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There is no correct way to write an entry level CV, but there are vital steps you can take to help yours to stand out.
Just because a job is entry-level, it doesn’t mean it is easier to get. If anything, you need to take extra care when writing your CV because there is so much competition around.
A CV is often your first and only chance to make an impression with a potential employer, especially when applying at entry-level, so it’s important to make it count.
Entry Level CV Layout
An entry-level CV should be clear, nicely spaced out, and easy to read.
Include your name at the top in large letters, followed by your contact details: email, home address, and phone number.
Select a professional-looking font style and size – make sure it’s not too small, employers don’t want to have to zoom in on their computers just to read it!
See our downloadable Entry Level CV template below.
Profile/Personal Summary
This should be a brief introduction about you – just a few short lines.
You could choose to mention your professional background, describe your current role, or what you are looking for in the next step of your career.
At entry-level, it’s useful to tell an employer why you are looking for a job in a new industry, whether you are a new starter or trying to change careers.
It’s your choice – just be specific, concise, and avoid using clichés.
Work Experience
This is the most crucial section and should be at the top of your entry-level CV. Previous experience is proof that you are best suited to the role you are applying for.
Make the effort to check the job specification and tailor your CV accordingly. Remember, employers will be looking for key transferrable skills, so make it easy for them to find!
Note the specific dates of when you were previously employed and write brief details about the roles. Be sure to mention any professional achievements you had while working there.
You don’t need to include all of your experience, especially if you have lots to cram in. Just include the most relevant, and if this leaves you with any gaps, reference this under ‘Additional Experience.’
Skills
Avoid clichés and generalizations – anyone can claim to be creative or innovative.
Unless you can show specific examples of when you’ve demonstrated this in the workplace, it’s better to be much more specific.
For example, copywriting or video editing may be far more valuable if this is relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Read through job specifications to see if you have any unique skills they’re looking for and include them in your entry-level CV.
Employers aren’t stupid – if this section is filled with random adjectives and no other context, they are likely to glance past it, and you will have wasted great opportunity to show why you are a good candidate.
Education
Entry-level jobs don’t often require specific grades and you don’t have to include them – how you apply yourself in a professional environment is the factor that will often get you the job.
Although, it may be worth mentioning if you passed with a top grade or distinction. Write down and specialist areas or modules you’ve studied, especially if it’s relevant to the job role.
Don’t cram it with information
Your document must be clear, concise, and well-presented.
A good entry-level CV says everything it needs to with few words. If it has too much text or looks complicated, employers won’t want to read it.
Entry-level jobs often have lots of applicants, so don’t give them an excuse to want to put down your CV!
Try to fit it into one page. This should be possible, but if it ruins the layout or looks messy it’s ok to spill over onto a second page. The most important information at the top, so it won’t matter too much.
Always read it back several times and check for correct punctuation and grammar. Grammarly is a really useful free tool that can help with this.
Complement your CV with your entry level cover letter
You can include more details of your skills and experience in an entry-level cover letter.
This is useful when you want to discuss a specific achievement or a gap in your job history.
An entry-level CV is more like an overview of your professional highlights, rather than an explanation of everything you’ve done.
You should always include a cover letter in an application unless instructed otherwise, and these two documents should always be sent together.
Read through your CV and check there are no gaps unaccounted for, or any dates that clash. It’s OK to have significant gaps in employment, as long as you explain it. You can even use it to your advantage if this was something you learned from, or if you did any voluntary work.
The employer should be able to follow it set-by-step, and not be confused or left with any unanswered questions.
Calling a potential employer can also help to make you stand out from other candidates.
Additional Experience
This can be a very useful section to help you stand out, but it’s often wasted by people including unnecessary information.
Instead of writing about your likes and dislikes, think about things you’ve been involved in that will help the application.
You may have helped coach a sports team, been in a band, or do graphic design in your spare time.
Employers will want to know if you are creative, ambitious, or shown leadership skills – this is a great way to demonstrate it while showing them a bit of personality.
Be bold – you never know what will resonate with the person reading your application.
Extra Details for Your Entry Level CV
Include any links to personal websites or social media accounts if you wish. You can easily show them you’re an ambitious person just by including a quick link.
You may even have a YouTube channel or use Instagram to display interesting hobbies or side projects.
Similarly, you can include links to previous work if relevant (although you can also put these in an entry-level cover letter.)
Think about different things you’ve worked on over the years and don’t hold anything back – this could be the only time a potential employer will see what you’re capable of.
Remember, your CV is always changing, so treat this as an ongoing process. Once you’ve got a version you’re happy with, it shouldn’t be difficult to make small adjustments.
References
Grammarly – https://www.grammarly.com/signup
