In a competitive graduate job market, your CV is your first impression. Your CV must get you interviews. This post will help you craft a CV (or review an existing CV) that stands out to both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). We’ll cover essential buzzwords and phrases that can elevate your CV, making you a strong candidate for your first job after university.
1. Tailoring Your CV for ATS and Human Reviewers
A common CV mistake grads make is not optimising for ATS.
To get noticed, your CV must pass through both ATS and human eyes. ATS systems scan for specific keywords that match the job description. Usually, ATS will screen your CV first and will automatically reject CVs that do not make the cut. Human reviewers then assess the extent to which you’ll perform well in the role. Using the right words and phrases ensures your CV makes it through both filters.
Action Point: Study the job description carefully. Identify the key skills and qualifications listed. Incorporate these exact terms into your CV, ensuring they appear naturally.
Example: If a job requires “project management skills,” explicitly mention your experience in “project management” rather than a vague term like “handled projects.”
Read: Five Common Mistakes to Avoid in ATS CV Writing
2. Use Action-Oriented Language
Employers value candidates who can demonstrate initiative and results. Action verbs show what you’ve accomplished, making your CV engaging. Words like “developed,” “managed,” “implemented,” and “achieved” convey your role in driving results.
Action Point: Start each bullet point in your experience section with a strong action verb. Reflect on your experiences and quantify where possible.
Example: Instead of “Responsible for managing social media,” write “Managed social media platforms, increasing engagement by 30%.”
3. Highlight Transferable Skills
As a recent graduate, you may not have extensive work experience. Highlight transferable skills gained through academic projects, internships, or volunteer work. Skills like “leadership,” “communication,” “problem-solving,” and “teamwork” are highly valued across industries.
Action Point: Identify the soft and hard skills that are most relevant to the jobs you’re applying for. Frame your experiences to showcase these skills.
Example: If you led a group project at university, mention “Led a team of 4 in a research project, improving collaboration and meeting deadlines.”
4. Incorporate Industry-Specific Keywords
Each industry has its own set of jargon. Familiarise yourself with these terms and incorporate them into your CV. This not only helps with ATS but also shows that you understand the industry.
Action Point: Research common industry terms and trends. Align your skills and experiences with these keywords to demonstrate your industry knowledge.
Example: For a marketing role, use phrases like “SEO optimization,” “content strategy,” or “market analysis” where relevant.
5. Showcase Your Achievements
Employers want to see results. Rather than just listing duties, focus on what you achieved in each role. Use numbers and metrics to quantify your success where possible. This gives context to your accomplishments and makes them more impressive.
Action Point: Review your experiences and think about the outcomes of your work. Where possible, include metrics like percentages, numbers, or timeframes.
Example: “Increased sales by 15% in the first quarter by implementing a targeted email campaign.”
6. Be Concise and Relevant
Your CV should be clear and concise. Avoid jargon or overly complex language that might confuse the reader. Keep your CV relevant to the job you’re applying for, and avoid including unnecessary information that doesn’t add value.
Action Point: Edit your CV to remove any fluff. Focus on the most impactful and relevant details that align with the job description.
Example: Instead of “I was involved in a project that helped improve customer satisfaction,” write “Enhanced customer satisfaction by 20% through a streamlined feedback system.”
Conclusion
Crafting a CV that gets noticed requires strategic use of keywords and phrases that appeal to both ATS and human reviewers. With the help of this blog post, craft or review your graduate CV to ensure you stand out.
If you need help creating or reviewing your CV, get in touch with us here at Graduate Coach. We’ve helped thousands of graduates just like you to land the most competitive graduate roles with a strong graduate CV and refined interview techniques. Before you submit your CV, review or checklist!
Read: Fresh Grad, Fresh Approach: CVs That Compensate for Lack of Experience
How to Start a Career in Digital Marketing: CV Tips & Job Opportunities
Featured image by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels
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