How Can You Make Your CV Stronger as a Fresh Graduate or New Student?

Like your own marketing brochure, a CV is your chance to present yourself to recruiters. You may be asking yourself, "But I don’t have experience!" as a new student.

It’s OK. The idea is to exhibit your abilities so that recruiters would want to give you an opportunity.

Let’s go over each stage so that your resume doesn’t end up in the rejected pile of resumes before you can specify that you’re "seeking a challenging role."

1. Make Sure Your Resume is Organized Appropriately

Before adding anything, choose the finest resume format attainable.

• Reverse Chronological: It is wonderful if you have some experience, even from projects or internships.

• Functional (talents-based): Ideal for persons with minimal experience but considerable talent.

• Hybrid: Combining the two, establishing a balance between talents and knowledge.

For most new applicants, a hybrid or functional CV is desirable.

2. Start with an Intriguing Resume Summary or Purpose

Since recruiters will read this first, establish an impression.

• Poor Example: "Looking for a job to use my skills." (Uninteresting and unclear)

• Excellent Example: "A driven computer science graduate with a good foundation in web programming and problem-solving. Excited about generating user-friendly programs that are prepared to supply fresh solutions to a tech-driven corporation."

If you're struggling, focus on what makes you special.

• Are you speedy to pick things up?

• Do you like coding?

• Someone who remedies problems?

Emphasize it.

3. Place a Focus on Education (But Carefully)

You are a new student, so your education section is crucial. Instead of only announcing your degree, make it stand out.

Example:

Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science – XYZ University (2024)

• Achieved an 8.5 CGPA

• Completed classes on data structures, web development, and machine learning

• Was an active member of the Coding Club and took part in three hackathons.

Even if your grades aren’t outstanding, be sure to focus on relevant courses, projects, or activities.

4. Show Off Your Useful Skills

Recruiters are seeking certain abilities, so don’t simply list any of them. Put them in groups:

• Technical Proficiency: Python, Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SQL

• Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, and Adaptability

• Platforms & Tools: GitHub, Figma, Canva, and VS Code

Be honest. If you can justprint("Hello, World"), don’t list Python.

5. Incorporate Internship Projects or Experience

If you have internship experience, that’s wonderful! Projects, however, could demonstrate your talent even if you don’t.

Example of an Internship

Web Development Intern – ABC Tech (May–July 2023)

• Developed a responsive e-commerce website using React and Node.js.

• Code optimization allowed websites to load 30% quicker.

• Worked with designers to enhance UI/UX

Example of a Project

Personal Finance Tracker App (January 2024)

• Built a full-stack application using the MERN stack to aid users in monitoring expenditures

• Data visualization highlighted spending trends.

• Deployed using Netlify and Firebase authentication

If you haven’t performed any projects yet, this is the appropriate moment! A modest portfolio website may make a difference.

6. Offer Certifications & Online Courses

Online courses suggest that you are sensitive to new information. Websites such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning deliver decent credentials.

Examples:

• Google Data Analytics Certificate – Coursera

• Full-Stack Web Development Bootcamp – Udemy

• Python for Data Science – IBM

Include any coding competitions or hackathons you’ve participated in here as well!

7. Discuss leadership responsibilities and extracurricular activities.

Recruiters often like well-rounded candidates. Stress how you participate in college-related activities.

Examples:

• President of Tech Club—Organized seminars and coding competitions

• Volunteered at an NGO—taught coding to disadvantaged adolescents

• College Debate Champion—Improved communication and public speaking skills

This exhibits your collaboration and leadership abilities, which businesses really respect.

8. Make Your Resume Unique for Each Job

One of the greatest blunders new candidates make is sending the same résumé to every firm. Instead, make it distinctively yours:

• Make sure your qualifications suit the criteria by going over the job description.

• Use the job ad’s keywords to get past ATS (Applicant Tracking System) screening.

• Adjust your summary and skill set to better fit the job.

9. Be error-free, brief, and clear.

Your resume should be no more than one page, but if you have a lot to provide, it should be no more than two pages. A few simple guidelines:

• Use a professional font like Arial or Calibri (11–12 points).

• Don’t use brilliant colors or fancy imagery—keep the layout simple.

• Use Grammarly to check grammar and punctuation, or ask a friend to proofread.

On a cluttered résumé, errors may suddenly impair your chances.

10. Provide a Strong Connection to Your LinkedIn Profile and Portfolio

In today’s digital age, having a decent online presence is crucial. Incorporate:

• LinkedIn Profile—Maintain a professional and up-to-date profile.

• GitHub Link—If you work in the tech field, showcase your code.

• Portfolio Website—For designers, developers, and content creators.

Example:

• Portfolio: johndoe.dev

• GitHub: github.com/johndoe

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe

Recruiters often skim these over before asking you to come in for an interview.

11. Steer Clear of Unnecessary Information

A lot of rookies introduce needless details like

• Hobbies—If you adore Netflix, it is unimportant unless it is relevant.

• Personal Information—Age, marital status, and religion are optional.

• Objective Statements That Are Extremely "Vague—("Looking for a challenging role" is too generic.)

Instead, focus on the areas that make your CV special.

12. Save and Send Your Resume Correctly

When you’re done, save your resume as:

YourName_Resume.pdf

Avoid .docx files since they might create complications on different devices.

Before applying, double-check:

• Does it include no errors?

• Does it accentuate your greatest qualities?

• Is it suited for the role?

A well-written CV improves your chances of securing an interview.

Final Thoughts

A good CV for students or young grads isn’t about filling up space. The objective is to exhibit your skills in spite of your lack of expertise.