We know that the infamous CV – or curriculum vitae – can be a daunting thing for many students applying for new graduate positions. Jo Purdue from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association’s Professional Team shares her top seven tips for making your CV.

Remember, you can join the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association for free as an undergraduate student.

1. Make sure your CV is current and up to date

Your CV forms the backbone of your new graduate application. Make sure the details that you include in it are current. That means double checking your email address and phone numbers, updating your qualifications, and putting in your most recent pracs. There’s nothing worse than the recruiters calling the wrong number to let you know you’ve gotten an interview!

2. Keep it concise

A rambling CV is a headache for recruiters and interviewers alike – and they might not look at it if it’s too long! The document should be between two to three pages in length, and outline the most important points of your educational and professional experience.

3. Layout matters

Make sure your CV is easy to read for the assessors and interviewers. You want them to find the information they are looking for as quickly as possible.

Our recommended structure is as follows:

• Professional Information
• Qualifications
• Current employment
• Past employment
• Professional development and goals
• Key education

4. Be professional

Starting your professional career is probably a great time to ditch that email address you created in Year 8. It’s probably not the best look having the new graduate coordinator email saucepan69@hotmail.com! Make sure your details are appropriate and show you in a good light.

Similarly, please make sure that your grammar, spelling and punctuation is correct. This shows attention to detail and proves that you are serious about the role you are applying for.

5. Don’t include your picture

Definitely don’t include a photo – recent, professional or otherwise. The same goes with your date of birth, marital status, age, religion, nationality or cultural background.

6. Update your referees

Referees are an essential part of your application process. Make sure you provide their name, title, email address and phone number. In choosing your referees, stick to professional or educational referees. Former managers, educators at your placements and university lecturers are all good options. If they ask you for two referees provide three.  Then if for some reason they have trouble contacting the first two they have an alternative contact.

On your referees’ side, ask and update your referees with every new application. Provide them with a copy of each job description and your resume. Also ask them what they’d say, and if they would have any reservations recommending you for the role.

7. Send it through as a PDF

A word document is ok, but a PDF which cannot be altered would be a better choice when it comes to sending through your CV. Don’t submit it as a Google Doc or through a link, as not all interviewers will be able to view or download it.

NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association student members can get more assistance from our Professional Team regarding the new graduate application process. You can join FOR FREE here.