Writing A CV When You've Only Ever Worked For Your Parents

roisiny

Hi there,
I'm going to Uni in September and will be looking for a part time job. Unlike many people my age however, I've never had a "normal" job, as my parents own a B&B and riding stables where I work, unpaid, cleaning, changing beds, preparing breakfasts, teaching children, taking out tourists on treks, etc etc.

Although it's obviously equipped me with a lot of skills desirable for jobs, especially in tourism, I'm unsure how I can put it down on my CV? Can I use my parents as a reference or does it even count as an actual 'job' as it is unpaid?

Thanks for your help and any guidance,
Roisin

Avatar MIA

roisiny wrote: »

Hi there,
I'm going to Uni in September and will be looking for a part time job. Unlike many people my age however, I've never had a "normal" job, as my parents own a B&B and riding stables where I work, unpaid, cleaning, changing beds, preparing breakfasts, teaching children, taking out tourists on treks, etc etc.

Although it's obviously equipped me with a lot of skills desirable for jobs, especially in tourism, I'm unsure how I can put it down on my CV? Can I use my parents as a reference or does it even count as an actual 'job' as it is unpaid?

Thanks for your help and any guidance,
Roisin

What kind of part time jobs will you be looking for? It's likely the skills you have learned from the above will be applicable. A lot of business owners will also have worked in family businesses.

exaisle

It doesn't matter whether it was paid or unpaid...the important thing is that you've gained experience of various skills which may be what a potential employer is looking for.

Do a draft of your CV and put down absolutely everything you can think of. Don't be afraid to list the things that you genuinely have experience of! Then see how you can cut it down to a couple of pages. It'll probably take you a few drafts to get it right and you'll find that you'll edit it a little every time you apply somewhere.... Don't be afraid to ask for help...a CV is an important document!

Remember...as somebody said, a CV should be just like a miniskirt...short enough to attract attention but long enough to cover the essentials... :-)

Best of luck!

roisiny

Avatar MIA wrote: »

What kind of part time jobs will you be looking for? It's likely the skills you have learned from the above will be applicable. A lot of business owners will also have worked in family businesses.

I wouldn't mind any typical 'student' job... waitress, shop assistant, cleaner, wouldn't turn my nose up to anything!

amtc

Don't forget the obvious. My best friend has the best cv ever in a very technical field for which he currently earns 2k per day on contract but wants to move to salary. He sent me his cv to review and it was great...apart from the lack of address, email or phone number!

In your situation a profile summary might be an idea. It doesn't matter if unpaid or paid. Just use key words like 'achieved' rather than 'i did'.

Also don't bother with cv covers if handing in. They look cheap.

I have a throwaway line on my cv about hobbies as a conversation starter. Mine is about DIY. Only a one liner but gets things started.

Ciaran

exaisle wrote: »

Do a draft of your CV and put down absolutely everything you can think of.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQwVJgmZaA8

dudara

I do graduate recruitment and I've seen many CVs wehere candidates had only ever worked for family businesses. It's not unusual at all for a young person.

List out the roles you held and your responsibilities, just like any other job.