CV for a 16-Year-Old: Template, Examples & How to Write (2024)

Learning how to write a good-quality CV is the first step to finding a job and gaining valuable experience outside of school.

Once you hit 16 years, you can leave school. In Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland, you can immediately start looking for full-time jobs at age 16.

However, in England, you have to continue training or education until you’re 18, including:

  • remaining in full-time education, like sixth-form college
  • starting an apprenticeship or traineeship
  • taking a part-time job or volunteer role while studying part-time

Below you’ll find a CV template for a 16-year-old, CV examples, and expert tips to help you confidently apply for

  • apprenticeships
  • training programmes
  • jobs for 16-year-olds

What should a CV for a 16-year-old include?

Lay out your CV with these elements:

  1. CV header (also known as a CV title)
  2. Personal statement
  3. Work history
  4. Education details
  5. Key CV skills
  6. Hobbies and free-time pursuits

Here’s what a CV structure for a teenager looks like:

CV template for a 16-year-old

Below is a CV template that you can copy, paste, and customise with your own skills and experience:

CV examples for a 16-year-old

Below are some CV examples that you can look at and download as a reference when you write your CV:

1. CV example for a teenager with no experience

CV for a 16-Year-Old: Template, Examples & How to Write (1)
Even with no experience, you can still write an effective CV.

CV for a 16-Year-Old With No Experience (Text Version)

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Enthusiastic and friendly secondary school pupil currently completing my GCSEs. Excellent self-discipline from years of practice as a pianist. Skilled with numbers and received the ‘Cardinal’s Exceptional Maths Pupil’ award in June 2021. Seeking a responsible summer position as a part-time waiter at Brighton Cheery Restaurant.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Hove, East Sussex

Holiday Baked Goods Fundraiser Helper, Dec 2021–Jan 2022

  • Collaborated with 4 other pupils to create visually appealing and informative event posters using Canva and Adobe InDesign
  • Advertised the sale’s dates and times during school assemblies throughout December
  • Set up 5 tables and arranged baked goods in an organised and efficient manner prior to the sale
  • Raised £3000 in sales and exceeded sales goals by 150% for 2 consecutive weeks

The Sound of Music Academy, East Sussex

Piano Pupil, May 2006–Present

  • Practice 2.5+ hours of piano a day with no supervision
  • Passed the ABRSM practical piano exams from Level 1–8, scoring 120+ with ‘Merit’ 4 times, and 130+ with ‘Distinction’ twice
  • Performed ‘Piano Concerto No. 2’ for Cardinal Newman’s 2020 Winter Talent show, winning 2nd place among 35 contestants

Kumon UK, East Sussex

Maths and English Pupil, May 2010–May 2021

  • Maintained high scores of 90%–100% for Levels N and O calculus classes
  • Completed homework on time and received praise from Kumon instructors for being ‘organised’, ‘respectful to others’, and ‘bright and intelligent’
  • Gained valuable problem solving and numeracy skills from completing 8+ maths worksheets per week

EDUCATION

Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Hove, East Sussex (School leaving date: June 2022)

GCSEs: 10 A*–C including Maths, English, and ICT

KEY SKILLS

  • Experienced with social media platforms: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
  • Comfortable with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Proficient with Windows and Mac programs
  • Quick with numbers and calculations
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Organisational skills
  • Time management

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

  • Amateur guitar player
  • Football
  • Photography
  • Reading sci-fi and fantasy novels

Download Full CV Example

2. CV example for a teenager with some experience

CV for a 16-Year-Old: Template, Examples & How to Write (2)
Proofread your CV before sending it out so employers can see you’re detail-oriented.

CV for a 16-Year-Old With Experience (Text Version)

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Dedicated individual with 2+ years of retail and restaurant experience. Recognised for my exceptional customer service skills, ability to upsell products, and passion for working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Currently a secondary school pupil completing my GCSEs. Seeking a part-time position to demonstrate my skills and knowledge as a retail sales associate at Top Shop.

KEY SKILLS

  • Efficient at folding clothing and displaying merchandise
  • Skilled with point of sale software and cash handling
  • Experienced with keeping inventory records
  • Trilingual in English, Hindu, and Punjabi
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Multitasking and working under pressure
  • Adapting to new environments
  • Comfortable with public speaking

EDUCATION

SOUTHMOOR ACADEMY, Sunderland (School leaving date: June 2022)

GCSEs: 10 A*­–C including Maths, English, and ICT

WORK EXPERIENCE

MISSGUIDED, Cleadon, Sunderland

Part-Time Sales Associate and Cashier, August 2020–Present

  • Assist 40+ customers daily in finding merchandise and providing helpful recommendations in a kind and respectful manner
  • Record inventory for 40+ new clothing items, shoes, bags, and accessories every month
  • Exceeded sales goals by over 120% for three consecutive months
  • Organise and change 8+ merchandise displays adhering to the store’s guidelines of seasonal colours and new trends
  • Maintain an ‘A’ rating in customer experience satisfaction surveys
  • Encourage 50+ new patrons a week to sign up for Missguided’s online newsletter and Insider programme

BHADI’s CURRY HOUSE, Cleadon, Sunderland

Part-Time Waitress, June 2020–August 2020

  • Greeted 200+ dining guests per week and seated them at their tables while making friendly conversation
  • Set tables, took orders, assisted other staff, and cleaned up after meals efficiently during restaurants’ working hours
  • Memorised Bhadi’s menu and recited recommendations and special discounts to new customers
  • Operated point of sale system with 100% accuracy and helped other staff members by taking payments for their table guests during busy hours

THE WILSON FAMILY, Cleadon, Sunderland

Part-Time Nanny, May 2018–June 2020

  • Prepared healthy snacks and drinks for 2 girls (aged 3 and 5) from Mondays to Wednesdays and supervised them while they ate
  • Played educational and fun games using flashcards, stuffed animals, and dancing to help children learn the alphabet, basic numbers, colours, and animals
  • Bathed and clothed children every night after dinner and read them a bedtime story
  • Helped parents with light cleaning tasks such as hoovering, washing the dishes, and cleaning up tables and playing areas while the girls were napping

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

  • Amateur photography
  • Knitting scarves and hats for my friends and family
  • Makeup and fashion
  • Sewing and embroidery

Download Full CV Example

How to write a CV for a 16-year-old in the UK

Presenting yourself well to employers is an important life skill.

If you’re 16 years old and allowed to leave full-time education, a good CV can help you make up for your lack of work experience by highlighting your skills and qualifications instead.

A good CV is also important because the UK minimum wage is lower for 16 year olds than older adults. A high-quality CV can make employers consider starting you on a higher wage.

Here are three CV writing hacksfor creating an effective CV as a 16-year-old:

1. Format your CV correctly

Recruiters have many CVs to choose from, so sending them a well-formatted CV shows you’re a top candidate.

Follow these simple steps to improve your CV formatting:

  • Choose one of 2023’s top CV fonts — like Arial, Times New Roman, or Verdana — and keep your font size between 10.5 and 12 points to ensure employers can read your CV without straining their eyes.
  • 2.5 cm margins are the standard for CVs in the UK. If you’re trying to fit your details onto one page, try adjusting your margins to a minimum of 1.27 cm on all sides. White space helps with readability, and margins smaller than 1.27 cm will cause your CV to look too crowded.
  • Use single or 1.5 line spacing so your CV text looks evenly spread out on the page.
  • Save and submit your CV as a PDF or .docx file so your CV formatting stays the same no matter who is viewing, downloading, or printing your application.

2. Tailor your CV to the job advert

Recruiters only spend 5–7 seconds scanning each CV, so targeting your CV to every job you apply for maximises your chances of catching their attention.

So before you apply to a company, read its job advert carefully and note the requirements (also known as keywords) outlined in the job description. Then, include the keywords you find in your:

  • CV personal statement
  • work experience bullet points
  • additional skills section

For instance, if a company states they’re looking for someone with ‘excellent people skills’, ensure you mention your people skills on your CV.

Adding the company’s name and your desired role at the end of your CV personal statement is also an effective way to target your CV.

For instance, a sentence like ‘Seeking a responsible position as a waiter’s assistant at Earl’s Cafe’ shows employers you’ve put effort into personalising your application.

3. Provide your references on a separate page

Employers want to know that you’re a hard worker who will succeed in the role, so prove you’re the right person for the job by preparing a list of professional referees.

Your referees should be people who:

  • know you from an academic, volunteer, or professional setting
  • understand your personality and work ethic
  • can provide employers with reasons why you’re a great candidate

If you don’t have professional references, a trusted teacher, coach, or adult who you’ve assisted would work as a referee. Don’t forget to thank them for helping you!

Here’s how to list references on your CV:

Referees’s First and Last Name
Job Title
Email
Phone Number

Additionally, avoid asking your family, friends, or people who don’t know you well, as their opinions of you may be biased — and could hurt your chances of getting the job.

Finally, there’s no need to include the expression ‘References Available Upon Request’ on your CV because it takes up valuable space on your CV, and employers will ask you for your references regardless.

CV for a 16-Year-Old: Template, Examples & How to Write (2024)

FAQs

What should a 16 year old write in a CV? ›

If you're like most 16-year-olds and you have no work experience, then do this. Write a list of your skills, strengths and experience. Focus on your education and any extra-curricular activities you participate in, such as sports. Highlight anything that would help you do well on the job you're applying for.

How should a high school student write a CV? ›

Tips for Writing a Good High School Resume
  1. Start early in high school. ...
  2. Build a functional resume. ...
  3. Keep it simple. ...
  4. Use an easy-to-read font and make it look professional. ...
  5. Use action verbs. ...
  6. Be consistent and show commitment. ...
  7. Do not exaggerate. ...
  8. Review other sample resumes.

What to write in your CV if you are a student? ›

Your CV may include some of the following sections:
  • Research Experience. ...
  • Publications. ...
  • Presentations. ...
  • Grants / Awards / Academic Honors. ...
  • Teaching Experience. ...
  • Additional Professional Experience. ...
  • Leadership / Activities / Service / Volunteer Work. ...
  • Professional Memberships or Affiliations.

How do you write a personal statement for a 16 year old CV? ›

A personal statement is a short paragraph of three to four sentences in which you introduce yourself and summarise your skills and personal qualities. Consider this your opportunity to capture the employer's attention and make them want to read on to learn more about you.

What does a good student CV look like? ›

Simple student CV format

Make sure the layout you use is clear, clean and concise. Use a consistent font face and size. Clearly break up the CV into sections including education and work experience. List the entries in chronological order with the most recent listed first.

How do I write about myself on my CV? ›

Tips for writing an “about me” resume section
  1. Be brief. It is important to make sure you are not rambling in your “about me” section. ...
  2. Be honest. It is very important to be truthful in your “about me” section. ...
  3. Proofread and read aloud. ...
  4. Keep your “about me” section updated. ...
  5. Tie it into the job description.
5 days ago

What skills should I put on my CV? ›

What are the best job skills on a resume?
  • Computer proficiency.
  • Leadership experience.
  • Communication skills.
  • Organizational know-how.
  • People skills.
  • Collaboration talent.
  • Problem-solving abilities.
Jul 9, 2022

What is the best objective for a student CV? ›

Ideally, a student resume objective will provide the hiring manager with three things: applicable skills, education and experience and an explanation of any relevant training. These three items should connect to achieving the company's mission. Objectives are usually two or three sentences long.

How do I write my first CV example? ›

How to write your first CV
  1. Choose a suitable structure. A CV structure refers to how you order the information. ...
  2. Lay out your CV. ...
  3. Focus on your education. ...
  4. Highlight your relevant experience. ...
  5. Add your skills. ...
  6. Include an engaging summary. ...
  7. Include your interests and hobbies. ...
  8. List your references.
Nov 29, 2022

What is a good CV personal statement examples? ›

I am an enthusiastic, self-motivated, reliable, responsible and hard working person. I am a mature team worker and adaptable to all challenging situations. I am able to work well both in a team environment as well as using own initiative. I am able to work well under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines.

How do you write a winning CV? ›

Pro tips:
  1. Present only your main tasks, experiences and skills that are relevant to the position.
  2. Use bullet points to list your skills and tasks by groups, it will look clearer.
  3. Write short sentences.
  4. Do not go into detail.
  5. Do not write more than 3 pages.

What to put on a CV if you have never worked? ›

Show Your Personality

Don't forget to include a list of your unique attributes and skills and any other relevant personal experiences or accomplishments. Be enthusiastic about your achievements; this will shine through your CV and help you make a positive first impression.

How do I make my CV personal statement stand out? ›

How can I make it stand out to employers?
  1. Tailor your personal statement (and CV in general) to each application.
  2. Be honest. ...
  3. Provide evidence of skills and experience but remember to keep it brief.
  4. Use the job description to help form your profile.
  5. Stick to the word limit.
  6. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes.

How do you make a resume for a 16 year old with no job experience? ›

You can create a killer no-experience resume by emphasizing your education instead. Include relevant internships, soft & hard skills, and projects. Other sections you can include on your resume are hobbies & interests, languages, certifications, or achievements.

What is the opening paragraph for CV? ›

A personal profile, also known as a CV summary, is the opening statement of your CV. It is a short introduction which outlines your personal characteristics, telling the prospective employer what kind of a person you are, the attributes and qualities that you possess and the work experience that you have.

What are the characteristics of a good CV answer? ›

Characteristics of a Great CV to Help You Stand Out
  • It Grabs the Reader's Attention.
  • It tells the Reader the Kind of Job You are Looking For.
  • It Establishes your Credibility.
  • It Shows you as a Culture Fit and not Just Qualifications and Skills.
Nov 3, 2021

What are 5 words that describe you? ›

Positive Words to Describe Yourself
PersistentGenuinePatient
WarmheartedLoyalBright
EasygoingAdventurousEmotional
OptimisticAffectionateHonest
VersatileFlexibleLoving
17 more rows
Jan 30, 2023

How do you write a description of yourself? ›

How to write about yourself confidently
  1. Introduce yourself.
  2. Include the most relevant professional experience.
  3. Mention significant personal achievements or awards.
  4. Introduce personal details.
  5. Use a casual and friendly tone.
5 days ago

How would you describe yourself examples? ›

Example: "I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenges and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive toward. I'm not comfortable with settling, and I'm always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness.

What are the 6 things that should be included on a resume? ›

Key Elements of a Resume
  • Personal Information. Name Current and Permanent address (may be omitted from a resume posted on the web) ...
  • Objective. In one short sentence summarize your goal for your job search. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Work and Related Experience. ...
  • Awards and Honors. ...
  • Activities/Hobbies. ...
  • Skills. ...
  • References (3-5 people)

What are the top 3 strengths that employers look for? ›

The top 5 skills employers look for include:
  • Critical thinking and problem solving.
  • Teamwork and collaboration.
  • Professionalism and strong work ethic.
  • Oral and written communications skills.
  • Leadership.

Do you put hobbies and interests on a CV? ›

Should I List Hobbies and Interests on My CV? The answer is a qualified yes. Putting your interests on a CV really can strengthen your job application and help you score an interview. It helps you stand out as an individual and helps the recruiter to think of you as a person, not just a work experience section.

What are good objective examples? ›

General career objective examples

Seeking an entry-level position to begin my career in a high-level professional environment. To secure employment with a reputable company, where I can utilize my skills and business studies background to the maximum. Seeking a challenging career with an MNC.

What are some examples of objectives for students? ›

Learning goal: “I want students to understand/learn/know the scientific method.” Learning objective: “Students will be able to describe the scientific methods and provide examples of its application.”

What is a skill example? ›

Technical skills: computer skills, programming languages, social media, and enterprise software. Problem-solving skills: creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Customer-service skills: active listening, time management, and prioritization. Interpersonal skills: communication, teamwork, and empathy.

What should the first page of a CV look like? ›

You don't need to include the words 'Curriculum Vitae' as your heading; the title of your CV, at the very top, should be your name, professional title and contact details – anything else is just a waste of space.

Should a CV start with a personal statement? ›

It's fashionable for students and graduates to include a personal statement (otherwise known as a career aim, profile or mission statement) at the top of their CV. However, in many cases, a personal statement on a graduate CV is a waste of space.

How do you sell yourself in a personal statement? ›

Start with why you're the perfect fit for a place on your course. Mention the most important aspects of your relevant skills and experience early. Prove the points you've introduced – it's here you'd talk about your current and previous studies, your skills, and your work experience.

What 3 things make a CV more powerful? ›

7 Simple But Effective Ways to Make Your CV Stand Out
  • Start strong. Start with a summary of your skills and key accomplishments. ...
  • Emphasize results rather than responsibilities. ...
  • Customize for the job you want. ...
  • Highlight changes and growth. ...
  • Demonstrate that you are connected. ...
  • Show industry insight. ...
  • Use power words.

What are the 5 main things your CV should include? ›

Every CV should include the following sections: Contact Information, CV Profile, Work Experience, Education, Skills. Good additional sections to put on a CV are: Certifications, Associations, Languages, Extra Training and Courses, Conferences, Publications, or Awards.

What is the most effective CV format? ›

The best CV format is the reverse-ch chronological one. It's the one most recruiters are used to, and it helps convey your experiences and educational history the best.

How do you answer tell us something that is not on your CV? ›

The perfect answer to the “tell me something about yourself not on your resume” interview question is short and positive. Avoid negatives or unrelated personal stories. Focus on your strengths, on why you want the job, or on something great about the company. Keep your answer under 30 seconds.

How do you write a CV with no skills? ›

What should be included in a CV when you don't have any experience?
  1. Personal information.
  2. Personal statement – why you're right for the job.
  3. Qualifications.
  4. Education.
  5. Experience.
  6. Skills.
  7. Achievements.
  8. Hobbies and interests.

How do you answer you don't have enough experience? ›

Using your own words, try something along the lines of: "I am interested in an entry-level position. I know I have much to learn, and I'm looking for an opportunity that will let me build a solid professional foundation. You say, 'Jump,' I'll ask, 'How high?

How do I make my first CV a high school student? ›

How to write a high school resume
  1. Include a career objective. ...
  2. Highlight any experience. ...
  3. Provide a detailed education section. ...
  4. List awards and achievements. ...
  5. Share hard and soft skills.

How should a 17 year old write a CV? ›

The typical elements of a teen CV can include:
  1. Education: Include the name of your school and any grades, such as GCSEs, A-levels and other certificates. ...
  2. Any work experience: Include any jobs you've held and add bullet points about your responsibilities underneath each job title.
Feb 2, 2023

How do you write a school student CV? ›

How to write a high school student resume with no experience
  1. Emphasise your soft skills. ...
  2. List out tools and software that you have mastered in school. ...
  3. Highlight your best academic achievements. ...
  4. Mention your core interests. ...
  5. Provide a link to your portfolio.
Nov 28, 2022

Can a highschool student have a CV? ›

High School Student CV Profile. Your CV profile is basically a short introductory paragraph, which summarises your key selling points and highlights why you'd make a good hire. So, write a well-rounded summary of what you do, what your key skills are, and what relevant experience you have.

What should my first CV look like? ›

When you make your first student CV, what you need to do is show you have what it takes to do the job without the work experience. For this reason, a first CV should be skills / qualifications based rather than chronological. We looked at 'soft skills' in an earlier article, well this is the place to talk about them.

What should you not put on a high school resume? ›

If you are still in high school, only have a high school diploma, or are in the first few years of college you can include your high school information. However, once you complete any other form of education, eliminate this information from your resume.

Do I put my high school grades on my CV? ›

Should I include grades on my CV? Unless the job advert says otherwise, it's not essential that you list your grades. But it is worth highlighting them if they're very good. If you do want to include your grades simply list your grade for each subject e.g. 'Mathematics (A)' or 'Biology: A.

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