Graduate Contract Analyst CV Template Example
As someone who has been a career coaching professional for over 25 years, I know just how important your first impression on paper can be. A Graduate Contract Analyst plays a vital role in ensuring businesses operate smoothly, efficiently, and within legal and financial frameworks. This role typically involves reviewing, drafting, and managing contracts, analysing key terms, ensuring compliance, supporting procurement, and mitigating risks. The salary for a Graduate Contract Analyst in the UK often ranges between £25,000 and £32,000 per year, depending on the industry and location. For many graduates, it’s the first step into a rewarding career in contract management, commercial law, or procurement.
Crafting a CV that stands out in today’s highly competitive graduate job market isn’t just about listing your education and experience—it’s about demonstrating your skills, potential, and ambition in a clear and professional way. Let’s walk through exactly how to create an interview-winning Graduate Contract Analyst CV template example, with practical tips that will help you shine.
Why the Graduate Contract Analyst role matters
Every business signs contracts—whether with suppliers, clients, or partners—and the ability to manage those effectively can mean the difference between profit and loss. A Graduate Contract Analyst provides essential support by ensuring contracts are legally sound, financially viable, and in line with company objectives. Employers look for graduates who are detail-oriented, analytically minded, and able to communicate complex information clearly.
In addition to a competitive starting salary, many organisations also offer structured training programmes, professional development opportunities, and pathways into senior roles such as Contract Manager, Procurement Manager, or Commercial Analyst.
How to write a Graduate Contract Analyst CV that wins interviews
Writing a CV that captures attention requires more than simply listing responsibilities—it’s about showing impact. Here are the key principles I always share with my coaching clients:
Tailor your CV to the role. Every job description contains hidden clues about what the employer values. Extract the keywords, such as “contract review,” “risk analysis,” “compliance,” and “procurement,” and weave them naturally into your CV.
Keep it concise and clear. As a graduate, a two-page CV is the maximum. Recruiters spend seconds scanning, so clarity is your friend.
Highlight transferable skills. Even if you haven’t worked directly with contracts, you can showcase skills gained from internships, university projects, part-time jobs, or volunteering. Analytical ability, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are always in demand.
Show progression and initiative. Employers admire graduates who show evidence of self-motivation—whether that’s completing a contract law module, attending workshops, or joining societies.
Graduate Contract Analyst CV Template Example
Here’s a structure you can use as a foundation for your own CV. Remember, it’s always best to personalise it with your achievements.
Name & Contact Information
Full Name
Location (City, Postcode)
Phone number
Professional email address
LinkedIn profile link
Personal Profile
A short, powerful summary of 3–4 sentences highlighting your career goals, key strengths, and enthusiasm for contract analysis. For example:
“A highly motivated and detail-oriented graduate with a strong background in business and law, seeking a Graduate Contract Analyst role. Skilled in contract review, risk assessment, and compliance, with proven ability to support procurement and commercial functions. Passionate about applying analytical skills to help organisations minimise risk and achieve operational excellence.”
Key Skills
Contract review and drafting
Risk analysis and compliance
Procurement support
Legal and commercial awareness
Strong analytical and numerical skills
Communication and stakeholder engagement
Microsoft Excel, Word, and document management software
Education
BA (Hons) Business & Law, University of Manchester – 2023
Key modules: Contract Law, Business Strategy, Risk Management, Corporate Governance
Dissertation: “The Impact of Contractual Risk on Business Performance”
Work Experience
Procurement Intern, XYZ Company – Summer 2022
Assisted with drafting supplier agreements, ensuring compliance with company policy.
Analysed contract terms to identify potential risks.
Supported the negotiation team with contract variations.
Student Legal Advisor, University Law Clinic – 2021–2022
Provided advice to clients under supervision, focusing on contract-related issues.
Drafted legal documents with accuracy and attention to detail.
Achievements
Awarded “Best Dissertation in Business Law” 2023.
Active member of the University Business Society, organising workshops on commercial awareness.
Professional Development
Completed online training in “Introduction to Contract Management” (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply).
References
Available upon request.
Advice for graduates
If you’re a graduate, remember that employers do not expect you to have years of experience. What they want to see is potential, commitment, and a willingness to learn. Focus on your education, transferable skills, and any relevant projects or internships. Don’t underestimate part-time jobs—you may have learned negotiation, problem-solving, and communication, all highly valuable in a contract analyst role.
Advice for middle and senior management candidates
If you’re further along in your career, the expectations change. Recruiters will be looking for:
Demonstrated expertise in contract management across large, complex organisations.
Evidence of leadership, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement.
Tangible achievements, such as reducing supplier costs, implementing compliance frameworks, or negotiating multi-million-pound contracts.
For senior candidates, a CV should reflect strategic impact. Include metrics wherever possible—for example, “Led renegotiation of supplier contracts, saving £1.2 million annually.”
General CV structure
A winning CV generally follows this order:
Name and contact details
Personal profile
Key skills
Education
Work experience
Achievements
Professional development
References
Remember to keep your CV professional, use a clear font, and ensure consistency in formatting.
General tips for an interview-winning CV
Use active language. Words like “achieved,” “delivered,” “implemented,” and “supported” add strength to your CV.
Quantify your achievements. Numbers speak louder than words. Use percentages, cost savings, or time reductions to illustrate impact.
Keep it relevant. Don’t list every job you’ve had—only include roles and experiences that showcase skills for contract analysis.
Check grammar and spelling. Attention to detail is crucial in this role; errors in your CV could cost you the interview.
The do’s and don’ts on a CV
Do’s:
Tailor your CV to each role.
Keep it concise, professional, and easy to read.
Include keywords from the job description.
Highlight both hard and soft skills.
Back up claims with examples and achievements.
Don’ts:
Don’t use overly creative designs or colours for a professional role.
Don’t include irrelevant personal details (e.g., marital status, age, or photo).
Don’t exaggerate or lie—employers will check.
Don’t use generic phrases like “hardworking” without evidence.
Don’t send a CV without a covering letter—always pair the two.
Conclusion
Creating an interview-winning Graduate Contract Analyst CV is about more than listing your education and experience—it’s about presenting yourself as the solution to an employer’s needs. With a clear, professional CV tailored to the job description, you’ll significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.
I’ve worked with thousands of graduates, middle managers, and senior professionals over my 25-year career, and the one truth that never changes is this: a strong CV opens doors.
If you’re ready to take the next step and want expert help to make your CV and LinkedIn profile stand out, I invite you to book an appointment with me here: https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
Together, we’ll ensure your CV isn’t just good—it’s interview-winning.
