Finding your perfect career isn’t easy, and so we’ve compiled some helpful tips and resources for you from across the university that can help you find out what’s right for you, and then secure your ideal job or internship.
There are loads of opportunities to get involved with the careers scene at Oxford; it’s never too late to start! Many people have no idea what they want to do, but our Careers & Alumni Officer will keep you up to date with all sorts of opportunities throughout the year.
Help with CVs
More CV advice and resources from Save the Student
CV Advice from the Careers Service
Top tips
- Keep it short and simple – employers don’t have time to read paragraphs of information
- Emphasise what you did (measurable impact) and the sorts of skills you learnt
- Think hard about your achievements: you’ll have loads, so include them!
Help with Cover Letters
Cover Letter Advice from the Careers Service
Top tips
- Do three paragraphs: a short one introducing what role you wish to apply for and what spurred this (maybe you went to a networking event with the company), one explaining why you’re interested in this role and firm in particular, and one explaining why they should hire you.
- Do research on the company you’re applying to: go through the recruitment pages on their websites and they’ll tell you what makes their company and culture unique. Then give those as reasons for why you want to work for them in particular. You could highlight awards they’ve received or corporate responsibility programmes they have in place. As one recruiter told me, if they can do Find&Replace and swap their company’s name with another, your application will be binned!
- Really sell yourself. Show transferable skills from your other experience that will help you do the job you’re applying for. Even though it might seem they’re not related areas, you’ll always be able to find something of value. Many companies will list somewhere the competencies they look for in applicants so make sure to demonstrate that you possess these competencies!