While browsing the web the other day I came across the ACCA Student Blog, and their latest post about graduates stuck in the inevitable rut – you need a experience to get a job, but you can’t get experience without a job. Their top 3 tips for people in this position were:

1. Avoid mistakes on your CV
2. Show how your non-work experience is relevant
3. Make the most of the knowledge you gained from your studies

I thought these were great tips. Advising you not to make mistakes on your CV may sound obvious but it’s surprising how many CVs we receive with basic spelling or grammar mistakes. Get someone to proof read it as often they’ll notice things that you won’t.

But what else can you do to make yourself employable? Look at doing some unpaid work or an internship. This will give you valuable experience and something concrete to put onto your CV and discuss in an interview. Also make sure you highlight your skills – for example, are you a strong communicator? Then make that clear and give examples to back it up. These are the qualities that employers are looking for so really sell yourself and let them know that you have what it takes. Finally, don’t blow your chances of grabbing the job by letting yourself down at the interview stage – remember to present yourself professionally and do plenty of research.