Tips on how write a good Curriculum Vitae (CV)

For obvious reasons graduates tend not to have a lot of work experience. That's the bad news, the good news is that employers know and understand this. What employers want to see in a graduate is future potential, ambition, a fresh mind and performance. Employers are often more interested in a graduates potential rather than their limited work experience. Successful candidates tend to be those who show motivation, enthusiasm, have transferable skills and are able to communicate effectively.


Key points to remember when writing your CV are

*. Do not underestimate how important a good CV can be towards getting you a job.
*.Hiring managers will decide within a minute of picking up your CV whether to reject it. Its vital you grab their attention immediately.
*.As a recent graduate it's best to start your CV with your education, unless you have an impressive work experience record.
*.Compensate for your lack of work experience by showing a detailed understanding of your target industry and of a prospective employers products or services.
*.Graduates submitting a CV to a potential recruiter should see it as an opportunity to show off their communication and writing skills.
*.Write a attention grabbing resume that not only lists your academic qualifications but also demonstrates your enthusiasm, understanding of the industry and motivation.

How To Write your CV

Remember a CV is there to get you a interview not a job. Write it with this in mind, if your qualifications are excellent then put these at the beginning of your resume rather than any limited work experience.

*.Write it using powerful, active and positive language, and ensure that it meets the recruiters criteria. To add a sense of vibrancy use industry keywords and verbs.
*.Look at the employers, are they a traditional company who value academic and intellectual achievements or are they in a new high tech industry that favors presentation and communication skills.
*.In your CV always include your mobile number, its easier for employers to contact you directly.
Also give your email address and make sure it is a professional sounding one, likesamuel.b@email.comand notsamsamtheman@email.com.
*.Your academic achievements
There can be a temptation to list in detail every grade for every course you have taken. Do not do this instead give a very brief summary of your education and focus only on relevant courses and grades.
*.Read the job description Analyse the job advert and find out what skills and abilities is the employer looking for. If required go as far as researching similar jobs online to find out the duties and responsibilities required. This will give you a lot of key data that you can use as a guide when writing your CV.
*.Write a new CV for each vacancy you apply to
Target and tailor the CV at the vacancy, company and industry that you are applying to.
*.Your strengths and achievements At the beginning of your CV list those abilities and competencies that are most relevant to the job you are applying to. These could be academic achievements or career skills.
*.Work experience Present these in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent and then working backwards.
*.Other information Mention if you have a driving license, a interesting hobby or can speak a foreign language etc.
*.Show you knowledge of the industry Stand out from other applicants by going that extra mile and doing some research into the employers and also industry you are applying for. Research the company, has it been in the news recently for instance are they opening a new store or launching a new product. If so mention this in your covering letter or career statement. Mention the products of competitors,highlight any weaknesses or strengths that you can see in them.

Keep your CV simple, concise and to the point. Think carefully about what headings and sub headings to use. To keep the recruiter reading sprinkle your CV with industry keywords and highlight them.

Here are some more tips:

1.Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages.
2.If you are sending a hard copy then use good quality paper and a laser printer.
3.Use a font size of between 10 to 12 points.
4.Do not write long sentences instead use bullet points and short phrases.
5.Organisational abilities.
6.Academic achievements.
7.Any related voluntary work you have done.
8.Training courses completed.
9.Any awards for achievements.
10.Your ability to prioritise.