When you first start out in the world of work you may wonder how to write a CV, particularly if you have no employment history. Our MD, Sam, had exactly this problem when he left college to get a job at the age of 17. However, he managed to create a CV which got him a few interviews and his first full-time job. All it takes is a bit of thought and creativity.
Here are some of the ideas he used which you can use too.
How long should your CV be?
If you don’t have lots of work experience then one well-formatted side of A4 is perfectly acceptable. Layout is key, and it must be uncluttered but include all the key sections. Recruiters and clients read a lot of CVs and yours needs to stand out. You mustn’t waffle but must highlight the qualities that will make you perfect for a role.
What must you include?
Your CV must include the following:
- Contact details (name, address, mobile number, email address)
- Summary statement (more about that below)
- List of key skills
- Employment history or relevant experience
- Education (school/college name and qualifications)
Summary statement
Your summary statement should ideally be adjusted for each job you apply for. This section describes your main qualities and what kind of role you are looking for. It shouldn’t be too long but must include enough selling points for a recruiter to be interested in reading further.
Here is an example for someone with just one part time job to include :
“I am hardworking and well organised with proven customer service skills gained through my current role at XXXXX. I am currently studying XXXX at Chichester College but seek a full time XXXX role from October 2020. I have been passionate about business/cooking/xxxxx since studying the subject at AS level and wish to develop my career within this sector.”
Key Skills
This section is sometimes difficult to pad out if you haven’t had many jobs. What you must do is think about other areas of your life where you have had responsibility, where you’ve displayed skills that are useful to employers.
You should try and list five or six bullet points which are related to the role you are applying for. Look at the skills required in the job spec and try and find examples of situations where you have displayed them.
It’s likely that at school or college you will have learnt how to use various software applications which are used in many workplaces, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Excel. These should be listed here, along with any other applications you are familiar with.
Have you been in a position of authority, for example helping out with younger children at school, are you a qualified referee, were you captain of the netball team?
Have you organised an event, such as a birthday party? Have you helped someone move house? Have you raised money for a charitable cause?
Have you put on a theatrical production or taken part in one?
Did you take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme?
Have you passed your driving test? If you have, and you own a car then it’s worth adding that here as it means you can travel to businesses that aren’t close to a bus or train route.
Tip : if you can’t think of many then look at ways of getting the relevant experience, for example offering to volunteer for someone in the industry you want to work in. Reach out to businesses who might benefit from an extra pair of hands (for free!). You just need to be able to prove that you can do what’s required and you can then add it to your CV and also use them as a testimonial.
Employment History
This section can be tricky if you haven’t been working long but there are usually some things you can list.
For example, did you do work experience while you were at school? If so, add that, and list the tasks you did when you were there.
Have you had ANY part time jobs, no matter how long you were there? If so, add them here. Pick the most pertinent couple and be as descriptive as possible about what you did.
Tip : look at job adverts for the type of skills they are looking for, and see if they can apply to you.
Examples include :
- Good communication skills
- Eye for detail
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Excellent team player
Education
List the main secondary school you finished at, plus any further or higher education establishments. Don’t go into huge detail, unless the rest of the CV is bare! List the relevant qualifications, as well as the grades for the most advanced/recent qualifications. If you don’t have much experience then this is the area which you can fill with detail, and space it out to look nice.
Tip : don’t lie here, or anywhere on your CV. It’s one thing to make the best of your inexperience but you mustn’t make anything up.
Hobbies and interests
This section should be just one or two sentences. Don’t go overboard but try and find something interesting to write as it can prompt a chat during an interview. Do you have an unusual hobby? Have you travelled anywhere interesting? Do you have any sporting achievements?
A foot in the door
Having a great CV is just the first step, but it’s really important as it’s the first impression a potential employer has of you.
Once you have grabbed their attention you will hopefully get an interview which is your chance to discuss your skills in person. If all goes well then you may be offered the job.
If you aren’t confident about creating a CV to wow future employers then Summerley Digital can build one for you. Our CV Service costs just £25 and you can find out more here.
Alternatively, we can send you a template for you to build your own. It lists each section with examples of what to include and is easy for you to add your own information.
We are committed to brighter futures and helping our candidates achieve their full potential. Contact us today to see how we can help you get your next role, either by calling 01243 979735 or email hello@summerleyrecruitment.co.uk.