What does a job application include? Standard writing guide for 2026

What does a job application include is a question almost everyone encounters when starting a job search or preparing to change jobs. Most businesses today only require a CV during the application round, while legal documents are submitted after the candidate receives a job offer. Some familiar documents from the past have also changed according to new regulations. This article summarizes everything you need to prepare for each stage and provides instructions on how to write each component accurately.

Quick Summary:

• A job application dossier is a collection of documents submitted by a candidate to an employer, divided into two stages: when applying and when accepting a job offer.
• Application documents usually consist of a CV, cover letter, and portfolio if required for the position.
• Onboarding documents include an ID card, curriculum vitae (biodata), health certificate, copies of degrees/certificates, and payroll details such as tax ID and social insurance number.
• Household registration books and national ID cards (CMND) are no longer used in job application dossiers.

1. What is a job application dossier?

A job application dossier is a collection of documents provided by a candidate to an employer. This set of documents helps businesses assess the candidate’s suitability for the role, while serving as the basis for signing employment contracts and completing post-recruitment HR procedures.

2. What does a job application include?

Depending on the company and position, the specific documents required may vary, but they generally revolve around the two main groups below.

• 2.1. Initial application documents

• CV / Resume: The most mandatory and critical document, summarizing experience, skills, education, and achievements relevant to the target position.
• Cover Letter: A short letter explaining why you are a good fit for the position and company. Although not requested everywhere, a letter tailored to each company helps your profile stand out.
• Portfolio: Essential for design, marketing, content, and tech roles, and increasingly useful for management-level candidates.
• Scanned Degrees & Certificates: Submit only when specified in the job posting, such as language proficiency certificates or professional licenses.

2.2. Onboarding documents upon hiring

After accepting a job offer, the company will request the following documents to complete contracts and HR onboarding procedures:

2.3. Documents no longer used in job applications

Many outdated guides and application templates still list documents that are no longer valid:

• Household Registration Book (Sổ hộ khẩu): No longer valid as of January 1, 2023, under the Law on Residence 2020. Residency information is now verified through the National Population Database or the VNeID application.
• Old National ID Cards (CMND): Phased out completely on January 1, 2025, under the Law on Identification 2023, and replaced by the standard Citizen ID Card.

If an employer still asks for these obsolete items, you can discuss replacing them with your Citizen ID Card or residency confirmation documents.

3. How to write and prepare your job application properly

A standard application package does not need to be overly elaborate, but all information must be accurate, consistent, and tailored to the target role.

• 3.1. Writing a CV

• Keep it to 1–2 pages: Candidates with less than 5 years of experience should aim to keep it to one page.
• Order experience reverse-chronologically: For each job, list the company name, title, employment period, and 2–4 bullet points detailing responsibilities and achievements.
• Quantify achievements with numbers: Instead of “in charge of sales,” write “increased regional sales by 30% within 12 months.”
• Tailor to each job description: Highlight skills and keywords matching the job posting near the top of your CV, provided you genuinely possess them.

3.2. Writing a Cover Letter

A cover letter should ideally span 3–4 short paragraphs: the opening states the position applied for and where you found the listing, the middle section demonstrates fit using 1–2 key achievements, and the closing expresses your interest in an interview. Avoid repeating your CV word-for-word; the cover letter should explain why you chose this company and what value you bring.

Download the latest job application templates here!

3.3. Filling out Curriculum Vitae (Sơ yếu lý lịch)

The Curriculum Vitae form needs to be filled out completely and clearly using single-color ink. Full name, date of birth, Citizen ID number, and place of residence must match your Citizen ID Card exactly. Educational and work histories should align with the timeline provided in your CV.

Refer to standard Curriculum Vitae forms here!

3.4. Organizing paper dossiers

The recommended document order is: Cover letter or application form, CV, Curriculum Vitae (biodata), copy of Citizen ID Card, copies of degrees/certificates, health certificate, and photo. On the outside of the application envelope, clearly state your full name, phone number, and target role for easy HR categorization.

3.5. Submitting via email or job portals

• Use PDF format: Maintains layout across all devices.
• Name files clearly: E.g., “CV_NguyenVanA_GeneralAccountant.pdf”.
• Format email subject as instructed: If unspecified, use “Application for [Position] – [Full Name]”.
• Submit only requested documents: Avoid attaching ID scans or personal files until explicitly requested to minimize data privacy risks.

Understanding what a job application includes at each stage helps candidates prepare accurately and adequately right from the start. When all information is consistent, documents updated according to current regulations, and content tailored to each position, your dossier will not only pass initial screening but also streamline post-selection onboarding.