CV writing for summer jobs

Posted 19 hours ago

Where to start and what to include

Writing a CV for summer jobs may seem daunting, but it can actually be quite simple! As a university student, your focus should be on creating a clear, one-page document that highlights your education, skills and any relevant part-time or volunteer experience.

Here is an easy-to-write structure to get you started on your CV:

☎️ Contact Details

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email (or personal)
  • Your location (ie if the job you're applying to is near your university, then use that address, vice versa for your hometown)

📝 Personal Statement

This is typically the part where a lot of people struggle to start writing or are unsure what to include. All you need to include in this part is a 3-4 sentence introduction summarising who you are, what you are studying, and why you'd be a great fit for this role. 

Who you are:

Your current year, your degree subject, university, and your core positive traits.


What you offer:

Your top relevant skills, backed up by your university degree or previous work experience.


Your goal:

The specific role you want and how you intend to add value to this workplace.

I am a proactive second-year Business student at the University of Leicester with a strong track record of reliability and clear communication. Through my time at university, I have developed exceptional time-management skills by successfully balancing academic deadlines and volunteering at events. I am eager to secure a summer hospitality position to provide excellent customer service and support the team during the peak summer season.


🎓 Education

Reverse chronological order. Start with your most recent education and work your way back to when you first started school. Include your degree title, expected grade and relevant modules.

University of Leeds

Photography BA (Hons)

Sept 2025-current

Expected Grade: 2:1


Leeds Sixth Form

Sept 2022-July 2025

Sixth Form

Grades: Media (8), Psychology (6), Art (6), Physics (5)


🧠 Key Skills

Highlight 4-5 skills:

  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Teamwork
  • Customer Service
  • Data Analysis
  • Language skills

💼 Work Experience

List jobs in reverse chronological order (see education section). Focus on your achievements and relevant skills rather than your basic duties.

⚽️ Hobbies & Interests

This is an optional section to your CV, but it can be great to show your interests as it shows off your personality a bit more than just your professional background. It's great for showcasing teamwork, or, if you don't have much work experience, it can be a good section to add.

Proofreading your CV is crucial!

The last thing you want to do is spend all your time crafting the perfect CV to serve as your first impression, only for it to be spoiled by grammar and spelling errors. If an employer spots any spelling mistakes, they are most likely going to put your CV aside and move on to the next. It's quite easy to make simple mistakes, so don't forget to double-check what you've written. Use tools like Grammarly to help while you're writing!

Now it's your turn to try to write your CV! ✍

Remember, if you're applying for jobs around student areas, there's a good chance that many employers will receive a lot of applicants, so don't get your hopes up on one position - having a great CV can push yourself as a top application though!