How to get the most out of our new CV and cover letter templates

Putting together the right CV and cover letter can make all the difference. However, effective applications for roles in global development can differ significantly from those in other sectors. Oftentimes, they require a targeted approach that highlights how you're going to address the issue that the organization created the job posting to tackle, explained CV writer and career coach Kathryn Harper, during a recent Devex career digital event. Devex hosted the event for those looking to enter or advance in the global development sector, featuring Kathryn’s new set of updated Devex CV and cover letter templates and exploring how to make the most of them. The new templates include two CVs — a chronological one and a topical one specifically for consultants, as well as a cover letter. Here are five key takeaways from the event on how to ensure your CV and cover letter best reflect your skills and experience while aligning with the needs of the organization. Appeal to the problem the organization is trying to solve Kathryn emphasized that the organization posted a job because they have a problem — and you are the solution. She therefore advises applicants to tailor their cover letters to show how their skills and experience directly address the organization's needs. This applies to both traditional CV holders and consultants. “Your job is to tell, and convey in writing, how you're going to solve all of their problems. And that's another great lens to think about,” she said. You can do this by grouping your areas of expertise right below your summary section, she said, but don’t go back more than 10 years to 15 years. AI can be useful — but only you can tell your own story Cover letters provide an opportunity to convey things that you can't convey in the CV. Kathryn said that this could even include personal stories, such as “I was a working mom and got my degree caring for two kids on my own — that kind of thing.” She points out that AI tools can’t capture the personal details and unique aspects of a job seeker's journey. While she acknowledges that AI tools can be useful for creating a baseline, she is clear that only you can tell your story — and cautions against relying on it too much to avoid ending up with a monotonous application. "Twenty AI-generated CVs will all look the same, and that’s not going to serve you well in a still fairly competitive job market," she said, emphasizing that it’s important to “really go through it line by line with a very close read, and make sure that whatever's going to make you stand out is in there.” She quoted a saying about artificial intelligence, “ Why should I be bothered to read what no one has been bothered to write?” “Never leave it to anyone, even me, to tell your story, because only you can tell it the very best way possible,” Kathryn said. Focus your application on getting an interview A cover letter’s primary purpose is to secure an interview. You don't need to include GPAs, coursework, or honorariums, Kathryn said — instead, focus on what will pique the interest of the reader. Your filter when writing and prioritizing content should be “What's going to get me the interview?” she said. It can be a good strategy to go through each section asking yourself what is the most meaningful thing you can include in each one. During this process, and especially when you are evaluating your achievements, she recommends stepping back and being disciplined — including only those that will help you move closer to your goal: making the reader want to talk to you. Avoid generic greetings "Be very greedy with your space," says Kathryn. Use it wisely by showing you’ve made an effort to connect with the right person. In this sense, a simple but crucial tip it try to avoid "To whom it may concern," “Dear Sir or Madam,” or similar generic greetings. Rather take the time to identify the appropriate person to address. Kathryn says that many job postings mention the role's reporting line, such as "This position reports to the Director of Policy." In that case, visit the organization’s website, find out who holds that position, and address the letter directly to them — "Dear Jim," "Dear Mary," for example. If you’ve researched the position and still can’t find the hiring authority, that’s understandable. But even if your guess is wrong, it still demonstrates initiative — an educated guess is far better than a generic greeting, Kathryn points out. This small effort at the top of your letter can make a big difference in how it's perceived from the get-go, it signals to the reader that you've done your homework and understand the organization’s structure, she said. Career gaps are OK, and you don’t need to explain yourself When it comes to career gaps, Kathryn is clear: "It's nobody's business." That power dynamics in job interviews can make candidates feel pressured to explain gaps, “But remember — they also have a problem to solve, and you're that problem solver," she said, encouraging job seekers to, instead, think of it as "we both have something the other one wants." Midcareer shifts and gaps are not unusual and for those who feel compelled to mention the gap, Kathryn recommends giving a straightforward response: "I was caring for someone, exploring new opportunities while brushing up my skills, going back to school, or maybe I was hiking the mountains of the Himalayas to find new meaning in life." But it's up to you how much or how little you want to share. From 2020 to 2024, nearly everyone’s career trajectory was affected in some way, Kathryn added, and employers should understand that the COVID-19 pandemic upended everything. Ultimately, encourage the employer to focus on what you have done, not what you haven't done, she said.