5 top tips for a successful CV
Published on 23 May 13
Writing a CV can still be a very daunting task so here are some simple tips to make sure your CV is a success
- Target – Read through the job advertisement and find out what they’re looking for and prioritize your CV accordingly.
- Be dynamic – Start off your sentences with active verbs rather than Pronouns. (‘Researched competitors’ products…’ rather than ‘I researched…’)
- Hard evidence – Employers want to know what skills you have, but you need give examples of when you’ve used them
- Be concise – Your CV should be two pages long so you need to be concise and tailor what’s included to suit the job you’re applying for.
- Cover letter – The best covering letters should cover why you are applying for this company, why you are applying for this job, and the skills and experience you have that match the job. This is where a bit of research on where you want to work will come in handy.
Drafting your CV
The Careers service has some great resources to help you make a start on your CV. Write a great CV… from scratch is a really useful guide and online example CVs are useful to help you with the layout and content of your CV.
If the average run of the mill CV isn’t what you’re after, take a look at these resources:
Inspirational CVs for creative careers
Effective CVs for research students
Going Global – International careers advice
International students can find further guidance with CV advice for international students.
You can always make an appointment with a Careers advisor who will be able to help you with your CV and application forms.
HEAR
Your Higher Education Achievement Report is a great way of showing potential employers what extra curricular activities you have been involved. You can use your HEAR report to keep track of your achievements whilst at university and fill any possible gaps and it can be used a long side a CV or application form to highlight the activities you have been involved with.