Cracking the code: My approach to a winning technical grad CV!

Hey everyone, Just wanted to share my thoughts on something that really stressed me out when I was applying for grad jobs, especially in tech: getting my CV right. It feels like such a massive hurdle when you're just starting out, trying to condense everything into a document that makes you stand out. The biggest lesson I learned is that recruiters spend literally seconds scanning each CV. So, it *has* to be super clear, easy to read, and hit all the key points fast. No waffling allowed! I found it really helpful to think of my CV as a marketing tool for myself. For technical roles, your skills section is absolute gold. I put mine right up top, after my contact details, so it's impossible to miss. Don't just list every language or tool you've ever touched; focus on what the job description specifically asks for. And here's the crucial bit: *prove* those skills. Link to your GitHub, talk about personal projects, hackathons, or university modules where you actively used them. It shows genuine passion and practical ability, not just theoretical knowledge. And don't underestimate *any* work experience. Even my part-time retail job helped me showcase teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills – those 'soft skills' are massive in any tech team. For any internships or specific projects, I focused on *my specific actions* and achievements, using numbers where I could. For example, 'developed X feature, reducing processing time by Y%' or 'contributed to project Z, used Python to achieve A'. Even if you just 'assisted' or 'observed', be honest but frame it positively to show what you learned. For education, beyond just grades, I always highlighted relevant modules and projects. It shows you've got the academic grounding and specific interests aligned with the role. And on personal statements? I generally skipped them on the CV itself if there was a cover letter or specific application questions asking about my motivation. Space is precious, and you don't want to repeat yourself! My absolute top tip: tailor, tailor, tailor! I had a 'master CV' with everything, then for each application, I tweaked it to match the job description's keywords and requirements. It makes a huge difference in getting past those initial screenings. And please, *please* proofread. Get someone else to read it too. Typos are a killer, especially for roles where attention to detail is key. What are your biggest CV wins or struggles for technical roles? Would love to hear your experiences!