Writing a CV as a student or recent graduate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by exploring our expertly designed student CV templates and examples, which serve as a great guide for showcasing your skills, experience, and academic achievements. Once you’ve found the perfect structure, our quick and easy-to-use CV builder allows you to create a standout resume in no time, helping you apply for your first job or internship with confidence.
Getting your first job as a student doesn’t have to be difficult. Our tried and tested CV examples show you the formula for creating a strong application, whether you’re aiming for your first job or an internship. Learn how these CVs effectively combine skills, experience, and qualifications, then use them as a blueprint to enhance your own CV and stand out to employers.
Looking for inspiration for your student CV? Our CV samples are designed to highlight your skills, qualifications, and experience in the best way possible. Whether you’re applying for a research role, an internship, or your first job, these examples provide a strong student CV layout to help your CV impress potential employers.
Using a CV template is a wise choice, no matter what job you’re applying to. It ensures that your application is professional, well-structured, and tailored to the expectations of employers in the field. Below, you’ll find examples of student CVs that vary according to experience level.
A CV with no experience doesn’t have to be a bad thing. When you’re just starting and don’t have much professional experience, your skills and education will be the most impressive things on your CV. Remember to emphasise these sections on your CV using bold titles or a slightly larger font. You should also put it towards the top of the CV page so the recruiter sees it first.
Look at the CV example above; even though the person hasn’t worked in a formal role yet, they’ve gained valuable skills through volunteering. This is also a great way to show recruiters that you’re ready to take on professional responsibilities with confidence and enthusiasm.
If you’re a recent graduate, you’ve likely accumulated professional experience through university activities. Volunteering is also a great way to get some hands-on experience in your selected industry. Entry-level jobs love to see volunteer experience on CVs and will often consider it the same as a part-time job.
Don’t hesitate to showcase any fellowships, internships, or involvement in interest clubs on your CV. Your document should effectively highlight both the hard and soft skills you’ve developed, ensuring they align with the job requirements you’re aiming for. This approach not only demonstrates your qualifications but also shows your proactive engagement in your field of study.
A student CV that showcases relevant experience can be the key to landing your first official role. But how do you gain that experience? Consider seeking out an internship.
Much like a part-time job, an internship provides hands-on experience, offering valuable insights into the day-to-day tasks of the role. The added advantage of internships is the professional development and mentorship they provide, helping you build your skills and expand your network.
By combining technical expertise, transferable skills, and relevant experience, you present yourself as a well-rounded and highly qualified candidate. This approach highlights your capabilities and demonstrates your adaptability and readiness to take on professional challenges.
Take a look at our extensive library of CV templates to find inspiration for your own job application.
How to write a student CV
Below, we’ll guide you through the key sections to include in your student CV, from personal details to any work experience you might have. We’ll also provide tips on how to present each section correctly, ensuring your CV stands out to potential employers.
Below is a step-by-step guide to the essential elements of a student CV, with examples to help you get started:
STEP 1
List your contact details
Make sure your contact details are prominently displayed at the top of your CV for easy access. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and location. In addition, consider including a link to your LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio if relevant.
Example of a contact section:
Albert Hamilton 07912 345 678 albert.hamilton@example.co.uk Edinburgh
STEP 2
Start with a strong personal statement
As a student, your personal statement is crucial as it gives recruiters an immediate sense of who you are, what you’ve studied, and what you’re looking to achieve. Since you might not have much work experience, focus on your academic background, relevant skills, and passion for the role you’re applying for. Keep it concise (two to three sentences) and tailor it to the job description.
Example 1: Personal statement for a recent graduate
A recent graduate in Business Management from the University of Birmingham, I have strong organisational and analytical skills developed through my coursework in project management and marketing. Eager to apply my academic knowledge in a dynamic internship, I am looking forward to contributing to your team and gaining hands-on experience in the field.
OR
Example 2: Personal statement for a CV with no experience
Friendly and reliable public relations student looking for a part-time job as a customer service representative. Has experience in customer care and impeccable phone etiquette. Skilled in creative thinking and problem-solving.
STEP 3
Present your work experience
As a student, you’re probably just building up your professional experience and taking your first steps into the job market.
Don’t worry; experience gained through internships, voluntary work, or student projects can make a difference when looking for that first job.
Research Assistant (June 2023 – August 2023) University of Cambridge
Assisted in conducting market research for a student-led consulting project, helping the team identify key growth opportunities for a local business.
Organised and analysed survey data, leading to a 15% improvement in customer insights compared to previous findings.
Event Coordinator Volunteer (September 2022 – May 2023) Student Union, University of Birmingham
Organised logistics for 5+ campus events, coordinating between vendors, guests, and staff.
Managed budgets for each event, keeping costs within 10% of the target.
STEP 4
List your soft and hard skills
As a student, it’s perfectly normal not to have all the technical skills that might be required in specific roles. However, the soft skills you’ve developed through academic projects, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities can be incredibly valuable.
Emphasise skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, skills that are transferable and relevant to any role. You can also include any technical skills you’ve gained through your coursework or personal projects.
Remember, while you may not have all the technical skills right now, showcasing your soft skills demonstrates your potential to grow and adapt professionally. This balance will set you up as a well-rounded and eager candidate.
Example of student CV skills:
Hard skills:
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Basic knowledge of data analysis tools like Google Analytics and SPSS
Familiar with project management software such as Trello and Asana
Soft skills:
Strong verbal and written communication skills, honed through presentations and report writing
Excellent time management and organisation, demonstrated by balancing studies with part-time work
Problem-solving ability, developed by working on group projects and overcoming challenges
Collaborative team player with experience in diverse group settings
Adaptable and quick to learn new concepts or tools
STEP 5
Showcase your education & qualifications
At this stage in your career, one of your greatest assets is the knowledge you’ve gained through your studies. Student CVs often stand out due to the formal education and relevant training they showcase.
In the education section of your CV, include details about your completed qualifications, such as the name of the institution, the degree or certification awarded, and the completion date. If relevant to the job you’re applying for, you can also mention specific coursework, grades, or your dissertation title. Additional courses and certifications can go a long way in helping an entry-level CV standout.
Example 1:
Master of Science in Financial Engineering University of London, 2024
Bachelor of Science in Economics London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, 2022
OR
Example 2:
BEng in Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, 2021-2024
The Additional Information section of your CV is a great place to highlight details that aren’t fully covered in education, work experience, and skills. Here’s what you might include to enhance your profile:
Languages: List any additional languages you speak. This is very useful for roles involving work with diverse groups or international contacts.
Certifications and licences: You can place important certifications here, such as CPR certification, coding bootcamp certificates, or Google Analytics certification, especially if they are directly relevant to the job you are applying for.
Conferences and workshops: While certifications can also be listed under the Education section, placing them in “Additional Information” can help emphasise them more strongly. Mention any relevant industry conferences or workshops you’ve attended or where you’ve presented. This shows you are engaged with your professional community.
Awards and honours: Include any academic, artistic, or other recognitions you have received that demonstrate your achievements and capabilities.
Interests and hobbies: Share hobbies or interests that show useful soft skills like teamwork, leadership, or dedication. Choose those that are relevant to the job or show you as a well-rounded person.
Projects: Highlight key academic or personal projects relevant to your career goals that didn’t fit into other sections of your CV.
Publications: If you’ve authored or contributed to any articles, books, or blogs, list them here. This is especially useful in fields where publishing is important.
Additional information for a marketing student CV:
Languages: Native English speaker and advanced French.
Certifications: Google Analytics Certified, HubSpot Content Marketing Certified.
Workshops: Attended the 2023 Digital Marketing Workshop in London.
Interests: Freelance graphic design for small businesses, blogging about emerging marketing trends, and being an avid photographer.
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