Latest Jobs

How to Write a Simple, Effective CV for Your First Job

/ Career Guidance, Education

A CV (curriculum vitae) is often the first impression an employer has of you. For your first job, you may not have much work experience, and that is completely normal. A good first CV focuses on your education, skills and potential, presented clearly and honestly.

Keep the structure simple

Employers usually spend only a short time scanning each CV, so a clean structure matters. Use this order:

  1. Contact details: full name, phone number, professional email address and city.
  2. Profile: two or three sentences about who you are and the kind of role you are looking for.
  3. Education: your highest qualification first, with institution, year and results if they are strong.
  4. Skills: practical skills such as computer applications, languages and communication.
  5. Experience: internships, part-time work, volunteering or projects.
  6. Achievements and activities: awards, competitions, societies or community work.

What to include when you have little experience

  • University or college projects that show relevant skills.
  • Internships, even short ones.
  • Volunteer work and responsibilities in student societies.
  • Short courses and certificates related to the job.

For each item, describe what you did and what you achieved using simple action words such as organised, prepared, managed or designed.

Tailor your CV to each job

Read the job advertisement carefully and adjust your profile and skills section so it reflects what the employer needs. You do not need a completely new CV each time, but small changes make it more relevant.

Formatting tips

  • Keep it to one or two pages.
  • Use one clear, readable font and consistent headings.
  • Save and send it as a PDF unless the employer asks for another format.
  • Name the file clearly, for example with your full name and the word CV.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Spelling and grammar errors. Ask someone to proofread your CV.
  • Unprofessional email addresses.
  • Including unnecessary personal details.
  • Exaggerating or inventing information. Employers may verify what you write.

For government jobs, remember that the application form and required documents are usually defined in the official advertisement. A well-prepared CV is still useful for interviews and for private sector opportunities.

More in Education

Scroll to Top