Guidance

Build your perfect CV

Why You Need a CV

A CV is your first opportunity to showcase yourself. A well-crafted CV can help you secure a job interview.

Not all CVs follow the same format, but below is the information we need from your CV to build your GoProfile, this will allow you to really stand out.

Tips for Writing Your CV

GoCareers specialises in helping school leavers and recent school leavers find jobs. By following these CV tips, you will be better prepared to apply for roles through our platform, increasing your chances of securing an interview and landing your desired job, please submit a CV using the following tips:

• Use a clear font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri in size 11 or larger.
• Keep the style consistent throughout.
• Use headings and bullet points for easy reading.
• Be concise and straightforward.
• Have someone else proofread it for spelling and grammar errors.

Sections for Your CV

Your CV should include the following sections:

Contact Details

Include your name, phone number, email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one. Do not include personal details such as your age, date of birth, marital status, or nationality.

Introduction

Write a brief introduction summarising who you are and what you aim to achieve. This should be placed just under your contact details.

Education History

List your education history after the introduction if you’re early in your career or have limited work experience. If you have significant work experience, you might prefer to list your work history first. Include:

• Names of your qualifications
• Name of the school, college, or university
• Dates attended

Work History

Detail any work placements, volunteering, and paid jobs, starting with the most recent. Include:

• Employer name
• Job title
• Dates of employment
• Brief description of duties (2-3 lines using the STAR method)

Key skills and interests

As this is your first job, highlight skills gained through projects, work experience, or volunteering. You can also mention hobbies and interests that demonstrate relevant skills, such as leadership or organisation such as being a member of a sports team or having a responsibility role in school.

References

Include a section for references if someone has agreed to provide one, such as a previous employer or a teacher. Instead of listing their contact details, simply state that ‘references are available on request’.