If you've recently graduated, you'll need a CV to help you take that all-important first step after college or uni. Follow our example to find out everything you should include to show off your shiny new qualification.
Meet Owen, a recent college graduate
Shortly after finishing his HNC in Accountancy, Owen spotted a vacancy for a trainee accounts assistant. Having worked part-time in a fish and chip shop throughout college, Owen wasn't new to the world of work. However, as he got this job through a friend, he hadn't needed a CV until he decided to apply for this new role.
His college careers adviser helped him recognise the skills, knowledge and work experience he gained during the last two years. Now, Owen has pulled together a strong CV to send to the employer.
Owen's example
Take a look at Owen's CV and use our tips to get your new career off to a flying start.
View CV in full
1
Owen Chen
Phone07586212869
Emailowenchen@email.co.uk
Address16 Rutland Square Edinburgh, EH1 2BB
2
An aspiring Accounts Assistant, I am keen to kickstart my career in finance and accounting. Possessing a strong academic foundation in accounting principles, coupled with relevant practical experience, I am highly motivated and very organised with good attention to detail and accuracy.
3
Skills
Good IT skills: Word, Excel, Sage
Fast and accurate when dealing with figures
Accurate numeracy and cash handling skills
Honest and dependable
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Able to work under pressure at busy times
Works well in a team
Well-developed customer care skills
4
Achievements
08/21
Prefect at Hillside School
To become a prefect, I ran a successful campaign around the school. As part of this, I created my manifesto and presented in front of teachers and classmates. Once in the role, I acted as a school ambassador and mentored younger pupils.
5
Work experience
11/22 to present
Clerical Officer (Voluntary) Credit Union Limited, Edinburgh
Providing services to members over the counter, by telephone and online. Explaining products and services to members. Using the Credit Union Computer System. Handling office documents and some payments.
09/21 to present
Counter Assistant at Chippy Tea Chip Shop, Musselburgh
Taking orders and payments from customers. Helping customers with any questions about menu items and delivery methods. Making sure all items on the menu are in stock and available. Checking that all equipment is in good working order. Maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
6
Education and training
11/22 to present
Credit Union Limited, Edinburgh
In house training: operating the Credit Union finance system; software and telephone training; Credit Union regulations and processes.
08/22 to 05/22
HNC Accounting (with Financial Services) at Edinburgh College
Preparing financial accounts; using financial accounting software; cost accounting; management accounting using IT; Sage payroll; spreadsheets for business.
08/17 to 05/22
Hillside School
Higher - Administration and Information Technology (B)
Higher - Biology (B)
National 5 - English (B)
National 5 - Mathematics (A)
National 5 - Computing (B)
National 5 - Physical Education (B)
National 5 - Business Management (C)
National 5 - French (C)
7
Additional information
Video games are a huge passion of mine. I love playing all the new releases and sometimes write short reviews for an online gaming forum. I've also participated in several national Esports events.
Owen Chen
Phone number07586212869
Emailowenchen@email.co.uk
Address16 Rutland Square Edinburgh, EH1 2BB
Personal details
Your personal information is key. Give an employer a few ways to contact you, like a phone number and email address.
Personal summary
An aspiring Accounts Assistant, I am keen to kickstart my career in finance and accounting. Possessing a strong academic foundation in accounting principles, coupled with relevant practical experience, I am highly motivated and very organised with good attention to detail and accuracy.
Personal summary
This is your chance to make an excellent first impression with potential employers. Summarise yourself, what you do in and out of college or university and your key skills – but keep it short! And remember, it's a good idea to tailor the personal summary each time you apply for a job.
Skills
Good IT skills: Word, Excel, Sage
Fast and accurate when dealing with figures
Accurate numeracy and cash handling skills
Honest and dependable
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Able to work under pressure at busy times
Works well in a team
Well-developed customer care skills
Skills
Use this section as an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. What skills do you have that make you the best person for this role?
Sell your skills by using positive describing words. You can also give examples of skills you've picked up from education, volunteering or your hobbies. Most importantly, promote yourself!
Achievements
08/21
Prefect at Hillside School
To become a prefect, I ran a successful campaign around the school. As part of this, I created my manifesto and presented in front of teachers and classmates. Once in the role, I acted as a school ambassador and mentored younger pupils.
Achievements
These are things you're proud of, either in work or your personal life. They can be hard to identify because we often take for granted the things we do well.
Give examples of times you improved a process or showed excellent customer care.
Work experience
11/22 to present
Clerical Officer (Voluntary) Credit Union Limited, Edinburgh
Providing services to members over the counter, by telephone and online. Explaining products and services to members. Using the Credit Union Computer System. Handling office documents and some payments.
09/21 to present
Counter Assistant at Chippy Tea Chip Shop, Musselburgh
Taking orders and payments from customers. Helping customers with any questions about menu items and delivery methods. Making sure all items on the menu are in stock and available. Checking that all equipment is in good working order. Maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
Work experience
Keep this section relevant to the role you're applying for.
Employers want to see your previous jobs or volunteering roles, who you worked for and for how long. A short overview of your duties is a great way to show how much responsibility you had too.
Education and training
11/22 to present
Credit Union Limited, Edinburgh
In house training: operating the Credit Union finance system; software and telephone training; Credit Union regulations and processes.
08/22 to 05/22
HNC Accounting (with Financial Services) at Edinburgh College
Preparing financial accounts; using financial accounting software; cost accounting; management accounting using IT; Sage payroll; spreadsheets for business.
08/17 to 05/22
Hillside School
Higher - Administration and Information Technology (B)
Higher - Biology (B)
National 5 - English (B)
National 5 - Mathematics (A)
National 5 - Computing (B)
National 5 - Physical Education (B)
National 5 - Business Management (C)
National 5 - French (C)
Education and training
If the employer is asking for specific qualifications or certificates, mention these first. Show them you've got what they're looking for.
You don't need to include all the learning and training you've ever done. Highlighting your most relevant and recent qualifications is enough.
Additional information
Video games are a huge passion of mine. I love playing all the new releases and sometimes write short reviews for an online gaming forum. I've also participated in several national Esports events.
Additional information
Chat a little about things you do in your spare time. This could be walking, watching films or listening to music. Adding in your interests lets employers learn a bit more about you and your personality.
View CV in full
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Cv Example
Owen Chen
Phone number07586212869
Emailowenchen@email.co.uk
Address16 Rutland Square Edinburgh, EH1 2BB
An aspiring Accounts Assistant, I am keen to kickstart my career in finance and accounting. Possessing a strong academic foundation in accounting principles, coupled with relevant practical experience, I am highly motivated and very organised with good attention to detail and accuracy.
Skills
Good IT skills: Word, Excel, Sage
Fast and accurate when dealing with figures
Accurate numeracy and cash handling skills
Honest and dependable
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Able to work under pressure at busy times
Works well in a team
Well-developed customer care skills
Achievements
08/21
Prefect at Hillside School
To become a prefect, I ran a successful campaign around the school. As part of this, I created my manifesto and presented in front of teachers and classmates. Once in the role, I acted as a school ambassador and mentored younger pupils.
Work experience
11/22 to present
Clerical Officer (Voluntary) Credit Union Limited, Edinburgh
Providing services to members over the counter, by telephone and online. Explaining products and services to members. Using the Credit Union Computer System. Handling office documents and some payments.
09/21 to present
Counter Assistant at Chippy Tea Chip Shop, Musselburgh
Taking orders and payments from customers. Helping customers with any questions about menu items and delivery methods. Making sure all items on the menu are in stock and available. Checking that all equipment is in good working order. Maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
Education and training
11/22 to present
Credit Union Limited, Edinburgh
In house training: operating the Credit Union finance system; software and telephone training; Credit Union regulations and processes.
08/22 to 05/22
HNC Accounting (with Financial Services) at Edinburgh College
Preparing financial accounts; using financial accounting software; cost accounting; management accounting using IT; Sage payroll; spreadsheets for business.
08/17 to 05/22
Hillside School
Higher - Administration and Information Technology (B)
Higher - Biology (B)
National 5 - English (B)
National 5 - Mathematics (A)
National 5 - Computing (B)
National 5 - Physical Education (B)
National 5 - Business Management (C)
National 5 - French (C)
Additional information
Video games are a huge passion of mine. I love playing all the new releases and sometimes write short reviews for an online gaming forum. I've also participated in several national Esports events.
