Graduate CV example : Microsoft Word template (free download)

Clean, fresh and attractive, this ATS-friendly graduate CV template is very subtle in design but doesn't want for anything more. A large header and soft lilac sub headings divide up your information, and the Century Gothic font gives everything a clean professional feel. Bullets are used to organise the sections, with a page icon for your education details and a simple circle for your employment details. These are easy to change if you'd rather use a different icon.

CV template details:

  • CV ref: #54
  • File size: 19 kB
  • File format: .docx (Microsoft Word)
  • File name: Resume-Template-Lilac-Bullets.docx
  • Fonts required: Century Gothic
  • Price:
  • ATS CV: Yes*
  • User rating:
    Graduate CV example : Microsoft Word template (free download)
    4.6 rating based on 12,345 ratings
    Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 18 reviews.
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About this CV template:

The Century Gothic font is the ideal choice for any smart, professional CV template and combined with some subtle hints of lilac, this is a really smart, crisp template that feels clean and uncluttered but still manages to stand out from the crowd. The example content will help graduates see how to fill in a CV at this stage of their career.

* Every effort has been made to design this CV template according to best practice so that your information can be read by ATS software correctly. However, all Applicant Tracking Systems are different and no guarantees can be offered.

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Text preview of this CV template:

This is a text-only preview - download the formatted Word file using the link above.

JOE BLOGGS – LAW GRADUATE

CONTACT

1234 The Street London N1S – TEL: 01234 567890 – joe@joebloggs.com
www.joebloggslaw.com – LinkedIn: @joebloggs – Twitter: @joebloggs

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I hold the LL.B with first class honours and a Masters in International Law with Merit. I studied my LPC with the University of Law, achieving distinction overall and in every module. I have a range of legal work experience which includes blogging regularly for a local firm. This has kept me up-to-date with legal developments in the Private Client sector.

EDUCATION

University of Law, London 2014 – 2019

  • LL.M (Masters in International Law) (Merit)
  • LPC (Legal Practice Course) (Distinction)
  • LL.B (1st Class Honours)

Bloomsbury College, London 2012 – 2014

  • A Level Law (A), Maths (A), English (A) & Biology (C)

Bloomsbury Comprehensive, London 2008 – 2012

  • 9 GCSEs grade C and above
  • Including English (A) and Maths (A)

WORK EXPERIENCE

ABC Law, London 2012 – date
Blogger
I have blogged for this solicitors’ firm since 2012, producing 1 – 2 articles a week on private client matters. I am attaching samples of my work which can be seen on the firm’s website at www.abclaw.com.

XYZ Law, London Various dates from 2014
Legal Assistant
Since 2014 I have worked with XYZ Law in London through all of my school holidays (approx. 18 weeks per year, for the past 5 years). My tasks have included:

  • Diary management
  • Audio and copy typing of legal documentation
  • Handling telephone and email enquiries
  • Speaking to clients on behalf of the solicitors
  • Setting up new client files on the firm’s PMS
  • Preparing letters, legal documents and memos
  • Scanning, filing, archiving and photocopying
  • Legal document formatting and amendments
  • Providing cover for the front desk

Jenny’s Café, Camden May 2014 – date
Waiter
I work two evenings a week at a very busy café in Camden. My role includes all aspects of greeting and serving customers from all walks of life.

SKILLS

Audio typing, 40wpm | Copy typing, 50wpm | ABC PMS, Proficient user

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

When I’m not studying or working, I love going for a run around London or going to the gym. I also love wandering through the many galleries and museums that our Capital has to offer.

REFERENCES

Available on request.

Template details:

NB: This graduate CV template was originally published on 11th February 2016 and has been completely updated for 2020.

Here’s a full preview of page one of this graduate CV:

Graduate CV example - page one

And here’s page two:

Graduate CV template - page two

How to write a graduate CV – top tips:

  • Writing a graduate CV is very much like any other CV (see our CV writing guide here for more help). However, if you have very little work experience, you’ll need to place more emphasis on your academic achievements and relevant skills.
  • This graduate CV example is for students who have just graduated but have acquired some work experience along the way (whether relevant to your target role or not). If you have absolutely no work experience, you may find our school leavers’ CV template helpful.
  • If you have no sector-relevant work experience, consider carefully which skills your employer is looking for that you might have used in your work or studies. Many skills such as good communication and attention to detail are transferable, regardless of the role. Try and emphasise these skills when you describe your past experience, giving examples where possible.
  • DO create a LinkedIn profile to complement your CV and include it on your CV. Use the profile more detail about what you have studied and any work experience you may have. Click here to find out how.
  • DO use your Twitter and LinkedIn accounts to interact with and share content relevant to your industry, and include them on your CV. This helps demonstrate a passion for your subject!
  • DO look to see if there are any industry-specific professional institutions you can join and get involved with. This is another great way to show your interest for the topic.

How to change the bulleted lists

To change the bullets in this template in Microsoft Word 2010, right click on the bullet, scroll down to ‘Bullets’ and select the one you prefer from the pop-out menu:

Changing the bullets on your CV template

Why your hobbies are more important to your graduate CV than you think

It’s easy to assume that the hobbies section is the least important when it comes to writing a graduate CV. But have we been wrong in believing that all this time?

There are lots of dividing opinions on the importance of hobbies and interests on a CV. But in our experience we find that the most impressive CV’s make better use of this section and realise its full potential.

Here’s how you can fully utilise the hobbies and interests section of your CV:

Show the employer how passionate you are outside of work

When the hiring manager reads a CV he or she is looking for a passionate and hard working individual. One of the best places to demonstrate this is the hobbies section as it allows you to represent your creative and passionate side.

Someone who demonstrates passion and commitment outside of work is much more likely to do the same inside. Both of these personal attributes are very important to an employer for obvious reasons. If your hobbies also align with your career, then you are easily able to add value to your CV. This would be a win-win situation!

Grab the hiring manager’s attention

The hiring manager is used to skipping over the hobbies section as it doesn’t usually contain anything of importance. However, your CV can be very different to the norm and you have the chance to grab the reader’s attention. Mundane and traditional CV hobbies don’t add any value to an application.

Reading books and socialising are not really of interest to an employer. You can choose to put these down if you wish, but it won’t be a problem missing them off either.

Remember, the manager has never met you and is trying to build up a picture of how you would fit into their team. Personalities are very important to any manager, and typically a CV doesn’t give too much away. You might also get lucky and find that the manager shares some of your hobbies and interests.

Above all else you want to make a great first impression and leave the reader wanting to know more. You shouldn’t have to just rely on your skills, qualifications and experience to do that.

Demonstrate that you have soft skills

What is a soft skill? Unlike a hard or specific skill, a soft skill relates to something more generic. For example, communication and organisation would describe a soft skill. These are just as important to an employer as the specific skills required for the role, as they relate more to how you might perform.

Sporty hobbies can add a lot of value to a CV. When it comes to soft skills – leadership, communication and team working can be demonstrated through sports and recreation.

Being the captain of your local sports team clearly demonstrates trust and leadership, amongst many other soft skills. You’ve been chosen as captain for a reason. The rest of the team obviously place their faith in you to lead them to success. Your commitment and dedication has paid off, and you’re now in a great position to help others.

Can you see how easily this type of hobby adds value to your CV?

If the job advert is sparse and you’re not sure which soft skills the employer will be looking for, try searching through the job profiles at Prospects.ac.uk.

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