CV

Looking for an internship, a student job or a first job almost always starts with one document: your CV. It’s your professional calling card and often the first thing a recruiter sees. Making a strong first impression matters. Yet creating a clear and effective CV isn’t always straightforward. What should you include? How do you structure it? And how do you stand out when you’re just starting your career?

A good CV is more than a list of experiences. It tells your story in a simple and readable way. It shows what you can do, what you’ve learned and what you can bring to a company. Even without extensive work experience, you already have valuable assets: academic projects, group work, volunteering, student activities, language skills or digital knowledge. The key is presenting them clearly and relevantly.

Your CV should also evolve with your goal. A CV for an internship won’t look exactly the same as one for a student job or a first full-time position. Adapting your CV to each application shows you understand what the employer is looking for. Layout, structure, wording and length all influence how easily a recruiter can scan your resume.

Creating a CV also helps you better understand your own strengths. Putting your journey on paper allows you to see what you’ve achieved so far and where your potential lies. It’s often the first step before an interview — and a strong CV opens that door more easily.

At Student, we know writing a CV can feel challenging at first. That’s why we provide articles, practical tips and examples to help you build a clear, modern and effective resume. Whether you’re looking for an internship, a student job or your first role, our goal is simple: help you create a CV that reflects who you are and makes recruiters want to meet you.

For students and young graduates, a CV should ideally fit on one page. Recruiters spend only a short time scanning each application, so clarity and conciseness are key. Focus on the most relevant experiences, skills and achievements, and avoid unnecessary details. As you gain more experience, your CV can naturally grow, but in most early-career cases, one page is more than enough.

A simple and clean layout is always the safest choice. Use clear headings, consistent formatting and enough white space to make your CV easy to read. Avoid overly creative designs that may distract from the content or cause issues with online application systems. A well-structured, readable CV is more effective than a flashy one.

In Belgium, adding a photo is optional. Some recruiters appreciate seeing a professional photo, while others focus purely on skills and experience. If you choose to include one, make sure it looks professional and natural. If not, your CV will still be perfectly valid without it.