CV Top Tips

1) Before you begin, do some research!

Firstly find a job you are interested in, or at least have one in mind. Research the Business, look at job descriptions to help get a feel for the type of person they are looking for. Don't just stick to the company website. Social Media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn can give you an insight into the culture of the Business and how you could fit in.

2) Contact Details

As simple as it sounds start with your name and contact details. Include your address, contact number along with a sensible email address. This is the first thing any potential employer will see so, best not start on a bad note.

3) Personal Statements (3-5 lines)

The Personal Statement is your first opportunity to show yourself off and highlight your achievements or something you are proud of that isn't on your CV to get people interested in reading more. Remember employers take an average of 6 seconds to scan a CV.

4) Education

Include dates, School attended, Exam Results or Predicted grades

5) Work Experience/Volunteering

If you have any Work Experience or have done any Volunteering here is the place to show it off. Include dates and descriptions of your role and your responsibilities.

6) Show you are genuinely interested

On a student CV the lack of work experience is expected so, think outside the box and think about all the things that you have done in school or in your own time that might relate to what you are applying for.

7) Employability Skills

These are the skills that you don't get a certificate in but can be just as valuable. Think of Leadership Skills, Teamwork, Listening, Resilience, Communication Skills, Creativity, Problem Solving and times when you have used them with real world examples.

8) Hobbies & Interests

Team sports are always good to include here. They give an example of working as part of a team and the ability to effectively communicate with others. Showing off your interests and hobbies (or Employability Skills) and relating them back to the Job/Business will support your application and can help set you apart from others.

9) Other Qualifications

You may not have any additional qualifications, but if you have include them here.

Include IT Skills and the packages you are proficient in ie Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook. Also include things like Duke of Edinburgh, NCS, First Aid, Music Grades, STEM awards and Coaching badges to name but a few.

10) References

Ideally one from school and one from outside school (eg employer, senior person at your club, church, etc).  Remember to ask permission first and include their name, title and contact details.