Five ways to enhance your CV over the summer

With the academic year drawing to a close for most students, and summer almost upon us, the Student Futures team highlight ways you can expand your skill set, knowledge or experience base over the summer in order to enhance your CV.

What is a CV and why is it so important? 

Your CV is a living and breathing thing that changes and adapts as you experience new things, learn and advance your skills. Regularly checking-in with your CV and updating it is a sure way of remaining on course to securing interviews in the future.

An accurate and up-to-date CV can also be a critical friend when it comes to professional development. Most job applications will ask for your CV along with an application form. Your CV will not only inform how suitable you are for an opportunity and where more skills, knowledge or experience is needed, but it also provides a snapshot of your achievements for potential employers about your suitability for a job.

Ways to enhance your CV: 

1. Learning a new skill 

In many ways, skills are more valuable than experience because they are the tools for doing. Having a relevant skill section in your CV will show you are competent and a good match for an opportunity.

Google Digital Garage and Future Learn are two of many platforms that provide training and skill development in a wide range of fields such as data and analytics, digital marketing, health, teaching and many more. All courses come with a certification on completion.

2. Internships, Part-time, or Summer Jobs

Experience is highly valued by employers. Participating in internships or taking on part-time jobs not only builds your CV but also helps you explore and refine your interests. Websites like Bright Network and Forage offer virtual internships and workplace simulations.

Sign up for Bright Network’s Internship Experience UK (IEUK), a 4-day virtual internship that offers an immersive programme packed with valuable insights and opportunities to help you explore diverse career possibilities and gain a competitive edge. Unitemps at LJMU provides access to part-time, flexible and temporary jobs that can enhance your CV and earn you some summer spending cash.  You can also explore paid tutoring opportunities through The Tutor Trust or a host of other similar providers.

3. Volunteering

Volunteering reveals a lot about your character and motivations. It shows employers your commitment to social causes and community involvement. Websites like JMSU, Do-it, and Volunteering Matters are great places to start.

4. Travelling and Holidays  

Leisure time can be valuable for your CV. Traveling exposes you to diverse cultures and experiences, demonstrating adaptability and openness—qualities sought after by employers. There are a host of cultural exchange programmes you could benefit from, such as Camp America, Think Pacific, Smaller Earth and many more.  Ensure you do your due diligence on the provider before committing to any programme. Consider language learning through apps like Duolingo, which can enhance your global appeal.

5. Starting a Small Business or Freelancing  

Running a business or freelancing sharpens a wide range of skills that boost your CV. Popular ideas include selling items online or in-person at craft fairs and summer events, offer dog-walking/animal-sitting services, becoming a personal trainer or event planner.  In the digital realm, you could provide graphic design, web development or photography services, provide IT tech support, or offer social media management or digital marketing services. Speak to the LJMU Start-up Hub team to discuss your ideas and to get support to launch or grow a fledgling business or become a freelancer.

Support from the Student Futures team 

If you need help finding opportunities or want support with your CV, application forms or preparing for an interview, you can get advice and guidance by booking a 30-minute 1-2-1 careers meeting with a Careers and Employability Advisor from the LJMU Student Futures Team.

You can also access our handy digital careers apps and jobs board in Careers Zone 24/7 including CV builder (ideal for building your first CV), CV360 (to give your CV an AI-driven polish) and interview360 (to practise interview questions and scenarios).  You can review your current skills through LJMU’s exclusive Skills Checker self-assessment tool.