Top 10 Graduate CV Tips

Breaking into the job market as a new graduate can feel overwhelming, but a strong, well-structured CV can give you a powerful edge. Whether you are building an engineering graduate CV, an IT graduate CV, or an accounting graduate CV, the fundamentals remain the same: clarity, relevance, and strategy.

Here are the top tips every graduate should follow to create a CV that stands out and gets noticed.

1. Start with a Powerful Resume Summary

Your summary should position you confidently and clearly. Keep it short, impactful, and aligned to your target job.

Example: “Chemistry graduate with a passion for research and a strong interest in biotechnology, bringing hands-on laboratory experience and keen analytical skills.”

2. Tailor Your CV to Every Job

Generic CVs get ignored. Read the job description carefully and customise your CV to highlight the skills and experience the employer is seeking.

Example: Applying for a software engineering role? Emphasise programming languages, frameworks, and real technical projects.

3. Include Your Expected Graduation Date

If you are still completing your degree, include your anticipated graduation month and year to provide clarity for employers.

Example: “Expected Graduation: May 2025.”

4. Highlight Relevant Coursework

For graduates with little experience, relevant subjects and academic projects can demonstrate capability and industry knowledge.

Examples may include:

• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Financial Accounting
• Organic Chemistry
• Project Management

5. Showcase Your Projects

Projects show initiative, practical application, and technical depth—especially useful in IT, engineering, and science fields.

Examples:

• A final-year capstone project analysing real-world data.
• Building a prototype application or website.
• Conducting a research study or laboratory experiment.

6. Emphasise Relevant Work Experience

Internships, part-time work, volunteer roles, and placements all count—especially if they build transferable skills.

Example: If applying for a finance role, highlight any exposure to bookkeeping, reporting, or analytical work.

7. Use Strong, Achievement-Focused Bullet Points

Where possible, include metrics and outcomes. Even small achievements help your CV stand out.

Example: “Collaborated with a team of five to deliver a data visualisation project, improving reporting efficiency by 20%.”

8. Keep the Format Clean and ATS-Friendly

Graduate CVs must be easy to read and compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Avoid graphics, columns, and complex formatting.

Stick to:

• Simple sections
• Clear headings
• Professional fonts
• Consistent spacing

9. Avoid Overly Casual or Wordy Language

Professional, concise writing always wins. Avoid buzzwords without evidence and focus on clarity over creativity.

10. Proofread Like a Professional

Spelling mistakes, grammar errors, or formatting inconsistencies can cost you interviews. Double-check everything—or, better still, have it reviewed by an expert.

Example Graduate Resume Summaries

IT Graduate / Computer Science Graduate

“Recent IT graduate with 2.5 years of hands-on programming experience across Java, Python, and C++. Seeking a software engineering role where I can contribute to innovative development projects.”

Chemistry Graduate

“Chemistry graduate with extensive laboratory experience in organic chemistry, data analysis, and scientific reporting. Conducted multiple research experiments and presented findings at academic events. Seeking opportunities in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology.”

Business Graduate

“Business administration graduate with strong foundations in finance, budgeting, and analysis. Experienced in supporting financial planning activities and seeking a role in corporate finance or financial analysis.”

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If you'd like a professional assessment of your graduate CV, CV Writers Australia offers a free CV review to help you stand out from the competition.