Graduate CV Template

Have you recently graduated and now need to create a Graduate CV? In this exclusive article from Go Zambia Jobs, we provide a free Graduate CV Template and explain what you need to include in a Graduate CV.

Executive Summary/Personal Statement

The summary section of your CV provides an opportunity for you to briefly outline what makes you a suitable fit for the position. It should be compelling and concise whilst providing the employer with key information. The summary section of a CV forms part of the structure of a CV. The type of CV structure you should use depends on many factors, including your level of experience and the type of job. A graduate CV structure may be as follows:

  • Name and contact details
  • Summary section
  • Education and qualifications
  • Relevant work experience
  • Relevant hobbies and interests
  • References

You can view some examples of different CV structures in our article CV Basics. For more tips on how to write an Executive Summary check out our article CV Tips: How to write an executive summary.

Education Achievements

Educational achievements are a key part of a Graduate CV. You should list your educational achievement in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent educational achievements (i.e. your degree qualification) first. Dependent on the role, you may wish to consider providing additional information on particular course modules and grades achieved.

Relevant Work Experience

List the dates of employment, company name, job title, key achievements and duties and responsibilities .If you have an extensive employment history, only include career highlights, or positions that are relevant to the role. You should always try to provide information on quantifiable key achievements (% change, Kwacha -/+) as well information on your relevant duties and responsibilities. Work experience can be an important factor when applying for jobs so try and think about all the work experience you might have gained or could gain.

For more information check out: Work Experience

Relevant Hobbies & Interests

The key with hobbies and interest is to ONLY include information that is relevant to the job and/or organisation to whom you are submitting your CV. If your hobbies and interests are relevant to the job and/or organisation they have the potential to help distinguish your CV from other candidates.

Here are some examples of how hobbies and interests could be relevant in your CV include:

  • President of a society or club (for those looking for management positions)
  • Writing and blogging (for those looking to become journalists)
  • Sports and fitness (for those looking to work as a sports coach)
  • Cooking or baking (for those looking for jobs in restaurants)
  • Volunteering (for those looking to work in charity/development)

Socialising with friends, eating out, going to the cinema and other hobbies and interests are unlikely to add value to your CV (unless they are relevant to the particular job and/or organisation).

References

Employers often ask for 2 or 3 references as part of the recruitment process. You should try to include people who can confirm your experience, skills and personality.

  • Current and past employers
  • Teachers, lecturers etc.
  • Person of authority (religious leader, solicitor etc.)

For more information check out our article How to find a suitable reference.

Want to download a FREE Graduate CV Template?

To download a Graduate CV Template click on the link below:

Graduate CV Template (216kb)

Additional Resources

Further Information

To find more careers articles visit: Careers Advice

Search for Jobs

To search for the latest jobs in Zambia visit: www.gozambiajobs.com

7 thoughts on “Graduate CV Template”

  1. How best can you market yourself(through a CV) for a position that you have just graduated in, with zero experience but you are working in a different line of industry with almost ten years of experience. For example, i have just graduated in the accounting field and i want to pursue the accounting field,but i have been working in aviation as an aircraft marshall. How best can i design my CV? Anyone?

Comments are closed.