Five steps to the perfect graduate CV
Build your network, be concise and let your
achievements do the talking, say our panel of experts
Tailor your CV – and always keep it short
“Employer feedback tends to point towards a
preference for shorter, snappier language on a CV. Long paragraphs of text can
be a real turn off, and will run the risk of being skim read. Using bullet
points is a great way of getting information across clearly and concisely,”
advises Caroline Thorley from Birmingham City University.
The important thing to remember is that
recruiters and employers will see a huge number of different CVs every day. You
have a small window of time to make a good impression, so keep your content
concise, to the point and tailored to the job you are applying for.
“For a new graduate, you should aim for two sides
of A4 – no longer,” says Annie Peate from CIPD. Including a picture isn’t
necessary, and can take up valuable space. Paul Young, director of Grad-Careers
Ltd, recommends using this space to “communicate an extra point or two about
why you should be selected for the next recruitment stage.”
Create a consistent brand
In some industries, creating an online or video
CV in addition to a traditional format can be a useful asset. Similarly, a good
understanding of social media and a strong online presence can help your
application.
“My advice to students is to always ensure
consistency across all of their applications and sites, so that they complement
each other and promote the same key messages,” says Caroline Thorley. “Students
need to think about their ‘overall brand’ and how this is managed both on paper
and online.”
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