Fresh grads: 6 tips to write an effective CV

Writing an effective CV is a tricky job for fresh graduates, especially because all of them pass out with same academic qualifications. We list down some small things which candidates can include in their CVs to make that big difference.

Writing the CV is no doubt one of the most important steps in starting your job hunt. You tend to feel the pressure more when you have just passed out of the college and are writing your CV for the first time because you believe that you don't have too many things different from others, to write in your CV.

This article is an insight into, how you can make your CV stand out from the crowd as a fresher?

The author is the co-founder of www.CareerRide.com, a website that provides questions you can expect during an IT Interview with their answers. Also, practice the technical and non-technical tests you can expect at an interview. 

Before you begin writing your CV, the most important thing that you need to bear in mind is, "Your CV is your ticket to the job race and the only thing in interview over which you have 100% control".

When you pass out of the college, you have learnt some software skills like programming in C, C++, Core Java, .Net, using some databases like SQL or Oracle, some basics about networking etc. While these are the basic skills an IT company would look for when hiring a fresher, every body in your batch has learnt these. This needs you to put in some extra efforts if you want your CV to stand out.

You may think that using jazzy fonts or a different quality of paper would do the trick but you need to understand that while it may catch the recruiter's attention, it won't get you an interview call until there's some real material in it.

Here are six things which you can write in addition to the regular things like your education to make it stand out from the crowd:

1. Deep technical knowledge

Everybody in your batch must have studied a particular programming language for example Core Java or C but not all of them would do a live project using them. So, if you have done any live project using these languages, you should mention this in your CV at a prime place. This demonstrates that your technical knowledge in this field will be more than others.

2. Any awards or accolades that you have won

Awards from a third party testify your skills. So, if you have won in any events like elocutions, quizzes, technical tests etc, make sure that you mention them in your CV. The CV of a fresher is screened on the basis of knowledge s/he has gained during her/his academic life and the extra efforts s/he has taken.

3. Extracurricular activities

If you have participated in any extra curricular activities like sports, quizzes, paper presentations, make them a part of your CV. They throw light on different facets of your personality. For example being a regular participant in sports demonstrates your good health and fighter spirit, participating in paper presentations demonstrates your knowledge, confidence and communication skills.

4. Any leadership or management roles you have held

These roles can be as small as being the leader of team organising the quiz competition in your college festival to as big as being the college president. They demonstrate that you have an ability to lead and manage people which companies need in their employees.

5. Creative thinking and innovation

If you created the model of a helicopter as a part of your project during engineering days, make it a part of your CV. This demonstrates you ability to think creatively. Similarly if you wrote a paper and presented at a seminar, make that too a part of your CV as this demonstrates your ability to think deeply and present your thoughts in words.

6. Others

If you have been an active member of an NGO or donated blood at a "blood donation" camp for example, include them also in your CV. These show that you are a responsible member of the society and someone who can be relied upon.