How to Write an Exceptional Student CV

Writing a CV as a student can feel like a challenge – especially when you don’t yet have years of experience under your belt. 

Whether you’re looking for a part-time job to help with the bills, applying for summer internships, or thinking ahead to your first full-time role after graduation, your CV is your first chance to make an impression. And in a competitive job market, making it count really matters.

The good news is employers don’t expect a long list of achievements or previous roles at this stage. What they’re really interested in is your potential, your attitude, and your ability to communicate your strengths in a clear and confident way. 

An exceptional student CV isn’t about packing the page with buzzwords – it’s about shaping a narrative that says, “I’m ready to learn, and here’s why I’m worth considering.”

Start with a Clear Structure

One of the most important things to get right from the start is structure. A messy, confusing layout will likely see your CV ignored before it’s even read. Begin with your contact details at the top – your full name, mobile number, email address, and, if relevant, a LinkedIn profile.

Next comes a short personal statement. This is your opportunity to explain who you are, what you’re studying, and what kind of opportunity you’re looking for. 

Avoid clichés and instead try to sound specific and authentic. For instance, if you’re studying business and hoping to go into marketing, mention your interest in brand strategy or your enjoyment of market research projects at university.

Education: Your Academic Story

Following your personal statement, your education should take centre stage. Start with your most recent qualifications and work backwards. If you’re currently at university, include the course title, your expected grade, and key modules or projects that show relevant skills.

Employers love seeing evidence that you can apply theory to practice, so don’t be afraid to talk about a particular assignment that taught you something valuable – whether that’s analysing data, working as part of a group, or delivering a presentation. 

Remember, it gives them a flavour of how you think and work.

Work Experience: More Than Just a Job Title

When it comes to work experience, students often feel they have little to say – but every job counts. Working in retail, waiting tables, babysitting, tutoring, volunteering – these are all examples of work that demonstrates responsibility, time management, and people skills.

The key is to explain what you gained from each experience. If you worked behind a bar, talk about handling pressure during busy shifts or dealing with difficult customers. If you helped run a student society, mention organising events or managing social media – anything that shows initiative and transferable skills.

Highlight Your Skills and Strengths

Your CV should also highlight both technical and soft skills. Think about the tools you’re comfortable using – maybe Excel, Canva, or video editing software – and the interpersonal skills you’ve developed through university life. 

Communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability are all valuable, especially in junior roles.

If you’ve completed online courses or certifications, include them here. It shows that you’re proactive and willing to learn beyond your university curriculum, which employers really value.

Presentation and Layout Matter

Design and presentation matter more than many realise. Keep your CV clean, uncluttered, and easy to read. Stick to a professional font like Calibri or Arial, use bold text for headings, and aim to keep it to a single page if possible. Recruiters often scan CVs quickly, so clarity is key.

Unless you’re applying for a creative role in design or media, avoid colourful templates or graphics. Simplicity wins. Save your CV as a PDF before sending to ensure your formatting doesn’t change across devices.

Tailor It for Every Opportunity

One of the most effective ways to make your CV exceptional is to tailor it for each role you apply for. 

Read the job description carefully and mirror the language they use. If they mention a need for “organisational skills” or “customer service experience,” find ways to include those phrases in your descriptions.

Tailoring your CV shows that you’re paying attention and that you genuinely want that job, not just any job. It takes a bit of time but makes a big difference.

No Experience? No Problem

If you feel like your CV is still a little light, there are plenty of ways to build experience while you study. 

Join university clubs, take on small leadership roles in societies, volunteer for causes you care about, or try freelancing. Even managing your own blog, YouTube channel, or community project can be a brilliant way to showcase initiative, creativity, and consistency.

You don’t need a long CV – you just need relevant, well-presented examples of how you’ve made an impact, even in small ways.

Final Checks Before You Hit Send

Proofread your CV thoroughly before applying. Spelling and grammar mistakes can ruin even the best application. Ask a friend, tutor, or careers advisor to look over it too – a second opinion often catches things you might miss.

Attach your CV as a PDF and label the file professionally (e.g., “Jane_Smith_CV.pdf”). It’s a small touch, but it reflects well on your organisation skills.

Conclusion: Your CV Is Just the Beginning

Ultimately, your CV is your personal pitch. It doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to be honest, focused, and enthusiastic. It’s your way of saying: “Here’s what I’ve done so far, and here’s where I want to go.”

With the right approach, your student CV can do more than just open doors – it can be the first step towards building a future you’re excited about.