Your Handy Guide to CVs, Interviews & Getting Hired

Finding a job can feel tough, especially if you didn’t go to uni, have limited work experience, or haven’t got connections in the right places. This guide is made just for you to level the playing field. You’ve got potential, and this toolkit will help you show it. With the help of Elevate 1000 we’ll not only ensure you feel confident and empowered but make sure you have access to the tools you need.  

Building a CV That Gets Noticed 

What’s a CV? 

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a document that shows who you are, what skills you have, and what you’ve done—like jobs, education, or volunteering. 

Basic CV Layout (One A4 page is ideal) 

Contact Details 

• Name 

• Phone number 

• Email (use a professional one, e.g. johnsmith123@gmail.com) 

• Address (just your town is fine) 

Personal Statement 

A short paragraph (3–4 lines) about who you are, what you’re looking for, and what you bring. 

Example: 
“I’m a motivated and hardworking individual with experience in retail and customer service. I enjoy working with people and am looking to develop my skills in a fast-paced environment. I’m keen to contribute to a team and learn new things.” 

Skills 

Tailor this to the job. Use bullet points. 

• Good with people 

• Reliable and punctual 

• Basic computer skills 

• Fast learner 

• Team player 

Experience (Paid or unpaid—both count!) 

Job Title – Place – Dates (e.g. June 2022 – Dec 2023) 

• One or two lines on what you did 

Example: 

Shop Assistant – Local Charity Shop – Jan 2023 – Present 

• Helped customers, sorted stock, and managed the till 

• Worked as part of a small team 

Education/Qualifications 

• GCSEs, BTECs, A-Levels, Functional Skills etc. 

• Mention if you’re currently studying something too 

Extras (if space allows) 

• Volunteering 

• Languages 

• Hobbies (only if relevant and keep it professional!) 

Tips for Strong CVs 

• Use a simple, clean layout—no fancy fonts or photos 

• Avoid spelling errors—use spell check or ask someone to read it 

• Save as a PDF to keep the layout neat 

• Tailor it to the job (don’t send the same one everywhere!) 

Interview Tips That Work 

Before the Interview 

Research the Company 

• Check their website or social media 

• Know what they do and what values they have 

Know the Role 

• Read the job advert carefully 

• Think about how your skills match 

Practice Answers 
Common questions include:  

“Tell me about yourself” 

“Why do you want to work here?” 

“Give an example of working in a team” 

Use the STAR method to answer: 
Situation – Task – Action – Result 
(What happened? What did you do? What was the outcome?) 

Plan Your Journey 

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early 

• Know where it is and how to get there (ask for help if you need it!) 

What to Wear 

You don’t need expensive clothes—just look clean and tidy. 

• Plain shirt or smart top 

• Trousers or skirt 

• Avoid jeans with rips or slogans on T-shirts 

During the Interview 

• Smile and say hello when you arrive 

• Sit up straight and make as much eye contact as you can 

• Take your time answering—it’s okay to think 

• Be honest about your experience and show your willingness to learn 

• Ask a question at the end (e.g. “What’s a typical day like here?” or “What do people enjoy about working here?”) 

• Most importantly, be yourself! 

Dealing with Nerves 

• Practice with a friend or record yourself 

• Take deep breaths 

• Remember: they invited you—they already see potential! 

Challenges & How to Beat Them 

“I don’t have any work experience” 

You might have more experience than you think! 

• Volunteering 

• Helping at a family business 

• Looking after siblings (shows responsibility!) 

• School projects or part-time jobs 

Use these to show your skills: teamwork, problem-solving, reliability. 

“I don’t know how to write a CV” 

Try free templates from: 

• National Careers Service 

• Canva CV templates 

• Local youth/job centres – many offer 1-to-1 support 

 “I don’t know anyone in the industry” 

• Join local job fairs, workshops or online events 

• Try LinkedIn – start with a free profile 

• Reach out to people in roles you’re interested in and ask for advice 

• Charities like The Prince’s Trust or Kickstart schemes can help 

Extra Support & Free Resources (UK) 

• Jobcentre Plus – Universal Credit claimants can get help finding work 

• The Prince’s Trust – Offers free courses and mentors 

• Youth Employment UK – Advice and jobs for young people 

• National Careers Service – Free CV, job and training help 

• Local Libraries – Often run free CV/interview sessions 

Final Words 

You can do this. Your background doesn’t define your future. 
Be proud of your story, keep learning, and don’t give up. Every step you take matters, and this toolkit is here whenever you need it.  

Good luck!