Secrets of Your Perfect CV

Many students treat the CV as simply an exercise in listing their academic qualifications and school history; this is a huge waste of opportunity as well as your time! When you apply for your first position it is likely that you will be in competition with others (perhaps hundreds) who have similar histories, interests, etc. Why do you think that any prospective employer should choose you over all the others?

It is apparent, I hope, that you need to do something that will allow you to stand out as someone special, someone they remember and wish to see. How? Well, keep reading, the purpose of this short essay is to provide you with just a little guidance in what may feel like a mud-drenched minefield – remember, if you have found this article, if you bother to read and understand, then you are already ahead of all those who have not!

In the event that you wish to read more, just pop over to our site. If you feel the need for some particular advice drop us an e-mail or ring, contact details are given on the site.

So, just what is likely to impress your prospective employer: captain of school football team, head of debating society, six month’s trip around Europe/Australia/Africa/wherever, or six months work experience in a factory? The answer, any or all of them, providing the experience is presented in such a way as to emphasise that you have learnt something of value to them. So, do not just list the action, but comment upon it, demonstrating decision making prowess, problem solving ability, setting and achieving your goals and so on. They will wish to see that you have gained from your experience(s), reflected upon them, and learnt some new understanding or skill.

Typically, it is likely that your prospective employer will be choosing a dozen individuals from, literally, hundreds or even thousands of applicants. It is essential that you do everything possible to differentiate yourself from all the others, in a positive manner, not by the use of shocking pink notepaper!

Put simply, those who van demonstrate whatever qualities the employer values will tend to get the interviews, and thence the jobs. When should you start thinking about your CV? Pretty much the day you arrive at uni! Yes, I know, there are a million and one other things that are much, much more exiting, interesting and, let’s face it, have an infinitely greater ‘wow’ factor. However, starting your CV early on does mean that you are able to compare what you have to offer with what the employer is seen to want, and then do something about it if any particular areas are, perhaps, a little weak.

During your first year, you should contact the careers service, go to any company workshops that may be run, and undertake some additional work relevant to your long-term aims, if you have any idea what these may be!

Many of the undergraduates I speak to have a common fault of under stating both their experience and achievements. It is absolutely essential that you recognise that, whatever you do, the experience can almost certainly be transferred to a different field. For example, if you earned money by part-time work in a shoe shop you will have gained experience in public relations, sales, stock control and so on; if you spent time serving behind the bar then you certainly have gained some knowledge of human character, as well as team-work and dealing with customers! Get the picture? Do not undersell yourself.

Employers like to see evidence of non-academic activities, demonstrating that you are a rounded character, look at the web-sites of relevant companies, many have guidance for onsite applicants; make sure that your application reflects their needs, address those areas that all employers look for, such as intellect, personality, judgement, drive and influence.

Your CV should address the needs of the particular employer you are applying to; this means that that you need to alter each individual CV for each individual job. Read the job description thoroughly, the words or clues will be there. The fact is, if you do not bother, and someone else spends an extra hour tailoring their CV to meet the employers needs, who do think will get the interview? And then get the job?

The individual who gets the job is not necessarily the one best at that job, but he or she most certainly is better at presenting themselves. You do not need to be top of the class, but you do need to know how to present your qualities.

We wish you luck!