Graduate CV Example
Professional graduate CV example with recruiter-tested sections you can customise in minutes.
All personal details and career history in this example are fictional. Customise this CV with your own real information before applying.
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Skills
Certifications
Languages
Jacob Miller
Experience
Education
CV writing guide
How to Write a Graduate CV Summary
Your CV summary should introduce you as a recent graduate and explain the value you can bring to an employer. In two to four sentences, mention your degree, key areas of expertise, and the type of role you’re seeking. Highlight practical experience gained through internships, graduate programmes, academic projects, or part-time work, and tailor your summary to each application.
How to Present Your Education on a Graduate CV
Education remains an important part of a graduate CV, particularly if you’ve recently completed your degree. Include your qualification, university, graduation date, and any coursework, research, or academic achievements that support the role you’re applying for.
As your professional experience grows, your education section can become shorter while your work history takes greater prominence.
How to Showcase Experience on a Graduate CV
Graduate employers value practical experience, even if it was gained during your studies. Include internships, placements, graduate schemes, university consulting projects, research, volunteering, and part-time jobs that demonstrate relevant skills.
For each role, describe your achievements using clear action verbs and measurable results whenever possible to show the impact of your contributions.
Graduate CV Skills Employers Value
Your skills section should combine technical knowledge with transferable workplace skills. Include software, tools, or industry-specific abilities relevant to your profession, alongside communication, teamwork, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and project management.
Focus on skills that match the job description and that you can confidently demonstrate during interviews.
Frequently asked questions
Employers look for evidence that you can apply your academic knowledge in a professional environment. Internships, graduate programmes, university projects, and part-time jobs all demonstrate valuable experience. Recruiters also value problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and measurable achievements that show you’re ready to transition into a full-time role.
As a recent graduate, your education should remain a prominent section of your CV. Include your degree, university, graduation date, and relevant coursework or academic achievements if they support the position you’re applying for. As you gain professional experience, your work history will gradually become the primary focus.
Include internships, graduate programmes, placements, part-time jobs, university consulting projects, research, volunteering, and leadership roles. Even if your experience was gained during your studies, it demonstrates practical skills and professional readiness. Focus on achievements and measurable results rather than simply listing responsibilities.
Include technical skills that are relevant to your profession alongside transferable workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and project management. Tailor your skills to each job application and prioritise those mentioned in the job description whenever possible.
Yes, especially if they’re relevant to your career path. Professional certifications can strengthen your application by demonstrating initiative and continued learning. Industry-recognised courses in project management, data analysis, software, finance, marketing, or other specialist areas can help distinguish you from other recent graduates.