Writing a good graduate CV
Writing a CV or Resume is not as easy as you think. There are numerous articles in how to write the best CV, the key buzzwords and what Employers want to see, but the main thing you need to get across is your unique individuality and how you will be an asset to a Company. Far too often graduate job searchers will use the same language and basic formatting, as well as generalised job experience or exposure. This means you are the same in the large and extensive job market. Moreover, job searchers won't prioritise the right skills or experience, or simply write a long waffling bio.
Typically Employers will not read a long CV with paragraphs of information over two pages. They're looking for key skills, experience and knowledge within the first five minutes of looking at your CV, so to make the biggest impact you need to remember to do the following:
- Summarise - Summarise your experience and knowledge, picking out the best bits. Typically aim for no longer than 100 words for each part. Keep it punchy and ask a family member or friend to read your CV and pick the top 3 things they took away from it. Make sure what they take away from your CV is relevant to the role.
- Analyse - Analyse the role you are applying for. Use all the sophisticated skills you've acquired to analyse roles, job titles and descriptions and leverage these words in your own CV. This is what Employers are looking for and the more you use the key terminology, the more favourable you become.
- Utilise - Utilise the skills you have acquired in note-taking and presentations to format your CV in an effective way. Use bullet points, different fonts and colours as well as segments in order to draw one's eye and enable the quick consumption of information.
You might be reading this and thinking you will have to write a few CVs and you are correct. If your CV is not strong enough on certain skills or experience and generic for all jobs, it may be overlooked. Far too often your CV would need to be re-done for certain Employers as they look for the key attributes, so save yourself time and increase the chances of being seen by having an array of CV's that will emphasize different skills or attributes.
Lastly, no one job is the same and Employers will seek an expansive skill-set. There may be some parts of the job you feel you're not as confident in, but there is only one way to find out. Take the leap and find out more about the Company and the role by attending an interview - don't cut your oppurtunities down, as you may miss a good one.
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