Topic 3 How to write CV and cover letters, tips on job applications, validation process of previous degrees
Generally, jobseekers in Lithuania need to submit a CV (curriculum vitae) and a cover letter, pass a selection test and go for an interview with the potential employer. These requirements may not apply to those looking for a physical job – a CV and an interview, or just an interview, is usually sufficient.
How to write CV
A CV is one of the most important ways to present yourself to a future employer. Recruiters have limited time when checking CVs, so it is very important that the CV is well drafted, structured, clearly presented and free of grammatical errors.
There are no strict rules on how to write a CV, but a CV should include: personal details, contact information, work experience, education, skills and abilities, interests and references. The CV should also include contact details of people whose good references can help you get a job.
One of the most popular formats of CV used in Lithuania is the “Europass” CV which can be found on the website: https://europa.eu/europass/en/create-europass-cv
Watch a video on how to prepare a good CV (available in Lithuanian language):
Tips on writing CV
Whether you’re applying for an apprenticeship, traineeship or job, your CV will compete with many others. A CV should be short and clear – two pages is the generally accepted ideal length. Make it easy for the employer to find all the relevant information about you and your experience.
Ask yourself what this employer needs to know. The information is probably different from what the last employer needed, so change some things, delete some things and include only what is relevant. Bear in mind that although you may think it is important to know that you like to cook or listen to music, the employer may only be interested if you want to get a job in the catering or music industry. Make the most of a valuable position by demonstrating your suitability for the position on offer.
It can be difficult to maintain a balance when presenting your good qualities – if you boast too much, you may appear arrogant and flaunt unrealistic achievements that may appear fake to your employer. If you are too modest, you may not attract attention and be just another candidate on a long list of CVs. Make sure that the information you provide adequately represents your skills and experience, but also sounds realistic – you need to be able to back it up in a job interview.
You can simply list your experiences without giving the real context and results. It is good that you have experience, but it is not clear to the employer what you have actually achieved or how you have contributed to achieving certain results. If you have helped a company to secure new business, how have you been useful? If you have taken part in vocational training courses, what impact did they have? Including this information will help the employer see the added value you can bring.
Pay attention to what the job advert asks for and then tailor your CV accordingly!
Writing cover letters
The cover letter should include a brief introduction, an explanation of why you are interested in the job and the company, why you are the right person for the job, and how you could contribute to the success of the company. The cover letter should be persuasive. List all the qualities and skills that make you suitable for the job, and do not forget to support your statements with facts. Do not repeat what you have written in your CV. The cover letter should be designed to clarify the facts in the CV and to give more information about yourself. The cover letter should be one A4 page.
You can use the „Europass“ platform for a cover letter creation: https://europa.eu/europass/en
Tips on evaluating job advertisments
|
1 |
First of all, it is important where you find the job advertisment you are interested in: on a careers website, in the national press, on a company's website, on general job portals etc. Where you find the advert says a lot about the company's approach to recruitment. It is like a reflection of the company's overall policy. |
|
2 |
If you find a job advert on a non-job website with a lot of grammatical and style errors, you may question the credibility of the company. |
|
3 |
It is important to note the size or scope of the work proposal. If the advert is only a few sentences long, lacks information about the nature of the job, the company itself, more specific requirements for candidates, etc., it is not clear what kind of person the employer is looking for, and it will be difficult to apply for the position. For example. A lingerie shop in Vilnius needs saleswomen and only the contacts are provided in the job advertisment. It is clear, a specialised shop needs a salesperson with an understanding of the product. It's just not clear what is expected of person and what she/he is offered. So, first of all, call the phone number above and ask about working conditions, schedules, let them clarify the main tasks, etc. If it is suitable, send your CV. |
|
4 |
If it's not the first time you've seen the same job advertisment, if it's been published consistently over a long period of time, e.g. for a whole year, it's likely that there is a high level of turnover in general in the company. |
|
5 |
If a company you don't know doesn't give any information about itself in the job advertisment but it sounds attractive, you should search for information about the company on the internet. It is always important to get to know the company for which you are applying. |
|
6 |
If the job advertisement doesn't include the name of the company or contact details - just a mobile phone number - you should think carefully about whether it's worth applying. |
|
7 |
If a company advertises a job in a foreign language, it aims to ensure that candidates speak and apply in that language. |
|
8 |
The same job title can mean completely different things in different companies, i.e. the nature of the job, the level of responsibility, the tasks, etc., may differ, e.g. an advertising manager in one company will be an active advertising salesperson, in another company he/she will be in charge of the company's advertising. Read the job description carefully. |
|
9 |
The recruitment company does not include the name of its client company in the job advertisement. It is still worth sending your CV (if you meet the requirements). Recruiters guarantee confidentiality and you will definitely know the name of the company when you get to the second stage of the selection process. |
|
10 |
In the requirements, the employer must specify what the candidate must have or be able to do. |
|
11 |
The employer will give preference to a candidate who fulfils the strengths indicated in the job advertisement. |
|
12 |
If you think that you meet all the requirements and almost all the advantages listed in the advert, it is important that your CV and cover letter also give the employer the impression that you meet all the requirements and strengths. |
|
13 |
When applying for a position, be prepared to answer the question - why are you interested in this particular job? You may be asked this during the job interview. |
Validation process of previous degrees
There are two main types of recognition of foreign qualifications in Lithuania: academic and professional.
Academic recognition is the determination of the academic value of a qualification, i.e. whether the qualification substantially fulfils the academic requirements for the qualification in Lithuania.
Academic recognition of foreign qualifications is carried out by a number of institutions in Lithuania, depending on the level of education obtained and the objective pursued:
- Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC). Academic recognition of foreign qualifications is carried out at the SKVC within 1 month from the date of submission of all the necessary documents. More information: https://www.skvc.lt/default/en/about
- Higher education institutions authorised by the Minister of Education, Science and Sport (currently Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas University of Technology, ISM University of Management and Economics, Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Mykolas Romeris University, LCC International University, and Klaipėda University) – for the purpose of studying in the higher education institution of your choice;
- the Lithuanian Science Council (for foreign PhDs).
Professional recognition is the determination of the professional value of a qualification, i.e. whether it meets the requirements for a particular occupation.
It is the recognition of a qualification obtained abroad when a person seeks to take up a particular professional activity. In the context of professional recognition, it is not only the acquired qualification that is important, but also whether the person’s knowledge, professional skills and abilities are sufficient to undertake the relevant professional activity in the host country.
There are two types of professional recognition:
- where the profession sought is regulated, i.e. where the decision on suitability for that profession is taken by centrally appointed competent authorities;
- where the profession sought is unregulated, i.e. where the employer makes the decision on admission.
Academic recognition is often also needed in the context of professional recognition, as it is important for employers to have information on the academic value of qualifications.
