CVs: Love them? Hate them? You still need them.
First impressions last. And your CV is going to be your first impression.
To us. To any prospective employer.
Get it right and you’ll get an interview. Get it wrong and there’s no second chance.
So follow these helpful hints to make sure you make the right first impression:
Make it easy to read
- Use clear formatting with simple fonts
- Include bullet points to break up text
- Stick to one page for graduate jobs
Include all relevant information
- Academic record and work experience in reverse chronological order
- Degree result and A-Levels are most important; include GCSE Maths and English
- Include precise role, company, length of time worked, paid or voluntary status and indication of any responsibility in work experience
Differentiate yourself
- Set yourself apart from other candidates
- Include positions of responsibility at university and outside, as well as extra-curricular activity and interests
- Show how you got involved in university life and mention examples of communication, leadership and teamwork – transferable skills that employers love
Don’t make mistakes
- Employers see lots of CVs and so any small mistakes could see your CV in the bin
- Demonstrate attention to detail by checking spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Then check it again
Make it your own
- Stick to the above rules, but also add your own individuality
- Tailor your CV to each specific job you apply for
- But if you haven’t got the right skills, it’s probably the wrong job for you