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How to write a CV when you move to the UK

As an international student in the UK, you may be unsure of the best time to start writing your CV or what information UK employers are looking for, so we’ve written this guide to help you showcase your international talent.

When starting your CV it’s key that the document is easy to scan for information, clear and proofread. One you have written your CV, always ask someone else to check for spelling errors or mistakes, a fresh pair of eyes can often spot something you may have missed. Below are some key point to include:

Personal details

It might seem obvious but ensuring your name and contact details are shown clearly is vital. You want employers to be able to see how to contact you easily without having to search for the information. Include your full name, home address, mobile number, and email address.

Personal statement

This will be the first thing on your CV and will be an essential part of demonstrating who you are and what you can do for the company. This is important as it will help you stand out from the crowd. Explain what you can offer and aim to prove what makes you suitable for the role in one succinct paragraph.

Work Experience

Here you should include all relevant work experience with the most recent first. Include details such as your job title, the company name, your responsibilities and how long you worked in the post.

Education

List your education starting with the most recent first and include any professional qualifications, grades and dates.

Skills and achievements

This is where you can sell your international talent, mention any languages you speak and IT packages you can competently use. These skills should be relevant to the job and a clear representation of what you can do.

Interests and hobbies

This section is not essential, use your judgement to decide. If you have relevant hobbies such as writing a blog or community newsletter if applying for a communications role then include these, but if you don’t have anything relevant to note, just leave this section out.

Our top 3 CV tips

1 Rather than creating a CV when you leave university, try writing a draft as you go along. That way, you can add skills and work experience as you gain them and won’t leave off any information.

2 Use your time at university to add to your work experience so you have relevant skills to include on your CV. Speak to your careers team and see if there are opportunities available such an internships, volunteering or part-time work that could add suitable skills and experience that could be included.

3 If you’re not sure where to start, head to GradLink’s free CV building tool where you will find a template that will structure your skills. Once completed, you can choose to make this public and share this with our trusted partner employers looking for international graduates or choose to use the template privately for another job role.