CV template: First job

Once you’re fresh out of school, you need to learn how to write a CV so you can impress employers and get your first job.

That’s why, with the help of the experts at StandOut CV, we’ve crafted a first job CV template to help you shine during your first job hunt.

You can use this template if you’re about to finish education, if you’ve just finished school or if you simply haven’t gained any work experience yet.

Remember this template is only for inspiration, though. You should adapt it to your own situation, rather than copy it word-for-word.

Before you download it, read on to learn how to craft a better CV when applying for your first job.

State how you produce results
We recommend that you state any favourable results from your time in school. That way, you can demonstrate to employers that you can remain task-focused and work to a brief. Furthermore, you should show how you can meet and exceed what’s expected of you.

On the other hand, if you didn’t get the results you wanted, you should state what you learned about yourself. This shows that you’re a self-aware applicant and that you know where you can improve and how to do this.

Detail transferable skills
If there’s one thing recruiters love, it’s transferable skills. A transferable skill is a skill which you can use in any industry. This can be anything from planning and communication, to time management and decision making. As such, you need to give examples of how you used these skills in education to prove that you can carry out the required duties.
The good news is that you’ve probably developed soft skills already. For instance, revising for exams involves learning new processes and information, while completing essays and coursework requires planning. Referencing these skills gives the recruiter proof of your abilities and creates a clearer picture of how you can thrive in the workplace.

Focus on hobbies and interests
When you’re targeting your first job, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd because other applicants are at a similar level to you. In that sense, should consider referencing hobbies and interests on your CV to become memorable and give yourself leverage.
For instance, it’s wise to write about any trips you might have taken during education or home life to underline that you’re comfortable in new environments. Covering any musical instruments you might have played during education is also a great way to show how creative you are.
As such, discussing hobbies and interests can pique the recruiter’s interest and frame you as an endearing prospect.

For more tips on how to write a CV, see our guide.