skills needed for this role. I’m able to tackle customer problems and come up with actionable solutions to help make our product better. I wanted to mention this because the ability to understand the customer’s needs is what differentiates me from other candidates.” What salary are you expecting? This tricky question might arise at the near end of the managerial round. To answer this managerial round question, you can mention a flexible range or return focus on the position. “Although I’m more interested in finding a position that will allow me to exercise my skills and knowledge, I understand the similar roles offer salaries between $64700 and $74800. I believe we will agree on an amount that is competitive in the job market given my experience, knowledge of the industry, and skills.” Managerial round interview questions for freshers What brings you to our company? Employers ask this question in a managerial round interview to understand why you apply for this role. To prepare for this managerial round question, you can look into the company’s mission and goals to learn about its position in the industry, find out what attracts you and show them your enthusiasm. “I want to be fully dedicated and learn from the best in my first job. I’ve always been following industry news and admired your innovative culture. I want to join your company to experience it first-hand and help deliver world-leading products." Managerial round interview questions for experienced job applicants Tell me about an accomplishment you are proud of. In a managerial round interview, an experienced job applicant might face questions like this and be asked to elaborate on their work experience. So prepare one or two examples with details that can showcase your skills. The employer might even ask you follow up questions to learn more about your work style or thought process in the managerial round. “In my 10 years of working as a project manager, I’m most proud of developing the App “Chatsnap”. Our team wanted to design an instant, visual-motion-based social media, which was different from BookFace. Some in the company didn’t trust our team, yet we believed in ourselves and that this product should be a successful project and worked hard on it. To date, this application has more than 10M users. This experience made me believe that passion is the most crucial factor to success.” Managerial round interview questions for software developers Describe the previous project you’ve worked on. Especially the challenges and your contributions. This question is asked at a managerial interview because managers want to know what you are interested in and your current competence. Moreover, they ask this question to assess your ability to handle challenges and problem-solving skills. “As a front-end engineer in a design studio, I helped make an interactive website for our studio's biggest client. The challenge was to hand our product smoothly to the client's marketing and sales team after we create the website. The client had very sophisticated guidelines, a complicated document system, and an ill-organized design department. I decided to have a meeting directly with their Marketing Director to understand their requests better, and suggest a possible solution to help their team work more smoothly with our website.“ Managerial round interview questions for testers How do you handle ambiguity, either in projects or applications? Testers frequently face unclear situations, so the interviewer, your potential manager, likely wants to know your ability to handle them and if you’re comfortable with ambiguity. Nail this question by showing them examples of how you dealt with ambiguity in the past in the managerial round of interviews. “I am comfortable with ambiguity. I enjoy using my skills in every task and taking a little risk in automation testing. Ambiguity is an opportunity to help improve my team’s ability to bring out better solutions each time. I see it as an inevitable part for testers, and that’s when creative thinking and problem-solving come into place.” Managerial round interview questions for QA How do you select a quality testing tool? Employers might also ask technical questions in a managerial round interview. When facing this kind of question, stay calm, answer slowly, and show them your thought process. “There are several aspects I will consider when choosing an automation test tool. First, I’ll go through the requirements and make a list of useful tools. I’ll then reexamine the cost, our company’s skill sets, and key criteria.” Good Questions to Ask in the Managerial Round of an InterviewAt the end of the managerial round, applicants are frequently encouraged to ask questions regarding the company, role, and managers or voice any doubts. Asking constructive and good questions in the managerial round add value to you as a candidate. In the managerial round, the managers might even decide if you are a bright minder or a critical thinker based on the questions you ask. Questions to ask in the managerial round include:How would you define or measure success for this role?What are the company’s current goals? What are the biggest challenges?What does a typical day look like in this company? Cake provides the best resume making tools templates to help you create the perfect resume for your job hunt. Take your career journeyto new heights - create a resume online (free download) now!Create CV--- Originally written by Wu Chao Min---

Although many people work regular 9-to-5 hours, there are many industries which work beyond typical business hours or even 24/7. Whether it's hospitality, security, retail or medicine, knowing your open availability will allow employers to evenly and appropriately spread shifts across their team. Besides being asked questions like “When can you start working?” when interviewing for those jobs or some part-time positions, you might also be prompted to disclose your open availability in many ways, such as:What are your hours available to work?Do you have any regularly scheduled events?What is your weekly availability to work?Do you have open availability?What days/hours are you available to work?It’s important to know your schedule and convey this confidently in the hiring process. We’ll go through how to explain your availability for work, and provide samples to help you prepare. TABLE OF CONTENTS:What is Open Availability? Definition MeaningTips on How to Answer “What is Your Availability?” in an InterviewExample Answers to “What is Your Availability to Work?” QuestionsWhat to Consider When Filling Out Open Availability on a Job Application?What is Open Availability? Definition Meaning By definition, open availability simply means the days, times or hours you are available to work. When someone indicates that he or she has open availability, it means he or she is flexible and available to work whenever the employer requires him or her to. This is typically asked when jobs are part-time or casual, such as shift work, or for jobs which are not within normal 9-to-5 hours. Your availability to work will be asked for at some point in the hiring process, such as:Job application forms There is usually a dedicated section in job applications titled “my availability” or similar.Your hours of availability are typically asked during the end of the interview. Interviewers will note this down, so having a concise description will be appreciated. Job interviews: Tips on How to Answer “What is Your Availability?” in an Interview Apart from knowing your earliest date available for work, another important piece of information that interviewers and managers also look for is your availability to work, so it's a good idea to have an answer ready. However, when preparing your hours of availability, it's important to keep your priorities and work-life balance in mind. Below are items you can reflect on when thinking of your hours of availability:Review your own schedule Think of your current commitments, such as school or university, sports you play, lessons you take or downtime you dedicate to yourself. Reflect on your current schedule and prioritize commitments, making adjustments if your current hours of availability are low or not conducive to work. Research company hours Although job postings should outline expected working hours or shifts, researching the company hours can help you understand the expected hours of availability for work.Checking company hours in advance helps you throughout the job hunting process, to avoid disappointment if you can’t commit to the expected hours of availability. If you are working at a franchise or chain store, make sure you research the hours for the location you will be working at, as opening hours can vary between stores. Be honest Although you’d want to stand out in the interview, be honest with yourself and the interviewer when discussing your availability to work. Provide candid answers about your current commitments and hours of availability, so as not to sacrifice your work-life balance. Let the interviewer know your future plans If you have a commitment scheduled in the future, such as a holiday, school assessment or important event, let the interviewer know. Recruiters understand that nobody has totally open availability with no plans, especially if the plans were made long before you were hired. Offer alternatives if there’s a schedule conflict If you do have a conflicting schedule, or your hours of availability aren't ideal to the interviewer, offering up alternatives shows you are committed and flexible. Being open to shift switches, covering, or taking on night shifts can be brought up when discussing your hours of availability. Employers ultimately want a consistent schedule, but appreciate flexibility as well. Example Answers to “What is Your Availability to Work?” Questions Created by CakeResumeAlthough it is a typical application or interview question, your availability to work can be difficult to articulate concisely. Once you have reflected on the times you have open availability, think of the best way to clearly communicate them in the hiring process.You don't need to give too much detail and over-explain your hours of availability, but mentioning context can be helpful. Here are ways to answer questions about your open availability depending on your situation: When you are still in school “My school hours are 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday. My availability for work is after 4:30 from Monday to Friday, and any time on Weekends.” When you are currently employed “I put in my 2-week notice at my current job yesterday, so I will be available to work full-time hours from the 14th. My hours of availability are from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm.” When you’re applying for a shift job “I am available for 3 shifts per week from Monday to Thursday, from 9 am until 9 pm. The starting and end times are flexible within my hours of availability.” When you’re available for night shifts “My hours of availability include the company’s normal business hours, and I have hours of availability for night shifts until 2 am.” When you are free and ready to start a new job “I currently have open availability, and am able to start ASAP. I can work anytime within the advertised business hours, and on weekends as well.” When you have family commitments “My hours of availability are from Monday to Friday, and I am flexible on starting and finishing times on those days. I don’t have availability for work on the weekends, since I take care of my young children when they are not at school.” When you’re available during the weekend “I am available to work on average 3 days per week. I have open availability both during the week and both Saturday and Sunday.” When you can work overtime “My hours of availability are from Monday to Friday, 9-5, but I am able to work overtime hours and pick up weekend shifts if necessary.” When you have commitments in the near future “My hours of availability are from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm. However, I have a family event during the first weekend of June, and I am unavailable to work on those particular days. Aside from that, my availability for work is consistent.” When there is a schedule conflict “My availability for work is only from Thursday to Sunday, as I am currently studying full-time and have classes on the other days. However, I have open availability on those days and am flexible with the shift schedule.”What to Consider When Filling Out Open Availability on a Job Application?Often the question of open availability will appear during the application process. This removes being put on the spot during interviews and can allow you to plan in advance what time commitment you are ready to make for the job.There are important factors to consider when deciding on your hours of availability for both yourself and the job, including: Recurring Schedules Your open availability should have no schedule conflicts, so list down any commitments you have, such as classes, sports, lessons or any other recurring event that is a priority over work. You can then maintain a work-life balance by staying clear from recurring commitments when filling out questions regarding your open availability during your application. Commute Time Unless you know the job is work from home, check the commute time (both ways) to the office or store you’ll be working at. Include peak hour traffic and parking time as well, and factor that into the hours of availability that you’re willing to commit. The Hours the Company Expects You to Work If it's not listed in the job posting, research the company business hours or the location you applied for. You can also use online job review sites to get insight into the expected shifts or hours of availability for the employees. Once you have decided on your availability for work, write them out clearly and logically in the “my availability” section when applying for jobs. You don’t need to explain the reasons for your availability to work, only the times and hours you are available to work. Here are examples of how you can fill out your availability to work in job applications: Example 1:Monday to Friday: 9 am to 6 pmSaturday, Sunday, School Holidays Public Holidays: All dayAvailable to start ASAPExample 2:3 shifts per week from Tuesday to Saturday, anytime between 8 am and 10 pmOvertime or night shifts: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 pm until 2 amPublic Holidays: all dayAvailable to start from June 2nd Key TakeawaysTo recap, your open availability is the hours you are willing to work. Even if you available to work on any day and at any hours, make sure you think of all the commitments and personal time you wish to maintain in your lifestyle.Employers are understanding of the commitments of individual lifestyles, so stating your hours of availability clearly in a job application will help avoid ambiguity and disappointment in the job-hunting process. Submit your applications with confidence. Our AI resume checker gives you the insights you need to make every application count.Build Confidence--- Originally written by Bronte McNamara---

Created by CakeResumeHowever, the major difference between a cover letter and an application letter lies in the content. A cover letter, which is usually submitted along with a resume, focuses on expressing your interest in the position. An application letter meanwhile can replace a resume and a cover letter and briefly describes your education and work history.Job search jargon can be confusing sometimes, especially when there are terms that sound alike but mean differently. Yes, we're talking about a cover letter vs. an application letter. They serve the same purpose – introducing yourself, demonstrating your qualifications for the job opening, and convincing the employer to call you for an interview.Read on to learn more about: When to Use an Application Letter vs. Cover LetterCover Letter vs. Application Letter - ContentCover Letter vs Application Letter - Pros ConsTips for Writing a Strong Application Letter When to Use an Application Letter vs. Cover LetterSince an application letter and cover letter are two different documents, they should also differ in terms of usage. As we all already know and understand, a cover letter is used to accompany a resume when applying for a job vacancy.Then, what about application letters?Below we will discuss the 5 different situations that tell whether you should use an application letter or a cover letter.💡 When there is no job postingIf the job isn't being advertised, you can consider sending out an application letter or a letter of interest. These two documents work well when you want to express your confidence and desire to work at that company in the future. That being said, a letter of interest is another different document, just like how an application letter is different from a cover letter. Application letters highlight your skills, strengths, and previous work experiences in detail, along with your interest in the specific position you are writing about. 💡 When you’re applying for academic programs or scholarshipsIn such situations, a longer-form letter like an application letter or an academic CV is more preferred compared to a resume and cover letter. The reason is that school advisors expect to see the details of your personal growth in terms of both education and employment. Therefore, they can decide whether you would be an excellent candidate to be granted the opportunity. 💡 When you’re applying for internshipsAs a student looking for internships, you might not have a lot of work experience to describe in your resume. For that reason, an application letter will be able to do the job of both a resume and a cover letter. Also, the potential employer would like to dig deep into your educational background as well as personal traits and strengths, not just hear about your passion. That's why an application letter is preferable to a cover letter or a motivation letter. 💡 When you’re applying for a job openingA cover letter is generally sent along with your resume for a job application. It is considered as a supporting document that helps provide additional information besides what is written in your resume. Though it’s optional to include a cover letter in your job application, you should need one to express yourself further in a more personal way. 💡 When you have a lot to write in your resumeYou have plenty of work experience and have achieved many accomplishments in the field, so a 2-page resume is not enough. If so, you should describe those work experiences and accomplishments that don’t fit in your resume in a cover letter.Remember, do not repeat the same information on your resume in your cover letter. What if you are a recent graduate and have limited professional experience? A cover letter will then help you demonstrate your passion and motivation to apply for the job opening. You can also impress the hiring manager by stating your career goals. Cover Letter vs. Application Letter - ContentIn this paragraph, we're going to show you the difference between a cover letter vs. a letter of application in terms of their format and structure.1. Cover Letter vs. Application Letter - HeaderBasically, the header of a motivation letter vs. an application letter follows the format of business letters, which includes your contact information, the date when the letter is written, the recipient's address, and contact information.Example:Moon TranLa Mesa, CA, 91941[email protected](+310)-442-1549 April 10, 2022Davis PullmanMarketing ManagerIVY Media1836 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 2. Cover Letter vs. Application Letter - SalutationThe salutation in a letter is a greeting to the people who can make a decision on hiring you or offering you the scholarship. In general, they could be the hiring manager, the employer, or the Head of the Department where the vacancy is from.For any kind of formal letter, including a letter of interest, application letter, and cover letter, you should write a proper salutation like these: If you already know the recipient's name: Hello / Dear [Name]If you already know the recipient's gender: Dear Mr. / Ms. + [Name]If you only know the team or department: Dear Hiring Manager / Dear The Head of [Department] 💡 Pro Tip: You might be wondering, what about “To Whom It May Concern”? Believe it or not, this salutation is now considered outdated and overused. Read more on why you should consider not using “To Whom It May Concern” as your cover letter salutation. 3. Cover Letter vs. Application Letter - Opening paragraphHere's what to include in the opening paragraph of your cover letter:Your nameThe position you're applying forThe purpose of the letterA brief statement of your qualificationsExample of the introduction in a cover letter: “My name is Kaylee Sands, a TESOL-certified teacher currently seeking a teaching position at Dream School. I believe that my 8 years experience in teaching English and my strong communication skills make me the right fit for this role.”On the other hand, application letters have a more extensive introduction through which the employer can grasp more in-depth information about the candidate’s skills and qualities. You need to cover the following elements in the opening paragraph of your application letter: Your nameThe purpose of the letterA brief overview of your skills, experience, and goalsExample of the introduction in an application letter: “My name is Flavien Louis, an undergraduate student majoring in Marketing at Academy of Journalism and Communication. I am writing to express my desire to participate in the Unilever Future Leaders Program. I have a strong passion for exploring customer behaviors and developing Marketing plans to help the company maximize the profit. Previously, I have worked part-time at an advertising agency for one year where I have obtained much knowledge, experience, and skills in this field. I know UFLP would be the perfect opportunity for me to advance my goal of becoming a Digital Marketing specialist.” 4. Cover Letter vs. Application Letter - Body paragraph(s)In terms of the body paragraph, a cover letter aims to express your motivation and explain why you think you're qualified for the job opening. Thus, you will need to draw strong connections between your qualifications and the job requirements, and avoid repeating the information that is already mentioned in your resume.Example of the body paragraph in a cover letter: “During my 10 years of experience as an HR Specialist, I have engaged in a variety of industries such as EdTech, fashion, and tourism. My major job responsibilities include employee recruitment and retention, staff development, employee benefits, and HR records management. I’m detail-oriented and able to deal with complicated issues by leveraging organizational management as well as problem-solving skills. In the most recent position at PledgCam, I have implemented the very first corporate-wide program to foster employee engagement, having achieved 100% employee participation. Regarding my educational background, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in HRM and an MBA in Organization Development, both from Western State University.” Meanwhile, an application letter provides a brief description of your educational background, employment history, and accomplishments in the field. The information needs to be listed chronologically so the employer can see your personal development. That makes a job application and a cover letter different.Example of the body paragraph in an application letter: “In 2010, I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communications and an MBA from the University of Texas after studying for 6 years.My first job was a Sales Representative at Genex Engineering, where I was responsible for selling hardware and software for Asia-based customers while obtaining orders from existing or potential sales outlets. I hit and exceeded sales KPIs by 25% for 3 months in a row in 2018.After that, I advanced my career as a Sales Specialist at Ragic. My main job responsibilities include developing and implementing sales strategy, searching for potential clients, managing the retention of existing clients, and negotiating the contract of sales. My biggest achievement is receiving the 2020 and 2021 Sales Eminence Award for annual sales volumes over 115% of the goal.” 5. Cover Letter vs. Application Letter - Closing paragraphHow to write a cover letter vs a job application’s closing paragraph is similar. You will need to include the following information:Restate your interest in the role/program.Include a call to action inviting the hiring manager to reach out to you.Express your gratitude for their time and consideration. Example: “As a big fan of BAS Glow for many years, I hope that I can become a part of the Business Analysis Development team. I am confident that the experiences and skills I’ve obtained in 5 years of working have prepared me for this position. I would appreciate your time and consideration for a further discussion.Thank you and please kindly let me know if you have any questions." 6. Cover Letter vs. Application Letter - Sign-offThere’s no difference in the sign-offs of a cover letter vs a letter of application. Just simply end your letter with a formal closing, followed by your signature, like these: Sincerely,Best regards,With gratitude, 💡 Pro Tip: Avoid sign offs that are too personal and casual like: With love, Lots of love, XOXO, See you. 7. Cover Letter vs. Application Letter - AttachmentsIn general, you’re required to include a resume with your cover letter. You can also submit other supporting documents such as certificates and a portfolio.However, application letters don't contain any other attachments since they're considered a standalone document and you’ve already disclosed your explanations in the body of the letter.Still, to make sure you don't miss any requirements, read the job posting carefully. 8. Cover Letter vs. Application Letter - LengthA cover letter is typically half to one page long with 250-400 words. An application letter can typically be longer than a cover letter and can be one to 2 pages long. Cover Letter vs. Application Letter - Pros ConsWondering which type of letter you should use for your application? Below we've listed some pros and cons of using a cover letter vs. an application letter.Pros Cons of a Cover LetterPros:Entices the employer to read your resume.Shows your personal traits.Better explains what you contribute to the company as a candidate for the specific position.Provides additional information that's not mentioned in your resume.If it is an optional requirement, it shows that you're willing to take extra time to prepare a document that's not required.Cons:If not well-written, it would reflect poorly on your application.Some employers may not read cover letters if it's not a requirement for the application.Need to conduct a time-consuming research of the company and position in order to write a tailored cover letter.Need extra time and effort to prepare.Risk of repeating information already mentioned in the CV.Pros Cons of an Application LetterPros:Doesn’t consume much time and effort to design and format it.When well-written, it tells a compelling story about yourself.Works well when you want to describe in-depth academic experience.Makes you stand out from the crowd as many candidates don't submit an application letter if not required.No strict requirement for the length.Cons:Lacks personal touch and room for creativity compared to a well-designed resume.Some hiring managers prefer a resume or CV.May be out of date for some jobs or industries.Can only be used in very limited circumstances in a job search.Not suitable for those with limited work experience or educational achievements.Tips for Writing a Strong Application Letter✅ Rephrase your resume content in your application letter.As mentioned earlier, you shouldn't repeat what is already written in the resume. If you want to highlight any important details such as your previous job tasks and significant contribution, keep in mind to rephrase them.✅ Highlight notable achievements.You should not only show your accomplishments but also quantify them. That way, you can better prove yourself to the hiring manager and show that you can add more value to the company.✅ Start each paragraph by highlighting the content.This allows the employer to have a clear picture of what you're going to say within each paragraph. Just follow the guide on how to write a cover letter vs. job application mentioned above and you'll be able to give a clear, well-thought-out self-description.✅ Be brief and use descriptive words.Descriptive words allow you to provide specific information without writing a lot. Hence, consider using this kind of words will make your application letter more concise and impressive.📚 Further reading:300+ Resume Adjectives How to Use Them (Guide Examples)✅ Stuff facts and details in the application letter.Honesty is especially important when it comes to job and academic applications. Any false or ambiguous information may make you look bad and break your chances of landing the job interview. Including details about your experience will increase credibility and also help the readers gain a better understanding of your qualifications.Get recruiter-ready in minutes. Our AI resume checker reviews your resume for common pitfalls and suggests targeted improvements.Get Recruiter-Ready --- Originally written by May Luong ---

Created by CakeResumeIn this article, you'll read about:What Is a Declaration in a CV?When to Add a Declaration in a CVHow to Write the Best Declaration for Your CVCV Declaration ExamplesDeclaration in CV – CV ExampleA CV declaration statement is a simple line that allows you to prove and authenticity of your CV information and that you take responsibility for the information that you mentioned in it. A declaration in your CV also helps avoid confusion for the employers after knowing that your information is genuine. Though it can be used in CVs made in any part of the world, a CV declaration statement is more commonly used in India.What Is a Declaration in a CV?A declaration in a CV serves to authentify the information you’ve provided in your CV. The declaration is located at the bottom or at the end of a CV. The statementA CV declaration statement consists of 1-2 sentences, in which you will have to state that the information in the CV is true and you will take full responsibility for any false. It is usually located at the bottom or at the end of the CV as a conclusion and to declare that you were truthful regarding all the information you’ve listed in the document. LocationAfter writing down the statement, in the following line, include the present location on the left-hand side. DateThe date goes after the location, which is also on the left-hand side. This information has to be on the day after you have completed your CV. Full nameYour full name should be on the right-hand side on the same line as your location. Signature Lastly, your signature should be under your full name. If you are handing in the hard copy of your CV, signing it by hand would better show the authentication of your CV. But, note that most CVs are digitally submitted nowadays. You may simply type out your full name or include an e-signature before you send the digital file. When to Add a Declaration in a CVAfter knowing what is a declaration in a CV, you might wonder when and under what kind of situations you should include it in your CV. Here are some conditions that will require you to include a CV declaration statement: 💡 You are in a country where a CV declaration statement is a common practice.If you are applying for a job in India, a CV declaration statement is needed because it is a familiar practice when handing in CVs to the company.💡 For formal job applications. Once you know that it is common practice in your country to include a CV declaration statement, you should include a declaration in your CV so that employers have the guarantee that everything written on your CV is true and authentic. 💡 Applying for jobs in a company that has a defined hierarchy. Including a declaration in a CV can help your employers or interviewers put trust in the information that you have provided. It also helps the people reviewing your CV to verify the truthfulness of the information more quickly, since they could know who wrote it in an instance. 💡 Applying for a government job or a job in academia. If you are applying to work for the government or the scholars, background checks are necessary. Therefore, a CV declaration statement should be included to ensure your truthfulness. 💡 Delivering through a third-party to the company. The purpose of a declaration in a CV is to gain trust from an employer. If you did not hand your CV in yourself, you should include the declaration to avoid confusion. How to Write the Best Declaration for Your CVA CV declaration statement is only one or two sentences. It may be very short but informative. To let you know more about the details in creating one CV declaration statement, we will go through the steps below. ✍🏻 Step 1: Write a concise statement (1-2 sentences). First, you need to write the CV declaration statement. When writing your statement, you should be clear and direct. The sentence has to deliver the message that your information on the CV is true and accurate. ✍🏻 Step 2: Place the statement at the bottom of the CV. The declaration for your CV should be placed at the bottom or the end of your CV. It has to be the last thing for the CV so that employers can see it after reading everything. ✍🏻 Step 3: Include your location current date in the left-hand corner at the bottom of your CV. After that, your location where you wrote the CV and the date when you completed the CV are needed on the left side. ✍🏻 Step 4: Include your full name and signature in the right-hand corner at the bottom of your CV. Lastly, you should put in your full name and a signature on the right-hand side to claim that the CV is written by you. You can refer to this template below as an example when writing your CV declaration statement. CV Declaration Template[Declaration statement][Location][Date][Signature][Name] CV Declaration ExamplesI hereby state that all the information noted above is accurate to the best of my beliefs and I take full responsibility for the correctness of the information.I hereby declare the information on the CV is accurate to the best of my familiarity.I hereby certify that all facts mentioned above are true to my concern, and I am answerable for their accuracy.All information stated above is accurate and true to my knowledge and beliefs.I hereby declare that the information stated above in this CV is error-free. I will take responsibility if any fraud were committed.All information above is right and truthful to my knowledge and faith.All statements above are free of errors, and I take full liability for the correctness of the information.I hereby certify that all information above is correct to the best of my beliefs and I am responsible for the authenticity of the information above.The information mentioned above is true to the best of my belief, and I take full responsibility for any correctness of the information.I genuinely declare that all information provided above is true to my knowledge.I ensure the information above is accurate to the best of my knowledge.I solemnly declare that the information in this CV is free of errors to the best of my beliefs. I take full responsibility for the correctness of the information.I hereby declare that the information contained in this CV is true to the best of my knowledge.I hereby declare all of the information above is accurate and correct.I solemnly announce that all of the information stated in this document is true to the best of my knowledge.I hereby declare that all the information provided above is under facts or truths to my knowledge.The information mentioned above is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I take full responsibility for the truthfulness of the said information.I genuinely announce the information stated in this resume is truthful to the best of my beliefs. I take full responsibility for the correctness of this CV.I hereby state that the information provided in this resume has zero errors, and I will take full responsibility for the accurateness of the document.I gravely announce that the information mentioned above is correct. Therefore, I take full responsibility for the correctness of the CV.Declaration in CV – CV ExampleTake a look at the CV example below. A full CV will be shown and you will notice why a CV declaration statement is at the bottom of all information. Henry SohContent Writer098-1234567 New Taipei City linked.in/me/henry.soh Seeking a full-time remote job as a content writer at an organization where I can fully extend my writing skills. Gaining more experiences as a writer and a fresher, and also gaining more knowledge while writing for a company. I can work my creative ideas to contribute to the company’s target. WORKEXPERIENCE Assistant Editor ALLS Digest (Department Magazine)2019 - 2021 Managed students’ subscriptionsComposed students’ revised works into the magazineContacted the subscription’s authors to discuss about publicationDiscussed the topics and requirements with lecturers in charge for the next calling for papers EDUCATION Applied Linguistics and Language StudiesChung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan 2018 - 2022 GPA: 3.8/4.0Courses Taken:Simultaneous InterpretationConsecutive InterpretationAdvertising and Marketing Translation ORGANIZATIONEXPERIENCE Head of Secretary TeamInternational Student Association 2020 - 2021 Delivered all working documents on time perfectly when collaborating with a committee group of 15 people for a year without any issues.Won the competition in the club evaluation competition. SKILLS Microsoft WordMicrosoft PowerpointContent WritingCreativityOrganizational Skills I hereby declare the information provided above is correct to the best of my knowledge and beliefs. I take full responsibility for the correctness of the information.New TaipeiMarch 1st, 2022Henry Soh 🔑 Key Takeaways:The declaration in your CV can be the ending line for your CV, a statement to prove your authenticity, and also your professionalism when treating work. Therefore, you should always include the CV declaration statement in your CV if the country you reside in or are applying the job in commonly practices the inclusion of a CV declaration.Take the guesswork out of CV writing. Our AI resume checker analyzes your CV against industry standards and provides instant feedback.Get Feedback--- Originally written by Ryan Goh---