Get your CV right…first time!

You may be a final year student at college or Uni, or have recently left. Applying for roles in this competitive job market is tough. You probably won’t have loads of work experience, so producing a strong CV is important. Recruiters don’t have much time to go through each CV, so you need to make yours stand out!

 1/ Study the Job Spec, and adapt your CV 

No two roles are the same, so don’t just use one version of your CV.  Take a detailed look at the role you’re applying for, and adapt your CV to it as much as you can.  By tailoring each application, you are increasing your chances of getting an interview. 

 2.  Summary

Your opening paragraph needs to be a positive and inspiring summary. This should include an outline of your relevant skills, experience (if any!) and objectives.  You’re looking to attract the recruiter’s attention, so keep it upbeat, relevant and brief.  

 3.  Experience

It’s unlikely that you’ll have too much relevant work experience, but that shouldn’t stop you from highlighting what you do have.  This includes, internships, volunteering experience, and other work eg. during holidays etc.  Keep it relevant to the role you’re applying for. 

 4.  Education

Since you’ve just graduated from college or Uni, your education is a strong asset to your entire CV. Make it stand out!

 5. Skills

Again, highlight these, and keep them relevant to the vacancy. Start with your hard skills, which are directly related to your chosen career path, eg specific computer skills. And then focus on your soft skills, which are more general.

 6. Formatting your CV

The presentation of your CV is as important as the content.  It’s a selling document, so you need to make sure it’s easy to read and is persuasive. Divide it up into sections, use bullet points, and keep it concise. And please avoid gimmicky phrases. 

 7. Proof read and Edit

This is so important, as obviously any mistakes are going to count against you. So finish the first draft, let it rest, then read it like the recruiter would, and edit where you can improve it.  You could then ask a friend or family member to look through it, but remember, it is your CV so you must be happy with it. 

 I hope these tips will help you.  Please contact me if you feel further coaching and support would assist your applications.