Did you know that according to a 2023 report by Zety, recruiters spend an average of 6–8 seconds reviewing a CV or resume before deciding whether to proceed with a candidate? Moreover, Glassdoor estimates that every corporate job opening attracts an average of 250 applications, yet only 4–6 candidates are called for an interview.
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These statistics highlight the importance of having a well-crafted CV or resume, especially for students competing for internships, scholarships, or entry-level jobs.
Building a winning CV/resume before graduation isn’t just about listing your education and skills. It’s about presenting your unique value in a way that grabs attention and communicates your potential.
Are you still wondering, How do I make my CV stand out as a graduate? What is the best format for a winning CV? How do I write a CV for a graduate with no experience?, How do you make a winning CV while schooling?
This guide will walk you through actionable steps on how to build a winning CV resume before graduation (plus examples) that not only stands out but also positions you for career success. Whether you’re just starting your academic journey or approaching graduation, now is the best time to take charge of your professional future.
How do you make a winning CV?
Firstly, you need to understand the basics of what exactly a CV/resume is all about before you can make the winning version of it. This will lead me to ask you a question. What is a CV/resume?
CV is an abbreviation for Curriculum Vitae. It is a detailed and comprehensive document outlining your educational background, skills, achievements, and experiences. It is most likely used in academic or research fields.
A resume, on the other hand, is a concise summary focusing on skills and experiences relevant to a specific job. We commonly use it for job applications.
As students, the terms CV and resume are always used interchangeably.
However, you should adapt and tailor your document to suit the specific purpose.
Let's now move to the next part!
What to Include in a CV [in 2025] | 9 Key Sections of a Winning CV/Resume
Whether you are a graduate, finalist, penultimate, or even a fresh student on campus, a CV or resume is your ticket to landing interviews and standing out in 2025’s competitive job market. But what exactly should it include?
This section breaks down the 9 key sections every winning CV needs to make a strong and lasting impression and most especially showcase your value effectively. The 9 key sections of every winning curriculum are:
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary or Objective
- Education
- Skills
- Experience (Internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, etc.)
- Achievements and Awards
- Extracurricular Activities
- Hobbies/Interests (Optional but relevant in certain cases)
- References (If required)
MORE FOR YOU
How to prepare a winning CV?
Right in this section, I will explain to you the step-by-step guide to building a winning CV/resume. Kindly note that all the listed sections should be professionally structured and arranged on a good template.
#1. Start with your contact information
Provide precise details to make it easy for recruiters to contact you. What to include is as follows:
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Professional Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio Website (if available)
Sample:Psalmist Timmy+234 706 383 2966psalmisttimmyofficial@gmail.comlinkedin.com/in/psalmist_timmy
#2. Write a compelling professional summary or objective
Primarily this section mainly summarizes who you are and your career goals. Make sure you highlight your strengths and what you bring to the table (the value you are offering, the problem(s) you are solving) in 2–3 sentences.
Sample:Versatile professional with a background in Special Education and Economics, skilled in copywriting, content creation, and website development. Adept at crafting compelling content, designing user-friendly websites, and leveraging creative communication to drive engagement.
Pro tip: Make sure that you are committed to seeking an internship opportunity to step up your skills, remain relevant, and stay updated.
#3. Showcase your Education
Guess what? As a student, your education is your strongest selling point, and this section should comprise:
- Degree and Field of Study
- Institution Name
- Year of Study (e.g., Expected Graduation Date)
- GPA (if it’s above 3.5/5.0)
Sample:
- Bachelor of Education in Special Education
- University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Expected Graduation: February 2025
4. Identify relevant skills you honed
It should be listed in both hard and soft skills. Make sure you use bullet points and tailor this section to the specific job or opportunity you are applying for. This implies that you can have different CVs or resumes according to different jobs, purposes, and career opportunities.
Examples of hard skills
Pay attention here; the hard skills should align with your professional summary.
- Special Education Expertise
- Economics Knowledge
- Copywriting
- Content Creation
- Website Development
- Public Speaking
- Technical Tools Proficiency
Examples of Soft Skills
Your soft skills, regardless of your field of study, should include:
- Creativity
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Emotional Intelligence
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
5. Document your experience section
What the employers want to see here is the list of what you’ve done. Even if you don’t have formal work experience, include internships, volunteering, or personal projects. So, you can mention:
- Job Title
- Organization Name
- Dates (Month/Year)
- Achievements and Responsibilities
Sample:
Copywriting service
Onifadeinteriors Ltd.
June 2022 – August 2024
- Designed and maintained user-friendly websites for 5 clients.
- Improved website load times by 30% using optimized coding practices.
6. Input achievements and awards
This section offers you an opportunity to stand out by showcasing recognitions that prove your excellence.
Samples:
- Scholarship Recipient, FG Scholarship Board (2016)
- Recognized as a seasoned content writer (2023)
7. Add Extracurricular Activities
This section shows you’re well-rounded. It also highlights roles that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or creativity.
Sample:
President, Student Developers’ Club (2022 – Present)
Lead Organizer, Campus Hackathon (2023)
8. Consider including your hobbies/interests
If relevant, hobbies can make your CV more personal. For instance, “photography” for a creative role or “reading business journals” for a finance job.
9. References
Some job postings request references, while others don’t. If required, list 2–3 referees with their full names, positions, contact details, and their relationship to you.
What can you do to polish your resume?
I will quickly walk you through the tips for a polished CV/resume. To have a well-inspiring and polished CV, do well to pay attention to the following whenever you're building your CV/resume:
- Tailor Your CV/Resume for Each Application: Highlight skills and experiences most relevant to the job.
- Use Action Words: Start bullet points with strong verbs like “developed,” “led,” or “improved.”
- Be Honest: Never include false information.
- Use a Professional Format: Maintain consistent fonts and spacing. Tools like Canva or Microsoft Word have templates.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Eliminate typos and grammatical errors.
How to build relevant experiences before graduation
I want you to know that opportunities are everywhere; you just have to see them. Below is the list of various you use to gather experience before your graduation:
- Take internships: Everything is not money! Even unpaid ones can add value to your CV.
- Volunteer: Show interest by joining organizations or initiatives in your field.
- Participate in Competitions: Many competitions offer certificates or recognition.
- Start Freelancing: Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork allow students to gain experience.
- Build Projects: Create personal or group projects related to your career goals.
- Join Campus Clubs: Leadership roles in clubs and societies add to your profile.
Wrapping up on How do you make a winning CV?
Building a winning CV/resume as a student will definitely take your time and will demand that you're intentional.
The best time to start is now! Firstly, identify your strengths, gain relevant experiences, and document them effectively.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a CV that not only reflects your potential but also convinces employers you’re the perfect candidate for the job