Student CV: how to create an effective resume even without experience

The first step to entering the job market

Many candidates send out their resumes without ever getting a response. Often, the reason is simple: a generic, poorly structured, or unclear CV fails to capture recruiters’ attention. On the other hand, an effective CV can make a significant difference, increasing your chances of being contacted.

If you’re a student or recent graduate with no work experience, don’t worry—there are strategies to highlight your background and showcase skills that make you a strong candidate. In this guide, we’ll walk you through structuring your CV to maximize your chances of success. 🚀

1. CV structure: must-have elements

🔍 A well-crafted CV is clear, concise, and organized so recruiters can quickly find key information. Here are the essential elements:

Header: your essential details

This is the first section recruiters will see, so it needs to be well-organized. It should include:

• Full name
• Clear and professional contact details (email and phone number)
• Field of study or job title (if you have any work experience)

✉️ Using a professional email is crucial—avoid informal or unclear addresses.

Education: highlighting your academic journey

If you’ve already obtained a university degree, you can omit your high school details. This section should include:

• Degree name
• University and years of enrollment/completion
• A brief description of the course (especially if it’s not widely known)
• Your final grade (if high, as it adds value)

💡 If your academic experience includes projects or research relevant to the job you’re seeking, add them to demonstrate both technical and transferable skills.

Experience: what to include if you’ve never worked

Newcomers often think they have nothing to list in this section. However, you can highlight:

• Academic projects
• Internships, apprenticeships, and volunteer work
• Student collaborations or extracurricular activities
• Summer jobs or part-time work, even if unrelated to your field

If you have work experience, use this format: 

• Company Name – Role – Employment Period
• 2-3 concrete achievements, using action verbs and key skills

📌 This section is crucial to proving your initiative and capabilities, even without traditional work experience.

Skills: the added value of your CV

Technical and soft skills play a key role in the selection process. Include:

• Language skills (with proficiency levels)
• Digital skills (software, industry tools, certifications)
• Online certifications or additional training courses

Holding recognized certifications from online learning platforms can set you apart.

Hobbies and interests: showing your personality

Beyond sports and leisure activities, this section can showcase soft skills and interests that add value to your profile, such as:

• Writing or managing a blog
• Participating in creative or entrepreneurial projects
• Volunteering or international experiences

Avoid generic statements like “I love traveling”—instead, explain how these experiences have contributed to your personal or professional growth.

2. Mistakes to avoid for an effective CV

🚫 To boost your chances of getting selected, avoid these common mistakes:

• Including irrelevant experiences for the job you’re applying for
• Making your CV too long (one page is ideal)
• Using an unprofessional photo (no graduation wreaths or casual pictures)
• Sending the same CV to every company without tailoring it to the position

A generic CV has a lower chance of standing out. Personalizing it for each application can make a real difference.

Habacus: the bridge between students and the job market

Creating an effective CV is the first step toward entering the workforce, but it’s not the only one. Habacus supports students in building a strong professional future by connecting them with the best opportunities.

Ready to take the next step? Send your CV to Habacus and discover career opportunities tailored to your post-graduation journey.👇🏼