How to write a graduate CV:

The CV "dos" and "don'ts" lists are becoming very boring, repetitive and predictable. Why? Because there is a science to the perfect CV and it's one we all know:

• Research your chosen company thoroughly and show them you have the exact knowledge, skills and experience they're looking for;
• Address your CV personally, include a covering letter and always follow up for feedback; and,
• Get the spelling, grammar and formatting right.

Yarder, yarder, yarder. We all know this stuff (click here for the dummy's guide just to be sure). So, we at Gradvert want to share something a little bit different when it comes to writing a winning graduate CV - here are a few ideas to ponder over...

From CV zzz's to CV ooo's:

1. Scrunch up your CV:
   I once received a hand delivered tray of muffins with a printed CV in an envelope. Added to this delightful package was a note: "I'm in the lobby and ready to interview when you are". Wow - brave and risky but I remember that candidate to this day - it certainly made a break from screen after screen of online application.
   
   Another one that comes to mind was a marketing CV I received. It was scrunched up in a ball and it had coffee mug stains on it when I opened it out. A note on the front read "now I know the next step in the chain is usually the bin, but why not break the mould...have a little read?". I read it and I called the candidate. Again, wow. It made me smile and it broke up the huge pile of CVs for that day.


2. Stand at the edge of the herd:
   Recruiters glaze over the typical cut and paste CV one liners such as "I believe I have the knowledge, skills and experience to deliver..." and "I am a highly motivated individual who works well on my own or in a team, with exceptional communication skills and the ability to work under pressure to produce results under tight deadlines". Lines like that are old news and don't actually tell the reader anything. But, I can guarantee that 99.9% of the CVs I see this year will have sentences just like that. Yawn.
   
   Make your CV personal, real and gritty to stand out from the pack and engage the reader e.g. "A savvy, new world innovator, practiced at leading teams down new roads not trodden paths; I have what it takes to set a mission, rally the troops and deliver measurable outcomes" or "added real sizzle to the sales figures by...".
   
   Don't be afraid to breathe some life into your CV - show off your personality.


3. On reflection:
   Of course, standing at the edge of the herd is a lot easier when you have confidence in what you've got! So, take a long old look in the mirror and ask yourself this: "would I hire me for this role?". If the answer is anything but "I'd be stupid not to" then sit down (preferably with your Gradvert Career Coach, ahem) and pin point why not. Is it because you don't have a specific skill or the experience they're looking for? Is it because you don't think the job is right for you? Is it because you haven't done enough prep to warrant the job?
   
   Of course, we all have a tendency to be over critical and we need to make sure that doesn't stop us from stepping out but whatever you do, give yourself the best chance of application success by identifying and closing any gaps / development areas you have and do it right now. Even if you haven't quite ticked everything off by the time of interview, showing that you've made real steps towards doing so will be impressive: it shows personal awareness, emotional intelligence and sheer determination.


4. Yes the market is tough but build a bridge and get over it!
   What would you rather have in life: the things you want or the reasons why you don't have them? We all know the current market it tough. We've seen the stats. But there is no reason why you can't have a job in the next 2-4 months; even if it's just a stepping stone job to something bigger and better. Whatever you do, don't sit around complaining with your friends, keep plugging away. It's kind of like sales: you need to make a certain number of applications to find an interested buyer, and you have to sit in front of a certain number of interested buyers to sell one thing. It ain't easy and it takes determination, so build a bridge and get over it - crack on!


5. Career Karaoke:
   Ask yourself this: if I had the perfect job for you right now, and I went about looking for candidates, would I stumble across you?
   
   There are thousands and thousands of jobs out there and there is one with your name on it right now. There are also hundreds of recruiters looking for someone with your knowledge, skills and experience. So, make it easy for us and for you: make yourself known.
   
   Get on Linked In (kind of like a professional / corporate version of Facebook). Attend networking events in your chosen industry. Go to coffee mornings. Ask to spend a week on site in a given company as an intern. Get your CV online with the big jobs boards. Create an online CV - a Prezime. Go specifically to see graduate recruiters on the high street. Tell your friends and their parents what you're looking for. Blog on a hot topic related to your industry.
   
   Absolutely shout and scream and sing your own praises - get on the recruitment stage and make a scene - sell your ability, your experience and the value you can add and people will come looking for you.

Find out more about how we can help:

Other CV blogs / articles:

How to write a winning CV - How to nail the three most important CV principles and get an interview.

Recruiters' top five pet hates when it comes to CVs - mistakes to avoid when writing your CV.

Graduate CV writing:

Let us:

• tailor your CV and covering letter to your target audience and in line with your salary expectations;
• make sure your CV and covering letter are powerfully worded, clear and easy to read with no gaps;
• qualify and quantify your achievements, your core competencies and your transferable skills in the language expected; and,
• make your CV and covering letter keyword effective.

We don't use templates, or cut and paste so your CV and covering letter will be unique and personal and will dramatically improve your chances of getting to interview.

What does this cost?

Only £35. And let's be honest, that's cheaper than some new jeans!

To find out more contact us today:

Don't just take our word for it:

Haha, this is brilliant, thank you. I know what I wanted to say but I just couldn't find the words. A few last tweaks from me and then this is going out. I'm excited to see how it goes down and, for once, am proud to send it out! I'll let you know what the response is. Thanks again, a few of my flat mates should be in touch this week!

Jason Stones, Durham University

Lisa, I can't thank you enough for the amount of work you have put into my C.V. The service was professional and affordable (especially for students). You can guarantee I'll be back for interview coaching. Thanks again!

Oliver Grimston, University of Leeds

Lisa, I wanted to drop you a quick note to say thanks so much for all your help, not just with my application but in building my confidence and helping me to see the value I can add to any commercial role.

I thought you'd be glad to hear that in my interview, the recruiter told me my application was one of the strongest she's seen in a long time. I think your magic on the covering letter and application questions had something to do with that!

Again, thanks. I've recommended you to all of my friends!

Lucy Taylor, Sunderland University