Many graduates feel they don’t have enough experience to create a strong CV, but in reality, you probably have more relevant experience than you realise. A successful graduate CV is built around what employers want to see, not simply a list of jobs.
How I Structure a Graduate CV
Professional Summary
A clear, tailored overview of who you are and your career direction.
Skills & Competencies
The key skills employers are looking for, supported with real evidence.
Education
Your degree, university and any relevant modules or projects.
Work History
Relevant experience, including part-time roles, internships and placements.
Achievements
Key accomplishments and responsibilities, including those outside formal employment.
Start With the Job You Want
A strong graduate CV begins with a clear goal. We start with the role you want and build your CV to show why you’re a great fit.
More Experience Than You Think
Communication and research
Analysis and problem-solving
Teamwork and organisation
Project and time management
Start With the Job You Want
Achievements help you stand out because they show initiative, commitment and impact, whether in studies, work, volunteering or extracurricular activities.
Part-Time Work Can Be Valuable
Jobs in hospitality, retail, admin or similar roles can demonstrate transferable skills such as customer service, communication and problem-solving.
Your CV Needs to Work for People and Systems
Your graduate CV must make a strong impression on both recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). I ensure it’s structured, keyword-focused and easy to read.
How Long Should a Graduate CV Be?
For most graduates, around two pages is ideal — enough space to show your qualifications, experience, skills and key achievements without unnecessary detail.
Make Your CV Stand Out
Showcase your skills, experience and potential in a clear, focused way.
A Bespoke, Personal Approach
I take the time to understand your background, ambitions and target roles.
Built to Get Results
A focused, professional CV that helps you get noticed and move forward.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Graduate CV FAQs
Answers to common questions about graduate CVs and how I can help.
How do I write a graduate CV if I have little or no experience?
You probably have more relevant experience than you think. Your degree, university projects, part-time work, internships, volunteering, sport, societies and other responsibilities can all provide evidence of useful skills. The important thing is identifying which parts of your experience demonstrate the qualities relevant to the role you want.
When I write a graduate CV, I normally structure it around a professional summary, skills and competencies, education, work history and achievements. The exact emphasis depends on the role you are targeting and the evidence available from your background.
How long should a graduate CV be in the UK?
For most graduates, around two pages is appropriate. The more important point is that those two pages contain the right information and demonstrate why you are suitable for the position.
How can I make my graduate CV stand out?
A graduate CV stands out when it contains relevant evidence rather than generic statements. Showing where you have demonstrated leadership, communication, organisation, problem solving, responsibility and other relevant qualities is much stronger than simply claiming you possess those skills.
Should I tailor my graduate CV for every job?
Yes. Your background remains the same, but the emphasis should change according to the role. I start by considering what the proposed employer is likely to want and then identify the relevant evidence from your education, employment and wider experience. That makes the CV much more targeted than sending the same document to every employer.
Ready to Create a Graduate CV That Properly Represents You?
Let's turn your studies, experience and potential into a strong, focused CV that gets you noticed.