Too young. How inexperienced employees can get their CVs noticed
Ekaterina Starodubtceva-Kalacheva
Head hunter, book author, business coach
For young professionals who have just graduated and are at the start of their careers, finding a job can be a real challenge. It's all about lack of experience. Nevertheless, there are some tips, thanks to which you can attract the attention of employers to your CV.
?A well-written CV
Usually, the emphasis of a CV is on the work experience and practical skills of the professional. However, this does not mean that the CV of a person without relevant experience will fail. What is essential is to compose it competently.
?A young specialist without work experience may have valuable soft and hard skills that he/she has acquired during studies and internships. Skills relevant to the field you are interested in can become trump cards.
It is worth paying special attention to skills and knowledge that may be applicable to the position. Template phrases such as "responsible" or "ability to work in a team" are unlikely to appeal to anyone. Knowledge of highly specialised programmes, foreign languages, negotiation skills and experience in public speaking will make a CV more convincing.
Professional platforms
It's also worth creating a page on professional resources such as LinkedIn. This social network is a great place to share information about yourself, your skills and abilities. Participate in professional groups, share articles and news from your area of interest: this will help you stand out from other candidates.
Motivation letter
An important aspect of your motivation letter is to tell your future employer about yourself, your motivation and your goals. It should include a detailed description of your skills and knowledge that match the job profile of the vacancy you are applying for.
You should not turn your motivation letter into a memoir. It is important to fill it with relevant and useful information for the recruiter: there is no need to list all your hobbies, pet names or describe a complete biography from the moment of birth.
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?As a rule, job descriptions indicate the company's "gaps" that need to be filled with the help of a new candidate. This is a good opportunity to tell in the letter how you could benefit the company.
Recommendations
In addition to your motivation letter, it is worth collecting recommendations from teachers, academic supervisors or organisers of events where you have volunteered. Confirmation of your abilities and achievements by reputable authorities will definitely be beneficial. Don't forget to have these recommendations certified so that the company can verify their authenticity.
And, of course, include all the projects you have been involved in on your CV, as employers are often looking for proactive and initiative people. Taking part in traineeships, volunteer projects, masterclasses, webinars and other events will help you show your focus on results and willingness to learn. You can also make useful acquaintances at such events.
Portfolio
Even if you don't have suitable cases, you shouldn't give up. You can prepare your own portfolio by making demo projects. Using the example of the company you want to work for or any other company, you can offer your ideas for optimising certain processes, updating the design or solving any problems. This way you can demonstrate your ideas and skills, while showing your interest in the work.
Networking?
Also, don't forget about communication in a professional environment. Don't be shy about asking professors or professionals in the field for information that interests you. Many professors willingly help their students with internships and employment, give recommendations and contacts. ??
Success comes to those who strive for development and are ready to knock on different doors. Believe in yourself, then everything will definitely work out!
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