How to Write a Strong CV

Your CV is often your first impression with an employer. For graduates, it’s less about extensive experience and more about demonstrating potential, transferable skills, and a clear sense of direction. A well-structured, tailored CV can significantly improve your chances of securing interviews.

Keep It Clear and Concis

Aim for 1–2 pages maximum. Recruiters typically scan CVs quickly, so clarity matters. Use a clean, professional layout; stick to a simple font (e.g., Arial, Calibri); use bullet points instead of long paragraphs; keep formatting consistent throughout.

PRO TIP : Tailor every application to the specific keywords in the job description to pass ATS filters.

Summary

Structure Your CV Effectively - A strong graduate CV should include: Contact Details (Full name, Phone number, Professional email address, LinkedIn profile). Personal Profile: A short paragraph (3–4 lines) summarising who you are, what you’ve studied, what roles you’re aiming for, and key strengths.

PRO TIP: Lead each bullet with a strong action verb and a clear result to show impact.

Academics & Skills

For the education section, list your most recent qualifications first by including the degree, university, dates, and key modules while mentioning academic successes. In the work history part, cover internships or volunteering by focusing on results. Finally, outline your technical and soft skills.

PRO ADVICE: Quantify your results. Numbers provice concrete proof of your impact to recruiters.

Grammar Errors

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Spelling and Grammar Errors - Even small mistakes can create a negative impression. Always proofread. Overloading with Information - Including everything you’ve ever done makes your CV harder to read. Be selective.

Errors to Watch Out For

Simple Clichés

Being Too Vague - Statements like “good team player” need supporting evidence. Use an unprofessional email address? Stick to something simple (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com). Lack of Structure - Messy formatting reduces readability.

CV Layout Samples

Role Example

Marketing Assistant June 2023 – August 2024

The Graduate Project

Supported the planning and delivery of social media campaigns, contributing to a 20% increase in engagement
Conducted basic market research and competitor analysis to inform campaign decisions
Assisted in creating content for email newsletters and website updates
Collaborated with team members to meet tight campaign deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Personal Statement Example

Recent Business Management graduate with experience balancing academic work alongside part-time retail, developing strong communication and time management skills. Completed a final-year project analysing customer behaviour, strengthening data interpretation and problem-solving abilities. Known for taking initiative in group work and consistently meeting deadlines under pressure.

Extra Tips

Things Candidates Often Miss: Transferable Skills from Non-Relevant Jobs (Retail, hospitality, or part-time work can demonstrate communication, problem-solving, and time management). University Projects: Valuable for showing real-world problem-solving and industry tools.

Want Better CV Results?

Bonus Tip: Think Like a Recruiter - Ask yourself: “If I had 10 seconds to review this CV, what would stand out?” Make sure the answer is: Relevant skills, Clear direction, Evidence of potential. Keywords for ATS: Including keywords from the job description helps your CV get seen.

Formatting Tips That Make a Difference: Use consistent spacing and alignment; avoid excessive colours or graphics; keep margins balanced; use bold for headings, not overuse elsewhere. Final Checklist Before Submitting: Is it tailored? Is it easy to scan?