If you don’t have paid work experience yet, your CV can still be strong — just shift the emphasis. Lead with education, then build out sections for relevant coursework, class projects, volunteering, student societies, and any leadership roles (even informal ones, like organizing an event).
Keep the format simple: clear section headings, bullet points, and one consistent font. A clean, simple template signals professionalism far more than a decorative one.
Quick answer: Lead with education and projects, use bullet points, and keep the design simple and ATS-friendly.