How to Tailor Your CV for Job Success as an Undergraduate
Creating a compelling CV as an undergraduate can be a challenging yet rewarding process. Your CV is often the first impression you make on potential employers, and taking the time to write a good CV tailored to specific roles can significantly increase your chances of landing that ideal job or internship. This guide will help you craft a modern CV that stands out, incorporates all essential details, and is easy to read.
We have compiled this step-by-step guide with CV examples and tips. Whether you’re a first-year undergraduate or about to graduate, we walk you through each step of creating an applicant tracking system (ATS) friendly CV that aligns with your career goals, ensuring it captivates your recruiters’ attention.
Let's work together to make your transition from the academic world to entering the workforce after graduating.
Undergraduate CV example
Download this undergraduate CV example in PDF.
This CV sample features Aisha Malik, a second-year undergraduate student seeking a software engineering summer internship. The skills summary efficiently showcases the main achievements and projects from her studies and tutoring experience. She has opted for a simple CV template with a professional font and skills-based format. Since Aisha is targeting the IT role, she strategically highlights her technical proficiencies and education to show she’s the right fit.
Start with a clean and professional CV layout
Your CV’s format is just as important as its content. An easy-to-read, organised layout ensures your information is accessible at a glance. Use a professional CV template with a clear structure and distinct sections, such as:
Contact details (email address, phone number, location)
Personal profile
Education section
Experience section
Key skills
Additional sections (certifications, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities)
Make sure the sections include relevant content that positions you as a strong candidate for the role.
Ensure your CV aligns with your career goals as well as ATS systems to increase your chances of success. Keep your CV clear and concise, highlighting relevant sections to leave a positive impression, especially if you are writing a CV for a first job.
Why tailoring your CV matters
Employers receive hundreds of applications for many roles, and they often spend only seconds reviewing CVs. By tailoring your CV to align with the job description, you demonstrate a clear understanding of the role and show that you’re the right fit. Whether it’s through highlighting key skills, showcasing relevant academic achievements, or refining the personal statements, a tailored approach is essential.
Learn more about how to start with a master CV.
Add professional and up-to-date contact details
The personal details CV section includes core details for recruiters and hiring managers to identify and contact you. This section must be easily identifiable and can include:
Your full name
Professional email address
Phone number and location
For roles that involve showcasing past work or projects, consider adding a link to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile.
Pro Tip
Use a professional-sounding email address – avoid informal ones like “[email protected].” A simple format such as “[email protected]” is ideal.
How to write an impactful personal profile for an undergraduate CV
Your personal profile, sometimes referred to as a "professional summary," is a brief introductory paragraph that summarises your skills, goals, and what you bring to the table. Tailor this section for every application, aligning your career goals with the company’s mission.
Pro Tip
Don’t worry if you don’t have loads of experience – your professional summary is about potential, not just your past. Focus on your strengths, interests, and what you’re aiming for. Highlight your studies, relevant skills, and what kind of role you’re excited to grow into.
Academic CV undergraduate example for personal profile
Attentive undergraduate specialising in applied mathematics. Proficient in Python, Javascript, C++, and SQL. Strong analytical mindset with exceptional research and communication skills, adept at transforming complex problems into simple solutions. Quick learner, team player, and eager to advance technical skills in the research role.
Refer to the academic CV example for more insights.
Student with an internship CV example for personal profile
Creative third-year undergraduate student with hands-on journalism internship. Skilled in public speaking, writing, and digital media. Independent and adaptable, with excellent collaboration and communication skills. Strong foundation in storytelling, SEO, social media management, and audience building.
Explore the internship CV example for more tips!
First-year undergraduate CV example for personal profile
Motivated and detail-orientated first-year business administration undergraduate student with strong communication and teamwork skills. Adept at developing business strategies, and solving problems through efficient and data-driven solutions. Eager to leverage theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop further as a business analysis intern.
Take a look at the admin CV example and admin cover letter for further inspiration.
Computer Science student CV example for personal profile
Innovative and solutions-orientated computer science undergraduate student with a passion for machine learning. Proficient in programming languages such as Python, Java, Ruby, and PHP. Knowledgeable in algorithm development, data structures, and data security. Adept at motivating myself and others, with a keen interest in solving technical problems. Seeking an apprenticeship in a fast-paced fintech industry.
Take a look at one of the following CV examples for more job-specific examples:
Engineering undergraduate CV example for personal profile
Data-driven and resourceful engineering undergraduate, driven to solve real-world challenges through creative engineering solutions. Possesses a strong theoretical background, combined with hands-on experience in projects. Aims to apply engineering expertise to create sustainable and impactful solutions.
Looking for an engineering job? Check out the following CV examples to help you in your job search:
Psychology student CV example for personal profile
Empathetic psychology undergraduate student passionate about human behaviour and mental health. Well-versed in qualitative and quantitative research methods, assessment and diagnostics skills, and therapeutic techniques and interventions. Effective communicator with strong critical thinking and communication abilities. Proficient in research methods and data analysis, aiming to explore various facets of psychology to contribute meaningfully to the field. Seeking a clinical psychology internship.
Applying for a role in healthcare? Explore the following CV examples for more tips:
Biology undergraduate student CV example for personal profile
Enthusiastic undergraduate student specialising in environmental biology. Skilled in laboratory experiments, data analysis, and scientific research. Strong academic writing and communication skills. Passionate about biodiversity and environmental conservation. Seeking a research internship in a lab to apply current knowledge and develop new skills.
Considering a medical career? See the following CV examples for specific writing guides:
Showcase your education section with key details
The education section on a CV is often a primary focus for undergraduates. List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with your current degree. Include the following:
Degree and course title
University name and location
Expected graduation date
Relevant coursework or projects
Notable academic achievements (grades, awards, or research).
Education on a CV
Highlight relevant training and achievements to show you can do your job. Emphasise how your coursework, projects, and extracurricular activities have contributed to your growth and prepared you for your role in your chosen field.
Learn more about listing your education in a CV.
How to format a degree
[Degree] in [program name], [institution/school name], [Location], [date range, year of graduation, or in progress], [Degree description or thesis topic]
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, 2015-2020. Completed a five-year medical degree with clinical placements across multiple specialties, including surgery, general medicine, and paediatrics. Developed strong diagnostic and patient care skills in hospital and community settings.
More examples:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Imperial College London, 2023
Master of Arts in English Literature, University of Cambridge, 2021-Present
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, University of Manchester, 2020
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 2019
Master of Science in Data Science, University College London (UCL), 2018
What to include in your education section on a CV
University degree: Include your full degree name, including honours, institution name, completion date or expected graduation year, and final grade (if applicable).
Degree description or thesis topic: convert your academic achievements into a ‘job description’ by highlighting learned skills or university projects.
University courses: Mention relevant courses under your degree in bullet points, ensuring they align with your job description or company goals.
Courses and professional training: include accredited and relevant courses from renowned universities of course providers, ensuring they closely relate to your job targets.
A-Levels or GCSEs: only state your subject names, final grades, if possible. This section is optional and is only useful if you don’t have a tertiary education or no experience.
Pro Tip
If you have studied at an international high school or university, it could be an excellent addition to your CV that shows your ability to work in a diverse work environment.
Boost your work experience section
Even if you have limited work experience, focus on transferable skills gained from part-time jobs, volunteering, or internships. Structure this section with bullet points, listing your most recent experience first.
Incorporate keywords relevant to your target job throughout your CV.
Emphasise soft skills gained from relevant studies, volunteering, or hobbies. Keep this section concise and focused on your target job.
Highlight measurable achievements or significant academic highlights from school, work placements, volunteering, or internships.
Change your job titles and tailor your duties and achievements to your job target.
Even if you have no work experience or changing careers, we recommend placing your education section over work experience, as it’s your main selling point. If you have nothing to put in your work history, consider utilising a skills-based CV format where you group your expertise and main achievements.
Pro Tip
When writing about your experience section, emphasise measurable results and use keywords from the job description to catch recruiters' attention.
Work experience example
Junior Graphic Designer, Envy Co, 2023-Present
Collaborated with the design team to create visually compelling graphics for social media, flyers, company merch, and external marketing campaigns. Gained hands-on experience in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, to bring design concepts to life. Ensured efficient workflow by organising and archiving design assets.
Contributed to the rebranding of the website, leading to a 30% increase in customer loyalty and positive feedback.
Successfully completed 5 projects for flyers, websites, and e-books within assigned deadlines, demonstrating efficiency and time management skills.
Assisted senior designers to create a visually stunning eBook layout for a client, resulting in a 20% increase in downloads and positive reviews from readers.
Refer to the graphic designer CV and graphic designer cover letter examples for more tips.
How to list additional experience for an undergraduate CV
If you have had part-time jobs, completed volunteer work, or had other side activities, consider creating a separate section called ‘Additional experience’. Use this section to elaborate on your relevant experience and achievements.
Add a new section on your CV which includes all your side activities or jobs. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to student societies, board memberships, and volunteering.
Side jobs show that you can multitask and are willing or driven to work. Examples of side jobs could include waiter/waitress, bartender, or driver.
Volunteer work does not directly belong to the work experience section because you’re generally not hired or paid by an employer. It depends on what kind of volunteering experience you have, but in most cases, keeping it in this section is safer. Volunteering is still a useful experience that allows you to gain practical skills while working with diverse people in one team.
Student societies highlight your active involvement in student societies or clubs during your university years. Being part of these groups demonstrates your willingness to go beyond the norm and contribute to the betterment of the community.
Placements provide one-year training allowing students to gain employability skills and first-hand experience in a particular job role or sector.
Apprenticeships showcase your hands-on training and technical classroom instruction, making you a qualified candidate and boosting your credibility.
Refer to the hobbies and interests article for more inspiration.
How to add skills to an undergraduate CV
Incorporating the right skills is essential to impress hiring managers and parse through the ATS systems. Highlight your most prominent academic skills that could benefit the company you’re applying for. Make sure to differentiate between soft skills, which go to your personal profile and hard skills, which you place in a separate section called ‘Areas of expertise’. Focus on your strengths and think of abilities that can come in handy in your next role. Your CV must combine both to make your profile stand out.
Pro Tip
Avoid fabricating skills for the sake of appearance. Instead, only display the courses you have completed; adding false or invalid information can portray you as an untrustworthy candidate.
| Soft skills | Hard skills |
|---|---|
| Communication | Microsoft Office Suite |
| Problem-solving | Data entry and analysis |
| Collaboration | Foreign language proficiency |
| Adaptability | Research and information gathering |
| Attention to detail | Graphic design |
| Time management | Social media management |
| Organisation | Web development |
| Enthusiasm | Writing and editing (e.g., academic, creative, technical) |
| Resilience | Presentation |
| Initiative | Customer service |
How to list courses and certificates for an undergraduate CV
Whether you’re new to the industry or have already completed an internship, enhance your CV with courses and certificates to showcase your potential and commitment to continuous learning. Keep the list concise, preferably one to two lines max. Alternatively, list the skills in one line instead of using bullet points if you need to save space on your CV. Courses and certificates are an additional section that expands on your pertinent areas of expertise and qualifications. Furthermore, include any relevant courses from your secondary and higher education, along with any certifications or awards received.
For more inspiration, find a course with the National Careers Service.
Examples:
Final tips for an undergraduate CV
Your undergraduate CV is a tool to demonstrate your value to employers. Here are some key takeaways:
Keep it concise – one page is the ideal CV length for undergraduates.
Use bullet points and action verbs for readability.
Highlight measurable achievements and align them with the role.
Avoid irrelevant details like hobbies unless they’re career-relevant.
Ensure the document is well-organised, error-free, and visually appealing.
With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to create an easy-to-read, ATS-optimised students CV that recruiters will notice. Take the time to refine each section and confidently showcase your abilities. Good luck tailoring your CV and landing your next opportunity!
Next steps? If you want to avoid the hassle of creating your first CV, reach out to CV Writing Service. Our professional writers can polish your career documents and provide expert advice to make your CV shine. If you want to create a CV yourself, we also offer ready-to-use 20+ professional templates which you can easily import and customise to your needs. See one of our CV examples and career bog to guide you through finding your dream job.
FAQs
How to write an academic CV as an undergraduate?
Start by choosing a professional template with clear headings, bullet points, and, most importantly, readability. Tailor your master CV to a specific job you’re targeting and highlight achievements most relevant to that role. If you need to create a CV template for university application as an undergraduate, include one of the following sections:
| Core sections | Optional sections |
|---|---|
| Personal details | Presentations and Conferences |
| Personal profile | Grants and Funding |
| Education | Honours and Awards |
| Skills | Professional Memberships |
| Research or teaching experience | References |
| Publications | Professional Service |
For more details and inspiration, see the academic CV example article.
What is the best format for an undergraduate CV?
No universal format applies to every job, as it ultimately depends on your career goals, the industry you’re applying to, and your style. Nevertheless, we recommend utilising the reverse chronological format if you've already held a few positions. If you have little to no experience, a skills-based CV format is your way to go. It groups different skill types and emphasises key achievements and learning from your studies or side activities. Lastly, pick a clean, professional template with a clear structure.
Read the article on how to create a modern CV to learn more.
How to write an undergraduate CV with no experience?
Suppose you are still at school and are looking for your first job or internship w writing your CV. In that case, we suggest using a skills-based approach focusing on key skills and core competencies by bringing them to the top of the document instead of your employment history. Just ensure the details in your CV example are concise, easy to read, and relevant to the job you are applying to.
See our school leaver CV article for more inspiration.
What should an undergraduate CV look like?
A CV should follow a clear and concise format, typically including sections like education, relevant coursework, research experience, internships, skills, and extracurricular activities. Utilise a professional and easy-to-read font, organised headings, and bullet points for clarity. Tailor the CV to highlight achievements, projects, and experiences that align with the desired job or field of study.
How long should an undergraduate CV be?
Aim for brevity and conciseness when creating your CV, ideally limiting it to one-to-two pages. Emphasise essential sections, including education, work experience, skills, and other optional details. Use easy-to-read and concise language, complemented by a professional font and clear headings.
If you are applying for a research position or academia, be prepared to create an academic CV that is more extensive and employs different headings, focusing more on qualifications and publications.
See the article on how long should a cover letter be for more information.
How to write as an undergraduate if you’re still studying?
Start by writing your education section highlighting relevant coursework, research, and projects. Then, include internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs that showcase transferrable skills. Ensure to show your commitment to learning and enthusiasm for the field. After that, add a personal statement to convey your career goals and motivation to join the company. Lastly, state your expected graduation date and consider showcasing extracurricular involvement or leadership roles to demonstrate your potential.
Can you add undergraduate and postgraduate on a CV?
Yes, you can include both. List your highest degree first, followed by the others in chronological order. Provide relevant details such as university names, degree titles, dates of study, and any notable academic achievements. Tailor the CV to emphasise the qualifications most relevant to the job or educational opportunities you are pursuing.
