How to do a proper C.V.

JimiWonderDoor 92

Hi, I'm about to go into college and looking for something for weekends when I come home. I haven't had a job since I finished the Leaving and before that I only did work for my family (nothing shady, honest):cool: and was wondering what to put on my C.V. or how to do one considering the only thing I have is Leaving Cert results (didnt even have that til last week).
When I checked places out I dont get so far as even a question of my credentials.
At times when I try places such as Dunnes I'm met with a reply of 'have you been reading the papers?':mad: ,though my friend got himself a handy number for a few weeks ago before he quit abruptly to inter-rail.

So if eventually I find a shop that does have something to offer what do i bring with me? Birth cert? Leaving Cert? Thanks for any replies to my hopelessly naive query:)

snorlax

have you any work experience divide it up into personal info: work experience: education: small section for hobbies...?

http://www.irishjobs.ie/Work_Wise/TipToolsLand.aspx?ParentID=73&BannorID=af5ef9e3&BZoneID=12&gclid=CJHmsfihy6MCFd_-2AodMiKEuw

JimiWonderDoor 92

As regards work experience I have done things like cut turf in the summer for a neighbour...cant put that down, and bits and piece like moving furniture back into a family friends house recently.

I understand this would not be creditable work experience for any employer which is why Im concerned any CV would be kind of hollow if you know what I mean? thanks for the reply btw

looksee

You call it 'xxxdate to xxxdate: self-employed - local handyman service
Services included turf cutting, furniture removals, xxxxxx work in family business.

Keep it brief and professional, don't waffle or dismiss it. Just state it.

It shows you are enterprising, not afraid to work, and have initiative, all valuable attributes. Possibly ask the most likely of your clients to give you a reference (not your parents) along with your academic references.

Include (briefly) achievements - did you play on any sports teams at school, get any awards, and (even more briefly) interests and hobbies. Don't say you like socialising and listening to music, it may be true but so does everyone else.

Check, and get someone else to check, your spelling, grammar and layout. Look at it critically and if it looks untidy, work on it till it is acceptable. Print it off on good quality plain white paper, don't add any decorations and don't put it in a folder (they go straight in the bin). Put it in a white, A4 envelope with a hand written covering letter.

JimiWonderDoor 92

OK but I thought it might seem a bit shady, and a tax paying entity would not be so interested in someone that has done something like 'turfcutting' or whatever since it is cash in hand.
I'm just turned 18 btw so how much can I be expected to have on my CV...cos I have been in school and 'legit' employment has been hard last two summers with the recession.
Basically my Dilemna is would you hand a CV with work which is not legit, or one with no experience or just lie about references (a surprising amount of people seem to have a 'friend' on call just in case:rolleyes:)

looksee

At 18 and having just left school, it is not shady, and the tax people will not be interested. I'm open to correction on that but I don't think its a problem.

If you feel really uncomfortable about putting down the things you mentioned as work, then put it in as 'Leisure-time activities' and explain it as something you did in the absence of any part time work in your area.

Whatever else, do not lie on your CV. A little polishing of presentation is fine, making the best of yourself, but if you don't have job references get personal references from school or from someone reasonably influential in the area if they know you and vice versa. Is there a teacher you could get a personal reference from as well as the formal school reference?

Nobody is expecting much more than school results and personal references at this stage in your career. If you turn up looking pleasant, competent and tidy you have as good a chance of getting a job as anyone else.