Whether you’re applying for summer internships, part-time work or graduate jobs, having a professional CV is essential to making the most of your degree.
Here are some great tips on how to make sure your CV is in shape and ready to impress.
Add as you achieve
Your CV is like your dissertation: the longer you spend working on it, the better it’ll become. Doing it all in one night before the deadline of a job application is a sure way to miss out.
If you add to your CV every time you achieve something new, you’re more likely to spot mistakes, overcome writer’s block and have new ideas on how to present the information attractively.
Have multiple versions
It’s common to apply for a wide range of roles after studying, not simply stick to jobs in one sector. If you’re using your business degree to apply for sales roles and marketing roles, you will probably want slightly different things on your CV when you apply to each type of job.
The best way to do this is to save 2 different copies and edit them separately. This way, you’ll always be able to quickly send over an appropriate CV whenever you need to.
Let the form match the substance
Your CV is your first chance to impress your interviewer. Being a little creative can stand you in great stead within the selection process.
This is especially true if you use skills needed in the job on your CV. These are great examples of inventive CVs for a business or marketing career. If you’re in finance, make use of statistics, ratios, charts and graphs to help you display your skills. If you’re in business, demonstrate your persuasive, negotiation and numerical skills. It’s the first indication to your future employer that you are passionate, able and innovative.
Achievements – not duties
It’s always better to talk about your track record than your duties. Anyone can have duties – what the employer wants to know is how well you can perform them. Let’s compare 2 examples.
“I created a business plan that saw profits increase by 40%” sounds a lot better than “I was responsible for business development”. It gives the exact contribution you made instead of leaving them to guess.
Big hitters first
Just like cricket, you put your good batters on first. Put your most impressive achievements, jobs and experiences at the top of the page to grab their eye, and then add the details.
Your CV should be an easily digestible ‘greatest hits’ of your career. Beware, however – don’t include anything you’re not comfortable discussing in detail in your interview.
Now your CV is in shape, good luck with those applications! If you feel like your CV is missing the key ingredient to land your dream job, see how a postgraduate degree at Ulster University can give you the skills you need to succeed. Find out more today.