Graduate CV example

How do you stand out when every candidate seems as qualified as you are? If you are a fresh graduate, it’s perfectly normal to ask yourself this question. No matter your achievements and aspirations to date.

Consider this guide a trusty companion through the journey of finding this first graduate job. Here, you will learn the secrets to a CV that doesn’t just speak of your qualifications but tells your unique story.

Keep reading to discover:

• Graduate CV examples so that you will better your odds of landing interviews,
• Top tips and what makes for a great CV for graduate jobs,
• A step-by-step guide on how to write yours.

This graduate CV example above is provided for inspiration and guidance purposes only. You should always personalise your CV to reflect your own experiences, skills, and achievements, and the specific role for which you are applying.

Remember, a standout CV for graduate students captures your unique story and qualifications.

Not exactly what you are looking for? Perhaps these CV examples will make for a better fit:

• CV for a 16-year-old
• Student CV
• Undergraduate CV
• Internship CV
• Eye-catching CV
• LinkedIn CV
• School leaver CV

What makes for a good graduate CV?

With this document, you have one job: Managing to present your academic accomplishments, and potential job history, while emphasizing aspects of your personality and eagerness to grow.

The keywords here are “direct” and “genuine”. Present your story in a way that feels authentic to you. This way, you are more likely to catch the attention of someone who values what you bring to the table.

Then, make sure that you tailor your CV to the position. Why? Because this shows that you understand the job’s requirements and indeed possess the necessary skills.

Also, be sure to use industry-relevant terminology found in the job description, as many companies rely on automated systems (ATS) to screen applications. However, never sacrifice clarity for jargon. Your CV should still be written first and foremost for a human reader.

Finally, remember that accuracy does count too! A CV free of typos and grammatical errors implies you’re thorough and careful with your work.

Graduate CV examples

Still wondering what a compelling graduate CV should look like for someone with a profile like yours?

We’ve got you covered with this selection of examples carefully crafted for various professional streams, such as engineering, finance and marketing.

Each one showcases how graduates in these fields can effectively highlight their skills, experiences, and the unique value they bring to potential roles.

Whether you’re making complex calculations or crafting digital campaigns, these samples exist to help you create a document that speaks volumes about your potential.

Selecting the ideal CV format can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. Each format serves a unique purpose and caters to different circumstances. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which layout is most suitable for your UK graduate CV:

Chronological CV format

Often the most familiar style, a chronological CV lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. It is incredibly beneficial if you have a clear and linear job history with steady progression in a particular field. This format highlights your professional growth and is easy for recruiters to follow.

Skills-based CV format

A skills-based or functional CV emphasises your abilities and accomplishments rather than your chronological work history. It’s ideal if you’re a recent graduate with limited work experience, have gaps in your employment, or are changing career paths. It allows you to showcase the transferable skills and qualifications that are relevant to the job.

Combined CV format

For those who want the best of both worlds, a combined, also known as a hybrid CV, format merges elements of both chronological and skills-based CVs. You’ll have the opportunity to equally highlight relevant skills and your work history. This format is particularly fitting if you have a few years of work experience and a strong set of specialised skills.

For a young graduate in the UK, a skills-based CV format may be the most advantageous route to take. Fresh out of university, you may not have a lengthy employment history or a clear professional progression to feature.

The skills-based format allows you to concentrate on your academic achievements and the skills you’ve acquired that are pertinent to the job you’re applying for. It provides the opportunity to emphasise project work, extracurricular activities, and any internships or placements which have afforded you relevant experience.

By focusing on your abilities and what you can bring to the role, you sidestep the potential disadvantages of limited work history and underscore the qualities that make you an excellent candidate.

Finally, in terms of presentation, the formatting of your graduate job CV is just as critical as its format. Follow the guidelines below to ensure optimal readability:

• Keep your CV length reasonable, aiming for one to two pages at most.
• Choose a professional typeface such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• KEmploy subheadings and bullet points to make information more digestible.
• Save your CV as a Word document or PDF format—unless the job listing specifies otherwise.

Can’t bother keeping track of all this? Check out this selection of CV templates and pick a graduate CV template that follows all of the best practices in your industry of choice.

How to write a graduate CV

As you write your CV, you want to present a polished picture of your academic and professional potential.

Here are the key sections that should form the skeleton of your document:

• Contact details
• Personal statement
• Education
• Work experience
• Skills

Keep reading to learn how to tailor each section to reflect your unique profile.

Contact details

While this may seem obvious, it’s easy to overlook the importance of presenting accurate contact information. Include your name in a large, bold font at the top of your CV. Then list your contact number and professional email address.

You can also add a CV headline. It should be the same as the job title you’re targeting, positioned at the very top of your document, just under your contact details.

Personal statement

The CV personal statement or CV profile section allows you to introduce yourself and present a compelling narrative that captures the essence of who you are as a professional. It should be brief, no more than 2-3 sentences and highlight your career aspirations, key skills, and unique selling points.

Education

The Education section is a fundamental part of your graduate CV, where you outline your academic credentials and any relevant coursework or research. It’s particularly important for recent graduates, as it often represents the bulk of your qualifications and can demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve developed that align with the role you’re targeting.

Highlight your university degree, school grades, institution, graduation dates, relevant modules and any honours or distinctions you’ve achieved. This information helps employers quickly assess your academic background and its relevance to the job at hand.

Work experience

The Work experience section of your graduate CV plays a crucial role in presenting your professional background to potential employers. It should help bridge the gap between your academic achievements and the practical application of your skills in the real world.

Consider it an opportunity to demonstrate how your experiences—whether in part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work—have equipped you with competencies sought after in the workplace.

For recent graduates, the challenge often lies in the perceived lack of professional experience.

How can you overcome it? That’s simple: remember that all experience is valuable. Draw attention to any role in which you’ve showcased transferable skills, such as teamwork, communication, leadership, or problem-solving.

Remember to focus on quality over quantity; it’s about presenting the experiences you have in the most relevant and compelling way.

Here’s how to structure your experiences:

Skills

In this section you want to highlight specific skills which are relevant to the job description; these might include professional qualifications, hard skills or soft skills.

Be honest and only include useful skills that you possess or are currently developing.

When crafting this section of your graduate CV, consider including competencies that are universally valued across various industries, such as:

• Analytical thinking: the ability to analyze complex information and make sound decisions.
• Effective communication: the ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Teamwork: the ability to collaborate with others towards a common goal, including effective conflict resolution skills.
• Time management: the ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and manage workload efficiently.
• Adaptability: the ability to adjust and thrive in new situations, including a willingness to learn and embrace change.

Other technical or interpersonal skills that may be relevant to your specific field of study or desired job role should also be included. Remember to provide examples or anecdotal evidence of how you have utilised these skills in past experiences.

Should you add additional sections to your graduate CV?

Depending on relevancy, you may want to include sections for certifications, publications, volunteer work, or hobbies and interests.

By strategically organising these sections, your CV will not only reflect your individuality and qualifications but will also be tailored to showcase how your profile fits with prospective employers’ requirements. Crafting your graduate CV with care and attention to these details can be a pivotal step in launching your professional journey.

Remember however that adding sections to your graduate CV should never be viewed as a method to simply “fill space.” Each segment included needs to serve a distinct purpose, offering clear insight into your capabilities and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.

Incorporating areas such as certifications, publications, or volunteer experience can set you apart from other candidates, but only if they genuinely reflect your skills, interests, or professional development.

Remember, a carefully curated CV that presents a strategic, concise portrayal of your background will always make a stronger impression than one padded with irrelevant information.

Here are some of the additional sections frequently found on graduate CVs:

• Certifications: Relevant certifications can demonstrate your expertise in a specific field or software.
• Publications: If you have written publications such as articles, books, or academic papers, they can add credibility to your profile.
• Volunteer work: The Volunteer work section showcases your commitment to giving back and highlights valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management.
• Hobbies and interests: Including extra-curricular activities can provide a glimpse into your personality and highlight skills such as creativity, determination, or adaptability.
• Achievements and awards: Mention any academic or extracurricular accolades that can set you apart as a high-achiever or a leader.
• References: If you choose to include this section, make sure to have at least two professional references who can speak about your work ethic and skills. These can be former professors, supervisors from internships or previous employers.

Write a cover letter to go with your graduate CV

In a job market as competitive as the UK, attaching a covering letter to your graduate CV is strongly recommended.

Feels like yet another formality? Not quite! It’s a great opportunity to enrich your profile, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role, and explain why you are the ideal candidate.

A cover letter and CV that match in look and feel, style of writing and branding will show your potential employers that you are detail-oriented, consistent, and invested in the application process.

They should complement each other, with the cover letter expanding on key experiences and achievements highlighted in the CV, allowing for a compelling and cohesive personal brand.

Need help crafting yours? Check out our cover letter builder!