Discover how to create a powerful CV that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements and makes you stand out. Your CV is your chance to unlock your potential. By showcasing your talent, skills, and experience in the right way, you’re giving yourself the best chance possible of standing out to the employer – and getting an invitation to an interview.
Since 1982, we’ve pored over hundreds of thousands of student CVs, and invested just as many hours into understanding exactly what it is employers are looking for when they receive one. Look at some of the key insights we’ve collated below so that you can craft a powerful CV and unlock your full potential.
Here are some examples of CVs from our student database:
Creating a positive first impression
A strong, tailored CV creates a positive first impression and gets your foot in the door for an interview.
Employers hiring students and graduates understand that you may not necessarily have a lot of work experience - but you can focus on other achievements and experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Take it from one of our employers, Aaron at Superior Doors:
Research and planning
Begin by identifying what the employer is looking for, by rereading the advert or job description. Look at what skills match with your skillset and think about your motivation for applying.
Layout and design
Opt for a thoughtful and well-organised design and avoid overly creative formats unless you're applying for a design-related role. Put your education and work experiences in reverse chronological order so that the most recent experience is right at the top.
Highlight relevant experience and skills
Focus on showcasing experiences, skills, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Include volunteer work, leadership roles, internships, and any relevant competitions. Emphasise standout achievements, awards and your most recent work and study experiences.
Keep it concise
Keep your CV concise, ideally no longer than two pages. Employers typically spend seconds, not minutes, reviewing each CV, so make every section count.
Ask for help – visit your Careers Centre
If you’d like personalised support to develop your CV, we recommend heading to your Careershub or Careers Centre at your tertiary provider.
Your career services team will give you one-on-one support and advice to help you write and develop a tailored CV and cover letter that will give you the best chance of securing an interview to get the job.
You can also find CV and cover letter templates on the Careers.govt website