I recently read an article on grads which angered me somewhat; it suggested that one of the ways to improve your CV was to travel the world. Now, don’t get me wrong, it is a great way to improve your CV and your life but it’s an expenditure which could be avoided. You will still get a decent job whether you backpacked round Australia or not, unless you worked whilst you backpacked, you’ve just travelled. I’ve travelled too, to London to buy a Heat magazine.
Furthermore, this article also suggested that one ‘study abroad’ – an unachievable situation if you attend a university which doesn’t offer the chance to go to America for a term, or to wander the streets of Paris… It would be nice if there were, but most courses simply don’t.
Anyhow;
Actually look at your CV.
Spend time looking at your CV – ask yourself “does this need to be here?” “Could I expand on this?” I found that I hadn’t spent enough time discussing how certain jobs have improved certain skills I have, I just discussed my role. In fact, I removed the bullet points with the different roles I did, and wrote about the skills which I had gained through the role. Furthermore, your CV needs to be visually attractive – and by this I mean, you need to maximise the space you use. From other blogs and CV pages I’ve read, it is said that a CV should be no longer than two pages long, anything longer and you’ve lost your audience. Keep everything concise, appropriate and clean. And by clean, I mean don’t over complicate what you’re actually trying to say.
Example 1; “My duties included taking food orders, washing pots and delivering food to customer’s tables. Furthermore, I gained experience with handling cash and using a till to handle customer’s final bills.” This was the original statement; it is messy and doesn’t explain much about what I’ve gained.
Example 2; “My role as a waitress allowed me to interact with the public, take orders and deliver food to customer’s tables. Furthermore, this role also allowed me to gain experience using a till, and the importance of having excellent customer service skills” This is the new statement, I believe that the statement is more concise, explains the different duties I had and explained the experience gained and learned whilst working as a waitress.
Volunteer.
It sounds cliché, it really does but volunteering really does help! Although if you work you don’t have the time to give to volunteer – but maybe whilst you search for work, you can give up an afternoon a week to get involved with a charity. Every little helps after all. You’ll be learning some new skills, networking and helping others in the process. I used the country wide website www.do-it.org.uk the website is so useful, and you can search for the area which you’d liked to volunteer in. I just searched for opportunities near me. I would recommend applying for a few positions as there is no guarantee you’ll get the position and some places only require your assistance one morning or afternoon a week, so you have time to commit to other projects. Don’t be put off but positions which you think may not give you experience that you want – you don’t know what you’re going to gain until you’re there. Many times when you’re working for charities they offer you free training, such as first aid – which is such a useful skill. Volunteer you way into work!
When I think of more ways... this will be updated!
Enjoy.
Comments are welcome, as are tweets! @DebStevo90
"this ain't a game of cat and mouse"
Deborah :)x
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