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My First CV Template (Updated for 2024)
You probably already know that CVs are important. Whether you're at the start, middle or end of your career, potential employers will almost always ask to see them.
We’ve put together an example for you to use as your first CV template. We also cover the CV basics – from why you need a CV to why your first CV needs to stand out.
You should also check out our post on what to include in a CV for more detailed information about putting together a really great CV.
'Make sure you ace your job application - use this awesome free CV template'
Why do I need a CV?
Think of yourself as a brand new smartphone (stay with us on this...)
There are lots of smartphones on the market, so what helps someone pick you over another one?
In the same way, there are other people out there looking for similar jobs, so what things might make an employer choose you over someone else for an interview?
That’s where your CV comes in.
Your CV is one of the best ways of advertising yourself to an employer. It gives you the chance to show them that you are qualified, skilled, motivated and ready for work and to explain what sets you apart from the rest, all in a page or two.
Sending your CV is also often the first piece of contact you will make with a potential employer, so it's important to use it to make a good first impression.
What's special about my first CV?
Your first CV is a bit different because you won’t normally have as much work experience to put in there.
Instead your first CV may have more of a focus on your skills, interests, education and achievements – although if you have work experience from a placement or Saturday, evening or summer job, that’s CV gold right there!
Once you’ve been in work for a while, you’ll tend to produce a basic “chronological” CV, which lists your jobs in order along with your main responsibilities and achievements. You won’t need to spend as much time highlighting skills in the abstract as you will have more work experience to prove your expertise.
When you make your first CV, what you need to do is show you have what it takes to do the job without the work experience.
For this reason, a first CV may be based around your skills and qualifications, rather than chronological. Familiarise yourself with the concept of soft skills – because your first CV is the place to talk about them.
First CV template
Online CV templates are great – but remember your CV is personal to you, and you need to make it unique. Employers will often be sifting through dozens if not hundreds of applications – they want to know in a few seconds what makes you interesting or different.
Your CV layout is also important, so take note of where each section appears in the template below. A poorly structured CV layout can put employers off hiring you, so try to make your curriculum vitae look as presentable as possible and easy to read.
More and more employers use an ATS (applicant tracking system) to automate the initial screening process, so it’s important to make sure your CV is machine readable – we talk more about ATS in our post on how to write a CV.
Check out our free CV example template below to give you some ideas on where to start. You can download and adapt our template (Word doc).
Getting the hang of it? Take a look at our list of CV do's and don'ts to help you prioritise what info to include.
What do you think of our free CV template? How does it compare to your current Curriculum Vitae?
