How to Write a CV as a Student
Your CV is often the only thing standing between you and an interview — and recruiters spend seconds on each one. As a student with limited experience, the goal isn't to fill a page; it's to make the few things you have count.
Keep it to one page
For a student, one page is plenty. A long CV signals padding, not experience. Cut anything that doesn't help you get this specific role.
Put the strongest, most relevant things near the top — that's where recruiters actually look.
Lead with impact, not duties
Don't just list what you were responsible for — show what changed because of you. "Grew the society's events attendance by 40%" beats "organised events" every time.
Use numbers wherever you can. Even small, concrete results read as more credible than vague claims.
Use projects, coursework, and volunteering
No formal work experience yet? Class projects, side projects, volunteering, and society roles all count — they show initiative and real skills.
Link to your work where possible: a portfolio, a repository, or a stryd profile that collects it all in one place.
Tailor it and make it scannable
Mirror the language of the role you're applying to. If the listing asks for "data analysis," make sure that phrase appears where it's true.
Clean formatting, clear headings, consistent dates, and no typos. If a recruiter has to hunt for information, they won't.
Put this into practice on stryd
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