As a recent graduate, how can I make my CV stand out?
When I was asked what the most frequent question was that I heard in our webinars, the answer was easy: it was “how to make my CV stand out?” says Hemshika Gopee, FdB’s social media Intern.
Our CV webinar is understandably our most popular webinar at the moment and we are regularly asked for our top tips to make a CV stand out. I have summarised below a few Q&As, more specifically for undergraduates and recent graduates.
But before we answer specific questions, let’s review the purpose of the CV. It is a marketing tool to sell our skills and experience and get a first interview; it must make a great impression! With that in mind, let’s look at the questions often asked:
Undergraduate: how long should my CV be as an undergraduate? I tend to go over a page.
FdB Associates: Hiring managers expect one-page CVs for undergraduates. However, it is important to talk about extra-curricular activity or work experience that you have done and where you have demonstrated relevant skills for the job you are applying to. If your CV becomes too long, tailor it by only mentioning experiences that directly relate to the role you are applying to.
Undergraduate: Recruiters only look at a CV briefly and I want to get my strengths noticed. How can I draw their attention to my strengths?
FdB: Yes indeed, a recruiter looks at a CV for about 40 seconds on average. So make sure to demonstrate your strengths early on in your CV. Your academic qualifications are very often a prerequisite for the role (most companies ask about them in the application forms) and therefore, this is not what will make you stand out. Instead, you must draw the hiring manager’s attention to your experience and highlight your relevant successes. You can draw examples from volunteering activities, group work at University and your internships. You should therefore list your experience before your education!
Undergraduate: But why not just show my strengths in my Personal Statement then?
FdB: In your personal statement – and this part of the CV is a must – you will talk about your strengths and add a little bit about your personality, but in the work experience section, you justify what you have mentioned in your personal statement by providing examples of how you have used your strengths. Many people can claim to be a good team member or to be able to solve problems, but those who give examples of when they have done so will be much more credible! You don’t want to be seen as merely one of the many applicants. This will make you stand out and show the contributions you could make.
Undergraduate: what should I avoid in my CV?
FdB: Here are 2 more pieces of advice:
1. Avoid telling the recruiter all you know or have done. Although probably interesting, not all will be relevant. Only add what best relate to the role you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing role, it is best to mention blogs you have written or social media skills but there is no need to highlight programming skills; this will ensure your CV is not too long.
2. Do not use fancy CV formats! This is quite risky, as the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will not be formatted to understand columns and boxes and will not read your sentences correctly, therefore missing key information. This could result in you missing your chance of getting an interview. It is best to use a simple, straightforward word document or pdf file.
We hope this will help many undergraduates and graduates as they apply for work placements or graduate schemes; we are considering setting up specific webinars for students; do contact us to register an interest!
But If you want to attend our existing CV and cover letter webinar, or you know somebody who would benefit from our advice, our webinars run each week, at different times of the day (and in the evening) to help as many people as possible.