Application forms and covering letters

A curriculum vitae (CV) or covering letter outlines your personal details and your relevant skills, experience and qualifications. It is used to help you "sell yourself" to a prospective employer by highlighting your strengths and achievements. Your CV should include the following:

• Personal and contact information
• Education and qualifications
• Employment history
• Skills relevant to the job you are applying for
• Interests.

All employers are required under the Equality Act to make application forms accessible. This can be done by either making them available in an alternative format or by offering a reasonable adjustment to the recruitment process, for example allowing you to complete the form over the phone.

Some may or may not include a covering letter form.

If you have been asked about a disability on the application form, this is a good place to disclose your disability or mention any adjustments you may need at an interview or test. Also, if your CV highlights that you have a disability (for example, you attended The Royal Blind College) this is your opportunity to explain your disability in more detail and in positive terms. For speculative applications, there is no need to mention your disability until you are asked for interview, where you should be asked if any adjustments are required.

Find out more about disclosing a disability

A covering letter should always be included when you are sending out a CV or an application form. It should generate interest and motivate the employer to want to know more about you. A covering letter is even more critical if your application is speculative.

For information and advice on completing application forms and writing covering letters download our factsheet.