How to write your first CV How to write your first CV Everyone has a different approach to writing a CV, ideally it should be tailored to show how your skills match those of the job you are applying for, but what’s important is that it contains the right information. Listed below are the key things that you should include and an example of what your CV might look like, however make sure that you NEVER include personal details such as your national insurance number or bank details – these will only ever be necessary once an employer has hired you. Your contact details This should include your name, location, email address and telephone number. What you are doing now If you are currently doing work experience or have a part time job put it here. The usual format is:  Job title and company name  How long you were employed for  Details of job Under ‘details of job’ give an overview of what the job involves and what you achieved whilst doing the job. It doesn’t have to be anything major; maybe you improved a process or made the company additional money. Alternatively you could mention what skills you learnt such as cash handling experience or dealing effectively with a customer complaint. Ideally you want to demonstrate that you did more than just turn up! What you have done in the past If you have had more than one job you can list the others here. Alternatively use this opportunity to talk about activities that you have carried out that demonstrate particular skills. For example you might have organised a charity event and been captain of the school netball team – these activities show that you get involved and take responsibility. With limited or no work experience that’s the sort of thing that will give employers an idea of what you’re like. Your skills and qualifications List your educational qualifications - most recent first - saying which school/college you attended and what results you achieved. Maths and English are usually the key ones that employers look for, so if you’ve done well in these be sure to mention it. References Ask a couple of people if they will act as referees for you – basically this means that these people will be prepared to tell potential employers about you. You could include a school teacher and a professional person – maybe your best friend’s mum. You don’t need to give the details of your referees in your CV – just indicate that you have them if they are required. Sample CV Ciara Green 80 High Road Wood Green N22 6AB Contact number: 020 8123 4567 Email: ciaragreen@yahoo.co.uk Current Employment October 2007 - Present P/T Sales Assistant, Top Shop, Oxford Street I work in the men’s department, mainly on the till, so I am used to handling money, cashing up and dealing with customer enquiries. I have recently been given the responsibility of training Saturday staff. Previous Work Experience March 2007 Care Assistant, Sunnydale Care Home, Wood Green In this two week work experience placement I helped out in all areas of the home, serving meals, cleaning and doing errands for residents. I made lots of friends during my placement so I occasionally do voluntary work there. Other Activities Last year three friends and I rode to Brighton in aid of a local children’s hospice. We organised the whole event working in conjunction with the hospice and raised £1000 which went towards a new playroom for the kids. We now regularly visit the hospice to play with the children. Education and Qualifications September 2002 - June 2007 Sacred Heart, Wood Green 8 GCSEs at Grade C and above, including Maths (B) and English (A) References Available on request © copyright MyPartTimeJob 021208
