Getting Your Grad CV Spot On: My Take on Length, Layout, and Tricky Questions

Hey everyone, I know how daunting it can feel to put together a CV for grad jobs, especially when there's so much advice out there and you're trying to figure out what recruiters *really* want. I've been through it, and after a lot of trial and error (and some helpful feedback!), I've picked up a few things that really made a difference. Thought I'd share my take on some common CV questions. First off, **length**. It's always a big one, isn't it? My rule of thumb for graduate roles is one to two pages of A4. If you've got enough quality content to fill two pages, go for it – don't cut yourself short! But if you only have one strong page, that's absolutely fine too. The key is to make sure you use *full* pages. Half a page just looks a bit unfinished, in my opinion. When it comes to **what to include**, obviously your contact details, work experience, and education are essential. I used to agonise over whether to put my full address – I've found it's not always necessary unless they specifically ask, or if it's a remote role requiring UK residency. Saves a bit of space too! And about your degree classification: if you've met or exceeded the requirements, definitely put it in. Even if you got a 2:2 like I did, don't shy away from including it. Many employers these days value a 2:2, and what really matters is how you showcase your skills and experience. If a role asks for a 2:1 and you have a 2:2, it's worth a quick email to the recruiter first to see if they'd still consider your application. **Layout and structure** can make or break your CV. I always try to present my information in a way that highlights my strongest points first, tailoring the order to each job description. Make it super easy for recruiters to scan – clear headings, consistent formatting for dates, and a readable font (think Arial, Verdana, or Times New Roman). And yes, **bullet points** are your friend! Keep them concise and action-oriented. Avoid starting every point with 'I' – it sounds much punchier to just dive straight in with a strong verb. For the more technical stuff: **colour** can add a nice touch if it's professional and fits the industry (maybe less so for traditional sectors like law). Just make sure it still looks good if printed in black and white. And always, *always* check if they prefer a **PDF or Word document**. PDFs usually retain formatting better, but some larger companies use software that prefers Word. Lastly, remember to give your CV a **sensible filename** like 'FirstNameSurnameCV.pdf' – it makes it easier for them to track. Finally, the **tricky bits**: **gaps** in your CV. Don't panic or make things up! I've had a few gaps myself, and I've found it's usually best to address them briefly in your cover letter or be prepared to explain them positively in an interview, rather than trying to cram an explanation onto the CV itself. Same goes for **mitigating circumstances**; there's usually a dedicated section on application forms for that, so don't feel you need to put it on your CV. And for **references**, 'References available upon request' is perfectly fine – saves space and means you don't need to share contact details until later. I hope some of these tips help you feel a bit more confident about your applications! What are your biggest CV headaches, or what's one tip that really helped you out?