Writing a Graduate CV That Gets Noticed
A recruiter typically spends fewer than 10 seconds on an initial CV scan. For graduates with limited work experience, that means every line has to count. This guide walks you through how to build a CV that clearly communicates your value — even if your work history is thin.
The Right Structure for a Graduate CV
Keep your CV to two pages maximum. Use a clean, readable font (e.g. Calibri, Arial, or Georgia at 10–12pt) with clear section headings. Here's the recommended order:
- Name & Contact Details — Email, phone, LinkedIn URL, location (city is fine — no full address needed)
- Personal Statement — 3–5 lines summarising who you are, what you've studied, and what you're looking for
- Education — Degree, university, classification, relevant modules or final-year project
- Work Experience — Including internships, part-time work, and volunteering
- Skills — Technical and transferable skills
- Achievements & Extracurriculars — Awards, societies, leadership roles, sports
- References — "Available on request" is acceptable
Writing a Strong Personal Statement
This is prime real estate — don't waste it on vague phrases. Avoid: "I am a hardworking and motivated individual..." Instead, be specific:
"Final-year Marketing student at the University of Leeds with hands-on experience in content strategy and data analytics. Seeking a graduate role in digital marketing where I can apply my skills in SEO, campaign management, and consumer research."
How to Describe Your Experience (Even If It's Limited)
Use the CAR method for each bullet point:
- Context — What was the situation?
- Action — What did you specifically do?
- Result — What was the outcome?
Example: "Managed social media accounts for a student society (Action), growing Instagram followers by creating a weekly content calendar (Context), resulting in a 40% increase in event attendance (Result)."
Skills Section: What to Include
| Technical Skills | Transferable Skills |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Office / Google Workspace | Communication |
| Programming languages (Python, R, etc.) | Problem-solving |
| Design tools (Figma, Adobe Suite) | Teamwork & collaboration |
| Data analysis (SPSS, Excel, SQL) | Time management |
| Languages (specify proficiency level) | Leadership |
Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic language — "team player", "good communicator" without evidence means nothing
- Spelling and grammar errors — always proofread, then ask someone else to proofread
- Using one CV for every application — tailor your CV to each job description
- Including a photo — not standard practice in the UK and many other countries
- Listing responsibilities instead of achievements — show impact, not just duties
- Inconsistent formatting — mismatched fonts, bullet styles, or date formats look sloppy
Tailoring Your CV to the Job Description
Mirror the language used in the job posting. If the employer repeatedly uses the word "stakeholder management", use that phrase (if applicable to your experience). Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often scan for keyword matches before a human even sees your application.
One Final Tip
Save your CV as a PDF unless the employer specifically asks for a Word document. This ensures your formatting stays intact across all devices and operating systems.