First Steps to Your Future: CV Tips for School and College Leavers

First Steps to Your Future: CV Tips for School and College Leavers

Starting your career can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re fresh out of school or college. But a strong CV can be the key to opening the right doors and making a great first impression. Here’s how to make yours stand out.

Start Strong with a Personal Profile

Write a short paragraph at the top of your CV that sums up who you are. This can be just 3-4 sentences that explain your key strengths and what kind of apprenticeship you’re looking for.

Example: “Hardworking and keen to learn, I am seeking an apprenticeship in business administration. I have excellent communication, teamwork work and problem-solving skills that can be transferable to any role I undertake. I am excited for the opportunity to start my career, and I am ready to contribute and grow in a professional setting.”

highlight your education

This is your current strength, so show it off! Include:

• Your school/college name and dates attended
• Subject studied
• Predicted and/or achieved grades

It may be useful to mention any coursework or group projects that you have completed that are relevant to the area of apprenticeship you are interested in.

include any work or volunteering experiences

Talk about any experience that you have, this can be an experience completed during Year 10 or for your course at college. Even part-time jobs or helping out in the community count! Describe what you did and what you learned, i.e., teamwork, customer service, or timekeeping.

Example: Primark: September 2023 to February 2024

Sales Assistant

• Handled transactions from customers
• Ensured the shop floor is presentable at all times
• Providing excellent customer service
• Developed confidence and great communication skills

show off your skills

Employers love transferable skills, skills you can use in any role. These might come from school/college, hobbies, or weekend jobs.

Useful skills to include:

• Communication
• Time management
• Organisation
• IT (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving

mention interests and achievements

Including hobbies, interests, and achievements helps employers see that you’re motivated and reliable. Think about sports teams, clubs, competitions, projects, or leadership roles (such as being a team captain), all help!

Example: Captain of the school football team – developed leadership and team-building skills.

keep it neat and professional

• Stick to one page, if possible, two at most
• Keep the design simple and easy to read
• Avoid using slang words
• Use bullet points for a clear and concise read
• Always proofread and check for spelling and grammar

taylor it for each application

Every apprenticeship is different, so don’t send the same CV everywhere. Look at the job description of a role, and reflect on the key skills and language they are looking for in your CV.  It shows you’ve done your homework!

final tip: add a cover letter

A friendly, confident letter explaining why you want the apprenticeship and what you’ll bring to the role can really boost your chances.

conclusion

Remember, employers hiring apprentices don’t expect you to have years of experience; they are looking for potential. Your CV is a chance to show them that you are enthusiastic, responsible, and ready to learn.

If you still need help, why not create a standout CV with our easy-to-use CV Builder, the first step to landing your ideal apprenticeship!

For further tips and guidance, please visit the National Careers Service.

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