Graduate CV Tips

The most important part of a CV for school leavers and graduates is academic achievement. However, the points below are influential on whether you get selected for interview.

  Curriculum   Vitae  (CV) Presentation

Pay attention to the appearance of your CV. Don’t put too much text in your CV. You will need to write an attractive, targeted CV with evidence of particular interest in the position you are applying for; e.g. subject choices, project work, a relevant thesis, hobby or interest. Enhance CV readability by writing with bullet points, they are easier to read and have more impact than large paragraphs of text.

CV Wording

Avoid jargon, abbreviations and acronyms unless they are very widely used. Different companies also use different terms. Use the third person: I’s are assumed, for example write “Captained the college football team”, rather than “I captained the college football team”.

Work Experience

You should demonstrate a practical application of your studies, such as any project work, or experience with employers. List any computer skills of your CV such as MS applications that you have used, state your familiarity and mention any programming experience that you may have gained.

Chronological Order

Start your career section or work experience with you most recent job and work backwards. Include part-time or temporary work experience especially if you worked through your college / university education, it will demonstrate a good level of commitment, determination, time management and planning and other positive attributes. If you have held a position for some time, it will illustrate a that you are easily managed a good retention factor and willing to work hard.

Sporting Achievements

This may demonstrate a competitive nature with good social and team working skills.

Be Brief

There is so much evidence that supports brief CVs. It still surprises me that people still write many pages. For most professions, two pages should be the maximum.

Above All

Your CV is a self-marketing tool, above all else, it must demonstrate the future practical application of your skills, abilities and experience – and how you can benefit your future employer.

Graduate CV Tips