Whether you are applying for further education or work, you will need to give information about yourself. This may be through an application form or through a letter. This will be the first thing about you that a college or firm sees, so it is important to make a good impression.

You may also be asked to provide a CV (curriculum vitae), a personal information sheet, telling people about you.

Completing an application form
Read through the form carefully before you write anything on it. Check the date when it must be returned. Make sure you have all the information you need to be able to complete the form. When you are ready, take a photocopy of the form and practise filling it in.

When you are happy with your answers, complete the original form in ink and make sure you haven’t left any blank sections.

Writing a CV
Your CV should give important information about yourself and you may be asked to supply one when you apply for a job. You might like to take the initiative and send your CV to a company that you would like to work for.

Most CVs include information under the following headings:

• Name
  
  
• Address
  
  
• Date of birth
  
  
• Education
  
  
• Qualifications
  
  
• Work experience
  
  
• Ambitions
  
  
• Interests and hobbies
  
  
• Referees