How to Write a Student CV: Here Are the Top Tips and Tricks

If you’re reading this article, it means you’re at that point in your university application process where you want to write your student CV, and we’re here for the saving. Now that you’ve chosen your favorite program in the university of your choice, we want to help you craft your student CV to really stand out in that competitive landscape of academia.

 

A CV not only reflects academic achievements but also showcases skills, experiences, and potential, introduces you to whoever reads it, and makes a good first impression. Taking your CV seriously indicates how serious you are about your college application, and we have a step-by-step guide to writing a winning CV as a student and getting accepted into any university you apply to abroad. So, let’s get started!

 

The Top Tips and Tricks to Nailing Your Student CV

Start with a Strong Header

Begin your CV with a strong header that conveys professionalism and attention to detail. Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and, if applicable, links to your LinkedIn profile or personal website. A clean, well-organized header sets a positive tone for the rest of your CV. 

 

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your opportunity to make a lasting impression. Craft a compelling narrative that succinctly outlines your career goals, academic aspirations, and key skills. Tailor your personal statement for each application, aligning it with the specific requirements of the role or academic program. Use language that is confident yet humble, showcasing your passion for your field of study or desired profession.

 

Emphasize Your Education

The education section is the backbone of a student's CV. Clearly state your current degree, the institution you attend, your major, and your expected graduation date. Highlight any relevant coursework, honors, or academic achievements, such as scholarships or dean's list commendations. If you have a high GPA, include it to underscore your academic excellence.

 

 

Showcase Relevant Skills

Dedicate a section to showcasing your skills, both technical and soft. Tailor this section to align with the requirements of the position or academic program. For technical skills, mention specific software, programming languages, or tools you are proficient in. Use this section to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, work in teams, and adapt to various situations.

 

Detail Your Work Experience

While students may not have extensive work experience, any relevant exposure is valuable. Detail part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer positions, focusing on transferable skills gained from these experiences. Utilize action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements. For example, instead of saying you "assisted customers," emphasize that you "enhanced customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving."

 

Include Extracurricular Activities

Participation in extracurricular activities demonstrates a well-rounded personality and a capacity for balancing various responsibilities. Briefly describe your roles and responsibilities in clubs, societies, or sports teams, emphasizing the skills you developed. This section provides insights into your character and interests, adding depth to your CV.

 

Highlight Research and Projects

If you've engaged in research projects, thesis work, or significant academic projects, create a dedicated section to showcase these endeavors. Clearly outline the objectives, your role, the methodologies used, and the outcomes or findings. This section is particularly important for students applying to academic positions or research-oriented roles, as it demonstrates your capacity for independent inquiry and critical thinking.

 

Tailor Your CV for Each Application

Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your CV for each application by emphasizing the most relevant information. Carefully read the job or program description and customize your CV to align with the specific requirements. Highlight experiences, skills, and achievements that directly relate to the position or academic program.

 

Utilize Action Verbs

Begin each bullet point in your work experience and project sections with strong action verbs. Words like "managed," "led," "implemented," and "organized" convey a sense of responsibility and achievement. Be concise and specific, focusing on your contributions and impact in each role.

 

Quantify Achievements

Add weight to your accomplishments by quantifying them. Instead of making general statements, provide specific details. For instance, rather than stating you "improved efficiency," specify that you "increased efficiency by 20% through the implementation of a new process." Quantifying achievements adds credibility and demonstrates the tangible results of your efforts.

 

Prioritize Relevance

Organize your CV in a way that prioritizes relevance. Place the most relevant information at the forefront, ensuring recruiters and academic reviewers can quickly identify your key strengths and experiences. Customize the order of your sections based on the specific requirements of the position or program.

 

Seek Feedback

Before finalizing your CV, seek feedback from professors, mentors, or career advisors. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights, catch errors, and offer suggestions to enhance the overall quality of your CV. Multiple perspectives can help ensure that your CV is well-rounded and effectively communicates your potential.

 

Include Professional Development

If you've attended workshops, conferences, or relevant training sessions, include a section on professional development. Highlight any certifications or skills acquired during these experiences. This section showcases your commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of developments in your field.

 

Demonstrate Language Proficiency

If you are proficient in multiple languages, include a section highlighting your language skills. Specify your proficiency level (e.g., fluent, proficient) and mention any relevant language courses or certifications. In our globalized world, language skills can be a valuable asset, especially if applying for international positions.

 

Utilize a Clean and Professional Format:

A visually appealing and well-organized CV is more likely to grab the attention of recruiters. Use a clean and professional format with consistent fonts and formatting. Ensure that the document is easy to read and that important information stands out. Consider using bullet points, headings, and bold text to create a visually engaging document.

 

These are the key pillars of writing a killer student CV. Remember that it’s a student CV, not a social media profile, so don’t add irrelevant information like your date of birth, relationship status, or religion. 

 

You're golden as long as you’re keeping it professional, error-free, simple, and nice-looking!

 

If you need any more help studying abroad, sign up to Educatly and update your profile to get a personalized browsing experience. You can also read all about studying abroad and education on our blog!

 

What are you waiting for? Follow Educatly for more, and start your study abroad journey now!