Entry level / First job
16-Year-Old CV example (UK)
A first CV for a 16-year-old in the UK, with no work experience needed: GCSEs, school responsibilities, hobbies and availability.
Example CV profile
Year 11 student at [school] with GCSEs [predicted / achieved] in [subjects]. Friendly, punctual and keen to learn, looking for a [Saturday / weekend / summer] job in [retail, hospitality or similar]. Available [days and times].
Key skills to include (if true for you)
- Punctuality & reliability
- Friendly communication
- Teamwork (sport, school, clubs)
- Following instructions
- Basic maths for tills
- Microsoft 365 / Google Classroom
- Willingness to learn
- Responsibility (e.g. prefect, team captain)
Example experience bullet points
- Served as a school prefect, helping at open evenings and guiding visitors.
- Played for [club] every week for [n] years, turning up to training on time.
- Babysat / dog-walked for neighbours, trusted to work on my own.
- Completed a week's work experience at [employer], helping with [tasks].
Illustrative only. Replace with your own real roles, dates and results — never copy experience you don't have.
Education & training
- GCSEs – School, year (subjects and predicted or achieved grades)
- Duke of Edinburgh's Award, music or sport grades (if held)
Keywords UK recruiters screen for
first job · Saturday job · reliable · punctual · teamwork · customer service · willing to learn · GCSEs
Tips for a 16-year-old CV
- In Year 12 or 13, or already have a part-time job? See the 17-year-old CV example.
- One page is perfect. Employers expect a short first CV.
- Use school, clubs, volunteering and helping out at home or for neighbours as evidence.
- Give a reference such as a teacher or coach, with their permission.
- Use a sensible email address.
There's a National Minimum Wage rate for under-18s, published on GOV.UK each April. Young workers also have limits on working hours. Salary checker (ONS data).
Official sources and further reading
FAQs
What do I put on a CV at 16 with no experience?
Your GCSEs, school responsibilities, clubs and sports, volunteering, work experience week and any informal work such as babysitting. Show what each one says about you.
How many hours can a 16-year-old work?
Rules depend on whether you're over school-leaving age and where in the UK you live. Check GOV.UK's child employment and young workers guidance before you agree hours.
Related examples
- 17-Year-Old CV example
- School Leaver CV example
- Graduate CV example
- Apprentice CV example
- Student CV example
UK CV format · Skills to put on a CV · How to tailor your CV to a job description · Cover letter examples · All UK CV examples