5 Essential CV Tips for Graduates with No Experience

As a STEM graduate, you’re probably eager to jump into the job market and land your first role in a competitive industry. However, many STEM graduates face a common challenge, how do you write a CV when you don’t have formal work experience? Don’t worry – you’re not alone, and there are plenty of ways to make your CV shine, even if you haven't had a job in your field yet.

Follow these five key tips to craft a CV that stands out to UK STEM employers and helps you kickstart your career.

1. Highlight Relevant Academic Projects and Coursework

If you don’t have work experience, your academic achievements become even more critical. STEM degrees often involve hands-on projects, lab work, research assignments, and collaborative group work – all of which can demonstrate the skills employers are looking for.

Why It Matters: Many STEM roles require problem-solving, analytical thinking, and technical expertise – all skills you’ve likely developed during your studies. Employers want to see that you can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, so focus on coursework or projects that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

How to Do It: Create a section on your CV titled “Key Projects” or “Relevant Coursework.” For each project, include details like the problem you tackled, the technologies you used (such as Python, MATLAB, or CAD software), and the outcome or results. For example:

• Final Year Project: Analysis of Renewable Energy Systems – Developed a simulation model using MATLAB to analyse the efficiency of solar and wind energy systems. Presented findings to faculty, achieving a distinction.

This shows potential employers that, while you may not have industry experience, you have valuable skills that can transfer to their needs.

2. Emphasise Transferable Skills

As a STEM graduate, you’ve developed a range of transferable skills that are highly sought after in the job market. These might include problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, data analysis, and time management. The key is to frame these skills in a way that demonstrates their relevance to the specific job you're applying for.

Why It Matters: Employers are often more concerned with your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges than your direct experience. Transferable skills are versatile and can apply to almost any role within STEM, making you a more attractive candidate even without a work history.

How to Do It: Tailor your CV to emphasise the transferable skills relevant to each job. For instance, if the job advert highlights teamwork and project management, you could reference your experience working on group projects, highlighting how you contributed to meeting deadlines and delivering quality results. Use bullet points to focus on these skills in a dedicated "Skills" section:

• Teamwork – Collaborated with a team of 5 students to design and build a robotic system for an engineering competition, securing second place.

• Problem-Solving – Developed an algorithm to optimise data sorting, reducing processing time by 25% in a university research project.

  
  

3. Include Technical Skills and Certifications

In STEM fields, technical skills are paramount, and employers want to see that you have a solid foundation in the tools and technologies they use. Even if you haven’t used these skills in a professional setting, you’ve likely gained experience through university coursework, online courses, or personal projects. Listing these technical skills can be a major asset on your CV.

Why It Matters: The STEM industry moves fast, and companies are always on the lookout for candidates who are proficient in the latest technologies. Showcasing your technical expertise – even at a beginner level – can make a big difference in catching an employer’s eye.

How to Do It: Create a “Technical Skills” section on your CV, listing the programming languages, software tools, and technologies you’re familiar with. If you’ve earned any certifications, such as a Python or cloud computing certification, make sure to include them. Here’s an example:

• Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++

• Tools & Technologies: MATLAB, AutoCAD, Git, SQL

• Certifications: Google Data Analytics Certificate (2023)

This allows employers to see at a glance that you have the technical proficiency needed for the role.

4. Showcase Extra-Curricular Activities and Volunteering

Extra-curricular activities and volunteer work can demonstrate valuable skills and show your commitment to your field. Whether you’ve participated in a coding club, been part of a university society, or volunteered for a community science project, these experiences are worth including on your CV.

Why It Matters: Employers value well-rounded candidates who have a range of experiences beyond their academic work. Extra-curricular activities show that you’re proactive, passionate about your field, and capable of balancing multiple responsibilities – all traits that employers appreciate.

How to Do It: Include a section on your CV for “Extra-Curricular Activities” or “Volunteering.” Be specific about your role and the skills you developed. For example:

• President, University Coding Society – Led weekly coding workshops for students of all levels, helping to foster a community of 50+ members.

• Volunteer, Science Outreach Programme – Delivered STEM workshops to local schools, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

These examples help paint a picture of a proactive, engaged candidate with leadership and communication skills.

5. Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application

One of the most important tips for any job seeker – but especially those without experience – is to tailor your CV for each application. Rather than sending out a generic CV, customise it to reflect the specific skills and requirements mentioned in the job description. This shows employers that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs and can demonstrate how you’re the right fit for their role.

Why It Matters: Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning each CV, so making yours relevant to the job you’re applying for is crucial. Tailoring your CV makes it more likely to pass through automated systems (such as applicant tracking systems) and catch the attention of the hiring manager.

How to Do It: Before you submit your CV, read the job description carefully. Look for keywords related to the required skills and experience, and make sure these are reflected in your CV. If the role calls for specific software or tools, make sure they’re mentioned in your technical skills section, even if you’ve only used them in an academic setting.

Writing a CV as a STEM graduate without experience may seem daunting, but remember that employers are not just looking for direct work experience – they’re also looking for potential. By highlighting your academic projects, transferable skills, technical knowledge, and extra-curricular activities, you can create a CV that demonstrates your readiness for the job market.