The Secrets To The Yes And No CV Pile

Everyone knows the truth: that there are far too many graduates per job position in the current economic climate. It's a sad fact that with every job you apply to, there are guaranteed to be many other candidates also applying. It's even sadder that many of these other candidates, who are effectively your competition, are probably just as qualified as you. It's a bleak outlook but it's true.But here's what you can do to stop your CV being placed on top of the steadily mounting 'no' pile on your prospective employer's hard metal desk. Everyone knows what a CV should include:

1. Personal details (name, address, date of birth and perhaps telephone number and email address)

2. Your education details and qualifications (mention grades unless they are very poor)

3. Your work experience

4. Your interests and achievements

5. Your skills

6. References

But it's more important than ever for each of these points to really stand out to a prospective employer. Here's how: Take special care to ensure your work experiences are RELEVANT to the job you are applying for. Use 'action words' like developed, planned and organised, when explaining why these experiences have helped you. Try to relate the skills you have learnt to why it will be useful for doing the job you are applying for. Implying that you enjoy working as a team will also help employers see you in a positive light, as everyone wants a team-player! Keep your interests and achievements brief and to the point. Don't choose merely solitary activities like 'going to the cinema' or 'reading' as it suggests you may be a bit of a loner. Make sure to include things like 'my book group' or 'travelling with friends' to show you are a people-person. Use bullet points to separate your interests into different categories, for example 'sports', 'art' and 'entertainment'. Don't only name things from one category - make sure to show you're well-rounded. Don't use boring clichés like 'socialising with friends'. For skills, make sure to include that you speak a language (if you do). Computing is also a useful skill to include. Make sure the skills you write about are relevant to the job: don't waste time writing about your quick ability to make computer spreadsheets if you are applying to work behind the till in an art shop. Keep it relevant! So there are some helpful pointers to tighten up your CV and encourage potential employers to place it into the 'yes' rather than 'no' pile. To all job-seeking graduates who are reading this, I wish you good luck!