Graduate CV Writing Tips
Exciting Careers for Graduates
We can find the right job for you. Register a Graduate Account and we will contact you about the services we can offer you as a graduate.
The most important thing you must remember when creating your CV is that it is NOT designed to get you a job, it is designed to get you an interview. It must SELL you and your skills. Structuring your CV effectively will guarantee employers take you seriously!
Structuring a Graduate CV
Personal Details
- Name
- Address - Home (and Term if you are studying)
- Telephone Number - mobile and home
- Email Address
Personal Profile
- A brief introduction to yourself
- 5/6 lines describing your main skills and how they are relevant to the type of work you are looking for.
- Makes your CV stand out and allows the person reading it to see your suitability right away
Education
- Degree/HND - details of your course(s),dates, modules, projects etc
- A Levels or equivalent - Title and Grade
- GCSE's or equivalent - 1 short line e.g. "9 GCSEs, grades A-C including Maths, Science and English"
Work Experience
- Always put the most recent first. Pick the most relevant bits if the experience isn't directly related to the type of role you are looking for I.e. "The role was customer facing"
- Always use positive comments
- Never say bad things about a job or an old employer
Interests and Hobbies
- Keep your interests and hobbies sensible and tasteful!
- Be honest - it is likely that you will be asked about these at an interview
Other Details
These are optional pieces of information that you may or may not want to add.
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Driving Licence
- Car Owner
References
- Interviewers will normally request 2 references. If you have only just finished studying it is acceptable to have 1 Tutor and 1 Employer
- If you have room put the referee contact details on the CV, if not just put "Available on Request"
Points to Remember
- As a fresh graduate, a degree is paramount.
- A quality CV is easy to read and clearly shows your strengths and abilities
- Always put your best points first
- Always use positive wording and phrasing
- Present what the Employer wants to see
- Keep your CV concise - 2 pages is adequate for a fresh or recent graduate
- Keep your CV tidy - bullet points are better than long lines and paragraphs
Building Your CV
Click here to see example templates of Graduate CV's