How to Write a Graduate CV/Resume

Your graduate CV should showcase your academic achievements, transferable skills from internships or university projects, and a genuine enthusiasm to kick-start your career—highlighting your potential to add value in a professional setting.

Graduating is a milestone worth celebrating—but what’s next?
As a new graduate entering the job market, you bring fresh knowledge, enthusiasm, and untapped potential. However, without a well-crafted graduate CV, you risk being overlooked by employers.

This guide, packed with graduate CV tips and real examples, will show you how to showcase your education, transferable skills, and any relevant experience (yes, even part-time jobs count). Let’s create a CV that helps you take your first step onto the career ladder.

How to begin writing your graduate CV, step-by-step

Learn how to write an interview-winning graduate CV with this easy step-by-step guide.
Starting your career can feel daunting, but a well-written graduate CV is your first opportunity to stand out to employers. It should highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and transferable skills—all the qualities that show you’re ready to thrive in the workplace.

This guide will help you showcase your strengths, even if you have limited work experience, and walk you through creating a graduate CV that grabs the attention of hiring managers—even if it’s your very first one.

What is the correct structure for your Graduate CV?

A strong graduate CV needs a clear, well-organised structure that highlights your potential—think polished and purposeful, without the stress of dissertation deadlines.
Here’s how to structure your graduate CV for maximum impact:

• Name and Contact Details – Place these at the top so employers can reach you easily. A photo is optional and not typically required in UK-based CVs.
• Personal Profile – Also known as a personal statement, this short introduction should outline who you are, your career goals, and any relevant academic or professional experience.
• Core Skills – Feature key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, or problem-solving—along with examples of when you’ve used them.
• Education – As a recent graduate, your qualifications are your strongest asset. Include your most recent degrees with details like relevant modules, key projects, dissertations, or grades.
• Work Experience – Whether it’s part-time work, internships, or volunteering, include it all

How should you format a Graduate CV?

Your graduate CV should be as clear and well-structured as your best set of lecture notes—yes, the colour-coded ones.
Even the most capable graduates can be overlooked if their CV is messy or difficult to scan. Great formatting helps your CV stand out for the right reasons. Avoid common layout mistakes and follow these tips to make a strong first impression:

• Use bullet points – Break up text to make key achievements and responsibilities easy to digest. Well-placed icons can add a subtle visual boost.
• Divide sections clearly – Use bold, consistent headings to guide recruiters through each part of your CV.
• Choose a clean, professional font – Stick with easy-to-read fonts and maintain consistent formatting throughout.
• Keep it concise – Aim for a maximum of two pages, giving enough space to showcase your education, skills, and experience without overwhelming the reader.

Graduate CV profile

Your CV profile, or personal statement, is your opportunity to make a strong first impression. In just 6-8 lines, you’ll need to highlight your academic achievements, transferable skills, and career aspirations.

For a graduate CV, this section should showcase your potential, detailing any relevant work experience—both paid and unpaid—and explaining why you’re interested in the roles you’re applying for. This is your chance to quickly demonstrate why you’re a great fit for the position and catch the recruiter’s attention.

Graduate CV profile example

Profile 1

A results-driven Business Graduate holding a 2:1 degree in Business Management from the University of Birmingham. Proficient in market analysis, project coordination, and data interpretation, with hands-on experience in both the retail and financial sectors. Eager to leverage analytical expertise and strong organisational skills in a dynamic, fast-paced business environment.

Profile 2

Detail-oriented Engineering Graduate with a First-Class degree in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London. Skilled in CAD software, problem-solving, and project management, with practical experience gained through academic projects and an internship in the automotive industry. Seeking to apply technical expertise and drive innovation in cutting-edge engineering solutions.

What to Include in Your Graduate CV Profile

When crafting your Graduate CV profile, make sure to include the following key details:

• Your Education – Mention the university or institution where you earned your degree.
• Top Qualifications – Highlight your degree, any relevant coursework, or academic achievements. If you’re yet to graduate, include your predicted grades.
• Key Skills – Showcase transferable skills like research, problem-solving, and teamwork that are valuable in any professional setting.
• Work Experience – Don’t worry if your work experience is limited. Include any relevant experience, such as internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
• Career Aspirations – Briefly state the type of role or industry you’re targeting, demonstrating your focus and ambition.
• Projects and Extracurriculars – Highlight any projects or extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, initiative, or relevant skills.

These elements will give recruiters a well-rounded view of your potential, even if you’re just starting your career journey.

Core Skills Section

Your core skills section is a brief yet impactful overview of your key abilities, offering recruiters a snapshot of what you bring to the table.

Draw on transferable skills gained during your time as a student, through part-time jobs, or from extracurricular activities. For example, time management honed while preparing for exams or teamwork developed through group projects are valuable skills that employers seek.
Focus on specific, measurable skills rather than generic terms like “good problem solver.” Instead, provide concrete examples of how you’ve demonstrated these abilities. Tailor your core skills to align with the job description, highlighting those that are most relevant to the role.

Most Valuable Skills for a Graduate CV

• Research and Analysis – Conducting in-depth research and synthesising data into actionable insights.
• Time Management – Effectively balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and tight deadlines.
• Presentation Skills – Delivering engaging, well-structured presentations to diverse audiences.
• Technical Proficiency – Skilled in tools like Microsoft Office, data analysis software, or programming languages.
• Team Collaboration – Working efficiently in group settings to achieve common goals.
• Creative Problem-Solving – Developing innovative solutions to both academic and real-world challenges.
• Leadership – Leading teams or student societies to organise events or manage projects.
• Report Writing – Creating clear, concise reports on complex subjects.
• Adaptability – Thriving in dynamic environments and quickly mastering new skills.

These key skills demonstrate your ability to add value in any professional setting and should be tailored to highlight your strengths in relation to the specific job you’re applying for.

Education Section

The education section is a vital part of your Graduate CV, showcasing your academic background and qualifications.

Include your degree, key modules, dissertation topics, and any relevant coursework that demonstrates your expertise. As a graduate, focus on your most recent and relevant qualifications, and summarise earlier ones like your GCSEs. List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent, to highlight your most significant academic achievements first.

Example education sections:

Example 1:

Education

MSc Data Science (Distinction)
University College London (UCL) | 2022–2023
Key modules: Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Data Visualisation
Thesis: Developed a predictive modelling framework for renewable energy systems, awarded with distinction.

BSc (Hons) Business Management – First Class Honours
University of Leeds | 2020–2023
Key modules: Strategic Management, Data Analytics, Marketing Principles
Dissertation: Analysed the impact of digital transformation on small businesses, achieving distinction.

A-Levels
Leeds Sixth Form College | 2018–2020
Subjects: 3 A-Levels (Grades A–B)

GCSEs
Leeds High School | 2016–2018
9 GCSEs, grades A*–D

Example 2

Education

BA (Hons) English Literature – Upper Second Class (2:1)
University of Manchester | 2020–2023
Key modules: Contemporary Fiction, Creative Writing, Literary Theory
Dissertation: Explored representations of identity in postcolonial literature, awarded a high 2:1.

A-Levels
Manchester Sixth Form College | 2018–2020
English Literature (A), History (B), Sociology (B)

GCSEs
Manchester High School | 2016–2018
10 GCSEs, grades A–C

What to Include in Your Education Section:

Your education section is one of the most important parts of a graduate CV, so it’s worth getting right. For each qualification, be sure to include:

• Qualification and Institution – Clearly state what you studied and where (e.g. BA English Literature, University of Manchester).
• Dates Attended – List the years you studied, from start to finish.
• Key Details – For your most recent and relevant qualifications, include brief highlights such as key modules, projects, dissertations, or coursework. These details can demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and experience you bring to the roles you’re applying for.

Tailoring this section to reflect what’s most relevant to your target jobs can really help your graduate CV stand out to recruiters.

Top qualifications to showcase on a Graduate CV

Bachelor’s Degree – A core academic qualification that highlights your subject knowledge, critical thinking, and commitment to learning.

Master’s Degree – Demonstrates advanced expertise and deeper specialisation in your chosen field.

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) – Recognised certification that proves your proficiency in key Microsoft Office applications, such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Google Data Analytics Certificate – Hands-on training in data collection, analysis, and visualisation, ideal for roles requiring analytical and technical skills.

Work Experience

Your work experience section is where you showcase your employability, even if your experience is limited to part-time jobs or internships. Include any relevant experience, no matter how small, and highlight the key responsibilities and skills you’ve gained from each role.

List your positions in reverse chronological order, but feel free to make exceptions for particularly relevant past roles that align with the job you’re applying for. If you’re just starting out and have no formal work experience, don’t worry! University projects, internships, volunteering, and even part-time or weekend jobs are all valuable experiences to include. These demonstrate your work ethic, transferable skills, and ability to contribute to a professional setting.

How to structure jobs

• Outline – Start with a brief overview of the institution, your role, and the scope of your responsibilities.
• Responsibilities – Highlight key tasks such as customer service, research support, or event coordination. Use action verbs like “supported,” “organised,” or “delivered” to demonstrate your contributions.
• Achievements – Focus on the results you achieved, such as meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations, or streamlining processes. Whenever possible, include numbers or specific metrics to make your impact more tangible.

This approach will help your work experience stand out and show how you added value in each role.

Example jobs for Graduates

Business Intern | University of Leeds

Outline
Completed a business consultancy project as part of a final-year module, working closely with a local SME to enhance operational efficiency and align strategy with business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Conducted comprehensive market analysis and competitor benchmarking to uncover growth opportunities.
• Developed an in-depth business plan incorporating financial projections and strategic marketing initiatives.
• Delivered a presentation of findings to senior stakeholders, receiving commendation for insightful and actionable recommendations.
• Collaborated effectively with a team of five peers, ensuring seamless communication and efficient task delegation.
• Produced a detailed final report, securing one of the highest marks in the module.

Achievements

• Recommended process optimisations that significantly improved the client company’s operational efficiency.
• Recognised with the “Best Consultancy Project” award in the final year.
• Earned praise from the client for providing actionable, data-driven solutions that directly addressed their business challenges.

Research Intern | King’s College London

Outline
Engaged in a three-month summer research internship, supporting a study on workplace psychology and employee engagement, contributing to a deeper understanding of organisational behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Designed and distributed surveys to collect quantitative data from participants, ensuring robust data integrity.
• Conducted statistical analysis using SPSS and R, identifying key trends and correlations relevant to the study’s objectives.
• Synthesised research findings into a comprehensive report, playing an integral role in the final publication process.
• Delivered a presentation of the results during a departmental seminar, engaging faculty and peers in meaningful discussions.
• Collaborated with the research team to ensure full adherence to ethical guidelines throughout the study.

Achievements

• Enhanced survey response rates by 20% through targeted participant engagement strategies.
• Contributed to a research paper that was successfully published in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Commended by the supervisor for exceptional analytical and organisational skills, demonstrating a strong aptitude for research and collaboration.

Additional info

For graduates, the additional info section is a great way to make your CV stand out, especially if you’re light on formal work experience.
This section gives you the chance to highlight extracurricular activities, personal achievements, or hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills or align with the role you’re aiming for.

Great examples of additional info for a Graduate CV include:

This approach helps show employers the broader range of qualities you bring to the table, beyond academic qualifications and work experience.

Good additional info for Graduates:

• Hobbies and Interests – Highlight activities that reflect key traits such as creativity, leadership, or commitment. For example, if you’re applying for a writing role, mention any blogs you run; if it’s a team-based role, consider referencing competitive sports or team activities.
• Extracurricular Achievements – Include any involvement in university societies, competitions, or notable awards that demonstrate initiative and teamwork.
• Volunteer Work – Showcase any community service or charity work that highlights your values and proactive attitude.
• Language Skills – If you’re applying for a role that could benefit from multi-lingual abilities, be sure to mention your language skills.
• Side Projects or Personal Initiatives – Share any independent learning, certifications, or personal projects that demonstrate a commitment to developing your skills.

This section can help position you as a well-rounded candidate, bringing added value beyond your academic and work experience.

Additional info examples:

Hobbies and Interests

• Creative Writing – Strengthening storytelling and editing skills through the publication of short stories.
• Running a Fashion Blog – Gaining expertise in SEO and social media marketing, successfully growing the blog to over 500 monthly readers.
• Volunteering – Actively involved in organising weekly food drives, enhancing event coordination and communication skills while contributing to the local community.

Software Skills

• Microsoft Office – Proficient in Excel, where I created a dynamic financial tracking sheet to support budget analysis.
• Adobe Illustrator – Designed promotional graphics for a charity event, boosting online engagement by 20%.

Languages

• English – Delivered presentations and produced professional reports during work placements, demonstrating strong communication skills.
• Hindi – Provided customer service in a multilingual retail environment, contributing to improved customer satisfaction.

This section effectively highlights key skills, achievements, and volunteer experience in a concise and professional manner.

That comes to the end of this guide. As always good luck with your job search!

If you have any questions or want to discuss your career goals, job struggles or your current CV, feel free to drop me an email to book a free 30 minute consultation:

hello@kickstart-cv.com