You do not need years of paid work to make a useful CV. As a fresh graduate, you can show employers what you learned and applied through course projects, internships, volunteering and part-time work. Put the strongest evidence for the job near the top.
Fresh graduate CV template
[Full name]
[City, country] · [Phone] · [Professional email] · [Portfolio or LinkedIn, if relevant]
Profile
Recent [qualification] graduate with experience in [relevant project or internship]. Skilled in [two skills from the job advert]. Interested in [target role].
The article continues below.
Education
[Degree or qualification] — [Institution] | [Graduation year]
Relevant coursework or achievement: [Add only if useful for this job.]
Projects and experience
[Project, internship or volunteer role] — [Organisation or institution] | [Dates]
- [Explain what you did using a relevant skill.]
- [Describe the outcome or result.]
Skills
[Software or technical skill] · [Research or practical skill] · [Relevant communication skill]
Certifications
[Relevant certificate and provider, if applicable]
Example: Fresh graduate CV entry
Marketing Research Project — University coursework | 2026
- Designed a survey and collected responses from 80 participants.
- Analysed the findings in Excel and presented recommendations to a five-person team.
This gives an employer more evidence than simply listing “research” and “teamwork” under skills. Use your own accurate figures and outcomes.
How to make your graduate CV stronger
- Read the vacancy first. Identify the skills and qualifications the employer asks for.
- Lead with your best evidence. Education may come first if it is more relevant than your work history.
- Count internships and volunteering. Describe the work you actually did and the skills you used.
- Keep it easy to read. Use clear headings, consistent dates and short bullet points.
- Tailor each application. Select projects and skills that fit the specific role.
Frequently asked questions
What if I have no work experience?
Include relevant academic projects, volunteering, student leadership or independent work. Explain your contribution and what it produced.
Should I list every course I studied?
No. Include coursework only when it supports the job you want.
Can I create my CV on my phone?
Yes. Check the finished document carefully before applying, particularly its layout, contact details and file format.
Ready to start? Use the CaféGist CV builder to draft your CV, then tailor it to your first job application.