Entry level / First job
School Leaver CV example (UK)
A first CV for school leavers that turns GCSEs, school responsibilities, part-time work and hobbies into honest evidence.
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Example CV profile
Motivated school leaver with GCSEs including English and Maths, looking for a first role or apprenticeship in [area]. Reliable, friendly and keen to learn, with experience from [part-time job / volunteering / school role].
Key skills to include (if true for you)
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Reliability & punctuality
- Basic IT (Word, Excel, email)
- Customer service (if any)
- Time management
- Willingness to learn
Example experience bullet points
- Worked weekends at [employer], serving customers and keeping the shop floor tidy.
- Volunteered at [club / event], helping set up and supporting younger members.
- Held a school responsibility such as prefect or sports captain, organising [activity].
- Completed Duke of Edinburgh's Award [level], including a volunteering section.
Illustrative only. Replace with your own real roles, dates and results — never copy experience you don't have.
Education & training
- GCSEs – School, year (list subjects and grades)
- A-levels / T-levels / college course – if studying
Keywords UK recruiters screen for
school leaver · apprenticeship · GCSE · teamwork · communication · customer service · reliable
Tips for a school leaver CV
- Put education first; it's your strongest evidence.
- School, volunteering and hobbies count — say what you did.
- One page is perfect. Ask someone to check spelling.
Apprenticeship and under-18 minimum wage rates apply to many first jobs; check GOV.UK for current rates. Salary checker (ONS data).
FAQs
What should I put on my CV if I've never had a job?
Use school responsibilities, projects, volunteering, clubs and anything you've done to help others. Employers hiring school leavers expect this.
Related examples
- No Experience cover letter example
- 16-Year-Old CV example
- Graduate CV example
- Apprentice CV example
- Student CV example
- Part-Time Job 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