Graduate CV APPLICATIONS
Top 5 tips to ensure your graduate application makes the
employer want to know more about you…
TIP NO.1
Covering letter
Include a covering letter briefly introducing yourself and why
you think you would be suited to the role. You must make sure you
tailor it to the role and company you are applying for.
DON’T MAKE IT ANY LONGER THAN 1 PAGE
TIP NO.2
Concise / structured / to the point
Make sure your CV is structured and not all over the place.
Include paragraphs and headings.
Sections should include….
- Personal details – Name, address, e-mail and phone numbers.
Also include a short paragraph about yourself and what you are
looking for e.g. I am a motivated and driven individual
looking for work in a fast paced environment.
- Education/qualifications – Keep this simple for example there
is no need to list every GCSE you have - saying 11 GCSE’s grades
A-C gives the same information
- Work experience/skills – Include your main
skills. Only keywords are necessary, don’t go into to much
depth. Include relevant work experience to the role.
- Interests and referees – keep interests to a minimum with a
short list of what you enjoy. Finally, you should state that
references are available on request. If you do wish to include
references, you should have two, one should be a previous employer
and the other, someone who can give you a more personal reference
(this can also be a previous employer if suitable). Always check
with your referees before giving their names.
REMEMBER - Be concise – try to limit your CV to
2 pages at the most!
TIP NO.3
Adapt for the role / personalise
Whether you are going for a sales, marketing or accountancy
role, sell yourself through your CV to show you ARE the best person
for that role.
Some examples……
Sales – driven, motivated, communicator
Marketing – creative, hard working
Accounting – organised, focused, attention to detail
TIP NO.4
Accuracy
CHECK YOUR CV for…
- Correct grammar
- Spellings/typos
- Presentation – use the same font, spacing and layout
throughout
Your CV is your first impression so make it a good
one!
TIP NO 5
Focus on experience / achievements
relative to the role
Adapt your CV to the job you are applying for; include your work
experience that relates to the specific role giving examples of how
you have dealt with situations that might be relevant.
Remember the most important thing when writing
your CV is to make sure that it leaves the prospective employer
wanting to know more!!