Your First Step into the World of Work: A Student’s Guide to Career Success

How to Write Your CV – Even If You Have Little Experience

Your CV is your personal marketing document. Think of it as your highlight reel — it’s not about listing everything you’ve ever done, but the most relevant and impressive things.

What to Include:

1. Personal Statement (3-4 lines max): A short, confident summary of who you are, your strengths, and what you're looking for.

Example: “Construction Management graduate with strong analytical skills and a passion for sustainability. Experienced in team leadership through university projects and part-time work. Eager to apply these skills in a forward-thinking organisation.”

2. Education: Include qualifications from most recent first. Add grades if they are strong or relevant.

3. Work Experience: Include part-time jobs, volunteering, internships, placements, or even group projects. Highlight transferable skills like teamwork, time management, communication, and problem-solving.

4. Skills: Think digital tools (Excel, Canva, coding), languages, or soft skills. If you can back it up with an example, it belongs here.

5. Achievements: Academic awards, competitions, leadership roles in societies — anything that shows initiative or impact.

6. Interests (optional): Show your personality, especially if it demonstrates dedication, creativity, or teamwork. This is a valuable area, that is sometimes overlooked,

Tips:

- Keep it to 1 page (or 2 if you have significant experience).

- Use a clean, easy-to-read layout.

- Always tailor your CV to the job you're applying for. Use keywords from the job advert.

LinkedIn for Students – Why It Matters and How to Make It Work

 

LinkedIn is more than an online CV — it’s your personal brand. Employers, recruiters, and university networks often check your profile.

Your LinkedIn Checklist:

1. Profile Picture: A clear, friendly headshot (no holiday snaps or party pics!). Dress smart-casual as if for an interview.

2. Headline: Not just “Student at X University.” Say something about your goals.

Example: “Aspiring Marketing Graduate | Interested in Digital Strategy & Sustainability”

3. About Section: Write a short bio (100-200 words) using your personal statement as a starting point. Show your enthusiasm, personality, and direction.

4. Experience & Education: Use bullet points just like on your CV. Add clubs, societies, volunteering, and relevant coursework.

5. Skills: Add key skills like teamwork, Excel, public speaking, or data analysis.

6. Engage: Follow companies you admire, like or comment on posts, and share articles that interest you. This shows you’re active and engaged.

 

⚠️ Social Media Warning:

- Employers do check social media. Review your Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook    with a critical eye.

- Ask: “Would I be happy for an employer to see this?”

- Either make personal accounts private or tidy them up. LinkedIn should stay professional.

Interview Tips – How to Show Up and Stand Out

Interviews can feel daunting, but preparation is your superpower.

Before the Interview:

- Research the company: Know their mission, recent news, and what they do.

- Know the job description: Identify the key skills and think about examples that show you have them.

- Practice STAR technique: Situation, Task, Action, Result — structure your answers clearly.

- Look on LinkedIn at the person interviewing you. This will give you a feel for the person and not just their position in the company.  

Common Interview Questions (more below):

- “Tell me about yourself.”

- “Why do you want to work here?”

- “Describe a time you worked in a team.”

- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

 

During the Interview:

- Dress appropriately (ask if it’s smart or business casual).

- Be on time — or early.

- Smile, shake the interviewer’s hand if offered it, make eye contact (as much as feels natural to you), and listen carefully.

- Be honest — it’s okay to not have all the answers.

- Ask thoughtful questions at the end. (See suggestions below)

 

Bonus Tips:

- Always thank the interviewer in a short email afterwards. Tell them that you really enjoyed meeting them and that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

- Reflect on your performance and improve for next time. What did the interviewer seem to like in your answers? 

Final Thought: You Are More Ready Than You Think

Employers aren’t looking for perfection — they want curiosity, commitment, and the ability to grow. Be proud of your journey so far, take ownership of your story, and remember that your attitude matters more than experience at this stage.

You’ve got this!

RESOURCES

Common Interview Questions – And What They’re Really Asking

 

·       “Tell me about yourself.”

This isn’t an invitation to share your life story. Focus on who you are professionally. Start with your current studies, relevant experience, and what you’re looking for. Think of it as your ‘elevator pitch’. Show confidence and direction.

·       “Why do you want to work here?”

They want to see if you've done your homework and whether your values align with theirs. Mention something specific you admire about the company (e.g., culture, innovation, values, projects) and how that aligns with your personal or professional goals.

·       “Describe a time you worked in a team.”

This is about teamwork, communication, and collaboration. Use the STAR method to describe a group project or part-time job. Focus on your role, how you contributed, and what the outcome was.

·       “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

For strengths, choose one that’s relevant to the role and back it up with an example. For weaknesses, be honest but show how you’re working to improve it. Avoid clichés like 'perfectionism'. Instead, try something like, 'I used to avoid public speaking, but I’ve since taken on roles that have helped me build confidence.'

·       “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge and how you dealt with it.”

They’re assessing resilience and problem-solving. Pick a moment where you had to think critically or adapt — perhaps a difficult coursework deadline or learning a new skill quickly.