In today's competitive job market, mastering the art of CV writing is essential. As a professional CV writer, I've noticed many students and adults aren't making the most of this powerful tool to showcase their personal brand and land their dream job. Let's dive in and explore how to support your students to create a winning CV with my five top tips.
Five top tips to share with your students
1. Decoding the bots
Remember, your CV is often the first interaction with a potential employer, and it's likely to be scanned by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These digital gatekeepers sift through CVs, looking for keywords that match the job description. So, it's crucial to embed relevant keywords throughout your CV. Think of it as a treasure hunt – the more keywords you find in the job ad, the better your chances of passing the ATS test.
2. Design matters, but content reigns supreme
While a visually appealing CV can catch the eye, it's the content that truly matters. Keep your design simple and avoid overly complicated layouts that can confuse ATS systems. And remember, a photo can introduce bias, so it's generally best to leave it out. The focus should be on showcasing your skills and experience through clear, concise, and impactful language. The key thing is to ensure that the content is relevant to the role being applied for and anything else taken out.
3. Skills are key
Highlighting your skills is essential, especially for students with limited work experience. Consider skills gained from school, hobbies, and extracurricular activities. Tailor your skills section to the specific job you're applying for, and use strong action verbs to demonstrate your abilities.
4. Structure your CV
A well-structured CV is easier to read and understand. Consider these key sections:
- Profile: A brief introduction highlighting your key strengths and career goals.
- Key skills: A bulleted list of your most relevant skills.
- Education: List your qualifications, including predicted grades if applicable.
- Work experience/career history: Showcase your achievements and the impact you've made. For students, this could include volunteering, part-time jobs or virtual work experience programmes.
- Hobbies and Interests (optional): Highlight activities that demonstrate valuable skills.
5. Beyond the basics
Remember, your CV is more than just a document. Consider adding links to your LinkedIn profile, YouTube channels you run, GitHub coding, or any other relevant online platforms. This can provide additional context and showcase your skills in a more dynamic way.
Final tip
My final tip for advisers assisting with CV writing is to always encourage students to thoroughly research each employer and tailor their CV to every role they apply for.
By following these tips they'll increase their chances of making a positive impression and landing their dream opportunity.
Free resources to support you
The UCAS Hub has a range of tools available to support your students when they write their CV.
- Virtual work experiences: Led by industry experts, these on-demand work experience programmes involve real-world activities, from observing a live surgery to designing a lunar landing.
- Industry guides: Explore employers and career opportunities, and hear tips from apprentices on the job.
- Coming soon: UCAS CV builder – a new tool to help your students master CV writing.