Recent University Graduate CV—Examples and 25+ Tips

Congratulations. You earned your diploma.

Bad news.

That and £4 will buy you a latte.

You need experience. But you can’t get it without a job.

Don’t panic.

You know you’ve got the skills to change the world.

Your university graduate CV just needs to show achievement.

And you’ve got plenty of that.

In this guide:

• A proven recent university graduate CV sample that gets jobs.
• How to write a CV for university graduates that shows you’re no mere newbie.
• How to make your education section shine in a CV for university graduates.
• Why you can’t just list university graduate skills (and what to do instead).

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What is a University Graduate CV?

A university graduate CV is a document that presents your education, extracurricular activities, and skills. The university graduate CV should be short, to the point, and tailored to the job.  Make sure to highlight any relevant work experience or internship as doing so will make you stand out from the crowd.

University Graduate CV Sample You Can Copy and Use

Here’s how to write a university graduate CV that gets jobs:

1. Use a Professional University Graduate CV Format

Don’t blow it.

If you don’t look the part, they won’t hire you.

That’s why CV formatting makes a difference.

Begin with the reverse-chronological CV format.

Then build it out like this:

University Graduate CV Format

• Write a 1-page CV. Set 1-inch margins.
• Use Didot, Calibri, or another 10–12pt respected CV font.
• Make these CV sections: heading, summary, education, experience, and Skills.
• Send in a PDF CV. Those look professional on different screens.

Expert Hint: More than 35% of recent university graduates work in low-paid jobs that don’t need degrees. To avoid that group, start a robust networking effort now.

2. Write a Recent University Graduate CV Objective or Summary

You’re not a clone. But—

You’d never know it once you’re buried in a stack of university CVs.

Worse, you’re up against people with years of experience.

You’ve got to show your value fast.

Do it with a solid CV objective.

That’s a brief paragraph with a couple greatest hits.

Use:

1. An adjective (prolific, resourceful)
2. Your job title
3. How and where you’ll help (exceed coding KPIs at Procore)
4. Best accomplishments (created own paid file clerk internship...)
5. Some key skills (2nd place, TopCoder contest...)

Here’s a tip—

Make it last for easy writing.

See these university graduate CV examples:

Recent University Graduate CV Objective—Example

Worlds apart.

Both of those list app development and MySQL. But—

The first one adds created app that tracks 10,000 sensors and developed scalable MySQL database.

That’s the difference between saying you can do something and showing you have.

Expert Hint: University graduates earn 38% more than high school graduates. But to make university pay for itself, show what you did in school. That’s next.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your CV in our CV builder now.

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3. Make Your Education Section Count

You’re in the top 36%.

That’s how many in your age bracket have university degrees.

But there’s a catch.

If you just list education, you’ll look sophomoric.

So—

Make your CV education section count.

See this university graduate CV sample:

University Graduate CV Example—Education

That’s Good Will-Hunting-level.

You showed school projects with skills that matter to employers.

You can stretch out your university CV education section into skills, classes, and projects like that.

4. Write a University Graduate Job Description and Skills Section

What skills go in a Recent university graduate CV?

Here’s a list of the ones employers like:

University Graduate Skills for a CV

• Interpersonal skills
• Collaboration
• Oral communication
• Written communication
• Work ethic
• Research
• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Active listening
• Self motivation
• Computer Skills
• Creativity

But those are just general skills.

You need technical skills too.

Which ones should you put on your university graduate CV?

That depends on the job ad. Read it, find the skills they want, and show how you’ve moved mountains with them.

That’s called targeting your CV.

But—

Don’t put too many skills in a CV for university graduates. That looks suspiciously like lying.

Look at these recent university graduate CV samples:

Say the job wants these skills: C, MySQL, Android Studio, collaboration, Java, sales, and problem solving.

University Graduate Job Description for a CV [Sample]

For contrast, here’s a bad university graduate CV example:

Big difference.

The second of those university graduate CV examples lacks C, Android Studio, and all the other skills the job requires.

It’s also missing numbers like 1,400 and 10%. That makes the claims look academic.

5. Add Bonus Material to Your University Graduate CV

To impress employers, first impress yourself.

Look back on your past. What have you achieved? What skills have you already used?

Add those things in a few “extra” CV sections.

Try a couple of the following:

• Associations
• Clubs/groups
• School honour societies
• Conferences
• Volunteering positions
• Freelancing
• Publications
• Additional activities
• Certifications
• Languages
• Hobbies
• Sports teams or pursuits

These sample university graduate CVs show how:

University Graduate CV—Extra Sections

Answer this:

Which of those university graduate CV examples would convince you?

The first one works because it lists accomplishments.

Expert Hint: Don’t forget to write a recent graduate cover letter with your CV. To wow recruiters, describe your passion for the company, and why you want to help.

Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.

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Key Points

How to write a recent graduate CV:

• Use the university graduate CV template up top. It lets you show experience without a work history.
• Don’t just “list” your education. Show academic excellence and achievement based on skills.
• In you CV experience section, add proof you’ve learned the skills recruiters want.
• Communicate your character by adding CV sections like projects or volunteering.

Got questions on how to write a great university graduate CV? Having trouble getting a response to your recent graduate CV? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

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