How to write

CVs and cover letters

lse.ac.uk/careers
 Contents
Welcome 1

Before you start 2

How LSE Careers can help 3

Layout and design 4

Personal details 8

Education 10

Work experience 12

Achievements, interests
and additional skills 14

References 16

CV checklist 18

Cover letters 20

Further resources 25

B
Welcome
Welcome to How to write CVs and cover letters.

We have structured this guide around some of the

most common questions that our careers consultants
are asked by LSE students.
This isn’t the definitive guide to CVs and cover letters as
every application is individual. You will always have
choices about the emphasis you give certain parts of
your life, the way you write and the design you use.

Because of this we have tried to make our guide as

general as possible. All our examples and advice relate
to writing CVs and cover letters for jobs in the UK.

If you need advice about writing a specialised kind of CV

(like a CV for academia or a very creative position), or
would like support applying for roles outside the UK,
then you might like to consult our website or seek some
one-to-one advice from a careers consultant.

Don’t forget that LSE Careers offers CV and cover

letter seminars throughout the year and CV and cover
letter discussions where you can have your application
individually reviewed. Just go the careers website for
up to date information: lse.ac.uk/careers

Jenny Blakesley
Director, LSE Careers
1
Before you start
Basic principles My spelling and grammar aren’t very good,
what can I do?
Relevance Always use the spell check on your computer (but remember it’s not
Curriculum vitae means “story of your life”. However, with only one or two fool-proof) and make sure that it is set to UK English. If English isn’t
pages for your CV you can’t afford to treat this literally. Be selective about your first language, you may find it useful to ask a native English-
what you include. Always ask yourself the question “Is this going to be speaking friend to read what you have written. The Language
relevant to the employer who is reading this?” If it isn’t, then discard it. Centre can also help you with spelling and grammar but please
note there is a cost attached to some services.
Tailoring
Your CV needs to match the particular job you are applying for. For Gaps in your CV
example, if the job requires skills in teamwork and creativity, you need to Employers can be suspicious about extensive periods of unexplained
ensure the employer can clearly see that you have gained these skills time on a CV and as a general rule, it is always best to explain these
somewhere in your life. Maybe you worked in a team on a course project or gaps. Obviously, you don’t need to account for every week or even every
perhaps you had a creative idea for an event which a society organised. month, but if, for example, you took a year between school and university
The important thing is that the employer can see that your CV is tailored to to go travelling, it is best to account for it and mention it on your CV.
them and not a generic CV that is being sent to every employer. However if there are very personal or sensitive reasons which prevented
you being in work or study (including things like criminal convictions, long
Layout and design periods of illness and caring for family members) then you do not have to
You can influence where the employer looks on your CV by the amount of declare these on your CV. You should, however, be prepared to talk
space you allocate to certain sections. For example, in your education about any gaps in your CV at interview.
section for most circumstances you’ll want to draw employers to your LSE There is a balance between explaining everything that has happened
degree. You can do this by giving it more space than any other courses or and deciding what information is strictly relevant to an employer.
degrees you have done. You should also think carefully about your choice If you are unsure about your situation then come in and
of headings to highlight key experience. see a careers consultant.

Language Truthfulness
Using positive, action oriented words creates the impression of a positive, As well as it being against the law to lie on your CV, you should be
proactive person. Use words such as “achieved”, “created” and “organised” and willing to talk about anything on your CV at interview, even details
avoid tentative words such as “maybe”, “attempted” and “perhaps”. The aim is to in your interests and extra-curricular activities sections. You don’t
make your CV as persuasive as possible. Present information in the most positive know what kinds of things your interviewer might also be
light but remember there is a clear distinction between doing this and interested in or have knowledge about so make sure they can’t
exaggerating. Make sure your spelling and grammar is accurate. The LSE expose anything that isn’t completely accurate.
Language Centre runs excellent English language courses. Contact details and
further information can be found at lse.ac.uk/languages

2
How LSE Careers can help
Research
What is the difference between a résumé and
It’s important to do as much research as you can before applying for
a job. The LSE Careers website – lse.ac.uk/careers – contains a CV?
information on different employment sectors, ways of planning your If you see an advert asking for a résumé it’s likely that they have
career and marketing your skills. You will also find a range of in mind a one-page document with a number of design features
reference material in the LSE Careers Resource Centre. such as narrower margins and a smaller font size in order to
create more space. In terms of content, a résumé usually covers
CV and cover letter seminars the same areas as a CV, but with less space to go into detail.
Our careers consultants run regular seminars during term-time which See page 7 for an example.
are full of advice on how to construct CVs and cover letters and how
you can best market yourself to prospective employers. There are
also specialist seminars focusing on specific sectors, such as writing “I found LSE Careers very useful when it came to
CVs for academia or finance, as well as basic and advanced understanding the structure of a UK style CV.”
seminars which cover different stages of careers – from recent LSE student
graduates to experienced hires. You can use LSE CareerHub to
search for and book seminars at careers.lse.ac.uk
Academic CVs
CV and cover letter feedback
These are different in several respects from other CVs.
We have a dedicated team of CV and cover letter advisors who will
For example, they do not have the same length restrictions and
go through these documents with you in one-to-one appointments.
are expected to contain more detail about your academic
Appointments are 15 minutes long during October and 20 minutes the
achievements. For more information, look at the PhD section of
rest of the year and can be booked on LSE CareerHub. Morning
the LSE Careers website. Our careers consultant for PhD
appointments can be booked from 9.30am the day before you’d like
students runs lunchtime seminars on writing academic CVs and
the appointment. If you’d like an afternoon appointment, this can be
applying for jobs in and outside academia. You can use LSE
booked from 9.30am on the same day. Before booking an
CareerHub to book on to these seminars as well as one-to-one
appointment, work your way through this booklet and our online
PhD/Postdoctorate appointments at careers.lse.ac.uk
resources to make sure you are prepared to discuss your CV.

3
Layout and design
1 How long should a CV be? 3 Should I use a CV template?
In almost all cases your CV should be no longer than two sides of A4. We advise you not to because a CV is a personal document and
The exception to this is an academic CV, which will usually have an should be unique to you.
extra page about publications and conferences. A minority of
organisations will expect a one-page CV, but for most a two-page CV 4 Should I use different colours on my CV?
is acceptable unless otherwise specified. No - black ink on white paper is standard. Using more exciting
colours will certainly make you stand out, but perhaps not in a
2 What is the difference between a “skills positive way unless you’re applying for a creative or design role.
based” CV and a “chronological” CV?
In most cases you’ll use a chronological CV, which has standard sections 5 What font should I use?
such as education and work experience. Your achievements in each Avoid unusual fonts; they have the effect of making the reader focus
section will be ordered in reverse chronology (ie, most recent first). on the font rather than the content. Sans serif fonts, like Arial, can
However, there may be occasions where you start off with a section on
make your CV look clean, neat and most importantly readable. Use a
the skills you have gained, with examples of where you gained them; this
font size between 10 and 12.
is a “skills based” CV. It’s most commonly used when you have
significant relevant experience or an existing career and are looking to
6 Should I use bullet points or text?
change direction and need to emphasise skills that are transferable.
There are no rules about this but try to avoid a CV that is too “text
heavy”. Some of the most effective CVs use a combination of text
“It’s important to be clear and concise to make it as easy as and bullet points. Experiment and see what looks clearest, what is
possible for the recruiter to be drawn to the key information, so most easy to read and what has the most impact visually.
don’t include big chunks of writing. Also, use the space wisely
and really consider the formatting and layout; for example use
bold or capital headings to break up the information.”

Cancer Research UK

4
7 Should I send my CV as a Word document or
a PDF? Did you know?
Whilst either format is almost always accepted by employers, it is Top reasons employers give for unsuccessful applications
generally recommended to send a PDF version if possible. A PDF will include: poor spelling and grammar, not answering the
look the same on any computer, whereas sometimes a Word question asked, not following instructions, lack of research on
document might look different (overflowing to three pages for the organisation and not practising for tests that are part of
example) depending on the version of Word the recruiter has. the application process.

8 Are there any good examples of CVs I can use?

There are a number of example CVs on the LSE Careers website. Top tips: format, font and space
However, it is never a good idea to just copy one exactly.
The amount of space given to a section reflects the amount of
Your information is unique and to present it in the most favourable
importance you attach to it. Decide on a format for headings and
light you will need to make changes to any example you find.
body and stick to it.

9 Should I attach my CV if I’m completing an Fonts like Arial and Calibri are recommended as they are clear
online application form? and simple. If you use something different, make sure you’re
consistent and the font doesn’t detract attention from your
Only if specifically asked to do so.
content. It’s also important to remember that some fonts take up
more space on a page than others.
10 I have previous work experience. Should I
present my CV differently? Print out your CV to see what it looks like in reality. Is there a lot
of white space or too much text? Are the margins too large or
The same basic principles apply, for example giving your most
small? Your CV could be read in as little as 8 seconds. Make
relevant information highest priority on your CV. However, you may
sure it’s immediately appealing to the eye.
want to consider different CV formats to best present your skills.
Even though you have more experience, your CV still needs to be
on a maximum of two pages, so you may have more editing to do.

5
First page of a typical two-page CV

Clear headings
Dates all in the
same place

Sections clearly
differentiated
Plenty of white
space creates
uncluttered design

Good use of bullet

points and space
to emphasise
key skills and
responsibilities

6
Example of a single page CV (sometimes called a “résumé”)

Smaller margins
than two-page CV

Very concise
information

Very clearly
defined sections

Less white
space on a
single sided CV

Combines sections
which might be
separate on a
two-page CV eg,
“Awards” and
“Interests”

7
Personal details
Large clear name.
No need to write
“curriculum
Include your
vitae” anywhere
LinkedIn profile or
any personal
websites or blogs
if you feel they are
relevant and you
Up to date want an employer
contact details to see them

1 Should I include my home address and my 3 Should I attach or scan a photo of myself?
LSE address? You should not be asked for a photo in the UK. Read an employer’s
It’s helpful to do this if you are spending long periods away from your application advice carefully and use resources like “Going Global”,
LSE address and an employer will be contacting you during this time. which LSE Careers subscribes to, to research the recruitment norms
Tell the employer the dates when you are at each address so they of different countries. Going Global can be accessed through the LSE
know which one to use. Careers website under “Exclusive resources”.

2 Should I include a career profile/objective? 4 Do I need to mention my gender and age?

A career profile (or career objective) is a short statement, usually at the No. It is entirely optional whether you include this information. It is
top of your CV, saying something about you and your career aims. For often deducible from other information (like your name and the date
new graduates or postgraduates, career profiles are not really necessary of your qualifications). It is illegal for employers to ask you to declare
as this content will be addressed in your cover letter. Profiles can run the your age and also illegal, except in certain rare situations, for
risk of sounding clichéd. If all you have to say is, “Current student with an employers to discriminate on grounds of gender.
MSc Social Anthropology with good communication skills, excellent team
work skills and ability to work independently, now seeking job in finance”,
then the space would be better used to display significant facts about
your education and experience.
Profiles can be a useful addition to a CV if you have some very specific
experience and you are very clear about the particular career area you are
going for. Profiles can also be useful if you are asked to send a CV without
a cover letter. If you are changing career they can help you to state briefly
your previous area of experience and what you’re aiming for now.

8
5 Do I need to mention my nationality and 6 How do I talk about disability?
work permit status? LSE Careers offers tailored services for disabled students including a dedicated
There may be cases where an employer is interested in knowing your careers consultant specialising in disability and employment, and longer, flexible
nationality in order to find out whether they will need to apply for a appointments available to accommodate individual needs.
work permit for you. However unless they ask you to state your You can visit us or email careers.disability@lse.ac.uk for advice on
nationality on your CV or application form there is no requirement for recruitment processes, disclosure, reasonable adjustments to
you to do so at this stage. You can also wait to raise the subject at recruitment processes and the workplace environment, legal issues
interview stage as this will allow you to “sell” yourself in person before and other disability careers issues.
discussing the possibility of a work permit.
Whether or not you disclose your disability is a very personal choice. We
If any other information on your CV suggests that you may need a have further information for students with disabilities on the LSE Careers
work permit and this is not the case, ensure that you state your website (lse.ac.uk/disabilitycareers) and you can visit gov.uk/browse/
nationality or that you have permission to work in the UK. disabilities/work for details about employment rights.
For information and advice on visa and work permits please contact For advice on disability issues during your time at University visit
the International Student Immigration Service (ISIS) or read the the Disability and Well-being Service, email
information on their website lse.ac.uk/isis disability@lse.ac.uk or call 020 7955 7707.

9
Education

EDUCATION
Picks out a
relevant module BSc. Government and Economics 10/2013 – 06/2016
Gives
to explain London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
• Expected Grade: First Class (Honours) expected
• Dissertation researched the changes to economic public policy and the extent result
to which the changes were affected by outside influences/institutions from a
political science perspective

Singapore GCE ‘A’ Levels 01/2011 – 12/2012

National Junior College, Singapore
• 9 As including further mathematics, physics and chemistry
• Three distinctions for special papers in mathematics, physics and chemistry
• Highest grades in Singapore
Explains non-UK
Indian Class 10th 02/1998 – 12/2010
qualification Delhi Public School, R.K.Puram, New Delhi, India
• 93.2% overall including mathematics, English, science and social sciences
• Results in top 2% of year (out of 300 students)

1 What part of my education should I give 2 Do I have to list all my qualifications

most prominence? and modules?
You should give most prominence to the part of your education that is Unless the employer specifically asks you to, you do not have to list
most relevant to the job you are applying for. Usually, this is your most every qualification and module but you should remember to include all
recent education but do not be afraid to emphasise an earlier qualification those that are relevant to the application you are making.
if it is more relevant. This may include specific modules or projects.
Try to be selective. Listing your A levels is fine but try to
summarise your GCSE grades. For example write “10 GCSEs
including Maths and English, all at grades A* to B”. Don’t overlook
the importance of group projects, research and dissertations.
Remember that the person reading the CV will be experienced in
spotting gaps in the information you do give. If you do not give
grades or a complete record of the exams you have taken, expect
to be asked about these at interview.

10
3 Some of my qualifications are non-UK. 6 Should I mention awards and scholarships?
How do I translate them into UK ones? Use these to impress the reader with your good academic track
It’s not possible to directly translate them as educational systems vary record. If you have many, going back to your time at school, it may
widely and a grade or degree classification can mean quite different be best to select just a few of the most prestigious or most recent, so
things from country to country. The best way to approach this is to explain that these stand out. For each one you give, say what the award or
your qualification so that the reader understands its significance. You can scholarship was for, what you were awarded eg, a prize or bursary,
use phrases such as, “equivalent to top five per cent of year”, or “highest what proportion of people received an award in your year and any
possible grade”. GPAs and percentages will normally be recognised. other details that quantify the achievement.
For more information look at the NARIC website (naric.org.uk).
There is a telephone number you can call if you want to speak to a “In order to direct your potential employer to the most
specialist about comparing qualifications. If you are unsure about prominent and relevant elements of your course it can
anything, contact the organisation you are applying to directly. sometimes help to include a little background information on
your degree. If you’re stuck for ideas, why not have a quick
4 Do I need to give the full addresses of the browse through your university prospectus to find a course
places I have studied? summary that highlights nicely the most pertinent parts of
your chosen area of study and pick out the most relevant
No, giving the city is enough; for example, “Sciences-Po, Paris”.
bits?”
You can add the country if you feel the city is not very well known.
Laura-Jane Silverman, LSE Careers Consultant
5 How should I present predicted grades?
In most situations this is more important for undergraduates than
postgraduates as many employers specify a certain class of degree as Qualifications aren’t everything
an entry requirement. First of all consult your tutor to find out what Many employers rate experience, intelligence and
they think your final result will be. If you can’t do that then make a aptitude above qualifications when considering
realistic estimate yourself based on your previous years’ grades. It is candidates and applications.
normal to use a phrase such as “expected result 2:1”.
For postgraduates, it’s of much less importance. Employers will
rarely ask for a “merit” or “distinction” so, unless the job is placing
particular weight on your postgraduate qualification, it’s optional.

11
 04/201414– –04/201414

Work experience

WORK EXPERIENCE
Talks about
skills and Intern, National Policy on SMEs department 07/201414– –09/201414

achievements Ministry for Trade and Industry, Singapore

• Developed a revised long-term strategy as part of a team, including deciding
on which industry sectors and functional areas to focus development efforts
• Researched and presented results to the team on establishing comparative
international benchmarks for Singaporean agencies in the SME sector

Spring Intern, International Team on European Equities

Goldman Sachs, London
• Presented research findings (compiled as part of a team) regarding the
equities of a European client, to the client and senior bosses
Customer Assistant 04/201313– –06/2013

Paris Gourmand, Singapore

Uses positive • Supervised café and team of assistants in day to day running of the business
language • Managed time to ensure efficient but good customer service Explains
organisation
Volunteer Mentor 02/2013– –04/2013 Singapore Indian Development Association
and role when
• Managed the programme which coordinates volunteers and necessary
mentees and recruits more mentors, as part of a team
• Mentored three children from disadvantaged households, encouraging
them to stay in education
• Organised mentor programme through administrative duties
1 I have different experience from different
sectors, gained at different points in my life.
How do I deal with that on my CV? 2 What counts as “work experience”?
Don’t just think of “work experience” as referring to full-time positions and
One option is to list the experience in reverse chronological order.
internships – voluntary/unpaid work, part-time jobs and entrepreneurial
However it might be more effective if you grouped or “themed” your
activities can be of equal value. Employers are really interested in the
experiences. So, instead of a general heading called “Work
skills that you have developed which are transferable to another position.
Experience”, you could have two or more headings such as, “Legal
It is your job to decide how relevant that experience is to your application
Experience”, “Banking Experience”; or alternatively “Relevant
and to group and prioritise your experience accordingly to highlight this.
Experience” and “Additional Experience”.
Your experience working in a part-time or voluntary capacity may also be
directly relevant to the position.

12
 Importance of voluntary experience “Make your headings work for you. You can use them to
subdivide your work experience so that you can collect
As well as enabling you to make an impact in society, getting
together the most relevant experience in one section.
involved in volunteering is an opportunity to develop new and
Then put that section in a prominent place on your CV. For
existing skills, meet new people, improve your confidence, give
example if you are applying for a consultancy job and you have
your CV a boost and more. The LSE Volunteer Centre advertises
a mixture of consultancy and other work experience, create a
a range of volunteer opportunities on LSE CareerHub and you
section called ‘Consultancy work’ for your first page and
can book one-to-one discussions for advice on finding a suitable
another called ‘Work experience’ that can appear later in your
volunteering opportunity for you. Find out more at
CV.“
lse.ac.uk/volunteercentre
Maddie Smith, LSE Careers Consultant

3 Should I mention salary details and reasons for

leaving previous jobs? Top tips: presenting your experience
Not unless specifically asked to do so.
• Your CV may form the framework of your interview. Be
comfortable with what you have written and be prepared to
4 Do I need to give the full addresses of the
elaborate and talk enthusiastically about anything on your CV.
places I worked?
• Be clear about your individual contributions to the
No, simply mentioning the city is enough; for example, “Marks and
achievements you list and be ready to explain them at
Spencer, London” or” London School of Economics and Political Science”.
interview.
You can add the country if you feel the city is not very well known.
• Avoid obscure abbreviations, jargon or slang.
5 If my job title is in a foreign language, will I • Your CV should be an aid to the employer helping to direct
need to translate it? them to the skills and experience they have asked for.
If the title is very different and obscure then you will need to translate it • Don’t underestimate your experiences. If you can demonstrate
into the language of the country of application. For the UK market, it’s the skills you acquired and apply them to the role you are
useful to check with a careers consultant that you have an accurate applying for, then any experience can be of interest.
translation which means something significant. Remember that a clear • Try to quantify successes with facts and figures – “scored
description of the work that you did will clarify your application. in top 5 per cent”, “increased sales by £x”, “managed a
team of five staff”.
“Experience should be recent, relevant to work history and in • Remember that you shouldn’t lie or misrepresent any
reverse chronological order. Never underestimate your information in your application - employers can dismiss
experience – skills can be transferable so if you can demonstrate you if you do.
they match the role, any experience can be of interest.”
VSO International

13
Achievements, interests and additional skills

EXTRA CURRICULAR EXPERIENCE

Appropriate level Secretary 10/2014 – present London International Model United Nations

of detail • Coordinate the weekly meetings of the Organising Committee and Same layout as
ensure timeline requirements are met
• Arrange venue and accommodation for over 70 participants work experience
Secretary 10/2014 – 06/2016
LSE Debate Society
• Active member and debater in the LSE Debate Team, representing LSE
at inter-varsity tournaments
• Organised weekly meetings of the society, coordinating 30 members
• Planned, prepared and facilitated the LSE Open 2015, an international
inter-varsity competition, attended by 200 contestants

International Editor 10/2014 – 06/2016

The Beaver, LSE’s weekly newspaper
• Wrote a dedicated column on international affairs

President 01/2012 – 12/2012

National Junior College Debate Club
• Debater in the NJC Debate Team
• Liaised with peers to ensure attendance at the Club, with responsibility
for over 80 debaters

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Be selective
and explain the
• ‘Best second year exam performance, with reference to first years’ at
Headings are LSE, out of a possible 2000 students; The CS MacTaggart Prize 2015 significance of
• Student of the Year 2013 out of 500 students; National Junior
flexible in these College, Singapore each example
sections IT SKILLS

• Statistical software packages including eViews, Minitab and Stata

• Touch typing ability c. 60 wpm
Relevant IT skills
• Proficient in all major Microsoft Office applications, including are highlighted
complex formulae in Excel

INTERESTS

Backpacked through Mediterranean Europe for nine weeks, a particular highlight was
Goes into detail visiting Florence and experiencing the Uffizi and Accademia museums

about interests

1 What goes in my interests section?

“While relevant experience is always viewed positively, don’t be put
This section enables you to identify things that really interest or motivate
off applying if you don’t have this. Think about the skills you’ve
you. It may also indicate what your values are, aspects of your personality
developed through other work experience and extra-curricular
and the transferable skills you have developed. It is better to include one or
responsibilities and be explicit about these skills in your CV.”
two things which you are really involved with and can describe fully, rather
FTI Consulting
than to give a long list such as “reading, squash, cricket, dancing,

14
music” with no detail. You might also want to include team or group 5 Should I include social media?
activities that show you can interact well with other people. You Don’t hide social media such as blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook if
could even treat this section in the same way as the rest of your CV they portray you in a professional light. Including them on your CV shows
using dates, divisions such as “school” and “university” or grouping you have a grasp of new media, technological and communications skills, a
similar things, like sports, together to enhance impact. passion for certain subjects or writing, and possibly a network of people
who are interested in what you have to say. Personal social media
2 What if I haven’t taken part in extra-curricular accounts for private communication with friends are probably best hidden
activities before? from employers. Keep them off your CV and alter the privacy settings so
You don’t have to include a section on extra-curricular activities or that only your friends can view them. It’s also worth searching for your
achievements, but employers are often interested in what you have name online to see what kinds of things employers can find out about you
done outside of work and academic studies. Think widely about what whilst they screen applications.
you have done before you came to University and whilst you have
been at LSE or previous institutions. Don’t feel all is lost if you haven’t “Candidates that show a combination of experiences, behaviours
been president of a student society. Activities like volunteering, and technical skills typically stand out as the most well-rounded
mentoring, being a course representative, organising an event to raise and talented individuals. Use your application to share unique
money or the profile of a particular cause are all relevant experience. experiences and interests, and your involvement in academic and
It’s never too late to get involved in something on or off campus. extra-curricular activities. Demonstrating skills like entrepreneurial
spirit, problem solving, and ability to motivate teams or peers will
3 How important are languages and how best can also help you stand out.”
I demonstrate them? L’Oréal
This will depend on the position that you are applying for. If languages are
one of the requirements of the job it may be worth writing them in a short,
very specific personal profile at the top of your CV or in a prominent CV writing tips from a recruiter
position on the first page. You may need to write about how you have
• Be concise and ensure your information has an impact.
used languages ie, writing reports, chairing a conference, handling client
requests by telephone. You will also need to describe your level of fluency • Keep it simple and clear – you can always elaborate at
using terms like native, fluent, intermediate, basic or conversational. the interview.
• Analyse the job description – read it and identify which relevant
4 What level of IT skills do I need to demonstrate? skills, experience and competencies you have, or consider other
As long as your position is not IT related, it is generally accepted that a graduate experiences that could be appropriate.
will be able to cope with the IT skills needed to carry out a typical graduate entry • Don’t have any unexplained gaps on your application. If you
role. Towards the end of your CV, you can detail your familiarity with packages, have had a career break or have been travelling, let us know.
programming languages, operating systems, web design packages and the • Academic and professional qualifications should flow in a
internet generally. IT skills may be a clear selling point for temporary positions or logical order.
for positions within smaller organisations.
• Check your application before submitting. Check spelling and
get a friend or family member to read through if it helps.

15
References
References are usually requested by an employer on an application 5 Do I have to give my current employer as a
form or after the interview stage if the candidate has been reference?
successful. It is generally assumed that you will be able to provide
It’s standard practice to do this. If you don’t, the recruiter may think
references so you don’t need to mention them on your CV.
you are hiding something. If you are concerned that your current
employer doesn’t know you very well, or that a previous employer is
1 How many referees do I need? more impressive and you would rather use that, it might be better to
Usually two, preferably one LSE academic and a recent employer. discuss this at a later stage in the recruitment process.
If you do not have an employer use two academic referees instead.
6 My most recent employer is from a short,
2 No one in my department knows me. How will casual job I have been doing. Can I use family
they be able to write me a reference? and friends instead?
Try to make contact with your personal tutor and discuss with them the Most employers aren’t going to be interested in the actual referees
types of jobs you are applying for. Your tutor will have access to useful you select (though they will be expecting one to be your current or
information about you on LSE For You. Therefore it is in your interest to most recent employer) so don’t worry if your most recent employer
keep this information updated. As well as posting your CV, you can also isn’t particularly relevant to the job you are applying for.
write about the skills you have gained and comment about your class
reports. All of this will be very useful information for a reference. 7 Do I need to get permission from a person
before I use them as my referee?
3 Can I use overseas referees?
Yes. It is even better if you can have a discussion with them and explain
Yes you can. It is helpful to give an email address in this instance. the types of jobs you will be applying for and the skills required.

4 Can I use a referee who is somebody I

know well and who already works for the
organisation?
The standard convention is to use an academic referee and your
most recent employer. You do not need to name referees on your
CV so it may be better to discuss the subject at a later stage in the
recruitment process if you would like to use someone else.

16
8 I have two potential academic referees; one of 9 Should I send a letter of recommendation
them is a well-known, high profile professor who with my CV?
doesn’t know me very well, the other one is not very In the UK the convention is not to send letters of recommendation with an
well known but knows me very well. Which one application. Other countries may differ though so use resources like
should I use? “Going Global”, which LSE Careers subscribes to, for further information.
It’s quite likely that the professor may not be that well known
outside specialist circles and a reference from someone who
knows you better would be more appropriate. However, if you are
applying to organisations where the high profile professor will be
known (for example if you are applying to another university or a
think tank), then a reference from them may carry some weight.

17
CV checklist
We have stressed throughout this booklet the necessity of creating a CV that is Achievements/positions of responsibility
targeted to a particular employer and to a particular job. Hopefully, as a result of
Do you emphasise your personal contribution here?
following the principles outlined in this booklet, you now have a strong CV that
Is specific evidence for skills displayed?
will reflect your abilities. You can use the checklist on this page to make sure
you have included all the important elements of your CV: Is the significance of your achievement demonstrated?
Can you quantify it?
Have you highlighted the most relevant roles or skills for
Content the job you are applying for?

Personal Can you include any of these positions (eg, volunteering)

in an experience section or use them to highlight
Contact address/addresses and telephone numbers included?
suitability for a particular career area?
Does your email address sound professional?
Have you included an up to date LinkedIn profile?
Skills
Have you included your IT skills and evidenced these?
Education How competent are you?
Have you given most space to your most recent or relevant education? Speak any languages? Again, is the level of
Have you highlighted relevant modules, projects and dissertations? proficiency of each expressed?
Any academic awards? Any other information to include here eg, driving
Any key or relevant transferable skills highlighted? licence, professional training courses?

Is your education section easy to follow and consistent in approach? Other interests
Anything else you need to explain (eg,”A” grade is If there is space on your CV, do you go beyond listing lots of
equivalent to the top 1.5 per cent)? one-word examples?
Have you given a variety of interests highlighting different skillsets?
Work experience/internships
Can your interests be used to demonstrate
Is this a comprehensive overview of all the different jobs you
responsibility, commitment and achievement?
have had? Are there ways of separating your employment by
type or sector for emphasis?
Referees
Have you included job title, dates, organisation name, type
Has the employer asked for them to be included? Unless
of business and location?
requested then it’s not necessary to mention them at this stage.
Have you highlighted the skills used, the impact you had, and
the significance of your achievements in the position?
Is this section ordered and the skills identified targeted
towards your chosen future role?

18
Layout and design Presentation
Are the headings clear and easy to read? Are they descriptive/targeted?
Rationale and targeting
Does your CV have well-spaced sections?
Does your CV follow protocol for your chosen sector (is a one-
page or two-page CV the standard?) Is it easy to scan read? Does the most relevant
content stand out?
Is it ordered in a logical, clearly structured way?
Does your CV use the same font style as your cover letter?
Any specific CV guidelines for the country you are applying to?
Are all the dates mentioned in your CV formatted and positioned
Is there evidence of targeting experience and skills to the role?
in the same way so an employer can scan over them?
Is the structure and space allocation of sections appropriate to
their importance?

Written style
Is the language positive and enthusiastic in tone?
Have you checked for vocabulary, grammar, spelling
and punctuation errors?
Is your CV jargon free and are acronyms explained? “CVs should be a snapshot of what you have achieved in an
orderly fashion that’s easy to digest. Put yourself in the position
Are capital letters used correctly?
of your future employer who may be looking through hundreds
Have you asked a friend to proof-read for errors? of CVs – they want to know who you are, where you’ve worked,
what you’ve achieved academically and personally and what
you are hoping to do next.
So choose your words wisely and check for mistakes.”
Seven Hills

“I found the CV checklists very useful. I really liked how the areas
which needed improvement were identified rather than glossed
over and the advice is transferable to more than a particular
cover letter. The methods recommended are great and practical.”

LSE student

19
Cover letters
1 What is a cover letter? 6 What is the correct layout of a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that is sent and read in In general, cover letters are one side of typed A4 and are set out
conjunction with your CV. It highlights relevant skills and achievements. like a formal business letter. Have a look at the example cover
letters in this booklet (page 23 and 24) or on our website to see
2 What is the purpose of a cover letter? how this is done. The letter should be about three to four
The cover letter is a chance for you to highlight the skills and paragraphs long with each separated by a single line. Do not
achievements which are especially relevant to that particular employer. It indent the paragraphs as this is considered old-fashioned.
will be a brief summary of your experiences to date, tailored to the
competencies that are required by the employer. It is also a chance for 7 How should I address my letter?
you to demonstrate your knowledge of the organisation to which you are Your name and address should be clearly shown at the top, right-
applying and your motivation for working there. Some recruiters will also hand corner of the letter. Don’t think that because this information is
use your cover letter to assess your written communication skills. on your CV you don’t need to put it on the cover letter. Pages can
become separated easily.
3 What needs to be included in a cover letter?
Recruiters expect you to show that you match the position. The secret 8 How do I know who to write to?
of writing a good cover letter lies in using your qualifications and It’s usual to reply to the name used in the advert or application
experience to show that you are the best person for the position. pack. If a name is not given, call the organisation and ask for a
One way of going about it is to begin your cover letter by focusing on named individual who deals with recruitment. We strongly advise
your relevant achievements: academic, extra-curricular, work that you address your cover letter to a named person. Do make
experience and other interesting aspects of your life. Then move on sure you use the correct spelling of their name. If you are not able
to focus on the employer, why you are applying for the job, including to find a named individual, you can use “Dear Sir/Madam”.
some interesting and relevant facts about that organisation. The correct greeting in a business letter is always formal. It normally
Show them that you are capable of thinking clearly and you are a begins with “Dear” and usually includes the person’s last name and
motivated, proactive learner. Write in a clear and logical manner and title, ie, Professor, Dr, Mr, Ms etc. If addressing a female, does the job
remember, the way you write and present yourself says a lot about you. advert specify whether they are Mrs, Miss, or Ms? If it doesn’t say
then it is best to use Ms.
4 How long should the cover letter be?
Where possible, follow the employer’s instructions and any advice “We like to see evidence of what it is you achieved, how you did
offered by them. If this is not available, something around 400 words is it and how you worked with other people along the way. We
about right and certainly not more than one page of A4 paper. can’t consider any of the knowledge and experience you have
gained unless you put it down on paper!”
5 What type of language should I use? Shell
Aim for short, sharp sentences that make for concise,
gripping paragraphs, which are good for busy recruiters who
can’t spend a long time reading each application.

20
9 How do I sign off? 14 Can I discuss my cover letter with someone at
The convention in the UK is if you address the letter to a named LSE Careers?
individual, sign off with “Yours sincerely”. If your letter begins We run one-to-one CV and cover letter discussions throughout the year
with “Dear Sir/Madam”, end with “Yours faithfully”. where you can discuss the style and content of your CV or cover letter
and how to target them to particular positions. However, these do not
10 What do I put as the subject header when cover spelling and grammar; you should see the LSE Language Centre
sending my cover letter via email? for help with this. You can use LSE CareerHub to book CV and cover
Title the email “Application for (job title)”, also following any additional letter discussions at careers.lse.ac.uk
instructions in the job advert (like including a reference number). If
you are sending a speculative application you can be less specific. 15 Which is more important, the CV or the
Try to keep your subject header concise and professional though. cover letter?
They are both important. If you want to maximise your chances of
11 Should I handwrite a cover letter? success you should treat them both seriously. The cover letter is often the
If you are asked specifically to handwrite it, then you must. Make first thing the recruiter sees and will set their expectations for what is to
sure the letter is neat and legible. Use dark ink because it is follow. A good cover letter will highlight your key strengths and
easier for photocopying. In almost all cases though, you should motivations for wanting to work in a particular organisation, the CV will
send a word processed letter. then go into more detail about what you have achieved. The recruiter will
form an impression of you based on both documents.
12 Can I use bullet points or subheadings in a
cover letter? “It’s really important your cover letter says something specific and
There is nothing to stop you using bullet points or subheadings to help unique about why you want to work for that company. Go beyond
structure your cover letter. However remember that you are still writing a the obvious on their website, do your research and show you are
formal business letter which needs to be written clearly and succinctly. genuinely motivated and enthusiastic about what the organisation
does. This is what employers are looking for and will help you
13 Are there any example cover letters at stand out from other applicants.”
LSE Careers? Maddie Smith, LSE Careers Consultant
Yes, we have example cover letters in the “CVs, cover letters and
applications” section of our website. Remember that these
are only guidelines; your cover letter needs to be targeted and
specific to the role and employer.

21
16 All the organisations I am looking at seem to be
“It can be tempting to think of applications as a numbers game,
the same. How can I demonstrate that I know the
and that the best approach is to apply to as many employers as
differences? possible. That can cause your cover letter to look very
It’s often assumed that the way to impress an organisation is to show that standardised and errors to creep in. Check whether the
you have carried out a lot of research. This is true up to a point. The organisation you’re applying to has a statement of values, and
strongest cover letters show that you have done some research but also read the role description carefully. Then use the cover letter to
make a link between you and the organisation. Show initiative and speak guide the employer to the sections of your CV or application form
to people working for the organisation to learn more. that show your own values are aligned.
This will make your application appear more tailored and
17 My circumstances are unusual, how should I shows the employer that you would be a good fit.”
present these in a cover letter?
Morgan Stanley
You need to think about the needs of the employer that you are approaching
and try to present the information to meet those needs, emphasising the
transferable skills that you have acquired. You do not need to focus on all
aspects of your life to date in the letter, only those areas in which you feel the Top tips: cover letters
employer will be interested and which are relevant to the role. • Keep the language friendly but formal. Think about how you
would speak to an employer at interview.
18 Can I have a standard cover letter?
• Be positive! Use action words but don’t lose sight of
Your cover letter should be tailored to one specific vacancy (or to a your own style.
particular employer if you are applying speculatively). Recruiters will be
• Avoid repeating key words or phrases.
able to spot generic cover letters and furthermore, you will not be able to
show specific research you have done into a particular organisation. • Always end on a positive note. You can end by reaffirming
your enthusiasm or your suitability.
19 Can I send a speculative CV and cover letter? • Check your letter several times, and then get a friend to
Sometimes roles are not formally advertised so you can contact a check it, then go away and check it again later.
potential employer to enquire about upcoming opportunities or to
express an interest in working for them. Try to find out who deals
with recruitment through calling or networking, as personally “Format to impress: make your CV and cover letter as easy on
addressed applications are the most effective and professional. the eye as possible, keep them succinct (we recommend no
You should include a CV and cover letter, and media and journalism more than two pages for a CV), ensure you structure your
applicants should also include one or two examples of published achievements in a logical and clear way, and proof-read for
work. Once you have sent your speculative application, wait between spelling and grammar errors.”
one and two weeks to follow up. The Boston Consulting Group

22
 Paola Vincent
33 Emmengate Street
London
SE12 3PY
Ms J Joseph
Graduate Recruitment Manager
TB4 Consultancy
Strand, London
WC2R 2LS

22 January 2016

Dear Ms Joseph

I would like to apply for the position of Trainee IT Consultant recently advertised on the LSE
Careers vacancy board. I have just started a one year master’s course in Information Systems at
States clearly
the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). where position
As you can see from my enclosed CV, I worked during my undergraduate degree at the University of was advertised
Warwick gaining valuable experience as an IT business analyst with Société Générale and as a
volunteer with Peace Way Foundation. At Société Générale, one of my key achievements was to
design and implement a company-specific information system which has resulted in a 25% reduction
in administration time for the bank. Also, as part of the internship in the New York office, I completed a
60 page report on how a good information system strategy could be developed and implemented by
senior managers. Working as a volunteer with the Peace Foundation in Bangkok further developed my
cultural awareness and relationship management skills, qualities also relevant to the work of an IT
consultant. As well as these qualities, my undergraduate studies have also developed my skills in
researching a topic, making presentations, writing reports and analysing data.

Talks about One of the main reasons for choosing IT consultancy as a career is that I have for a long time been
interested in business but also fascinated by how technology and information systems can improve
education and organisational effectiveness. The variety of working on different projects across different sectors of
work also appeals to me. My reasons for applying to TB4 are as follows: First, the range of clients
work experience in TB4 works with is considerably broader than many of the other major IT consultancy firms that I have
a way that been researching. I recently read an article on www.top-consultant.com about the innovative work
you have done both in the public and private sectors relating to IT systems mergers and information Writes precisely
emphasises security, an area I’m very interested in. Secondly, having attended your recent presentation at LSE
and having spoken with Jim Bowen, I was impressed by the enthusiasm with which he talked about about why
relevant skills and his work and the many opportunities at TB4 for ambitious graduates.
she wants to
achievements
I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to discussing my application with you work for TB4.
in greater detail. Should you require any further information please get in touch.
Avoids vague
Yours sincerely,
generalisations

Paola Vincent

23
 Enrico Smith
125 Shipman House
Alnwick Street
London
W2 0PQ
Beatrice Crier Applicant’s name
Income Development & PR Department
Youth Action and address
London SW1F 2RP

29 July 2016
Recruiter’s name
and address Dear Ms Crier,

I have recently completed my second year at the London School of Economics, pursuing a BSc in Social
Anthropology. I am writing to apply for the internship offered at Youth Action this summer, which I saw
advertised on the Working for an MP website. Please find enclosed my CV as requested.

I am particularly drawn to the internship because it provides experience in three key areas in
which I am interested.

First, I am eager to develop my skills in media. This year I hosted a weekly radio show that won two LSE
Media Group Awards and I was an active contributor to the student newspaper, The Beaver.
I would welcome the opportunity to work with the UK Youth Magazine and learn more about online
journalism. Second, I am interested in gaining a better understanding of fundraising because I believe
it depends on highly polished communications skills. As you can see from my CV, I have worked on
raising money for Drop the Debt, and I am currently a participant in Oxfam’s Laos Global Challenge.
I hope to build my future career in the not-for-profit sector and any chance to sharpen my abilities or
knowledge of fundraising would be extremely helpful. Third, though I have considerable experience
in the logistics of event management through my work as a Senior Steward in the LSE Events
Office, I am interested in gaining experience of the public relations aspect.

I am also enthusiastic about the post because of my long-standing interest in issues of social
exclusion affecting young people. In high school, I was instrumental in founding and developing the
Diversity Committee, which examined problems of difference and facilitated open discussions. By
chairing sensitive debates in youth forums at city, state and national level, I acquired excellent
communications skills. I also gained an understanding of the intricacy of issues such as under-age
drug use, school-leavers, and teenage pregnancy in my diversity work.
Customary sign off
if you are writing Youth Action attracts me because it works to understand and tackle these complicated problems by
connecting a wide and varied network of autonomous member organisations, consisting of both young
to a named person. people and adults. I am eager to contribute to Youth Action in the work of promoting and expanding its
network, advocating the benefits of high quality youth work and, most importantly, in working to help
If you have not realise the potential of young people. Your organisation has a long history and is a leader in its field,
been able to write and the opportunity to work with such a respected charity would be invaluable to me.

to a named person, I am enthusiastic about supporting the work of Youth Action and gaining the experience that this internship
provides in media, fundraising and event management. Thank you for taking the time to read my application. I
am available for interview at any time and look forward to hearing from you soon.
sign off with
Yours sincerely,
“Yours faithfully”
Enrico Smith

24
Further resources
LSE Careers website One-to-one discussions
You can find example CVs and cover letters from LSE students and Use some of the online resources and try to attend a seminar before
alumni in the “CVs, cover letters and application forms” section of booking an appointment so you are well prepared and can get the
our website lse.ac.uk/careers most from your one-to-one discussion. You will get feedback on the
LSE Careers also subscribes to several specialist and exclusive structure, content and targeting of your CV or cover letter but we
careers websites which are free for you to use. These include: don’t provide proof-reading services. If you want help with this
contact the LSE Language Centre.
• Vault: Career Insider, exclusive online careers library where
you can download careers ebooks. LSE Language Centre
• Going Global, which offers employment guides to more Struggling with writing a good application in English? At the
than 40 countries and international job advertisements. Language Centre you can sign up for courses to help improve your
You can find these and many more resources in the “Exclusive business English, find out about language exchanges with English
resources” section of our website. speaking students, and get your application checked for spelling
and grammar errors. Please note there is a cost attached to some
Only when you have gone through a number of these action points
services. You can find out more at lse.ac.uk/languages
would we recommend you book a 15 minute one-to-one CV or
cover letter appointment with our careers consultants.
LSE Life
Seminars Based on the ground floor of the Library, LSE Life runs seminars,
events and drop-in sessions for a wide range of areas including
Our careers consultants run regular seminars during term-time which
careers, languages and study skills support.
are full of advice on how to construct CVs and cover letters and how
you can best market yourself to prospective employers. There are
also specialist seminars focusing on specific sectors, such as writing
CVs for academia or finance, as well as basic and advanced
seminars which cover different stages of careers – from recent
graduates to experienced hires. You can use LSE CareerHub to
search for and book seminars at careers.lse.ac.uk

25
Contact details
LSE Careers is open:
Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5pm
Thursday 9.30am – 8pm
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7955 7135
Address:
LSE Careers
Floor 5, Saw Swee Hock Student Centre
1 Sheffield Street
London WC2A 2AP
Email: careers@lse.ac.uk
Website: lse.ac.uk/careers
facebook.com/LSECareers
@LSECareers

How to write CVs and cover letters

Edited by Viki Chinn and Sandip Samra, April 2016
Written by Jennifer Steven, Shaun Harris, Matt Wildman
and Sandip Samra

The School seeks to ensure that people are treated equitably,

regardless of age, disability, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin,
gender, religion, sexual orientation or personal circumstances.
This brochure can be made available in alternative
formats on request – please contact LSE Careers.

Design: LSE Design Unit (lse.ac.uk/designunit)