What should be included in my CV?

There are 6 core sections to a standard CV, we’ll take you through them briefly here and you can also download our Checklist for a successful CV to help you write yours.

DOWNLOAD NOW: Your checklist for a successful CV

SECTION 1: Who you are

Always begin your CV with some key information and how people can contact you

• Your full name
• Your full home address including postcode
• Your telephone number (mobile and/or landline)
• Your email address (make sure it’s a professional one, not CoolDude@hotmail.com)

You can include links to social accounts too, but best to keep it to the professional ones like LinkedIn – and remember to give all your channels the once over, some recruiters might look you up online, make sure you are happy with what they could find on your social profiles.

SECTION 2: What makes you a suitable candidate?

Whoever receives your CV is looking to see if you have the talent to take on the apprenticeship. The commitment to stick with it, the personality to fit the team and that you are truly motivated by the opportunity of working in the lift and escalator industry. Start strong and from the heart with a personal statement.

For example: ‘I heard about the apprenticeship opportunity from my teacher and additional online research. I have always been a hands-on person, enjoying and excelling in practical subjects and team working. The opportunity of working in the lift industry really excites me and I feel I would be ideal for an apprenticeship. I would like a career in which I can progress and one that offers day-to-day variety. I am eager to develop new skills and build experience within the lift industry, learning from experts and gaining qualifications along the way. I am reliable and diligent in everything I do.’

Your personal statement needs to be your own words and communicate your enthusiasm for winning an apprenticeship placement and how you will give it your all.

It is worth understanding that offering an apprenticeship is a big commitment by an employer. Their motivation is to grow the industry’s skilled workforce and add a valuable colleague to their family of expert employees. You need to reassure them that you will be an excellent choice.

SECTION 3: Your education

Your educational experience and achievements should be listed here, along with date, the type of qualification and grade you achieved. As a school or college leaver you may have more educational achievements than work experience, so placing an emphasis on this section is a good idea.

Start with your most recent achievements and work backwards. This will put your relevant, required subjects at the top of your list.

For Example:
Fenchurch College
5x GCSEs gained in 2019
English (5), Maths (6), Science (5), Technology (5) Computing (4)

SECTION 4: Your work experience

OK, so you may not have any to date. If you do, include it. It demonstrates that you can stick to a task, turn up on time and take responsibility. It doesn’t have to be paid work. If you have worked on a voluntary or community project, include it – they all count. But keep it short and relevant.

If you are applying for an apprenticeship after gaining work experience in another field then emphasise the experience you have gained. Note the employer/s, employment dates, key responsibilities and any lessons learnt. Be honest and positive.

SECTION 5: Your hobbies and interests

You don’t always need to include hobbies and interests in your CV, but mentioning relevant ones could back up your skills and help you to stand out from the crowd. At this stage of your life your interests say a lot about you.

For example, some interests demonstrate you have staying power and take on responsibilities i.e. Coach or captain of a local sporting team, proficient in playing a musical instrument or volunteer/steward at an event.

And other hobbies can demonstrate hidden engineering interests and hands on skills i.e. Understanding computer technologies, coding and programming, building computers and networks, fixing or upgrading cars or motorcycles, model railways or radio-controlled vehicles and DIY/home improvement skills.

Remember. If it’s not going to add value, leave it out.

SECTION 6: References

This refers to someone who can vouch that you have given an honest representation of yourself. This might be your current employer, a teacher, mentor or even a professional friend.

Always include their name and who they are to show you have someone in mind. If you have their permission, include their contact details. Alternatively, you could always put that ‘references are available on request’.

Before you decide if your CV is ready to go, download and use our handy CV Checklist.

DOWNLOAD NOW: Your checklist for a successful CV

Then, finally ask yourself these three questions:

1. Am I proud of my CV?
2. Does it truly reflect my strengths and who I am?
3. If I was receiving it would I find it easy to read and informative?

Good luck!