Excerpted from the Brazil Country Guide

Cover Letter Guidelines and Samples

Cover letters are important, but should be brief - a maximum of three paragraphs of three or four lines each. The purpose is to introduce the résumé/CV by directly addressing the individual who will be handling the position. Like the cover of a book, its function is to direct the reader to the main information contained in one’s résumé/CV.

Considering that good communication is a basic requirement for any selection process, regardless of scope, the cover letter is the first way to create an impression of the candidate. It is also an opportunity for the candidate to use personal marketing to generate interest, resulting in a personal interview.

Resume/CV Guidelines and Samples

It is quite common in Brazil for professionals to prepare a more comprehensive résumé/CV, two to three pages in length, with more specific descriptions of positions held, responsibilities involved, results achieved and other relevant details. It is strongly recommended to send both a Portuguese and an English version, especially if the candidate is applying for a position with a multinational company.

If the professional background is long, details should only be provided for the most recent jobs, and the older ones summarized. If the candidate has worked for a long list of companies, only the five most recent jobs should be mentioned.

You'll find more advice and cover letter and resume samples in the complete Brazil Guide.