When it comes to applying for graduate roles, your CV is usually your first chance to make an impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Making sure it’s as strong as possible before sending it out can be the difference between getting shortlisted for that role or passed over for someone else.
Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your CV is ready to go and secure you that dream job you’ve been eyeing up:
1. Nail your opening statement
Before diving into your work experience, make sure you start off with an opening statement that explains a bit about who you are, why you’re applying, and how you suit the role. This sounds like a lot to sum up in a sentence or two, but the best CVs are clear and concise, so try to really pinpoint the ‘best bits’ about yourself for that role. If you were applying for a marketing role, the example could be:
“Results-focussed Marketing Executive with experience creating and managing digital campaigns. Skilled in strategy, SEO, design and copywriting. Looking for a fast-paced and creative company with the opportunity to grow brands into household names.”
2. Keep it clean
And we don’t just mean with your language. When it comes to layout, make sure it’s modern, clean and clear. Make sure fonts, spacing, and headings are all consistent, and avoid clutter or excessive graphics - unless you’re in a creative industry and this plays to your favour.
Make sure sections are easy to distinguish, consider using headings stand out, such as skills, experience, education and certifications.
3. Tailor it to fit
When you’re listing both technical and soft skills relevant to the job/s you’re applying for, make sure you use terms from the job descriptions you’re targeting, or ones relevant to the industry you’re aiming to join, so that you’re highlighted by any application / CV scanners as being a good match for the role.
Make sure you showcase any key achievements and measurable impact where you can, for example:
“Increased customer retention rates by 25% through implementing tailored follow-up campaigns.”
4. Check, check, and check again
Make sure to proofread your CV thoroughly, and check for any spelling, grammar, or formatting mistakes or inconsistencies.
It could also help to ask a friend, professor, or mentor to check over your CV with fresh eyes. Reading it aloud or printing a copy out can also help you spot anything you may have overlooked on a screen.
5. Save it appropriately
To keep formatting fresh, save your CV as a PDF, unless the employer specifies a different format. Name your file clearly and professionally, and again, watch out for any typos, for example: “Jane_Doe_CV_2025”
Crafting your CV can be a long process, and it’s one that will keep evolving as you gain more experience and send out more applications. Just make sure that you check off our 5 suggestions to getting your CV sorted, and good luck with any applications!