Three things you can do to improve your CV right now

Posted in: Applications

Our CV and Applications Advice appointments are really busy right now. We are doing our best to offer as many appointments as we can. But an appointment is not the only way to get your CV fixed up. Try our three top tips to get on the road to CV success.

1. Get the basics right

We see so many CVs in appointments that have not got the basics covered. This means the appointment gets taken up by correcting these basic issues. Rather than focusing in on the content of your CV. Get these basics sorted and not only will you be well on your way to an excellent CV. But also when you get an appointment you will be able to make the most of your time.

You will find loads of advice on MyFuture:

You can find even more tips and information in our Get Started guide for Applications, CVs and cover letters.

2. Get automatic feedback through CV360

We have access to CV360. An online tool that mimics Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) that employers use to automatically screen CVs. If you know your CV will be going through an ATS then this is a great practice run. The personalised feedback you receive is coupled with general advice about how ATS programs work.

It's also a great proofreading tool and can give you practical feedback on many elements of your CV.

Find out more and give CV360 a go

3. Start tailoring

Every CV you submit should be tailored to the position your are applying for. This is often the key thing students overlook on their CV.

Tailoring is all about ensuring you present the most relevant experience for the position you are applying for. Using key words from the job advert to put things in terms the recruiting organisation will understand.

Tailoring is also about framing your experiences in the best way, as there are many ways you can write about a role you have had. Depending on the role you apply for you will need to highlight certain activities.

If you have got a job in mind that you want to apply for. Review the information in the job/course description, person specification and any other research into the role or organisation. Highlight key words which you could include in your application. List out the skills and experiences they want and then spend some time thinking about how you can provide evidence for them from your experiences.

Find out more on page 9 of the Application guide

Next steps

Appointments are not the only way to get in touch with your friendly Careers Service team. If you have a quick question about your CV why not try:

Posted in: Applications

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