Advice on creating a CV for a 16 yr old girl

[BillyNoMates]

My stepdaughter is visiting tomorrow for advice on writing a CV. She's just finished her GCSEs and is looking for summer work.

I don't have a problem writing mine as I've been working in my field for over 20 years. So I'm au fait with formatting etc.

She has very few hobbies, has only just taken her GCSEs so I think I may struggle a little in filling a sheet of A4.

Any tips would be appreciated.

[joko]

create a profile.... "billyetta is a hardworking, enthusiasic person and is dedicated to following her dream of excelling in the *^%$^* world ..." etc etc, or something along those lines.

list gcse taken and write 'awaiting results'

perhaps mention that she did well in her mock so the outcome of succesful results is good.

mention all hobbies no matter how small

mention any jobs at all, saturday jobs, regular babysitting jobs, window cleaning, whatever, shows trust, a willingness to work and character - though only ones that she started a mini business with, not just chores because you told her too

mention any awards or achievements -" young person of the ...." "first aid" or prefect, class leader, brownies, etc etc

emplyers won't expect a lot from a 16 year old in the way of jobs and experience, so they just want to know she's not a spoilt selfish brat, and has a brain

[saxy_jag]

All the above, plus, we used to get the kids at our school to write a personal statement - what sort of person they consider themselves to be, what their ambitions are, who they admire and why etc etc.

For school leavers, a CV is much more than exam grades. Your stepdaughter needs to show what a fabulous person she is through how she fills her time, what she believes, what she feels her achievements are etc etc.

When she applies for jobs, she will be one of many with x number of GSCEs and three weeks' work experience. She needs to show, by the above, that she is the one who should be invited to interview.

[missjef]

depending on what job she is going for she might not need one, when i was 16 and got a job in woolworths and in other shops since then you just need to fill out an application form which asks for all relevant details like in a CV.
Again this is just for shop work i think, usually they do just give you an application form, unless they state they want a CV and covering letter.

[BillyNoMates]

Thanks all. Some great ideas and suggestions. All very helpful - I find this parenting thing rather daunting at times !

[2complicated]

Hope this answer isnt too late, but as someone who reads alot of CV's from people of all ages, I find the standard format dull and un-interesting.
Put all the information in that is normally required, but try to make something that will stand out.
I would rather see a sign of personal acheivement, life experiences and an idea of the sort of person you are than the standard "I enjoy reading, socialising, going out with my friends"!!

[Nosy Rosy]

Connexions (This is how it's spelt) is a youth advisory agency and will give her all the help she needs..they're worth a call.

[BillyNoMates]

Thanks for the additional answers. I did visit Connexions myself just the other day for this and a few other pointers.

Anyway, with all of your help we have a well formatted 1 page CV which I believe is very acceptable.

It looks good, very clear to read. It has two major personal acheivements and concise information about work experience. None of the I like to ride horses, I like to stuff !!

Thanks again to all the help.

[Cheekystar]

Def try your local connexions they'll do it for her and help improve any areas

[resumetemplates1]

Look for a good resume writing services. But if you have time, make your own resume. Just look for a good resume format or resume template and fill in that format.