Thing’s I’ve learn’t to put on my CV

At some point in the next few years we are going to have to write and submit CVs, if we haven’t already. But it can be hard to know what to write. There are multiple things that I have learnt, through meetings with the Careers Service and CV workshops, to put on your CV to make sure you have the best chance of getting the job, internship or study place you’ve applied to. Here are my best tips:

Bullet Points

No one likes reading big blocks of text and the same goes for most employers. Usually employers are receiving several CVs and the last thing they want to do is read big blocks of text. So, for each position 2 or 3 bullet points summarizing each duty undertaken in the role and the skill used is useful.

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Put down every extracurricular/volunteering experience

All the experience you have gained over the years has been useful, whether it is student body president or head of a committee or volunteering over the summer. Put it down on your CV because through each of these activities you’ve gained skills that can be applied to the position you’re applying to. Plus employers like to see more than just school activities on there.

Skills gained

As mentioned above there are several skills that you have applied to each position you have undertaken throughout the years. But it can be hard to identify those skills for employers. So, to point them out on your CV can be helpful.

Quantify the work you have done

Whether you have work experience or volunteering experience its good to quantify in figures what your work has helped to achieve. This can help employers know the scale of your work and to really contextualize your role.

Notable achievements

This is not necessarily qualifications related but something that is slightly more personal. These are achievements that you feel make you stand out from the crowd. It can prove to employers that you can be involved in the wider work environment and that you are more than your qualifications