CV Doctor: Enhancing a Student CV

The below CV is an actual CV (with personal details masked) used in application for the position of Event Management Assistant at a medium sized Auckland based PR firm. It’s a good CV. It looks good, is easy to read and presents the information in an easily accessible way. It could however be made much more effective in landing the applicant an interview by making a few small changes. The following article makes comments on each section of the CV, outlining good points and what should be improved.

Personal Details
Don’t include Nationality or Date of Birth. Employers are not legally allowed to make employment decisions based on this information, and it may invite discrimination and stop you getting an interview.

Personal Statement
This CV has no Personal Statement. While optional, a personal statement is a good way to outline how your career goals fit this particular job opportunity. A Personal Statement should go just below Personal Details.

Highlights
Including a Highlights section is a great way to sell yourself. The Highlights section needs to relate to the job being applied for. While this CV is an administration and communication based role the CV lists “Accomplished Marketer and Salesperson” first. If I was this employer I would be wondering why they are applying for this role. In other words, it’s no use saying you’re a fantastic skateboarder if the job is to be an All Black. The Highlights could also include more detail to back up the statements made with evidence.

Work Experience
List the title of the role at the top, above the employer, as this is more important. This CV includes bullet points which include some Responsibilities and some Achievements. Put in a heading for each and separate Responsibilities from Achievements to make each section stand out.

Education
The Education section is great. It lists the course and subjects taken and achievements. Achievements are another great way to sell yourself. Again, the degree completed is more important than the University, so put that first.

Relevant Projects
I like the content of this section, but wonder whether it should be included in other sections, such as in the Work Experience, Education or Interests.

Interests
It is good to include some interests but avoid contraversial interests such as gambling or tagging!

Referees
Employers will check Referees before making an employment decision, so you do need to include them. Make sure you have warned your referees that they may be getting a call. This will increase the chances of them giving you a great reference.