Careers for Graduates: FAQs on writing your CV

Should I include a career objective on my resume?
Yes, it's a great idea – especially when looking for graduate jobs. You can either include a few sentences or a list of bullet points that summarise your goals, capabilities and where you want to go. Get some tips on writing a great career objective.

Should I add a photo to my CV or resume?
No, not really, unless you're an actor, dancer or a model, in which case a photo would be needed. Some employers may actually discard resumes that contain photos because of possible discrimination.

Should I always send a cover letter?
YES – definitely. When applying for graduate jobs, you should do this regardless of whether the employer asks for one. It's good business etiquette and also gives you a great opportunity to inject some personality into your CV and sell yourself.

What if I don't have enough information to fill up three pages?
When it comes to writing CVs, the shorter the better. If you only have enough information to fill one page, leave it at that. Don't waffle or add any unnecessary information to pad it out.

Should my education/training or my work experience information go first?
Essentially, put whichever is most impressive! If you've been studying for several years and have some great achievements here (yet have very little employment experience), put your education first. Some employers will also prioritise your education and qualifications over your work experience. So, based on the type of job you' re going for, you'll need to make the call.

Should I include high school information?
Only include very brief information about high school if you have higher qualifications. However, if your high school achievements were particularly exceptional, you might want to include them.

What should I do if I have no work experience?
You can include informal work experience, such as volunteer work, babysitting, or cleaning duties, as long as you were employed in some capacity to do the job. Or, if you have nothing worth noting, list the skills that you have and how they will benefit you in this job.

Should I include my hobbies or interests?
Sometimes this information can create an immediate impression with an employer that you might not be looking for. If you do want to include hobbies and interests, be brief. Make sure they match up with the culture of the organisation that you're applying to.

Do I need to include references?
It's wise to include contact details for several referees – especially if you're entering a graduate role where your suitability for a position will be evaluated based on your personality, enthusiasm and interest. It's perfectly acceptable to include: "References available upon request".