What makes a great graduate CV?

With investment banks rethinking their graduate hiring numbers, it's more critical than ever to have a CV that stands out. Employers only want to see the best candidates and your CV is crucial to securing the all-important interview.

Presentation

Visually, your CV needs to make an impact - for the right reasons! So select a simple font: most applications are made online with CVs 'parsed' (your information is lifted from your CV) into the organisation's systems.

Also, opt for:

· bullet-point sentences rather than losing information in paragraphs.

This will help the reader quickly and easily read your CV and relevant information.

· an email address that is professional.

Some email addresses may be humorous but are not appropriate for a potential employer.

Profile

You need a strong introduction. Many, many people describe themselves as "good communicator, able to work in a team, and highly motivated". This cliché will not get you noticed. Really think about what will help you stand out in the crowd.

Academic achievements

Highlighting your academic achievements is clearly important. Be wary of simply listing the modules of your course - anyone else doing a similar course will sound the same. Focus on key projects, presentations or assignments, and on your dissertation.

Additional key achievements

Don't forget about other non-academic achievements that show relevant experience, successes and skills.

These might include demonstrating project management to meet your dissertation timelines, or occupying leadership or key roles in university societies. Think about the improvements you made in these positions. For example, "Elected Treasurer of the xyz Society, where I increased fundraising by 20%" is much more powerful than simply "Treasurer of the xyz Society".

Work experience

Where you have work experience, show it. Again, focus on what is relevant and emphasise this. The banking internship and any office or financial experience obviously needs more prominence than the bar job.

When capturing experience on your CV, be wary of simply listing job responsibilities. Think about the specific project you were tasked to undertake or play a key role in - what was your input, how successful was the overall project? Consider the deadlines, volumes, and targets - did you consistently meet these? Did you exceed targets or expectations?

In summary, your CV needs to be unique to you and help you stand out, not just merge into the crowd.

Click here for an example of how to structure a first CV.

Paula Hewitt is a senior financial services specialist at Fuller CV. The Fuller CV has teamed up with eFinancialCareers. If you get your CV professionally re-written by The Fuller CV, you'll also receive a free cover letter. Click here for details.

Get your CV professionally re-written by The Fuller CV and get a free cover letter

This article first appeared on the site earlier this year.