Just graduated university? Here are some tips and examples on how to write your recent graduate CV.

You’ve just completed your years at university and you’re now ready to use all the skills you’ve learnt and find a graduate placement to start your career. After you’ve graduated it can be hard to write your CV for the first time, especially if you haven’t got a huge amount of work experience.

There are a number of differences between a standard CV you’ve used to apply for part time student jobs in the past and a CV to apply for graduate roles. We’re going to show you how making subtle changes can showcase your skills and experience to give you the best chance of landing that graduate position you’ve always wanted.

As a college graduate, it's crucial to create a standout CV that highlights your skills and education. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide expert advice on crafting a compelling graduate CV. We'll cover essential topics, including examples of graduate CVs, templates, and tips on incorporating keywords to optimize your masters CV for success. Whether you're a university student, fresh graduate, or pursuing postgraduate studies, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to create an impressive phd student CV that attracts the attention of potential employers.

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Personal statement/summary

A graduate CV serves as your personal marketing tool, showcasing your qualifications, skills, and achievements to potential employers. It is crucial to understand the key elements that make a successful graduate CV. From highlighting your educational background to showcasing relevant experience, every section of your CV plays a significant role in conveying your suitability for a job. Utilizing a well-structured graduate CV template ensures a professional presentation that captures the attention of employers.

This section should always be tailored to the position you’re applying for. Try to avoid just writing very generic information as this will be very noticeable to any recruiter. Same goes for unrelated information as anything that isn’t relevant to the vacancy your applying for is a waste of valuable space.

Six new graduates waving their hats in the air.
From the stressful but safe study environment to the world of work. Photo by RUT MIIT on Unsplash

With a personal statement you want to answer any introduction questions a recruiter may have: Who are you? What do you offer to our company? What are you aiming for in your career?

Here are the 5 questions you have to ask yourself before writing a personal statement.

Education - how to write your degree on a CV

On a traditional business CV, you generally start with your previous work experience followed by your education. However, for a graduate CV you should focus on the the Education with your most recent events on top. When crafting your graduate CV, it's essential to accurately represent your academic achievements.

If you have obtained first-class honours, be sure to prominently showcase this accomplishment. Include details such as your degree classification (e.g., First Class, 2:1, etc.) and the institution where you earned your degree. Use specific keywords related to your field of study to optimize your CV for employers who may be searching for candidates with specific academic qualifications.

You’ll also go into more detail than you would on a standard CV including information about modules you’ve completed or what the focus of your dissertation was. Include your degree classification alongside the results of your A Levels and other higher education achievements.  

For your GCSE results, most employers won’t ask about your specific results so its fine to just give a general overview focusing on Maths, English and Science.

A graduate CV UK should be tailored to the specific field or industry you are targeting. For business-related roles, emphasize your business acumen, relevant coursework, internships, and leadership experiences. Academic CVs, on the other hand, require a focus on research, publications, conference presentations, and teaching experience.

Postgraduate applications may require a detailed CV highlighting your research skills and potential contributions to the field.

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Hobbies & Interests

While the primary focus of your graduate CV is your education and relevant experience, including a section for hobbies and interests can provide valuable insights into your personality and character. This section allows potential employers to gain a deeper understanding of your interests beyond academia. When selecting hobbies and interests to include, consider those that align with the skills or values sought in your desired field.

Including your hobbies and interests on your general CV is completely optional. It’s a section that is never required by an employer but if you have interests and hobbies that are relevant to the position you’re applying for then it’s a great idea to include these.

A group of students gathered around a laptop. They laugh and smile.
Your interests do not have to be relevant to the particular job you are applying for, but try to avoid too general interests such as hanging out with friends or watching movies. Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Uns

For instance, if you're applying for a creative role, hobbies such as photography, painting, or writing can showcase your artistic abilities and passion for self-expression. If you're pursuing a business career, involvement in student organizations, volunteering, or leadership roles can demonstrate your teamwork and organizational skills.

However, be mindful of the space on your CV and ensure that the hobbies and interests you include are relevant and add value to your overall profile. Avoid generic or mundane activities such as "watching TV" or "listening to music" unless they directly relate to the job or demonstrate specific qualities like staying up-to-date with industry trends or being a good communicator.

A good question to ask yourself when writing this section is: Will adding this information help me get the job? Activities like going out and watching Netflix are unlikely to be of interest to a potential employer (unless that employer is Netflix of course!)

When describing your hobbies and interests, use concise language and provide brief explanations that highlight relevant skills or experiences gained. Remember to strike a balance between showcasing your personality and maintaining a professional tone throughout your CV.

Including a section for hobbies and interests in your postgraduate CV can provide employers with insights into your personality and additional skills. Select activities that are relevant to your desired field and demonstrate your unique qualities and interests. Just ensure they add value and are presented professionally within the overall structure of your CV.

Your employment history

For a lot of people, applying for a graduate position is their first step into full time employment or employment in general. If you don’t have a huge amount of relevant experience, then you can briefly outline the part time student jobs you’ve had up until now.

Even if you lack substantial work experience, don't overlook the value of internships, placements, and extracurricular activities. Use placement and internship CV examples as inspiration to showcase your transferable skills, responsibilities, and achievements.

Highlight any projects, teamwork experiences, or results that demonstrate your capabilities. This will show potential employers your dedication, work ethic, and ability to apply your knowledge in practical settings.

Uni student CV - References

Presenting references in a CV can be done in a separate section or upon request. Here's a guide on how to include references in your CV.

Separate Section: Create a dedicated section titled "References" or "References Available Upon Request" at the end of your CV. List the names, job titles, contact information (phone number and email), and professional relationship of your references. It's customary to include at least two or three references. Ensure you have obtained their consent beforehand.

Example: References

  1. John Smith
    Senior Manager, XYZ Company
    Email: john.smith@example.com
    Phone: +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX
  2. Jane Doe
    Professor, ABC University
    Email: jane.doe@example.com
    Phone: +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX
  3. Upon Request: Instead of listing your references in your CV, you can simply mention "References available upon request" at the end of your document. This approach keeps your CV concise and allows you to provide references when specifically requested by an employer.

It's essential to inform your references in advance about your job search and the positions you are applying for. This ensures they are prepared to speak positively about your qualifications and can provide relevant insights to potential employers.

Remember to inform your references if you make any updates or changes to your CV, so they have the most up-to-date information.

Additionally, it's advisable to have a separate document ready with your references' contact information and any additional notes or recommendations they may provide. This way, you can easily provide the document when requested during the application or interview process.

Two people are sitting next to each other working on their laptops.
Even if you do not send the references at once, it is good to have them updated and ready to send when asked. Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Keep in mind that different countries and industries may have specific preferences regarding the inclusion of references in a CV. Therefore, it's important to research the norms and expectations specific to your location and field.

Here's is an article that sums up the most important do's and don'ts when writing a personal statement for your CV.

Statement or summary

The CV profile, also known as the personal statement or summary, is an essential section that summarizes your key qualifications, skills, and career aspirations. It should be concise, engaging, and tailored to the job you are applying for. Incorporate keywords related to your desired role, such as "enthusiastic recent graduate seeking to apply analytical skills in the business sector."

This will immediately capture employers' attention and demonstrate your relevance as a candidate.

Crafting an effective college graduate CV is crucial for launching your career. By utilizing the guidance provided in this comprehensive guide, including graduate CV examples and templates.

Applying for your first job after years of studying can be scary, but don't despair. It will be fine!

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Sandra

A knowledge-thirsty literary and cultural scholar from Gothenburg, Sweden.