If you are looking to gain some work experience this term (including virtually), the first thing you need to do is create your CV! Creating a stand-out CV is crucial when getting through the initial stage of the recruitment process. You want to make sure your CV is concise, accurate and targeted. Look at a few of our key points below, to guide you when writing your CV.

• Accuracy. Ensure your CV is accurate and consistent, in content, grammar and spelling. If your CV is littered with errors, it could cost you an interview!
• Easy to read. Use a clear and simple layout, avoid using tables and keep the font size to 10 – 12pt.
• Concise. A UK CV should be no more than two A4 pages in length. For a part-time job, 1 page is sufficient.
• Contact information. For a UK CV, you only need to include your name, contact telephone number and email address. Your photo, date of birth and nationality are not required.
• Include your degree. Your degree should be at the top of your Education section, even if this hasn’t been completed yet. If your degree is related to the job, you could detail any relevant modules, key projects and practical skills gained. Remember to include your grades too!
• Tailored. Make sure you target your CV to the specific job you are applying to. Review the job specification and take note of any key skills or values they are looking for, evidencing these, where possible. Directly align specific achievements on your CV with the specific challenges of the role, to make it easy to see why you would be a good candidate.
• Highlight any relevant experience. In your work experience section, include your most relevant experience first, if applicable. If you have completed some work shadowing or an internship already, remember to update your CV with these experiences. You could use an impact heading to distinguish relevant and non-relevant experience e.g. Customer Service Experience.
• Include non-relevant work too! Employers want to know about your range of work experiences, and how you have developed your soft skills. Transferable skills such as teamwork and communication can be easily demonstrated through bar or retail work.
• Positions of responsibility section. If you have held a key role outside of your studies, such as involvement within a society (e.g., President or Events Officer) or a volunteering role – include these! They are great examples of extra-curricular activities, which can show some valuable skills including, leadership and collaborative working.
• Talk about your interests. Showing interests can demonstrate your character and personal qualities, and it is a great opportunity to evidence softer skills. Just make sure the interests you include are specific and unique, rather than general ones e.g., socialising, reading etc.
• Use positive language and action verbs. Try using words like organised, delivered, implemented, and exceeded, to start your sentences, rather than pro-nouns.

If you would like your CV reviewed, the Careers and Employability Service offer daily Quick Advice appointments, which are bookable online. Additionally, attend one of our ‘Creating a great CV’ workshops for more advice or visit our CV webpage for templates and further information.