Want to know how to pitch your graduate skills in a resume? Your resume is your key to success, so here’s how you can make sure it stands proud at the top of the shortlist for any graduate job:
What is a resume?
Simply, a resume (or CV) is a record of your skills, education, employment history and experience. Each industry and position requires different information on your resume. For example, if you are applying to a media company, your communication skills should be highlighted.
Top tip – search online for sample resumes in your field, such as “graduate accountant resume.” These samples will give you a guide on what employers will be looking for in your resume (and what not to do!).
What to write:
Be sure to include these details in your resume…
- Contact details
- Career objective or professional statement about your skills
- Qualifications, education and training
- Employment history in reverse chronological order, with your most recent job first
- Key duties and achievements for recent jobs
- Extracurricular activities, such as volunteering or your interests to show skills like problem solving, critical thinking or leadership
- Two or more referees
What not to write:
- Personal details – date of birth, family details, cultural background, disability or political affiliation
- Irrelevant skills, experiences or achievements
- Fancy fonts, colours or large headings
- Images, unless this is accepted practice for your industry
Resume hacks:
- Make sure your sentences are concise and straight-to-the-point – there is no need for unnecessary words and stories, unless you want to bore your reader!
- Always proof-read your resume. Spelling and punctuation mistakes are seriously frowned upon and when you’re applying for a job, you want to make a good first impression
- Get your resume reviewed for free by CSU’s Careers Services. They can support your through the whole job application process, offer advice and answer any questions.
