It's no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the economy. Many businesses have been forced to close their doors, and millions of people have lost their jobs. As a result, it has been a tough time for graduates and students who are looking to enter the workforce.
Competition for jobs is fierce, and many employers may be hesitant to hire new employees. In addition, many workers are now working remotely, which can make it difficult for new employees to get the training and support they need. Despite all of this, it's still possible to find opportunities in the current job market. Companies are still hiring, and there are many jobs that can be done remotely.
If you're a graduate or student who is looking to start your career, don't be discouraged. There are plenty of opportunities out there, you just need to know where to look – and how to make sure you stand out.
What factors make a successful CV
A curriculum vitae, or "CV," is the document that you’ll use to showcase your professional skills, experience, and accomplishments. CVs are one of the most important tools that job seekers can use when applying for positions.
When creating their CV, there are several things that students should keep in mind in order to make sure it is professional, relevant, clear, concise, accurate, and deep enough to give employers the information they need about their qualifications.
First up, it pays off to understand what recruiters are looking for from a CV. Employers will be searching for:
1. Professionalism
One of the most important things employers look for in a CV is professionalism. This means that your CV should be well-written and free of any spelling or grammatical errors. It should also be clear and concise; avoid using jargon or flowery language. Stick to facts and use active language to describe your accomplishments.
2. Relevance
When reviewing a CV, employers are looking for information that is relevant to the position they are trying to fill. This means that you should tailor your CV to each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role in question. For example, if you're applying for a job as an accountant, make sure to highlight your experience with bookkeeping and financial analysis.
3. Clarity
Employers want to see a CV that is clear and easy to read. Avoid using small fonts or dense blocks of text; use bullet points, headings, and white space to break up your information and make it easier on the eyes. It's also important to be consistent with your formatting; choose one font style and stick with it throughout your CV.
4. Depth
While it's important to keep your CV concise, you also need to make sure that you provide enough detail about each of your experiences and accomplishments. Employers want to see that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job, so don't be afraid to go into some detail about what you've done in the past. Include information such as where you worked, what your duties were, and what kinds of results you achieved.
Tips for writing your CV
When you are a student, you may not have a lot of work experience to put on your CV. However, there are certain things that employers will be looking for that can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are four tips for creating a student CV that will impress potential employers.
Get the basics right
Make sure your CV is clear and easy to read, with no spelling or grammatical errors. Include your name, contact details, and a brief personal statement at the top of the CV. Then, list your education and qualifications, starting with your most recent achievements. If you have any relevant work experience, even if it is voluntary or part-time, include this next. Finally, list any extra skills or interests that could make you suitable for the role.
Highlight your skills
Even if you don't have much work experience, you will still have transferable skills that employers will be looking for. These could include good communication skills, time management skills, being able to work well under pressure, or being able to work well as part of a team. Highlighting these skills on your CV will show employers that you have what it takes to do the job, even if you don't have direct experience in that particular area.
Tailor your CV
When applying for jobs, it's important to tailor your CV to each individual role. This means including only the information that is relevant to that particular job. For example, if you are applying for a marketing assistant role, there is no need to include details about your waitressing experience from three years ago. By tailoring your CV specifically for each job application, you are more likely to stand out from the competition and catch an employer's attention.
Use positive language
When writing your CV and cover letter, always use positive language to describe yourself and your experiences. For example, instead of saying "I didn't get fired from my last job," try "I left my last job after two years." This small change in language can make a big difference in how employers perceive you and whether or not they want to offer you an interview.
Don’t forget to address remote work
In today's increasingly globalized economy, employers are looking for candidates who are adaptable and have the ability to work effectively in a variety of settings, including outside of a traditional office. Indeed, remote work is here to stay – but fortunately, students have a lot of skills that make you suited to this type of working arrangement. By including your experience with remote work on your CV, you will be positioning yourself as a prime candidate for these types of positions. This will show employers that you are capable of handling a variety of responsibilities and that you value work-life balance.
By following these simple tips, you can create a student CV that will impress potential employers and help you stand out from the competition. Remember to get the basics right, highlight your skills, tailor your CV specifically for each job application, and use positive language throughout. Good luck.