Pixel Haven · Reviewed 2026-10-04
Choose what is relevant
Start with the role or course description. Identify the work, learning and interests that genuinely relate to it. A first CV can include school projects, volunteering, caring responsibilities and self-directed work when relevant.
Use facts you can explain
Describe what you did, how you did it and the result you can support. Example: “Organised the sign-up list and reminders for a school event.” This is an example, not a claim to copy into your own CV.
Make the essentials easy to find
Use a reachable contact channel, a short summary, education, experience or projects, and relevant skills. References and a photograph are optional unless the recipient asks for them. Avoid including identity numbers or unnecessary personal details.
Read it as a stranger
Use clear headings and consistent dates. Check spelling and links. Keep English text selectable where possible and use a simple reading order. No template can guarantee an automated system will accept it.
Track the next action
Record the organisation, role, date, deadline and next step privately. Keep a copy of each version you submit. For a letter, connect your actual experience to the role and edit out unsupported promises.
Turn a task into a useful example
Instead of “good at teamwork”, explain one piece of work: “Worked with three classmates to prepare a presentation; organised the source notes and checked the final slides.” This fictional example shows the level of detail. Use your own task, contribution and evidence; there is no need to invent a percentage or a grand result.
- Can you explain each skill or achievement in a conversation?
- Do dates, course names and contact details match your records?
- Does the first half of the CV show why this application makes sense?
- Have you removed details that are private, irrelevant or copied from a sample?
- Have you opened the PDF and checked every page before sending it?