Careers Resources

CV Advice

CV
Writing your first CV

Advice for Writing Your First CV (Ages 16–18)

1. Keep It Simple and Clear

Your CV should be:

  • One page only

  • Easy to read

  • Well laid out with clear headings

  • Written in a simple, professional font

You don’t need lots of experience—employers understand you are just starting out.

2. Start with Your Personal Profile

This is a short paragraph at the top explaining:

  • Who you are

  • What you’re looking for

  • Your key strengths

Example:

Motivated and reliable student seeking part-time work. I am keen to develop new skills, work as part of a team, and gain practical experience.

3. Focus on Skills, Not Just Experience

Even if you haven’t had a job, you still have valuable skills from:

  • School or college

  • Work experience

  • Volunteering

  • Clubs, sports, or hobbies

  • Caring responsibilities

Include skills such as:

  • Communication

  • Teamwork

  • Time management

  • Organisation

  • IT skills

  • Problem-solving

4. Include Education Clearly

List:

  • Your school or college

  • Subjects studied or being studied

  • Predicted or achieved grades (if appropriate)

You don’t need to list every qualification—just the most relevant ones.

5. Show Responsibility and Commitment

Employers value attitude as much as experience. Mention:

  • Attendance and punctuality

  • Helping others

  • Leadership roles (e.g. class rep, team captain)

  • Reliability and willingness to learn

6. Use Positive, Action Words

CV Content

Transferable Skills

Everyone has ‘transferable skills’. One example is ‘being a good communicator’ – someone who is sympathetic, a good listener and able to help others to sort out their problems. This skill is needed for a range of different jobs, for example, a doctor, shop assistant or a teacher.

Look at the list below and identify some of your transferable skills. Add these to your CV:

THIS IS ME…
CV SPEAK…
A good laugh Gets on well with people of all ages
Sociable, chatty, bubbly Good communicator, confident
Bossy Has leadership skills
Likes to be the centre of attention Confident
Easily distracted Open to new ideas and suggestions, flexible worker
Bit of a daydreamer Creative thinker
Helped to build a garden shed Construction skills, planning and budgeting skills
Play for a local football team Teamwork skills, shows commitment/reliability
Babysits for family Childcare skills, happy to take on responsibility
Helps out with household chores Organised and efficient, food preparation/catering experience
Took part in school play Presentation skills, confident in front of an audience
Enjoy computer games, using the internet Good IT skills, enjoy researching information
Enjoy fixing my car/bike/scooter Excellent practical skills, technically minded, problem solving skills
Like to do things my own way Innovative, self-motivated
Like to be told how to do things Able to follow instructions accurately, methodical worker
Attended school on time, every day Good attendance records, punctual and reliable
Didn’t take many exams at school but regret it now Willing to train and gain further skills and qualification
Good at getting friends to do what I want them to do Able to organise and motivate others, effective negotiation skills
Always hand homework in on time Able to meet deadlines, excellent planning skills, effective time manager
Friends come to me to talk about problems Sympathetic, good listener, caring attitude
Worked in a school shop Experience of cash handling, happy to take on responsibility
Enjoy drawing and sketching at home Artistic and creative, has a flair for design
Sell things on Ebay or at car boot sales Commercial/business awareness, entrepreneurial skills
Use Facebook to meet new people and keep in touch with friends Excellent networking skills, good ICT skills and awareness of Social Media
I’m a laid back kind of person Able to stay calm and work well under pressure
I always got my homework done before going out Able to prioritise effectively
I was a runner at school, sending messages for staff and visitors A range of customer services dealing with adults and peers
Use positive ‘buzz’ words:

 

capable friendly enthusiastic calm and relaxed
reliable well-motivated/ keen to learn self-motivated punctual
honest/trustworthy good team worker hard working competent
responsible organised committed adaptable
Use sentences starting with:

 

I enjoy I successfully I learnt to I took part in
I improved I won I am interested in I set up
I was chosen to I organised I was fascinated by I wish
I have experience of I can I passed I was congratulated on
I am good at I am a keen I raised money for I have good
I want to I helped I learnt that I am I was thanked for
Include phrases like:

 

taught me take responsibility learnt how to deal with equipment
helped me act appropriately learnt how to follow instructions
negotiating with made me aware of work as part of a team
dealing with problems made me realise use my initiative
new challenges gave me the opportunity be self-disciplined
know how to deal with money communicating with seek help where appropriate
can travel independently giving advice to opened my eyes to
understand how to respond to requests answering questions made me determined
work on my own learnt how to deal with people discussing with

Emphasise your positive qualities:

sense of humour hard working neat and tidy
quiet energetic punctual
generous careful caring
like trying new things friendly thoughtful
fit and healthy enthusiastic supportive
smart appearance willing to learn enjoy a challenge
Include experience:

 

work experience school plays/performances responsibilities at home or school
hobbies part-time work fundraising
dealing with difficulties clubs sports
Include any special skills:

 

reading working under pressure listening
helping others organising events telephone skills
computer skills map reading/navigating communication skills
languages (indicate whether you have fluent, intermediate or basic skills)
Include accomplishments, achievements and skills you have developed in your social life or out of school activities:

 

Activity Developed skills
Work-experience punctuality, responsibility, team working
Socialising with friends initiative, conversationalist, ideas person, peacemaker
Hobbies self-discipline, commitment
Sports/music/arts/drama skilful, curious, refreshing, dedication, patience, team player
Computers manual dexterity, coordination, competitive, technical
Reading knowledge, imagination, concentration, calmness
 Travel/holidays inquisitive, knowledge, planning, budgeting, organisation,  cultural sensitivity, leadership, languages
Looking after relatives (older/younger) patience, responsibility, sense of humour
Prefect confidence, diplomacy, responsibility
Voluntary work social conscience, reliability, motivation, caring
 

 

Languages

 intellect, cultural interest, written/spoken ability, interpreter,  sensitivity, communicator
Driving competent, careful, conscientious, safe
Youth Club/Scouts/Guides discipline, loyalty, commitment, group member
If you are a member of a church or mosque or if you regularly go to a temple, think how that may also show your skills of discipline, loyalty and commitment.
Useful Words for CV

 

7. Tailor Your CV

Change your CV slightly for each application:

  • Match your skills to the job description

  • Use keywords from the advert

  • Focus on what the employer is looking for

8. Check Spelling and Grammar

Always:

  • Proofread your CV

  • Ask a teacher, careers adviser, or family member to check it

  • Make sure your contact details are correct

9. Be Honest

Never exaggerate or lie:

  • Employers may ask questions at interview

  • It’s okay to say you are still learning

10. Remember: Everyone Starts Somewhere

Your first CV is not about being perfect—it’s about showing:
✔ A positive attitude
✔ Willingness to learn
✔ Reliability
✔ Potential

Employers know you are early in your career. What matters most is your effort, attitude, and enthusiasm.