Think of your CV and cover letter as a business proposal. You’re the product—sell your value with confidence and precision. Demonstrating impact and relevance is key: your CV proves your capability, and your cover letter conveys your fit.

CV Tips

Tailor it: Highlight achievements aligned with your target role. Use keywords from the job description. Ask yourself: could this exact CV be used for another role? If yes, it’s not tailored enough.

Quantify results: “Increased sales by 20%” beats “Responsible for sales.” Demonstrating your ability to deliver results is far more impactful than listing duties.

Show leadership and the skills it requires: Include team projects, societies, or entrepreneurial ventures. Explain how these experiences stretched your collaboration, communication, and decision-making abilities.

Keep it clean: One-page, professional layout, no typos. As Yuqi shared with Robert Preda, “Make sure that everything—such as the company’s name, the position’s name, and the date—is properly listed. You don’t want to be screened out because of very silly mistakes.”

Cover Letter Tips

Your cover letter can address what the CV cannot: your motivation for the role, your familiarity with the organisation and its values, and—most importantly—your personality.

Start strong: Open with a compelling hook. Why this company? Why you? Mention a connection, conversation, or event that led to this application.

Tell a story: Share a brief example that demonstrates your skills and drive. Make it memorable.

Connect the dots: Show how your MSc experience prepares you for the role.

End with intent: Express enthusiasm and suggest next steps.