Student CV Examples, Writing Tips, and Template (2024)

Whether you’re a:

  • High school or college student that’s applying for a job or internship
  • Recent college graduate that wants to use their degree to apply for a new position
  • Seeking a teaching or research position in academia

You’ll need a great student CV to accompany your job application.

Below, we’ve included several CV examples, a template, and writing tips for students, each useful for different situations a job-hunting student may encounter while going to school.

Student CV example

You’re graduating from college soon, and you’ll need to put your university degree to work and get a great position within your field.

However, hiring managers will want you to submit a great student CV with your job application, complete with your academic background, qualifications, and skills to best assess how qualified you are.

Here’s a student CV example for a soon-to-be BA English graduate:

Student CV Examples, Writing Tips, and Template (1)

Download This Student CV Example

High school student resume example

As a high school student, you’re likely applying for your first job, which means you also have little to no work experience.

However, because you’re still a student, many employers won’t expect you to have a lot of experience or professional skills yet. If you can write a great high school resume for your job application, it should be enough to at least earn you an interview for entry-level roles.

Here’s an example of a high school student resume where the writer highlights the skills they do have, and makes the most of their extremely limited experience:

Student CV Examples, Writing Tips, and Template (2) Download This High School Resume Example

Internship resume example

As a student, it’s ideal to have relevant internship experience in your field before you graduate, as employers ultimately want a candidate that has work experience so that they can trust the individual will be prepared to excel in the position they’re applying for.

If you know which company or firm you want to work at, having previous internship experience at that organization can also help you transition to full-time employment once you’ve graduated.

However, because many students recognize the value of internships in preparing them for the professional world, competition for the best ones is fierce. You’ll need to write a clear, targeted resume for your internship that displays your academic background, expertise, and skills if you want a hiring manager to call you in for an interview.

Here’s an example of an well-written internship resume:

Student CV Examples, Writing Tips, and Template (3) Download This Internship Resume Example

Grad school resume example

Getting your master’s degree can be a great way to elevate your resume and career by providing you additional skills and knowledge, and it can provide fantastic networking opportunities.

But a lot of graduate programs have strict vetting processes. You’ll need a grad school resume that showcases your most notable, relevant accomplishments as an undergraduate to impress the admissions committee and secure a spot in your ideal master’s or PhD program.

Here’s an example of a grad school resume that earned its writer admission into their chosen graduate school:

Student CV Examples, Writing Tips, and Template (4) Download This Grad School Resume Example

Academic CV example

Last, we have an academic CV. Academic CVs are used by students in higher education to apply for researching or teaching positions.

Academic CVs are different from other student CVs because they require more information and are thus usually longer than other application documents.

Regardless of length, however, teaching and research positions are hard to come by, often with several similarly-qualified students applying for a single position.

To ensure you include the essential sections and that your qualifications and skills are accurately displayed on your academic CV, follow the formatting of our example below:

Student CV Examples, Writing Tips, and Template (5) Download The Full Academic CV Example

Student CV template

Here’s a Student CV template you can use for a variety of scenarios when applying as a student:

1. Contact Information

FIRST AND LAST NAME

Email|Phone|Address|Linkedin

2. Professional Summary

Soon-to-be graduate with [degree] and [# of years] experience. Strong [set of relevant skills]. Seeking to leverage my [academic background and expertise] to fill [job position] and help achieve [Company’s Name]’s goals.

3. Education

Degree Name / Major
University, Location | Start Date – End

  • List your GPA (if 3.5 and above)
  • Display any honors you have, such as Dean’s list
  • Include any relevant coursework that pertains to the job you’re applying to

4. Relevant Experience

Most Recent Title or Position
Employer Name / Location / Start Year – End Year

  • Include a bulleted list of relevant responsibilities and achievements
  • Quantify your experience by adding numbers to give the hiring manager a better grasp of your experience
  • Be as specific as possible. Use software, tools, or programs names

Previous Title or Position
Employer Name / Location / Start Year – End Year

  • Make sure to use the past tense of verbs if you’re no longer in this position
  • Make sure to include at least three bullet points when detailing experience
  • Use action verbs, instead of phrases such as “responsible for” and “duties included”

5. Skills

  • Include a bulleted list of skills you’ve gained from college, jobs, volunteer, or internship work
  • Consider skills that will be important to have regarding the job you’re applying for
  • Be sure to include a mix of both hard and soft skills

3 tips for writing a CV as a student

Finding a job after university can be difficult, especially if you lack the qualifications and skills necessary for the job you want.

However, you can still impress hiring managers and convey that you’re motivated to learn and the right person for the job with your CV.

To help you get started writing your CV, we’ve included 3 tips for undergraduate job seekers below.

1. Expand upon your education section

Because you’re a recent graduate, you’ll likely be relying on your academic background to land a job.

So ensure you expand upon your resume’s education section by listing any details that are relevant to the job and help you stand out among similarly-qualified applicants.

For example, show you’re a high-achiever by putting cum laude and Dean’s list, your GPA (3.5 and above), and listing awards or scholarships you earned during school. Additionally, make sure you list relevant coursework if it pertains to the position.

Here’s a great example of an education section for a journalist applicant:

Bachelor of Art in English
New York University, New York, NY | 2017 – 2021
Honors: Summa Cum Laude (3.8/4.0)
Dean’s list for 4 consecutive semesters

Relevant Coursework:

  • Non-fiction and creative writing, Modern American literature and culture, News writing, Multicultural writing, Public affairs reporting

2. Use a “relevant experience” section

Since you’re in school, employers won’t expect you to have a lot of experience and qualifications under your belt. But if you have relevant work experience it can make all the difference when searching for a job after graduation.

Instead of using a work experience section, create a “relevant experience section” and only list professional experience directly correlated with the position you’re applying for. This experience may be gathered in a variety of other ways, such as volunteer work or extracurricular activities.

If you have other work experience from when you were younger, such as working in fast food or as a cashier, simply omit those jobs because they’re probably not relevant to the job you want out of college (but if they are, you should list them).

3. Focus on your transferable skills

Regardless of your previous experience, you likely have transferable skills that you can list on your undergraduate CV, especially if you’re an older student going to school with a career change in mind.

Focus on these hard and soft skills when writing your CV. Whether gained at a previous company or during school, they can all help you come off as more qualified in a job application.

Additionally, you can list skills you developed not only in the classroom but also doing extracurricular activities or performing volunteer work.

Here’s a list of skills our entry-level journalist candidate honed in college and on-the-job:

Skills

  • Oral and written communication
  • Research
  • Analytical skills
  • Networking
  • Public speaking
  • Interpersonal skills

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Student CV Examples, Writing Tips, and Template (2024)

FAQs

What to write in your CV if you are a student? ›

Your CV may include some of the following sections:
  • Research Experience. ...
  • Publications. ...
  • Presentations. ...
  • Grants / Awards / Academic Honors. ...
  • Teaching Experience. ...
  • Additional Professional Experience. ...
  • Leadership / Activities / Service / Volunteer Work. ...
  • Professional Memberships or Affiliations.

How do I write a CV for a student with no experience? ›

How to write a great CV with no work experience
  1. Identify your most impressive qualities. via GIPHY. ...
  2. Open with a personal statement. via GIPHY. ...
  3. List skills rather than roles. via GIPHY. ...
  4. Don't forget “obvious” skills. via GIPHY. ...
  5. Treat your extra-curricular activities like jobs. via GIPHY. ...
  6. Play up your degree. ...
  7. Add some personality.

How do I write my first CV as a student? ›

What to put in your first CV
  1. Full name.
  2. Contact details: Address, telephone, email.
  3. Personal statement: (see below)
  4. Key skills (see below)
  5. Education: Where you've studied, for how long, and what grades you got. If you haven't got any results yet, you can put what grades you've been predicted.
  6. Work experience.
Feb 21, 2022

What does a good student CV look like? ›

Simple student CV format

Make sure the layout you use is clear, clean and concise. Use a consistent font face and size. Clearly break up the CV into sections including education and work experience. List the entries in chronological order with the most recent listed first.

What is the best objective for a student CV? ›

Ideally, a student resume objective will provide the hiring manager with three things: applicable skills, education and experience and an explanation of any relevant training. These three items should connect to achieving the company's mission. Objectives are usually two or three sentences long.

How should a high school student make a good CV? ›

Tips for Writing a Good High School Resume
  1. Start early in high school. ...
  2. Build a functional resume. ...
  3. Keep it simple. ...
  4. Use an easy-to-read font and make it look professional. ...
  5. Use action verbs. ...
  6. Be consistent and show commitment. ...
  7. Do not exaggerate. ...
  8. Review other sample resumes.

How do I write a CV for a 16 year old with no experience? ›

If you're like most 16-year-olds and you have no work experience, then do this. Write a list of your skills, strengths and experience. Focus on your education and any extra-curricular activities you participate in, such as sports. Highlight anything that would help you do well on the job you're applying for.

How do you write a winning CV? ›

Pro tips:
  1. Present only your main tasks, experiences and skills that are relevant to the position.
  2. Use bullet points to list your skills and tasks by groups, it will look clearer.
  3. Write short sentences.
  4. Do not go into detail.
  5. Do not write more than 3 pages.

What skills should I put on my CV? ›

What are the best job skills on a resume?
  • Computer proficiency.
  • Leadership experience.
  • Communication skills.
  • Organizational know-how.
  • People skills.
  • Collaboration talent.
  • Problem-solving abilities.
Jul 9, 2022

What to put on CV of a person who has never worked before? ›

Because you do not have work experience, you can focus your resume on the relevant skills you have that align with the role. Use the job description to identify which skills the employer prioritizes. Think about skills gained through school, extracurricular activities or hobbies that you could transfer to this role.

What is a good CV personal statement examples? ›

I am an enthusiastic, self-motivated, reliable, responsible and hard working person. I am a mature team worker and adaptable to all challenging situations. I am able to work well both in a team environment as well as using own initiative. I am able to work well under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines.

What are some examples of objectives for students? ›

Learning goal: “I want students to understand/learn/know the scientific method.” Learning objective: “Students will be able to describe the scientific methods and provide examples of its application.”

What is a skill example? ›

Technical skills: computer skills, programming languages, social media, and enterprise software. Problem-solving skills: creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Customer-service skills: active listening, time management, and prioritization. Interpersonal skills: communication, teamwork, and empathy.

What are good objective examples? ›

General career objective examples

Seeking an entry-level position to begin my career in a high-level professional environment. To secure employment with a reputable company, where I can utilize my skills and business studies background to the maximum. Seeking a challenging career with an MNC.

What are 5 words that describe you? ›

Positive Words to Describe Yourself
PersistentGenuinePatient
WarmheartedLoyalBright
EasygoingAdventurousEmotional
OptimisticAffectionateHonest
VersatileFlexibleLoving
17 more rows
Jan 30, 2023

How do you answer what motivates you? ›

Good answers to the question 'what motivates you?'
  1. meeting deadlines, targets or goals.
  2. mentoring and coaching others.
  3. learning new things.
  4. coming up with creative ideas to improve something, or make something new.
  5. analysing complex data in order to draw clear and simple conclusions.
  6. working well as part of a team.

How do I sell myself on my CV? ›

How to sell yourself on a resume
  1. Use professional contact information. The first step toward standing out when submitting a resume for a job application is to ensure you're providing employers with accurate and professional contact information. ...
  2. Narrow down your credentials. ...
  3. Keep it brief. ...
  4. Emphasize your strengths. ...
  5. Be honest.
May 12, 2022

What does a CV with no experience look like? ›

You can create a killer no-experience resume by emphasizing your education instead. Include relevant internships, soft & hard skills, and projects. Other sections you can include on your resume are hobbies & interests, languages, certifications, or achievements.

How do you write a CV if you have done nothing? ›

What Do You Put on Your Resume When You Have No Work Experience?
  1. Sell Your Skills, Not Your Experience. ...
  2. Showcase Your Volunteer Work or Academic Projects. ...
  3. Write a Killer Cover Letter. ...
  4. Include a Clear Career Goal. ...
  5. Don't Wait for Your References to Be Called.

What should I put for hobbies and interests on my CV? ›

10 Examples of good interests for a CV
  1. Involved in local clubs, classes and groups.
  2. Organising events in the community.
  3. Being involved with charities.
  4. Volunteering at local companies, clubs and organisations.
  5. Attending events, shows and exhibitions.
  6. Participating in fundraising events.
  7. Maintaining a personal blog.

What are the 5 main things your CV should include? ›

Every CV should include the following sections: Contact Information, CV Profile, Work Experience, Education, Skills. Good additional sections to put on a CV are: Certifications, Associations, Languages, Extra Training and Courses, Conferences, Publications, or Awards.

What should you not put on a CV? ›

So here they are, 10 things not to do on your CV:
  • Providing irrelevant personal information. ...
  • Burying important information. ...
  • Spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. ...
  • Unexplained gaps in employment. ...
  • Lying or misleading information. ...
  • Adding references to your CV. ...
  • A long, waffly CV. ...
  • Badly formatted CV.

What is your skill sample answer? ›

Sample Answer: “I have very good organizational and time management skills, but my greatest strength is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines.” Sample Answer: “My strength is my flexibility to handle change.

What are the 6 things that should be included on a resume? ›

Key Elements of a Resume
  • Personal Information. Name Current and Permanent address (may be omitted from a resume posted on the web) ...
  • Objective. In one short sentence summarize your goal for your job search. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Work and Related Experience. ...
  • Awards and Honors. ...
  • Activities/Hobbies. ...
  • Skills. ...
  • References (3-5 people)

How do you write soft skills on a CV? ›

How to List Soft Skills On Your Resume
  1. Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
  2. 5 years of experience in sales.
  3. Strong oral and written communication skills.
  4. Proven ability to lead a team to meet quotas.
  5. Excellent leadership skills.
  6. Experience setting sales goals.

How do you answer you don't have enough experience? ›

Using your own words, try something along the lines of: "I am interested in an entry-level position. I know I have much to learn, and I'm looking for an opportunity that will let me build a solid professional foundation. You say, 'Jump,' I'll ask, 'How high?

What do I put for experience if I never worked? ›

If you have never held a job before, you can substitute the following things for work experience:
  • Internships and/or apprenticeships.
  • Self-employment experience.
  • Volunteer work.
  • Extracurricular clubs and activities.
  • Projects that you've completed through school or other organizations.
Sep 28, 2021

How do you make a student CV on Microsoft Word? ›

Microsoft Curriculum Vitae (CV) Templates for Word
  1. Open Microsoft Word, then click on “New.”
  2. Then, type “curriculum vitae” into the search bar to browse for available templates. ...
  3. Finally, choose the template you want to use, and Word will launch your ready-to-use template.
Jul 19, 2022

What should my first CV look like? ›

As this is your first CV, you should aim to fill one side of A4 comprehensively, but no more than two pages. A personal profile is the place to tell the employer who you are and what you're looking for in no more than four lines. Clearly and simply state your current situation and what type of work you are seeking.

What skills should a 16 year old put on a CV? ›

Skills. It's expected that most 16-year-olds haven't yet gained a lot of work experience, but you can demonstrate how you would add value in a work environment by highlighting your skills. You can mention a variety of skills you've gained at school or through volunteering and extracurricular activities.

How do you write a CV if you dont have word? ›

You can use Google Docs to work on your resume in Windows or Mac or Linux. All you need is a web browser and a gmail account. You can open an MS Word file in Google Docs, or use one of the resume templates available directly through Google Docs.

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