How to Write a Skills-First CV: A Graduate’s Guide to Landing Your First Job

How to Write a Skills-First CV: A Graduate’s Guide to Landing Your First Job

Breaking into the job market as a graduate has never been easy, but today’s landscape presents unique challenges. According to Robert Walters Market Intelligence research, entry-level vacancies in white-collar sectors have dropped by 35% over the past 18 months. What’s more, one in four graduates report that it takes them over six months to secure their first role after university.

Chris Eldridge, CEO of Robert Walters Recruitment in UK & Ireland, recently spoke with the Financial Times about these challenges, describing this as “one of the most challenging times in history for graduates to get a job.” He explained that economic uncertainty and political instability are causing many companies to pause their graduate hiring programs, a pause that has now lasted for over two years.

This creates real challenges for graduates trying to get their start and for businesses that risk facing skills shortages if early-career hiring is cut back too far.

So how can graduates stand out in such a competitive market? Employers are increasingly adopting skills-first hiring practices, prioritising candidates who demonstrate transferable skills and potential over traditional qualifications alone. By creating a skills-first CV, you can highlight your strengths and show employers why you’re ready to hit the ground running.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to craft a skills-first CV that showcases your abilities, helps you stand out from other applicants, and gets you closer to landing that all-important first job.

What is a Skills-First CV?

A skills-first CV focuses on showcasing your abilities and competencies rather than just listing your education or work experience. While traditional CVs often emphasise degrees and job titles, a skills-first approach highlights what you can do, making it ideal for graduates who may not yet have extensive professional experience.

Employers are increasingly adopting skills-first interviews and hiring practices because they recognise that technical expertise can be learned on the job. What they’re really looking for are candidates who demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and a willingness to learn, qualities that are critical for success in any workplace.

As Chris explains: “If you're not bringing in new skills now... what you tend to do is hang on to the existing staff you've got. And then you promote them. You potentially overpromote them.” This highlights why demonstrating your potential through transferable skills is key when applying for graduate roles.

Why Graduates Should Use a Skills-First Approach

As a graduate entering today’s competitive job market, you might feel daunted by the prospect of applying for roles without years of experience under your belt. But here’s the good news: employers understand that graduates won’t have decades of industry-specific experience. Instead, they want to see evidence of transferable skills, like problem-solving, that show you’re ready to contribute from day one.

A skills-first CV allows you to highlight these attributes effectively. By focusing on your capabilities, whether gained through internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, or extracurricular activities, you can demonstrate qualities like leadership, teamwork, creativity, and resilience even if you don’t have direct experience in their industry.

Chris also notes that some employers are shifting their focus away from hiring fresh graduates altogether: “What they're really looking for is somebody with one or two years’ experience.” This makes it even more important for graduates to showcase their readiness and ability to adapt quickly in their applications.

How to Structure Your Skills-First CV

Creating a skills-first CV doesn’t mean abandoning traditional sections like education or work history altogether. Instead, it’s about rethinking how you present yourself so that your skills take centre stage. Here’s how:

1. Start with a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement, is your chance to make an immediate impact. Use this section to summarise who you are, what you’re looking for, and what makes you stand out as a candidate. Focus on your key strengths and career aspirations.

For example: “I am a recent marketing graduate with strong analytical skills and hands-on experience in social media management. Passionate about creating impactful campaigns that drive engagement, I am eager to bring my creativity and data-driven mindset to a dynamic team.”

2. Highlight Your Key Skills

Create a dedicated “Key Skills” section near the top of your CV. This should include 5–8 bullet points showcasing your most relevant abilities for the role you're applying for. Be specific and use action words where possible.
For example:

• Proficient in data analysis using Excel and Google Analytics

• Strong written communication skills demonstrated through academic essays and blog writing

• Leadership experience as president of university debate society

• Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively

3. Showcase Relevant Experience

Even if you don’t have formal work experience in your chosen field yet, think creatively about how other experiences have helped you develop transferable skills. Include internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or university projects that demonstrate qualities like teamwork, problem-solving, or initiative.

For example: Social Media Intern

XYZ Marketing Agency | June 2023 – August 2023

• Created content calendars for clients across various industries

• Analysed campaign performance using Google Analytics

• Increased client Instagram engagement by 25%

4. Tailor Your Education Section

While education remains important for graduates, focus on highlighting achievements that showcase relevant skills rather than simply listing qualifications. For instance:

Bachelor of Arts in Marketing 
University of London | September 2019 – June 2023

• Achieved First-Class Honours

• Completed dissertation on “The Impact of Social Media Advertising on Consumer Behaviour”

• Led group project developing a marketing strategy for local businesses

5. Include Additional Activities

Don’t underestimate the value of extracurricular activities when building a skills-first CV. Whether it’s leading a sports team or organising events for student societies, these experiences can demonstrate leadership, teamwork, organisation, and creativity.

For example: President 
University Debate Society | September 2021 – June 2023

• Organised weekly debates attended by over 50 students

• Secured sponsorships from local businesses worth £2k annually

Tips for Writing an Effective Skills-Based CV

To ensure your CV stands out from the competition:

• Tailor Your Content: Research each role carefully and match your key skills with those listed in the job description.
• Use Action Verbs: Words like “led,” “managed,” “created,” or “analysed” help convey impact.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, include numbers or metrics (e.g., “Increased sales by 15%”).
• Keep It Concise: Stick to two pages maximum; recruiters spend seconds scanning each application.
• Proofread Thoroughly: Typos or grammatical errors can undermine even the strongest CV.
• Showcase Soft Skills: Highlight interpersonal traits like communication or adaptability alongside technical proficiencies.

Next Steps: Land Your Dream Role

Once you've crafted your standout skills-first CV, it's time to start applying! At Robert Walters, we specialise in connecting talented professionals with exciting opportunities across industries like finance, technology, marketing, law and more.

Take advantage of our resources:

• Search live graduate jobs

• Register your CV with us today

• Explore more career advice articles

While entry-level opportunities may be harder to come by due economic uncertainty and technological disruption like AI adoption – persistence pays off when paired with preparation.

Remember: landing your first role may take time – but with determination (and a great skills-first CV), you'll be well on your way to kickstarting an exciting career.