Young Graduates CV: 10 things to check before you press send

Crafting a killer CV as a young graduate is your ticket to unlocking job opportunities and landing that coveted interview. To make sure your CV stands out from the competition and lands in the "yes" pile, check out these essential tips:

Keep it Snappy

Your CV should be concise and punchy, not exceeding two pages. Cut out the fluff and focus on what matters most.

Power up with Verbs

Shake things up by starting your sentences with action verbs. It adds dynamism and makes your CV more engaging.

Reverse Chronological Order

Organize your work history in reverse, starting with the most recent experience and working backward. Address any employment gaps to show your career progression.

Showcase your Achievements

Use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and responsibilities. Pay extra attention to recent roles, providing more detail to impress potential employers.

Education and Qualifications

 List your educational institutions and qualifications in reverse chronological order. This showcases your most recent achievements upfront.

Flaunt your Skills

 Don't forget to include relevant computer skills, language proficiency, and any additional training that can give you an edge.

Keep Hobbies and Interests in Check

 While it's essential to showcase your personality, keep this section brief and focus on hobbies and interests that relate to the job or demonstrate valuable qualities.

Referees Available on Request

Let employers know that you can provide referees when asked, saving space and avoiding unnecessary contact details.

Dot the i's and Cross the t's

 Typos are a big no-no. Double-check your CV for any errors, and don't hesitate to seek feedback from friends or professionals.

Internships Matter

 If you're lacking formal work experience, list your internships and highlight the most important tasks you performed. This shows initiative and practical skills.

The Expert's Point of View

Our Young Graduate Recruitment Expert, Angelina Brouwers, also shares some of her additional top tips: 

Always include a professional photo, because first impressions count! Make sure it's professional (no selfies!)  and has a transparent background.

Start with a brief introduction to kickstart your CV. Introduce yourself, your achievements, and what you're currently seeking in your career in a short, snappy paragraph. Don't worry if you don't have a lot of professional experience yet, highlight your passions and aspirations, and pitch yourself.

Make it easy on the eyes. Ensure your CV is easy to read with a clean structure that flows logically. Avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive text.

Tease them with your potential. Give potential employers a glimpse of your skills and experiences, leaving them wanting more. Create curiosity so they're eager to invite you for an interview.

Consistency is key. Maintain a consistent layout throughout your CV by using the same font, font size, bullet point style, and formatting choices. This attention to detail shows your professionalism.

Now that you're armed with these tips, go ahead and polish your CV to perfection.

Once you're satisfied, submit it with confidence and get in touch with one of our experts.

Good luck with your job search!