Hi all, A new member @Esmael Yimer asked for some discussion, tips, etc. on resumes / CVs, cover letters, etc. I’ll start the conversation w/ my experience. Please don’t be shy and jump in with your own thoughts, experiences, tips, questions, answers, etc. 1. I probably have a dozen or so of these CVs and cover letters that I keep around for reference. 2. I create custom CVs and cover letters for each role that I apply for 3. In applying for roles, particularly if it’s an urgent need, there’s been a layoff, etc. the urge I have is to blast out ~100 applications. 4. This rarely works and the best roles I’ve gotten have either come through connections in my network or roles that are a very good and a very specific match for what I’m good at + have deep experience with + work I really enjoy 5. Focus on those three things and actually narrow your scope 6. When applying, start connecting with folks in the org you’re applying for and, if you can figure it out, specifically with the group and leader you think you may be working with Feel free to add your own tips, questions and answers here. Now, on to the CV discussion. I’m not sure I can drop docs right here in chat. I may need to create sanitized and public links instead. I’ll try that now. What we can do 1:1 or as a group is go through these CVs / cover letters and discuss what we have found works best.

Happy to join in this group. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmfaruk/

So excited you're here and looking forward to working together @Nigar Fatima, @Alisha Fatima, and @Jake Burhans! This is our community. I've done some initial work on courses, chat topics, etc., but nothing is set in stone. Let's discuss and develop what is most meaningful and helpful for the community as a whole. I welcome and love / appreciate anyone who wants to start discussion threads, create courses or help guide our group towards what serves us best in whichever ways makes the best sense / is of the best use to all of us. Kind regards, Grimm

This is the workshop. Not the stage. If you want polite applause, post on LinkedIn. If you want to get better, post here first. Use this space to pressure test your ideas before they go live. Hooks, drafts, half-baked thoughts, all of it is fair game. The goal is simple: say it better, make it land harder, and cut the fluff. How to use it: • Drop a draft and tell us what you want ripped apart • Bring two versions and let the room decide • Share a rough idea and build it out together • Give feedback that actually helps, not just “this is great” Ground rules: • No ego. We’re all in here trying to improve • Be honest, not harsh. There’s a difference • If you ask for feedback, don’t defend every line • If you give feedback, make it useful This is where signal gets built before the world sees it. Let’s get to work.

We created this community around a simple belief: careers grow fastest when professionals help each other grow. That belief comes from servant leadership - a spirit of service I first learned in the military and have practiced throughout my career. Take care of the people around you, and success tends to follow. Modern careers are rarely linear. They are systems of skill, signal, and service built intentionally over time. The best opportunities rarely appear through formal career paths. They emerge from trusted relationships, shared ideas, and people who recognize the value you bring. Novus exists for professionals who want to create personal agency within that system. A simple idea sits at the center of this community: • Contribution creates credibility. • Credibility creates signal. • Signal creates opportunity. You’ll also see another framework here: Build → Signal → Lead Build real capability through learning and experience. Signal your ideas so others can see the value you create. Lead by helping others grow. If you’re here, you’re part of the founding group helping shape this community. Start by introducing yourself. Tell us what you’re working on, what you’re learning, or what opportunities you’re exploring right now. Glad you’re here.