How to make your CV stand out

With more competition than ever when it comes to graduate jobs and internships, you may be wondering how to make a CV stand out from the rest when conducting your job search.

The good news, according to Kat Snodgrass from mthree, is that your interests and extracurricular activities can be a powerful way to set yourself apart. However, it’s not always easy to know what’s relevant or how to effectively showcase these in your CV.

Having helped hundreds of graduates launch successful tech careers, Kat Snodgrass shares her insights on crafting an impressive CV and offers top tips for graduates eager to make a strong first impression.

Here’s what Kat had to say:

When a potential employer reads your CV, they’re looking to understand who you are and what unique value you can bring to their organisation.

Beyond your education and work experience, you’ve likely developed valuable qualities through your personal experiences. Here are a few key areas that can make a significant impact when applying for a job you’re aiming for.

> Extracurricular activities

Including personal projects on your CV can be incredibly valuable. Employers are interested in seeing your passion beyond formal education, as it demonstrates your commitment to learning and skill development. It also highlights your proactive approach to self-improvement.

For instance, if you’re aiming for a career in tech, did you teach yourself a new programming language, build an app for fun, or create a website for a friend? Think of any relevant projects you’ve completed in the past year, and be sure to list them as personal projects on your CV.

> Insight sessions or webinars

Since these sessions often only last a few hours and aren't always formal, graduates sometimes overlook them. However, insight sessions and webinars provide valuable knowledge about specific topics or organisations and demonstrate that you're staying current with industry trends. That’s why I recommend including them.

Reflect on the impact of each session or webinar. What did you learn? How did it influence your perspective or skills?

Make sure to only include the most relevant sessions for the role and sector you're applying for. If you're applying to jobs in multiple sectors, remember to tailor your CV accordingly.

> Virtual networking

Online sessions often give you direct access to employers, providing valuable facetime with individuals who can explain available job roles in more detail.

Effective networking is an important skill, so if you’ve taken part, consider adding them to the hobbies/interests section of your CV. It’s a great way to showcase your communication skills, which can otherwise be hard to highlight.

Additionally, use social media and your LinkedIn profile to network and connect with professionals in your industry.

Discover why soft skills and networking are vital when starting your career.

> Following industry news and forums

It may not seem like much, but if you’re genuinely interested in a particular sector, chances are you regularly read about it, listen to podcasts, or follow key websites and thought leaders on the topic.

Consider adding a shortlist of your favourite sources to the hobbies/interests section. This shows that you're actively seeking to learn more about the industry on your own initiative.

> Online courses

Have you completed any online courses that could be somehow relevant to your career? Do refer to them on your CV. This could be anything from self-paced programming to a leadership course or problem-solving course.

These types of things are still ways to showcase your skills and experience and are impressive achievements to include.

> Fundraising and charity activities

Including these experiences has always been valuable, and now more than ever. Were you involved in volunteering to support vulnerable people in your community? Did you participate in fundraising efforts? While these activities might not seem directly tied to a career, they often involve transferable skills.

List these activities in a bullet-pointed format and highlight the relevant skills you gained from each.

> Start keeping track of what you’ve done

I know it can be hard to remember everything you’ve achieved. Spend some time reflecting on the past year or so (maybe ask a friend or family member to jog your memory!). Note down what you can. Aim to make it a regular habit in future.

> To sum up

Don’t forget to tailor your personal statement and cover letter to each job description that you’re applying for.

Employers look for self-motivation, strong communication skills, and tech competence in every role. Anything you can demonstrate along these lines in your CV will help you get ahead in your career, and if you look closely, I bet you’ll see that you have more to talk about than you think!

Put your new CV to the test and apply for one of our graduate roles today.