Student CV Writing 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Get You Noticed

Writing a CV (curriculum vitae) for the first time can feel overwhelming, right?

You sit there staring at a blank page, wondering how you’re supposed to fit your entire story onto a piece of paper.

Relax—we’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re gearing up for your first job, a scholarship application, or an internship, this guide will walk you through the essentials of student CV writing. With a few insider tips and a fresh approach, you’ll learn how to write a CV that stands out—yes, even if you don’t have much work experience yet.

Why Should Students Write A CV?

Before we dive into CV writing, let’s address the elephant in the room—why should students bother writing a CV at all? After all, isn’t it something reserved for seasoned professionals?

Well, not entirely.

A well-written CV can be your golden ticket to opportunities like part-time jobs, internships, and scholarships. Even when you’re not currently on the job hunt, having a polished CV ready to go can save you time and stress when those opportunities arise.

Think of your CV as a snapshot of who you are—your skills, achievements, and potential. It shows employers or scholarship committees that you’re more than just grades—you’re someone ready to contribute and grow.

The Basics of Student CV Writing

Now, let’s get down to business.

What exactly goes into a student’s CV?

Here are the essential components you need to know about:

Personal Information

This section is pretty straightforward—you’ll want to include the following:

• Your full name & surname
• Contact information (phone number and email)
• Social media links (LinkedIn especially)
• Home address (optional)
• ID or password number (optional)

Personal Statement

The personal statement is your chance to make a first impression. It should be short (2-3 sentences) and attention-grabbing.

Don’t write generic statements like “I am a hard-working student looking for opportunities.” Instead, focus on one or two standout qualities about yourself.

For example, “As an aspiring environmentalist, I am passionate about finding sustainable solutions to global issues and have actively pursued this passion through hands-on experience in various local conservation initiatives.”

Educational Background

In this section, you’ll want to highlight your academic history. This includes the following:

• Name of school/university
• Dates attended
• Any relevant coursework or projects
• GPA or grades (optional)
• Academic honours and awards

Work Experience

While students might not have much work experience, it’s still important to include any relevant part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work.

Be sure to include:

• Job title/position
• Company name and location
• Dates Worked
• Key responsibilities and achievements

For example, if you’ve worked as a tutor, be sure to include the subjects you tutored and any notable improvements in your students’ grades.

Certificates

This section is where you can list any relevant certifications or courses that you have acquired.

This could include language proficiency, computer skills, or industry-specific training.

Be sure to mention:

• Name of certificate/course
• Date of completion
• Institution/organisation
• Any notable achievements or honours received

Skills

Skills are split into two categories: hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills are typically job-specific, such as programming languages or technical abilities.

Soft skills are more general and include things like communication, teamwork, and time management.

Be sure to highlight your most relevant skills for the position you’re applying for and provide examples of how you’ve used them in previous experiences.

Extracurricular Activities

Many students, and even some employers, often wonder about the importance of extracurricular activities. But they are a great way to showcase your skills and interests outside of academics.

Be sure to list any of the following:

• Clubs or organisations you’ve been involved in
• Leadership positions held
• Special events or projects you’ve participated in
• Volunteering experiences
• Sports teams or athletic accomplishments

References

References are people who can vouch for your character, work ethic, and/or academic performance. These can be professors, employers, coaches, or anyone else who can speak positively about you.

Be sure to ask for permission before listing someone as a reference and provide their contact information.

Additional Tips

Customise your resume for each job application by highlighting specific experiences and skills that align with the job requirements.

• Be concise and use bullet points when listing information to make it easy to read.
• Use active verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g. “increased sales by 20%”).
• Proofread carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors.

Remember, your resume is a reflection of yourself and your qualifications.

Common CV Mistakes Students Make

Mistakes on a CV can cost you a job opportunity, so it’s important to avoid them.

Some common mistakes students make when creating their CVs include:

• Giving too little or too much information.
• Including irrelevant information such as hobbies or personal details.
• Using a template that looks unprofessional or outdated.
• Using a font size that is too small or too large.
• Having spelling and grammatical errors.
• Not inserting an image when it’s required.

To avoid making these mistakes, be sure to thoroughly review and edit your CV before sending it out. You can also ask your family or friends to review it for you, as they may catch errors that you have missed.

How Long Should A CV Be?

The ideal length of a CV depends on your experience and the industry you’re targeting. For students or recent graduates with limited work experience, a concise 2-4 page CV is usually sufficient. Professionals with more extensive experience may require a longer CV, typically 5-10 pages, to effectively showcase their skills and accomplishments.

However, it’s important to remember that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to your CV.

Keep the information concise and relevant to the job you are applying for.

What’s The Difference Between A CV And A Resume?

While a CV and a resume may seem similar, they serve different purposes and are used in distinct contexts.

A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a detailed document that covers your entire career history, including education, work experience, achievements, and publications. It is typically used for academic, research, or international job applications.

A resume, on the other hand, is a concise and tailored document that highlights your skills and experiences directly relevant to the specific job or industry you are applying for. Resumes are commonly used for most job applications in the private sector.

The primary difference lies in their length and purpose.

A CV provides a comprehensive overview of your professional life and can span multiple pages, while a resume is usually limited to one or two pages and targeted for a particular role.

Write A CV That Stands Out Today!

Writing a strong CV can be intimidating, but with proper preparation and attention to detail, you can open so many doors for yourself.

With this student CV writing guide by your side, you can do this.

Start small, be authentic, and tweak as you grow—it’s all part of the process.

Need some extra guidance to shine even brighter?

Tutor Doctor’s university tutoring services can give you the edge you want. From academic support to refining skills that complement your CV, we’re here to help you succeed.