Writing a CV

It is important in today’s competitive jobs market that students make a good first impression. This can often be your CV, so it needs to be putting across the right messages, with the right presentation, and no mistakes.

When you have been in full-time education most of your life your qualifications will probably be your main achievement. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, try to make your course work relevant to the skills you’d use in the job. For example, you probably use time management, research and IT skills every day.
You may also be able to say you’re a fast learner, and are up to date with the latest equipment and techniques in your field.

The most important thing is to take your time over your CV – make sure it’s the best it can be. You might want to leave it for a couple of days and then come back to it with a fresh pair of eyes. Get it checked over by several people to see if they can spot anything you can’t. When you’ve been working on something for a long time it can be difficult to see ways in which it can be improved. But with CVs, it’s easy to make the mistake, but very difficult to correct the damage done….

Some of the most common CV errors are:

1. Typing errors, and poor spelling and grammar
2. Listing duties instead of achievements
3. Not tailoring your CV
4. Visually unappealing and difficult to read
5. Too long or too short

Advice from external sources (click on the links):

Video advice on writing a CV10 tips from The GuardianThe importance of emphasising your employability