It can be difficult to think about your future career plans but it is something you need to think about. When it comes to getting your dream jobs, it’s useful to start thinking about how to boost your employability early.
In this blog post, I have gone for five general ways to improve your CV (but I've also linked resources below). I plan to write a few more blog posts about employability (such as 5 quick things to add to your CV now or 5 unique things your CV needs) which I will link here when they are done.
1) MOOCs and Online Educational Courses
Online courses are a great thing to add to your CV. Completing these courses show that you have a passion for your subject because you are willing to spend the time learning outside of your education, they help you develop skills for work and for your education and some courses have group chats where you can find people taking the same courses as you which will help you network.
Don't bother paying for courses or certificates, there is usually a free alternative out there and you can still add the course to your CV without the certificate.
Resources with links:
2) Skills in technology
This can go hand-in-hand with online courses but have some skills in technology is essential. Navigating Microsoft Office (particularly Microsoft Word, Microsoft Powerpoint and Microsoft Excel) are required for most jobs as technology is a major part of any job, regardless of the sector. To really impress potential employees consider taking a course in coding, data analysis or even having your Microsoft skills certified. Once again, don't worry about paying for any courses, you can find some for free and look at tutorials on youtube for things you don't quite understand.
Resources:
3) Societies, Clubs and Extra-curriculars
Societies, clubs and extra-curricular activities help build transferable skills and show that you are a well-rounded individual. Some skills learnt from other activities outside of education include teamwork, better social skills and critical thinking.
Extra-curriculars also roles of responsibility such as being a rep, ambassador, senior prefect or part of the head team at your school. Roles of responsibility show leadership skills which you should highlight on your CV.
These go hand-in-hand with skills you learn in the classroom but adding societies, clubs and extra-curricular activities show employers that you have developed those skills more and that you are able to manage your time effectively by balancing extra-curricular and your education.
Resources:
4) LinkedIn Account
CVs shouldn't be more than a page or two meaning that you are limited in the amount you can write. A page or two might sound like a lot when you are starting out but over time it will become harder and harder to choose what information to put on your CV. Having a LinkedIn profile will allow you to go into more detail and include all information that is on your CV and the details that will not fit.
Furthermore, having a LinkedIn profile will increase your employability in many ways by allowing you to network, find new jobs and work experiences available only through LinkedIn and make you look more professional.
Resources with links:
5) Jobs, Internships and Volunteering
Getting some work experience is a MUST to show employers that you are serious about your career, you have relevant experience and that you are a valuable candidate. From your work experience, you can get references which will help you get more work experience.
You should include all jobs on your CV, not just the relevant ones because these can act as talking points with future employers and they have transferable skills in them. For example, a simple job at Tesco maybe have helped you develop skills in dealing with the public/ customer service and someone you work with or are interviewing with may have had a similar job.
Resources with links:
Thank you for reading!
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