Whether you’re applying for an internship,a scholarship,or even your first big job,there’s one thing you’re gonna need:a killer CV. Yep,a CV is like your personal highlight reel. It shows off your skills,experience (even if you think you don’t have much),and what makes you unique.
But wait! Don’t freak out if you’ve never written one before. Today,we’re breaking it all down step by step. No jargon,no fancy words—just simple,useful advice that will have you creating a CV you can be proud of. And,guess what? We’ve got a template for you,too.
Let’s dive in!
First things first:What is a CV? CV stands for Curriculum Vitae. It’s a fancy way of saying “life story,” but for jobs or internships,of course. Think of it as your professional snapshot. It’s not just about jobs,either—your CV can showcase your education,volunteering,achievements,and hobbies.
And here’s the thing:As an undergraduate,employers know you’re just starting out. They don’t expect you to have a ton of experience,so no worries if your CV isn’t packed with work history.
What goes into a CV?
Okay,this part is simple. At the top of your CV,list your name,phone number,and email address. That’s how the person looking at your CV will get in touch with you.
Make sure your email is professional! It should be something like [email protected]. Avoid emails like [email protected]. Keep it classy!
Since you’re an undergraduate,your education is probably the main thing on your CV. You’ll want to list where you go to school,what you’re studying,and when you expect to graduate. Here’s how you can format it:
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of Your School,2020-2024
If you’ve done any cool projects or research as part of your coursework,mention that too! Employers love to see that you’re engaged in your studies.
Even if you’ve only worked a part-time job,babysat,or volunteered somewhere,it matters. Work experience shows you’re responsible and can juggle tasks. List any job or internship experience you’ve had,no matter how small. Include the job title,where you worked,and the dates you worked there.
Example:
Work Experience
Cashier
Local Supermarket,June 2021 – August 2021
Here’s where you get to shine. Even if you don’t have tons of work experience,you’ve definitely got some skills! This can include anything from computer skills (like knowing how to use Word,Excel,or Photoshop) to communication or teamwork skills.
Some skills might include:
Remember,only list skills that are relevant to the job or opportunity you’re applying for.
Even if you’re not getting paid,the things you do outside of class can still count as experience. Clubs,sports teams,or volunteer work show employers that you’re dedicated and passionate. These activities help round out your CV and prove you’ve got some real-world experience.
Example:
Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer Tutor
School Tutoring Program,2022 – Present
This part is all about bragging a little. Have you won any awards? Made the Dean’s List? Led a group project? Put it here! It’s important for employers to know what sets you apart from other candidates.
For example:
Achievements
Don’t be shy here—if you’ve done something you’re proud of,it belongs on your CV.
Not every CV needs a section for hobbies,but if your hobbies show off skills or qualities that would make you a better candidate,include them! For example,if you’re applying for a job that requires creativity and you love painting,mention that.
Example:
Hobbies
Just make sure the hobbies add value. If they’re not related to the job,it’s okay to leave this section off.
Here’s where we talk about how your CV should look. You don’t want it to be too flashy or hard to read. Stick to a clean,simple format. Use bold for section titles (like Education or Work Experience) and bullet points to list details. Your CV should be one page long—no longer. Employers only spend a few seconds looking at each CV,so make it count!
Here’s a quick format guide:
Last tip! You should tweak your CV for every job or opportunity you apply for. Yep,every time. That means reading the job description carefully and highlighting the skills and experiences that match what they’re looking for. It’s like dressing up your CV in different outfits for different occasions!
If the job is asking for someone with leadership experience,make sure you mention times when you led a project or organized a team. If they want someone who’s good with numbers,talk about your experience in math or budgeting.
And that’s it! Now you’re ready to create a killer undergraduate CV that will help you stand out in the crowd. Just remember,you’ve got everything you need to show the world what makes you awesome. Stick to this template,be honest about your skills,and keep it simple.
You’ve got this. Now go get that job or internship!