Free Tips on Writing Your CV
The free CV tips below are aimed at a school leaver or college
graduate.
Our full package includes 12 pages of
tips for people of all levels of experience.
Employer Expectations from a Graduate
The most important aspect of a CV from a school leaver or graduate
is academic achievement. However, each of the points below also
have a significant influence on whether you get selected:
 An attractive
CV with all the essential information and an appropriate level
of detail.
Evidence of
particular interest in the position offered e.g. subject choices,
project work, a relevant thesis or hobbie.
Practical application
of what you have studied e.g. project work or outplacement with
an employer.
Computer skills.
These are important for most jobs these days. If it is not clearly
a significant part of your education then list any computer applications
that you have used, state your familiarity with e-mail and the
internet and mention any programming experience that you have
gained.
Part-time or
temporary work experience. If you have had to work your way through
college then it shows determination and ambition. If you have
held down a position for some time it implies that you are easily
managed and willing to work hard.
Sporting achievement.
This implies a competitive nature and good social skills.
Content Guidelines
Pay attention
to the appearance of your CV. Use white space generously and try
to use consistent text alignment.
Start each section
with your most recent education/experience and work backwards.
'I' is assumed
throughout. For example use 'Played on the college rugby team'
rather than 'I played on the college rugby team'.
Bullet points
are easier to read and have more impact than paragraphs of text.
As a recent
graduate/school leaver you should include the results of each
subject that you have taken. Do not, however, include the results
of exams that you have failed unless it leaves an obvious gap.
Tell the truth
and avoid exaggeration. If an interviewer disbelieves anything
that you say then your whole application is discredited.
Document scanning
and computer analysis is being increasingly used by large organisations
and recruitment agencies. Be sure to include relevant keywords
in the text of your CV.
Avoid all jargon,
abbreviations and acronyms unless they are very widely used. The
first person screening your CV may not be technical. Also, different
organisations use different terms.
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