How to prepare a new graduate CV?
What can a recent university graduate write on his/her CV? What information should be placed and how?
You can prepare your new graduate CV using the CV Template for new graduates above and the details below.
1. Personal Information
Why Should This Section Be Included in Your CV?
This section allows employers to easily reach you. It is very important to provide complete and accurate information.
What Format Should It Have?
Write your first and last name in a large, readable font.
Provide your phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile.
2. Objective or Summary
Why Should This Section Be Included in Your CV?
The objectives section provides an opportunity to show employers your career goals and motivations.
What Format Should It Have?
Write a short and clear statement (1-2 sentences).
Use industry-specific vocabulary.
3. Education
Why Should This Section Be Included in Your CV?
Education is often the most prominent part of a new graduate’s career. Showing off your academic achievements reflects your level of knowledge to employers.
What Format Should It Have?
Reverse chronological order (last graduation first).
Include degree, school name, dates and achievements.
Your degrees and the institutions you attended.
Graduation dates (or expected graduation date).
Important courses taken or academic achievements.
If you have a high GPA, definitely include it.
The scholarships you receive.
4. Related Skills
Why Should This Section Be Included in Your CV?
Your skills highlight your suitability for the position you are applying for.
What Format Should It Have?
Write short, clear statements using bullet points.
Separate technical and soft skills.
Technical skills (programming languages, software knowledge).
Soft skills (communication, teamwork).
5. Work Experience
Why Should This Section Be Included in Your CV?
Internships and work experiences show how you work in a professional environment.
What Format Should It Have?
Reverse chronological order.
State duties and responsibilities in short, focused statements.
Highlight specifically what skills you have developed.
6. Extracurricular Activities
The clubs, organizations, or leadership roles you participated in during your school years can demonstrate your teamwork, responsibility, and time management skills. If you do not have any work experience, you can position club activities as work experience.
Why Should This Section Be Included in Your CV?
It reveals your talents such as teamwork, leadership and time management.
What Format Should It Have?
List the names of clubs and organizations you have joined.
State your role and responsibilities.
7. Projects
Why Should This Section Be Included in Your CV?
Projects showcase your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
What Format Should It Have?
Include a project name, date, and brief description.
Indicate the achievements achieved.
Research projects, Graduation projects, Group projects. Be sure to include a brief description of the project, your role and achievements.
8. Certifications or Trainings
Why Should This Section Be Included in Your CV?
Certifications document your professional competencies.
What Format Should It Have?
Certificate name and date.
Specify the institution that issued the certificate.
Include any certifications or specialized training related to the job you're applying for, such as:
"Google Analytics Certification."
"Data Analysis with Python."
9. References
Why Should This Section Be Included in Your CV?
References help support your professional history.
Make sure you get permission before including your references’ contact information. Optionally, you can add a note that says, “References are available upon request.”
What Format Should It Have?
Include "References are available upon request."
Do not share contact information without permission.
10. Grammar
Why Should This Section Be Included in Your CV?
Your language skills are a great advantage for international positions.
What Format Should It Have?
Write languages and levels (A1-C2) clearly.
Be sure to write down the languages and levels you know:
"Turkish: Mother tongue."
"English: Fluent (C1)."
"German: Intermediate (B2)."