Your CV/resume is your single most important marketing tool; its purpose is to "show us who you are on paper" and get you an interview and then be used as a starting point for the interviewer when we talk.We wanted to give you some thoughts on how to make the most of it.
It should present your qualifications, skills and attributes to us in a way that shows us how suitable you are for the role.
It should be a clear and well-presented snapshot of information about you. Early on in your career your education is likely to be your strongest selling point, so include that first.
Make sure you include other main selling points and evidence that you have the key things an employer is after.
It may help to follow a set format, for example:
1. Personal Details
All your personal details should go at the top. Include your name, address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address
2. Education
Your most recent educational information should be listed first. For each degree-level qualification include the degree type e.g., Bachelors, Masters etc., where you studied (your university), subject(s) studied and the grade you received, e.g. classification (UK) or GPA (U.S.).
You can put expected grade if you havent yet received your results
3. Work Experience
Should be listed in reverse chronological order; that is, put your most recent job first and work backwards. Include dates of employment, the name of the organisation, location of work (city and state or city and country). Then summarise your experience with focus on specific skills and achievements you gained that would make you the right person for the job you're applying for
4. Skills
You may wish to list key or special skills such as language skills or IT literacy. Technology applicants usually include a full and clear summary of the IT applications and systems theyve worked with
5. Hobbies and Interests
Summarise your hobbies and interests by drawing attention to your skills and achievements in these areas. Diversity is important to Citi and we will probably ask you more about your passions outside academia.
At a glance, your CV/resume should appear ordered, readable and pleasing to the eye, with sections and headings clearly marked. Keep it to no more than two sides, and stick to a standard typeface such as Arial or Times New Roman in at least 9 point.
The best way to check it is to have lots of people look at it and give you feedback. Ask friends, family, career counsellors and alumni (especially those who work in our industry). Accuracy is important; system spell-check is no match for a human eye to proof it for you.