Graduate CV Template

We know that creating your first CV after graduating university can be a difficult task, especially if you’re looking for your first ever professional position. Don’t panic if you don’t have a lot of work experience relating to the industry that you’re applying for; employers understand that the majority of graduates don’t have a lot of work experience. What employers are looking for in graduates is potential, ambition, work ethic and a new perspective.

Graduates should view their CV as the opportunity to highlight to prospective employers their successful qualifications, education, communication, writing and skills learnt during their time in school and university. Graduates should also compensate for their lack of work experience by showing an in-depth understanding of the target industry on their CV.

If you’ve recently graduated and are seeking help and advice on your CV before applying to graduate roles, simply copy our graduate CV template and follow our examples for guidance.

 

Graduate CV template

 

Full name

Current permanent address

Contact number

Email address

 

Tip: Don’t include date of birth, national insurance number, gender or any other personal data that is unrelated to your ability to do the job (unless required to on an application form).

 

Personal statement

Tip: This is a brief overview of who you are, your strengths and any work experience and/or temp jobs you’ve had. Include examples of responsibility you’ve gained during your studies such as time management, customer service, teamwork, computer skills etc. For example: "Team captain of the football team or member of the school summer fair committee."

Example:

As a recent graduate with a degree in English from Bath University, I have work experience in both customer service and retail and as Editor of Bath University student blog and magazine. I’m looking to start my career in Journalism in a role where I can build on the skills gained at University and work experience.

Education

Tip: List your most recent education first and once you have more work experience this section will move to after work experience.

Example:

• BSc. Physics, Grade 2:2, Central Brookside University, Sept 2009 – July 2012
• A levels: English (B), Geography (C), Media (C), General Studies (D), Hollyoaks Sixth Form College, Chester, Sept 2007 – July 2009

Work experience

Tip: Include any work you have undertaken, whether part-time or voluntary, highlighting your responsibilities and the skills and experience acquired: time management, team work, negotiating, organisation, customer relationship management etc. Start with your most recent first.

Example:

Accounts Assistant, Goliath National Bank, June 2011 – Sept 2011

Three months in the Accounts department of a major high street bank.

Responsibilities included:

• Reconciling invoices and receipts
• Assisting with monthly accounts reporting
• Processing staff expenses

 

Part-time shop assistant, Help the Needy Charity Shop, June 2010 – Apr 2011

Responsibilities included:

• Gained experience in cashiering
• Responsible for the provision of in-store customer service
• Assisted with stock replenishment

 

Weekend bartender at Premier Sleep Hotel, Dec 2010 – Feb 2011

Responsibilities included:

• Actively involved with order taking and cashiering
• Gained experience mixing and service drinks at the bar

Additional skills 

Tip: Include skills and achievements that are relevant to the job you are applying for and place you in a positive light.

Example: 

• Leadership: Captained the Debating team at University
• Teamwork: Played Rugby at University level for three years
• IT skills: Fully proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint), basic HTML skills
• Languages: Intermediate French, basic German

 

References available on request

Tip: Don’t include names and contact details on a CV (although application forms may ask for this.) Always seek permission from a reference before passing their details on to a recruiter or potential employer. 

 

What’s next?

Upload your CV and set up a job alert with Fish4jobs, and be the very first to hear about hundreds of graduate vacancies.