Writing a Winning CV: Standing Out from the Start

While interviews are critical, your CV is the first step that gets you noticed from a pool of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of candidates. For most competitive graduate and internship programmes at large companies, this is not an exaggeration.

Despite being in 2024, I’m still a firm believer in keeping things simple. A clean, straightforward CV—minimal colours, no flashy infographics—works best. Your goal is to make it easy for recruiters to quickly read and find the most relevant information. While there may be exceptions for creative industries, the classic approach is often the safest bet.

Why Your CV Matters: Understanding the Recruiter’s Rubric

When recruiters screen your CV, they often have a mental or physical rubric in mind. They’re looking for key things that match the job’s requirements. While specific roles have different criteria, the overall approach is usually quite similar. Let’s take a look at what a typical rubric might look like for a graduate role:

• GPA: If your GPA is above a certain level (e.g., B or A-), you could score 2 or 3 points.

• Relevant work experience: Completing an internship in the field adds +3 points.

• Working at a reputable firm, such as a Big 4 in business fields, might add +2 more points.

• Extracurriculars: Active involvement in clubs or volunteering adds +1 point.

• Leadership roles, such as being a student executive, could add another +2 points.

The goal is to tailor your CV to meet these criteria in the clearest, most concise way possible.

Structuring Your CV: What to Include (and What to Skip)

I often advise skipping a personal statement unless your CV is looking bare and needs some filling. Most people repeat generic qualities like “hard worker,” “quick learner”, which are often better covered in your cover letter. Instead, focus on the essentials.

Here’s how I recommend structuring your CV:

1. Education

Start with your education. Typically, your university and degree are enough. Beneath this, include your GPA, honours, and any awards you’ve received. This section should be brief and to the point.

2. Work Experience

This is the most important part of your CV. List your relevant work experiences that make you stand out. Structure this section with bullet points, ensuring consistency in how you start each point (use action verbs). For example:

• Performed due diligence on market entry strategies for a pharmaceutical company in South East Asia, focusing on regulatory requirements.

• Researched the competitive landscape for a leading financial technology startup, identifying market trends and potential growth opportunities.

Each bullet point should highlight a specific responsibility or achievement, showing your impact in the role.

3. Extracurriculars

If you don’t have much work experience, don’t worry—extracurriculars can help fill the gap. Universities are full of voluntary and club events these days, so there are always opportunities to get involved. Whether it’s attending a few events, volunteering for a cause, or helping out with a student club, there’s no shortage of ways to boost this section. Leadership roles or active involvement in these activities can show employers that you’re proactive and can handle responsibilities beyond your studies.

General Tips for Success

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

• Keep it to one page: Many jobs, especially in competitive industries, expect a one-page CV. Recruiters don’t have time to sift through more than that, so make every line count.

• Be concise and clear: Avoid unnecessary details. The focus should always be on clarity and relevance.

• Use consistent formatting: Stick with a clean layout, using the same structure for each section. Consistency makes your CV easier to read and more professional.

Final Thoughts

A winning CV is simple, clear, and relevant. By understanding how recruiters evaluate candidates and structuring your CV accordingly, you increase your chances of making it to the interview stage. Stay tuned for more tips in my upcoming blogs, and feel free to reach out if you need personalised CV advice!

Good luck!!! :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Author

Hi, I’m Alex, a recent graduate from the University of Auckland with a degree in Engineering and Commerce. Like many students, I felt uncertain about my career path for a long time. After exploring four different careers and completing five internships, I discovered my passion—management consulting.

Throughout my journey, I stepped outside my comfort zone and tried various roles. While it took time to find my true calling, one thing I consistently excelled at was interviews. As I applied for graduate roles in 2024, which was a tough year for recruiting, I managed to secure offers from 13 out of the 14 interviews I attended—many with highly selective and prestigious companies.

Now, I’m here to share my experience and tips to help you succeed in your job hunt. Follow along for more insights in my blogs, and feel free to reach out to me here or on social media!