When applying for graduate careers and describing your career objectives, here are a few important tips to keep in mind:

  1.     Be factual. Don't waffle on or use vague sentences that don't mean anything. This will be a real turn-off for anyone hiring graduates. If you're not mentioning a specific fact, then leave it out. For every fact or statement you make, back it up. Explain exactly why you're a good team player (e.g. Your experience in university assignments) or why you'd be a talented copywriter (e.g. Your experience in writing the college magazine). Plus, use numbers wherever possible, e.g. Regularly wrote for four magazines while at college.
  2. Think of your employer. At every turn, ask yourself what your potential employer will be getting out of your CV. What does your experience mean to them? Show them how you will add value. Rather than simply listing the skills you have, explain the benefits of having those skills. For instance, rather than saying that you're good at customer service and can help boost sales, explain that you successfully secured $100,000K of revenue through your customer service abilities in your previous role.
  3. Be snappy. No-one wants to read long, boring blocks of text. Use bullet points as much as possible, and create a structure that your potential employer can scan.
  4. Use the job title. If you know the title of the job you're applying for, use it as much as possible. Show your potential employer that you understand the role and what it involves. You could even do some research about these kinds of roles and what your potential responsibilities will be.
  5. Mirror the job ad. If you're responding to an ad in the paper or online, try to mirror the wording that has been used. Also, use the employer's language and terminology. If responding to an ad from the paper or online, use the language in this ad. Plus, be specific. Show them you understand the company and the role by using the terms that they would use – but make sure you get them right!. Do your homework and then add in as many relevant words as you can.
  6. Spell check! Always spell check your CV and get someone you trust to edit or proofread it once you're done. Errors and bad grammar can create a poor impression and it's surprising how often they creep into finished CVs.
  7. Most important information first. Prioritise and list your most relevant work, research or education first up on your CV.
  8. Don't overstate it. Keep your expectations and your career goals realistic. Don't tell your potential employer that you'll want to take their job in a few years. This may undermine your credibility. And can you really do everything you claim to be able to do? Think hard about your abilities and what makes you unique.
  9. Insert some personality. Let your employer know that you have personality by making your text punchy and upbeat… but don't overdo it! You don't want your CV to turn a potential employer off. Keep it friendly, sincere and down to earth.
  10. Always customise. Whenever you're going for a new role, be sure to update  your CV and cover letter. Don't just send out the same material to countless employers – it will look obvious to anyone who reads it. Update your CV and cover letter with the specific job title, information about the company and the appropriateness of your skills for that particular job!