Creating your C.V.

Welcome to Birmingham Youth Empowerment Project's first blog post.

Finding your first job can be tricky so we have put together a number of blog posts to help make the task that much easier for you.

Below are some tips to help with the writing of a C.V. (the first thing a potential employer sees).

First things first..

Who are you?

At the top of your C.V. you will need to state the following:

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Short paragraph about yourself
• A way of contacting you (including telephone number and email)

An example of this is:

Sophie Rose
07/09/1991
sophie.r.se@hotmail.co.uk
07567198321

I am an organised and friendly person, and enjoy leading teams and solving problems.

Academic

Within your C.V. potential employers will be looking at your previous subject qualifications and although this is not the be all and end all, you will need to include them.

You will need to include:

•Where

•When

•What

•Grade

This can be written out in two different ways, it is up to you to decide which way you prefer. For 

example:

Birmingham School (2006-2011), 5 GCSEs A-C (including Maths and English) 

Or

Birmingham School (2006-2011), Maths (D), English (B), Science (C), Drama (C), History (B)    

Work Experience

This section can include both voluntary and paid positions. It is important to provide all the

information, not just where and what you did, but also relevant skills that you acquired. You will need

all of the following:

•Where

•When

•What

•Skills

Here is an example of this:

Topshop, Birmingham (2009-2012), Sales Assistant 

During my time in this position, I interacted with customers on a regular basis, through assisting

those in changing rooms and at check outs. Additionally, I maintained the appearance of the shop

floor and restocked items.  

In this role, I improved my confidence with customer service and successfully managed customers

with complaints.  

Extra-Curricular

This section may include:

• School clubs you belong to 

• Team sports that are involved in 

• That you play a musical instrument 

• Any personal achievements such as a first aid certificate 

• Any courses you have completed outside of school e.g. equality and diversity

  Lastly, referees

 

•Chose 2 – one academic and one work experience ideally

•Known one for longer than 5 years (not family member)

•Provide referee’s name and contact information

•Make sure you ask their permission first

Below you will find a link to a template for what is required in a C.V.
Link to C.V. template

GOOD LUCK!

Paige & Sophie