CV template for teenagers

A CV for a teenager might not be packed with years of work experience, but that doesn’t mean it can’t stand out. Employers hiring younger workers look for enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a spark of personality.

This guide will show you how to write a CV that proves you’re ready for the workplace – even if the only thing you’ve managed so far is the school tuck shop.

Your CV structure should be as organised as a school timetable. Recruiters need to quickly and easily see the different sections of your CV without struggling to navigate through it.

Structuring your first CV is simple, just follow the below layout:

• Name and contact details – Your contact details go at the top so employers can contact you easily. Including a picture of yourself is optional but rarely needed.
• Profile – Also known as your personal statement: summarise who you are, your ambitions, and why you’re ready to work.
• Core skills – Highlight what you’re great at, like teamwork, time management, or customer service.
• Education – Share your academic achievements, from GCSEs to school awards.
• Work experience – Not having any formal work experience is completely fine: just try to emphasise any volunteering or noteworthy school projects.
• Additional info – Also include any hobbies and interests that show your personality or skills, like playing for a sports team or being part of a drama club.

Your CV might not be brimming with experience, but it should still look professional. A neat, clear layout ensures employers take you seriously. Make sure your CV format avoids preventable mistakes that distract from your talent.

Here’s how to format your first CV:

• Bullet points – Use short lines to describe your skills and experience clearly: recruiters have to look through countless applications, so make your one an easy read.
• Divide sections – Headings and spacing make it easy for employers to navigate the content in your CV.
• Use a clean font – Choose a readable font that looks professional and polished.
• Keep it the right length – A single page or two at most is perfect for a first CV, giving you just enough length to highlight your skills without overloading the reader.

Your profile, also known as a personal statement, is your chance to introduce yourself to employers. It’s where you explain why you’re eager to work and what makes you a great choice for the role. You need to try to convey to them the benefits of hiring you over someone else.

Here are some tips on what to put in your first CV profile:

• Who you are – Tell the employer a bit about yourself, like what you’re studying or your future goals.
• Your key qualities – Make sure to note things like reliability, enthusiasm, or a willingness to learn.
• Relevant experience – Quickly mention any volunteering, part-time work, or school projects.
• What you’re looking for – Tell the recruiter which type of job you’re after and why.
• Your ambitions – Highlight how this role fits into your longer-term plans, like learning new skills or exploring an industry.

Your CV skills section is a quick way to show employers what you’re good at. For teenagers, focus on transferable skills you’ve gained from school, hobbies, or volunteering.

The education section will likely be the most detailed part of your CV as a teenager. Employers know you’re just starting out and don’t expect pages of work experience. Instead, they’ll look here to see what you’ve achieved so far and how it makes you a promising fit for the role.

Here’s what to include:

• GCSEs or equivalent qualifications: List your subjects, along with your grades or predicted grades if you haven’t taken exams yet. Focus on core subjects like English, Maths, and Science, but don’t forget any relevant electives or standout results. For example, if you’re applying for a creative job, highlight Art or Design and Technology.
• Ongoing studies: Mention what you’re currently studying, whether it’s A-levels, a vocational course, or apprenticeships. If you’re expected to earn specific qualifications, note the subjects and when you’ll finish.
• Awards or recognitions: Include any academic awards or subject-specific accolades, to show your dedication and success.
• Relevant projects: If you’ve worked on school projects that align with the job, briefly describe them. For example, a science fair project could demonstrate research and teamwork skills.
• Extracurricular activities: Highlight participation in clubs, sports teams, or other school activities that demonstrate transferable skills like leadership, collaboration, or creativity.

Example education sections

What to include in your education section

For each qualification, add the following info:

• Qualification & organisation – Simply state the name of the school or institution where you earned your qualification.
• Dates studied – Note the start date and finish date (or predicted end date) of each one – and make sure they’re listed with the most recent at the top.
• Extra details – To convey what you’ve learned and achieved, you can mention key projects or assignments you excelled in, provided they’re relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Your work experience section might be small, but it still matters. Babysitting your neighbour’s kids or helping out at a school event still counts as valuable experience – plus, it’s great character-building stuff.

Even if you’ve got no experience at all, there are always things a recruiter looks for. Focus on any informal roles, volunteering, or personal projects that show off your initiative and skills.

• Outline – Briefly describe the role, even if it’s babysitting or helping with a family business.
• Responsibilities – Highlight what you did, like managing tasks, communicating with people, or learning new skills.
• Achievements – Include outcomes, such as positive feedback or specific tasks you handled well. If possible, use numbers to back it up.

The additional info section is your chance to show a bit more of your personality and highlight any extra experiences or achievements that make you stand out. For teenagers, this might include hobbies, volunteering, or school awards that demonstrate transferable skills like teamwork, commitment, or creativity.

This section is optional, but it can really help if you don’t have much work experience yet. Think of it as a way to show employers you’re more than just your grades.

Good additional info for teenagers

Additional info example