Hey there.
As a teenager or someone with little to no work experience, creating a killer CV can feel overwhelming. But fear not! I’ve got your back.
The key to a winning CV is showcasing your skills, and I’m here to help you do just that. So,let’s dive into some examples of skills that can make your CV shine!
Soft Skills: Your unique advantage!
Soft skills are like the secret sauce that can set you apart from other candidates. These are the interpersonal skills that employers love to see in their potential employees. Here are some examples that you can highlight:
1. Communication: To express your ideas effectively, speak clearly, and listen attentively are all valuable skills. Show off your communication skills by highlighting any public speaking, presentations, or group discussions you’ve done.
2. Teamwork: Teamwork makes the dream work, right? Highlight any group projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work where you’ve worked and contributed positively to a team dynamic.
3. Leadership: If you’ve taken on leadership roles in school clubs, sports teams, or community initiatives, showcase them! Describe how you motivated and guided others towards achieving common goals, and let your leadership skills shine.
4. Adaptability: Employers love candidates who can adapt to new environments and challenges. Highlight any instances where you’ve quickly learned and embraced new situations with a positive attitude.
5. Problem-solving: Employers highly value critical thinking skills. Show off your problem-solving skills by highlighting how you’ve overcome challenges or solved problems in academic projects or personal initiatives.
Time Management: The Key to Success
Time management is crucial in any job or internship. It shows employers that you can prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and work efficiently. Even as a teenager or young adult, you can showcase your time management skills through relevant examples, such as.
1. Academic projects: Highlight how you’ve effectively managed your time to complete projects or assignments on time while juggling other responsibilities.
2. Extracurricular activities: If you’ve participated in sports, clubs, or other activities outside of school, showcase how you’ve balanced your time between different commitments.
3. Volunteer work: If you’ve volunteered for a cause or organisation, highlight how you’ve managed your time effectively to contribute while managing your academic or personal commitments.
Hard Skills: Your Technical Expertise
Hard skills are specific skills that are relevant to a particular job or industry. Here are some examples that you can include on your CV:
1. Computer Literacy: It is a big plus for employers today if an applicant is knowledgeable in the use of popular computer applications, such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and social media platforms.
2. Digital skills: If you have experience with social media management, content creation, or basic coding/programming skills, highlight them. They are in high demand in various industries.
3. Language proficiency: If you are fluent in a foreign language, acquired through formal education or personal study, be sure to include it on your CV. This skill is a valuable asset in today’s globalised world.
4. Artistic skills: If you are proficient in graphic design, drawing, painting, or other creative skills, highlight them if they are relevant to the job or industry you are applying for.
5. Maths Skills: Having proficiency in basic mathematical concepts and calculations applicable to relevant subjects like science.
Although you might not have much professional experience, there are still ways to demonstrate your abilities by participating in extracurriculars, volunteering, doing internships, or working on academic projects. Highlighting these skills on your CV can demonstrate your potential and make you more attractive to employers.