First job

[Voulez23]

DD (18) is wanting to apply to a temping agency for casual waitressing, bar work etc. They ask for a CV and references.

What should she put on the application form when she has no experience? She has done a bit of cat sitting, babysitting etc for neighbours but never had paid a "proper job".

Yes I'd put that on under experience and ask the catsitting people/babysitting parents if they'd be willing to be a reference. I'd also put on anything she did at College that was "extra" and how it relates to being a people person etc.

Also to put down the attributes she has that would make her good for the job under a section called transferable skills: outgoing; friendly; polite; quick, willing to learn and undertake any training.

Thanks, this is helpful.

Has she done any kind of volunteering? I employ kids from 16 for their first job. Any kind of volunteering experience looks good on a CV.

Hi Op,
Bar Manager here - we get a lot of CVs from teenagers without Work History, from experience those we are likely to contact have a good personal statement.
Anything relating to the role even if there's no actual experience:

• Keen interest in Hospitality
• Good with people
• Confident
• Able to work evenings & weekends
• Quick learner
• Good with Maths & Money Management
• Enjoys going to Bars / Restaurants

That kind of thing

This is reassuring, thank you so much. Hard to get a first foot on the ladder, but I guess the beauty of temping is that if it doesn't work out (for either party), you don't have to do it again. Covid took away the chance of work experience at 15/16 for these cohorts.