ToC

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

Placement CV Template (Text Format)

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Biomedical Sciences student with hands-on research experience at Cancer Research UK, specialising in sample analysis, lab maintenance, and report preparation. Proven ability to collaborate with senior researchers and contribute to published findings while ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Strong customer service background, demonstrating adaptability and excellent communication skills in high-pressure environments.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Biomedical Sciences Intern
Cancer Research UK, Matlock | July 20XX – September 20XX

  • Analysed samples and supported ongoing experiments, ensuring data accuracy across multiple trials
  • Collaborated with senior researchers to optimise lab processes, reducing turnaround time by 10%
  • Assisted in preparing research reports, improving documentation accuracy by 15%
  • Performed routine lab maintenance and inventory checks, ensuring all safety protocols are adhered to
  • Presented findings to the research team, contributing to a published report on cellular behaviour

Customer Service Assistant
Costa Coffee, Matlock | September 20XX – Present

  • Manage customer orders, handling up to 50 transactions per shift while ensuring a positive customer experience
  • Resolve customer complaints effectively, maintaining a 95% satisfaction rate
  • Maintain cleanliness and order in the café, contributing to a smooth-running environment during peak hours
  • Train new employees on customer service procedures, enhancing team productivity

EDUCATION

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
University of Sheffield, Sheffield | Expected Graduation: July 20XX

  • Key Modules: Cellular Biology, Human Physiology, Molecular Genetics
  • Active member of the Biomedical Sciences Society

A-Levels
Highfields School, Matlock | Graduated: July 20XX

  • Biology (A)
  • Chemistry (A)
  • Mathematics (B)

GCSEs
Highfields School, Matlock | Graduated: July 20XX

  • 9 GCSEs including Mathematics (9), English Language (8), Biology (9), Chemistry (9), and Physics (7)

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

  • Science communication: Volunteer at science outreach events, engaging with the public to make scientific concepts accessible and inspiring the next generation of scientists
  • Running: Participate in local charity runs and enjoy maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise
  • Reading: Avid reader of scientific journals and fiction, always looking to expand knowledge in both academic and creative fields

How to write a placement CV

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

Securing a placement is a key step in gaining valuable industry experience and enhancing your professional development.

We’ll walk you through how to write a strong CV for a placement, covering essential sections like your personal statement, education, and skills, along with tips for writing an engaging cover letter.

Skip the writer’s block and make a CV in minutes with our AI software.

1. Position yourself as an asset in your personal statement

Let’s start at the top of your CV: Your personal statement is where you position yourself as someone who will benefit the company you join.

Since you might have limited work experience, emphasise your enthusiasm for learning and how the placement fits into your long-term career goals. For example, if you want to be a social media coordinator, a placement in a marketing office will help you prepare for your career while giving the company the benefit of your fresh perspective.

It’s also important to highlight any relevant units, projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your preparedness for the role. For example, a Spanish for Business Purposes open unit will indicate your enthusiasm for stepping into a Spanish translation office.

Example personal statement for a placement CV

Motivated third-year Business Management student with a strong foundation in project management and data analysis. Seeking a placement opportunity to apply my knowledge and gain practical experience in a dynamic business environment. I’ve developed key skills through academic projects, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, and I’m eager to contribute to the success of Notex Inc. while further developing my career in business.

2. Make your education section as detailed as possible

As you’re a student, employers will expect your education section to be detailed, so list your current degree, expected graduation date, and any relevant coursework.

You can also mention any A-Levels, Highers, or an IB with subjects related to your placement’s focus to show employers you have a longstanding interest in the job.

Flesh out your education section to make up for your lack of relevant work experience. That means detailing your units, dissertation/thesis subject, and individual unit grades (if you’re getting at least a 2:1 in them).

It’s also well worth your while adding any projects you’ve done with a few bullet points underneath to describe your successes.

Example placement CV education section

Education:
BA (Hons) Business Management
University of Birmingham, 20XX – Present (Expected Graduation: June 20XX)

Relevant modules:
Marketing Strategies: Analysed real-world case studies to develop comprehensive marketing plans aimed at increasing customer engagement and brand visibility.
Financial Management: Gained proficiency in financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting, with practical application through investment analysis and risk management exercises.
Data Analytics: Used Excel and SPSS to conduct statistical analyses, enabling data-informed recommendations for business strategies.

Digital Marketing Plan: Led a team of five in creating a comprehensive digital marketing strategy for a local business, leveraging SEO, social media, and email marketing. This resulted in a 15% increase in online engagement and a 10% boost in lead generation within three months. This experience honed my leadership, collaboration, and digital marketing skills, providing hands-on experience in project management.

3. List skills relevant to the role you are applying for

Your skills section will be a list of your most relevant skills. There’s no need to go into a lot of detail or “grade” your skills with percentages. Instead, focus on presenting a balance of hard and soft skills that are relevant to the placement role. And if you have any experience with industry-specific tools or software, be sure to mention them.

If you need help presenting your skills in an eye-catching format, consider using a CV template with a prominent skills section so your expertise stands out.

Example skills section for a placement CV

Skills:

  • Data analysis (Excel, SPSS, SQL, Python)
  • Project management (Trello, Asana)
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Time management and multitasking
  • Team collaboration
  • Presentation and public speaking skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Attention to detail

4. Expand on your backstory and future goals in your cover letter

Your cover letter is where you add more context to the bullet points of your CV and let your personality shine through (professionally).

Expand on your CV by briefly summarising why you’re the right candidate for the placement. Just like in your personal statement, tailor your letter to the specific company and role, express enthusiasm for the opportunity, and mention how your uni course and skills make you a strong fit.

Example cover letter for a work placement

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to express my interest in the Biomedical Researcher role at GSK, which I found through Indeed. As a third-year student in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Birmingham, I’m keen to gain practical experience in a medical environment to complement my academic studies.

I’ve developed strong lab experience and research skills through my coursework and team projects, and I’m confident that I can apply these abilities to contribute positively to your team. I’m particularly drawn to GSK because of your focus on cancer research, and I’m excited about the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in your organisation.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to GSK during my placement.

Yours sincerely,

 

[Your Full Name]

 

Need more ideas?

Our library of CV examples has hundreds of tailored CVs you can use to fine-tune your job application and stand out from other applicants.


Seb Morgan
Written by

Seb Morgan

Seb Morgan is a Career Counsellor for CV Genius, where he helps job seekers and professionals get more out of their careers. With over 7 years of experience in business and lifestyle journalism, he's written for a stack of careers-focused publications, including Oxbridge Home Learning, Study International, theHRDirector, and Employee Benefit News, and his expertise includes skill development, interview preparation, and CV and cover letter writing. West Midlands born and raised, Seb has since lived, worked, and studied in 4 countries across 2 continents. He speaks 4 languages and has survived job interviews in 3 of them. He currently also freelances as a travel and culture writer. Reach him at [sebastian] @ [cvgenius.com] or via LinkedIn.