Top graduate jobs will be harder to win in 2009 but the best people will still get the best roles.

Here are some tips to ensure that 2009 graduates give themselves every chance of success.

The CV and the Cover Letter are your initial form of contact with an employer. A properly formatted CV and a well-written cover letter are a must. The first hurdle is written communication skills. When it comes to the time you apply for graduate jobs you MUST get the written communication right - the cover letter and the CV. Otherwise you will get rejected without ever meeting an employer. Use spell- check and ensure the cover letter is tailored to the role for which you area applying. If you need it, ask for help from friends or university careers office staff.

Now is the time to become involved in extra-curricular activities. Take an executive officer position on a student organisation (President, Secretary etc - not just a Member). But do something that is memorable eg. "Introduced a new program of student activities coupled with a membership drive which increased members by 100%". This impresses employers because it demonstrates leadership and initiative.

Something else that is important is trying to get career related work experience while you're at uni. This isn't easy but it could be volunteering as a Research Assistant at uni, or volunteering for one day a week at smaller or not for profit organisation.

If you’re involved in sports, cultural or community activities make sure you include the details on your CV. Any form of leadership position helps you to stand out from the crowd.

Credit average grades have over time become the mantra of most large employers when it comes to academic performance. If you don’t have a credit average, highlight the subjects that you have done well in.