Crafting a standout CV: Five essential tips for students and job seekers in data, AI and beyond

In today’s competitive job market, your CV is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

As we usher in a new year, we are sharing our five essential tips to help you write a compelling CV that not only grabs the hiring manager’s attention but also showcases your unique skills and experiences.

1) Perfect your personal statement

A personal statement is your gateway to making a solid first impression. It’s a brief paragraph that encapsulates your skillset, career goals, and why you’re the perfect fit for the job. It serves as a summary, not a repetition, of the information already on your CV.

Top tip: Recruiters typically spend only seconds reviewing each CV they receive. A well-crafted personal statement can be the difference between landing in the “yes” pile or being passed over. Make sure to include who you are, the value you are adding to the organisation, and your future career objectives tied to the job you’re seeking.

2) Spotlight your skills

Listing your technical skills in a separate section is a powerful way to demonstrate your qualifications to recruiters. However, it’s crucial not to rate your skills. What you consider intermediate might be advanced in the eyes of the employer, and vice versa. This can impact the success of your application.

Be prepared to elaborate on any skills you list during an interview. To stand out, provide concrete examples of your skills and experiences. Instead of saying, “I’m good at working in teams,” share a specific achievement from a group project, illustrating your ability to collaborate effectively.

Top tip: Try using the CAR (Context-Action-Result) framework when describing projects or roles. It helps recruiters better understand your contributions and accomplishments. If you lack professional experience, draw on projects from your college or university experience to demonstrate your skills.

3) Adapt to applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

In today’s digital age, many companies employ Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the recruitment process. ATS software scans and ranks CVs before human recruiters even lay eyes on them.?

Top tip: To ensure your CV reaches the right audience, simplify your CV layout by choosing a clean and straightforward layout that’s easy for ATS to process. Stick to standard document formats like PDF or Word to avoid compatibility issues and avoid fancy fonts, graphics, or images that ATS might struggle to interpret.

4) Use keywords to your advantage ?

One often overlooked but highly effective strategy?is closely examining the job description for each role you’re applying for. Think of it as your blueprint for crafting a tailored and impactful CV and preparing for interviews. Recruiters often use the job description as a guide for the questions they ask during interviews, making it a valuable resource.?

Top tip: Pay close attention to the keywords and phrases used in the job posting. Even if a company doesn’t use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), recruiters select skills and qualifications that resonate with them, so it’s essential to mirror these keywords in your CV. By aligning your application with the job description, you’ll demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

5) Build your digital presence ?

A strong online presence is essential when job hunting or building a professional network. Platforms like GitHub and LinkedIn are valuable tools for showcasing your skills and creating a personal brand. Remember when using GitHub to have a clean and organised profile (be sure to clean up your repos)! Ensure that your visible projects are well-documented and provide clear and comprehensive README files that explain the purpose of the project, its features, and how to use it.?

Ensure to present a compelling portfolio that showcases your technical skills and your commitment to professionalism and collaboration. Remember that your online presence is an extension of your CV and can significantly enhance your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers and peers in the tech, data and AI industry.

Top tip: Try sharing articles, engaging in discussions, and networking with industry experts to help you stand out and demonstrate your passion for your chosen career path. ?

Sara Orr-Saiz (Student Placement Coordinator, The Data Lab) and Max B. (Business Development Manager, The Data Lab Academy) run the employability skills programme for The Data Lab Academy . They help integrated masters and MSc students to develop their skills in a real-world setting, position themselves in the data job market, and ultimately land their first role after graduation. Join The Data Lab Community to explore mentoring opportunities and job opportunities to kick start your new year!