In many countries a CV and a résumé are very similar. Both are documents used to secure employment, usually containing a summary of relevant job experience and education. A CV is usually more detailed than a résumé and is normally at least two pages long.

In some countries, like the United States and English-speaking Canada, a CV is used in academic and medical fields and includes detailed information on education, achievements and publications. A CV or résumé is often updated to change its emphasis, according to the position that is being applied for. On the Internet there are many templates and samples of CVs and résumés.

Job Description
Hammerhead is an award-winning international architectural and design firm with studios in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

Our Melbourne studio has a growing number of domestic and commercial projects. Currently, we are seeking to recruit a mid-level Interior Designer with strong planning skills,  a conceptual design approach, and effective presentation skills for the design phase of medium- to large-scale projects.

Applicants should be experienced, creative professionals with the following attributes:

• A recognised tertiary qualification in design or closely related area with permission to work long-term in Australia.
• A minimum of two years of professional design experience and a portfolio which demonstrates a depth of conceptual design and space awareness and planning.
• The ability to develop schemes in a multimedia environment and use presentation skills to communicate ideas and concepts.

To research more about our company and projects, please visit our website at www.hammerhead.com.au.

How to apply: Please send cover letter, CV and any portfolio images you
think may help your application to Olga Bennett at careers@hammerhead.com.au.

Olga Bennett
Hammerhead
76 Cross Street
Melbourne, Victoria, 3555

Dear Olga Bennett,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Interior Designer position listed on designerjobs.com. I have a degree in architecture and considerable work experience in medium- to large-scale interior design projects, including trade fair pavilions, and interiors for shopping centres and government agencies.

I have studied the Hammerhead website in detail and am extremely impressed by the variety of projects that the company has completed and also the innovative ideas and solutions that it has developed. I feel that, with my strong planning skills, my interest in conceptual design and my enthusiasm for conveying design ideas to clients and the public in general, I have all the necessary attributes to bring to the Hammerhead studio.

From experience I have learnt the value of working in a team, and how this can stimulate the creative process and speed up considerably the refining of concepts and designs to meet the demands of each design brief. In my opinion, a solid team is a most valuable asset for any company.

I am very much looking forward to hearing from you and to the possibility of finding out more about the company and sharing with you a selection of projects from my portfolio. I will contact you early next week to confirm that you have received this résumé and cover letter. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you require further information. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Tina Thorne
343 Crystal Avenue
Shepherd Hill
VC 224 J

Olga Bennett
Hammerhead
76 Cross Street
Melbourne, Victoria, 3555

Dear Olga Bennett,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Interior Designer position listed on designerjobs.com. I have a degree in architecture and considerable work experience in medium- to large-scale interior design projects, including trade fair pavilions, and interiors for shopping centres and government agencies.

I have studied the Hammerhead website in detail and am extremely impressed by the variety of projects that the company has completed and also the innovative ideas and solutions that it has developed. I feel that, with my strong planning skills, my interest in conceptual design and my enthusiasm for conveying design ideas to clients and the public in general, I have all the necessary attributes to bring to the Hammerhead studio.

From experience I have learnt the value of working in a team, and how this can stimulate the creative process and speed up considerably the refining of concepts and designs to meet the demands of each design brief. In my opinion, a solid team is a most valuable asset for any company.

I am very much looking forward to hearing from you and to the possibility of finding out more about the company and sharing with you a selection of projects from my portfolio. I will contact you early next week to confirm that you have received this résumé and cover letter. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you require further information. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Tina Thorne
343 Crystal Avenue
Shepherd Hill
VC 224 J

It's very important to proofread (read and check) your cover letter before you send it. Do this at least twice. If possible, ask someone else to read it, too. It's very easy for us to overlook our own mistakes.