Writing a killer work placement CV
Highlight reel
Recruiters look through 100’s of CV’s and will review yours in around 7 seconds so make it as easy as possible for them
Make every single word count! Focus on what you were responsible for and accomplished, only include a word on the page if it adds value
Have a consistent narrative throughout - how do you want the recruiter to remember you?
Work Placement CV template breakdown
Profile
A highly ambitious second year BSc Marketing student on the lookout for a challenging work placement position. My studies have provided me with a strong understanding of the latest social media marketing trends which I hope to apply to this position to help X grow its audience online. To put this knowledge into practice, I have recently managed the social media accounts of my local athletics club, growing their following by 44%.
The profile should be a short paragraph that reflects how you want the recruited to perceive you, they’ll go through 100’s of other CV’s so decide what your unique narrative is and reflect here. In this example, the candidate is a marketing student with social media experience. The final sentence highlights a key achievement with a tangible result - don’t just talk about it, be about it. This is a signal that you’re a high competency candidate and sets you apart immediately.
Work Experience
Volunteer, Telford Athletics Club
Jan 20 – Present
Responsible for handling the budget and collecting funding, helping improve my understanding of financial reporting
Managed the Telford Athletics Club social media account, growing the following by 44%
Fitness Instructor, Newport Fitness Centre
Apr 19 – Dec 19
Created detailed training programmes, improving the physical fitness of 15 clients
Launched a social media campaign promoting a 1-month free membership via Instagram and Facebook, attracting over 70 entries and a 5% increase in new members
Used complex data analysis to highlight improvements in fitness to customers to encourage them to sign up for personal training sessions
Next up is your work experience. Be sure not to devalue any experience you have, part time jobs, volunteering and internships are all important to a potential employer in the early part of your career. Each word needs to earn it’s way onto the page and only be included if it helps persuade the recruiter to progress you to the next stage. Carefully read the job description and ensure you include keywords listed in your application. Employers are most likely looking to hire someone to help them generate revenue, stand out in the market, optimise/cut costs or innovate. Try to figure out what the goal is for the job you’re going for and show you can bring this to the table.
Education
Wolverhampton University
Sep 18 – present
Marketing BSc (Hons)
Key modules: digital marketing 70%, social media marketing 65% and modern media marketing trends 70%
Thomas Telford 6th Form: A-level Business Studies (A) P.E (A) History (B)
Burton Borough School
Sep 12 – Jun 17
10 A-C grades including Mathematics (A), English (B) and Science (A)
Other Interests
Recently launched a travel blog and begun experimenting with Facebook and Instagram ads
Oxfam volunteer, running fundraising campaigns
Achieved level 3 Personal Training Qualification
If you have an incredibly strong academic record it wouldn’t be the worst idea to start with your education but for everyone else, slot it in here after your work experience. Don’t just record the degree you’re studying, add in specific modules related to the job role which might catch the recruiters eye. Close with additional interests - here the recruiter’s wants to know how well you’ll fit into the team chemistry. Will she get on well with Jeff in accounting? Will Amy want to go home early if she’s stuck next to him on the team social? Include things you’re genuinely interested in which add to your overall narrative and help you be remembered. Finally, we’ve highlighted that we’re interested in travel, so much so, we’ve decided to setup a blog which allows us to experiment with the latest marketing methods. This, of course, shows initiative, drive and creativity suggesting you’re someone the work placement recruiter has to invite to the next round of the application process.
