What every student and future graduate should understand, is that a CV is your gateway to securing job interviews as you embark on your career journey. As much as Universities advertise they career services, it’s not unusual for having to wait to get an appointment for a few weeks and maybe even a month. Not only that, but also, from my experience, advise you’re given is more of a bare minimum, and the amount of times i’ve heard ‘Your CV is just perfect!’ but wasn’t able to even secure a job interview with that CV says a lot about their feedback.
So, having gone through various job applications, here are my tips on how you can make sure your CV shines and catches the eye of potential employers:
- Craft a Compelling Introduction: Start your CV with a professional summary that highlights your aspirations and showcases how your unique skills and experiences can benefit prospective employers. If you’re still in school or recently graduated, align your career objectives with the job you’re applying for and the values of the organization.
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on listing experiences that directly relate to the position you’re seeking. Whether it’s internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work, emphasize skills and accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability for the role you’re pursuing.
- Provide Detailed Insights: Ensure each entry on your CV includes enough detail to give employers a clear understanding of your responsibilities and achievements. Aim for concise yet informative bullet points that showcase your capabilities and accomplishments in each role.
- Tailor Your Skills Section: Customize your skills section to match the requirements outlined in the job description. Highlight specific skills and competencies mentioned in the job posting to show employers that you possess the abilities necessary to excel in the role.
- Personalize for Each Application: Avoid using a generic CV for all job applications. Tailor your CV for each opportunity by incorporating keywords and phrases from the job description. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and increases your chances of making it through applicant tracking systems.
- Emphasize Achievements: Don’t just list your job duties; highlight your achievements and contributions in each role. Showcase projects you’ve completed, initiatives you’ve led, or recognition you’ve received to demonstrate your impact and potential value to future employers.
- Keep It Concise and Relevant: Aim to keep your CV concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. If you’re still early in your career journey, one page should suffice. Include only the information that is directly related to the job you’re applying for.
- Proofread Diligently: Thoroughly review your CV for any grammatical or formatting errors. A polished and error-free document reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, enhancing your chances of making a positive impression on employers.
- Use a Professional Email Address: Ensure your contact information includes a professional email address, preferably one that includes your name or a variation of it. This small detail adds to the overall professionalism of your CV.
- Be Selective About Hobbies and Interests: Reserve space on your CV for hobbies and interests that are relevant to the position or demonstrate desirable qualities. Highlight activities that showcase your leadership, teamwork, or relevant skills.
- Avoid Including a Photo: Unless it’s customary or necessary for your field, refrain from including a photo on your CV. Focus instead on presenting your qualifications, skills, and experiences in a clear and professional manner.
By following these tips and crafting a tailored, professional CV, you’ll enhance your chances of standing out to employers and securing valuable job opportunities as a student or future graduate. And remember, as soon as you have a good CV, all you have to do is just add or edit it a little bit whenever you apply for you next job! So if you have a few free hours, it’s worth spending it putting together a nice and professional-looking CV 
