Use this planner to draft the content for your first CV. Plan each section carefully here, then type it up neatly using a template. Remember: your CV should be no longer than 1 page for a first job or apprenticeship application.
Email address (professional!)
Town / city (not full address)
⚠️ Never include your full address, date of birth or National Insurance number on a CV.
Write 3–4 sentences (max 60 words) summarising: who you are · your top 3 skills · your career aim. Tailor this to each job you apply for.
Draft your personal statement here:
Start with "I am a motivated Year [X] student at [School]…"
Word count prompt: aim for 50–60 words. Count them and write the total: words
School name & address:
GCSE Grades (actual or predicted):
| Subject | Grade (predicted) | Subject | Grade (predicted) | Subject | Grade (predicted) |
|---|
| English Language | | English Literature | | Mathematics | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Include paid work, volunteering, school placements, babysitting, helping at a family business — anything counts!
| Organisation / Role | Dates | Key responsibilities / skills demonstrated |
|---|
| | |
| | |
| | |
Languages (other than English)
Other skills & qualifications
List hobbies, clubs, sports, awards, Duke of Edinburgh, leadership roles. Only include things you can talk about in an interview!
You need 2 referees: ideally a teacher AND an employer/community reference. Always ask permission before listing them.
Reference 1 — Name & role
Organisation & contact
Reference 2 — Name & role
Organisation & contact
No longer than 1 page (for school leavers)
Name is large and clear at the top
Professional email address used
Personal statement is tailored to the role
No "I" at start of sentences (use action verbs)
Education section is clear and complete
All GCSE grades included (even lower ones)
Work experience is in reverse chronological order
Each job has 2–3 bullet point duties/achievements
Action verbs used: "managed", "created", "led"
Skills section is specific, not vague
Interests are genuine and interview-worthy
References asked permission before being listed
Consistent font size and formatting throughout
No spelling or grammar errors
No photos, date of birth or marital status
Saved as PDF before sending
File named "FirstnameLastname_CV.pdf"
Proofread by someone else before sending
❌ Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
⛔Using a silly email address (e.g. coolkid99@gmail.com)
⛔Copying and pasting a generic template without personalising it
⛔Lying about qualifications or experience
⛔Leaving unexplained gaps in your timeline
⛔Using the same CV for every job — always tailor it
⛔Not including a personal statement