Creating your first CV as a student can feel overwhelming. You might wonder, “What do I include if I don’t have any work experience?” or “How do I make a simple school project sound impressive?”
The good news? You don’t need years of experience to create a professional, high-impact CV. You just need the right structure, clarity, and a strategy that highlights your strengths.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to create your first CV that not only looks professional, but actually impresses recruiters.
Step 1: Understand What a CV Really Is
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is more than a list of jobs, it’s your personal marketing document. As a student, your CV should show:
- our academic background
- Skills you’ve developed
- Any relevant coursework or projects
- Internships or part-time jobs
- Extracurriculars that demonstrate value
Pro Tip: Your CV is not static. You’ll update it regularly as you grow your experience and achievements.
Don’t want to start from scratch? Our CV Writing Service is tailored for students and recent graduates—formatted to meet recruiter and ATS standards.
Step 2: Start with a Strong Professional Summary
Even as a student, you can open your CV with a short Professional Summary (2–3 sentences) that showcases your career goals and top strengths.
Example:
“Detail-oriented Computer Science student with hands-on experience in Python and web development. Passionate about solving real-world problems through coding and eager to contribute to a tech-focused team.”
Include:
- Your degree
- A skill or two
- Career focus or target industry
Avoid clichés like “hardworking” or “passionate” without evidence.
Step 3: Highlight Your Education Section
As a student, your education is your strongest asset. This section goes right after the summary.
What to Include:
- Degree name (e.g., B.A. in Psychology)
- University name & location
- Expected graduation year
- Relevant coursework (optional)
- GPA (if above 3.5)
Example:
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
University of Texas, Austin, Expected Graduation: May 2026
Relevant Coursework: Media Writing, Public Speaking, Digital Branding
Step 4: Showcase Skills, Even if They’re Not “Work” Related
Many students underestimate the value of their skill set. This is your time to shine.
Break it down:
Technical Skills: Excel, Canva, Python, Photoshop, Google Analytics
Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organization
Languages or Tools: Spanish (Conversational), Microsoft Office, Trello
For more detail on how skills can outweigh a degree in certain roles, read our post Degree vs. Skills: How to Craft a Career-Boosting Resume
Step 5: List Internships, Projects, or Work Experience
You don’t need a corporate internship to show value. Use:
- Academic projects
- Part-time jobs
- Volunteer experience
- Freelance gigs or side projects
Format:
Role – Organization Name | Date
Brief description with accomplishments and results
Example:
Marketing Intern – Campus Media Club | Jan 2024 – Apr 2024
Created social media content that increased Instagram engagement by 40% in three months.
Always use action verbs like: led, created, built, improved, assisted.
Step 6: Include Certifications or Extracurriculars
Even clubs, certificates, and online courses show initiative and specialization.
What You Might Include:
- Google Analytics Certification
- Student Council Vice President
- Volunteer Tutor at XYZ Non-Profit
- Harvard Online Course in Public Speaking
These speak volumes about your interests, values, and drive.
Step 7: Design & Format for Readability
A clean, modern layout can make or break your CV, especially with ATS systems scanning your file.
Formatting Rules:
- Stick to one page
- Use bullet points and bold titles
- Keep fonts professional (Arial, Calibri, etc.)
- Save as PDF unless instructed otherwise
Avoid: Fancy graphics, headshots, WordArt, tables, or emojis
Our expert-designed templates at ResumeFaster follow the latest ATS and recruiter formatting rules, so your document performs just as well as it looks.
Step 8: Proofread Everything
One spelling error can ruin your chances. After writing your CV:
- Read it aloud
- Use Grammarly or a similar tool
- Ask a mentor, friend, or professor for feedback
Don’t forget your contact info—include a professional email address, city & state, and a LinkedIn profile (if available).
Need help polishing your LinkedIn presence too? Pair your CV with our LinkedIn Profile Writing Service to create a consistent, professional image across platforms.
Conclusion
Creating your first professional CV doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right structure, thoughtful content, and a focus on skills and achievements, you can make a lasting impression, even without a long work history.
Your CV is the beginning of your professional journey. Whether you’re applying for internships, scholarships, or part-time jobs, treat it like a reflection of your future self.
Don’t want to risk rookie mistakes? Let our team at ResumeFaster guide you with expert-written, student-focused CV Writing Services that turn your education and strengths into career opportunities.
