Building a CV as a student or career switcher can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re just starting out and may not have a wealth of work experience.

This article, created with insights from seasoned Talent Acquisition Manager and Career Mentor Margo Kuznietsova , offers valuable advice for students and career switchers looking to build standout CVs.

Here are 5 tips to translate your experience into a compelling CV that grabs attention:

Tip 1.The first conclusion is to be proactive.

• Treat volunteer experiences or internships with the same importance as paid work experiences. Describe your responsibilities and the skills you gained.
• List any clubs, sports, or student organizations you were part of, especially if you held a leadership role.
• Highlight involvement in events or initiatives that required planning, teamwork, or communication skills.

Tip 2. Highlight Academic Achievements and Relevant Coursework.

• Include any notable academic achievements such as high grades, academic awards, or scholarships.
• Describe relevant coursework, projects, or assignments that demonstrate skills and knowledge pertinent to the job you’re applying for.
• Mention any research projects or presentations that showcase your work ethic and expertise in a specific area.

Tip 3. Create a Skills Section

• Develop a dedicated section for skills where you can list both technical and soft skills that are relevant to the job.
• Include computer skills, language proficiencies, or any specific tools and technologies you are familiar with.
• Be honest about your proficiency levels and consider including any certifications ortraining courses you’ve completed.

Tip 4. Emphasizing Soft Skills

• If you don’t have any previous working experience but have gained some soft skills from your studies, indicate it with examples.
• Focus on soft skills you’ve developed through various experiences, such as teamwork, communication, time management, problem-solving, and leadership.
• Provide specific examples to illustrate how you’ve demonstrated these skills in different contexts.
• It’s crucial to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what you’re good at and where you need improvement can help you tailor your CV to highlight your best attributes.
  To discover your address areas for growth, take quiz: https://www.careerpartner.co/

Tip 5. CV structure

• Don’t forget to keep your CV consistent, organized, and structured.
• A single-page CV is usually enough for a student or someone with limited job experience.
• Write keywords of the role you are applying for. There are recruitment CRMs that scanCVs for keywords, so make it easy for them to pick through and understand.
• Add your updated contact information.
• Proofread, then proofread again. When you don’t have any practical experience, the employer wants to see other strong sides of yours, such as attention to detail.

Bonus advice

Make a cover letter.

Make it unique for every position you are applying for. Not long. Just indicate why you like the company and the position and why you are a good fit. Try not to use too much Chat GPT. Recruiters can see that.

In summary, building a standout CV is about showcasing your experiences and skills in a structured, honest, and engaging way.

By being proactive, highlighting your involvement and achievements, and tailoring your applications, you’ll create a CV that not only stands out but also opens doors to exciting opportunities.