The document provides tips for preparing a CV for those without work experience. It recommends including a personal statement tailored to each job, listing skills applicable to the role rather than work history, and detailing education and any relevant modules or grades. Optional sections include hobbies and interests to convey personality or employment history if any experience is applicable. References should be available upon request from sources like teachers and career officers. A tailored cover letter explaining the job fit should accompany each application.

1. Preparing your CV: !
If you have no previous work experience, you may not think you have
much to include in a CV. But, when approached with the right amount of
enthusiasm, research and professionalism, (and time spent viewing
some helpful CV examples), you should be able to write a good CV.!
!
1. Personal Statement:!
Always start with your personal statement. To put it simply, every time
you apply for a new job, you will need to write a new personal
statement, which should match the job description of the job you are
applying for.!
!
In terms of structure, you will need to answer the following questions:
Who are you? What do you have to offer? What are you aiming for in
your career?
!
2. Skills:!
Instead of concentrating on a minimal work history, the most effective
CVs written by college leavers often give importance to their skills
(KSA).
!
Just as with your personal statement, try giving examples that are
applicable to the job being advertised. For example, IT skills (naming
specific programs), problem solving, communication and interpersonal
skills, and a friendly and welcoming attitude, are all desirable qualities to
have. !
!
3. Education:!
Education should be included from High School and this College.
Mention the number and general grades you received (Maths and
English are important). If you’re awaiting any results, you may state the
expected results where possible, although this is not essential.
!
Write with the most recent events coming at the top.!
In direct terms, particular course modules you’ve undertaken may be
relevant to a job you’re applying for and can be used to demonstrate
your wider knowledge of the subject to impress the interviewer.!
!!
CQVIE Preparing your CV Page $1 of $2

2. 4. Hobbies and Interests:!
A Hobbies and Interests section is optional. However, if you do not have
any work experience, this can be a great way of getting your personality
across.
!
Ask yourself: Will they help you get the job? Finally, make sure you’re
happy to expand upon them during your interview if you are asked!
!
5. Employment History:!
If you do have some relevant work experience, even if it was only for a
brief period, this can be a great help.
!
If you have no employment history, you may wish to leave this section
out. Alternatively, use this gap as your opportunity to be pro-active. Try
volunteering with a local business. They will be grateful for the help, and
you will have something extra to add to your CV. !
!
6. References:!
Unless asked directly in the job application, making references available
on request is fine. References can come from previous jobs, your
college and your teachers, references let the employers know what
others think about you.
!
However, always make sure that you do have good references. Close
family friends, teachers, or career officers are all good options, and they
are usually more than happy to help.!
!
7. CV and Cover Letter:!
When you are applying for a job you should always prepare a CV to
send to the company and to take with you to the interview. Always have
additional copies of the CV to give out to others at the interview as
required. You must make sure that you know what is in your CV, every
word! When you are asked questions it looks really bad if you always
look at your CV for the answers.!
!
It is always also a good idea to write a cover letter for each job that you
are applying for. This letter should explain why you are applying for this
job and why your KSA matches the requirements of the job, Remember
you only have one chance to tell the interviewer how good you are, tell
them in your cover letter!
CQVIE Preparing your CV Page $2 of $2