Write your first CV as a student
You do not need a long employment history to write a useful CV. Explain what you have done, what you learned and how it relates to a part-time job, first role or internship.
Published · Updated · Publisher: JobAXS
Choose a target for this version
A CV for a retail job and one for a placement in your field may need different examples. Read the advert and select evidence that fits the work.
Write a short profile explaining your studies, target role and relevant availability. Avoid a list of personal qualities that could describe anyone.
Recognise the experience you already have
Courses, lab work, projects, volunteering and part-time jobs can all provide evidence. Explain your own contribution and the tools or methods you used. Distinguish classroom exposure from independent proficiency.
- Education and relevant courses.
- Projects with your role and deliverable.
- Part-time work and volunteer responsibilities.
- Languages, tools and availability.
Use a project to demonstrate a skill
This fictional example illustrates a structure. Use a project you can discuss yourself.
Example: before and after
- Before
- I study business and am a good team player.
- After
- In a course project, I organised tasks for a group of four, compiled the budget data and presented our conclusions.
The example demonstrates collaboration and a deliverable without presenting coursework as employment.
Put relevant evidence first
Education may come before work experience when it is your strongest evidence. Use clear contact details, a short profile and relevant sections. Let useful content determine length; do not pad the document.
In JobAXS, organise your information in your profile and start from a CV template. Ask AI to clarify the wording, then verify that suggestions stay within your actual experience.
Ask someone to review it
A tutor or friend can point out unclear details. Compare their feedback with the advert. Explain scheduling limits and start dates when relevant, without adding unrelated private information.
- Choose an advert or a clear target role.
- Gather education and specific examples.
- Draft the CV and verify each claim.
- Check the PDF and follow the application instructions.
Take the next step with JobAXS
Use the guide as a starting point, then work with your own information in the product.
