Creating a strong CV (Curriculum Vitae) as a student or recent graduate can feel overwhelming—especially when you don’t have much work experience. But don’t worry! A clean, professional CV format focused on your skills, education, and potential can help you land internships, entry-level jobs, and graduate opportunities.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best CV format for students and graduates, including tips, a breakdown of what to include, and a free downloadable template.
🎯 Why CV Format Matters
Recruiters spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV—so structure and clarity are everything. The right format helps you:
- Highlight your strengths
- Show your readiness for the opportunity
- Make a great first impression
📄 Best CV Format for Students and Graduates (South Africa)
Use a reverse-chronological format, which focuses on your most recent education and experiences first. This format is clean, simple, and ideal for applicants with limited work experience.
🧩 What to Include in Your Student or Graduate CV
Here’s the ideal structure for your CV:
1. Contact Information
At the top of the page, include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Location (City, Province)
- LinkedIn profile (optional)
✅ Tip: Use a professional email address like name.surname@gmail.com
2. Professional Summary (2–3 lines)
Write a short paragraph summarizing who you are, what you’re studying, and what you’re looking for.
Example:
“Motivated final-year Marketing student at UJ with a passion for digital marketing and brand strategy. Eager to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world internship environment.”
3. Education
List your most recent education first:
- Qualification name (e.g., National Diploma in Information Technology)
- Institution name
- Years attended
- Relevant coursework or achievements
4. Skills
Highlight soft and technical skills relevant to the position:
- Teamwork
- Microsoft Office / Google Workspace
- Communication
- Time management
- Excel / Canva / Programming (if applicable)
5. Experience
If you don’t have formal work experience, include:
- Internships
- Volunteer work
- School projects
- Leadership roles
Format:
Position Title – Organisation
Month Year – Month Year
- Key responsibilities
- Achievements
6. Certifications or Short Courses (optional)
Add any online courses, workshops, or training (from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning).
7. References
List 1–2 references, or say:
“References available on request.”
📥 Free CV Template (Download)
👉 Click here to download a free editable CV template for students and graduates (Word format)
💡 Extra Tips for a Great CV
- Keep it 1–2 pages
- Use a clear font like Arial or Calibri (11–12pt)
- Avoid using slang or emojis
- Save and send as PDF format unless asked otherwise
🔍 Need More Help?
Check out our other useful guides:
✍ Final Thoughts
Your CV is your first step into the world of work. Even if you don’t have experience, presenting your skills, education, and passion professionally will make a big impact.
Need help reviewing your CV? Email us at 📧 info@gointern.co.za for feedback.
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