Does your CV show what you’ve got or what others haven’t?

I met up with a friend of mine last week who asked me to look at her son’s CV.  He has a first in Natural Sciences and a distinction in his MSc in Aerospace Engineering.  He’s got some practical engineering experience in the UK and in India.  He’s personable, engaging and unable to show these qualities because he’s not getting interviews.  I’ll call him David.

His CV was thorough, comprehensive and it showed what he had to offer, particularly the detail of his qualifications which is really important to someone when they have just graduated.  The thing is though that the detail isn't really important to a recruiter.  If a company is recruiting an aerospace engineer they will know what a Master degree in it is about and these days most of the candidates will have one.  So all David is doing in headlining the MSc was ticking a box – yes he has a suitable degree.  He is demonstrating what he has.  He needs to be demonstrating what he has which other people don’t.

So, not everyone has a first and a distinction and yes, he punched home the academic excellence very well.  But what about the experiences and features on the course which really help him stand out?  What about his aerospace placement?  And the building projects in India?  And being STEM ambassador while at university?  What about the gap year employment for a property company?  And setting up a business while at university?  Well, they were there but I had to get to the second page to see most of them.

It was this second page which shouted enterprise, adventure, eagerness to learn, experience, individuality, energy, teamwork and provided evidence for it all.  It was these things which needed to be the headlines, hitting a recruiter between the eyes.  His mother went home with some detail and the key message that he has to showcase the things which make him stand out – the things other candidates won’t have.

I’ve just seen a revised CV from David and it is great and has impact and a personality.  I hope this is really helpful and that I will soon be having a coffee with him to brush up his interview ideas.  Jobs are scarce, even if recovery has started.  Some companies in this field even allow only one application for any candidate – only one application ever.  Stakes are high and I would very much like to see David setting off on his chosen path.  I think a CV which shows what others haven’t got is a good step on that path.

About the Author: Elizabeth Parkin 

Elizabeth had a 25 year career in management before joining the University seven years ago as Manager for “Pod” Programmes. She also held the post of MBA Academic Director before moving on to becoming Head of Department for Management and Business Systems.