disheartening lack of opportunities for teenagers in the local and surrounding area

[Penguin68]

My daughter and her friend left their CVs at every shop, restaurant and bar up and down Lordship Lane and surrounds - got offered summer cover jobs - although I don't know what the holiday pattern is likely to be this Olympic year. However this was post A levels, so they were of age - under 18s will be restricted in the range of opportunites (no bar work).

One key issue is to wordsmith the CV effectively - to keep it short, to the point and based on skills and achievements, not just a list of activities (things) done (or 'job' titles). Unless they are relevant to job etc. activities, hobbies and likes are irrelevant. 'Enjoys cooking' may be relevant for a short-order chef role, not a librarian.

[James Barber]

Dulwich Helpline is always looking for volunteers.

[RosieH]

I would like to add a caveat to Penguin's advice re hobbies on a CV.

If they're interesting, put them on - post-GCSE, the list of experience is going to be brief. Interesting hobbies catch the eye and make a great talking point in an interview - for instance the guy who does magic who my friend just employed for an office job because having that on his CV made him stand out from the crowd.

[tfwsoll]

Apologies if anyone's suggested this before but Do-It is a great website for volunteering opportunities http://www.do-it.org.uk/

[alexaf]

Have you tried gumtree? Or as tfwsoll has said www.do-it.org.uk has fantastic opportunities which will really spruce up their CV!

[Polmoche]

Hi Tarafitness--I was in Blackheath Village over the weekend and saw that the cafe/deli Hand Made Food is looking for a shop assistant..http://www.handmadefood.com/