Crafting A Compelling Cv: A Guide For University Students

As a university student, you may be looking for a part-time role to fund your studies or preparing for your first post-graduate job. Either way, learning how to write a CV is one of the best ways to boost your chances of getting your foot in the door. A CV is a document that summarises your experience, achievements, knowledge and skills. It is often the first chance you have to make an impression on a potential employer, so it's important to get it right. Here are some tips on how to write a CV as a university student.

Contact details

The contact details section of your CV is one of the most important parts as it allows recruiters to reach you. It should include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure that your contact information is up-to-date and in regular use. You don't want to miss a call or email from a recruiter.

It is also important to maintain professionalism in this section. If you don't have a suitable email address for job applications, create one rather than using a personal email address. You can also include the details of your social media accounts, such as LinkedIn and Twitter, especially if you are an international student applying for a job in your home country.

In addition to your contact details, you may want to include a top-line summary about yourself. This should be a few sentences long and can mention some of your key strengths and attributes, especially those that are relevant to the role you are applying for. This section should also highlight your most important skills and how they relate to the role.

Work experience

When writing a CV as a university student, it's important to remember that recruiters want to see how your past roles can translate into success in the position they're hiring for. Even if you have little to no work experience, there are ways to showcase your skills and potential value to the company.

Firstly, consider all the information you can include about your previous jobs or internships. Include basic details such as start and end dates, responsibilities, and achievements. If you don't have any work experience, you can include volunteer work, part-time jobs, or academic projects.

For each role, provide 5-6 core responsibilities with clarity and conciseness. Include 2-3 measurable achievements, such as increasing client brand visibility by 20%. You can also showcase your skills through a qualifications summary or a skills-based CV, which emphasises your qualifications and is ideal if you're new to the industry.

If you have very little experience, focus on your skills and how they relate to the job. Include any positions of responsibility, such as in student societies, and reflect on how you've demonstrated skills in various parts of your life, making them seem relevant to the job.

Content Writer, Creative Sparks, London, UK | 2022 – Present

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• Grew the brand's social media following by 10% in six months through engaging content.
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Education and qualifications

When writing a CV as a university student, it is important to include your education and qualifications. This section is crucial as it provides recruiters with an overview of your academic background and achievements. Here are some tips on how to structure and optimise the "Education and Qualifications" section of your CV:

Structure and Content:

• Begin with the most recent or current qualifications and work backwards. Start with your university education, followed by your high school or secondary school details.
• Include the full name of the qualification, the name of the institution, and the dates you attended. For example: "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, September 2020 – Present".
• Mention any academic honours, awards, or scholarships received during your studies. For instance, "Dean's List, 2021".
• List any relevant coursework, projects, or research that showcases your expertise. For example, "Final-year project: 'The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Society', presented at the ABC Conference".
• If you have not yet graduated, include your expected graduation date.

Formatting and Presentation:

• Use clear and concise formatting to ensure your CV is easy to read. Consider using bullet points or creating distinct sections for each qualification.
• Maintain consistency in formatting throughout your CV, including font style, size, and spacing.
• Ensure your CV is no longer than two pages, unless you are writing an academic CV, which may be longer.
• Include only the most relevant and recent qualifications. You don't need to list every minor certificate or course you've taken.

Remember, the "Education and Qualifications" section is just one part of your CV. Make sure to include other essential sections such as Work Experience, Skills, and Personal Profile to paint a holistic picture of your capabilities and potential.

Skills and achievements

The skills and achievements section is a vital part of your CV. It is where you can showcase your unique strengths and capabilities to a potential employer or recruiter. This section should be detailed and provide specific examples of your skills in action.

Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between hard and soft skills. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that are often technical or related to a particular job, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office, data analysis, or research. Soft skills, on the other hand, are more general and relate to your personality and how you work, such as leadership, communication, or attention to detail. Both types of skills are important to include in your CV.

When describing your skills, it is essential to provide context and specific examples. For instance, if you are applying for a role that requires leadership skills, you could mention a time when you held a leadership position in a student society or a volunteer group. This demonstrates your ability to take initiative and lead a team. Similarly, if you are applying for a role in customer service, you could highlight your communication skills by providing an example of a time when you successfully resolved a customer complaint.

In addition to your work and volunteer experience, you can also draw on your academic life to showcase your skills. For example, if you have written demanding essays or theses, you can highlight your research, analytical, and writing skills. If you have presented to a board or a large group, you can showcase your public speaking and communication skills.

Remember, the skills and achievements section is about quality, not quantity. Avoid simply listing your skills without providing context or examples. Focus on the skills that are most relevant to the role you are applying for and provide detailed explanations of how you have utilised these skills in the past. This will help your CV stand out and make a strong impression on potential employers.

Personal statement

A personal statement is a brief paragraph that sits at the top of your CV, just below your name and contact information. It should be concise, impactful and give recruiters a snapshot of your professional profile and career objectives.

The personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your unique talents and experiences, and to stand out from the crowd. It should be tailored to each role you apply for, highlighting how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

Begin with a short introduction about yourself, your educational background, and any relevant work experience. For example, "I am a recent graduate of English Literature from Hillview University, with five years of work experience in marketing."

The next part of your personal statement should focus on your skills and qualifications, and how they relate to the role you're applying for. For example, "I have excellent written communication skills, which I developed through my degree, and I also have proficiency in Microsoft Office, gained through my previous role as a Marketing Assistant."

Finally, conclude with a sentence or two about your career goals and aspirations, and how the role you're applying for fits into this. For example, "I am now looking to start my career in the exciting world of publishing, where I can further develop my skills and contribute to dynamic projects."

Remember to keep your personal statement concise and direct, avoiding unnecessary explanations. Use a simple, consistent format, and consider getting feedback from friends, family, or a career advisor before submitting.

Frequently asked questions