CVs are an essential part of applying and getting jobs. A CV is a document that you give to a company when you are applying to work for them. Most companies will ask you for a CV for applying.
What do I need to put in my CV?
In your CV, you should have:
- where you went to school (include any 6th forms, colleges or universities you went to as well)
- any jobs you’ve had in the past, and a description of what you did at those jobs
- a personal statement saying who you are and what your strengths are (get tips on how to write personal statements here)
- what you’re interested in
- what skills you have (include “soft skills” such as leadership, resilience, etc. if you can)
- any qualifications (GCSEs, A-Levels, BTECs, degrees, etc.) you have
How do I lay out my CV?
You can lay out your CV however you like. However, there are a few rules you should follow:
- be as formal as possible (don’t swear or use any slang, make sure you spell everything correctly)
- make sure you use a readable font (Calibri, Arial and Times New Roman are good examples)
- keep your CV to under 3 pages long
When do I give someone my CV?
You usually send someone your CV when you are applying for a job.
Writing your personal statement
Your personal statement is a paragraph that summarises you as a person. This can include any skills you have (including “soft” skills) and any experience you have in the job you’re applying for.
So-called “soft” skills include:
- resilience
- teamwork
- communication skills (presenting, speaking publicly, etc.)
- problem solving