6 Genuinely Useful CV Tips Every Student Should Know

Putting together a CV may seem like a daunting and laborious task, but it’s an essential one if you’re applying for jobs, and it really doesn’t have to be quite as bad as it seems.

Having a good CV will hugely increase your changes of getting hired for the role you’re applying for, and in this post we’re laying out some of the best tips to ensure you cover all of the basics and more. With our advice, you’ll be impressing employers in no time…

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1. Get the basics right.

 

It really goes without saying, but when it comes to writing up your CV, it’s important to get all of the basics right. That includes spelling, grammar, punctuation and the format of the resume itself. Stay clear of extravagant fonts and bright colours – a clean, stylish and appealing format is the best approach, but nothing too outlandish. Keep it professional!

2. Get to the point.

Recruiters often have to sift through hundreds of resumes for any one job vacancy, and so generally have limited time to spend reading through each one. As such, be sure to get to the point and avoiding waffling for the sake of filling up the page. Recruiters tend to skim through resumes looking for keywords and the most relevant points, so be sure to make these as clear as possible. Recruiters will appreciate you making their job easier for them!

3. Don’t feel the need to list every job you’ve ever had.

 

While it is important to list your previous work experience, that babysitting job you had in lower sixth probably isn’t relevant. Carefully consider the previous work experience that you choose to list on your CV, and highlight the ones that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. And remember, listing too many jobs can make you look like you’re always jumping ship – recruiters won’t favour those who can’t seem to hold down a job.

4. Be prepared to give valid reasons for big gaps between jobs.

If you have big gaps between your previous work, perhaps for a gap year or time spent travelling – be prepared to give valid reasons for this during your interview. Gaps between jobs tend to be frowned upon, though can be justified with good reason. Time spent travelling during a gap year could actually help you to land the job thanks to experience.

5. Shape your resume for the job you are applying for.

Reading through the job specification and shaping your resume for the job you are applying for will show that you’ve gone the extra mile in your application. It’ll also make the recruiter’s job easier – straight away they’ll be able to see if your skill-set fits with the role.

6. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

Although it can be difficult to do, you should always try to allow your personality to shine through on your resume. This helps the recruiter determine not only whether you’ll be ideal for the job itself, but also whether you’ll fit into the organisation. One of the best ways to show off your personality is by listing your hobbies and interests towards the end of your resume. Of course, and it goes without saying, keep it profesh and within reason!

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