How to write a student CV

Choosing the right CV format

Navigating the world of CV formats can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. But fear not! For students, the chronological or combination format is usually your best bet.

A chronological CV presents your experience in reverse time order, starting with your most recent role. This is ideal if you have a consistent work history or want to emphasize career progression.

The combination format, on the other hand, blends the chronological approach with a dedicated skills section at the beginning. This allows you to showcase key skills relevant to the job, even if your practical experience is still building. Think of it as a hybrid approach, offering the best of both worlds.

A functional CV, while an option, is generally less favoured by recruiters as it can obscure your career progression.

The core sections to include in your student CV

Building a strong CV is like constructing a well-designed building: it requires a solid foundation and carefully arranged components. Here’s a blueprint of the essential sections:

Contact Information:

• Full Name: Use your full, professional name. Avoid nicknames or abbreviations. Make sure it’s consistent across all your professional platforms.
• Phone Number: Provide a mobile number where you can be easily reached. Double-check that your voicemail message is professional and up-to-date.
• Email Address: Use a professional-sounding email address, ideally based on your name.
• LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional): If you have a complete and professional LinkedIn profile, including the link can be beneficial.
• Location: Your city and region are sufficient.

Personal Statement/Summary/Profile:

This concise paragraph (3-4 sentences) at the top of your CV is your chance to make a strong first impression. It should summarise your key skills, experience, and career aspirations.

• Example (Limited Experience): Highly motivated and enthusiastic undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the University of XXX. Eager to gain practical experience in software development and contribute to innovative projects. Possesses strong problem-solving skills, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for learning new technologies. Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Example (Some Experience): Proactive and results-oriented Marketing student with proven experience in social media management and content creation. Seeking an internship to leverage marketing skills and contribute to a dynamic team. Demonstrated ability to increase engagement and drive results through targeted campaigns. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a passion for brand building and digital marketing.

Education:

• University Name: List the full, official name of your university. Include the city and country if you are applying internationally.
• Degree: State your full degree title (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Biology). Mention any specialisations or concentrations.
• Expected Graduation Date: Include the month and year of your expected graduation.
• Relevant Modules: List modules relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Grades (if applicable and high): If your grades are consistently high, include these too, especially those relevant to the role.

Work Experience (Even if Limited):

• Job Title: Clearly state your role and responsibilities. Be specific and use strong action verbs.
• Company Name: Provide the full name of the company and a brief description of their industry or services.
• Dates of Employment: Include the month and year for both start and end dates. For ongoing roles, use “Present” as the end date.
• Responsibilities and Achievements: Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Focus on transferable skills. Even seemingly unrelated jobs (e.g., retail, hospitality) can demonstrate valuable skills like customer service, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving.

Remember, any experience you have is worth including on your CV, no matter how small. You can include part-time jobs, any times you volunteered for a good cause, any extracurricular activities you have taken on, and even relevant academic projects. The focus should be on your transferable skills.

Skills:

Categorise your skills into relevant groups (e.g., Technical Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Leadership Skills). Provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in different contexts.

Awards and Recognition (Optional):

Include any relevant awards, scholarships, academic recognitions, or other achievements. Provide context and explain the significance of the award.

Extracurricular Activities/Interests (Optional):

This section can showcase your personality, interests, and passions, especially if you have limited work experience. Focus on activities that demonstrate relevant skills, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, or problem-solving. Provide specific examples and highlight your contributions.

References:

“References available upon request” is usually sufficient. Prepare a list of references with their contact information in advance, in case they are requested.

Focus on transferable skills:

Even without formal work experience, you possess valuable transferable skills. Think about school projects, teamwork in sports or clubs, volunteering, hobbies, or even managing your personal finances. Highlight how these experiences have developed skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management.

Showcase academic achievements:

Leverage your academic projects, coursework, and grades to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Describe relevant projects, highlighting your contributions and the skills you developed. If your grades are strong, mention this, as well as specific module marks.

Highlighting extracurricular activities and volunteering:

Present these experiences effectively, focusing on the skills gained and how they relate to the job requirements. Quantify your achievements whenever possible and provide specific examples of your contributions. Volunteering demonstrates your commitment to helping others and can highlight valuable skills like teamwork, communication, and empathy.

Creating a skills-based CV (Functional CV):

This format focuses on your skills rather than work history, making it a potential option for those with very limited experience. However, be aware that some employers may prefer a chronological format. If you choose a skills-based CV, ensure it clearly presents your abilities and how they align with the job requirements.

For a helpful student CV template, check out this resource: https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/cvs-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-student-cv.

Alternatively, you can use online builders such as VisualCV, Canva, Kickresume or Enhancv.

Further Resources: For more help on how to write a CV, visit: https://www.ucas.com/careers-advice/how-write-cv For help on writing a CV with little or no experience, visit: https://www.york.ac.uk/students/work-volunteering-careers/apply-interview/cv/little-experience/

A strong CV is your foundation for career success. It’s your opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and potential to prospective employers. By following the tips and resources in this guide, you can create a compelling CV that sets you apart from the competition and opens doors to exciting opportunities.

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