• Question: What do you think is the best thing to put on your CV to get noticed?

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    Asked by 887spcq23 to Vinita, Rachel, Pam, Christopher, Brian, Andrew on 3 Mar 2019.
    • Photo: Brian Weaver

      Brian Weaver answered on 3 Mar 2019:

      I think your CV should focus on your experiences that show problems you’ve solved. Yes, employers first look at education to verify your technical abilities. What they are most interested in is your ability to problem solve, leadership skills, and if they/their team can work with you every day (for the next 20-30 years!). If you can concisely demonstrate these qualities on your CV then you will stand out.

      If you google “experience-based CV” you should be able to find some good examples. Try to start explaining your experiences with a strong verb as the first word: “Designed something cool”, “Developed new method to do something cool”, “Presented cool project to important people”.

    • Photo: Pam Anderson

      Pam Anderson answered on 4 Mar 2019:

      While it’s really important to show the relevant experience you have, as well as your academic grades, it’s really important to show what type of person you are outside of work. Are you a member of any clubs or play any sports? All of these things show you can work in a team and communicate well with others, which are really important skills in any workplace.

      Be yourself and always be honest!

    • Photo: Rachel Hudson

      Rachel Hudson answered on 12 Mar 2019:

      I think it’s really important to show things you’ve done that are different to everyone else. Thousands of students every year will get GCSEs, A-levels and go to uni but you need to show your employers what makes you special. Think of things that show you are passionate and willing to put in work outside of what is expected (i.e. outside of school). Having hobbies or personal projects is a great way of showing this. Also work experience, even if not relevant to engineering (for example I did tutoring and waitressing), show that you are hard working, determined and independent.

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