So, you've decided to take the leap and pursue a master's degree. Congratulations! This decision can be a pivotal moment in your academic and professional journey. As you gear up to apply for your dream course, it's important to make one key component of your profile shine: your CV or resume.
Crafting a compelling CV tailored for your master's application can make all the difference in presenting yourself as the ideal candidate. In this blog post, we’ll share top tips to help you succeed in this crucial step of your personal growth.
Understand its purpose
Before we dive into the details, it's crucial to understand the purpose of your CV or resume for a master's application. Its purpose is to summarise your background, existing experience and skills, and illustrate how this specific programme will direct you towards your goals.
Unlike a job application, where the focus is much more narrowed-in on your work experience, a CV written for a master’s degree application can cover a much broader base. On top of highlighting your professional experience, put your academic achievements, personal interests, research experience (if any), relevant coursework, and skills. Draw on every facet of your life, ambitions and passions when building your profile.
Tailor it to fit the programme
One size does not fit all when it comes to CVs for master's applications. Read up carefully on your course and get as much info as you can on what the programme covers.
What modules are you particularly interested in, and how can your existing experience support you in studying it? What areas of your discipline are the academics specialised in? What are their research interests? Is the university or faculty linked to any major industry bodies, and how do you intend to leverage those connections?
Look into the university’s ethos and core values, then touch on how they fit with your aspirations. By considering all these factors, you’ll stand out from other course applicants.
Highlight your academic achievements
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s worth the reminder: lead in with your academic achievements. Highlight whatever degrees, diplomas or qualifications you hold, along with the institution name, the dates attended, and your grades or GPA. Include any academic honours or awards you've received, too.
Even if these achievements are not in fields directly related to your subject, they reflect your perseverance, dedication, and capacity for growth. They also show that you have the skills required to study effectively and engage meaningfully with academic content.
Mention your research experience
If you have any research experience – whether you got it through coursework, internships, or independent projects – be sure to add a section on it. Mention the project titles, your role, the methodologies you used, and any outcomes or publications resulting from your work.
List your industry-specific skills
Aside from academic prowess, master's programmes often look for candidates with specific skills. These might include technical skills (like knowledge of programming languages, lab techniques, or software proficiency), soft skills (such as communication, teamwork, and leadership), and any certifications relevant to your field.
Detail relevant professional experience
While the focus of your CV is on academic achievements, be sure to include any relevant professional experience. This might include internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles related to your field of study. If you’re changing the trajectory of your career or switching specialisms, this may be more challenging – but in this case, it’s important to list the transferrable skills you’ve gained throughout your existing career.
Keep it short and concise
Did you know that on average, people spend between 6-8 seconds looking at a CV or resume? Readers are ruthless, so you’ve got to make your CV count. Keep it concise, ideally within one or two pages, and use a clean, professional format. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability. Ensure consistency in formatting, font styles, and spacing throughout the document.
Have others review your CV
Last but certainly not least, get others to review your CV and share their feedback. Spelling errors, typos, or formatting inconsistencies can detract from an otherwise stellar application. Ask a friend, mentor, or career advisor to review your CV – they can often point out what you could omit, add, or change.
It’s worth remembering that if you’re putting together a CV for an online course at King’s, our friendly Enrolment Advisors are also on-hand to provide support. If you’re already in touch with our team, simply send your CV to your dedicated Enrolment Advisor, and they’ll give you advice and feedback before you add it to your application. If not, you can get started by registering your interest in a course. To do this, fill in our contact form and you’ll soon be matched with an Enrolment Advisor.
More tips on the application process
Crafting a standout CV or resume for your master's application is vital to secure a place on the course you want, and we hope our advice will help you along the way. But of course, it doesn’t just stop there. Your personal statement must also make you shine, and we’ll help you with that, too. Get advice on writing the ultimate personal statement for a postgraduate course:
