CAREER ARTICLES
How to write a graduate CV
Thursday 4th May 2023
Your CV Consultant - CV Writing Services
As a recent graduate, writing a CV is a key step towards securing your first job. But you may be asking yourself, what information should I include in my CV? How long should it be? How can I stand out among other applicants?
To answer these questions, here is a brief guide on how to write a graduate CV:
Personal Information
At the top of your CV, include your full name, contact details, and professional email address. Try to avoid using personal or unprofessional email addresses.
Career Statement
Your career statement should be brief and concise, outlining your career aspirations and relevant skills. Highlight your key achievements and explain how they would make you a suitable candidate for the role.
Education
This section should include all of your academic qualifications, from high school to your degree. Provide details of the courses you studied, any awards or accolades, and the grades achieved. As a graduate, this section should be more detailed and placed at the top of the CV.
Work Experience
Even if you haven't had a lot of work experience, it's essential to list any jobs you have had and explain how they relate to the job you are applying for. If you have any relevant internships or volunteer work, include them here, too. Be sure to focus on the contributions you made to the company.
Skills
List your core skills, such as communication (with examples), along with more technical abilities related to your field of study. Additionally, include any software or programming languages you are experienced in if this relates to the position you are applying for.
Achievements
List any relevant achievements or leadership positions, such as being the captain of a sports team or completing a challenging project. Make sure to provide quantifiable results, such as fundraising a certain amount of money or increasing sales by a particular percentage.
References
No need to write these on a CV anymore. However, you can add as a footer 'references available upon request'.
In conclusion, crafting a graduate CV can be a daunting task. However, following these guidelines and focusing on your strengths can help you stand out from other applicants. Keep in mind that your CV should be concise (around one page for a recent graduate), informative, and tailored to the job you are applying for.
For professional CV advice email info@yourcvconsultant.co.uk. We can take a look at your current CV and advise where improvements can be made.