DO
- Tailor each CV to the job you’re applying for. This means either writing a new CV for each role you’re going for or edit sections accordingly. For example, you’re apply to 2 jobs; one for an engineering apprenticeship and one for an accountancy apprenticeship. In the engineering apprenticeship CV you may have written about your passion for Top Gear and how watching it makes you crave the opportunity to open up a car and rebuild it. Whilst this stuff is great as it shows enthusiasm, if you don’t write anything about your passion to enter the world of accountancy the accountancy apprenticeship employer may not think you’re too interested in the role. Making little changes here and there can make a huge difference!
- Keep your school leaver CV short ‘n’ sweet. One side of A4 to get the main points is absolutely fine. School leaver and apprenticeship employers will appreciate the fact you haven’t got masses of experience, and as an old wise teacher once told me; quality over quantity.
- Use a computer to write your CV. If you can, use Microsoft Word or another word processor, that way it will automatically check for spelling and grammar mistakes. We all make spelling mistakes but spell-checking your CV will show an employer your professionalism. Just imagine how they would feel if you wrote a CV with a cover letter which began like this…
My namez James, I really wanna work with u cos I no ur the best employer eva…
DON’T
- Lie! Whilst everyone elaborates a bit in their CVs (something employers expect!), don’t tell plain lies! If and when you reach the interview stages, employers will usually have a copy of your school leaver CV in front of them and will question you about bits. You never know who you’re sat in front of either as it can easily backfire…
Let us tell you about a guy notgoingtouni.co.uk came across called Martin. He decided to ‘elaborate the truth’ on his application for a legal apprenticeship. He put under achievements that he was the captain of his local cricket team and led them to on to win a county trophy…only to find out that the person interviewing him was the coach of the same cricket team…oops!
