First CV Guide

How to write your first CV

Your first CV feels intimidating because it's a blank page and you're not sure you have “enough” to fill it. You do — and this guide (plus Careero's AI) will help you prove it.

Your first CV, step by step

  1. Start with contact details

    Name, professional email, phone, city and a LinkedIn or GitHub link. Skip your full address and date of birth.

  2. Write a short summary

    Two or three lines: who you are, what you study, and the kind of role you want. Careero can draft this from your answers.

  3. Lead with education

    Your degree, expected grade and relevant modules. Add academic projects and achievements here.

  4. Add projects and experience

    Coursework, personal projects, part-time jobs and volunteering — described by what you did and learned.

  5. Finish with skills

    List the tools, software and languages relevant to your target role. Keep it honest and specific.

What counts as experience on a first CV

Almost everything counts when it's described well. A group coursework project shows teamwork and problem-solving. A part-time retail job shows reliability and communication. Running a society shows organisation and leadership.

The trick is to describe each one by its outcome and the skills it demonstrates, not just the title. Careero's AI does this rewriting for you so your first CV reads like someone who knows their value.

Frequently asked questions

What do I put on a first CV with no jobs?
Education, academic and personal projects, volunteering, societies, and any part-time or casual work. Our no-experience guide covers this in detail.
How do I make my first CV look professional?
Use a clean, consistent template and standard headings. Careero's ATS-friendly templates handle the formatting so you can focus on content.
Can Careero write my first CV for me?
Careero drafts your summary and rewrites your notes into strong bullet points — you stay in control and edit anything you like.

Write your first CV today

No blank page. Answer a few questions and Careero builds it with you.

Build my first CV