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Skills-based CV example

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Skills-based or functional CVs highlight the skills you have instead of the experience you don't, making them a good fit for students and recent graduates. This CV example shows you how

Mia Smithson

Aspiring business analyst | Graduate archaeologist | Event coordination experience

Fiveshire | msmithson99@email.com | 07979999777 | LinkedIn

Personal profile

Recent graduate with work and voluntary experience, looking to join a graduate scheme in archaeology or business. Skills and attributes include leadership, analytical thinking, problem solving, organising events and collaborative working. I am keen to learn and to contribute to your organisation.

Education

University of Exeter (2021-2024)

BA Archaeology 2:1

Fourtown School (2014-2021)

A-levels: history, English, French. AS-level geography

10 GCSEs (grades 4-8) including maths and double science

Skills

  • Teamwork: Collaborated with colleagues at Starbucks and Dig NW to deliver high-quality service and events.
  • Organisation: Balanced academic, work, and volunteer commitments; coordinated large-scale public events.
  • Negotiation: Liaised with university staff to improve course logistics and event planning.
  • Communication: Delivered presentations, wrote reports and newsletters, and handled customer interactions.
  • Leadership: Led teams at Starbucks and chaired university society.
  • Analytical thinking: Applied data analysis and archaeological theory in academic and field settings.
  • IT: Proficient in Microsoft Office, GIS, and statistical modelling tools.

Employment

Shift leader, Starbucks Exeter (2023-present)

  • Successfully reorganised staff rotas to reduce scheduling conflicts and improve shift coverage, resulting in a 15% increase in team punctuality and smoother operations.
  • Led a team that consistently met health and safety and food hygiene standards, contributing to the store passing all internal audits with high scores.
  • Played a key role in enhancing customer satisfaction scores by fostering a collaborative team environment and delivering consistently high service.
  • Boosted branch revenue by implementing upselling strategies, helping the team exceed monthly sales targets for three consecutive quarters.

Project assistant, Dig NW (2022-2024)

  • Co-managed the planning and delivery of the Summer Dig programme, attracting over 1,000 participants and receiving positive feedback from 95% of attendees.
  • Took initiative in resolving on-site issues during events, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining safety standards without escalation.
  • Delivered engaging talks and hands-on demonstrations that increased participant understanding and enthusiasm for archaeology, contributing to a 20% rise in repeat attendance.

Volunteering

Chair, University Archaeology Society

  • Led a committee of students to organise guest lectures, field trips, and social events, increasing society membership by 37% over the academic year.
  • Represented the society at university-wide meetings, advocating for student engagement in heritage and archaeology.

Staff-student liaison, BA Archaeology

  • Acted as a key communication link between students and faculty, gathering feedback and presenting it constructively to improve course delivery.
  • Facilitated meetings and contributed to changes in assessment formats and fieldwork planning, demonstrating negotiation and diplomacy skills.

Newsletter editor, South West Branch, Council for British Archaeology

  • Researched, wrote, and edited quarterly newsletters distributed to over 500 members, showcasing regional archaeological news and events.
  • Collaborated with contributors and local organisations to source engaging content, enhancing editorial and communication skills.

References will be made available following interview.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this skills-based CV template to help generate ideas and structure your own CV, but avoid copying and pasting. Your own document needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Let your name serve as the title to your skills-based CV. A short summary/byline is optional, leave it off if you're struggling for space. Below include your home town/city (there's no need for a full address), your email, phone number and a link to your personal LinkedIn profile if you have one.

A brief personal statement at the start of your CV sets the tone and highlights the parts of your experience of interest to employers. Keep educational information to a minimum but be sure to mention any relevant modules or projects.

Then list your relevant skills - if you possess and can demonstrate them, try to include all the skills mentioned in the job description or person specification, as these are the attributes that the employer is looking for.

Below your skills list your employment history, including any voluntary activities.

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