So, what have I learnt as CV coach on the Times newspaper challenge to follow six grads as they search for a job?

Firstly, it has been  has been a very stimulating experience. I think the candidates and I have learnt much from each other and certainly I have been impressed by their determination to try to get on the job ladder.

Why has there been no CV help for these graduates?

The depressing insight is once again to be so forcefully reminded that nobody seems to have given them any really worthwhile advice as to what is wrong with their CVs (too bland, mainly just a recitation of the academic achievements and the jobs they have held). None of them had been told to try to figure out and emphasise their work based achievements so that employers could get a handle on them as potential employees, rather than just reading a page or more of very forgettable jobs and academic achievements.

Once taught to start thinking as a potential employer though, light bulbs began lighting up above everybody’s head!

Everyone has had to hire somebody sometime or at least has a very good idea of what personal qualities employers look for (Can they work in a team? Can they cope under pressure? etc).

Finding a graduate job

Suddenly people who thought they had no achievements realised that actually they had achieved a lot of very useful insights and experience and, even better, they could frame these in such a way that it would make sense to a potential employer.

The proof of all this is of course whether they will be able to get a job but at least so far everyone has a spring in their step.

All I am doing is coaching them on what is largely common sense. It’s all they need to develop the confidence to step into a job.

 

Check back for updates as we continue to monitor the graduate job challenge.