An Impressive Starter CV
When trying to write their first CV, in order to make it impressive, people make some understandable, but nevertheless awful mistakes, mainly because they lack the confidence to rely upon the truth.
As a recent graduate or school or college leaver, you may well feel you don t have an awful lot to offer, and you may well be right. But what about the other candidates, will they be any different from you in that respect At this early stage of your career you can t be expected to have much experience, and the employer will know that. They are going to be expecting applications from people just like you.
There is no need to try to big up your achievements and make unsubstantiated claims just to impress. Don t describe yourself in glowing terms using words and phrases which cannot be verified. The employer will see right through it. Bear in mind that they are bound to be experienced in business, so they are unlikely to be impressed by such claims, and anyway that s not what they are looking for. They will probably bin that type of CV without even bothering to read it through.
So, what will make your CV impressive The first thing to do is to read the job description carefully. Do you have the qualities they are looking for If you do, then make sure that your CV demonstrates very clearly what you have to offer.
Be careful that you don t just paraphrase the job description, but make it very clear that you are willing to work hard and continue to learn. Use examples of achievements from your school, college or university. Demonstrate that you are trustworthy by referring to any positions of responsibility or things that you have done during any periods of work experience. Sporting activities can be helpful in showing that you work well as a team member and get on well with other people. Or you could mention any academic group projects or activities. If you have done any voluntary or extra curricular work that, too can be useful in showing the type of person that you are.
Set out your education and qualifications very clearly with dates so that the information is easy to understand. If you think it helps, include details about the modules you have selected in any of the courses you have studied.
Always be truthful, straightforward and rely upon the facts. Work out what the employer is looking for and then demonstrate that you are a suitable candidate. That way you will achieve a CV which will be impressive because of its honesty, so there will be no need for any exaggerated claims at all.