cv

It can be a daunting prospect thinking about life after University. In amongst all the other pressures of university life, particularly the hard study of third year, focusing on graduate jobs tends to drop quite far down the pecking order

But it needn't be so stressful. There's plenty of small and medium commitments you can integrate into your university life to prepare yourself for the big wide world. You may even find that you're doing plenty already!

What's important is that you know how to position your activities to put yourself in the most favourable light. Let's get under way with...

Get a part time job

It may be that you have more pressing financial concerns for starting the job search early. While you may feel like a coffee shop job or spending weekends pulling pints isn't embellishing your CV at all, it can actually be a huge boost provided you know how to spin it.

If you’re reading this you’re probably at the stage where you’re on the lookout for graduate jobs and are firing out CVs left, right and centre. Here are a few things to consider from the eyes of a recruiter.

1. You didn’t sell yourself

A CV shouldn’t just be a piece of paper with a few stats and contact details, you need to sell yourself. Boast about where you believe you really stand out. It doesn’t have to be charity work or public speaking; think about instances from your course. Did you consistently get work in early? Were you top of your class? Include it.

2. You overused the business mumbo-jumbo

Knowing what you’re talking about is always an advantage if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for, but knowing when to hold back is another skill entirely. Don’t encumber your CV with phrases like: ‘command and leverage the businesses personnel to meaningfully navigate a pressing company project’. What does that even mean?

3. You were too generic

Recruiters receive hundreds of CV applications for graduate jobs every day, so it’s crucial you make your CV the best it can be. A recruiter has specific roles in mind when sifting through applications, so it’s essential you tailor your CV to every job you apply for. 

What’s your story?

Recruiters are interested in the route you took to get where you are today. Did you spend a gap year backpacking around Australia? Mention it! The less unexplained gaps in your CV and the more relevant details you give, the easier it will be for them to see your development.

What’s your Unique Selling Point?

Picture this: Ten people with the same degree, same grade from the same university apply for the same job. Who will be invited to the interview? The candidate who is able to stand out and draw attention to what makes them different. It could be that you were involved with a charity, organising events at university, winning prizes for outstanding achievements, writing a blog, etc. If you did something unique, include it in your CV. It demonstrates that you’re a well-rounded individual, and could take you one step closer to securing great graduate jobs.

Recently it was reported that recruiters spend an average of eight seconds scanning a CV or application before deciding whether it either deserves further attention or - more likely - ends up on the reject pile. With so many applicants for some desirable positions it is essential that candidates format their application in a way that will instantly appeal to the recruitment team. Of course, it's no guarantee of success, but the best way of minimising the chances of being instantly rejected is to follow these five guidelines.

1. Be transparent & chronological

An applicant's previous work history is the first thing that a prospective employer will look at. As proud as a candidate may be of their sterling academic success, the fact is that the recruiter will already presume that these match the job description. Any vagueness or unexplained gaps are a huge no-no because it will lead them to presume the worst, that you may have been fired or stormed out in a blaze of self-righteous fury.

Whether you are a first-time student studying for a degree or a mature student going back to university after working for a while, it is always worth doing whatever you can to improve your CV while studying. There are very good reasons for this, chief among which is that having work experience matters. When there are so many graduates and others going for every single job, you need to do what you can to stand out.

Plus, enhancing your CV now by developing your skills and getting some valuable experience in the world of work will stand you in good stead for the future - and you might even be able to apply the knowledge you've learnt studying in a practical setting, which will benefit your education, too.

While you are studying, it can be a very good idea to do some voluntary work. This is a good option for many students as there is a wide range of work choices available. For instance, you could become a charity fundraiser, developing your communication skills. Alternatively, you could spend time at an old people's home or a kids' club, or teach your native language as a foreign language - all occupations that will look great on your CV and develop your transferable skills.