The CV for students and recent graduates

As a student, you already start with an advantage

If you're still at university or have just graduated, you probably think your CV is empty. In reality, you have years of education, projects, languages and maybe a seasonal job or two behind you. The problem isn't a lack of content: it's knowing what to highlight and in what order. That's the heart of a good student CV.

For the basic structure and the formats (chronological vs functional), start from the pillar guide The CV with no experience. Here we get specific about the student and recent-graduate profile.

Education becomes your main section

Early in your career, education goes at the top, right after the profile. Don't stop at the qualification itself: add the details that set you apart.

• Your expected graduation date (even if you're still studying).
• Exams or modules relevant to the role you're after.
• The topic of your thesis or capstone project, in one line.
• Your grade, if it's in the upper range.
• Erasmus, exchanges or periods of study abroad.

A thesis on a real data analysis or business case says far more than a GPA on its own.

Turn projects and coursework into results

The recruiter doesn't want a list of courses, they want to understand what you can do. Rewrite your academic experience as concrete results:

• Instead of "statistics exam": "analysed a 5,000-record dataset in Excel and R for my thesis".
• Instead of "group project": "coordinated a team of 4 students and presented the work to a partner company".
• Instead of "marketing course": "built a simulated social campaign with a 30-day content calendar".

Every line should bring out a skill you can actually put to work.

Experience that counts even when it isn't "a job"

As a student you have more material than you think. Make the most of:

• Internships and placements, even short ones, with the real tasks you handled.
• Seasonal and part-time jobs: they show reliability and time management while you study.
• Volunteering and clubs: class representative, organising events, running activities for a society.
• Team sports: teamwork, discipline, performing under pressure.
• Personal projects: a blog, a channel, an app, a fundraiser.

They're all proof of initiative and transferable skills.

Languages and digital skills: don't take them for granted

For junior profiles, languages and digital skills often make the difference. State your English level using the European framework (e.g. B2) and any genuine certifications. For digital skills, skip the vague "good with computers": name specific tools, from the Office suite to industry software, CMS platforms or programming languages. If you have a polished LinkedIn profile or an online portfolio, add the link.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Going over a single page: early in your career it's pointless.
• Reusing a generic profile: tailor it to the role by rewriting the opening summary.
• Listing soft skills with no proof: "team player" only counts if you show where you proved it.
• Adding a photo, unnecessary personal details or your entire school history going back to primary school.

Build your first CV for free

You don't have to start from a blank page. With EuroCV you build a well-structured student CV free and with no limits, with AI suggestions that help you turn your studies and projects into effective phrasing. It's the fastest way to reach your first application with a solid CV.