CV help for a recent graduate

allees

Hi Guys

My name is Alena but please call me Ally. I have recently graduated and don't have a lot of work experience. I was wondering if you could help me with useful CV tips for a graduate with little work experience. Thank you so much

gunsandbanjos

What you need is a skills based cv then rather than a work experience one

http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/downloads/documents/prospects/IDD/Special%20Interests%20Series/CVs/2007/Skills_based%20CV_improved.pdf

wantsajob

You need to focus on your skills. There are some tips and examples here http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm and here http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/cvexamples.htm I have never found a case where someone has asked for a CV. Nearly always it's application forms. But if you've spend time putting your CV onto paper, you'll do better at the application forms, and might even be able to copy and paste chunks of text.

Good luck!

dizzyrascal

Have you tried asking your university Careers Service? Normally you can still use them after graduation as this is exactly the time when you need them. The times can vary as to how long you can use them, usually between 3 years to lifelong (in rare cases).
If you are no longer living near your university then ask them what they can do for you at a distance. Usually they will still be able to offer email or Skype contact.

gunsandbanjos

wantsajob wrote: »

You need to focus on your skills. There are some tips and examples here http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm and here http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/cvexamples.htm I have never found a case where someone has asked for a CV. Nearly always it's application forms. But if you've spend time putting your CV onto paper, you'll do better at the application forms, and might even be able to copy and paste chunks of text.

Good luck!

I've applied for loads of graduate jobs recently and have been really surprised by the number of companies that want just cv and covering letter. Also even if just doing application form many want a cv attached too.

bjarvis2785

My advice - Don't use a standard template that you get in the likes of MS Word.
Make it stand out, be different.
Obviously don't go over the top, and tailor it to your targeted career.
For example, if you're in the design world then you would want to be taking inspiration from CV's like the ones here: dzineblog.com/2010/04/27-examples-of-impressive-resumecv-designs.html

(you'll have to copy and paste the link as i'm new and not allowed to post direct links)

My best tip though would be to sign up to linkedin.com and complete your profile - i mean fully complete it... everything, the more info the better.
LinkedIn is a social network aimed at professionals. Get involved, search for and join groups your interested in and contribute to them. Add people that you know, and then add people that you converse with in the group discussions. You will be surprised just how much recruitment happens on LinkedIn as it is effectively an online version of your CV.