As first or second year students, we seldom refer to our resume, barring the rare occasions of applying to college societies or for summer internships. But as the third year comes calling, the significance of the ‘Curriculum Vitae’ (CV), a document that can make or break your career, glares menacingly back.

Many a times, a CV can become the sole impediment that stands between you and your dream job. Most companies begin their recruitment process with ‘CV shortlisting’. A poorly conceptualised CV can altogether disqualify your job application, while a well-planned, coherent and smartly presented CV can catapult you through the subsequent rounds of selection.

Although you are exposed to campus placements only on entering the fifth semester, you cannot enjoy an oblivious and inert existence through the preceding four semesters. Agreed, the act of formally laying down content of a CV is done in the final year of college. But, development of that content is an on-going process that must span all three years of college. After all, the parameters on the basis of which you will market yourself to a prospective employer can’t be acquired overnight. Your net worth is the value that you acquire over a period of time, requiring consistent effort to hone and sharpen your skill set of employability.

Therefore, as a first or second year student who hopes to grab a meaty campus placement in the future, you must start working now.  Essentially, a good CV format requires that you address the following heads: Educational Details, Internships, Research Project, Position of Responsibility and Achievements and Awards.

Following below is an attempt to guide you, so that when the time comes, you have ample content to fill the above heads:

1.Educational Details
Here, you must mention your class X,XII and college percentage. Thus, start working on your college marks. Aim for an aggregate of at least 80%, where anything above will certainly fall to your favour. The best of the best companies eliminate you on the basis of your marks, so doing academically well in college can put you in a comfortable position.

2. Internships
It’s important to productively employ your skills in a professional field of your choice during the long summer and winter vacations allowed by DU. Internships not only give you an opportunity to explore yourself and your talents, but also equip you with professional etiquettes that employers rank high on their checklist.

3. Research Project
Although not necessary, spending one summer or winter break on a research project can give you an academic edge over other contenders. However, to gain credibility, make sure that you conduct this project under a mentor.
4. Position of Responsibility
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And needless to say, no one wants to hire a dull employee! Ensuring a good academic record must not come at the cost of being a college nerd. You have to present yourself as an all-rounded personality and therefore, invest yourself in extra-curricular activities. For this, make sure you’re in at least one college society. Further, be proactive in assuming responsibility. For example, take charge of organising your college/society/departmental fest; stand for a society post; volunteer and perform social work etc.

5. Achievements and Awards
Nailing this aspect is consequential to how well you utilise your inherent talents. If you do well academically, you’ll become the recipient of academic awards given by your college. When you are actively involved with a society, you will compete at fests and other outstation competitions, coming away with participation certificates and experience, if nothing else. So if you tactfully tap your potential, this part of your CV will pretty much fill itself.

So come on, young ‘uns! Get to work now! Sow your seeds of ability today, nurture them with hard work and you shall reap the fruit of a great placement tomorrow!

I’m here to answer your queries. Feel free to drop in an e-mail.

Good luck!

Feature Image credits: chipright.com

Kriti Sharma
[email protected]