AI Career Assistant

The Graduate CV Challenge

As a recent graduate, your CV will look different from an experienced professional's — and that's fine. Employers hiring graduates know you won't have years of work experience. What they're looking for is potential, transferable skills, and evidence that you can learn quickly.

Lead With Education

Unlike experienced professionals, graduates should put their Education section before Work Experience. Include:

University name, degree title, classification (e.g. 2:1 BSc Computer Science)

Relevant modules, dissertation topic, or academic projects

A-levels and GCSEs (if you have limited work experience)

Make the Most of Every Experience

You have more experience than you think. Consider:

Part-time jobs (retail, hospitality, bar work) — demonstrate customer service, teamwork, time management

Volunteering — shows initiative and commitment

University societies and clubs — especially if you held a committee role

Academic projects and dissertations — treat these like work projects

Internships and placements — even short ones count

Focus on Transferable Skills

Employers want graduates who can communicate, problem-solve, work in teams, and manage their time. Show these through specific examples rather than just listing them.

Instead of: *"Good communication skills"*

Write: *"Presented dissertation findings to an audience of 40 students and faculty members, receiving commendation for clarity and structure."*

Keep It Concise

One page is perfectly acceptable for a graduate CV. Don't pad it out — quality over quantity.

Use CareerCraftAI

Our CV generator is particularly effective for graduates because it structures your experience in a way that emphasises skills and potential, even when work history is limited.