@Sike.
A cover letter MUST BE PRINTED. I don't think anyone submits handwritten letters these days.
Yes submit in the same envelope as the CV.
Well if you are thinking of applying randomly why don't you create the letter and save it. Then edit the address every time you need it and just print.
Will not advise that you send a handwritten letter because your handwriting might even be your downfall. If the employer can't read your letter, due to bad handwriting, you can be sure they wont even bother look at your CV.
I hope this helps.

REHOZIBAH: Wunderbar! Where there's no vision....the people perish...

Fashola keeps putting the sword to every attempt to make Lagos operate like a junkyard with clinical and classical cutting edge democratic deliverables

Big Up unnu chest Oga Fashola!

REHOZIBAH mi idren. Nuff respect in every aspect. Ah long time FASHOLA did ah run de place . Jah know

weazley: Edit dat link its not clikable

Fixed. Thanks for the observation

Sterling Bank is recruiting DIRECT SALES EXECUTIVE any location closing date 06 Sept 2013
TRAINEES any location closing date 31 August 2013.
For more information click

http://saotheemploymentcoach..co.uk/

or

http://hr.sterlingbankng.com/

Work hard to find work.
Sina Adelaja-Olowoake. SAO The Employment Coach
The high rate of unemployment around the world is no longer news. Everyday millions of CV’s are sent to companies around the world with a view of landing that much needed job. More than at any other time, statistics reveal joblessness to be at its’ highest especially amongst young people.
But despite the gloomy picture many people are still able to secure employment. How are they able to do this despite the huge odds against them?

1. PLAN. It is sad to note that most jobseekers do not have any plan towards securing employment. Some are even at a loss as to where to start or how to start their search. It is advisable to have a plan. The first thing this connotes is that you are serious about looking for a job. Your individual plan must be tailored to your needs. It might include how many times a week you want to devote to job search, which locations you intend to search and what kind of jobs you want to look for.

2. EVALUATE YOUR PLAN. It is good to have a plan but even better if you evaluate your plan periodically. Make changes where necessary. For example regularly update your CV including new changes. If something in the original plan is no longer applicable edit appropriately.


3. NETWORK. Job recruitment companies and other known establishments are good for helping to secure employment but these are not the only avenues open to jobseekers. Lately there has been a rise in the use of social media for the sole purpose of finding employment. Popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin are now being used by jobseekers.

For more information click on this link http://saotheemploymentcoach..co.uk/2013/08/work-hard-to-find-work.html

Sorry guys for the late response. Just sent the samples.

A self taught designer who surprised many with the quality of her work was Tumisola Ladega of Nigerian descent. She is only 14.
" I started designing many years ago. My designs were simple but they've definitely progressed since then and got more professional and more edgy" Ms Ladega told the BBC.
She will be showing the full range of her new collection MONO CHAIN at the Maryland Fashion Expo in Baltimore on Sunday 11 August 2013. The show however is on from 9 - 11 August 2013
Last year she won the FDC Young Designer of the Year award in London and was at the Florida Fashion Expo in October 2012.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23551208

@biobio. Unfortunately it is no secret that employers are quite choosy when it comes to prospective employees. Whether it's in Nigeria or the United Kingdom, more and more employers are opting for younger candidates sometimes preferring age over experience. For a lot of positions, they prefer candidates under 35. And for some others they prefer candidates under 45.
The CV format I have adopted is universal in nature.
I always advise the same layout in this order
Name, contact details - Telephone, email address etc. Then it's
1. Personal Statement ( You can look up examples via google)
2. Career Objective ( " )
3. Key Skills ( Make sure it is related to the job you are applying for)
4. Education / Training
5. Work Experience
6. Interests and hobbies.
7. Referees.
I also warn against the bio data column. Especially if you are 57 years of age, a lot of employers might discriminate against you without even giving you an opportunity at an interview.
At 57 I would want to say your CV can be up to 3 pages and should highlight skills and experience. I have said a lot on CV's on this forum. You can look at other posts on this topic. Such as Dressing for interviews, Time Management etc.

Hey Guys
Can we be a little responsible please?
Kindly check your email address again to make sure it is correct because I am getting returned mails.


Might be the reason prospective employers can't contact you because your details are incorrect.

Check your email inbox

Franky826: thanks so much Mr shinor I got it and it has been so helpful

You are welcome.

Some of the responses that have recently been posted here are not the opinion of the original poster.
One thing I continually emphasise is the use of the right tenses and correct spellings. I would want to believe that if anyone seeks to advice job seekers on writing their CV's at least the tenses and words should be correct.

Keeping your new job
By Sina Adelaja-Olowoake SAO The Employment Coach

Which one is harder getting a job or keeping your job? I usually get asked this question wherever I go throughout the world. And I always give the same answer. They are both EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Though I must confess many job seekers fail to appreciate just how important keeping a job can be so much so that they give very little thought to this prior to taking up the position.
Let’s look at things you need to do that can help you keep your job

1. Be sure you know what you are doing
Arm yourself with every resource you need to excel in your job. Like a soldier going to war you must make sure you are very prepared for the task at hand. But in order to do this, you must have a thorough understanding of the role. Try and get feedback from your colleagues and your boss on how you are getting on. You may feel as though you are doing a fantastic job, but if your expectations differ from those of your manager or boss, there is going to be conflict. Have a good understanding of what is expected of you.
2. Keep On Learning
Do not assume for once that now that you have secured a position you have arrived. Yes you have might have graduated but you have not quit learning. Be a team player and look to get involved in more areas of the business. If your company offers training courses, put your hand up to get involved. If your company doesn’t offer training courses, you can still take the initiative and invest in your own growth and knowledge by paying for these courses yourself.

3. Develop Great Relationships
Research has shown that we spend over a third of our lives at work. If we spend this great amount time at work, then it is only wise that we develop healthy and wholesome relationships in the work place. Be someone that can be trusted. Good relationships are based on trust. Keep commitments. If you promise something, make sure you deliver on time. However, if you find yourself in a situation where something has changed and you cannot keep that commitment, be honest and communicate. Honest communication is the key to building a long-lasting relationship.
For more click http://saotheemploymentcoach..co.uk/2013/07/how-to-keep-your-job.html

@Joshuabak. Thanks

Staying motivated while seeking work.
Sina Adelaja-Olowoake. SAO The Employment Coach.


There is no denying that we are currently living in very challenging times. Wherever you turn in the world, the stories are the same - economic downturn characterized by lack of employment opportunities especially amongst graduates /school leavers.
As a job seeker, it must be harrowing going for interview after interview without landing the position. What this often leads to is despondency on the part of the applicant. After a while the applicant becomes dejected, forlorn, and hopeless. Therefore it is key that job seekers find ways to stay motivated. Motivation will keep you going even when you don’t feel like it. It is the driving force that propels you towards your goal.
Below are some ways to help you stay motivated as you continue your search for employment.

Stay Positive.
Don’t allow your past experience to affect your future prospects. Because you have not landed the jobs in the past does not mean your next interview is doomed. Always think and stay positive. Surround yourself with stories of people who triumphed in the face of adversity. If you need to listen to motivational speeches, read books, do it.

Stay Balanced.
Remember that saying “all work and no play…..”? Keep things in perspective. Don’t sit down all day and just mull over your lack of a job. If you do this long enough it will start to eat away at your confidence and you don’t want that. Socialize in moderation and also continue your job search in equal measure.
For more click on
http://saotheemploymentcoach..co.uk/2013/07/staying-motivated-while-seeking-work.html

@ D'lerious. The cover letter sample has already been posted here.

Is this what is missing in your quest to land a job?
You have probably been to a few interviews and received the same outcome. I believe it’s time you sat down to really find out what is wrong. What are employers really looking for in candidates ? Do you have these qualities or are you willing to develop them? SAO.

Every employer has had a certain amount of experience with both good and bad employees. For this reason every employer has a pretty good idea of what he or she wants more of. Here are the big seven:

1. The first quality that employers look for is intelligence.
In every study, it has been found that fully 76 percent of the productivity and contribution of an employee will be determined by his or her level of intelligence. Intelligence in this sense means the ability to plan, to organize, to set priorities, to solve problems, and to get the job done. Intelligence refers to your level of common sense and your practical ability to deal with the day-to-day challenges of the job. The key to demonstrating your intelligence is for you to ask intelligent questions. One of the hallmarks of intelligence that is immediately evident is curiosity. The more you ask good questions and listen to the answers, the smarter you appear.

2. The second quality sought by employers is leadership ability.
Leadership is the willingness and the desire to accept responsibility for results. It’s the ability to take charge, to volunteer for assignments, and to accept accountability for achieving the required results of those assignments.
The mark of the leader is that he or she does not make excuses. You demonstrate your willingness to be a leader in the organization by offering to take charge of achieving company goals and then committing yourself to performing at high levels.

3. Integrity is the third quality sought by employers.
It’s probably the most important single quality for long-term success in life and at work. Integrity begins by being true to yourself. This means that you are perfectly honest with yourself and in your relationships with others. You are willing to admit your strengths and weaknesses. You are willing to admit where you have made mistakes in the past. Especially, you demonstrate loyalty. You never say anything negative about a previous employer or a person whom you have worked with or for. Even if you were fired from a previous job, never say anything negative or critical.

4. The fourth quality that employers look for is likability.
Employers like people who are warm, friendly, easygoing, and cooperative with others. Employers are looking for people who can join the team and be part of the work family.
Men and women with good personalities are invariably more popular and more effective at whatever they do. Teamwork is the key to business success. Your experience in working as part of a team in the past and your willingness to work as part of a team in the future can be among the most attractive things about you in applying for a job.

Click here for more http://saotheemploymentcoach..co.uk/2013/07/what-employers-look-for-in-candidates.html

Sent.

@ Pinkyeyes. I used this particular sample because it was written with a fresh graduates in mind. The experience is based on previous roles not necessarily acquired formally
Everything you have ever done becomes useful - class rep, member of departmental association, church activities etc. It is now up to you to adapt your experience in these positions to showcase your skills.
This is one reason to belong to voluntary organisations. A lot of skills are taught there which can come in handy.

@ all
Check your email address inbox. The samples should be there.
I will not be sending any cover letter samples to individuals. I have already posted a sample here. Just scroll up to see.

Hi all
I post these articles to help all and sundry. If you have asked for cv samples and received none, kindly check your email address. This could also be a pointer as to why you don't get responses from prospective employers as well after sending your CV. If you have put an incorrect number or email address how will the employer get back to you?
Take time to go through your CV please especially your contact details. One wrong number. One wrong letter and your hopes of getting that job disappear. I cannot overemphasise the importance of this.
All the best.

With cover letters it is not just writing a cover a letter but also letting you see what it is meant to achieve in detail.
Hope this helps.

CV Samples will be sent shortly.
On cover letters I already created a topic " Struggling with cover letters? Let's crack it here."
Here it is

[quote author=Shinor][b]COVER LETTER
I remember I did promise to do a piece on cover letters. Contrary to what a lot of candidates assume, a cover letter is not a protective jacket for your CV.
Instead it is an advert for your CV and you.
A cover letter is even more USEFUL when you are sending your CV to an organization that has not advertised any vacancies.
All cover letters should:

1.Explain why you are sending a CV.
Don't send a CV without a cover letter.
Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a voluntary opportunity, or a permanent position; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?
Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization — an advert in a newspaper, a web site, or a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write unless the person is states otherwise.
2.Convince the reader to look at your CV.
The cover letter will be seen first.
Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.Call attention to elements of your background — education, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.

3.Indicate what you will do to follow-up.In a letter of application — applying for an advertised opening — applicants often say something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, if you have further contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn't said "no phone calls," it's better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications."
In a letter of inquiry — asking about the possibility of an opening — don't assume the employer will contact you. You should say something like, "I will contact you in two weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of organization)." Then mark your calendar to make the call.

An example of a cover letter that can be adapted

1000 Terrace View Apts.
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-4523
stevemason@vt.edu

March 25, 20XY
Ms. Janice Wilson
Personnel Director
Anderson Construction Company
3507 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20895

Dear Ms. Wilson:

I read in the March 24th Washington Post classified section of your need for a Civil Engineer or Building Construction graduate for one of your Washington, DC, area sites. I will be returning to the Washington area after graduation in May and believe that I have the necessary credentials for the project.

Every summer for the last five years I have worked at various levels in the construction industry. As indicated on my enclosed resume, I have worked as a general laborer, and moved up to skilled carpentry work, and last summer served as assistant construction manager on a two million dollar residential construction project.

In addition to this practical experience, I will complete requirements for my B.S. in Building Construction in May. As you may know, Virginia Tech is one of the few universities in the country that offers such a specialized degree for the construction industry. I am confident that my degree, along with my years of construction industry experience, makes me an excellent candidate for your job.

The Anderson Construction Company projects are familiar to me, and my aspiration is to work for a company that has your excellent reputation. I would welcome the opportunity to interview with you. I will be in the Washington area during the week of April 12th and would be available to speak with you at that time. In the next week to ten days I will contact you to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,

Steve Mason

Fidgeting
Excessive sweat
Long periods of silence.

These are some of the signs of nervousness often displayed during interview sessions. In my years of conducting interviews, I have noticed this as a major problem sometimes acting as the defining factor between offering or denying a candidate the position.
Yes we all know how intimidating some interview can be. However no matter how qualified you may be, the employers want to see how confident and convincing you are. Because let's face it, you will need some level of confidence in carrying whatever role you are assigned. So you need to project your self confidence during the interview to show the interviewer(s) you are the right candidate for the job.
Often, people under estimate how important it is to exhume confidence during interviews. But I can tell you it is extremely important.
So just how then do you do this?
Here are a few tips to help you deal with the anxious moments and boost your confidence during interviews.

RELAX. Find what helps you relax before big moments. Some people turn to music. Others to motivational speeches. Identify what works for you and apply it.

LEARN TO LISTEN. Cultivate the habit of listening through before attempting to answer. What this does is it gives you time to compose yourself and also think through your answers.

BE ENTHUSIASTIC. Employers only want to hire people who are enthusiastic about working for them. Your chance to show that is at least to speak enthusiastically. Even if you have the right answers to the interview questions speaking in low tones devoid of any passion does not help in projecting you as confident.

USE RIGHT BODY LANGUAGE. If you have ever done any background work on interviews you would have found out that employers take a close look at the candidate's body language as much as all other aspects of the interview.
Wear appropriate clothes. If there is something wrong with your clothes, you will soon find out as all eyes will be on you albeit for the wrong reason. And this is bound to affect your confidence.
Sit appropriately. Not slouched.
Make eye contact when you speak.
Do not fidget.

LIVE FOR THE MOMENT. No matter what happened before the interview, leave it outside the door. Do not bring any baggage with you. Even if you sat in the most horrible traffic en route the interview, act like nothing happened. However if you suffered an unfortunate incident before the interview, try and contact the employer beforehand to intimate them of the situation.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK. One thing that is bound to knock your confidence is being embarrassed openly and nothing can be more embarrassing than not having done your homework prior to the interview ( i.e making sure you know your CV) because employers can ask questions based on what is on your CV and if you can't answer this it can be very embarrassing. Infact I can tell you that from that moment, the interview just goes downhill.
Also spend time researching the company. It is very embarrassing not to know anything about the company you want to work for.
Lastly practice interview techniques. If need be ask your friends to help in a mock interview session.
Leave no stone unturned to achieve success.

http://saotheemploymentcoach..co.uk/2013/06/you-need-confidence-to-succeed-at.html

[b]COVER LETTER
I remember I did promise to do a piece on cover letters. Contrary to what a lot of candidates assume, a cover letter is not a protective jacket for your CV.
Instead it is an advert for your CV and you.
A cover letter is even more USEFUL when you are sending your CV to an organization that has not advertised any vacancies.
All cover letters should:

1.Explain why you are sending a CV.
Don't send a CV without a cover letter.
Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a voluntary opportunity, or a permanent position; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?
Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization — an advert in a newspaper, a web site, or a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write unless the person is states otherwise.
2.Convince the reader to look at your CV.
The cover letter will be seen first.
Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.Call attention to elements of your background — education, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.

3.Indicate what you will do to follow-up.In a letter of application — applying for an advertised opening — applicants often say something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, if you have further contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn't said "no phone calls," it's better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications."
In a letter of inquiry — asking about the possibility of an opening — don't assume the employer will contact you. You should say something like, "I will contact you in two weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of organization)." Then mark your calendar to make the call.

An example of a cover letter that can be adapted

1000 Terrace View Apts.
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-4523
stevemason@vt.edu

March 25, 20XY
Ms. Janice Wilson
Personnel Director
Anderson Construction Company
3507 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20895

Dear Ms. Wilson:

I read in the March 24th Washington Post classified section of your need for a Civil Engineer or Building Construction graduate for one of your Washington, DC, area sites. I will be returning to the Washington area after graduation in May and believe that I have the necessary credentials for the project.

Every summer for the last five years I have worked at various levels in the construction industry. As indicated on my enclosed resume, I have worked as a general laborer, and moved up to skilled carpentry work, and last summer served as assistant construction manager on a two million dollar residential construction project.

In addition to this practical experience, I will complete requirements for my B.S. in Building Construction in May. As you may know, Virginia Tech is one of the few universities in the country that offers such a specialized degree for the construction industry. I am confident that my degree, along with my years of construction industry experience, makes me an excellent candidate for your job.

The Anderson Construction Company projects are familiar to me, and my aspiration is to work for a company that has your excellent reputation. I would welcome the opportunity to interview with you. I will be in the Washington area during the week of April 12th and would be available to speak with you at that time. In the next week to ten days I will contact you to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
(handwritten signature)
Steve Mason
[/b]
http://www.career.vt.edu/jobsearchguide/coverlettersamples.html[b][/b]

For all cover letter related issues see my post on cover letters. Thanks

All done guys. Check your emails.
@Defloata............Kind of surprised your email is incomplete and will not work either as .co.uk / .com

EmmyDe25: Uncle shinor, please i need some samples too... adeolamanuel@gmail.com. tankx in anticipation.
Meanwhile, i'll like to ask if its that important to list the primary and the secondary school one attended while drafting out. his CV? Submitted a couple of my cv without including those.

You don't have to quote primary school. Secondary school? Yes especially if you are a recent graduate.
Will send a couple.
@ News4Akin. Ditto

10 things you should have in your CV

Contact details
It’s important to provide a range of contact options including your home address, your main phone number and your email address to make it easy for employers to get in touch with you.
Employment history
Make sure to include the jobs that are relevant to the position you are applying for. If you haven't had much relevant experience, however, you may want to include your whole work history.
Education and qualifications
Your education and qualifications may not be directly related to the job you are applying for, but they’re still important achievements that any employer will want to see.
Skills and strengths
Emphasising your skills and strengths is vital when building a CV. A strength is something you’re naturally good at. A skill is something you acquire with education and experience. Make sure to demonstrate how your skills and strengths will help you to do well in the job.
Your personality
Your CV should follow a fairly standard format and the interview is where your personality is really important, but you can still stand out from the crowd with the language you use. Check out Clever Word Play for more ideas.
A prioritised layout
The way you layout your CV will depend on your age and work experience level. The My CV tool allows you to choose between a work-focused or education-focused template. If you have don’t have much work experience or you’re looking for a career change, you should place your skills and strengths section before employment and education.
A good simple format
Unless you’re going for a highly creative job, getting too fancy with fonts and borders will only take the focus from the important information in your CV.
Good spelling and punctuation
There’s no room for poor spelling and punctuation in either your cover letter or your CV. Keep sentences short to avoid confused punctuation and, if you can, give it to a friend to check it over. Spell check should be the very last thing you do before sending it off.
References available on request
You don’t have to include references in your CV and leaving them out will save you space, but make sure to state at the end of your CV that they are available on request.
A cover letter
Most employers will expect a cover letter with your CV. It gives you a chance to get across your personality, ambition and to explain any gaps in your CV. Check out our Cover letter guide following shortly
For a sample of a CV click http://saotheemploymentcoach..co.uk/2013/06/your-cv-is-meant-to-do-one-thing-get.html

Done.

It's been sent. Regards.