1. 8 Graduate CV Examples, Templates & Tips for 2025

8 Graduate CV Examples, Templates & Tips for 2025

LiveCareer UK Editorial Team
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Graduation. The magical moment where fun stops, and you become a fully responsible, conscious adult. It’s time to take your first steps on the path to success you have been planning for so long.

In this guide, we’ll help you write a graduate CV that outperforms your peers. You’ll see a graduate CV example perfectly suited to fresh graduates and a ready-to-use graduate CV template.

Create an effective CV in minutes. Choose a professional CV template and fill in every section of your CV in a flash using ready-made content and expert tips.

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We created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.

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Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our CV samples and free CV templates to craft your application easily.

After analysing 6 million CVs created with our builder, we found out that*:

  • The average time to create a compelling CV is 25.92 minutes.
  • 38.81% of CVs exceed 300 words, 18.64% are between 100 and 300 words, and 42.55% are under 100 words.
  • Typically, users include 6 skills in their CVs.
  • The average number of jobs listed in a CV is 2.85.

*The data comes from a period of the last 12 months (August 2023-August 2024).

8 Graduate CV examples

Accounting graduate CV

Emma Johnson

Junior Accountant

85 Castle Street

Manchester

M1 1AE

07563472819

emma.johnson@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/emmajohnson

Personal Statement

First-class Accounting and Finance graduate from the University of Manchester with advanced knowledge of financial reporting, audit principles, and taxation laws. Adept at leveraging numerical and analytical skills to identify discrepancies and optimize financial performance. Seeking a Junior Accountant role at Deloitte, where I can contribute to high-level audit processes and financial advisory services.

Education

University of Manchester

B.Sc. Accounting & Finance – First-Class Honours

September 2020–June 2023

Highfield Secondary School, Manchester

A Levels: Mathematics (A*), Economics (A), Business Studies (A)

September 2018– June 2020

GCSEs: 9 A* grades, including Mathematics and English

September 2016–June 2018

Key Modules:

  • Financial Reporting (84%)
  • Audit and Assurance (80%)
  • Corporate Finance (82%)
  • Taxation Law (85%)

Relevant Skills

  • Financial Analysis: Proficient in producing and interpreting financial reports and forecasts.
  • Software Proficiency: Skilled in Sage, QuickBooks, Xero, and MS Excel (including macros and pivot tables).
  • Attention to Detail: Successfully audited financial statements with zero discrepancies in university projects.

Work Experience

Audit Intern

PwC, Manchester

June 2022–September 2022

  • Assisted in planning and executing audits for SMEs, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP.
  • Analyzed financial data to identify trends and potential risk areas.
  • Gained hands-on experience with audit tools and compliance software.

Finance Assistant

ABC Enterprises, Manchester

August 2020–May 2022

  • Managed monthly account reconciliations, reducing errors by 20%.
  • Processed invoices and monitored expenditures against budgets.

Volunteering

Volunteer Tax Advisor

Community Tax Help Service, Manchester

January 2022–April 2023

  • Provided basic tax guidance to low-income individuals.
  • Filed over 50 accurate tax returns during the tax season.

Law graduate CV

Sophia Patel

Law Graduate

12 Queen's Avenue

London

E1 4AB

07348752619

sophia.patel@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/sophiapatel

Personal Statement

Highly motivated LLB Law graduate from the University of Leeds, awarded a 2:1, with a focus on Commercial and Contract Law. Experienced in legal research, drafting, and client communication through internships at prestigious London law firms. Aspiring to start a Training Contract at Clifford Chance to develop into a commercial solicitor.

Education

University of Leeds

LLB Law – 2:1

September 2020–June 2023

Key Modules:

  • Contract Law (74%)
  • Equity and Trusts (70%)
  • Commercial Law (72%)

Kingston Sixth Form College, London

A Levels: English (A*), Law (A), Economics (A)

September 2018–June 2020

GCSEs: 8 A* grades, including English, Mathematics, and History

September 2016–June 2018

Relevant Skills

  • Legal Research: Skilled in using Westlaw and LexisNexis for case law analysis.
  • Drafting: Proficient in preparing legal documents, contracts, and reports.
  • Client Interaction: Experienced in explaining complex legal concepts to laypersons.

Work Experience

Legal Intern

Baker McKenzie, London

July 2022–August 2022

  • Conducted case research and drafted reports on client compliance with GDPR.
  • Attended court proceedings, preparing summaries for senior associates.

Paralegal Assistant

XYZ Solicitors, London

November 2021–April 2022

  • Supported litigation team with administrative and case preparation tasks.
  • Organized client files and ensured all documents adhered to SRA regulations.

Volunteering

Pro Bono Legal Advisor

LawWorks, London

February 2022–May 2023

  • Assisted underprivileged clients with housing and employment disputes.

Computer science graduate CV

James Liu

10 Elm Street

Bristol

BS1 5TD

07894563201

james.liu@gmail.com

github.com/jamesliu

linkedin.com/in/jamesliu

Personal Statement

A Computer Science graduate from the University of Bristol with a first-class degree. Proficient in Python, Java, and SQL, with practical experience in developing scalable web applications and AI models. Enthusiastic about joining a software engineering team at Google to apply innovative programming solutions to real-world challenges.

Education

University of Bristol

BSc Computer Science – First-Class Honours

September 2020–June 2023

Key Modules:

  • Artificial Intelligence (90%)
  • Software Engineering (85%)
  • Database Systems (88%)

South Gloucestershire College

A Levels: Mathematics (A*), Computer Science (A), Physics (A)

September 2018–June 2020

GCSEs: 10 A* grades, including Mathematics and Computer Science

September 2016–June 2018

Relevant Skills

  • Programming: Advanced knowledge of Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript.
  • Data Handling: Skilled in SQL, MongoDB, and data visualization tools.
  • Team Collaboration: Agile project management experience in a 5-person team.

Work Experience

Software Development Intern

Amazon Web Services, London

June 2022–September 2022

  • Developed a Python-based tool to automate AWS service health monitoring, reducing response times by 40%.
  • Conducted peer code reviews and contributed to documentation.

Web Developer

Freelance, Bristol

May 2021–June 2023

  • Built 10+ fully responsive websites for small businesses using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Volunteering

Coding Tutor

Code Club, Bristol

October 2021–April 2023

  • Mentored 15 students in basic programming and problem-solving techniques.

Marketing graduate CV

Amelia Reed

20 Regent Road

Birmingham

B1 2TR

07463281929

amelia.reed@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/ameliareed

Personal Statement

A creative and data-driven Marketing graduate from the University of Birmingham with a 2:1 in BSc Marketing and Management. Experienced in SEO, social media campaigns, and market research. Seeking a role at Ogilvy to create impactful marketing strategies and drive brand growth.

Education

University of Birmingham

BSc Marketing and Management – 2:1

September 2020–June 2023

Key Modules:

  • Digital Marketing (80%)
  • Consumer Behaviour (78%)
  • Marketing Analytics (82%)

Broadway Sixth Form College, Birmingham

A Levels: Business Studies (A), Economics (A), Psychology (B)

September 2018 – June 2020

GCSEs: 9 A* grades, including English and Business Studies

September 2016 – June 2018

Relevant Skills

  • SEO & PPC: Hands-on experience with Google Analytics and AdWords.
  • Content Creation: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
  • Data Analysis: Skilled in SPSS and Excel for campaign performance analysis.

Work Experience

Marketing Intern

Unilever, Birmingham

June 2022–August 2022

  • Supported the launch of a new product line, achieving a 15% sales increase within 3 months.
  • Managed the company’s Instagram account, growing followers by 20%.

Sales and Marketing Assistant

Local Start-up, Birmingham

September 2021–May 2022

  • Conducted competitor analysis to identify gaps in the market.

Volunteering

Social Media Manager

Charity Fundraiser Group, Birmingham

November 2021–April 2023

  • Grew Facebook page engagement by 30% over 6 months.

Psychology graduate CV

Chloe Carter

14 Willow Lane

Oxford

OX1 2DP

07784562134

chloe.carter@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/chloecarter

Personal Statement

Ambitious Psychology graduate from the University of Oxford with a first-class degree, specialising in Clinical Psychology and Research Methods. Experienced in statistical analysis, experimental design, and supporting mental health initiatives. Seeking an Assistant Psychologist position to contribute to evidence-based therapy practices and research.

Education

University of Oxford

BSc Psychology – First-Class Honours

September 2020–June 2023

Key Modules:

  • Clinical Psychology (90%)
  • Cognitive Neuroscience (85%)
  • Research Methods and Statistics (92%)

Oxford High School

A Levels: Psychology (A*), Biology (A), Sociology (A)

September 2018–June 2020

GCSEs: 9 A* grades, including Mathematics and Science

September 2016–June 2018

Relevant Skills

  • Research Proficiency: Skilled in SPSS, R, and qualitative analysis tools.
  • Communication: Presented research findings at student psychology symposiums.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Experience supporting vulnerable individuals through volunteer roles.

Work Experience

Research Assistant

Oxford Mental Health Research Unit

June 2022–September 2022

  • Assisted in designing and running experiments on anxiety interventions.
  • Analyzed large datasets using SPSS, contributing to a published paper.

Mental Health Support Worker

Mind Charity, Oxford

October 2021–May 2023

  • Supported clients with anxiety and depression in group therapy sessions.

Volunteering

Peer Mentor

University of Oxford

September 2021–June 2023

  • Guided first-year students through academic and personal challenges.

Engineering graduate CV

Daniel Ahmed

45 Industrial Road

Glasgow

G3 6HY

07982456123

daniel.ahmed@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/danielahmed

Personal Statement

Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Glasgow with a 2:1 degree. Experienced in CAD design, thermodynamics, and materials analysis. Seeking a Graduate Mechanical Engineer role at Rolls-Royce to contribute to innovative design and manufacturing projects.

Education

University of Glasgow

BEng Mechanical Engineering – 2:1

September 2019–June 2023

Key Modules:

  • Thermodynamics (80%)
  • Materials Science (75%)
  • CAD and Product Design (82%)

Glasgow Academy

A Levels: Mathematics (A*), Physics (A), Chemistry (B)

September 2017 – June 2019

GCSEs: 10 A* grades, including Mathematics and Physics

September 2015 – June 2017

Relevant Skills

  • CAD Expertise: Proficient in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and ANSYS.
  • Problem Solving: Developed and tested prototypes during final-year project.
  • Team Collaboration: Worked effectively on cross-disciplinary engineering teams.

Work Experience

Engineering Intern

Rolls-Royce, Glasgow

June 2022–August 2022

  • Supported senior engineers in testing jet engine components for durability.

Workshop Assistant

XYZ Engineering Firm, Glasgow

September 2020–May 2021

  • Gained practical experience in machining and assembly processes.

Volunteering

STEM Ambassador

Glasgow Schools Outreach Program

November 2021–April 2023

  • Delivered engaging workshops to inspire students in STEM fields.

Finance graduate CV

Hannah Wilson

9 Exchange Place

London

EC2M 7QA

07765321849

hannah.wilson@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/hannahwilson

Personal Statement

A Finance graduate from the London School of Economics with a first-class degree. Experienced in investment analysis, risk management, and financial modelling. Aspiring to join J.P. Morgan as an Investment Analyst to leverage analytical skills and drive sustainable financial growth.

Education

London School of Economics

BSc Finance – First-Class Honours

September 2020–June 2023

Key Modules:

  • Corporate Finance (88%)
  • Derivatives and Risk Management (85%)
  • Financial Modelling (90%)

City of London School

A Levels: Mathematics (A*), Economics (A*), Further Mathematics (A)

September 2018 – June 2020

GCSEs: 10 A* grades, including Mathematics and Economics

September 2016 – June 2018

Relevant Skills

  • Financial Modelling: Skilled in Excel, Bloomberg Terminal, and VBA.
  • Risk Analysis: Experienced in scenario testing and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Presentation Skills: Confident in delivering financial insights to stakeholders.

Work Experience

Investment Analyst Intern

Goldman Sachs, London

June 2022–August 2022

  • Assisted in evaluating portfolio performance for high-net-worth clients.
  • Conducted research on equity markets and industry trends.

Finance Assistant

ABC Financial Services, London

October 2021–May 2023

  • Processed invoices, reconciled accounts, and managed budgets for clients.

Volunteering

Financial Literacy Workshop Facilitator

London Community Centre

February 2022–March 2023

  • Taught budgeting and investment basics to young adults.

PhD graduate CV

Kiera Hopkins

79 Southlands Road

Poldean

DG106SA

07025862939

kiera@hopkins.com

linkedin.com/in/kierahopkins

Personal Statement

King’s College London PhD graduate in Philosophy and Logic with expertise in interdisciplinary analysis and advanced critical thinking. My doctoral research focused on privacy rights in the digital age, combining philosophical frameworks with statistical and sociological methodologies. With experience in policy research, academic teaching, and public engagement, I am eager to contribute to evidence-based policy development as a policy analyst at Deep Think Tank.

Education

King’s College London

PhD Philosophy & Logic

September 2019–June 2023

  • Thesis Title: ‘The Digital Age and the Right to Privacy: Philosophical and Policy Perspectives’
  • Conducted a multi-disciplinary analysis of privacy issues in modern digital governance, including philosophical, legal, and sociological considerations.
  • Collaborated with academic and policy stakeholders, contributing to workshops and conferences.
  • Utilised advanced statistical tools (STATA, R) to analyze policy impacts on privacy rights.
  • Published two peer-reviewed journal articles and presented findings at three international conferences.

King’s College London

BSc Philosophy & Logic – 2:1

September 2016 – June 2019

  • Thesis Title: ‘The Modern Right to Privacy’
  • Focused on real-world applications of philosophy in public policy and law.
  • Developed advanced understanding of statistics for social policy research, including hypothesis testing and regression analysis.

Highsted Grammar School, Sittingbourne

A Levels: Sociology (A*), Philosophy (A*), Psychology (A), History (A),

General Studies (A)

September 2014–June 2016

11 A* GCSEs, including Mathematics and English

September 2012–June 2014

Relevant Skills

Advanced Research & Analysis

  • Expertise in applying philosophical frameworks to complex social and policy issues.
  • Proficient in qualitative and quantitative analysis using STATA and R.

Teaching & Communication

  • Designed and delivered undergraduate seminars during PhD program, achieving positive feedback for clarity and engagement.
  • Presented complex ideas at international conferences, refining skills in audience engagement and academic communication.

Policy Engagement

  • Collaborated with policy institutes during PhD research, contributing to actionable policy recommendations.

Work Experience

Teaching Fellow

King’s College London

September 2021–May 2023

  • Taught undergraduate modules on Philosophy of Law and Ethics.
  • Supervised and mentored final-year students on their dissertations.
  • Designed lecture content and delivered tutorials to groups of 15–20 students.

Policy Research Intern

London Policy Institute

June 2018–August 2018

  • Conducted in-depth research on the impact of urban development policies on local communities, synthesising data into actionable policy recommendations.
  • Utilized statistical tools (STATA, R) to analyse survey data and demographic trends, identifying key factors influencing housing accessibility.
  • Collaborated with senior analysts to draft reports presented to stakeholders, including local government officials and nonprofit organisations.

Crew Member

McDonald’s, Bethnal Green Road

June 2017–September 2019

  • Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment, efficiently managing high-volume orders while ensuring accuracy and customer satisfaction.
  • Gained firsthand insight into economic and social challenges, informing a compassionate approach to policy research.
  • Trained and mentored new team members, enhancing their onboarding experience and maintaining high performance standards.

Volunteering

Volunteer Tennis Coach

Southwark Community Centre

March 2017–August 2019

  • Led bi-weekly tennis classes for over 120 disadvantaged children, fostering confidence, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle.
  • Organised community events and fundraisers, successfully raising £3,000 to support program expansion.

Philosophical Society Treasurer

King’s College London Student Union

October 2018–June 2019

  • Managed an annual budget of £15,000, ensuring transparency and efficient allocation of resources for events.
  • Negotiated with vendors and coordinated logistics for 12 high-profile events, increasing attendance by 20%.

Languages

  • French (Intermediate)
  • Spanish (Fluent)
  • Italian (Basic)

What is a graduate CV?

A graduate CV is a job application document presenting your education and work achievements. Since graduates typically have limited professional experience, this type of CV emphasises educational achievements, extracurricular activities, internships, voluntary work, and transferable skills.

An effective graduate CV describes you as a strong candidate. It should:

  • Clearly present your education, qualifications, and key skills relevant to the role.
  • Highlight achievements and experiences that showcase your potential and readiness for professional responsibilities.
  • Include a concise personal statement to reflect your ambitions, personality, and career goals.
  • Provide insights into your character through carefully selected hobbies, interests, or voluntary activities.

How to write a CV for graduate applicants?

If you’re writing your first-ever CV, start from the basics, like understanding what a good CV is and choosing the right style. You’ll often come across three CV formats: chronological, functional, and hybrid. The hybrid CV format is typically recommended for graduates because it allows you to highlight both your relevant skills and experiences.

Here’s our expert advice on writing a graduate CV:

1. Create a graduate CV personal statement

First impressions matter. And the first impression you make isn’t when you walk into the interview room. The real first impression is your CV's personal statement.

This is why it’s important to grab attention, avoid waffle, and show them your value.

Instead of being descriptive about everything you did, put yourself in the employer’s shoes and think about what’s the most essential to them.

Answer the following questions with one sentence each:

  1. Who are you? I.e. What programme did you graduate from, and where?
  2. What can you offer to the employer? I.e. What relevant experience do you have? If you don’t have work experience, what aspects of your studies make you stand out from other candidates?
  3. What are your long-term career goals? Make sure they align with the company’s goals, also.

Here’s the most useful advice: Leave writing your graduate CV personal statement until last.

Once you have outlined all your education, skills, and experience and reviewed the job ad multiple times, the personal statement will practically write itself.

And yes, you should write a targeted CV for every position, rounding off your CV personal statement with an objective statement like: “Looking to leverage my proven research skills to help J.T Investments make better, more profitable decisions.”

Graduate CV example—personal statement template

Personal Statement

King’s College London PhD graduate in Philosophy and Logic with expertise in interdisciplinary analysis and advanced critical thinking. My doctoral research focused on privacy rights in the digital age, combining philosophical frameworks with statistical and sociological methodologies. With experience in policy research, academic teaching, and public engagement, I am eager to contribute to evidence-based policy development as a policy analyst at Deep Think Tank.

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

Create your CV nowcv builder

2. Add a top-of-the-class graduate CV education section 

When writing a CV, especially a CV with no experience, I always advise prioritising your strongest section, be that education, work experience, or skills. For most fresh graduate CVs, the education section will be the strongest. 

If you have some prestigious internships completed, feel free to start with your work experience section, and shift education down.

Whatever you do, record your degree in the following way: 

[University Name]

[Degree Class] BSc [Degree Name](Year Graduated)

Follow by a list of bullet points describing the strengths you acquired during the course of study. You can also incorporate extracurricular activities that have directly contributed to your academic or professional development. These can be sports, community service, clubs, or organisations that present you as a well-rounded individual with diverse experiences and interests.

Should you include your school grades on your graduate CV? The answer is: Does the employer ask for any? If not, you may be well served to save the space, and just put something in the style of:

[School Name]

[Number of subjects]A*-[your lowest grade] A-Levels

The A*- [lowest grade] trick is much safer if you have at least one A*. However, writing an impressive degree description and personal statement should render this aspect almost irrelevant.

Graduate CV examples—education section template

King’s College London

PhD Philosophy & Logic

September 2019–June 2023

  • Thesis Title: ‘The Digital Age and the Right to Privacy: Philosophical and Policy Perspectives’
  • Conducted a multi-disciplinary analysis of privacy issues in modern digital governance, including philosophical, legal, and sociological considerations.
  • Collaborated with academic and policy stakeholders, contributing to workshops and conferences.
  • Utilized advanced statistical tools (STATA, R) to analyze policy impacts on privacy rights.
  • Published two peer-reviewed journal articles and presented findings at three international conferences.

King’s College London
BSc Philosophy & Logic – 2:1
September 2016 – June 2019

  • Thesis Title: ‘The Modern Right to Privacy’
  • Focused on real-world applications of philosophy in public policy and law.
  • Developed advanced understanding of statistics for social policy research, including hypothesis testing and regression analysis.

Highsted Grammar School, Sittingbourne

A Levels: Sociology (A*), Philosophy (A*), Psychology (A), History (A), General Studies (A)

September 2014–June 2016

11 A* GCSEs, including Mathematics and English

September 2012–June 2014

3. Fill your graduate CV with desirable skills

Sure, you might lack extensive experience. But remember those 'transferable skills' they kept preaching about at school? Turns out they're pretty important. Emphasising them in your CV could be your ticket to success, just like they said.

The graduate CV we are building is in a hybrid format, meaning we will prioritise these skills over listing work experience. They will work perfectly unless you have something super-relevant and impressive, as already mentioned.

So, how do you know which skills to put on your CV? Just scour the job ad and try to put yourself in the employer’s shoes and determine which ones are the most important to them.

Besides transferable skills that can be applied across various roles and functions, there are hard skills that make you an expert in a specific area. They enable you to perform effectively and contribute to the company’s success.

See this example:

Graduate CV examples—skills section template

 

Relevant Skills

Advanced Research & Analysis

  • Expertise in applying philosophical frameworks to complex social and policy issues.
  • Proficient in qualitative and quantitative analysis using STATA and R.

Teaching & Communication

  • Designed and delivered undergraduate seminars during PhD program, achieving positive feedback for clarity and engagement.
  • Presented complex ideas at international conferences, refining skills in audience engagement and academic communication.

Policy Engagement

  • Collaborated with policy institutes during PhD research, contributing to actionable policy recommendations.

4. List your work experience

Your work experience section is where you prove your skills in action. It’s a showcase of how your experiences, no matter how small or unrelated they may seem, have equipped you with valuable skills for the role you're applying for.

For those following the graduate CV format, your work history can be presented in a straightforward way: job title, employer name, location, and dates of employment.

However, if you have impressive or relevant experiences, make them shine! Include specific achievements and contributions that highlight transferable skills or directly align with the job you're targeting. Here's how to structure a compelling work experience section to maximise its impact:

[Job Title]

[Employer Name, Location]

[Dates of Employment]

And you’re almost done.

If, however, you have a lot of impressive and relevant experience, and have opted to shift your work experience section up, you may choose to record your work experience like this:

Graduate CV examples—work experience section template

Work Experience

Teaching Fellow
King’s College London
September 2021–May 2023

  • Taught undergraduate modules on Philosophy of Law and Ethics.
  • Supervised and mentored final-year students on their dissertations.
  • Designed lecture content and delivered tutorials to groups of 15–20 students.

Policy Research Intern
London Policy Institute

June 2018–August 2018

  • Conducted in-depth research on the impact of urban development policies on local communities, synthesising data into actionable policy recommendations.
  • Utilized statistical tools (STATA, R) to analyse survey data and demographic trends, identifying key factors influencing housing accessibility.
  • Collaborated with senior analysts to draft reports presented to stakeholders, including local government officials and nonprofit organisations.

Crew Member
McDonald’s, Bethnal Green Road
June 2017–September 2019

  • Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment, efficiently managing high-volume orders while ensuring accuracy and customer satisfaction.
  • Gained firsthand insight into economic and social challenges, informing a compassionate approach to policy research.
  • Trained and mentored new team members, enhancing their onboarding experience and maintaining high performance standards.
“Students with limited work experience can make their applications more appealing by ensuring their CV is clear and comprehensive, listing all relevant achievements without exaggeration. It's crucial to be honest about your experience while highlighting any academic or extracurricular accomplishments. Additionally, the 'About Me' section is a valuable opportunity to include personal attributes or unique experiences that set you apart from other candidates”.
Daria Tęcza
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

5. Don't forget about additional sections in your graduate CV

When writing a CV for graduate students, we abide by one rule of thumb above all: Include anything that will help your chances. But, of course, anything that’s relevant.

Volunteering is relevant, because it shows your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, as well as showing off your human side. 82% of managers would rather hire someone with volunteering experience.

Foreign languages always advance the chances of your application. Other sections of your CV could include achievements, awards, projects, or hobbies and interests. Keep them relevant.

Fresh graduate CV example—additional sections template

 

Volunteering

Volunteer Tennis Coach

Southwark Community Centre

March 2017–August 2019

  • Led bi-weekly tennis classes for over 120 disadvantaged children, fostering confidence, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle.
  • Organised community events and fundraisers, successfully raising £3,000 to support program expansion.

Philosophical Society Treasurer
King’s College London Student Union

October 2018–June 2019

  • Managed an annual budget of £15,000, ensuring transparency and efficient allocation of resources for events.
  • Negotiated with vendors and coordinated logistics for 12 high-profile events, increasing attendance by 20%.

Languages

  • French (Intermediate)
  • Spanish (Fluent)
  • Italian (Basic)

6. Attach a cover letter to your graduate CV

A cover letter is essential for landing a job. Some applications may require you to paste it into their applicant system instead of submitting it as a separate document. Either approach works, as long as you adhere to the proper cover letter format.

How to write a graduate cover letter? Hook them in your first paragraph showing your biggest achievement. Next, present how your skills and experience will help you to excel at your job. Remember to include a cover letter ending with a call to action asking to meet or schedule a phone call to discuss the role further.

7. Make your graduate CV template easy on the eyes

Now you know how to write your graduate CV. But, it should also be easy to read and scan. Studies reveal that recruiters often review dozens, if not hundreds, of CVs for a single job opening. To ensure your graduate CV rises to the top of the pile, follow these essential CV formatting rules:

  • Apply a clear CV layout, ordering sections as follows: personal statement, education, skills, work experience.
  • Use clear headings for each section and white space between them to guide their eyes.
  • Use a clear, easy-to-read CV font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Don’t go over one page, it is considered the perfect CV length.
  • Unless you are asked not to, send your CV for graduate students as a PDF.
  • Use our CV builder to do most of the boring work for you, so you can focus on enjoying your last days of being free.

If you don’t hear back after a while, follow up. It’s an expression of interest that might tip the scales.

Tips for an impactful graduate CV

To wrap up, explore these additional tips to ensure your graduate CV adheres to the best CV writing practices:

  1. Use a clear and simple layout:Opt for a clean design with a sans-serif font and straightforward bullet points. Use clear section headings like “Education,” “Skills,” and “Work Experience” to make your CV easy to navigate.
  2. Emphasise key details:Use bold or italic fonts sparingly to draw attention to essential details, such as degree titles, job roles, or achievements, while avoiding unnecessary underlining.
  3. Ensure consistent formatting:Align bullet points, headings, and subheadings consistently. Maintain the same style throughout for a professional appearance.
  4. Tailor your CV to the job description:Identify the key traits and skills mentioned in the job description and ensure your CV reflects them. Use keywords to show you meet the employer's needs.
  5. Be specific and quantify achievements: Use precise language to describe your accomplishments. For instance, instead of stating you have “teamwork skills,” mention a project where you collaborated to achieve specific outcomes.
  6. Show evidence, not opinions: Instead of claiming traits like “hard-working” or “dedicated,” provide examples that prove these qualities, such as academic achievements or voluntary work.
  7. Proofread carefully: Review your CV multiple times to catch errors and refine phrasing. Take a break before proofreading or ask a trusted friend or career advisor for feedback to ensure your CV is error-free and professional.

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

Create your CV nowcv builder

Does that answer your questions on crafting a graduate CV? Was our graduate CV example helpful and easy to follow? And did you find the graduate CV template enjoyable to use? Use the comments section below. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

About the author

LiveCareer UK Editorial Team
LiveCareer UK Editorial Team

Since 2013, the LiveCareer UK team has shared the best advice to help you advance your career. Experts from our UK editorial team have written more than one hundred guides on how to write the perfect CV or cover letter.

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