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Jul, '24A CV is an essential tool for students seeking employment, internships, or placements. A well-crafted CV highlights your skills, experiences, and education, helping you stand out to potential employers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an impressive CV.
1. Choose the Right Format
There are different CV formats you can use, but for students, a chronological or skills-based format is typically most effective.
- Chronological CV: Lists your work experience and education in reverse chronological order. Ideal if you have a strong work history.
- Skills-Based CV: Focuses on your skills and competencies, rather than work history. It’s great to have some work experience.
2. Basic Structure of a CV
1. Contact Information
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile (if applicable)
- Home Address (optional)
2. Personal Profile/Statement
- A brief summary (2-4 sentences) highlighting your key attributes, career goals, and what you can offer to the employer. Tailor this to each job application.
3. Education
- List your most recent educational achievements first.
- Include the name of the institution, dates attended, and qualifications obtained.
- Mention relevant coursework, projects, or modules.
4. Work Experience
- List work experiences in reverse chronological order.
- Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
- Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements.
- Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 15%").
5. Skills
- Highlight key skills relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Include both hard skills (e.g., IT proficiency, foreign languages) and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, communication).
- It’s great to list any languages you are fluent in, especially if this can benefit you in the role you are applying to.
6. Additional Sections
- Achievements: Awards, scholarships, recognitions.
- Extracurricular Activities**: Clubs, societies, volunteering.
- Certifications and Training**: Relevant courses or workshops.
- Interests**: Briefly mention hobbies or interests that demonstrate your skills or personality.
7. References
- You can either list two references or state "References available upon request".
- Ensure your referees are willing to provide a reference.
3. Tailoring Your CV
- Research the Job: Understand the job description and the company's values. Tailor your CV to match the skills and experiences they are looking for.
- Keywords: Use keywords from the job description. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for specific keywords.
- Relevance: Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills for the job you are applying for.
4. Presentation and Style
- Length: Keep your CV to one or two pages.
- Font and Size: Use a professional font (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman) and a size between 10-12pt.
- Headings: Use clear headings and subheadings to organise your content.
- Bullet Points: Use bullet points for easy reading.
- Consistency: Ensure consistent formatting (e.g., dates, bullet points, font sizes).
5. Proofreading and Feedback
- Proofread: Check for spelling and grammatical errors. Read your CV out loud to catch any awkward phrasing.
- Feedback: Ask friends, family, or mentors to review your CV. Consider using university career services for professional advice.
Example CV:
Contact Information
Jane Doe
jane.doe@email.com
+44 1234 567890
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Personal Profile
A highly motivated and detail-oriented final-year economics student with a passion for data analysis and financial research. Seeking an internship in the financial sector to apply my analytical skills and gain practical experience.
**Education**
Bachelor of Science in Economics
University of XYZ, September 2021 - Present
- Relevant Modules: Financial Economics, Econometrics, Data Analysis
- Project: Analysis of the UK Housing Market Trends
**Work Experience**
Sales Assistant, ABC Retail, London, June 2023 - September 2023
- Assisted customers with inquiries and purchases, contributing to a 15% increase in sales.
- Managed stock levels and organised displays.
**Skills**
- Data Analysis (Excel, SPSS)
- Financial Modelling
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Communication
**Achievements**
- Awarded the Dean's Scholarship for Academic Excellence, 2022
**Extracurricular Activities**
- Treasurer, University Economics Society
- Volunteer Tutor, Local Community Centre
**References**
Available upon request
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By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling CV that effectively showcases your qualifications and increases your chances of landing the job or internship you desire. Good luck!
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