Creating a strong Entry-Level CV is the first step for UK graduates aiming to stand out in a competitive job market. Whether you’ve just finished university or are completing professional training, the first hurdle is your CV. Employers often receive hundreds of applications for entry-level roles, and your CV must stand out in just a few seconds.
At Lawlio.co.uk, we specialise in creating ATS-friendly UK CV templates that help graduates and entry-level candidates get noticed. In this guide, we’ll share the top 10 entry-level CV tips every UK graduate should know — from layout and structure to tailoring your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
1. Start with a Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement (or CV profile) is the first thing a recruiter sees. Yet many graduates either skip it or fill it with clichés like “hardworking” and “team player.”
Best Practices
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Keep it to 3–4 sentences.
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Highlight your degree, key skills, and career goals.
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Tailor it to the role: a CV for a law training contract will look different from one for a marketing graduate scheme.
📌 Example:
Law graduate with a strong academic record and experience in client-focused roles. Skilled in legal research, drafting, and teamwork. Seeking an entry-level paralegal position to develop professional expertise within a commercial law firm.
2. Use an ATS-Friendly Entry-Level CV Template
Most UK employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems to scan CVs. If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it may never reach a human recruiter.
What Makes a Entry-Level CV ATS-Friendly?
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Simple formatting (avoid tables, text boxes, and graphics).
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Standard section headings: Education, Experience, Skills.
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Keywords from the job description.
👉 Explore Lawlio’s Entry-Level CV Templates
3. Emphasise Transferable Skills
Graduates often worry about “not having experience.” The trick is to highlight transferable skills gained through studies, internships, or part-time jobs.
Examples of Transferable Skills
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Communication: presentations, essays, client service jobs.
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Teamwork: group projects, sports clubs, volunteering.
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Problem-solving: research tasks, project deadlines.
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Organisation: balancing coursework and part-time work.
Recruiters care less about where you gained the skill — and more about whether you can apply it in the role.
4. Tailor Your Entry-Level CV to Each Job
A “one-size-fits-all” CV rarely works. Employers can instantly spot generic applications.
Quick Tailoring Checklist
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Match your CV keywords to the job description.
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Reorder skills and experiences to match role priorities.
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Mention the company name in your personal statement.
Yes, it takes time — but tailoring is often the difference between rejection and an interview.
5. Showcase Education Strategically
For graduates, education is a major asset, but it needs to be presented well.
Tips
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Place Education above Experience if you lack work history.
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Include degree classification, relevant modules, and dissertation topics.
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Add achievements like scholarships, society roles, or student leadership.
Example:
LLB Law, University of Leeds (2:1, 2023)
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Dissertation: Data Protection and Privacy Rights under UK Law
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Treasurer, Law Society
6. Add Internships, Volunteering, and Projects
If you lack paid work experience, showcase any activity that proves professional skills.
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Internships or mini-pupillages (for law students).
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Volunteer roles — e.g., Citizens Advice Bureau, student mentoring.
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University projects that demonstrate initiative or research skills.
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Freelance work, even if informal (e.g., tutoring, content creation).
Employers value initiative as much as paid employment.
7. Use Action Verbs to Describe Achievements
Instead of writing “Responsible for…”, use strong action verbs that show impact.
Examples
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“Led a team of five students…”
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“Researched and presented findings on…”
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“Developed an efficient filing system…”
This makes your CV more dynamic and achievement-focused.
8. Keep It Concise (One Page Preferred)
For entry-level roles, one page is ideal — two at most. Recruiters spend an average of 7–10 seconds scanning a CV.
Formatting Tips
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Font: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (size 11–12).
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Margins: at least 2 cm.
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Bullet points (not long paragraphs).
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Consistent spacing and alignment.
Remember: clarity = professionalism.
9. Include Keywords for ATS in your Entry-Level CV
ATS software filters CVs based on keywords from the job description. Missing these words can cost you an interview.
Strategy
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Scan the job ad for repeated terms (e.g., case management, data analysis, client service).
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Naturally integrate these into your CV.
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Don’t “stuff” keywords — make them flow.
Lawlio’s ATS-optimised templates are built with this in mind.
10. Proofread and Polish
Nothing kills a graduate entry-level CV faster than spelling errors or inconsistent formatting.
Final Checks
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Print it out — errors are easier to spot on paper.
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Use UK English spelling (organisation, not organization).
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Ask a friend, tutor, or careers adviser to review.
Even one typo can suggest carelessness, which employers don’t forgive easily.
FAQs About Entry-Level CVs in the UK
Do UK entry-level CVs need references?
No. Most employers only request references after offering you the job. Save space by writing “References available on request.”
Should I include hobbies?
Yes, but selectively. Hobbies that demonstrate commitment or transferable skills (e.g., sports, blogging, volunteering) add value.
How do I write an entry-level CV if I have no work experience?
Focus on your degree, transferable skills, volunteering, and personal projects. Employers expect graduates to have limited work history.
Final Thoughts on Entry-level CV’s
Landing your first job after graduation isn’t easy, but with the right CV you’ll dramatically increase your chances. Focus on clarity, relevance, and professionalism, and always tailor your CV to each role.
If you want a shortcut, Lawlio has done the hard work for you. Our ATS-friendly graduate CV templates are designed specifically for UK entry-level roles, ensuring your application gets past software filters and into the hands of recruiters.
👉 Explore our Entry-Level CV Templates
And if you’re a law graduate preparing for the SQE1, check out LexDex Solutions