How to make a CV to get your first job, as more students opt out of university

Expert Tips on Showcasing Your Skills Without Full-Time Job Experience

With A-level results day fast approaching, many students are left pondering their next steps. For a growing number of 18-year-olds, the decision might lean toward skipping higher education in favor of entering the workforce.

There’s a mix of reasons for this shift. Some students feel that a degree isn’t necessary to land a good job, while others are wary of the mounting costs of university education. UCAS data shows a steady decline in university applications among school leavers over the last two years. In fact, only 41.9% applied to start this autumn, a slight drop from 42.1% last year and 44.1% in 2022.

For those venturing into the job market for the first time, a solid starting point is crafting a strong CV. Not only does it prepare you for job applications, but it also offers insight into your current skills and experience, highlighting areas that may need improvement.

But what does it take to create a CV that won’t get tossed aside? And how can you make yourself more attractive to employers?

What Is a CV?

A CV, or curriculum vitae (which means “course of life” in Latin), is essentially a snapshot of your life’s journey, summarizing your education, skills, and accomplishments. It’s your first chance to make an impression when applying for a job, and it also serves as a reference point during the later stages of the application process.

With recruiters often sifting through hundreds of CVs for a single position, yours needs to stand out and effectively market you as a potential candidate.

What Should I Include in My CV?

Think of your CV as a checklist that highlights why you’re the right fit for the job. The key is to ensure it’s well-organized and easy for employers to navigate, reducing the chance it’ll end up in the discard pile. Here’s what you should cover:

• Your Name: It might sound obvious, but your name is a crucial part of your CV. Make sure it’s at the top of the page and stands out by using a larger font size than the rest of the text.
• Contact Details: While not everyone includes their address in today’s digital world, it can be useful to show you’re located near the job. Ensure your email and phone number are easy to find so employers can contact you without hassle.
• Employment: Even if you’ve never held a full-time job, you can still highlight part-time roles, summer jobs, or internships. Focus on the transferable skills you gained, which can demonstrate to employers that you’re a good fit for the position.
• Education: List your highest level of education, with A-levels or their equivalent being the most important if you haven’t attended university. You can also include your GCSEs, particularly your results in Maths and English, as these are often scrutinized by employers.
• Skills and Qualifications: This section is where you can make up for a lack of employment history. Employers are interested in skills like proficiency in a second language, computer software experience, and public speaking abilities, as well as softer skills such as time management and communication. Just be sure you can back up any claims you make.
• Interests and Achievements: Beyond listing what you enjoy doing in your free time, your hobbies and interests can showcase your dedication, teamwork, and notable achievements. Include activities like volunteering, sports accomplishments, and musical talents. However, steer clear of vague hobbies like “socializing.”
• Personal Statement or Bio: Though optional, adding a brief personal statement at the top of your CV can be an effective way to introduce yourself and highlight why you’re suited for the role.

What Are Employers Looking For?

With a pile of CVs to sort through, half the battle is ensuring yours doesn’t get discarded at first glance.

To start, your CV should be easy to read, with clear fonts, bullet points, and defined sections. Avoid turning it into a wall of text—save the detailed explanations for your cover letter.

Spelling mistakes are another quick way to ruin your chances. While spell-check can catch some errors, it’s always a good idea to have someone proofread your CV for you, as they might spot mistakes you overlooked.

Once you have a basic CV, tailor it to each job application. This ensures that the experience and skills you’re highlighting are directly relevant to the position.

Natalie Matalon, Chief People Officer at Totaljobs, emphasizes that “employers seek relevance, clarity, and consistency in a CV. They appreciate a clear, concise format that aligns with the job description and includes a brief personal statement at the top to quickly grasp your profile.”

While significant changes to your CV might not always be necessary, small adjustments can keep it from being immediately discarded.

Matt Collingwood, Managing Director of VIQU IT Recruitment, explains that “when I’ve hired school leavers in the past, it’s usually because something in their CV caught my eye. It was something unique that not every other school leaver could include.”

If you’re targeting a role in industries like design or social media, taking a multimedia approach to your CV can be particularly effective. For example, you could create a visual CV using a video or website.

Matalon adds, “Consider going above and beyond to stand out. Support your written summary with a video link where you explain why you’re the ideal candidate, or create a visual portfolio showcasing your work.”

How Can I Improve My CV?

Having just left school, it’s likely that you don’t have much employment experience. If you’ve held a part-time job, it might not be in your desired field. However, you can still highlight transferable skills like customer service, software usage, or punctuality.

To further boost your CV, consider gaining relevant work experience or volunteering. Opportunities in charities, teaching, or sports clubs can provide valuable experience that compensates for a lack of paid employment.

Emily Maguire, a career consultant at Reflections Career Coaching, notes that “internships and volunteer placements can help make school leavers more employable. They allow you to learn valuable, transferable skills and show employers how committed and driven you are to securing work.”

How to Prevent Your CV from Looking Too Empty

With limited experience, your CV might appear sparse. While this can make it easier for recruiters to find the information they need, an overly empty CV might give the impression that you’re underqualified.

One way to address this is by including personal achievements, such as awards and extracurricular activities. Focus on highlighting the transferable skills you’ve developed through these experiences.

Matalon advises, “While academic achievements are expected on a CV at this level, don’t underestimate the importance of personal achievements. Potential employers will notice these, so be sure to include them in your post-school CV.”

Employers are looking for more than just academic qualifications; they also value qualities that show you’re eager to learn and have the right attitude.

FAQs

Q: How do I choose the best references for my CV?
A: References should be people who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This could be a manager from a part-time job, a teacher, or even a coach. Make sure to ask their permission before listing them as references.

Q: How can I tailor my CV for different job applications?
A: Tailoring your CV doesn’t require major changes. Adjust the skills and experience you highlight to align with the job description. This shows the recruiter that you’re a good fit for the role.

Q: What should I avoid including in my CV?
A: Avoid vague statements or hobbies like “socializing,” as they don’t add much value. Also, steer clear of long, unbroken paragraphs; keep your CV concise and easy to read.