Write a great covering letter
10/10/2017
Avoid rejection: cover letter mistakes table, research checklist, STAR examples, templates. UK student guide.
The Career Academy16/10/2017
I have finished my study, now what?
Finishing an online course feels great. Then the next question hits. What do I do with it now?
We built this guide to make the next steps feel clear. No fluff, just the things that actually move you forward. Pick a section, copy the templates, and start small.
Want a simple plan that fits around life?
Speak to our team and we will help you map your next step.
Speak to a Course Advisor.
Note: replace the hero image URL with a UK hosted image if needed.
What is your biggest barrier right now?
Pick the one that feels most true today. You can always come back later.
My CV feels weakI do not know what to write or how to show my course properly.
My LinkedIn is emptyI want it to look professional without sounding awkward.
Networking scares meI do not want to feel like I am begging for a job.
Interviews make me panicI need a simple way to prepare answers and stay calm.
Friendly truth: you do not need to do everything at once.
Most progress comes from a few repeatable actions each week.
Do not wait for confidence: confidence shows up after you take action, not before.
If you want support: our team can help you pick a realistic next step.
Speak to a Course Advisor.
Your Proof Pack
Employers love proof. Not big claims. Proof. A Proof Pack is just a folder that makes it easy to show what you have done.
What to include
1
Your certificate. Save it as a PDF.
2
Your best assignment or project. One clean example is enough.
3
Short notes on skills used. For example Excel reports, bookkeeping tasks, customer emails, planning.
4
Any feedback you received. Tutor comments, pass result, improvement notes.
5
A one page summary. What you learned and what you can do now.
Keep it simple: if you only do one thing today, build this folder.
It makes CV writing and interviews much easier.
One page summary template
Course completed:
Key topics covered:
Tools used:
Three skills I can confidently do now:
1)
2)
3)
A project I completed:
What I did:
What the outcome was:
What I learned:
Roles I am targeting next:
1)
2)
3)
Copy this into Notes or Google Docs and fill it in. Do not overthink it.
Stand out CV, without making it a big drama
Most people lose time trying to write the perfect CV. We get better results when we keep it clear, relevant, and easy to scan.
Three rules
- Keep it relevant: match your CV to the role you are applying for.
- Show proof: use examples from your Proof Pack.
- Make it skimmable: short sentences, clear headings, strong bullet points.
Quick fix: use the job advert as your checklist.
If the advert says customer service, spreadsheets, admin, reports, compliance, pick examples that match.
Bullet point formula that works
Use this for work experience, volunteer work, and course projects.
Action + Tool + Outcome
Examples:
Created a simple weekly tracker in Excel to organise tasks and reduce missed deadlines.
Processed invoices and reconciled basic records using course based bookkeeping practice, improving accuracy over time.
Handled customer enquiries by email and phone, keeping responses clear and polite.
Keep it honest. You do not need big numbers. Clarity wins.
If you are light on experience: course projects count.
Add a section called Projects and include one or two practical examples.
LinkedIn that sounds like you
LinkedIn works best when it is simple. Think of it as your public Proof Pack.
Headline ideas
- Recent course graduate, looking for an entry level role in [industry]
- [Skill] and [skill] support, open to junior roles in [area]
- Online learner, practical skills in [tool], [tool], and [skill]
About section you can copy
I have recently completed an online course in [course name]. I enjoy practical work where I can organise tasks, solve problems, and support a team.
What I can do now:
• [skill 1]
• [skill 2]
• [skill 3]
I am looking for an entry level role in [area]. If you work in [industry], I would love to connect and learn what makes someone successful in your team.
Replace the bracket parts with your real details. Keep it short.
Profile quick checklist
1
Photo: clear and friendly, good light.
2
Headline: what you want, not what you hate.
3
Featured: add your certificate or one project.
4
Skills: add the tools you used in study.
5
Open to work: only if you want recruiters to see it.
Easy win: connect with classmates, tutors, and people you have worked with.
A small network is still a network.
Networking without feeling weird
Networking does not have to be pushy. The easiest way is to ask for advice, not a job.
Who to message first
- Friends and family, and their connections.
- People doing the job you want (same city or remote).
- Hiring managers and team leads in your industry.
- Recruiters who post roles you match.
Keep it small: send two messages this week.
That is enough to build momentum.
Message scripts you can copy
Script 1: Advice request
Hi [Name], I have just finished an online course in [area]. I am looking at entry level roles in [job type]. Would you be open to a quick chat so I can ask what skills matter most in your team?
Script 2: Job advert follow up
Hi [Name], I saw your post about the [role]. I have recently completed training in [area] and I am applying. Is there one thing you would suggest I highlight in my CV for this role?
Script 3: Friend or family link
Hi [Name], I have finished my course and I am now applying for roles in [area]. If you know anyone in this industry, I would really appreciate an introduction. No pressure at all.
Aim for friendly and clear. One question is enough.
You got an interview, now what?
Interviews go better when you prepare three stories and keep them simple. You do not need perfect answers. You need clear examples.
Before you go
1
Plan the basics: where it is, how you will get there, and your timing.
2
Research the organisation: what they do, what they value, and what the role needs.
3
Prepare likely questions: strengths, teamwork, problem solving, and learning.
4
Bring proof: your Proof Pack examples, even if you do not show them.
Simple mindset: they are checking if you can do the work and fit the team.
You are checking if it suits you too.
Your three STAR stories
Write these out once. Then practise saying them out loud.
Story 1: Teamwork
Situation:
Task:
Action:
Result:
Story 2: Problem solving
Situation:
Task:
Action:
Result:
Story 3: Learning something new
Situation:
Task:
Action:
Result:
Keep it short. Aim for 60 to 90 seconds per story.
Do not ramble: if you get stuck, pause, breathe, and come back to the question.
A simple 14 day plan
This plan is designed for real life. If you miss a day, you do not start again. You continue.
| Day | Action | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Build your Proof Pack folder | ||
| 2 | Pick 3 job titles to target | ||
| 3 | Update CV using the bullet formula | ||
| 4 | Update LinkedIn headline and About section | ||
| 5 | Apply for 1 role that matches well | ||
| 6 | Send 1 advice message to someone in the industry | ||
| 7 | Write your 3 STAR stories | ||
| 8 | Apply for 1 more role | ||
| 9 | Follow up on an application (short and polite) | ||
| 10 | Send 1 more advice message | ||
| 11 | Practise your interview stories out loud | ||
| 12 | Apply for 1 role and tailor the top section of your CV | ||
| 13 | Review what is working and adjust your target roles | ||
| 14 | Pick your weekly rhythm for next week (2 applications, 2 messages, 1 practice) |
Weekly rhythm that keeps you sane: two applications, two messages, one practice session.
Repeat.
Frequently asked questions
I have no experience. What do I put on my CV?
Use your course projects and any practical tasks you completed. Add a Projects section and use the Action, Tool, Outcome bullet style. Volunteer work also counts.
How do I explain online study in an interview?
Keep it simple. Share what you learned, how you stayed consistent, and what you can do now. Employers often like the self discipline that comes with online learning.
How many jobs should I apply for per week?
Aim for quality over quantity. Two well matched applications can beat ten rushed ones. If you can keep a steady rhythm each week, you are doing it right.
Want help choosing your next step?
If you are not sure what role to aim for, or you want a realistic plan around work and family, our team can help you map it out.
This article is general guidance and does not replace professional career advice.
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