Edition 2 - "Building a CV"

Once your are set up on LinkedIn, the next obvious step is making applications through various Job Roles/Adverts posted across LinkedIn, and many other sites to kick off your search. To do this it is vital that you have a great CV ready to send around, not only as part of your application, but also when requested by recruitment firms…

In this Edition of The Hireability Handbook, we are taking a look into the key elements which I would recommend including when you first look into building a great CV!

What do you need to include to build the "perfect CV"...

Contact Information

In order to be reached to discuss your relevant applications, as well as any roles which you may be a good fit for, it is important that you include key contact details at the top of your CV. These include:

• Email address
• Phone number
• LinkedIn
• Full address

Blurb/Brief Summary/”Personal Profile”

You should always make an effort to introduce yourself to potential employers. So, when a potential employer/Hiring Manager opens up your CV, and short blurb to introduce yourself, your skills and where you are in your career search is a great way to start! Here are some tips of what to include:

• A short introduction into your current situation (linked to the industries/professions you are applying to)
• Some background information on your hobbies/interests outside of University
• Mention of any other achievements/certificates which would be relevant to potential applications
• Mention of any plans for after University potentially before starting in a Scheme/Employment

Academic Achievements/Education History

As a graduate, your academics’ will be your biggest selling point! Make sure to highlight every element of your academic achievements, working backwards in chronological order from University.

Start with University – this is the most important achievement (same as below for Masters etc)

• The Grade/expected Grade
• Key modules involved with your Degree and the Grade achieved
• Note the years which you studied and the University establishment

A-Levels

• All subjects at A-Level, AS-Level, and BTEC – including the Grade achieved
• Note the years which you studied & the School/College

GCSE’s

• Mention all GCSE studies – Subjects studies & Grades achieved
• Note the years which you studied & the School/College

Work Experience

Not every graduate has worked throughout their studies and University, which is not always expected. However, if you have, this can give you an advantage over other potential applicants!

Work experience, whether full-time, part-time, or voluntary, indicates valuable “soft skills” and traits that will help you in a range of situations. This experience will also demonstrate your work-ethic and time management abilities. All of which are skills that help in any career path.

Below is a guide of the things I would recommend highlighting:

• Mention all relevant work experience whether this is part time or full time employment
• Include each Job Title, and any promotions
• Include the name of the Company/Employer
• Detail the amount of time spent in each role – start date and end of employment
• Make a reference to the job responsibilities which you undertook in each position (a few bullet points)
• Any key achievements you picked up from each role!

It is important to stress that not every career path will require previous work or experience in a given sector, however it is worth considering (depending on the path which you are pursuing), that this can make you stand out from the crowd!

References

Make sure to round off your CV with “References upon request”, or ideally any key contacts you’d like to share.

If you make sure that your CV has all of the above covered, it almost certain to be noticed by potential employers. Next, it's time to think about preparing for the interviews...