Tailored CVs 'key for job success' - graduate jobs

Accountancy graduates in the hunt for a job are being advised to make sure their applications are specifically targeted at the role they are hoping to secure.

The Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) says marketing yourself correctly can be half the battle in getting the job you want and tailoring a CV and covering letter to the exact requirements of a particular role usually pays off.

AGR chief executive Carl Gilleard said, when applying for jobs, quality not quantity is the key, adding: "My view is 20 really well-targeted applications are better than 50 scatter-gun applications."

He said that good applications have evidence of research into the job and the company and that employers will pick up on this.

Mr Gilleard added that experience in societies, voluntary work and some part-time jobs can all help show recruiters that the applicant may have acquired useful skills in areas outside of their degree course.

The British Chamber of Commerce recently revealed that a Lancaster University study found that for every pound companies invest in graduate recruitment, they receive £5.30 in dividends.