How do you write a CV for your first job?

As an undergraduate student, you are probably thinking that the last three or four years at university have just flown by. You have been working, studying, burning the midnight oil, partying and generally having the best time of your life.

For some, your university experience might not be over yet, if you plan to do some postgraduate studies. For others, it can be an anxious and stressful time coming to the end of your years at university. You might be preparing for your final exams, while also beginning to think about what to do next.

Over the last few years, you might have had the chance to work part time. But now you might be starting to consider applying to your first “proper” job.

Here are my top tips for building a strong CV. 

1. Review your existing CV 

The first thing I would suggest is to open your current CV. Check that all the information is up to date, clear and concise and, most importantly, make sure it shows all the experience you have that is relevant for the type of jobs you are going to apply for. 

2. Compare qualifications 

Look at the job role, what is required of the applicant and the qualifications they are looking for. If these details are all relevant to you, revisit your CV and ensure that those required qualifications are clearly listed. 

3. Identify less quantifiable skills 

Look at real advertised jobs in your field to get an idea of what recruitment teams are looking for. A quick glance at a few graduate roles will not only highlight qualifications you can list on your CV but also less quantifiable skills. These are equally as important, as they will help you satisfy the companies’ requirements when you apply.

For example, one company might be looking for someone who wants to start their career in sales and business development. They will need someone who is a clear communicator, personable, outgoing and professional, someone who also has a strong work ethic and shows good stamina in the face of rejection.

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Tips for looking for a job
How to juggle university with part-time work 

4. Assess your skills 

Ask yourself which of these skills you have. Are you good at getting your point across in a discussion? Did you do some presentations at university? How were they received? Are you good at starting conversations, talkative and personable?

Even if you don’t have sales experience, you can use other experiences and jobs to show that you have these skills. 

You could mention what you did during a final-year project. Perhaps you worked in a team, gave a group presentation, received an A grade and so on. Or you might have been involved in a society or sports team where you showed examples of these skills. 

5. Stand out 

You want to try your best to stand out and gain the attention of a recruiter when you send in your CV. If an employer gets 50 job applications for just one job, then at best they will spend a few minutes glancing at all the applicants and choosing the best ones. 

Make sure you show that you meet all the criteria and have an interest in the role. This will put you in a strong position against other applicants. 

Do your research on the company and make sure that you make it very clear that you know exactly what the role involves and how you can contribute to it.

6. Complete a final review 

Now that you have done your research and edited your CV, do a final review. Make sure that your spelling and grammar are correct. Ensure you have included all the relevant information, such as dates and job titles where relevant, and your contact information is clearly included. 

7. Repeat 

Each time you find a job in which you are interested, it’s important to repeat this process each time and tailor your CV for each different role you apply for. This way you will have a strong CV that is relevant for every role you apply to. Not only will that make sure your CV is strong, but it will also show you have done your research into each job individually. 

This process can sometimes be quite daunting, because you think to yourself “do I have the right qualifications and the experience that an employer wants?”

Believe in yourself – you’ve come this far and getting the job is the next natural step.