CV Writing tips for students
who have just graduated

What documents do you have to prepare?
To start the process of applying for a job, you may be asked to prepare your CV and
an application form.
A CV contains all the basic
information
about
yourself,
including
the education and
experience
you
have.
The
company you want to be hired by
may ask you to complete their
application
form, asking you
questions that are crucial for them
to find a suitable employee.
The main difference between both
documents is that you may omit
unwanted information in your CV,
while
the
application
form
questions may force you to share
the facts you would like to keep
hidden. Even when this takes
place, be honest with your
potential employee and try to
explain the issue.
If you don't know how to prepare
your CV, it's advisable to use a CV generator.
Write a perfect CV
There are a few elements that are required in a CV, and with their proper
presentation, you may grab the attention of your potential employer, who will
believe you are the best candidate for the post.
Start by introducing yourself by giving personal details at the top of the CV, including
your name, address, and contact information. Date of birth, gender, or marital status
should not be included. Then, it’s time to present yourself as the correct candidate
in a short introduction, but no longer than 100 words. Give reasons for your
application and show your strengths that may work for the benefit of the company.
Avoid too-common phrases, like punctual, hard-working, or passionate about
something.
Your potential employer will also be interested in your experience in a similar or the
same position, so give information in reverse chronological order. Explain the gaps
in your employment, for example, at your university. Add information about any
voluntary and unpaid positions too, which will be your additional asset. The list of
your jobs should contain the job title and your responsibilities.
Select the qualifications that may help you do the job you are applying for, but don’t
write about irrelevant skills. If any of your current qualifications directly fit the
potential position, think about other skills and try to justify how they will help you
do the job. Present your personality traits and describe your hobbies and interests,
but don’t lie or write about things you have no idea about, as you can’t expect what
the recruiting person is passionate about.
One of the most important sections is the one containing at least two references
from previous employers. If you have just graduated from university, include your
academic references.
What should you avoid in your CV?
Your CV should be precise and condensed, without long lists of achievements and
irrelevant skills gained when you were a child.
Don’t use abbreviations, as a CV is a formal document. Sending a generic CV will
leave the impression of laziness and lack of diligence. It’s highly advisable to make
the CV personalised.
Check the spelling and grammar to make the impression of a professional candidate.
Make sure your contact information is correct to make it possible to contact you.
How do you edit your CV?
The layout of a CV does matter, making it clear, easy to read, and eye-catching, or
rather boring and chaotic.
The font should be simple and consistent, with the same letter size throughout the
document. The job titles and job roles may be used in bold and italics to emphasise
the most crucial information. Use bullet points to organise the information, and split
the CV into sections to make it easier to read. And remember not to create a CV
longer than 2-4 pages.