5 tips CV for graduates to optimise their CVs

Are you a recent graduate applying for jobs?
 
Is your CV a worker bee opening doors that will get you through to part 2 of the recruiting process or is it a sluggish sloth that is going to secure your place in the reject pile?
 
It makes sense to know how to optimise your CV for the job it has to do, so here are 5 tips to help you create a fit for purpose CV.

1️⃣ Know who or what is reading your CV.

👉Your CV could be screened by a computer programme, usually an ATS (applicant tracking system) which is programmed to identify and ingest keywords from your CV that make your application relevant.
👉 It may be screened by an experienced and possibly weary human who needs to quickly ascertain if you are a yes or no to invite for interview.   
👉 Therefore make sure your CV makes a good first impression by presenting it in a professional way. Keep it clean and concise.
👉 Resist the temptation to make it look pretty with unusual fonts, layouts and formatting as this can prevent it from being ‘read’ by ATS.

2️⃣ Remember your CV is the sales document for brand YOU.

👉 Don’t just list previous responsibilities, list your achievements and the benefit of ‘you’ to the employer.
👉 Bring your CV to life with dynamic language that shows you are proactive.
👉Make it clear that how you have made a difference in previous roles, including volunteering or positions of responsibility at university. And yes, that part time job in a pub or charity shop counts even if you are applying for engineering roles!

3️⃣ Identify and use the keywords for the role you want.

👉This is not rocket science, it is like SEO where the words help content to be found, or in this case seen.  The keywords will be in the job description, so reflect them in your CV. 
👉 But be smart! Use the keywords in context of what you have done so far in employment, volunteering or studying, how you describe yourself in the Profile or in the Key Skills section and don’t overuse them or use them where they are not relevant to you.

4️⃣ Tailor your CV for each application.

👉 Interrogate the job advert and be clear who they are looking for and therefore what you need to say in your CV in order to have an impact.
👉 Emphasise the skills the recruiter/hiring manager is looking for by editing the master version of your CV to make more appropriate for that role.
👉 Avoid embellishing the truth, you will be found out!
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5️⃣ Check your spelling, punctuation and grammar – TWICE!

👉 Use spellcheckers (set to British English).
👉 Silly mistakes in a CV which includes phrases like “detail orientated”, “excellent written communication skills” and “accurate” just look ridiculous.
👉 Ask a trusted person to read the CV for errors, omissions and typos.
 
Good luck!