CV tips on Interests and Hobbies

Every CV should have a small part dedicated to your interests and hobbies. This is your chance to not only show you're an interesting person, but to also cover interests you pursue that relate to the industry you're applying to. For example, if you were trying to get into Banking and Finance Graduate Jobs and you read the Financial Times, it would be perfect to note that in your spare time you enjoy catching up on the FT news. Don't worry, not all your interests have to be angled in this way. Be honest and get as many interesting hobbies and activities in there as you can without going on too long. It's your chance to help them build a bigger picture of you as a person so make sure you create the right impression.

The Year Ahead as a Graduate

The final run-up to the seasonal break is here and once you finally get the time to rest, make sure you reserve just a little moment to take a breather, reflect on the year and plan for the new one. As 2011 approaches, the prospects of annual recruitment budgets being positively re-assessed for the new year will see activity in the graduate world taking the shortest holiday of all. This means you have to stay on the pulse and keep up to date with any changes to the industries you are looking to break into. You can also use the time through this quieter period to re-work CVs and fine tune them ready for January so as soon as new jobs start being released, you are ready to apply.

Graduate job hunt now or later?

If you're in your final year there are many pros and cons for job hunting now or later. Some would say focus on your studies to make sure you get the grade you need which would be good advice. Others would say application deadlines need attention and if you miss the classic 'grad scheme window' then you won't be able to apply again until next year. This can be true for some roles and it's always important to start getting things in motion while still at uni, but it's also important to remember that these jobs only make up a portion of the market. The graduate job market is huge, and many of you will more than likely end up working for a company you have never heard of who don't recruit in the classic grad scheme circles. These companies and many more (not always graduate focused) recruit all year round so if you're worried about not having the time to make enough applications now due to your uni work load, don't let it stress you out. Focus on what you see as a priority, stick with it and when those deadlines are met, go for it!

What do employers look for?

What employers look for in a potential graduate may not be as simple as you think - degree, A-levels, work experience, IT skills etc. They are also looking for a number of other attributes which you need to get across not only in your CV, but your interviews as well. It obviously varies from job to job but generally at the top of the list they will be looking for enthusiasm, self-reliance, problem solving and verbal and written communication skills. Possessing a portfolio of skills such as this which are flexible enough to adapt to any number of graduate jobs and situations will increase your employability a great deal. If you feel that you are lacking in any of these areas then work on them so you can apply with confidence!