School leavers and students do not have much work experience that they can put on their CV. This makes it more of a challenge for them to stand out from those that do. However on the positive side employers realize this and will take it into account when looking at job application from a student or graduate.
This is a resource page intended to help a school or college leaver write a professional eye catching CV. Learn how to focus their curriculum vitae on those things they are good at, are relevant to the job they are applying for and can prove.
Student CV examples for various roles
On this page there are 50 professionally written resume examples that have been created from the perspective of a student who has no work experience.
They are targeted at various roles, and will give you a good idea of how to design and focus your resume at a specific job. Click on the templates to see the full PDF version.
MORE ENTRY LEVEL RESUME TEMPLATES
How to write a student CV
Remember a CV should be aimed at getting you invited to a interview, not the actual job. To do this and maximise your chances of getting noticed by a hiring manager write a new resume specifically for the vacancy you are applying to. Try not to send the same CV to every job.
If you do not have much work experience but have good academic results then place your education at the top of your CV. However if your work experience is far more relevant than your education then place this at the top.
Stress how you can be an advantage to potential employers. For instance by mentioning and demonstrating your self motivation, communication skills, industry knowledge and ability to learn quickly and work hard.
What to focus on in your CV
Student CV writing tips:
- Do not criticize your previous or present employers.
- Do not lie about or exaggerate your skills, abilities or academic qualifications.
- Keep it short, concise, clear and no longer than two pages.
- Never send the first draft of your CV, always go over it a few times re-writing it and redrafting it to make sure get it right.
- Proof read and check for spelling mistakes.
- Mention your ability to work as part of a team.
- In your CV insert and highlight industry keywords that relate to the vacancy you are applying for.
Education
In their CVs students should focus on the academic qualifications they have gained at school or college. Start with the names of your places of education, most recent first. Then include subject options taken in each year of your course. Include any special projects, thesis, or dissertation work.
Interests, hobbies and other information
List activities that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Specifically mention those that demonstrate your leadership, responsibility or social skills. Mention if you have a driving license or know any foreign languages.
Research the employer
Another good way to get noticed is to research the employer and see if they had issued any press releases or been in the news. Then mention this is in the cover letter or CV.
References
Find two referees who are willing to give you a positive reference. You do not need to give the actual details on your CV. Simple statement like ‘References available on request’ will do.
Voluntary work
In you have done any unpaid work then details of these of this. It can strengthen your CV and demonstrates that you are a responsible and eager person.
Related: Volunteer work experience in a CV
More tips on getting a student job
A covering letter
If done correctly this can be a big bonus. It is you chance to directly and personally communicate with the hiring manager. Do not repeat what you have already put in your CV, instead in a maximum of four paragraphs mention why you feel you are the best candidate for the vacancy.
Address the covering letter to the actual person who has advertised the vacancy, thereby ensuring that it lands in front of the right person.
To help you write it keep a copy of the job advert in front of you and refer to the skills and criteria that the recruiter is looking for. Then explain and match your skills to fit the job requirements.
Call the company up after sending in your CV
About a week after sending in your application call up the company and ask to speak to the HR department. Politely explain to them that you want to check that they have received your job application. Doing this will bring you to the hiring managers attention and hopefully help to get you invited to that all important interview.
Student resource links
Graduate CV