Planning for your future is important. Graduate employment opportunities are extremely competitive.

More and more graduates are competing for the same jobs and schemes and even if you manage to secure a top degree from a leading university this may still not be enough to secure your perfect job.

However, there are still a number of things that you can do while you are at university to increase your prospects of success.

8 Ways To Improve Your CV While You Are Still At University

1. Improve Your CV by gaining Digital & IT skills

You may have heard that there is a shortage of digital skills. In today’s world knowing how to develop a website, upload content, or manage customer relationship management systems is a bonus.

Today’s IT skills go much further than simply mastering Microsoft Office. If IT is not your strongest area, there are plenty of free courses online where you can teach yourself the basics.

These skills can be added to your CV to make you a stronger candidate.

 

2. Understand the industry

If you are entering an industry such as marketing, finance, or law, for example, your employer will expect you to have some understanding of the latest developments or recent changes in the sector.

By reading trade magazines, following industry blogs, and reading popular industry websites online you will enhance the level of knowledge that you have which you can take to interview and demonstrate to the employer.

When you write your CV, your knowledge of the industry will be evident in the words and phrases that you use or the skills that you highlight. By understanding the industry, you will also learn what skills are important to employers in your niche.

 

3. Improve Your CV by taking Extra-Curricular Activities

Extra-curricular activities will look great on your CV because of two major things. Number one, you’re showing that you like to take charge and take on new challenges.

Number two, you’re gaining valuable experience early on. It might be a sports club, a student committee, or a mentoring program, but each and every activity gives additional worth to your CV.

 

4. Improve Your CV by Volunteering 

If you have little or no work experience, volunteering will give you a wealth of transferable skills to add to your CV.

Not only will volunteering provide you with some valuable life skills, such as meeting deadlines or planning your time effectively, but it may also just give your CV the extra push to edge ahead of the other candidates.

 

5. Improve Your CV by Starting a blog

Your own blog is a great way to show your interests and expertise in a particular area. Whether you like blogging about legal topics, technology or beauty, this will be looked on favorably by your potential employers.

There have been lots of successful bloggers who have used their blog as a foundation on which to build their careers.

 

6. Improve Your CV by Having Work experience

There are countless businesses that will offer students work experience opportunities so take advantage of them.

Not only will you learn an immense amount of information about the day-to-day operations of a business and planning your workload, but you will also be able to develop valuable experience in your industry. Adding this to your CV also shows your commitment to the industry.

 

7. Improve Your CV by taking a Part-Time Job

Most students have part-time jobs in order to support themselves, but they don’t add them to their CVs. Why not? It doesn’t matter where you work, as long as you are working.

Being a college student, that takes a part-time job shows that you’re willing to work hard and you’re demonstrating that you know what true values are.

 

8. Improve your CV by Taking a Course

Online skills especially are cherished by companies these days.

Whether you’ve taken a course on a foreign language, programming, design or you want to master your typing skills, it’s a great addition to your CV, as every company is going digital and they need an employee who is fast and up-to-date.

 

Concluding Remarks

All of the above-mentioned are actionable suggestions that any student around the world can do. It’s all about taking the time out to invest in your future right now. Take it to step by step, and your future self will take you for it.

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