Job hunting can be tough – especially for young people looking for their first role.
If you know someone starting out, here are some practical CV tips to help them get noticed:
- Show up (if you can)
One of the best ways to make an impression is to deliver your CV in person. Walk into the company’s office and hand it over directly. That said, many businesses no longer have a physical reception area, so you might still have to post or courier your CV.
- Tailor your CV
Avoid sending out a one-size- fits-all CV. Instead, tailor it to the specific company. Highlight why you’re a good fit and how your skills meet their needs. Even if it’s just a few pages, give it a professional feel with a front and back cover.
- Keep it short and sharp
People are busy, and often skim CVs. Keep the main CV to one page. You can include extra details such as a job history or project summaries as supplementary pages.
- Lead with your strengths
Put the most important points at the top. Hiring managers often don’t read beyond the first few lines, so make those lines count.
- Make it easy to read
Use bullet points and short, direct sentences. Start each point with a strong action word like “managed,” “led,” or “created.”
- Make contact easy
Make your contact details clear – phone, email, and any relevant online profiles. Make it easy for them to invite you in for an interview.
- Supplementary pages
Work experience: Start with the most relevant or impressive roles. Skills: Highlight both technical and soft skills.
Education: List most important or recent qualifications first.
Voluntary work: Include if it adds value or shows transferable skills.
- Final step – proofread
Have someone else review your CV before you send it. Spelling and grammar mistakes create a bad first impression.
Encourage young jobseekers to take their time with their CV. It’s often the first step toward the opportunity they’re aiming for!
