January 2023 - Star Personnel Recruitment

When applying for jobs in other countries, it’s important to tailor your CV to the specific culture and expectations of the hiring company. Here are a few tips for South African job seekers looking to format their CVs for international job applications:

Keep it simple: Avoid using fancy graphics or layouts, as these can be difficult for international hiring managers to read. Stick to a clean, professional design that is easy to read.
Use the right language: Make sure your CV is written in the language of the country you’re applying to. If you’re not fluent in the language, consider hiring a professional translator to help you.
Highlight your international experience: If you have any international experience, make sure to highlight it on your CV. This could include previous work experience abroad, language proficiency, or international education.
Include a personal statement: A personal statement is a great way to introduce yourself to international hiring managers. Keep it brief and to the point, and focus on your skills, experience, and qualifications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Follow the local format: Research the CV format that is commonly used in the country you’re applying to, and make sure to follow it. This will show that you’re familiar with the local culture and customs.
Check for errors: Proofread your CV multiple times before sending it. Check for spelling, grammatical, and formatting errors.
Clearly describe your previous employers: In the experience section of your CV, make sure to clearly describe your previous employers in terms of the size of the company, industry, and location. This will give international hiring managers a better understanding of the type of work you’ve done and the environment in which you’ve done it. Even if your previous employer is well-known in South Africa, it may not be as well-known in other countries, so it’s important to provide as much information as possible.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to formatting a CV that will help you stand out to international hiring managers. Remember to be honest, be specific and keep it simple and easy to read.

A cover letter is a critical part of every job application as it serves as an introduction to yourself and your qualifications. It is typically sent along with a resume, and should complement and add additional information to the information provided in the resume.

Here are some tips for writing a cover letter for a job application:

Tailor the cover letter to the specific job and company. Be sure to research the company and the job you are applying for, and make sure to mention specific aspects of the job or company that interest you in the cover letter.
Start with a strong introduction. The first sentence of your cover letter should grab the reader’s attention and entice them to read further. Use this space to introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position.
Highlight your qualifications. Use specific examples from your past experience and achievements to demonstrate how your skills and qualifications match the requirements of the position. It will give a sense that you have done your research on company and position.
Show your personality and enthusiasm. Use a friendly and professional tone throughout the cover letter, and be sure to express your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
Keep it concise and to the point. Cover letters should be no longer than one page (often less), and should be easy to read and understand. Avoid long-winded sentences and get straight to the point.
Include your contact information at the end of the letter. Be sure to include your name, phone number, and email address so the employer can contact you.
Proofread your letter. Make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammar errors, as this is an indication of your attention to detail and professionalism.
If you are sending your CV via email, make sure that the cover letter is part of the email body (not an additional attachment). Don’t make the reader open extra documents if not necessary.

By following these tips, you will be able to create a strong and effective cover letter that will make a great first impression on potential employers.

It is also worth noting that some companies might be using an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) which is a software that will scan and analyze resumes and cover letters. Make sure your letter contain some of the key skills, keywords, qualifications and experiences as stated on the job advertisement. This will help to increase your chances of getting through the initial screening process.

Best of luck. Hope you land the job.

Month: January 2023

Candidates – Is your CV Internationally Ready?

Candidates – 8 tips for a great cover letter

Contact us

Star Personnel Recruitment