To ask anyone working in recruitment what you'd want to see on a 16 year old's CV in order to consider them for a job

[phonemelater]

DS3, in year 11, leaves school next summer. He doesn't want to go to college, but would like to do an apprenticeship or voluntary work. He wants to work in a sports/activity/adventure type setting and is planning to email his CV to various organisations.

AIBU to ask if any of you who work in recruitment could suggest what you'd want to see on his letter/CV to make you consider him for a position?

Good question. DS1 is at college but looking for a Saturday job and I was how little they had done at school about CVs and job applications. It's all just about GCSEs.

Is he involved In any youth groups, scouts etc?
Volunteer any where?
Any thing related to what he wants to do?
Hobbies?
Work experience?

It's a tough time for young job seekers as the competition is incredible (I had over 50 applications to the last job I advertised!).

Experience is key, so get them in to voluntary work to gain valuable work experience. This could also open permanent opportunities.

Apprentiships are great, but be careful when choosing one!

Good luck!

Apprentiships are great, but be careful when choosing one!

What do you mean, Little? what should we be aware of?

Voluntary work, extra curricular things like music, sport etc (grade reached, team captain - not just "plays football"), paid work experience, aspirations - why they want this particular job... Very important that he has a good idea what the organisations do - they'll be impressed if he can be specific about why he's targeted them.

Voluntary work

Duke of Edinburgh

Activities

Computer skills

Any work experience

Aspirations and motivations

Awards from the school etc

Correct spelling and grammar! Nothing massive, just run it through the spell-check and get it proofread. I know it sounds obvious, but out of over 20 CVs I was sent, only one had been checked. If I can't read it, I don't interview!

Good luck to him!

Another one sticking around looking for guidance! DS is also year 11 and can't wait to leave school He has got his mind set on applying for an apprenticeship with a major local employer but the competition will be stiff and he really does need something positive to make him stand out.

Where are you Little? Please come back and add some more info!

Totally agree with Viking. I get handed 10-15 CVs a day. There will be spelling errors and bad grammatical errors (we was, they was, my job's etc ) in all but a couple of them.
Please check them for your kids, or if your English isn't too hot, get them to ask a teacher/lecturer/librarian.

Apprentiships are great, but be careful when choosing one! What do you mean, Little? what should we be aware of?

Make sure that the company is part of the apprenticeship scheme and not just employing young, cheap workers. Time in college is often part of the scheme. If they are legitimate there will be an end qualification, they will have insurance and there will be a training schedule on the job.