When employers ask for 'applications in writing', you should always send a CV (short for Curriculum Vitae) and a covering letter. These two go together.

The CV gives the basic factual information and the covering letter explains why you're interested and shows how you'd be just right for the job.

Writing a CV and covering letter is similar to filling in an application form.
Your CV should include your personal details, education, qualifications
and employment details, while the covering letter acts like the personal statement/relevant experience section.

Unlike an application form, however, you have the freedom to choose what to put in, how to make it look and what format to use to emphasise your skills. Constructing a CV is easier than you think.

Format

There is no set way a CV should look. However, the sample CVs shown in the downloadable Job Seekers Pack from Connexions provide some good guidelines that you can take ideas from and adapt to your needs. Also, following these tips will help you to produce a good CV:

• Type or word-process your CV. If you don't have your own computer, your school, local library, careers centre or FE college should be able to help.
• Print each page on a separate sheet and print on one side only.
• Use black ink on good quality white (A4) paper. Fancy fonts and coloured paper will distract rather than impress a prospective employer moving from job to job and learning new skills along the way.
• Make it clear and easy to follow by being consistent with headings, fonts and use of bold.
• Leave lots of white space and wide margins, so it doesn't look cluttered.
• Put your name and full contact details at the top so they're easy to see.
• Make sure it's free of any errors.
• Finally, don't be afraid to use your own judgement. If you're going for an unconventional, creative job - a plain, sensible CV might not be the right approach.