Your First CV: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Strong CV from Scratch
Your First CV: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Strong CV from Scratch
Writing your first CV can feel like a big challenge. How do you present yourself in a way that’s both professional and personal – and that catches an employer’s attention? Whether you’re applying for your first part-time job, an internship, or a graduate role, a well-written CV is your key to getting an interview. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build a strong CV from the ground up.
1. Understand the purpose of your CV
A CV isn’t just a list of what you’ve done – it’s a snapshot of who you are as a candidate and why you’re right for the job. Employers use CVs to quickly assess whether you have the right skills and experience. That’s why your CV should be clear, focused, and easy to read.
Think of your CV as your personal advert: it should spark interest and make the reader want to learn more about you.
2. Start with your basic details
At the top of your CV, include your key contact information:
- Full name
- Location (you don’t need to include your full address – just your town or city is fine)
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- Optional: link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio
Make sure your email address looks professional – ideally based on your name, not nicknames or old usernames.
In the UK, it’s not standard practice to include a photo, date of birth, or marital status on your CV. Keep it simple and professional.
3. Write a short personal profile
A personal profile – sometimes called a “personal statement” – is a short paragraph (3–5 lines) at the top of your CV that summarises who you are, what you can offer, and what you’re looking for.
You might include:
- Your current area of study or background
- Your key strengths or skills
- What motivates you
- The type of role or industry you’re aiming for
Keep the tone positive and specific. Avoid vague phrases like “hard-working team player” – instead, show your qualities through examples and achievements.
4. Education – start with the most recent
For most first-time job seekers, education is the main focus. List your most recent or current studies first, then work backwards.
Include:
- The name of your course and institution
- Start and end dates (or expected completion date)
- Any relevant subjects, projects, or achievements
If you’ve completed coursework or a project that relates to the job, mention it briefly – it shows initiative and relevant knowledge.
5. Experience – everything counts
Even if you haven’t had many jobs yet, you probably have experience that’s worth including. This could be:
- Part-time or holiday jobs
- Internships or work placements
- Volunteering
- Student societies or group projects
Describe your responsibilities and what you achieved. Use active verbs like “organised”, “supported”, or “assisted” to show that you took initiative.
If you don’t have much work experience, highlight transferable skills from your studies or extracurricular activities – such as teamwork, communication, or problem-solving.
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6. Skills – professional and personal
Create a clear list of your key skills. You can divide them into two categories:
- Technical or professional skills: e.g. Microsoft Office, social media management, coding, languages
- Personal skills: e.g. organisation, creativity, adaptability, teamwork
Be honest and specific. Instead of writing “good computer skills”, say “confident user of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint”.
7. Courses, certificates, and extracurricular activities
Have you completed any short courses, attended workshops, or taken part in clubs or societies? These can show initiative and enthusiasm. Include only what’s relevant to the job, and add dates if appropriate.
Volunteering or community involvement can be a real strength – it demonstrates responsibility, teamwork, and commitment.
8. Layout and length – keep it clear and concise
A good CV should be easy to read and well-structured. Use clear headings, plenty of white space, and a simple font. Avoid long paragraphs – bullet points make information easier to scan.
As a rule of thumb, a CV for a student or recent graduate should be no longer than one page, or up to two pages if you have more relevant experience.
Save your CV as a PDF before sending it, so the layout stays consistent.
9. Tailor your CV for each job
A strong CV is always tailored to the specific role. Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experiences that match what the employer is looking for. You don’t need to rewrite everything – small adjustments can make a big difference.
Ask yourself: “What does this employer want to see?” – and make sure that information stands out clearly.
10. Get feedback – and proofread carefully
Before you send your CV, ask someone else to review it. A friend, tutor, or careers adviser can often spot mistakes or unclear sections that you might miss. Spelling, grammar, and layout all matter – a neat, error-free CV shows attention to detail and professionalism.
Your CV is a work in progress
Your CV will never be completely finished. It should evolve as you gain new experiences, skills, and achievements. Keep a master version that you can update and adapt for different roles.
Once you’ve written your first CV, it becomes much easier to update in the future. The most important thing is to get started – and remember, your CV should show who you are and what you can bring to the role.
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