Insider tips for graduates
When you complete your application online, you will also need to upload your curriculum vitae (CV). A good CV is accurate and up to date, and gives our recruiters an insight into you, your interests, qualifications and professional interests.
Information you should include:
- Personal details: full name, address, email address and phone number
- Education: the name of the institutions, start and completion dates, grades and qualifications you have obtained or will obtain
- Career history: company name, job title, start and finish dates, achievements and key skills you used or developed. Include previous and/or current position/s
- Extra-curricular activities: associations and memberships, awards and certificates, voluntary work and other relevant accomplishments
- Details of your education and career history should be in reverse chronological order (that is, most recent first)
Other important tips to make the most of your CV:
- It is a good idea to include a career objective at the start of your CV, but keep it concise. Ensure that your objective is relevant to the company and includes some detail about your career aspirations, as well as the discipline and industry sector you are looking to specialise in
- While a recruiter may read your CV first, a great cover letter, tailored to the company and position you’re applying for, is critical. A cover letter which stands out can demonstrate your writing ability, personality, the research you have done on the company and the role, and gives the recruiter another reason to move you further along in the recruitment process
- Don’t include a photo of yourself in your CV or cover letter
- Spell check all of your documentation before submitting
- Have a colleague, tutor or family member proof read your application to pick up any changes that may be required
- Always attach a copy of your academic transcript. If you haven’t received your formal document, an interim transcript is fine
- Be careful of what your social media pages say about you and, where relevant, check your privacy settings
- Join LinkedIn, complete your profile and start building your network with relevant contacts. This shouldn’t be just a copy of your CV, but a reflection of your professional history and aspirations.
Attend industry events and career fairs, and get networking. Many universities and industry organisations host great networking events throughout the year which give you a chance to meet representatives from various companies.
Reach out to your peers - getting a direct referral into a company can be a major advantage and will help you to get your foot in the door.