CV
A good CV will be well structured and laid out so that it catches the eye as well as being easy to read and displaying key information in as little space as possible. Although CV's should be tailored to each specific role, there is a general layout in terms of structure, although sometimes it can be down to personal preference.
At the top start with your name in the largest font with your key details such as address, email and mobile number slightly below in regular sized font.
Optional: Include a brief (personal) statement about yourself, no more than a few lines.
If possible insert a line to indicate a new section, if not leave an adequate number of lines. Start in reverse chronological order and list all your employers and your particular role at the company. On the right side of the page state the time frame you were there (E.g Jan 2017 - Jul 2019). Write at least one bullet point per different role. If you had relevant work experience/an internship, highlight it by mentioning key things you achieved there, rather than focusing on what you did. Show how the company benefited from you, and what impact you had on it.
Start a new section, and do the same with education. If you are studying a finance related degree you may want to highlight some particular modules and your grades in them to demonstrate how apt you are. Education should only involve; university, college/sixth form, and secondary school/GCSEs.
Indicate another section and this is where you would personalise the CV more, think of things that you have achieved or where you have gained valuable skills. For example, speaking multiple languages is a bonus, being computer literate and knowing other software is useful. Displaying teamwork from sports and captaining teams shows leadership.
Overall, the key is to keep it short and sweet. Be careful with your words and don't waffle. Be confident and show yourself off. Make sure to keep your CV within one page and use a basic font.
Cover Letter
The purpose of a cover letter is to present yourself and will give you an opportunity to speak in more detail. Most roles require a page but you are allowed to use more words than a CV.
In the introduction, give a brief summary of who you are, where/what you have studied and which role/company you are applying for.
The first main paragraph is usually about why you want to work for a particular company. You need to do your research on each firm and pick out a few points and explain why they make you want to work there. If a company is known for being good to their employees then you want to talk about their company culture.
The next paragraph is about the particular role. Read the job description well, and effectively respond to it here, if they list anything in particular, then make sure you highlight it. You also want to show why you are applying for this role rather than any other role.
The third main paragraph revolves around you, what you have achieved and what you are like as a person. In the job description there will be particular skills and traits that they are looking for. Here you need to give examples of how you have displayed those skills in previous experiences, they can be from anything relevant in your life.
In the conclusion mention how you are grateful for the recruiter reading your letter, and don't state anything new other than maybe a brief summary and that your CV is attached and you look forward to hearing back from them.