The most difficult hurdle for any job seeker is achieving an interview – and the key to getting an interview is a comprehensive, concise and eye catching CV. There may be tens or even hundreds of other school leavers applying for the job and a successful resume or CV will have to grab the reader’s attention instantly and create a strongly positive impression if the job application is to survive the first sifting. Using a simple, logical CV template like the one below, which is a proven success for job seekers, will help achieve this. However, some employers will ask applicants to follow a particular format of their own, or even provide a printed form to complete.
Whichever is the case:
- Keep all information factual, scrupulously accurate and as concise as possible. Ideally all the necessary information should be covered in 2 sides of A4.
- Since this is likely to be a first proper job application, school achievements will be the main feature of the resume, but try to give the employer a broader picture of relevant skills and interests outside the school curriculum, such as holiday jobs, work experience, community work, society or club activity (not nightclubs!), and sporting achievements.
- Try not to confine the CV to facts rather than expanding on subjective statements such as enthusiasm for the job, or the particular characteristics or qualities which most fit your for it. All this is more appropriately included (again succinctly) in the covering letter. The wording and tone of the job announcement should give a feel for the sort of thing required.
Finally, type out the final version of the CV on a typewriter or computer, or get friend to do so, then check and recheck for spelling or typing errors. Such errors can completely undermine an otherwise good CV.
Write a covering letter (also typed if possible) summarising briefly the main qualifications and enthusiasm for the job, and dispatch the letter and CV in plenty of time for the closing date.
Sample CV Template
_____________________________________________________________________________
JONATHAN (JON) SMITH (Your name)
(Head the CV with your full name in bold upper case, with the name you prefer to be called by in brackets if appropriate)
CONTACT DETAILS
Full address.
Fixed line and mobile telephone numbers.
Email address.
CURRICULUM VITAE (or just CV if you feel from the job notification that the potential employer prefers an informal approach)
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
List your qualifications in descending order of importance as in the example below, including grades achieved where appropriate. Start with academic qualifications but also include other qualifications which help to show your suitability for the job or other aptitudes, skills or achievements which may interest your potential employer.
GCE A Levels.
English (A*), General Studies (A), Psychology (B), Film Studies (B).
Diplomas.
(as applicable)
GCE O Levels.
(as applicable)
Other Qualifications. eg:
Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Award.
RLSS Bronze Medal for Life Saving.
St John Ambulance Youth First Aid Certificate.
Schools Attended.
List schools attended with dates, showing the current school first. In each case list any particular achievments e.g. School Prefect, sports teams you played in, etc.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of birth. (optional)
Marital Status. (optional)
Health.
Nationality. (and immigration status if appropriate.)
Interests. List briefly your main interests and hobbies, with any notable achievements, and leading with anything relevant to the current application.
Languages Spoken. Languages in which you have a formal qualification, or any learned colloquially through holidays or travel.
REFERENCES
List the names and appointments of 2 or 3 people who have good knowledge of your recent career. One at least should be a teacher at your most recent school. An employer with whom you did a holiday job or work experience makes a convincing referee. Also consider club or a community project organisers.
You may request that they should only be approached if the application is successful.
Always obtain their permission in advance of any contact.
______________________________________________________________________________________
A different CV template is more appropriate if this is not you first job.
Good CV is Key to Success
A good CV is the key to success in winning that first job interview, and the first step towards a job. The CV should be scrupulously accurate, neatly presented (typed if possible) and comprehensive but concise. It should follow a clear, logical format, as in the template above, unless the potential employer asks for their own format to be followed.
Finally, a poor covering letter can kill a good CV. Writing a good covering letter is almost as important as the CV itself.
Sources
UK Government Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Lifetracks, UK Government advice website.
Tony Allen - In 2004 I began my "fourth career" as a freelance writer. In my first career, after training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, I ...
