1 - Introduction ~5 mins
Welcome
Today you draft an Irish TY CV: rules, weak vs strong examples, then a two-column layout.
By the end you will:
- Know what belongs on an Irish TY CV and what to leave out
- Judge a CV against a short checklist
- Build a borderless two-column layout
Warm-up
If a vet clinic manager skimmed your CV for twenty seconds, which three facts should they notice first? Think of three (no need to type), then continue.
2 - Key Concepts ~5 mins
Skim these four rows, especially the leave-outs. In class use school email and the {{code:08X XXX XXXX}} placeholder only.
| Concept | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Irish CV conventions: one page; school email + phone placeholder; no photo, DOB, PPS, marital status or full address | Extra personal data is a risk | {{code:firstname.surname@student.school.ie}} · {{code:08X XXX XXXX}} |
| Personal statement: two or three short sentences on you and the placement | Shows why this CV is here | TY student seeking a week in a local vet clinic. |
| Evidenced skills: skill plus short proof | Proof makes the claim believable | Communication: camogie captain; leads warm-ups. |
| Borderless table: two columns, borders off | Keeps sections aligned | - |
3 - Explore: Weak and Strong Cvs ~7 mins
Both CVs below are for the same fictional TY student, Aoife Murphy, who wants a vet clinic placement. Use the checklist, then work through the prompts.
You do not need to submit answers. Jot five differences in a note (or hold them against the checklist). When you can name them without looking, move on.
Early finisher: Star the single strongest evidence line on CV B and be ready to say why.
Checklist
- Contact details: school email and phone only, nothing banned
- Personal statement: two or three short sentences
- Education: Junior Cycle results as descriptors
- Skills: each one backed by evidence
- Experience: real activities (work, volunteering, sport, minding children)
- Interests and referees handled cleanly
CV A (weak)
Aoife Murphy · Leave out: Photo of me · DOB 12/03/2010 · PPS 1234567T · Status: Single
Leave out: 14 Harbour Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 AB34 · aoifemurphy2010@email.com
Personal statement: I am a hard worker looking for a job with animals.
Education: Junior Cert, passed everything. Now in TY.
Skills: Computers, teamwork, animals, hardworking.
Experience: I like animals. I help at home.
References: My mum and Mr O'Brien.
CV B (strong)
Aoife Murphy · aoife.murphy@student.school.ie · 08X XXX XXXX
Personal statement: Transition Year student seeking a one-week placement in a local veterinary clinic. Keen to learn animal care, reception routines and how a small practice runs day to day.
Education: TY, St Brigid's Secondary School (current). Junior Cycle 2026: Distinction in Science; Higher Merit in English and Maths; Merit in Irish and Business Studies.
Skills: Animal care: weekly volunteer at a local animal rescue since early 2025. Communication: captain of the under-16 camogie team; leads warm-ups. Reliability: babysits two children aged 6 and 8 every Saturday.
Experience: Volunteer, local animal rescue (2025–present). Camogie captain, school team (2024–present). Babysitting for family friends (2023–present).
Interests: GAA, wildlife reading, baking.
Referees: Available on request.
4 - Step-by-step Task: Borderless Two-column Layout ~15 mins
Four-row practice layout for Aoife: two columns, left about one third, borders off. Copy each pack line with {{kbd:Ctrl+C}} ({{kbd:Cmd+C}} on Mac), click the cell, then paste. Your own CV is next.
Help on this card: Borders still on: select the whole table, then No Border (Word) or 0 pt (Docs). Left column wide: drag the divider left. Paste jumps out: click the cell, then {{kbd:Ctrl+Shift+V}} ({{kbd:Cmd+Shift+V}} on Mac).
Paste lines for the steps: Contact {{code:aoife.murphy@student.school.ie}} · {{code:08X XXX XXXX}}. Statement, education, skills and experience lines sit in each step tip so you can copy them once.
5 - Common Issues ~3 mins
Use this during the layout task. Jump back here if you are stuck, then return to your table.
Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Borders still visible | Select the whole table, then apply No Border (Word) or 0 pt (Docs) again |
| Left column too wide | Drag the divider until labels fit one line; aim about one third / two thirds |
| Paste jumps out of cells | Click the cell first, then paste plain text with {{kbd:Ctrl+Shift+V}} ({{kbd:Cmd+Shift+V}} on Mac) |
Fixed? Quick scan before you move on: labels left, details right, no visible lines.
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