Career workshop on building a CV underscores work experience

A recent workshop at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) highlighted the importance of developing experiences for a stronger CV.

The workshop was the first in a career-readiness series XJTLU Global is holding this academic year for international students. Other career workshops will include more topics related to CVs, job interviews, application letters, and giving presentations.

Students attend the first career workshop this academic year at XJTLU

Markus Davis, International Student Support Officer at XJTLU Global, who led the first workshop, said that employers want to see more than academic experiences.

“For many undergraduates, the experience section on the CV is empty,” Davis said. “If you apply for a job, and all you’ve got is a degree, you’re not a very interesting candidate. You’ve got to have more.

“Employers appreciate candidates who are well-rounded and who can bring skills and knowledge beyond the theoretical.”

During the workshop, Davis highlighted three effective ways for international students to expand their CV content: extracurricular activities, internships, and voluntary work.

“Employers know that participating in activities builds soft skills like fostering relationships, collaboration, and negotiation. These soft skills are important to success in the working world and are something hiring managers look for,” Davis said.

Markus Davis, International Student Support Officer at XJTLU Global

Davis told a story about an international student who was promoted during an internship at the W Suzhou hotel – a rare feat for a student intern.

“A good internship, a great reference from the internship employer and especially a promotion during the internship, are what truly make your CV stand out and attract potential employers,” Davis said.

He announced exclusive volunteering opportunities for international XJTLU students in the local community, such as visiting the elderly and helping with activities for children with special needs.

The workshop also provided students with the opportunity to engage in discussions, allowing them to share their opinions and learn from their peers’ experiences.

Additional career workshops are scheduled as follows:

CV Clinic: diagnosing problems with and great examples from students’ actual CV first drafts

• Wednesday, 6 December 2023, 2pm–4pm. Room TBC.
• Tuesday, 12 December 2023, 6pm–8pm. Room TBC.

How to submit effective job applications and write cover letters when applying for jobs and internships

• Wednesday, 6 March 2024, 2pm–4pm. Room TBC.
• Tuesday, 12 March 2024, 6pm–8pm. Room TBC.

How to succeed at job interviews

• Wednesday, 17 April 2024, 2pm–4pm. Room TBC.
• Tuesday, 23 April 2024, 6pm–8pm. Room TBC.

How to give successful presentations in job interviews

• Wednesday, 8 May 2024, 2pm–4pm. Room TBC.
• Tuesday, 14 May 2024, 6pm–8pm. Room TBC.

By Katharina Zhu
Photos by Wenhao Ye
Edited by Tamara Kaup and Xinmin Han