ToC

Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.

Graduate CV template (text format)

FORENAME & SURNAME

phone: 07123 456 789 | email: professional-email@email.com | location: Town/City, Postcode | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/your-profile

GRADUATE CV PERSONAL STATEMENT

Recent [Degree Title] graduate with hands-on experience in [Experience]. Seeking to leverage my skills in [Relevant Abilities] to fill the [Position Title] position at [Company Name]. Recently completed an [Internship/Work Placement] at [Company Name] where I honed my [Skill], [Skill], and [Skill] skills. A [Adjective #1] and [Adjective #2] worker aiming to contribute to [Company Name]’s success.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Volunteer Role Title (e.g. Volunteer Legal Advisor)
Company/Organisation Name, Town/City
Month 20XX–Month 20XX

  • Use the present tense for your current [Volunteer Job Title] role or past tense for a former volunteer role
  • Include a bulleted list of your achievements as a volunteer
  • Start each bullet point with an action verb (like ‘develop’ or ‘manage’) to grab attention
  • Use hard numbers when possible to quantify your accomplishments as a [Volunteer Job Title]
  • Mention how you’ve used some of the [Industry] skills listed in your skills section to demonstrate that you really have these abilities

Internship Job Title (e.g. Translation Intern)
Company/Organisation Name, Town/City
Month 20XX–Month 20XX

  • List relevant accomplishments from your previous role as a [Intern Job Title]
  • Assuming you’re no longer working in this [Intern Job Title] role, use past tense verbs to describe your work
  • Include 3–6 bullet points for each [Industry] role, both your current one and previous ones
  • Skip the pronoun ‘I’ and begin directly with a verb
  • Because you’re a graduate, feel free to include [Industry]-relevant extracurricular activities if you lack work internship experience

KEY SKILLS

  • List skills relevant to the [Job Title] job you’re applying for
  • Look at the job advert for ideas of the skills the employer wants and that are common in the [Industry] sector
  • Emphasise hard/technical skills in this section
  • Be as specific as possible by including names of [Industry]-relevant tools, equipment, and software you’ve mastered

EDUCATION

University Name, Town/City (20XX-20XX)
Course Type & Title, Degree Classification (1st/2:1/2:2/3rd)
Relevant Units: List uni classes you took that have prepared you for the graduate role, separated by commas
Dissertation Topic: Dissertation Title

[Name] Secondary School (20XX-20XX)
A-Levels: Subject 1 (A), Subject 2 (A), Subject 3 (A)
GCSEs: # Grades 9–4 including Maths, English, & ICT

QUALIFICATIONS

  • List any [Industry] qualifications or certifications you hold relevant to the role or graduate scheme you’re applying for
  • Remember to include the issuing authority, the date of issue, and the date of expiry (if there is one)

OPTIONAL SECTIONS

  • Include any optional sections you think will make a positive impact on your job application
  • Such sections may include language skills useful in the role, voluntary work, and industry professional development in the field you’re graduating from
  • Don’t include a references section or say ‘References Available Upon Request’. It takes up space you can use to argue you’re the right candidate for the graduate role, and the employer will ask for your references later if they take your application forward

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

  • Add 3–6 hobbies you take part in outside of your studies
  • The aim is to show you have a well-rounded personality
  • Consider hobbies that use skills you can apply in the [Industry] industry or to the [Job Title] role (e.g. volunteering for the Citizens Advice Bureau shows legal consultation skills)

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.

We’ve prepared eight CV examples for you, so no matter what you studied and to which level, you can take inspiration from one of our graduate CV samples. Let’s get started.

1. Engineering graduate CV example

Engineering specialities differ: you may be a civil engineer, mechanical engineer, or aerospace engineer. Here’s a chemical engineering graduate CV example that should provide ideas no matter your field:

A blue colour scheme used on an engineering graduate CV example that uses pops of colour to draw attention to key information.
Download this CV example to edit in Microsoft Word.

Here’s why this CV for an engineering graduate would make a great impression on employers:

  • Uses elements that stand out: This example uses button elements to help key information stand out, like contact details and key skills.
  • Has international experience: The candidate has worked in both the UK and Ireland, which highlights their dynamism and ability to adapt to new environments and situations.
  • Makes use of a one-column design: Simple CV templates often use one column. These designs are much easier and less fiddly to fill in, saving you time.

2. Science graduate CV example

There are many fields of science, but here’s a bioinformatics science CV example for you to glean ideas from:

A science graduate CV example with a prominent skills section that employs skills bars to rate each skill.
Download this CV example to edit in Microsoft Word.

There are a few reasons why this science graduate’s CV is likely to get them the job they’re after:

  • Rates each skill: This applicant includes six hard skills on their CV, and rates all of them objectively so employers can see where the applicant might hit the ground running and where they might need some training. This level of honesty can endear you to employers.
  • Uses a bold colour scheme: Ensure employers don’t lose your CV in a pile of applications by using a bold yet professional colour scheme like this enticing red.
  • Impresses despite short experience entries: With only voluntary work and internships under their belt, this applicant still manages to impress with strong bullet points that feature numbers.

3. Accounting graduate CV example

A career in accounting can be prosperous and fulfilling. To get onto that accounting graduate scheme you’ve been eyeing, consider how this applicant has written their CV:

An accounting graduate CV example which opts for a conservative black, grey, and white colour scheme for this traditional industry.
Download this CV example to edit in Microsoft Word.

Recruiters would scoop up this accounting graduate CV for a couple of reasons:

  • Uses a conservative design: Accounting is a traditional industry, so keep your CV lowkey. Use black, grey, and/or white coupled with a simple design.
  • Includes relevant interests: Team sports is a good hobby to highlight on any CV because it demonstrates good teamwork and communication abilities.
  • Adds CV icons: Want your contact details to stand out? Consider using CV icons to draw the grad scheme recruiters’ eyes to them and get in touch with you for an interview.

4. Finance graduate CV example

Ready to enter the heady world of finance? Peek at our finance CV example to see how to write yours:

A one-page CV design used for a finance graduate CV example because the applicant lacks a lot of work experience.
Download this CV example to edit in Microsoft Word.

A few features of this finance graduate CV help it stand out from the competition:

  • Uses a traditional design: Like accounting, financial firms prefer to see a conservative design. This CV uses mostly black with some green highlights — just to help it stand out.
  • Is one page long: This candidate doesn’t have much professional experience just yet, so they’ve used a one-page CV template. That’s absolutely fine when you’re inexperienced. You can ‘graduate’ to a standard two-page CV when you’ve gained experience and skills.
  • Includes a relevant hobby: This candidate mentions they read financial literature when they’re not working, showcasing their passion for the finance sector.

5. Marketing graduate CV example

Take marketing theory and put it into practice in a marketing job. Here’s an effective marketing graduate CV example to show you how to apply for one:

A marketing graduate CV example that uses a bright orange colour scheme to fit in with the modern nature of the marketing industry.
Download this CV example to edit in Microsoft Word.

There are a few reasons why a marketing graduate would want to use this sample:

  • Benefits from a modern CV design: This two-column, brightly orange CV design is perfect for marketing roles. Marketing firms tend to respond well to modern, creative designs, so use a template like this for your marketing application.
  • Keeps your location private: Employers reach out to candidates primarily by email or phone, so it’s becoming more common not to list your address on your CV for privacy reasons. This candidate has just listed their city, but you can also just list your postcode, or even the first half of it (e.g., DL13).
  • Includes a relevant dissertation title: This applicant wants a social media role, so they’ve listed their dissertation title, which fittingly is about social media trends.

6. Law graduate CV example

If the law beckons, you’ll need to make your case with your CV. Here’s a law graduate CV, edited and approved by legal recruiter Paul McGinn, that you can draw inspiration from:

A sober CV design used for a law graduate CV example which outlines both volunteer work and internships related to law.
Download this CV example to edit in Microsoft Word.

Here’s what this graduate CV by a law student does right:

  • Features relevant voluntary work: Although this candidate is only a graduate, they’ve made sure to impress law recruiters by including voluntary work, specifically for the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
  • Includes key certifications: Gaining an LLB is only the start if you wish to become a paralegal, solicitor, or barrister. This applicant includes two key certifications that signal to employers they’re committed to their chosen legal career path.
  • Mentions hobbies that utilise skills useful in the legal profession: Rowing demonstrates good teamwork skills, volunteering for the CAB shows client relation skills, and chess demonstrates strategic thinking skills — all vital CV skills for would-be lawyers.

As a graduate, you are building your experience, knowledge, and exposure to all aspects of the legal industry. Try as many sectors or specialisms as possible to make sure you are working in an area that you’re passionate about — this is your career and you want it to be magical!

Paul McGinn, Legal Talent Acquisition Recruiter at Irwin Mitchell

7. Psychology graduate CV example

Whether you’re a Jungian or a Freudian, you’ll be ready to apply for jobs in the psychology field once you’re done looking over our psychology CV example:

A psychology graduate CV example in blue with a large education section that takes up around half the page.
Download this CV example for Microsoft Word.

This psychology student is poised to land their first graduate job. Here’s a couple of things their CV does excellently:

  • Includes a detailed education section: This graduate has an enviable academic background, and they detail it in full along with their relevant qualifications.
  • Uses strong action verbs: Action verbs are strong starts to your bullet points and help you sound proactive, keep your sentences short, and focus on your accomplishments instead of your daily duties.
  • Has a space-saving design: Instead of including your contact details on a separate line, this CV template lets you pop them next to your name.

8. PhD graduate CV example

If you’ve graduated with your master’s and are embarking on a PhD, you might be looking for side jobs or internships, so a CV is vital. Here’s a PhD grad CV sample you can take a look at for ideas:

A PhD graduate CV sample that uses a unique three-colour, two-column design to convey the applicant's fit for the role.
Download this CV example to edit in Microsoft Word.

This PhD grad’s CV has a few particularly compelling features:

  • Includes relatively large amounts of experience: It’s uncommon for graduates to have a lot of experience, but this candidate’s done three internships and one voluntary role. Kudos to them — this’ll impress employers and gives the candidate the chance to fill their entire first page solely with work experience.
  • Provides examples of job-relevant interests: This candidate says they like foreign film and writing poetry, showing they immerse themselves in languages when they’re not on the clock, and that they have a creative side — essential for a translator.
  • Has copious international experience: The applicant’s language skills can’t be dismissed — not only have they lived and worked in France, but they’ve spent time in France and Spain as part of their bachelor’s course.

Browse 150+ other job-specific CVs in our CV examples library.

How to write an impressive graduate CV

With record numbers of undergrads and postgrads graduating every year, you might worry about standing out from the competition.

However, don’t worry needlessly: 9 in 10 graduates are in employment, and you have our expert tips to help you excel with a great grad CV.

1. Put your most hirable strengths in your personal statement

A personal statement begins your CV, so it should sum up your education, qualifications, and skills. Take a look at these five examples to get an idea of what to include in your statement:

Computing Graduate CV Personal Statement

Recent Computing graduate, passionate about leveraging technology to improve lives. Enriched my technical skills by volunteering to teach basic computing skills to the elderly, enhancing their digital literacy and my ability to communicate complex information simply and effectively.

Biomedical Graduate CV Personal Statement

Driven Biomedical Science graduate with a robust three-month internship at a leading research facility. Experienced in advanced research techniques and data analysis, I’m eager to contribute to groundbreaking studies and innovations in biomedical science.

Chemistry Graduate CV Personal Statement

Eager Chemistry graduate from the University of Exeter, specialising in organic chemistry with a solid foundation in chemical synthesis and safety protocols. Proven ability to manage complex experiments and analyse data effectively. Keen to apply my knowledge and skills to contribute to innovative projects within the chemical industry.

Geography Graduate CV Personal Statement

Enthusiastic Geography graduate with practical experience gained from a two-week work placement focused on urban planning and environmental management. Skilled in GIS and remote sensing, I’m equipped to address contemporary geographical challenges through innovative spatial analysis and data-driven solutions.

Architecture Graduate CV Personal Statement

Architecture graduate with a three-month internship experience at Torrance & Flanders. Skilled in sustainable design and modern architectural software, I’m prepared to contribute creatively and efficiently to projects, aiming to blend aesthetic values with functional design solutions.

2. Measure your achievements using hard numbers

Numbers leap off the page to catch recruiting managers’ attention, and they also put into context your capabilities. So add some numbers (e.g., percentages and amounts in pounds) to your CV, especially your work experience section. For example:

10 good graduate CV bullet points

  1. Assisted in the design and testing of a new hydraulic system, improving efficiency by 15% over previous models during a 6-month internship at BAE Systems
  2. Conducted 30+ complex chemical assays to support a research project aimed at developing new pharmaceutical treatments during a summer internship at GlaxoSmithKline
  3. Processed monthly invoices exceeding £300,000 and assisted with financial reports that informed budget adjustments during a 3-month internship at FinTrust Accounting Services
  4. Analysed and forecasted financial performance for products generating revenues of over £1 million, contributing to a 10% increase in budget efficiency during a 4-month internship at Barclays
  5. Developed and implemented a Python script that automated data entry tasks, reducing processing time by 7% during an internship at TechSolutions
  6. Managed a social media campaign that increased company engagement by over 50% across Facebook and Instagram during a 2-month summer internship at CV Genius
  7. Researched and drafted legal briefs for commercial law cases involving over £50,000 in disputed assets, contributing to three successful settlements during a 4-month internship at Heath & Callaghan LLP
  8. Observed administration of cognitive-behavioural assessments to over 100 participants, compiling data that contributed to a study on stress reduction techniques during a summer placement at Bristol Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
  9. Collected and analysed spatial data using GIS software for a study on urban sprawl, helping to map trends across 50 square miles during a 3-month internship at GeoAnalytica
  10. Contributed to the conceptual design and model creation of a 10,000 sq ft sustainable office building, which won a local architectural award, during a 6-month internship at EcoDesign Architects

3. Write a detailed education section

The more experience you have, the shorter your CV’s education section can be. At the start of your career, this section should be detailed to showcase the skills you gained in university.

As a graduate, your education section should include your:

  • degree title
  • classification (if it’s a 2:1 or higher)
  • relevant units — that means any modules you studied that have a connection to the job you’re applying for
  • dissertation topic: so employers can see you’re capable of undertaking a longer, in-depth project independently
  • A-Levels/Scottish Advanced Highers, so employers can see what other subjects you specialised in during sixth-form college
  • GCSEs/Scottish N5s (you just need to specify you passed Maths, English, and ICT as a minimum for most jobs)

Here are some examples:

Mathematics Graduate CV Education Section

University of Manchester (20XX–20XX)
BSc Mathematics, First Class Honours
Relevant Units: Advanced Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Financial Mathematics
Dissertation Topic: The Impact of Risk Management Models on Financial Portfolio Performance

Manchester Royal Academy (20XX–20XX)
A-Levels: Mathematics (A*), Further Mathematics (A*), Physics (A)
GCSEs: 10 Grades 9–4 including Maths, English, & ICT

Biology Graduate CV Education Section

University of Edinburgh (20XX–20XX)
Master of Biological Sciences (Hons) in Biology, Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1)
Relevant Units: Molecular Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology
Dissertation Topic: The Role of Microbial Diversity in Ecosystem Resilience

Peebles High School (20XX–20XX)
Advanced Highers: Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Mathematics (B)
National 5s: 8 passes including Maths, English, and IT

French & Politics Graduate CV Education Section

University of Bristol (20XX–20XX)
BA (Hons) French and Politics (dual honours), 2:1
Relevant Units: French Language and Society, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory
Dissertation Topic: National Identity and Language Policy in the French Fifth Republic

Manor Lane Comprehensive School (20XX–20XX)
A-Levels: French (A), Politics (A), History (B)
GCSEs: 9 Grades 9–4 including Maths, English, & ICT

4. Align your skills with the job requirements

If you’re not sure what skills to add to your skills section, check the job advert and add the skills you see that you’ve mastered. Here’s a list of some common graduate CV skills:

Good graduate CV hard skills

  • Data analysis
  • Project management
  • Statistical analysis
  • Technical writing
  • Software proficiency
  • Programming languages
  • Financial forecasting
  • Legal research
  • Molecular techniques
  • Multilingual communication

Sources

Takeaways

To sum up, write a great graduate CV by:

  1. looking at examples of graduate CVs
  2. writing a compelling CV personal statement
  3. adding numbers to your CV
  4. formatting your education section so that it’s easy to parse
  5. including skills from the job ad

Our editorial process

These CV examples and writing tips were written in line with our editorial process. Each was written by a CV expert and approved by a certified professional CV writer (CPRW). Additionally, the law graduate CV example was edited and approved by an external reviewer, Paul McGinn, a recruiter at the law firm Irwin Mitchell.

Samuel Johns
Written by

Samuel Johns

Samuel Johns is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and senior career counsellor on the CV Genius team, with almost 5 years of experience in the career space. He has helped countless job hunters craft high-quality CVs and cover letters, exceed expectations at interviews, and obtain their dream jobs. Born and raised in County Durham in the beautiful North East of England, he graduated with a BA (Hons) in French Language and Literature from the University of Bristol in 2013 and has worked in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, London, Paris, and Taipei as a French–English translator. He’s determined to use his native English and fluent French skills to help UK and French candidates get the jobs they deserve. In addition to the British and French versions of CV Genius, Samuel’s job-hunt advice has been published on numerous websites, including Careers.org, the University of Warwick, the Enterprisers Project, and HR.com. If you’d like to collaborate, please reach out to Samuel through LinkedIn. Please note, we don’t accept guest posts and won’t reply to such requests.