Word on the street - which is old talk for the internet - is that getting ahead in securing the best graduate jobs requires a dash of originality. And this, to you or me, equates to progressing beyond regurgitating buzzwords such as "independent", "highly motivated" or the dreadful "team player".
Here at GRB we can't provide any hard a fast tips as to how you can be more original. We can make suggestions (see above) but these will be by necessity generic (see above) as we probably haven't met personally. That said, there is one area in which we think we can help...
A while back I wrote articles on the importance of a good cover letter and what you should aim to put in your CV. Pretty conventional stuff, although one thing I didn't talk about was personalisation. Many CVs follow a standard format: black and white and word processed. Employers presented with a selection of such CV's may find their interest flagging, with one merging into the next. Instead, why not try adding some colour and varying the format? It could provide that little bit of spice you need.
Now, before you begin, a few words of advice. It needn't be too drastic; the crucial thing is to stand out, but not to the extent where you potentially alienate yourself. Also, try to avoid using template generating sites as they will probably charge for the privilege and it is quite easy to produce one for yourself. For example, I am scared of technology and would place myself in the category of barely computer literate, and yet my latest stab at an alternative CV isn't a total disaster, depending on who you ask. The other problem with templates is they won't properly represent you and some formats are so popular you may as well not bother with the trying to be original thing.
With this in mind, I urge you to give it a go. It could be the difference between work and unemployment. It may be a slight risk to break the mould, but you may be at the point where you need to risk a thing or two.
Jordan, GRB Journalist
