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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

Graduate job applications can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be - just logical with a bit of personality. This is our go-to guide to writing your graduate jobs application.

Job specification

When applying for graduate jobs you will come across job specs. These will outline the details of the role, ideal candidate requirements and the company. You want to present yourself as a match to the skills, requirements and values an employer/recruiter is looking for. How? Tailor your application. Submitting the same CV for five roles in different industries may make you feel productive, but it’s often the opposite. It’s easy to spot a generic application, and nothing makes a recruiter discard your application quicker than something generic.

Top tip: tailor every application, focusing on your skills and why you are suited to the role. Be succinct.

Soft skills

Working in London is a great experience, culturally and professionally. But it’s not always easy to land a job, so here are our top tips to help you in your graduate job hunt.

Visa and NI number

The first and most important thing you need before you apply for a graduate job is eligibility to work in the UK. If you are a British or EU citizen you are eligible as long as you are able to provide your passport or ID. However if you do not have a British/EU country passport or Dual Citizenship you must get a work visa or permit before you arrive in London.

The second essential thing that you need to work in the UK is a National Insurance number. Apply for this on the first day of your job by calling Job Plus and arranging a time.

Network, Network, Network

The economy is growing, exciting new businesses are emerging and the job market is heating up. Competition for graduate jobs is HIGH and it is more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. Here’s how.

Go digital

Technology is one of the fastest-growing industries –embrace it. Get your skills endorsed by previous employers and co-workers on LinkedIn, and secure recommendations from people you have worked for/with highlighting your contribution, personality and skills (also on LinkedIn). Be active online! From making videos, to blogging or contributing to a publication or website – a relevant, visible online presence can help you to market your brand; you!

Add a splash of colour

It’s no secret how competitive the graduate jobs market is these days. We’ve all read the scary headlines and scrolled through endless job adverts, all the while working ourselves up into a frenzy. “What’s going to make me stand out to an employer, when everyone has already done everything else?”

But don’t let the naysay brigade discourage you; there is always a way you’ll be able to impress an employer. You’ll just have to be creative about it.

Internships are an increasingly popular avenue to higher-level, permanent positions in competitive fields. With more and more interns on the scene, you’ll have to work a bit harder to make yourself stand out. Learning additional skills not necessarily related to your field can help you do just that. As well as allowing you to pick up new know-how, additional skills and knowledge on your CV make you seem interesting. It demonstrates that you’re driven, dynamic and that in your spare time you don’t just sit around - you’re a go-getter with keen interests who’s ready to proverbially take the bull by the horns.