Navigating the job market as a student can be challenging, but a well-crafted student CV can make a world of difference. This page offers examples, templates, and valuable advice to help UK students create compelling CVs that effectively highlight their skills and achievements. Let's embark on the journey to making your CV stand out in 2024.
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Your days as a student are often remembered as some of the best in your life, but they can also be a struggle with limited funds. An excellent student CV can be the key to earning some extra cash to supplement your student loan, and open doors to interviews faster than you can say ‘Jack Robinson’.
Read on to find:
123 The Avenue, Manchester, M13 XYZ
+44 7700 900123
beth.mcclure@example.com
linkedin.com/in/bethmcclure
Highly organised and results-driven Business student at the University of Manchester with a passion for entrepreneurship and finance. Seeking a part-time sales associate position to utilise my strong interpersonal skills and gain practical business experience.
BSc (Hons) Business Management | University of Manchester | Expected Graduation: June 2025
Sales Assistant | Tilly’s Retail Store | Manchester, UK | June 2021 – Present
This CV example is provided for inspiration and guidance purposes only. It is crucial to customise your CV to fit your specific needs, experiences, skills, and goals. Each individual’s circumstances are unique, so what works for one person may not work for another.
Always ensure your student CV honestly represents your abilities and makes you stand out as a unique candidate. Avoid copying the CV example verbatim. Rather, use it as a starting point to create a CV that is both personal and professional, reflecting your individual career journey and aspirations.
Looking for a student CV template? Below, we have curated three diverse student CV templates, each embodying the best practices laid out above, while offering unique stylistic elements to align with your personal branding.
This template is designed for students who prefer a traditional, professional look for their CV. It features an organised layout that clearly separates each section, making it easy for employers to quickly locate the information they need.
Embrace the clean, sleek lines of our minimalist template. With minimal frills and a clear focus on content, this university student CV template design is perfect for those seeking a more contemporary and streamlined aesthetic.
For those who want their CV to make a vivid impression, this student CV template incorporates tasteful pops of colour to delineate sections and highlight important information. This is a great choice for students in creative fields or those looking to display a bit of personality.
Remember, each of these CV templates can be personalised to suit your individual needs and preferences. Start with the structure provided and infuse it with your own style, experiences, and aspirations.
When choosing a CV format, there are three main options to consider: the anti-chronological format, skills-based format, and hybrid format.
The anti-chronological format is the most traditional and widely accepted format. It displays your experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. This format is particularly beneficial if you have a consistent work or volunteer history that showcases your relevant experiences.
On the other hand, the skills-based CV format, or functional format, focuses more on your skills rather than your work history. It is ideal if you have gaps in your employment, are changing fields, or if you want to highlight specific skills that are not immediately evident from your work history.
The hybrid format combines elements of both the anti-chronological and skill-based formats. It allows you to highlight your most relevant skills, while also showcasing your work history in reverse chronological order. This format is helpful if you have a mix of experiences, some of which are more relevant than others.
Which one is the best student CV format? For students, we generally recommend the anti-chronological format. As you’re in the early stages of your career, this format, easily scannable by ATS software, allows you to showcase your educational achievements, part-time work, internships, or volunteer experiences in a clear and understandable way. What if you have little or no work experience? Then you can list the education section right after the personal statement or CV summary in order to make your education stand out.
Not convinced? Some students may decide to go for a hybrid format instead. This allows them to put the spotlight on their skills together with their experience.
Whether you are writing a graduate CV or a regular university student CV, they generally follow a structured format, ensuring that potential employers can easily identify key information. Here’s a typical CV layout:
Remember, the goal of a CV for students is to present a clear snapshot of your skills, experiences, and achievements, effectively showcasing why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.
The header of your CV serves as your professional introduction, providing recruiters with your crucial contact details. In a UK student CV, it’s vital to keep this section concise, accurate, and professional. A correctly formatted header can set the tone for the rest of your CV, while an inaccurately formatted one can lead to missed opportunities.
Good example
James Smith
10 Downing Street, London, UK, SW1A 2AA
Phone: +44 20 1234 5678
Email: james.smith@example.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamessmith
This header is straightforward and professional, providing clear and precise contact information.
Bad example:
J. Smith
London
Email: rockstarjames@hotmail.com
This header is unprofessional and vague. It lacks specific contact information and uses an inappropriate email handle. Recruiters may struggle to contact you or may even disregard your CV due to its lack of professionalism.
The personal statement serves as a brief overview of your profile. It’s the first impression employers get about you, your professional aspirations, and what you bring to the table. It is crucial as it sets the tone for the rest of your CV. A good CV personal statement can compel a hiring manager to read further.
Good example
A highly motivated recent Business Administration graduate with a 3.9 GPA. Proven skills in project management and strong organisational abilities, seeking an entry-level position in project coordination.
Bad example:
Recent graduate looking for a job.
Instead of a personal statement, you might choose to write a CV profile or a professional summary. A CV profile highlights your professional attributes and goals, while a CV summary succinctly outlines your career history and achievements, making both options effective for capturing a recruiter’s attention.
Find below two good examples for both of these options written with the needs of university students in mind:
The work experience section showcases your professional history and relevant experiences. It gives employers insights into your job responsibilities, achievements, work ethic and skills acquired over time. This section is essential because it shows potential employers your hands-on professional experience in the real world.
Good example
Digital Marketing Intern, XYZ Company, June 2019 – August 2020. Developed and implemented social media strategies that increased the company’s online presence by 20%.
Bad example:
Intern at XYZ Company.
Note that focusing on relevant experience, including those acquired outside of a traditional working setting, can have a significant impact on your CV. This includes experiences such as internships and volunteer work, which often provide opportunities to develop and demonstrate skills that are valuable in the job market.
For example, leading a project for a volunteer organisation may demonstrate project management and leadership skills, while an internship at a relevant company offers industry-specific knowledge and experiences. Make sure to highlight these experiences in the ‘Work Experience’ section of your CV, and articulate the specific skills and knowledge you gained from each.
The education section provides a detailed account of your academic background and accomplishments. It should be formatted in reverse chronological order, with the most recent studies at the top.
It is important as it displays your educational credentials, which can be a determining factor for certain roles, especially those that require specific qualifications or areas of study.
Expanding upon the educational background section is crucial for UK students as it allows them to showcase their unique qualities and set themselves apart from other candidates. It provides an opportunity to elaborate on experiences or accomplishments that are relevant to the position but weren’t covered in depth in other parts of your student CV.
For example, a student could delve into the details of a significant project, demonstrating their problem-solving skills or ability to work in a team. This section can also be utilised to disclose any volunteer work or extracurricular activities, highlighting the candidate’s dedication, leadership, or community involvement. By providing a well-rounded view of their qualifications, students can better position themselves as a strong fit for the role.
If you’re yet to obtain your university degree, you can still list your high school education and any relevant achievements or extracurricular activities. Don’t forget to add your expected graduation date and any relevant coursework or academic awards.
Good example
Finance Student, University of London, September 2017 – June 2020.
Bad example:
Studied Finance at the University of London.
The good example provides a comprehensive view of the candidate’s achievements, showcasing relevant coursework, degree classification, project experiences, and leadership skills. In contrast, the bad example is vague and doesn’t demonstrate the candidate’s full potential or the breadth of their academic experience. It falls short when it comes to presenting the candidate’s qualifications in a way that would be of interest to potential employers.
The skills section highlights your hard and soft skills that align with the job advert. It is crucial because it showcases your competence in specific areas and helps hiring managers ascertain whether your skillset matches the job requirements.
Transferable skills hold great importance in a great student CV, as they are abilities that are relevant and beneficial to a wide range of professions. These are skills you’ve gained from your life experiences, extracurricular activities, or previous part-time jobs, which are transferable and applicable to the role you’re applying for. Examples of key skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, time management, and adaptability.
For instance, if you’ve led a group project at university, this demonstrates your project management and interpersonal skills. If you’ve been a part of a sports team or debate club, it shows your ability to work within a team and communicate effectively.
These experiences are valuable even if they aren’t directly related to the job you’re applying for, as employers often look for well-rounded individuals who can bring diverse experiences and perspectives to their team. Moreover, as a student or recent graduate, your work experience might be limited, making transferable skills even more crucial to highlight on your CV.
Remember, when listing these employability skills on your student CV, it’s not enough to just state them – provide examples that demonstrate how you’ve used these skills in a practical setting. This evidence-backed approach will make your CV more compelling and give potential employers more confidence in your abilities.
Good example
Leadership and Time Management: Served as Student Council President, managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and successfully organizing school events. This experience honed my leadership and time management skills.
Problem-solving and Teamwork: Participated in a team project for a Computer Science course, where I contributed to developing an application, solving technical issues, and coordinating with team members.
Bad example:
Was a part of the student council. Worked on a project in a team.
Additional sections can include areas like honours, languages, extracurricular activities, or certifications. They provide an opportunity to showcase your diverse skillset and achievements that may not fit into other sections.
Here are some recommendations for additional sections to consider:
Remember, these sections should add value to your CV and support the overall narrative of who you are as a candidate. Keep them concise, relevant, and tailored to the specific role or industry you’re targeting.
Good example
Languages:
Bad example:
Languages: Speak some Spanish and French.
This CV layout emphasises the skills and experiences gained through part-time work. It’s ideal for students who have juggled their studies with part-time roles, demonstrating their time management abilities, dedication, and adaptability.
For students who haven’t yet stepped into the professional world, this example CV focuses on academic achievements, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. It highlights transferable skills, demonstrating potential and enthusiasm to prospective employers.
Out of CVHelp’s CV examples for students, this one is designed for those who have undertaken internships during their studies. It accentuates the practical experience and industry-specific skills acquired, making it perfect for students aiming to transition into a full-time role in their field of internship.
To ensure a successful job application, it’s important to keep in mind certain key aspects while crafting your student CV. Here are some top tips that can guide you in creating a good student CV:
Avoiding certain pitfalls is just as crucial as including the right information in your student CV. Here are the top five things to avoid in a student CV for 2024:
Just as a well-crafted student CV is crucial in setting a positive first impression, a compelling cover letter is instrumental in reinforcing that impression and adding depth to your application.
The letter serves as a platform to personalise your application, allowing you to narrate the story behind your CV’s bullet points. It’s an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role, provide context to your experiences, and demonstrate your understanding of the company and its values.
Furthermore, a meticulously written cover letter can highlight your communication skills, showcasing your ability to articulate thoughts clearly and persuasively. In essence, a cover letter can bridge the gap between your qualifications and the employer’s requirements, presenting you as an ideal candidate for the role.
Hoping to get a step closer to your dream job? Try CVHelp’s CV builder.
Equipped with customizable templates and handy writing tips, it’s designed to assist you in creating a standout student CV effortlessly.
Check it out today and embark on a successful career journey!
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