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CV/Resume Essentials for Recent School Leavers

Starting your professional journey after leaving school is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the first hurdles you’ll face is creating a CV or resume that effectively presents your skills and experiences to potential employers. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on what to include in your CV or resume as a recent school leaver, along with best practices for writing and formatting to help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

CV Formats

Before diving into the specific sections of your CV or resume, it’s important to understand the different formats commonly used. Here are three popular options:

Chronological

This classic format presents your work experience and education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent experiences. It’s easy for recruiters to follow and is often preferred by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This format is suitable for both school leavers and college graduates, especially those with a consistent work history1.

Functional

This format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. It’s a good option for recent graduates with limited work experience or those making a career change. However, some recruiters may find it less familiar, and it might not be as ATS-friendly.

Combination

This format combines elements of both chronological and functional formats. It allows you to highlight both your skills and your work experience. It’s a versatile option for recent graduates with some relevant experience who also want to emphasize their skills.

CV/Resume Key Elements

As a recent school leaver, you might have limited professional work experience. However, there are various ways to showcase your potential and transferable skills to employers. Here’s a breakdown of the essential sections to include in your CV:

Contact Information

This section should be at the top of your CV and include:

  • Full Name: Use a professional and clear font.
  • Phone Number: Ensure it’s a number you can be reached at reliably.
  • Email Address: Use a professional email address, avoiding informal or quirky ones.
  • Location: You can include your general area or city, but a full address is not necessary.
  • Link to LinkedIn Profile (Optional): If you have a well-maintained LinkedIn profile, include the link.

Personal Statement

This is a brief paragraph that summarizes who you are, your skills, and your career goals. As a school leaver, you can mention your recent completion of school, your enthusiasm to learn, and your eagerness to start your career in a specific industry.

Competencies and Skills

This section highlights your key skills and achievements. Include both hard skills and soft skills. Tailor this section to each job application, focusing on the skills mentioned in the job description.

Here are some examples of skills you might include:

Hard Skills:

  • IT Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, or specific software relevant to your field.
  • Language Proficiency: If you speak any foreign languages, mention your fluency level.
  • Technical Skills: Any technical skills acquired through coursework or projects (e.g., coding, data analysis).

Soft Skills:

  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through presentations, group projects, or written assignments.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in a team, demonstrated through participation in sports, clubs, or group projects.
  • Problem-solving: Ability to identify and solve problems effectively, demonstrated through academic challenges or extracurricular activities.
  • Time Management: Ability to manage time effectively, demonstrated through balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs.
  • Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills through holding positions of responsibility in clubs or organizations.

Education

Since you’re a school leaver, your education is a significant part of your CV. Here’s how to present it effectively:

  • Reverse Chronological Order: Start with your most recent qualifications (e.g., A-levels, GCSEs) and work backward.
  • Details: Include the institution’s name, qualification names, grades, and expected or achieved completion dates.
  • Prioritize: If you’re attending college, summarize your GCSEs briefly and focus on your college-level qualifications.
  • Awards and Memberships: Include any academic awards, club memberships, or extracurricular activities.

Work and Volunteer Experience

Even if your work experience is limited, include any part-time jobs, volunteer work, or work experience placements. For each entry, provide the company/organization name, your role, dates of employment, a brief description of your responsibilities, and key achievements1.

If you have little to no formal work experience, don’t worry! You can still create a strong CV by drawing on transferable skills from other areas of your life. Consider including:

  • School Projects: Describe any significant projects you completed, highlighting the skills you developed and the outcomes you achieved.
  • Qualifications: Mention any relevant qualifications you have earned, such as first aid certifications or IT skills certifications.
  • Hobbies and Extracurricular Activities: Describe your involvement in sports, clubs, or volunteer work, emphasizing the skills and experiences gained.

Hobbies and Interests

This section is optional but can be particularly useful for school leavers with limited work experience. It helps you showcase your personality and interests while demonstrating skills relevant to the jobs you’re applying for.

Focus on hobbies that demonstrate valuable transferable skills. For example:

  • Teamwork: Playing team sports, participating in group activities, or volunteering for community events.
  • Leadership: Holding positions of responsibility in clubs or organizations.
  • Communication: Participating in debates, public speaking events, or writing for school publications.
  • Creativity: Engaging in artistic activities, playing musical instruments, or writing creatively.

Formatting Tips

  • Structure: Use clear headings for each section.
  • Font: Choose a professional and easy-to-read font (e.g., Arial, Calibri).
  • Font Size: Keep body text between 10 and 12 points and headings between 14 and 18 points.
  • Length: Aim for a one-page CV, especially if you have limited experience.
  • Spacing: Use standard 1.15 spacing.
  • Margins: Use 2.5cm margins1.
  • Alignment: Left-align your text for clarity.
  • Spacing Between Sections: Double-space between each CV section to improve readability.

File Type: While some ATS can handle Word documents, it’s generally best to save your CV as a PDF (.pdf). This preserves your formatting and ensures that your CV appears as intended when viewed by employers.

 

Key Skills and Experiences for Employers

Employers often look for specific skills and experiences in recent school leavers. Here’s a summary of the most sought-after qualities:

Skill/Experience Description
Good Communication Skills The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Teamwork The ability to work collaboratively with others.
Problem-Solving The ability to identify and solve problems effectively.
IT Skills Proficiency in basic computer programs and software.
Enthusiasm and Willingness to Learn A positive attitude and eagerness to develop new skills.