This template gives you a clear starting structure for a student CV. Fill in each section using specific examples from your own life. Remove any sections that do not apply and do not pad your CV with irrelevant content to make it look longer.
How to use this template
Replace every item in square brackets with your own information. Remove any section headings that do not apply to you. Keep the total length to one page. Save the final version as a PDF before sending. Rename the file to something like "FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf".
Education section guidance
List your most recent qualification first. Include the name of your school or university, the qualification type, and your grades or predicted grades. You do not need to list every GCSE individually — a summary line such as "9 GCSEs including Maths and English (grades 9–6)" is sufficient.
Experience section guidance
List any work, volunteering, roles, or activities in reverse chronological order. Include the organisation name, your role title, the dates, and two or three bullet points beginning with action verbs. Focus on what you actually did and what the outcome was. If you have no formal work experience, include school activities, sports, clubs, personal projects, or caring responsibilities.
Skills and interests
Include a short skills section only if you have specific relevant skills such as a language, a software package, or a relevant certification. Keep it brief. Interests should be genuine and briefly explained — one line is enough. Avoid listing reading, music, and socialising without any context.
Example CV structure
Visual preview
A modern one-page student CV uses these sections in this order:
Name and contact
Full name large, email + phone + town only. No photo, no date of birth.
Education
Most recent qualification first. University → A-levels → GCSEs summary.
Experience
Work, volunteering, clubs, projects. Bullet points starting with action verbs.
Skills and interests
Specific skills (languages, software). Genuine interests — one brief line each.
Keep the total length to one page. Save as a PDF. Name the file FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf.
Checklist
- Replace all placeholder text with your own information
- Education section lists qualifications in reverse chronological order
- Every bullet point starts with an action verb
- No generic phrases like "hardworking" or "team player" without evidence
- One page total
- Saved as PDF
Common mistakes to avoid
- Including sections with no content rather than removing them
- Listing responsibilities without describing outcomes
- Including a photograph or personal details like date of birth