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

As A-level results are about to be released, hundreds of thousands of students will be trying to decide upon their next move.

A growing number of 18-year-olds are predicted to elect not to choose higher education and instead take the first step into the workforce this year.

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According to UCAS, the number of university applications from school leavers has decreased over the past couple of years. Specifically, 41.9 per cent applied to start in the autumn, a slight drop from the 42.1 per cent who submitted applications last year and the 44.1 per cent who did so in 2022.

For those embarking on their first foray into the job market, creating a CV that makes a good impression is the best starting point.

By doing so, you'll not only be preparing yourself for the job application process, you'll also get a clearer understanding of your skills and experience, and where you can enhance them.

How do you create a CV that stands out from the crowd and avoids being dismissed, and what actions can you take to increase your employability?

What is a CV?

A CV allows you to highlight your skills and experience in a job application and serves as a reference for both yourself and the employer to refer to later on in the application process.

Your curriculum vitae, or CV for short, acts as a summary of your life's experiences, encapsulating your education, career achievements, and other interests.

In a job market where recruiters often have to sift through hundreds of CVs for each vacancy, it's crucial that yours shines and makes a compelling case for hiring you.

What skills and qualities are potential employers seeking in candidates?

Making it past the initial screening is half the challenge with a crowded in-tray full of job applications.

First of all, your CV needs to be concise, using clear fonts, bullet points, and clear sections. Employers tend not to spend a long time on a dense block of text, so elaborate details should be left for your cover letter.

Essential too is making sure you don't make spelling mistakes. It's worth asking someone to have a look over your CV for you, as even spelling-check tools won't pick up everything and a second pair of eyes can help spot any errors.

Once you have a standard CV, it's essential to customise it for each job you apply for, ensuring that the experiences and skills you highlight are pertinent to the specific role.

Natalie Matalon, chief people officer at Totaljobs, explained: "Employers are looking for a CV that clearly shows how they fit the bill, in other words relevance, clarity and consistency. They find it useful if it's brief and written in a straightforward way that matches the job description, and is introduced with a short statement that gives a first impression of you and your background."

in most cases, this will not involve making major changes to the document, and it will also stop your CV from being rejected straight away.

Colleagues from Viqu IT Recruitment speaking with This is Money stated, "When Ash employed school leavers previously, it's because they had indeed something that impressed him in their CV and stood out from the crowd.

'School leavers who have shown through their experiences and skills that they genuinely have a focus on a specific career aspiration or motivation demonstrate the sort of employee they could be.'

Depending on the industry you're aiming to enter, incorporating a variety of media into your CV could also make a good impression on a potential employer.

If you are searching for a job in design or social media, consider showcasing your skills through a multimedia profile, such as a video or a personal website.

'Achieve greater prominence by exceeding expectations,' advises Matalon. 'Back up your professional summary with a video link where you discuss why you're the top contender, or compile a visual showcase of your previous work.'

What strategies can I use to enhance my CV.

Upon completing your education, you will likely be new to the workforce, with limited employment experience to draw upon.

If you have a part-time job, it is unlikely that it falls within your desired career field. Nevertheless, there are likely skills gained that can be relevant to positions you are applying for, such as interacting with customers, using particular software, or developing a behaviour of consistently arriving on time for work.

If you wish to further enhance your profile, gaining relevant work experience or undertaking voluntary work can help compensate for any gaps in your paid employment history.

Opportunities to volunteer may frequently be discovered in charitable organisations, educational facilities, or sports teams.

Emily Maguire, a career consultant from Reflections Career Coaching, notes: 'Internships and volunteer placements can greatly enhance a school leaver's employability, as they acquire valuable, transferable skills and demonstrate dedication and drive in securing a job to potential employers.'

How to Ditch the Dreaded Empty CV

Even with little experience, your CV is unlikely to appear too overwhelming. In fact, a CV with sparse details can actually be an advantage, making it easier for the recruiter to quickly find the information they need.

However, an overly bare CV can give the impression that you're underqualified, and imply you don't have much to back up your application.

This can be achieved by bringing up your personal accomplishments, such as any honours or accolades you have obtained and extracurricular activities you participate in. What's crucial here is demonstrating the transferable skills that you have developed during these experiences.

Matalon stated: 'At this stage, exam results are obviously a crucial point to highlight on your CV, but don't overlook the significance of personal achievements. Potential employers will be able to pick up on these, so they should not be left out when compiling your post-education CV.'

'At the entry-point, employers look for more than just academic qualifications; they also place great importance on demonstrating eagerness to learn and the right attitude.'

Most businesses, even though they need someone with the required qualifications, are also on the lookout for individuals who will complement their team harmoniously. Having no particular hobbies or interests is unlikely to make you a more attractive candidate.

Who would you recommend I use as professional referees?

In the majority of cases, the individuals you choose as references should be colleagues or associates with whom you have a strong working relationship, and who can provide personal testimonies regarding your technical abilities and work habits.

If you have a part-time job or are a volunteer, this could be the person who manages you. Otherwise, you might want to consider a teacher or a sports coach.

Make sure you have all the necessary details about your references so that you can supply them to your potential employer if required.

It's highly advisable to obtain your referee's consent prior to listing them on your CV.

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