The job market for new university graduates is more competitive than ever, and the most difficult hurdle for any job seeker is achieving an interview. The key to getting an interview is a comprehensive, concise and eye catching CV. There may be tens or even hundreds of other new graduates applying for the job and a successful resume or CV will have to grab the reader’s attention instantly and create a strongly positive impression if the job application is to survive the first sifting.
A Simple, Logical CV
Using a simple, logical CV template like the one below, which is a proven success for graduate job seekers, will help achieve initial scrutiny. However, some employers will ask applicants to follow a particular format of their own, or even provide a printed form to complete.
Whichever is the case:
- Keep all information factual, scrupulously accurate and as concise as possible. Ideally all the necessary information should be covered in at most 2 sides of A4.
- Since this is likely to be a first proper job application, the nature and quality of your degree will be the main feature of the resume, but try to give the employer a broader picture of relevant skills and interests beyond the basic academic history and achievements, such as any internships or holiday jobs, other work experience, community work, society or club activity (not nightclubs!), and sporting achievements.
- Try to confine the CV to facts rather than expanding on subjective statements such as enthusiasm for the job, or the particular characteristics or qualities which most fit your for it. All this is more appropriately included (again succinctly) in the covering letter. The wording and tone of the job announcement should give a feel for the sort of thing required.
Next, type out the final version of the CV on a typewriter or computer, or get friend to do so, then check and recheck for spelling or typing errors. Such errors can completely undermine an otherwise good CV.
Last, but certainly not least, compose the covering letter with as much care as went into the CV. Many leading employers have complained at the frequency with which they receive ill-researched, ungrammatical and misspelt covering letters and consequently may not even read the attached CV. A good covering letter (also typed) should summarise briefly main qualifications and enthusiasm for the job.
Dispatch the letter and CV in plenty of time for the closing date. If pushed for time, be prepared to use special delivery or even a courier service.
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Sample CV Template
JONATHAN (JON) SMITH BSc (Your name and qualifications)
(Head the CV with your full name in bold upper case, with the name you prefer to be called by in brackets if appropriate)
CONTACT DETAILS
Full address.
Fixed line and mobile telephone numbers.
Email address.
CURRICULUM VITAE (or just CV if the job notification suggests that the potential employer prefers an informal approach)
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
List the secondary and higher educational establishments attended, with the most recent first. In each case show dates and list all educational qualifications gained, eg:
Bristol University. (October 2007 – June 2010). BSc ( Hons) in Accounting and Management. Class obtained 2:1.
Norwich City College. (September 2005 – June 2007). (List A levels and AS levelsand diplomas with grades)
Kett Comprehensive School. (September 2001 – June 2007) (List GCE O levels gained with grades).
WORK EXPERIENCE
List internships or holiday jobs (normally in reverse chronological order, but leading with anything directly relevant to the current application} as far back as any work experience at secondary school).
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
List any other formal qualifications relevant to the post applied for, or which indicate the range of your interest and experience. eg:
Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Award.
RLSS Bronze Medal for Life Saving.
St John Ambulance Youth First Aid Certificate.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of birth. (optional)
Marital Status. (optional)
Health.
Nationality. (and immigration status if appropriate.)
Interests. List briefly your main interests and hobbies,University Societies of which you were a member and any notable achievements, leading with anything relevant to the current application.
Languages Spoken. List languages in which you have a formal qualification, or any learned colloquially through holidays or trave, indciating the level of fluency in each.
REFERENCES
List the names and appointments of two or three people who have good knowledge of your recent career. (The job notification may specify the number and/or nature of referees required). Otherwise, one at least should be an academic from your university. An employer with whom you did a holiday job or work experience makes a convincing supporting referee. Also consider club or a community project organisers.
You may request that referees should only be approached if the application is successful.
Always obtain their permission in advance of any contact.
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A different CV template is more appropriate if this is not you first job.
Good CV is Key to Success
A good CV is the key to success in winning that first graduate job interview, and the first step towards a new career. The CV should be scrupulously accurate, neatly presented (typed if possible) and comprehensive but concise. It should follow a clear, logical format, as in the template above, unless potential employers ask for their own format to be followed.
Finally, a poor covering letter can kill a good CV. Writing a good covering letter is almost as important as the CV itself.
Sources
Bristol University Careers Service.
Durham University resume writing resources.
Prospects Graduate Careers Website.
Tony Allen - In 2004 I began my "fourth career" as a freelance writer. In my first career, after training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, I ...
