Whether you're applying for your first part-time job or trying to take the first step of your career, it's really important to have a good CV (Curriculum Vitae) to send off to potential employers, colleges or organisations that offer training.

A CV is a summary of all the skills, qualifications and experience you have and generally includes a personal statement so you can give organisations an idea of what your personality and character are like, and it's purpose is to show them why you're right for the job or course you're applying for.

Organisations may receive a number of applications for any jobs or courses advertised. This means that your CV needs to be as clear, concise and well presented as possible so that it gets the right message across. Tatty pieces of paper with a few lines scribbled on them will usually not impress!

Putting together a CV for the first time may seem a bit daunting - but don't worry! Your Adviser can help you check your CV and offer advice.

Your whistle-stop guide to writing a CV…

Make sure you include the following info:

• Your name, address, phone number & email address;
• Name of high school and college/sixth form attended and any qualifications gained i.e. GCSE English Literature Grade C;
• Name of any training providers and training/qualifications gained;
• Details of any part/full time jobs and experience/skills gained;
• A personal statement about the skills and strengths you have that make you suitable for the job/opportunity.

Keep it clear and to the point - use simple language and make sure you cover all the skills/qualifications you have that are important to the job/opportunity. Also, make sure it's literally easy to read - CVs should always be typed and in a clear font on good quality paper.

Don't use more than two sides of A4 - organisations can receive lots of applications for each job/opportunity advertised and don't want sides and sides to read.

Use the spell-check facility on your computer! Bad spelling and grammar are easy to avoid and will not create a good impression! It can also help to ask someone else to read it through for you, as they may be able to spot errors that you have missed and offer you suggestions of things you've not already included.

If you have Microsoft windows or a similar package there are templates for creating a CV, which make it really easy to produce something that looks professional.