How to make an incredible CV in 50 minutes!

What are CVs? Stands for Curriculum Vitae (latin!) Your ‘Sales Document’ List of all your achievements and activities

Why do people have CVs? One place to put everything Something to keep updated with your skills and achievements Something employers ask for Something for you to give prospective employers Helps you when completing university or job application forms – achievements, dates etc are there for reference

What does one look like? Few important basic rules: . C Few important basic rules: No more than 2 pages The beginning has to make an impact NO MISTAKES Pretty much truthful! Layout is your choice, but it should be eye-catching, neat and clear, with your most recent qualifications and experiences put to the top of the section – for example – currently GCSEs, but when you do A levels these will go first.

Today is your chance to have a go! Make a start now, but you have time to complete at home or later today – you will not need it yet as: Full time job with training not until you finish Year 11. Part time work - must not take time away from your studies – important to get GCSE grades. Starting your CV now may make you think about any ‘light’ areas you have – things that you may need to work on so your CV will look better in the future. Most of CV is factual – personal details, which you know Two difficult bits 1. Personal Statement – 3 sentences about you 2. Skills – list of things you are good at

Here are some skills – which ones do you have? Listening Adaptability Team Work Excellent Communication Leadership Punctuality Honesty Willing to learn Positive outlook Reliable Enjoy challenges Keen to get involved Creativity and problem solving Accepting responsibility Time management Flexibility Ability to work under pressure Decision making Committed to complete tasks

Step One – know yourself Step One – know yourself! This will help when writing the first bit – your skills and personal profile Think about what you like to do Think about what you are good at Make a list of the skills you have “Evidence” for the skills you have Write down all the work experience you have – think broadly!

“Evidence” Good communication skills - Worked with the lower school as part of the assisted reading scheme working with students who often had low confidence in reading and communication Part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme – achieved bronze award Sold programmes for the dancing school when they did a show at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon Excellent organisational skills - Part of the BYMT concert band for 5 years attending different concerts both in the UK and abroad, involved in fund raising and events Catering assistant for the local rugby club – helped set out furniture and organised coats and raffle for fun day Helped out at old school summer fair – organised the tombola stall taking money and talking to customers Excellent time management skills - Babysitter for neighbours in Bromley during the past year, being trustworthy, prompt and organised Leadership skills - Captain of the netball team in Year 5 Young leader for the local Shortlands guides group for 2 years

This is a starting point Keep it updated – you may need it in a hurry Change it for the job you are applying for Read it through before you go to an interview