With limited work history, a graduate CV should lead with your degree, transferable skills and any projects, placements or part-time work. Show potential and enthusiasm.
Example personal statement
Motivated graduate with a 2:1 BSc in Business Management and experience from a year-long placement and part-time retail work. Strong analytical, communication and teamwork skills. Eager to begin a career in a fast-paced, growth-focused organisation.
Put education above work experience while you're a recent graduate.
Use projects, societies and placements as evidence of skills.
Tailor your CV to each role — a generic CV rarely gets interviews.
How to structure your graduate (first cv) CV
Start with your name, UK contact details and a clear target job title.
Write a concise personal statement that matches the vacancy without copying claims you cannot evidence.
Put the most relevant skills and recent experience before older or less relevant information.
Add qualifications, training and role-specific certificates, then check spelling and keep the finished CV easy to scan.
Common graduate (first cv) CV questions
How long should this CV be?
One or two pages is usually enough in the UK. Keep every section relevant to the vacancy and remove repeated responsibilities.
Should I include a photo?
Usually not. UK CVs generally focus on skills and evidence, without a photograph, date of birth or other unnecessary personal details.
How should I tailor it?
Compare your draft with the job description, use the employer's terminology where it truthfully matches your experience, and support important skills with specific examples.
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