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WRITNG A CV

Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is your first chance to make a great impression on an employer. It should highlight your skills, achievements, and potential in a clear and professional way. Whether you’re applying for an apprenticeship, a full-time job, or work experience, having a well-structured CV will help you stand out.

If you’ve just left school and don’t have much work experience, don’t worry! You can still create a strong CV by focusing on your skills, education, and any experiences that show your strengths.

What is a CV and Why is it Important?

A CV is a summary of your skills, education, and experience. It should be:
✅ Clear and Concise – Ideally one page, but no more than two.
✅ Professional – No spelling mistakes, clear formatting, and a readable font (e.g., Arial, Calibri).
✅ Tailored – Adjusted to match the job or apprenticeship you’re applying for.

Tips for School Leavers Writing a CV

🔹 Use School Experience – Mention coursework projects, team activities, or leadership roles to highlight transferable skills.
🔹 Use a Professional Email Address – No nicknames or unprofessional addresses (e.g., gamerboy123@email.com).
🔹 Keep It Simple and Easy to Read – Use bullet points, clear headings, and a structured layout.
🔹 Tailor It to the Job – Mention skills and experiences that match the job description.
🔹 Check Spelling and Grammar – Use Grammarly or ask someone to proofread before sending.
🔹 Save as a PDF – This keeps formatting intact when sending electronically.

1. What to Include in Your CV

Personal Details (Top of the CV)

Include:
Your full name
Phone number
Professional email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com)
Your location (City and postcode only, no full address)

❌ DO NOT include: Date of birth, full address, or unnecessary personal details.

2. Personal Profile (Summary Statement)

This is a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) that tells employers about you, your key skills, and what you’re looking for.

💡 Example (for a school leaver):
“A motivated and hardworking individual with a strong interest in customer service and retail. Recently completed GCSEs and eager to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. A quick learner with excellent communication skills and a positive attitude, looking for an apprenticeship opportunity to develop professionally.”

3. Key Skills

List skills that are relevant to the job. Even if you don’t have work experience, you have skills from school, projects, or hobbies.

💡 Examples of Skills for a School Leaver:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Willingness to learn
  • IT skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, social media)

4. Education and Qualifications

List your most recent education first, including:

  • School/College name
  • Dates attended
  • Subjects and grades (or predicted grades)

💡 Example:
Southend High School (2020 – 2023)

  • GCSEs: English (C), Maths (B), Science (B), Business (A)

💡 If you haven’t received your grades yet, you can write: “Predicted Grades: English (C), Maths (B), Science (B)”

5. Work Experience (If You Have Any)

If you’ve had any jobs, voluntary work, or work experience, include them here.

💡 Example:
Retail Assistant (Work Experience) – Tesco, Southend (July 2023)

  • Assisted customers and provided excellent customer service
  • Organised stock and maintained store presentation
  • Worked effectively in a team to ensure smooth daily operations

💡 Tip: If you don’t have work experience, you can include:

  • Volunteering
  • Part-time jobs
  • Responsibilities at school (e.g., Prefect, Team Captain, School Council Member)

6. Hobbies and Interests (Optional, but Useful for School Leavers)

If you have limited work experience, listing hobbies can showcase transferable skills.

💡 Good Examples:

  • Playing in a football team (teamwork, discipline)
  • Running a YouTube channel (creativity, IT skills)
  • Fundraising for charity (organisation, communication)

❌ Avoid generic hobbies like “watching TV” or “socialising.”