By Jenny Hammond, Careers and Employability Adviser

University life this academic year certainly felt more ‘normal’ in comparison to 2020 and 2021, thank goodness! Many students found a renewed sense of optimism for the future and wanted to get out there, trying new things and seeking opportunities. But when it comes to reflecting on the pandemic in your CV, what’s the best way to do this?

We all experienced the pandemic differently. There were those that learnt new languages and baked banana bread and then those that just had to do whatever they could do to get through the days and weeks as best they could. And when it came to trying to set up work experience, students up and down the country (and across the world), had their placements and internships cancelled and found it a real challenge to secure an opportunity when staff were working from home and organisations were reluctant to take people on due to social distancing.  We realise this has caused concern and anxiety for many students but it’s possible that you did more and developed more than you realise during this time!

Take a look at the following, to help you tell your story:

1. Did you work in a part-time job during the pandemic? Working somewhere like a supermarket during the lockdowns will have helped to develop many transferable skills such as adaptability, problem solving, and customer service so highlight these on your CV.
2. Highlight key skills that you developed through university, such as adapting effectively to remote learning; improving your technical skills and confidence working through Zoom or Microsoft Teams; working creatively on remote group projects; or setting up new channels of communication to keep in touch with your peers.
3. Provide some brief details about projects you completed during your degree that are likely to be of interest to employers.
4. If you managed to do complete any online experience programmes with platforms such as Forage or The Bright Network, list this in the ‘Experience’ section and reflect on the project and what you learned.
5. Did you take any additional courses? Online platforms such as Futurelearn, Coursera, Udemy or Google Digital Garage offer a wide variety of free courses. List these under the headings ‘Courses’ or ‘Training’
6. If you learned a new language or skill, add this into the ‘Skills’ or ‘Interests’ section
7. If you missed out on networking opportunities but attended online events whether externally or through the university, add this into an ‘Additional Information’ section
8. Maybe you managed to set up an ‘informational interview’ with an employer? Put this in the ‘Additional Information’ section on your CV as well.

Perhaps you’ve spotted a few things on this list that you have done? Or maybe you didn’t? That’s ok! Maybe now is the time to think about enhancing your CV. Take a look at our ‘How to fill the ‘white space’ on your CV’ blogpost for further inspiration or book in for a chat with Student Futures.  We’re open all summer!