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How to write a school leaver CV (with template & example)

8 min read · Updated on August 15, 2024

Thinking about stepping into the world of work?

As a student or school leaver, you're probably wondering how to write an impressive CV that will help you onto the career ladder. Don't fret – even if you have no previous work experience, you can write a CV that showcases your skill set. Read on to find out how to write a school leaver CV, what to include and exclude, along with a template and example to use as inspiration.

What is a school leaver CV?

A school leaver CV is a document that provides a brief account of your education, qualifications, and employment or volunteer experience. Whether you've completed year 11 with GCSEs, or college with a BTEC, GNVQ, A Levels, or Highers and Advanced Highers, you need a CV.

As a current student or recent school leaver, you may have limited professional experience. However, qualifications, skills, and voluntary work can be used on your CV to demonstrate your competencies when applying for your first job, apprenticeship, or internship.

What to include in a school leaver CV

The format of a CV is flexible. After all, every person and their experiences are unique, so the document structure must be malleable. However, there are essential elements to include in your CV that prospective employers expect to see and that you can leverage as a school leaver. They include:

Contact information (or CV header )

Personal statement

Competencies and skills

Work and voluntary experience

Hobbies and interests

How to write each section of your school leaver CV

Ready to put pen to paper? To help increase your chances of success in securing your first job, follow these steps to create your school leaver CV:

1. Contact information

Every CV starts with your contact information, not the title “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae.” The information to include is your full name, location, phone number, and email address. If you have a link to your LinkedIn profile , a website or a professional online portfolio , you can add that too.

2. Personal statement

Next on your CV is a personal statement, which is also known as a professional summary or personal statement. Note that this is not the same as a personal statement written as part of a university application. 

Your personal profile is a short paragraph consisting of two or three sentences summarising who you are, your relevant qualifications or experience, and your job goals. For example, as a school leaver, you may write that you have recently completed school and are looking to take your first steps in a particular industry.

3. Competencies and skills

Following your personal statement is a section designed to highlight your most relevant competencies, skills, and achievements. 

Use bullet points to list between six and nine of your most impressive abilities and achievements that are relevant to the role you're applying for. They could be hard skills from particular classes, such as IT, or soft skills you have cultivated throughout your education.

Top tip: Tailoring this CV section to each position, as it's often the first thing a hiring manager reads. If your points align with the role requirements and the potential employer's needs, you'll create a powerful first impression.

4. Education

Since you're a school leaver, your education is very important and is likely to be a stronger representation of your skill set than your work experience. This is especially true if you're applying for your first job. As a result, it should be the next section on your CV. Here's a quick breakdown of how you can optimise this section: 

Use reverse chronological order: Detail your educational history from GCSE level onwards, working in reverse chronological order . For each institution, include the school name and bullet point the name of the qualifications you gained there, along with the grade. If you're awaiting results, you can add predicted grades and the expected date of completion. 

Prioritise your highest qualifications: If you're attending college, summarise your GCSEs in one line as your college-level qualification is more advanced and therefore a more accurate representation of your current competency level. However, we would recommend mentioning Maths and English GCSE grades as they're often a prerequisite for many jobs. For example, “9 GCSEs including grade 6 in English and Maths.” 

Add awards and memberships: If you've received academic awards, were a member of any clubs, or took part in extracurricular activities, you may choose to list them in this section too. Alternatively, you can list them in a dedicated awards section or your hobbies and interests section.

5. Work and volunteer experience

If you have some work or volunteer experience, no matter how brief, it could be a great addition to your CV. However, if you don't, you can skip this section.

Listing relevant work experience is very similar to your education section, whereby each experience is listed in reverse chronological order, detailing the company name, your job title, employment dates, a brief overview of your role to add context, and a bullet-point list of key achievements.

To ensure that your listed experience strikes a chord with the prospective employer, review the job description and identify key requirements and phrases that align with your own experience and be sure to reference them. 

6. Relevant hobbies and interests

Include this section especially if you're writing a CV for a school leaver with no experience. While a hobbies and interests section is optional when writing a CV for a school leaver, it can be used to leverage your candidacy and show off your personality.

Hobbies and interests that relate to key requirements listed in the job description and showcase your work ethic would be a good addition to your school-leaver CV. For example, playing football would suggest you possess motivation and teamwork abilities and can work under pressure.

If you're not sure whether you should add a hobby or interest, always ask yourself, “Will adding this help me to get the job?” If the answer is no, it's okay to leave it out.

How to format a school leaver CV

By this point, you should feel ready to write your CV. Here are a few formatting tips and tricks and general guidelines when writing a school leaver CV:

Headings: Use clear headings for each section of your CV to make the document easily digestible.

Font type: Contemporary, simple font types are better as they create a modern and clean read.

Font size: Keep body text between 10 and 12 point font and headings between 14 and 18.

Length: Your CV should be two pages maximum . As a school leaver, it could easily be one page.

Spacing: Standard 1.15 spacing is your best option on a CV.

Margins: 2.5cm margins are standard, but you can decrease them to 1.5cm if you want to fit your CV nearly onto one or two pages.

File type: The best CV file type is a Word document, as it will maintain formatting and an ATS will be able to read it accurately. 

Bonus: what not to include on a school leaver CV

There are a few details that you don't need to list on a school leaver CV. They include:

Referees: You don't  need to add the line “references available upon request” at the end of your CV, as asking for references is standard recruitment practice and employers know you will have them available.

Headshot: You do not need to add a photo of yourself to your CV. While commonplace in other countries, it is not a requirement in the UK due to anti-discrimination legislation.

Protected characteristics: You do not need to include sensitive information, such as age, race, religion or belief, marital status, sexual orientation, sex or gender reassignment, or disabilities as they are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 .

CV template for a school leaver or student

School leaver CV example

To help guide you, here's an example CV for a school leaver in the UK:

Ready to craft your CV?

Writing an interview-winning school leaver CV can be daunting, but it's definitely achievable. If you lack the professional experience, remember to lead with your hobbies and interests while weaving in the appropriate skills throughout your CV. Follow our step-by-step guide and use the provided template and example to guide you along the way.

To save you any doubts, submit your CV for a free review and our experts will tell you if you're on the right track to job search success.

This article was originally written by Laura Slingo and has been updated by Charlotte Grainger.

Recommended reading:

How to write a CV for a 16-year-old (with examples)

How to write a CV for a job with no experience

How to write a personal statement for a CV

Related Articles:

How to demonstrate teamwork skills on your CV (with examples)

What are hard skills? List and examples to include in your CV

Breaking the taboo: discussing salary expectations with your employer

See how your CV stacks up.

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How to write an effective school leaver CV

How can a recent school leaver entering the job market prepare a compelling CV? This guide covers the structuring, pitfalls, and tips to make your school leaver CV outshine the competition.

OUR USERS HAVE BEEN HIRED BY*

Stepping out of the structured world of education and diving into the uncharted waters of the job market can be both exhilarating and daunting for school leavers. You’ve worked hard, collecting a toolbox of skills and knowledge, now it’s time to showcase those on the grand platform of employment. But where to begin?

The CV, your personal billboard, a piece of paper that speaks volumes about your potential, is your ticket to capturing the attention of your prospective employers. Yet, crafting a CV that stands out in the sea of applicants, especially when you lack work experience, can seem like climbing Everest.

We understand the anxiety, the questions swirling in your mind – “What should I include?”, “How should I structure it?”, “Will it be good enough?”.

This guide is designed to navigate you through these questions, equipping you with tried and tested strategies to prepare a CV for school leaver that not only matches the job description but also resonates with the hiring manager.

School leaver CV - an example

Stephanie johnson.

5 High Street, Town, County, Postcode | Email: [email protected] | Mobile: +44 4444 444444

Personal profile

An enthusiastic and ambitious school leaver with excellent academic results and a strong interest in digital marketing. Self-motivated with proven leadership skills through active participation in school clubs, demonstrating excellent teamwork and communication abilities. Seeking a challenging role to utilise my skills and further develop my marketing knowledge.

A-Levels , Anytown Sixth Form College | Sept 2018 – July 2020

• Business Studies (A)
• English Literature (A)

GCSEs , Anytown Secondary School | Sept 2016 – July 2018

8 GCSEs including Mathematics (A), English (A) and Art (A).

• Digital marketing : Developed a keen interest in digital marketing, with a particular focus on social media management. Managed the school’s photography club Instagram page, displaying good SEO practices and content creation skills.
• Teamwork : As a member of the school’s netball team, learned the importance of effective team communication and coordination.
• Leadership : As Head Girl, led several school projects and initiatives, demonstrating strong leadership and organisational abilities.
• Technical skills : Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong understanding of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Photography club : Led the club’s Instagram page, growing the followers by 50% over 6 months.

Sports : Active member of the school netball team, demonstrating teamwork and dedication.

Head girl : Organised school events and represented student opinions to school leadership.

Available upon request.

The above school-leaver CV example is provided for illustrative purposes only. It’s crucial to understand that copying it verbatim will likely not yield the results you desire. Every person is unique — with different experiences, skills, and aspirations — and your CV should reflect this individuality.

Employers value authenticity and are seeking candidates who can convey their unique story and potential. Use the CV example above as inspiration, but remember that personalization is the key to success.

Looking for something? These examples might be just what you need:

• 16 year old CV examples
• Student CV template
• Undergraduate CV
• Internship CV
• Eye-catching CV

Now that we have delved into a detailed school-leaver CV example, it’s time to talk about the CV layout.

CV template for school leaver

Did you know that the structure and presentation of your curriculum vitae can significantly influence its impact?

But what does a good school-leaver CV template look like? The three CV templates below are specifically designed to highlight your academic achievements, skills, and extracurricular activities professionally and compellingly, rather than focusing on listing your work history in reverse chronological order.

From left to right, our first CV template gives you a classic structure, making it easy for employers to navigate through the sections. It starts with a personal profile, followed by education, skills, and extracurricular activities. It’s a perfect option for most school leavers who want to keep things clear and concise.

Do you have a wealth of skills that you’ve gained through non-academic activities? Then, our second school-leaver CV template may suit you best. It prioritizes showcasing your skills, followed by education and profile.

Finally, for those who want to make a more contemporary impression, our third school-leaver CV template starts with an impactful personal profile, followed by skills, education, and extracurricular activities. This layout works well if you want to emphasize your personal attributes and aspirations.

Remember: when considering CV templates, keep in mind your unique circumstances, strengths, and what you want to emphasize to potential employers. Remember, the goal is to present a clear and comprehensive picture of your abilities and aspirations.

What should a school leaver put on a CV?

When constructing your school-leaver CV, the focus should be on presenting your academic achievements, hard skills and soft skills , personal qualities, and any extracurricular activities in a way that makes sense with the job advert.

Begin with a compelling personal profile that gives a snapshot of who you are, your aspirations, and what you bring to the table. This part of school leavers CV is crucial as it sets the tone and can captivate the recruiter’s attention.

Next, highlight your education, detailing your qualifications and grades. While you may not have extensive work experience, showcasing any part-time jobs, volunteer work, or internships can reflect your initiative and willingness to learn, which are qualities employers value. Emphasize the skills you’ve gained from these experiences, such as teamwork , leadership , or problem-solving .

Don’t forget to include any extra-curricular activities or achievements that demonstrate your personality, interests, and dedication.

Remember, it’s essential to tailor your CV to each job application, ensuring that you highlight the most relevant skills and experiences.

School leaver CV examples

In this section, you will find three diverse CV examples for UK school leavers looking to craft a compelling CV. Each example covers a different circumstance, ensuring there’s something suitable for everyone, regardless of background, interests, or aspirations.

CV for a school leaver with part-time and summer job experience

This first CV example focuses on a school leaver who has gained valuable skills and experience through part-time and summer jobs. This individual has balanced academic responsibilities with employment, demonstrating a strong work ethic, time management skills, and the ability to multi-task.

The CV will showcase how these job experiences, though not directly related to their desired career path, have equipped them with transferable skills that are attractive to employers. The example will also highlight their academic achievements and any relevant extracurricular activities, presenting a well-rounded candidate who stands ready to embark on a successful career journey.

CV for a school leaver with limited experience (babysitting)

Our second school leaver CV example focuses on a school leaver who has gained basic skills and experience through babysitting. Even though the babysitting experience may seem unrelated to their career goals, it showcases a certain set of valuable skills like responsibility, patience, time management, and problem-solving.

This CV will highlight how these transferrable skills can be applicable to a variety of job roles. The academic achievements and extra-curricular activities of this candidate will also be emphasized, demonstrating their well-rounded capabilities. This example serves as a testament that every experience, no matter how small or unrelated it might seem, can contribute to your professional development in unexpected ways.

CV for a school Leaver with no experience

The third school leaver CV example is targeted at a school leaver who is looking for a first job. This may seem challenging initially, but remember that everyone starts from somewhere, and there are numerous ways to showcase your potential. This example will accentuate the individual’s academic achievements, skills acquired through various school projects or assignments, and involvement in extracurricular activities.

The CV will emphasize transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and commitment, learned from group projects, school clubs, or sports teams. It will clearly illustrate that even without formal work experience, a candidate can offer valuable skills and qualities that make them a worthy contender in the job market.

How to write a CV for a school leaver

Creating a compelling CV as a school leaver might seem like a daunting task. However, with careful consideration and planning, you can create a CV that effectively showcases your skills, qualifications, and potential.

Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide to help you craft a CV for school leaver that grabs the employer’s attention which will cover the following sections:

• Contact details : Start with your name, address, phone number, and professional email address. If applicable, you can also include your LinkedIn profile or personal website.
• Personal profile : Write a short introduction and summary of yourself, showcasing your strengths and career aspirations.
• Education : Add a summary of your academic qualifications and notable achievements.
• Skills : Highlight your skills gained through various experiences such as school projects, volunteering, or part-time jobs.
• Work experience/Internships : Detail any relevant work experiences, internships, or voluntary work you’ve done.
• Extracurricular activities : Highlight involvement in clubs, societies, sports, or any other pursuits that demonstrate your interests and dedication.
• References : Include references from teachers, employers, or anyone who can vouch for your skills and character. Remember to ask for permission before listing anyone as a reference.

Let’s now delve deeper into these sections.

1. Contact Details

The contact details section of your CV is your first point of connection with your potential employer. It’s crucial as it allows employers to reach out to you for an interview or further discussion. Your contact details should be accurate, professional and easy to find. Here’s an example of how to present this information:

123 Elm Street, Anytown, ST 12345

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe

Ensure your email address looks professional; it’s recommended to use a combination of your first and last name or initials. Steer clear of informal or quirky addresses, as they may not present the professional image you want to convey.

2. Personal profile

The Personal profile section presents a significant opportunity to make a strong first impression. It serves as an introduction, providing a snapshot of who you are, your career goals, and what you bring to the table. Importantly, the CV personal statement can persuade potential employers to continue reading your CV, making it a crucial component in marketing yourself effectively.

Good example:

A dedicated and ambitious school leaver with a strong academic record, seeking an entry-level position in financial analysis. Proven analytical skills and detail-oriented approach from conducting in-depth research projects, coupled with strong proficiency in statistical tools like SPSS and SAS.

Bad example:

I recently finished school and I’m looking for a job.

3. Education

The Education section of your CV is particularly important, especially for a school leaver, as it provides employers with insight into your academic qualifications, achievements, and dedication to learning. It allows potential employers to gauge your knowledge base, skill set, and capacity for growth, which are all significant factors when considering a candidate for a position.

Don’t forget to include your A-levels or equivalent qualifications (such as Highers in Scotland, or the International Baccalaureate) as they are key indicators of your academic abilities and can demonstrate subject-specific knowledge that may be relevant to the position you are applying for.

A-Level (Predicted grades: ABB)

Anytown High School, Anytown, UK

September 2019 – Present

GCSEs: 9 in total

September 2017 – June 2019

Including Mathematics (A), English Language (A), Science (A)

Studied at Anytown High School

If you haven’t graduated yet, it’s important to include your expected graduation date next to the school name to keep employers informed about your current academic status and future availability.

The Skills section of your CV is crucial; it demonstrates your competencies that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. It’s your chance to showcase transferable and job-specific school-leaver CV skills , may they be hard skills or interpersonal skills , making you stand out as a viable candidate even without extensive professional experience.

• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (SPSS, SAS)
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills, demonstrated through academic projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Good with numbers
• Knows how to use a computer

5. Work Experience/Internship

The Work experience /Internship section of your school leaver’s CV can significantly bolster your application, showcasing your ability to function in a real-world working environment. Even if you haven’t yet left school, it provides potential employers with tangible evidence of your work ethic, adaptability, and capabilities, thus serving as a critical component of your CV, even for school leavers.

Under the job title, you should provide a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements in that role, using action verbs and quantifiable results whenever possible. This will allow employers to visualize how you could contribute to their organization.

Work experience

Intern, ABC Corporation , June 2020 – August 2020

• Conducted comprehensive financial research and analysis of industry trends
• Prepared and presented findings clearly and concisely
• Assisted in creating financial models and forecasts

Worked at ABC Corporation over the summer.

6. Extracurricular activities

The Extracurricular activities section of your CV is a valuable space where you can demonstrate your passion, commitment, and skills outside of academia. This part of a good CV can reveal your leadership, teamwork skills, and other qualities that employers often seek, making you a more rounded and attractive candidate.

Member, University Economics Society , 2018-2021

• Organized and led regular meetings and discussion forums
• Collaborated in hosting the annual Economics Symposium, attracting speakers from top financial institutions

Was part of the economics club

7. References

The References section of your CV serves as the confirmation of your skills, achievements, and work ethic, with testimonials from individuals who have had direct experience with you in a professional or academic setting. This validation can greatly enhance your credibility, making you a more compelling candidate in the eyes of hiring managers.

John Doe, Economics teacher, Anytown High School, [email protected]

My professor from high school

Remember, the key to an effective CV lies in providing specific details and showcasing your skills and experiences effectively. Always tailor your CV to the role you’re applying for, highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences.

8. Optional sections to consider for your school leaver CV

As you write a school-leaver CV, you are not obliged to stick to the bare minimum. There are additional optional sections you might want to consider incorporating such as personal projects, volunteering, professional certifications, or languages spoken.

These sections can offer further opportunities to highlight your skills, experiences, or accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Keep reading to discover three of the most commonly included optional components that could be beneficial to your school leaver CV:

Certifications

The Certifications section of your CV can further bolster your profile. Any relevant certifications acquired during or after school can underline your dedication to continuous learning and showcase your expertise in specific areas that may be relevant to the job.

Certified Financial Analyst , CFA Institute, 2021

• Completed Level 1 of the CFA Program, demonstrating a strong understanding of professional and ethical standards, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, and corporate finance.
• Currently preparing for Level 2, with a focus on asset classes and portfolio management.

Volunteer work

The Volunteer work section allows you to express your commitment to community service and your ability to work without monetary rewards. Because yes: even your work at the local charity can demonstrate valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, project management, and communication. Good Example:

Volunteer, Local Food Bank , Summer 2020

• Coordinated and streamlined the distribution process, leading to a 20% increase in efficiency.
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and leadership skills by managing a small group of volunteers.
• Developed excellent organizational and communication skills through daily interaction with a diverse group of volunteers and beneficiaries.

Hobbies and Interests

The Hobbies and Interests section offers a window into your personality, showing potential employers what interests you outside of work and study. This can make you more relatable and show that you are a well-rounded individual, thereby enhancing your appeal to potential employers. However, be sure to mention hobbies and interests that are constructive and present you in a positive light.

Outdoor enthusiast

• Participated in various outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, and camping, demonstrating passion for nature and physical fitness.
• Organized local hiking trips for a group of 20+ individuals, displaying leadership and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to community service through participation in park clean-up events.

Writing a cover letter to go with your school leaver CV

A well-crafted letter serves as a compelling introduction to your school leaver CV, and provides an opportunity to make a strong first impression on potential employers. It allows you to elaborate on the key details of your CV for school leaver, providing context and deeper insights into your skills, experiences, and passion for the role you’re applying for.

Furthermore, a cover letter demonstrates your communication and writing abilities, two skills that are highly valued in any professional setting. By personalizing each cover letter to the particular job and company, you show the employer that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the role. This extra effort can set you apart from other candidates, increasing your chances of landing a job interview.

However, it is crucial to remember that while a well-written cover letter can grab the attention of potential employers, it cannot compensate for a poorly written CV. So make sure to follow the tips highlighted in the next section.

CV for school leaver – top tips

When drafting your CV as a school leaver, there are a few things to remember to ensure your CV is effective and showcases your skills and experiences attractively. Here are CVHelp’s top 7 tips:

• Tailor your CV to the job : Always adapt your CV to match the specific job requirements and highlight the most relevant skills and experiences you possess.
• Use a professional tone : Maintain a formal, professional tone throughout your CV and avoid using slang or overly casual language.
• Quantify achievements : Wherever possible, quantify your achievements with specific numbers or percentages to provide concrete evidence of your skills and abilities.
• Keep it concise : Your CV for school leaver should be clear and to the point, ideally not exceeding two pages in length. Avoid including unnecessary information.
• Check for errors : Always proofread your CV carefully for any grammatical or spelling errors before sending it. Mistakes can create a poor impression.
• Use a clear layout : Ensure your CV is easy to read by using a clear, simple layout with defined sections and bullet points.
• Include a cover letter : Always attach a personalized cover letter with your CV. This gives you an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and express your interest in the job.

What to avoid in a school leaver CV

While there are key elements to include in a successful CV, there are also mistakes that will not impress recruiters… Here are the top five things to avoid in a school leaver CV:

• Being vague : Avoid being vague about your skills and experiences. Be specific and give concrete examples of your achievements.
• Negativity : Never include negative information or criticize previous jobs, employers, or schools. Always maintain a positive tone.
• Irrelevant information : Only include information that is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Irrelevant details can distract the employer from your key qualifications.
• Lying or exaggerating : Never lie or exaggerate about your skills or experiences. Honesty is integral to maintaining your credibility.
• Formatting inconsistencies : Maintain consistent formatting throughout your CV for school leaver. Varying fonts, font sizes, or bullet styles can make your CV look messy and unprofessional.

Nail your school leaver CV today!

Crafting a compelling school leaver CV is a critical step in launching your professional journey. Remember, a well-structured CV that effectively showcases your skills, experiences, and passion can make a significant impact on potential employers. Follow our top tips, avoid common pitfalls, and utilize our guidance to create a CV that truly represents who you are and what you can bring to the table.

Why not make the process even easier? Check out our intuitive CV builder . It takes the guesswork out of formatting and ensures you present your information in the most professional and attractive way possible. Take the first step towards your dream job today!

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School leaver CV example

As a school leaver you might not have much in the way of work experience but it's important not to sell yourself short when applying for a job. Take a look at our example school leaver CV to find out how to present yourself in the best light

Ellie Johnson 15 That Street, Thistown, XY99 9XP [email protected] 07777 888999

I'm planning a business degree, either part-time through an apprenticeship or on a full-time course. My aim is to go into finance. An online business summer school showed me what a vast and varied world this is. During my work experience, I saw how different jobs fit together in a finance department and how a company plans its finances and runs its business systems in the short, medium and long term. My part-time job at Big Stores gives me practical experience in a small branch of a large organisation.

Education and Qualifications

Thistown Central Academy - A-levels (2022)

Business A, Maths B, Computer Science B

GCSEs - Grades 9-4 (2020)

English  Language, French, Spanish, PE, Art and Design, Computer Science, History, Maths, Combined Science                 

Employment and Work Experience

Big Stores Minimart (2021 - present)

Starting as a shelf stacker I progressed to till operator and am now a team leader. I contribute to:

• Staff shift pattern, including early mornings and lates, making sure all areas are covered
• Security of premises, sometimes unlocking and locking up, including cash handling
• Customer service, including complaints and returns
• Monitoring sell-by dates and minimising waste, reordering and stock control.

Thistown College Business and Finance Summer School (July 2022)

Five-day online programme covering:

• Business models, economic theory and concepts, marketing and business strategy
• Seminars with business leaders
• Group work presentation on a business case study.

Thistown Engineering Ltd, Finance Department (July 2021)

Two weeks work experience in the finance department of a local SME:

• Helping with the migration of financial information across IT systems, using my IT skills
• Spending a day in different areas of the department, including shadowing the finance director.

Year 13 Charity Rep on School Council (2021-2022)

Working with reps from other year groups to organise the school’s charity fundraising. I was involved in:

• Getting suggestions from my year group about charities to support and which events to run
• Planning events and organising volunteers to help
• Being responsible for cash during events
• Reporting back to the Head after each event (what we learned, how would we do it next time).

References available on request

Please be aware that this is an example. Use it as a template to help generate ideas and structure your own CV but avoid copying and pasting. Your own CV needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

As a school leaver you might not have a lot of experience to flesh out your CV with, but employers don't expect someone who's just left school to have a massive amount of experience so don't worry about the length of your CV. Most CVs are two pages long but as a recent school leaver yours might only be one. As you gain experience, you'll be able to add to it.

Your personal profile should sit at the top of the page. Use it to summarise your 'best bits' - and tailor it for each application. It can be easier to write this after you've set out the other information so if you're struggling come back to this last.

As always, presentation is important so don't leave a couple of lines trailing onto another page. You can adjust the spacing, font size, margins etc depending on whether you have a lot to squeeze in, or less to say, which might need spacing out to fill the page.

Make sure every word counts and that all the relevant information is there. If you don't include it, no-one will know about it. However, it's just as important to consider what to leave out. Ask yourself 'Will this help me get a job?'   Include relevant hobbies, for example, caring for a family member on a nursing application or DIY projects for a construction apprenticeship. Socialising with friends is best left off. We all enjoy that, but it's unlikely to get you a job.

It's important to try and show what you've gained from your experiences, rather than just listing what you did - remember to relate the skills and knowledge you've gained to the job you're applying for.

Find out more

• View all example CVs .
• Discover  how to write a CV .
• Learn how to avoid the  top 7 CV mistakes .
• Take a look at how to write a personal statement for your CV .

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CV examples

School Leaver CV

Isabella has selected the Wheaton CV template to showcase her relevant experience for her first full-time job after school. Its simple, one-page format displays work experience, skills and additional experience in a easy-to-read manner.

"Seeking opportunities to gain valuable work experience and eager to expand skills. Committed to exceptional service as well as able to effectively contribute to team-orientated organisations."

Table of contents

How to Write a Successful School Leaver CV in 2024

Leaving school in the UK and entering the job market can be a challenge. You may have already put considerable effort into job applications with little or no response. If this is the case, knowing how to write a good CV, with limited qualifications or experience, can turn a job application into a job interview.

If you're applying for your first job, looking for school leaver apprenticeships , traineeships, or still figuring out your next steps after 6th form, this guide is for you. Choosing the right CV template as a school leaver and optimising it for application tracking systems (ATS) can be an extra hassle, but it will increase your chances of being shortlisted by hiring manager or recruiters.

Everyone's experience is unique when they leave school. We can help start you career journey on the right foot and stand out from the crowd.

Here’s what we cover in this guide: Key sections of a modern CV for school leavers to include. How to highlight educational achievements and transferable skills over experience. Strategies for gaining relevant experience and skills to enhance your CV. Advice on preparing for the workplace and developing professional skills.

Not sure what's next for you? Read our career advice for school leavers to discover the opportunities that await you!

Customise this CV example to get started

School leaver cv example.

In this school leaver CV sample, Isabella highlights her previous work experience. She has showcased her customer service and language skills to gain a competitive edge. The Wheaton CV template is well-structured, concise, and well-formatted, which looks appealing and is easy to read by recruiters.

Kickstart your career with a winning CV! Use our easy-to-follow guide and templates to create a CV for your first job !

What to include in a school leaver CV?

As a school leaver, you have many opportunities for employment across different fields, such as finance , healthcare , and travel . Even with little to no experience, the scope of opportunities for school leavers is getting wider with industries opening up more entry-level positions. Nowadays, even the NHS is offering school leavers to become doctors through apprenticeships.

Regardless of which job you are applying for, make sure to personalise your school or college leaver CV with these essential sections:

Contact details : stay reachable with up-to-date information.

Personal profile: summary including soft skills and achievements.

Education: list your academic background and qualifications.

Work experience: this can include any volunteer experience or part-time work.

Skills : highlight what you bring to the table such as technical and soft skills.

Achievements : highlight your accomplishments from school projects or related courses.

Additional sections:   include hobbies and interests, school projects, awards or language skills.

We recommend creating a master CV that details your professional and academic background. Then, use this to send a job-specific CV and letter of interest to employers.

To discover more opportunities that await you, check out the additional resources listed below:

All about school leavers: school leaver programmes

Can you leave school at 16 and what are your options?

Institute for apprenticeships

MI5 school leavers programmes

Sponsors for educational opportunity London.

How to write a CV for a school leaver job in 5 steps

1. how to write a personal profile on a school leaver cv.

Start your CV with an attention-grabbing positive, and energetic personal profile CV summary. Introduce yourself and highlight practical qualities like motivation , communication , organisation , and time-management skills, relevant to various roles. Focus on academic achievements , keeping this section to about six lines. Use it not only to reflect your qualifications but also to express your long-term career aspirations.

A Level CV Personal Profile Example

Energetic and customer-focused school leaver with a passion for delivering exceptional service. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated through previous volunteering and a work placement in the retail industry. Strong problem-solving abilities, with the ability to multi-task and manage time effectively. Quick learner, adaptable, and eager to contribute to a customer-centric team. Dedicated to providing positive experiences and building lasting relationships with customers.

Take a moment to explore related CV personal profile examples similar to customer service :

Supermarket CV

Merchandiser CV

Shop assistant CV

Call centre CV

Cashier CV.

6th form CV with No Experience Education Personal Profile Example

Proactive school leaver with a strong desire to become a Teaching Assistant. Demonstrated leadership through community service and volunteering. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills from public speaking and debate clubs. Proven dedication and strong work ethic with consistent academic achievements. Additional experience includes tutoring, assisting teachers, and participating in mentoring programs. Eager to develop professional skills in education and contribute to a learning environment.

Refer to the tutor or teacher CV example for more inspiration.

School leaver apprenticeship CV Healthcare Personal Profile Example

Passionate school leaver eager to enter the healthcare sector through an Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2) after GCSEs. Aspire to train as a healthcare support worker assistant and aim to advance to an Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3). Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Previous volunteer work at local nursing homes and involvement in community outreach programs have instilled a genuine desire to support and improve the lives of others. Committed to positively impacting individuals’ well-being and pursuing a rewarding healthcare career.

Explore the following CV examples for more insights related to starting your career in healthcare:

Nursery assistant CV

Support worker CV

Care Assistant CV

Counsellor CV

Caregiver CV

Lab technician CV

Optometrist CV

Dentist CV.

College Leaver CV Sports Personal Profile Example

Dynamic and ambitious college leaver with a passion for continuous learning and growth. Eager to embark on a rewarding career journey after completing the BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sport with distinction. Possessing a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to challenges. Adaptable and quick to learn, with a keen interest in the sports industry. Committed to contributing positively to a team environment while honing my skills and gaining valuable experience.

Explore our range of CV examples tailored to different careers in the sports industry to kickstart your journey:

Football CV

Physiotherapist CV

Personal trainer CV

Looking to create a professional CV?

2. what skills to put on a school leaver cv.

The skills you put on a CV generally depend upon the job you are applying for. However, there are a number of top skills employers look for . The general rule of thumb is Include a combination of hard and soft skills that covers everything mentioned in the job advert. These skills can be gained from your education, any volunteer experience, as well any personal interests such as photography or music .

Whether you've just finished your A-Levels or graduated with a college diploma, we recommend to opt for a skills-based CV to emphasise relevant abilities and competencies over work experience, showcasing your potential to prospective employers.

Customer service skills:

Roles such as waiter/waitress or bartender requires cash handling, product knowledge, and time-management skills. Soft skills such as problem-solving, communication and active listening are important interact with customers, resolve conflicts, and manage transactions.

Administration skills:

An administrative , virtual assistant , data entry or office manager role requires proficiency in tasks like data entry, file management, and appointment scheduling. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise are crucial. Effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are also essential for smooth office operations.

Beauty and wellness skills:

If you writing a CV for a job within the beauty industry such as hairdresser , beauty therapist or make-up artist , showcase your any expertise in hair styling, skincare treatments, or makeup application. Excellent customer service abilities, creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are just as important for this type of role.

Computer technology skills:

If you're applying for tech-related jobs, such as a developer or prompt engineer , key skills include knowing basic programming languages like Python or HTML, understanding IT basics, being eager to learn, solving problems, paying attention to details, and communicating well.

3. How to write work experience on a school leaver CV

Writing a CV as a school leaver may seem daunting if you have no work experience. If the experience you have is not directly relevant to the job you are applying for, it can still show your dedication, eagerness to learn, and motivation. Try to include any after-school or weekend jobs as well as any work placements during your college or school studies.

Here are tips for creating a CV for school leavers with no work experience:

Choose the right format: opt for a skills-based CV or functional CV template to show your strengths and qualifications from education or volunteering.

Highlight education: focus on your academic achievements, relevant coursework, projects, and extracurricular activities.

Incorporate keywords: tailor your CV by including keywords from the job description, ensuring it aligns with what employers are looking for.

Use strong action verbs : demonstrate your accomplishments and elevate your professional profile, captivating potential employers.

Showcase transferable skills: mention teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Demonstrate how you can apply these skills with examples.

Keep it professional: use simple design elements to enhance readability. Ensure your CV is clean, organised, and visually appealing with a consistent format.

Work experience CV examples

Apprentice, Ground Construction, Manchester, UK, 2021-2022

Gained hands-on experience in construction, assisting with various building projects under the guidance of skilled professionals. Developed technical skills in tool handling and materials management, while learning safety protocols and industry standards. Demonstrated strong work ethic and eagerness to learn, contributing effectively to team goals.

Enhanced practical construction skills through active participation in projects.

Received positive feedback for punctuality and dedication to learning industry practices.

Refer to the following related job types for more work experience examples:

Construction CV

Bricklayer CV

Mechanic CV

Electrician CV

Painter and decorator CV

Carpenter CV.

Barista, Bean Scene Café, Brighton, UK, 2020-2021

Prepared and served a variety of coffee and tea beverages, maintaining high standards of customer service and product quality. Managed cash transactions, handled payments and maintained the cleanliness of the café. Developed excellent interpersonal skills interacting with diverse customers and contributed to a friendly atmosphere.  

Learned coffee-making techniques, contributing to increased customer satisfaction.

Demonstrated strong time-management skills in a fast-paced environment.

Acknowledged by management for support and professionalism in customer interactions.

Explore similar roles within hospitality for more work experience examples:

Catering assistant CV

Event manager CV

Kitchen porter CV.

Retail Customer Service Representative, Book Haven, Liverpool, UK, 2023- present

Supported the retail operations at a busy bookstore, assisting customers in locating books and handling transactions. Provided information on promotions and store events. Contributed to inventory management and organised displays, ensuring the store was organised and welcoming for customers.

Used effective sales techniques to engage customers on the shop floor.

Recognised for teamwork and ability to handle peak hours efficiently.

If you are looking for more specific work experience examples, explore these CVs:

Postperson CV

Gardener CV

Receptionist CV

Shop and Fundraising Volunteer, Mind Charity, London, UK, 2019-2020

Collaborate effectively with a diverse team to organise and execute fundraising events. Engage and interact with team members, beneficiaries, and visitors, demonstrating strong communication skills. Assist with event preparation, participate in training sessions, and contribute to a positive work environment. Motivate fellow volunteers, maintain morale, and provide customer support.

Successfully raised £800k through collaborative fundraising efforts, contributing to the charity's financial goals.

Assisted with implementing an efficient event planning system, resulting in a 10% increase in event productivity.

Received recognition from the charity for outstanding customer service skills.

If you have no work experience, use this gap as an opportunity to be proactive. Try volunteering with a local charity or business to gain some experience.

For more tips on this section, refer to our article on how to write work experience on a CV .

4. Education section on a school leavers CV: How to include it?

Including all relevant information about your education is essential, as this section often takes priority if you have little to no work experience. When adding education to your CV, you should include the following:

Name of your school or college

Year of attendance

Grades awarded from GCSEs, A Levels (England), or Highers (Scotland)

Any special awards you may received.

If applicable, add any other activities you participated in, such as sports teams, clubs or community volunteer work.

Make sure you keep this section brief and concise. If your school grades are particularly relevant to the job you are applying for, it may be worth expanding on them. Such as including your A Maths GCSE if you are applying for a bookkeeper role.

Here are some tips to consider:

List your most recent grades first such as GCSEs or Highers or BTECS.

Only include relevant education, such as GCSEs or A Levels, school name, and date. If you studied your GCSEs and A Levels at the same school, list them in one entry.

If you are still a student , you can put predicted grades on your CV.

How to format education your CV with examples

A-levels, BTEC, and NVQ:

[ School Name], [ School Location], [ Years Attended] [ Qualification] [ Subject Name 1], [ Subject Name 2], [ Subject Name 3] St. Andrews, Manchester, UK, 2016-2018 Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science

[ School Name], [ School Location], [ Years Attended] [ n] GCSEs (including Mathematics and English) Solihull High, Birmingham, UK, 2014-2016 10 GCSEs (including Mathematics and English)

Scottish Highers:

[ School Name], [ School Location], [ Years Attended] Highers: [ Qualifications] N5s: [ Qualifications] Crest Peak School, Edinburgh, 2015–2020 Highers: Maths (A), Physics (B), Chemistry (A), Computing Science (A) N5s: English (C), Maths (A), Geography (B),  (A), Chemistry (A), Computing Science (B)

We recommend gathering references from your school teachers, tutors, or career counsellors. Add these details to your master CV and use your references if requested during an interview.

For extra guidance on this section, refer to our article about how to write education on your CV .

5. Enhance your CV with additional sections 

Enhancing your CV with additional sections can significantly improve your chances of standing out to potential employers and getting your desired job. If you have the relevant information to add your CV, we recommend to include the following sections.

How to list courses and certificates on a school leaver CV 

Courses and certificates can show your potential, especially if you have yet to gain experience. If you’re targeting a specific industry or role, take a specialised course to develop your knowledge and skills. For more inspiration, find a course with the National Careers Service relevant to your career goals.

Courses and certificates CV examples for a 16-year-old CV : 

First Aid Certification, St. John Ambulance, 2021  

Health and Safety in the Workplace, Online Training Institute, 2020  

Digital Marketing Fundamentals, Google Digital, 2019  

Introduction to Coding, Codecademy, 2018.

Looking for courses can help you reach your career goals faster. Research the job requirements and determine if a course could leverage your application. Consider taking an online course if you would prefer to gain a certificate at home.

How to list hobbies and interests on a school leaver CV

Choose activities that align with your skills, interests, and career goals. Ensure you keep your hobbies and interests section relevant and professional. Focus on highlighting transferable skills employers list in job descriptions, such as teamwork, organisation, creativity and attention to detail.

School leaver CV examples for hobbies and interests include:  

Volunteering 

Writing and blogging 

Chess and strategy games 

Singing and dancing.

If you have interests such as Duke of Edinburgh or volunteering, you can include them in a separate section under the heading 'Additional experience' to allow for further elaboration.

How to include references

At the end of your CV, consider adding a references section. You can list teachers, sports coaches, or leaders of any groups you’ve been involved in who can speak positively about your character and work ethic. Add these details to your master CV and use references if requested during an interview.

Key takeaways

Follow this guide to crafting a well-written CV and cover letter to make finding a job less of a job. With this guide, we can help bridge the gap between schooling and professional employment, even without work experience. Navigating the current job market and calming pre-interview nerves is much easier if you have a professional CV for school leavers that includes transferable skills, achievements and relevant experience.

Next steps?

If you need some additional help, explore our CV Writing Service to save time. Our team of experts can assist in crafting a professionally polished school leaver CV tailored to your career goals . Need some more help with your job application? Learn the best tips for writing a cover letter with little to no experience . Explore our blog for more ideas on how to track your job applications and templates for sending your CV via email.

Do school leavers need a CV?

Yes, you need a CV if you want to apply for a job. The applications requirements can vary depending on the type of job you are applying for but it's always beneficial to provide potential employers with a snapshot of your skills, education, and work experience. From your CV, they will be able to determine if you are a good fit for the role.

How long should your school leaver CV be?

In general, your CV should be no longer than two pages. For a school leaver CV, one-page is enough. Avoid unnecessary details and only include relevant information, such as your education, transferable skills, and any relevant experience or achievements. Remember to use clear, concise language and highlight key points effectively. Learn more about CV length .

How much do school leavers earn?

The earnings of school leavers in the UK can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of job, industry, location, and level of education or qualifications obtained. National minimum wage depends on when you leave school. If you are under-18, you can earn up to £6.40 per hour and above-18 is £8.60 per hour . If you are looking for a part-time student job or considering your next steps, explore the best jobs for students to help guide you in your career choices!

What not to include on a school leaver CV?

You might find yourself adding irrelevant information to your CV to make up for a lack of experience or skills. Try not to overthink it. In general, it's good practise to only focus on the important details and not include anything that could be considered unnecessary. We recommend to avoid the following:

Avoid including personal details such as your date of birth, marital status, or nationality, as these are not relevant to your qualifications or suitability for the job.

You don't need to include references on your CV. Instead, you can provide them separately if requested by the employer.

While it's fine to include hobbies or interests that demonstrate relevant skills or qualities, avoid listing unrelated or generic hobbies that do not add value to your application.

What is the best CV template for a school leaver CV?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best school leaver CV UK template. It ultimately depends on your personal style and the job you're applying to. We recommend a clean and professional template with a clear structure.

How to add work projects to a school leaver CV?

Adding work projects to your CV is a practical way to showcase their relevant skills in a practical context. Include educational projects completed in secondary school for GCSEs or A Levels (England), Highers (Scotland), if relevant to your job application. We recommend adding work projects from school in your education section or additional experience.

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

Writing your CV as a 16-year-old school leaver can be challenging. Focus on emphasising your educational background and any transferable skills you’ve developed. Since you might not have work experience or a GCSE certificate, it's important to highlight other strengths and competencies.

How to write a CV for a 16-year-old school leaver with no experience?

Writing your CV as a 16-year-old school leaver can be challenging. We suggest using a skills-based approach focusing on key skills and core competencies. Bring them to the top of the document instead of your employment history. Ensure the details are concise, easy to read, and relevant to the job you are applying to.

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Personal statement examples

by Michael Cheary

OK, so putting a personal statement together is never easy…

But even if you’ve written one before, how you write a personal statement will always depend on your current situation. In other words, what you write as a school leaver will look a lot different to someone who has many years of previous work experience.

To help you find the right one for you, here are some real personal statement examples – and how you can use them to make your CV stand out:

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University personal statement 

First things first: personal statements aren’t just for your CV.

They’re also a key part of the UCAS application process, and a way to sell yourself to prospective universities. However, they will be much more detailed – and longer – than the one you write for a job application.

We’ve covered everything you need to know about personal statements for university here .

School leaver personal statement example

All personal statements should be tailored to the role in question. No exceptions.

Start by answering the following three questions: Why do you want to work in this industry? What skills make you right for the role (hint: use the job description)? And where do you want to go in your career?

However, school leavers should always focus on the latter – and what you can bring to the business, as well as focusing on the knowledge and skills gained through education, rather than employment history. Soft skills are also a great place to start.

A highly motivated and hardworking individual, who has recently completed their A-Levels, achieving excellent grades in both Maths and Science. Seeking an apprenticeship in the engineering industry to build upon a keen scientific interest and start a career as a maintenance engineer. Eventual career goal is to become a fully-qualified and experienced maintenance or electrical engineer, with the longer-term aspiration of moving into project management.

School leaver CV template

Graduate personal statement example

Similar to a school leaver personal statement, but with extra attention paid to specific things you’ve studied during higher education.

Once again, try and explain why you’re applying and where you’d like to go in your career, as well as the specific skills or knowledge you can offer. But try and drop in a few more details on your degree (projected grades are fine), as well as particular modules that have inspired you to work in this profession – if possible.

And remember: a personal statement written for a CV differs greatly from one written for a university application. If you haven’t written one before, you should start by reading our tips on how to write a personal statement.

A recent business economics graduate with a 2:1 honours degree from the University of X, looking to secure a Graduate Commercial Analyst position to use and further develop my analytical skills and knowledge in a practical and fast-paced environment. My career goal is to assume a role which allows me to take responsibility for the analysis and interpretation of commercial data for a well-respected and market-leading leading company.

Graduate CV template

Unemployed/redundancy personal statement example

Dealing with redundancy is never easy. But when dealt with in the right way, it needn’t be a hindrance when making applications.

Put the main focus on your employment history, and provide further information for your break in your cover letter . You don’t even necessarily need to mention it again, if you’ve already explained it elsewhere.

Remember, your personal statement is intended to sell yourself. So emphasise your positives rather than apologising for a negative.

Driven Retail Manager with over ten years’ experience in the fashion industry. Proven track record of success, including managing the top performing store in the region, and having the lowest staff turnover rate of all UK outlets. Currently out of work due to company closure, looking for the right opportunity to bring my expertise to a well-established fashion brand in an upper management position.

How to: Deal with redundancy

Redundancy CV template

Career break personal statement example

There are many good reasons someone may need to take a career break.

Some possible examples could include parental leave, caring for a family member, plans to travel or long-term illness. However, whatever the reason for your own break, it’s never something you should feel the need to justify to a prospective employer.

In fact, knowing how to explain a gap in your CV is mostly about confidence. So leave any extra explanation for your cover letter and focus your personal statement on your career before the break – and any skills learned during your time off which may be applicable to the role.

A highly motivated and experienced PA, currently looking to resume my professional career after dedicating the last five years to raising a family. Excellent admin skills, thorough knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs, as well as proficiency in minute-taking and extensive experience liaising with clients . After volunteering for one day a week with a local charity to refresh my skills, now fully committed to continuing my career on a full-time basis.

Career break CV template

Career change personal statement example

If you’re changing industry completely, think about any  transferable skills and applicable to the sector you’re moving into.

Any numbers you can give to demonstrate your success could be crucial – even if you’re moving into an area where your expertise may seem slightly different. So always aim to back up your claims with real examples.

Focus on one or two achievements, demonstrate the impact they had, and you’ll instantly start adding value to your application.

As an experienced sales manager, my tenacious and proactive approach resulted in numerous important contract wins. My excellent networking skills have provided my team with vital client leads, and my ability to develop client relationships has resulted in an 18% increase in business renewals for my current organisation. After eight years in sales, currently seeking a new challenge which will utilise my meticulous attention to detail, and friendly, professional manner.

Final thoughts

If you’re still not sure of what to write, don’t panic.

Crafting a winning personal statement will take time, especially if you haven’t written one before. Use these examples as a loose structure to follow, and you’ll be able to add to them as your experience grows.

And remember: you should always aim to edit your personal statement for each role you apply for. That way, you can ensure you’re really selling yourself to their role, rather than simply sending the same generic statement for each application.

It should only take a few more minutes to complete. But if it’s enough to attract an employers interest, it will be time well spent in the long run.

How to write a personal statement

Personal statement dos and don’ts

Read more CV help & tips

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4 comments on “ Personal statement examples ”

they all sound fake and unoriginal…

I agree with previous comment. I have read more interesting personal statements that have a life in them

This is probably the hardest and most difficult task you will ever have to get right in your life. Unless you have the proof and evidence to prove that you have either saved or made considerable financial credits or profits on the accountancy, balance sheet of every organisation or company you have ever worked in. You are just another overhead, liability or financial risk they consider may be worth investing in which they may have to liquidate at a later point in your career unless you move on first.

Is the personal statement and objective mean the same thing?

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3 High School Student CV Examples & Templates (+How-To Guide)

Posted by CV Nation on Apr 23, 2021

The ultimate guide to writing a perfect CV for high school students, which includes 3 high school CV samples and templates that you can get now.

Many high school students consider their lack of hands-on work experience to be problematic when it comes to writing their CV.

However, a lack of work experience doesn’t need to be a disadvantage for high school students.

In this guide, we’ll show you how high school students can prepare very effective CVs that use their education, school experiences and extra-curricular activities to present them as the perfect candidates for jobs.

Whether you’ve just left school and you’re pursuing your first job or you’re a high school student looking for a part time work, the guidance and CV templates in this guide will help you achieve your goals.

This guide covers all aspects of CV writing for high school students, including students with no work experience.

High School Student CV Example

How to Write a High School Student CV

Name, location and contact details.

Write your name at the top of your CV and include your location and contact details.

It is not necessary to include your full address. Simply list the town/city you live in and your country of residence.

Ensure to include your email address, phone number and a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one.

Personal Statement/Professional Profile

After listing your name, location and contact details, it’s time to prepare your CV’s personal statement.

Personal statements, which are also referred to as professional profiles and CV summaries, are short, concise introductions at the beginning of your CV.

The goal of your CV’s personal statement is to provide an outline of you as a candidate and convey your skills and experiences to recruiters.

As a high school student and school leaver, your CV’s personal statement should ideally be focused on the skills you’ve obtained during your time at school, your work experiences (including voluntary work and non-paid work) and your ambitions.

Here is an example of a high school student’s CV personal statement:

Dependable, enthusiastic high school student with a strong work ethic and a track record of meeting challenging deadlines. Strong communicator, who is comfortable engaging with people from all backgrounds and delivering presentations to audiences.

Adept at effectively managing heavy workloads, with experience juggling heavy academic schedules with revision and extra-curricular activities. Passionate about professional development and is always eager to undertake training to obtain new skills.

If you have little or no work experience, which is the case for many high school students, consider opting for a skills-based CV.

Skills-based CVs enable students to make their skills and experiences gained at school the central focus of their CV. This style of CV is often much more effective for students as they simply don’t have enough work experience to sell themselves using the traditional CV format.

Take a look at the skills-based high school student CV template earlier in this guide. Note how, although the student has no work experience, the CV illustrates how she can add value to employers.

Of course, you don’t have to use a skills-based CV.

If you would prefer to opt for a traditional, reverse-chronological CV – like the other student CV templates in this guide – simply include a concise key skills section that highlights 9 or 10 of your strongest skills.

Which Skills are Most Important for High School Students?

When employers recruit students and entry-level employees, there are a number of key skills that many tend to prioritise.

Here, we list the 5 most sought-after skills for high school students and explain how to demonstrate them on your CV.

1. Time Management

Time management is one of the most in-demand skills for students and those looking to land their first job.

Employees with good time management are able to prioritise tasks, effectively manage schedules and meet targets. Those who don’t manage their time well may fail to meet targets and spend time procrastinating.

How do you show your time management skills on your student CV?

If you’re using a skills-based CV, use the skills section to provide concrete examples of times you have effectively managed your time. For example, while studying at school, did you create a revision schedule to help you allocate your time to all subjects equally?

If you’re not using a skills-based CV, use the work experience section to provide similar examples of your time management in the workplace.

By providing real examples such as this one, you’ll show recruiters that you’re adept at managing your time to achieve positive results.

2. Problem Solving

Recruiters are always on the look out for candidates with strong problem solving skills.

Problem solving is one of the most sought-after skills because it is pertinent to almost all jobs and tasks. Employees with good problem solving skills can think on their feet and react positively when things go wrong.

Sound problem solving skills also indicate that you possess a range of other key skills, such as creativity, analytical acumen and lateral thinking.

How do you show your problem solving skills on your student CV?

The best way to demonstrate your problem solving skills is to provide examples of your achievements that resulted from your problem solving skills.

If you have no work experience, think about problems you solved at school? For example, this may include solving problems with projects you worked on.

Highlight such achievements in your CV’s skills section, education section or work experience section.

3. Communication

Communication is an important skill for high school students and school leavers as it enables them to work effectively with colleagues. Employees with good communication skills can also follow instructions correctly and ask the right questions.

Good communication underpins many other valuable skills, such as leadership and relationship building, so it’s important to draw attention to your communication skills on your student CV (if you have good communication skills, of course).

How do you show your communication skills on your student CV?

During your time in school, you have likely participated in projects, events or activities that required you to communicate effectively. These are the types of activities that you should showcase on your CV to highlight your communication acumen.

For example, this may include delivering presentations as part of your coursework or taking part in drama performances.

Use your CV’s skills and education section to describe times you’ve demonstrated sound communication skills.

4. Enthusiasm

Employers want to recruit people who are enthusiastic about their work.

Enthusiasm is transmissible in the workplace and it helps to build positive environments in which employees flourish. Those who are enthusiastic about their job are also more likely to be open to learning new skills and taking on additional tasks.

How do you show your enthusiasm on your student CV?

While the cover letter is the best place to describe your enthusiasm for the job you’re applying for, you can demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and performing to high standards on your CV.

Highlight your commitment to learning and professional growth in your CV’s personal statement. Additionally, if you’ve obtained any work experience, show how your enthusiasm for your work helped you achieve results.

5. Organisation

When you leave school and start your first job, you’ll need to be well-organised in order to manage your workload. Good organisation helps employees meet deadlines, save time and complete tasks to higher standards.

How do you show your organisation skills on your student CV?

You don’t need to have work experience to demonstrate your organisation skills. School work and extra-curricular activities also require a high degree of organisation, so show how you utilised your organisation skills to excel in these areas.

For example, have you used specific software to help you manage your revision schedule? Or have you organised activities for a local sports club?

By drawing attention to these types of experiences, you’ll show recruiters that you can be a highly organised team member when you start your first job.

In this section, list your education details. As a high school student, this will most likely be your A Levels or your GCSEs.

If you are progressing towards your GCSEs or A Levels but haven’t yet sat your exams, include your predicated grades.

Consider using your CV’s education section to highlight key projects and activities that you’ve taken part in. For those with little or no work experience, this can help to illustrate your skills.

For example, if you’ve captained the school’s football team, you may want to highlight this to demonstrate your leadership skills.

Additionally, if you’ve studies subjects that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, include a list of topics/modules that you’ve undertaken. For example, if you’re applying for a job related to IT, include a list of the topics you’ve covered during your IT studies.

How should you format your education on your student CV?

Start by writing the name of the qualification, such as GCSE, followed by your grades, the name of the high school and the dates of study. Then, if relevant, list any modules and key projects/activities you’ve been involved in.

Here is an example of a high school student CV’s education section:

Work Experience

As a high school student, you may not have much, or any, work experience. If you do, include your work experience in this section.

View StudentJob's useful article on how to gain work experience as a student .

Use the reverse-chronological format, starting with your current or most recent position and progressing backwards.

List your job title, the company name, the location of employment and the dates of employment. Then use bullet points to describe your duties and achievements.

If you don’t have any work experience, feel free to skip this section. However, you may want to consider including activities and non-paid work you’ve carried out if it’s relevant.

For example, if you’re applying for jobs in IT and you’ve spent some time helping friends with IT projects, drawing attention to this would illustrate your relevant skills. However, you should state that this was not paid work.

Should You Include Your School Work Experience Placements on Your CV?

While your high school work experience placements may have only lasted one week, they can add a great deal of value to your CV, especially if you have no other work experience.

For many high school students, their only hands-on experience is there work experience placements. For others, it may be their only hands-on experience in the field they want to commence a career in.

So, it’s often highly beneficial to include work experience placements on your CV.

If possible, focus on the skills you developed during your work placement, as well as your accomplishments and duties.

Voluntary Work Experience

Have you undertaken any voluntary work? If so, include it in this section. Including voluntary work on your CV is a great way of bolstering it and impressing recruiters.

Format your voluntary experience in the same way you formatted your work experience. List your voluntary roles in reverse-chronological order, and use bullet points to highlight your duties and accomplishments.

Honours and Awards

Have you achieved awards or honours during your time in school? If so, list them in this section.

Including honours and awards is a great way of highlighting valuable skills and showing recruiters that you can add value.

How should you format honours and awards on your CV?

Include the name of the honour or award, followed by the name of the institution and the date you were presented with the honour/award.

Here is an example:

Young Leader Award, Example High School (2020)

If you only have a small number of honours and awards, you may not want to dedicate an entire section to them. If this is the case for you, simply list your honours and awards in your CV’s education section.

Additional Information

Finally, include any additional information in the final section of your CV.

This may include hobbies, interests, IT skills, language proficiency and licences.

High School CV Example

Further Tips for High School Student CVs

How long should high school student’s cvs be.

The optimal length for student CVs is between one and two pages.

If you have little or no work experience, one page will probably provide you with enough space to include all relevant sections. If you have a significant amount of work experience or voluntary experience, you may find that you need two pages.

One-page CVs are often more effective than longer CVs as they make for a better reading experience and the key information is easy to locate.

Check out our ultimate guide on how long a CV should be .

Fonts and Font Sizes

Which font and font size should you use when writing your high school student CV?

Select one of the modest, commonly used fonts, such as Calibri, Arial or Times New Roman. Steer clear of creative fonts; they look unprofessional and they’re often difficult to read when skim reading.

The best font size varies depending on the font you’re using and the amount of space you have to fill, but aim for a font size of between 10 pt. and 11.5 pt.

Should You Include a Photo on High School Student CVs?

CVs for job applications in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand usually should not have a photo.

However, CVs for jobs in continental Europe, including Spain and Germany, usually should have a photo.

For more information on this topic, check out our ultimate guide on whether you need to include a photo on your CV .

How Do You Optimise High School Student CVs for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?

A significant number of recruiters and HR departments use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). ATS is a type of recruitment screening software that filters and ranks applicants’ CVs based on their suitability for the role. ATS determines candidates’ suitability based on specific keywords.

These keywords include essential skills and qualifications. A great way to discover the essential skills for jobs is to study the job description for the role you’re pursuing. This will give you an idea of the essential criteria for the job and the necessary keywords to include on your CV.

Formatting and layout also play a role in ATS compatibility. The high school student CV templates in this guide are optimised for ATS, so feel free to grab yours now.

Interested in learning how to write a graduate CV? Take a look at our three graduate CV templates and CV writing guide .

Or if you feel you could benefit from more comprehensive CV writing help, check out our ultimate guide on how to write a CV .

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School Leaver CV: How To Write A School Leaver CV

Writing a school leaver CV can feel tough at times – after all, you’ve just been through school, so how are you meant to write almost a page about your work history?

Well the good news is that you don’t have to, although any work experience you do happen to have is, of course, a bonus.

On a school leaver CV, you can focus more on your educational achievements, skills, ambitions, and even your hobbies.

You could also try to find a local volunteering role, perhaps at a nearby charity shop, to show some proactivity on your school leaver CV. 

In fact, 82% of people with responsibility for hiring say they’re more likely to choose a candidate with volunteering experience, according to Deloitte.

Here’s how to write a school leaver CV without worrying about whether you have enough experience yet.

School leaver CV format

Don’t worry if you haven’t any paid employment experience to write about – usually, a CV for a school leaver doesn’t have anything to include here.

Once you’ve taken your first step on the career ladder, you can start thinking of using a CV with a chronological employment history format. 

For now, a functional or skills-based CV template is much more likely to meet your needs.

This format emphasises your skills and achievements from your educational, personal or professional life, while de-emphasising the focus on work history.

Contact details and personal statement

At the top of your school leaver CV, put your contact information including your name, phone number and email address.

You might have your own website or online portfolio of articles or photographs – if it’s relevant to the job you want, you can add the link here too.

Next, write a short personal statement . This should be tailored to the role you’re applying for and summarise your most relevant achievements, strengths and career ambitions.

For a school leaver CV, just three to four sentences should be long enough – quality over quantity – but try to support your claims with examples if possible.

Often, it’s easier to only write this part once the rest of your CV is complete. 

Skills and education sections

Your skills section can consist of:

• Hard skills: these are quantifiable and specific e.g. qualifications or achievements, completed courses or foreign language experience
• Soft skills: these are more personal, relating to individual characteristics or qualities e.g. problem solving or leadership

For soft skills in particular, try to back these up with an example.

In your education section, include your number and level of subject grades (or expected grades), as well as any other academic achievements from GCSE level onwards.

If you have A-Levels (or equivalent), start with these and then go in reverse chronological order back to your GCSEs. 

Depending on which part looks stronger, you can choose whether to put your skills or education section first on a CV for a school leaver.

Work experience and volunteering sections (optional)

Either, or both, of these can be omitted if you don’t have any work or volunteering experience to write about.

If you do, cover these in reverse chronological order, including details such as the company or charity name, your role and the dates you worked or volunteered there.

Then list any relevant responsibilities, ideally tailored to the job description. For example, if you’re applying for a receptionist role, mention any customer service experience you have.

You could also sign off by writing ‘references available on request’ at the end of your school leaver CV, something which you won’t need to do in future years. Read our blog for more information about putting references on your CV .

In general, seeking out volunteering opportunities is a great way to demonstrate your proactivity and lengthen your school leaver CV if you haven’t had any work experience yet. 

Hobbies and interests

Later in your career, this final part will be brief. However, on a school leaver CV, it’s a nice chance to show employers how the things you do in your spare time make you a good fit for the role.

As before, try to only include hobbies and interests that are relevant.

For example, music grades could help show that you’re used to practising a skill and then performing it under pressure.

Group sports could also allude to good communication or teamwork skills – but leave out any pastimes which have no relevance to working, like ‘seeing my friends’.

You could also sign off by writing ‘references available on request’ at the end of your school leaver CV, something which you won’t need to do in future years . 

If your application is successful and you’re asked for a reference, but don’t have any work or volunteering experience, then one of your teachers could be a good option for a referee.

Final thoughts: how to write a school leaver CV

That’s how to write a CV for a school leaver – focus on your skills and education to date. 

Don’t worry if you have to leave out the work experience section, but think about how you could impress employers by being proactive, perhaps by volunteering or taking a course.

To stand out from the crowd, you could consider writing a cover letter – even if you’re not asked for one – to show employers just how ambitious you are.

For more information about work and internship opportunities after leaving school, there are lots of resources out there – start by visiting the relevant National Careers Service pages .

If you have any questions for us about writing a school leaver CV – or if you’d like us to write your CV – then please don’t hesitate to get in touch .

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14 CV Personal Profile Examples & How to Write

​​A good CV personal profile highlights your best attributes and encourages the employer to read your full CV. Keep reading for 14 examples of job-winning personal profiles, a CV profile writing guide , and a template you can copy.

As featured in: *

Your CV personal profile (also called a CV opening statement or personal statement ) is a brief paragraph or bulleted list that sits at the top of your CV structure and highlights your key skills, years of experience, and job-relevant achievements:

Use This CV Design

Interested in seeing some on-screen examples of what a great CV personal profile looks like? Watch this video for a quick explainer:

CV Personal Profile Template (Copy & Paste)

Dedicated [job title] with [number] of years of experience working in the [name of industry] industry. Specialise in [top skill] and [top skill]. Possess a [name of degree or relevant education] from [name of institution]. Looking to leverage my knowledge and skills to aid [Company’s name] in its [Company’s mission] goals.

To help you create your own standout CV profile, we’ve provided 14 CV personal profile examples from a variety of candidates below along with tips on how to write a CV profile .

1. CV personal profile with no work experience

Writing a CV with no work experience ? This is a good example of what it could look like:

Why this CV profile stands out :

• Shows the employer the applicant is genuinely interested in the type of work they would be doing if hired (‘passion for food service’)
• Highlights relevant voluntary and personal work that’s related to the target job
• States the name of the company and job title to tailor the CV to the specific employer

2. CV opening statement with work experience

When you have relevant work experience, this is how to write your CV introduction:

Innovative Video Designer with 6+ years of experience creating marketing videos for local and national brands. Integral part of multimedia campaigns for Tesco and Weetabix that were viewed by 100 million+ people and generated £65 million+ in revenue. Excited to apply my branding experience to the Lead Video Designer role at FabriCo to help increase the low market share your company currently has.

What this CV personal profile gets right :

• Lets the employer see right away that the applicant knows how to do the job they’re applying for
• Uses hard numbers (‘100 million+ people’, ‘£65 million+ in revenue’) to show the scale of the projects the applicant has worked on
• Specifies how they plan to assist with solving an issue for the company

3. Student CV profile

Here’s how to create a job-winning CV opening statement when you write a student CV :

Why this CV opening statement makes a good impression :

• Highlights job-relevant skills using keywords from the job advert (‘market research’, ‘collaborating’)
• Details a specific university project the applicant completed that shows how they can make a valuable contribution to the employer
• Focuses on how the applicant can benefit the company

4. Graduate CV personal profile

If you’re writing a CV as a recent graduate , this is a good example to follow:

Recent Software Engineering graduate armed with a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience in coding, problem solving, and software development gained through internships for Revolut and Deliveroo. With an obsession for clean code and a commitment to excellence, I’m ready to help CyberTec achieve its objectives as your next Software Engineer.

Why this is a good CV profile :

• Showcases internship experience that’s relevant to the job the applicant is seeking
• Name drops well-known companies that the applicant has been associated with within the employer’s industry
• Uses keywords and phrases from the job post to get the reader’s attention

5. Engineering CV profile

Even if you’re looking for your first job, you can still write a great CV personal profile. Take a look at this recently graduated engineer’s CV personal profile:

Why this personal profile works :

• Tailors language to highlight core soft skills (for instance, ‘attentive civil engineer’ suggests they are highly detail-oriented)
• Includes full degree title and expected graduation date — which employers will be scanning for if hiring for a graduate position
• Sets clear career goals that align with company values

6. Retail CV profile statement

This personal profile statement from a retail worker’s CV highlights the applicant’s customer service expertise:

Friendly and customer-focused Sales Assistant with 2+ years of retail experience. Recognised by my supervisors for providing accurate product knowledge to new and repeat customers and exceeding monthly sales targets. Seeking a responsible sales position at House of Fraser to help maximise sales and enhance shopping experiences for customers.

What’s great about this personal profile :

• Targeted adjectives (‘friendly’, ‘customer focused’) highlight desirable traits for a customer serving role
• Demonstrates understanding of customer service by naming two relevant achievements (‘providing accurate product knowledge’, ‘exceeding monthly sales targets’)
• Tailors personal profile to the job by including the company name

7. Teacher CV personal profile

If you’re writing a CV for a teaching job , try emphasising your ability to connect with students, like so:

What this CV profile does well :

• Includes hard numbers to emphasise extensive teaching experience
• Highlights valuable job-specific skills (familiarity with the National Curriculum and GCSE exam preparation)
• Demonstrates appropriate traits for a secondary school teacher by using student-centred language (‘creating engaging lessons’, ‘preparing students with helpful feedback and assistance’)

8. Customer service CV professional profile

Here’s a customer service CV personal profile that showcases the applicant’s people skills and foreign language skills :

Customer Service Representative with 5 years of experience serving clients of all ages and backgrounds. Sustained a 100% customer satisfaction rating from 2021–2023. Fluent in English, French, and Italian. Experienced with using Microsoft Office Suite. Ready to establish positive client relationships and provide excellent communications for all queries and requests at Trescal Limited.

Why this profile will convince a customer service employer :

• Uses one sentence to emphasise a noteworthy relevant skill (fluency in four languages)
• Includes a percentage to emphasise an impressive achievement
• Outlines two benefits that the applicant will bring to the company

9. Accounting CV profile

Below is an example of an applicant’s profile statement for their accountant CV :

What stands out about this CV opening statement :

• Includes CIMA qualification to confirm the applicant is fully certified to work as an accountant
• Uses numbers to illustrate experience working with large clients
• Highlights valuable technical skills (proficiency in Sage Line 200 and Navision)

10. School leaver CV personal profile

This candidate’s school leaver CV personal profile statement highlights their academic accomplishments:

Diligent and enthusiastic individual from Perse Comprehensive School with 9 GCSEs A*–C, including Maths, English, and ICT. Received the Duke of Edinburgh Award in 2022 for my academic achievement and volunteering efforts with Habitat for Humanity. An active member of the Perse football team, chess club, and chamber music choir. Excited to develop professionally and aid your company as a full-time Office Assistant at Loblaws Ltd.

What makes this school leaver personal profile effective :

• Successfully compensates for lack of work experience by focusing on education and volunteering experience
• Advertises strong work ethic by including relevant personal qualities (diligence and enthusiasm)
• Includes relevant personal interests to present themselves as a well-rounded candidate

11. Marketing CV professional profile

Look at how this candidate started their CV for a digital marketing agency and how they presented one of their previous roles:

Why this is an engaging personal profile :

• Specifies the candidate’s areas of expertise
• Includes hard numbers to emphasise success at core digital marketing tasks
• Presents a clear career goal and aligns it with employers’ interests

12. Graphic designer CV profile

Here’s an example of what to include in a CV for a graphic design role:

Innovative Graphic Designer with 8+ years of experience. Equipped with an MA from the University of Bristol and a UX Design Institute certificate. Possess an intuitive eye for art as well as a strong knowledge of design thinking, UI/UX principles, colour theory, and information architecture. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Affinity, Figma, Sketch, and Zeplin.

Why this is an eye-catching personal profile for a graphic designer :

• Includes two noteworthy design qualifications
• Uses appropriate language to highlight creativity and analytical skills (‘intuitive eye for art’, ‘strong knowledge of design thinking’)
• Highlights knowledge of relevant software tools

13. Architecture CV personal profile

Here’s a candidate’s architecture CV that describes their previous freelance duties and full-time roles:

This personal profile lays the foundations for job-hunting success because it :

• mentions experience in a variety of industry roles
• includes an essential qualification (Architecture and Design BA)
• hints at the excellent quality of the applicant’s work — a great approach to take if you’re planning to submit a portfolio with your CV

14. Project manager CV professional profile

This personal profile from a CV for a project manager makes an impact on recruiters by listing the applicant’s previous workplaces:

Communicative Project Manager with 12½ years of experience in fast-paced tech environments. Previously worked at Google, Facebook, and Discord. Specialise in resource and budget management. Recognised by team members for bringing forth actionable results, clear communication, and meeting key project deliverables by every deadline. Applying for the role of Senior Project Manager at Twitter.

What makes this an impressive CV personal statement?

• The applicant has several years of specific industry experience
• They’ve worked at several high-profile companies
• The writer highlights employer satisfaction in previous roles, inviting the hiring employer to ask for references or discuss the applicant’s strengths in a job interview

How to write a CV profile

Unsure how to begin writing your CV personal profile? Don’t fret. Use these five tips to create an original CV profile statement:

1. Begin with your years of experience and top skills

Employers want to know if you’d be a good fit for their team. So start with essential information about your previous experience, including your:

• years of relevant experience
• educational background and certifications
• duties that relate back to the role you’re applying for

Adding examples of your previous work duties or relevant education in your CV personal profile makes your opening statement more persuasive. Examples help inform employers you’ve got the qualifications they’re looking for and helps them decide whether they should keep reading your CV.

Additionally, mentioning any relevant hard skills (like using Adobe Photoshop) and soft skills (such as time management ability) gives employers a better understanding of your capabilities and personality.

2. Impress employers with an achievement

Because employers need to decide between several applications for each job opening, your CV personal profile needs to stand out. So include a noteworthy accomplishment such as:

• identifying, optimising, or solving a problem
• increasing revenue or sales for the company
• introducing an innovative idea
• working on a special project

Use hard numbers to highlight your CV achievements . Numbers like percentages, time worked, and money saved gives employers a more detailed understanding of what you can do, making your CV more impressive.

3. Tailor your CV profile to each job you’re applying for

Employers don’t like receiving applications with generic CVs. If your CV isn’t specific to their company’s needs, you’ll appear just marginally interested in the role.

So optimise your CV personal profile by reading each job description carefully — then you’ll know what specific keywords a company is using and can include them on your CV profile and the rest of your CV.

Also, include the job title and company name in your profile. Doing so is a simple yet effective way to tailor your CV to your target job.

4. Keep your CV personal profile between 50 and 80 words

Employers don’t have time to read waffly CVs that are long or unclear. So keep your opening statement at 50–80 words (or three to five sentences).

Remember to include only essential information about your skills and experience that relates directly to the position so your CV profile is brief and easy to read.

If everything you want to say doesn’t fit in your CV profile, make a cover letter that gives more details to employers.

5. Avoid using clichés

Certain words, phrases, and jargon such as ‘team player’, ‘hard-working’, or ‘think outside the box’ are vague and clichéd.

Instead, use good CV buzzwords , such as keywords from the job advert and unique adjectives that describe who you are. And add specific details that accurately demonstrate your work ethic and skills.

Here’s an example of a CV profile with clichés in red , and one written using clear, descriptive language in green .

CV profile example using clichés

Hard-working Digital Marketing Manager and thought leader with 5+ years of experience thinking outside the box and working in agile environments . Dedicated to going the extra mile with technical SEO efforts and pushing all content forward to the fullest .

CV profile example using clear, descriptive language

Analytical and creative Digital Marketing Manager with 5+ years of experience working with remote and in-house teams to enhance SEO efforts, Google Ad campaigns, and customer traffic. Specialise in technical and on page SEO. Dedicated to researching the latest marketing trends and sharing detailed insights with my colleagues in a friendly and accessible manner .

Frequently asked questions about CV profiles

Still unsure how to write your CV personal profile? Here are answers to three common questions about creating an effective personal profile for your CV:

• What’s the difference between a personal profile and a personal statement?
• Does my CV need a personal profile?
• Can I use the same personal profile for multiple applications?

1. What’s the difference between a personal profile and a personal statement?

A personal statement and a personal profile are the same thing. Both are brief summaries of your experience that highlight important qualities the employer should take note of when considering whether to hire you.

2. Does my CV need a personal profile?

Yes, your CV needs a well written personal profile.

CV profiles help you stand out from other applicants. Because they briefly summarise your experience, skills, and goals, they make your application memorable. The employer is also more likely to read the rest of your CV carefully if you’ve given them a few compelling reasons to consider your application at the top of the page.

3. Can I use the same personal profile for multiple applications?

Don’t use the same personal profile for multiple applications.

CV profiles tailor your application to one specific job by highlighting parts of your experience and education that are particularly relevant. If you use the same personal profile for different job applications, employers will be able to tell because parts of your statement won’t be relevant to the vacancy they’re trying to fill.

Worse still, sending an employer a generic personal profile suggests you haven’t put much thought or effort into your application.

More FAQs to help you with your job application

• How do I set out a CV?
• When & how should I put my address on CV?
• How do you write your degree classification on a CV?
• Should a CV be one page?
• How do I write a CV in English?
• How do I address a cover letter?

Aaron Case is a CPRW & Senior Staff Writer at CV Genius with 8+ years of experience in writing and career resource spaces. Job seekers around the world and in various stages of their vocational journeys have landed fulfilling work thanks to his thoughtful career advice, which has also been showcased in publications like Forbes, MSN, CareerAddict, Ladders, Best Colleges, Ivy Exec, Capitalism.com, and vidIQ. Aaron has a BS in English & Communications from Liberty University bolstered by a professional credential from UC Berkeley. He’s collected practical experience while following various career paths, and he enjoys sharing the resulting insights with everyone. You can contact him through his LinkedIn profile or on Twitter. Please note, we don’t accept guest posts, and all such requests will be ignored.

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Resume personal statement examples

If you want to secure job interview, you need a strong personal statement at the top of your resume.

Your resume personal statement is a short paragraph which sits at the very top of your resume – and it’s aim is to summarize the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to read your resume in full.

In this guide I have included 17 resume personal statement examples from a range of professions and experience levels, plus a detailed guide of how to write your own personal statement that will get you noticed by employers

Resume templates 

17 resume personal statement examples

To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look , and what should be included.

Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates – if you are experienced, check out our resume summary examples instead.

College graduate resume personal statement (no experience)

Although this college graduate has no paid work experience , they compensate for it by showcasing all of the skills and knowledge the have gained during their studies, and demonstrating how they apply their knowledge in academic and personal projects.

When you have little or no experience, it’s important to draw out transferable workplace skills from your studies and extracurricular work, to showcase them to employers.

College graduate resume personal statement (part time freelance experience)

This candidate has graduated college with a degree in biochemistry but actually wants to start a career in marketing after providing some digital freelance services to fund their studies.

In this case, they haven’t made much mention of their studies because they aren’t relevant to the marketing agencies they are applying to. Instead they have focused their personal statement around their freelance work and passion for the digital field – although they still mention the fact they are degree educated to prove their academic success.

High school leaver resume personal statement (no experience)

This candidate is 16 years old and has no work experience whatsoever, but they compensate for this by detailing their academic achievements that relate to the roles they are applying for (maths and literacy are important requirements in finance and accountancy roles).

They also add some info on their extracurricular activities and high school work-placements, to strengthen this student resume further.

Top tips for writing a resume personal statement

• Thoroughly research the jobs and companies you are planning to apply for to identify the type of candidate they are looking for – try to reflect that in your personal statement
• Don’t be afraid to brag a little – include some of your most impressive achievements from education, work or personal life
• Focus on describing the benefits an employer will get from hiring you. Will you help them to get more customers? Improve their workplace? Save them time and money?
• If you have no work experience, demonstrate transferable workplace skills from your education, projects, or even hobbies

High school leaver resume personal statement (part time experience)

Although this person has only just left high school, they have also undertaken some part-time work in a call center alongside their studies.

To make the most of this experience, they have combined their academic achievements with their workplace exposure in this personal statement.

By highlighting their future studies, summer programme involvement, work experience and expressing their ambitions to progress within sales, this candidate really makes an appealing case for hiring them.

College leaver resume personal statement (no experience)

This candidate has left college with good grades, but does not yet have any work experience.

To compensate for the lack of workplace exposure, they have made their honor results prominent and highlighted skills and experience which would benefit the employers they are targeting.

Any recruiter reading this summary can quickly understand that this candidate has great academic achievements, a passion for IT and finance and the ability to transfer their skills into an office environment.

College student resume personal statement (freelance experience)

As this student has picked up a small amount of freelance writing work during their studies, they have made sure to brag about it in their personal statement.

They give details on their relevant studies to show the skills they are learning, and boost this further by highlighting the fact that they have been applying these skills in a real-life work setting by providing freelance services.

They also include key action verbs that recruiters will be looking for , such as creative writing, working to deadlines, and producing copy.

Academic resume personal statement

Aside from junior candidates, the only other people who might use a personal statement, are academic professionals; as their resume’s tend to be more longer and detailed than other professions.

This candidate provides a high level overview of their field of study, length of experience, and the roles they have held within colleges.

High school leaver resume personal statement with sports experience

Although this person has no work experience, they are still able to show employers the value of hiring them by selling their other achievements and explaining how they could benefit an organization.

They expand on their sports club involvement to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership skills, communication and motivation, which are all important traits in the workplace, and will be looked upon favourably by recruiters and hiring managers.

They also draw upon their future plans to study business studies at college and take a part time job, to further prove their ambition and dedication.

History graduate resume personal statement

This history graduate proves their aptitude for both academic achievement and workplace aptitude by showcasing valuable skills from their degree and voluntary work.

They do this by breaking down the key requirements for each and showing how their skills could be beneficial for future employers, such as listening, communication, and crisis management.

They also describe how their ability to balance studies alongside voluntary work has not only boosted their knowledge and skills, but also given excellent time management and organizational skills – which are vital assets to any employer.

Law graduate resume personal statement

This legal graduate makes the most from their college work placements by using it to bulk out the contents of their resume personal statement.

They include their degree to show they have the necessary qualifications for legal roles, which is crucial, but more importantly, they showcase how they applied their legal skills within a real-life work setting.

They give a brief overview of the types of legal professionals they have been working alongside and the type of work they have been carrying out – this is all it takes to get the attention of recruiters and show employers they have what it takes to fulfil roles in the legal sector.

Medical student resume personal statement

This medical student proves their fit for the role by showcasing the key skills they have gained from their studies and their work experience placements.

In just these few sentences, they are able to highlight the vast amount of experience they have across different disciplines in the industry, something which is particularly important in the medical sector.

As they have not graduated yet and are still studying, they have provided proof of their most recent grades. This can give the recruiter some indication as to the type of grade they could be graduating with in the near future.

Masters student resume personal statement

This masters student has started by specifying their area of study, in this case, accounting, and given details about the specific areas of finance they are most interested in. This can hint towards their career goals and passions.

They have then carefully listed some of the key areas of accounting and finance that they are proficient in. For example, business finance, advanced corporate finance and statistics.

They have also outlined some of the transferable skills needed for accounting roles that employers will be looking out for, such as communication, attention to detail and analytical skills.

Finance student resume personal statement

As this finance student has recently undertaken some relevant work experience, they’ve made sure to shout about this in their personal summary.

But more than this, they have included a list of some of the important finance skills they gained as a result of this work experience – for example, financial reporting, processing invoices and month-end reconciliations.

Plus, through power words and phrases such as ‘prevent loss’ and ‘improve upon accuracy and efficiency’, they have also showcased how they can apply these skills in a workplace setting to benefit the potential employer.

Internship resume personal statement

This digital marketing professional has started their personal summary by outlining their most relevant qualifications and work experience, most notably their freelance role as a content manager.

They have also provided examples of some of the key marketing skills that potential employers might be looking for, including very detailed examples of the platforms and tools they are proficient in – for example, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.

They have then closed their statement by giving a detailed description of the type of role or opportunity they are looking for. In this case, an in-house position in a marketing company.

College graduate career changer personal statement

Switching careers as a college graduate can be tough. Especially when it comes to writing a personal statement that will attract employers in your new chosen field.

This candidate is looking to move from history teaching into journalism, so they have created a statement which briefly mentions their current workplace, but mainly focuses on highlighting transferable skills which are relevant to journalism. They achieve this by discussing the writing skills they use in their current role, and mentioning their hobby of writing – including some publications they have been featured in for extra brownie points.

Business management graduate personal statement

This business management proves their ability to work within a junior business management position by swiftly highlighting their impressive degree (to ensure it is not missed) and summarizing some of the real-life experience they have gained in management during their college placements and volunteering. They do not let their lack of paid work experience, stop them demonstrating their valuable skills.

PhD graduate

PhD graduate roles attract a lot of competition, so it’s important that your resume contains a personal statement that will quickly impress and attract recruiters.

This candidate provides a short-but-comprehensive overview of their academic achievements, whilst demonstrating their exceptional level of knowledge in research, languages and publication writing.

By highlighting a number of skills and abilities that are in high-demand in the academic workplace, this resume is very likely to get noticed and land interviews.

How to write a personal statement for your resume

Now that you’ve seen what a personal statement should look like and the type of content it should contain, follow this detailed guide to one for your own resume – and start racking those interviews up.

Guide contents

What is a resume personal statement?

Resume personal statement or resume summary, personal statement format, what to include in a resume personal statement.

• Personal statement mistakes

How to write persuasively

A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your resume which gives employers an overview of your education, skills and experience

It’s purpose is to capture the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers when your resume is first opened – encouraging them to read the rest of it.

You achieve this by writing a tailored summary of yourself that explains your suitability for the roles you are applying for at a very high level, and matches your target job descriptions .

One question candidates often ask me is , “what is the difference between a personal statement and a resume summary?”

To be honest, they are almost the same – they are both introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of your resume… but there are 2 main differences:

A personal statement tends to be used more by junior candidates (college graduates, high school leavers etc.) and is relatively long and detailed.

A resume summary tends to be favoured by more experienced candidates , and is shorter in length than a personal statement.

Note: If you are an experienced candidate, you may want to switch over to my resume writing guide , or example resume summaries page.

To ensure you grab recruiters’ attention with your personal statement, lay it out in the following way.

Positioning

You need to ensure that your personal statement sits at the very top of your resume, and all of it should be totally visible to readers, without the need to scroll down the page.

Do this by reducing the top page margin and minimizing the space taken up by your contact details.

This will ensure that your whole personal statement can be seen, as soon as your resume is opened.

We have a resume template which can help you to get this right.

Size/length

Your personal statement needs to contain enough detail to provide an introduction to your skills and knowledge, but not so much detail that it bores readers.

To strike the right balance, anything between 8-15 lines of text is perfect – and sentences should be sharp and to-the-point.

As with the whole of your resume , your personal statement should be written in a simple clean font at around size 10-12 to ensure that it can be read easily by all recruiters and employers.

Keep the text color simple, ensuring that it contrasts the background (black on white is best) and break it into 2 or even 3 paragraphs for a pleasant reading experience.

It should also be written in a punchy persuasive tone, to help you sell yourself and increase your chances of landing interviews , I cover how to do this in detail further down the guide.

Quick tip: A poorly written resume will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy Resume Builder to create a winning resume in minutes with professional resume templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Once you have the style and format of your personal statement perfected, you need to fill it with compelling content that tells recruiters that your resume is worth reading.

Here’s what needs to go into your personal statement…

Before you start writing your personal statement, it’s crucial that you research your target roles to find out exactly what your new potential employers are looking for in a candidate.

Run a search for your target jobs on one of the major job websites, look through plenty of adverts and make a list of the candidate requirements that frequently appear.

This research will show you exactly what to include in your personal statement in order to impress the recruiters who will be reading it.

Education and qualifications are an important aspect of your personal statement, especially if you are a junior candidate.

You should highlight your highest and most relevant qualifications, whether that is a degree or your GED. You could potentially go into some more detail around modules, papers etc. if they are relevant to the roles you are applying for.

It’s important that you discuss the experience you have gained in your personal statement, to give readers an idea of the work you are comfortable undertaking.

This can of course be direct employed work experience, but it doesn’t have to be.

You can also include:

• High school/college work placements
• Voluntary work
• Personal projects
• Hobbies/interests

As with all aspects of your resume , the content should be tailored to match the requirements of your target roles.

Whilst discussing your experience, you should touch upon skills used, industries worked in, types of companies worked for, and people you have worked with.

Where possible, try to show the impact your actions have made. E.g.  A customer service agent helps to make sales for their employer.

Any industry-specific knowledge you have that will be useful to your new potential employers should be made prominent within your personal statement.

For example

• Knowledge of financial regulations will be important for accountancy roles
• Knowledge of IT operating systems will be important for IT roles
• Knowledge of the national curriculum will be important for teachers

You should also include some information about the types of roles you are applying for, and why you are doing so. Try to show your interest and passion for the field you are hoping to enter, because employers want to hire people who have genuine motivation and drive in their work.

This is especially true if you don’t have much work experience, as you need something else to compensate for it.

Resume personal statement mistakes

The things that you omit from your personal statement can be just as important as the things you include.

Try to keep the following out of your personal statement..

Irrelevant info

Any information that doesn’t fall into the requirements of your target roles can be cut out of your personal statement. For example, if you were a professional athlete 6 years ago, that’s great – but it won’t be relevant if you’re applying to advertising internships, so leave it out.

Generic clichés

If you are describing yourself as a “ dynamic team player with high levels of motivation and enthusiasm” you aren’t doing yourself any favours.

These cliché terms are vastly overused and don’t provide readers with any factual details about you – so keep them to a minimum.

Stick to solid facts like education, skills , experience, achievements and knowledge.

If you really want to ensure that your personal statement makes a big impact, you need to write in a persuasive manner.

So, how do you so this?

Well, you need to brag a little – but not too much

It’s about selling yourself and appearing confident, without overstepping the mark and appearing arrogant.

For example, instead of writing.

“Marketing graduate with an interest in entering the digital field”

Be creative and excite the reader by livening the sentence up like this,

“Marketing graduate with highest exam results in class and a passion for embarking on a long and successful career within digital”

The second sentence is a much more interesting, makes the candidate appear more confident, throws in some achievements, and shows off a wider range of writing skills.

Quick tip: A poorly written resume will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy Resume Builder to create a winning resume in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Your own personal statement will be totally unique to yourself, but by using the above guidelines you will be able to create one which shows recruiters everything they need.

Remember to keep the length between 10-20 lines and only include the most relevant information for your target roles.

You can also check our college graduate resume example , our best resume templates , or our library of example resumes from all industries.

Good luck with the job hunt!

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Home » Personal Statement Examples » School Leaver Personal Statement Example

School Leaver Personal Statement Example

By Guest Author

   If you are leaving school soon and looking to begin work and are ready to start applying for jobs then once you have highlighted what kind of jobs you want to apply for then you need to start looking at what skills and experience you have to offer an employer.

Starting a career at such an early age allows employers to mould you into their company without already having any bad habits. It also means that you will be given the opportunity to learn as much as you can and take on board what you can depending on how much you want to put into your career.

Related: School Leaver Cover Letter

Before doing your personal statement within your application you will need to consider carefully what skills and attributes you have to offer and tailor this to what specific job you are looking to apply for. This could mean tailoring each statement if you are going to be applying for different things.

Below is an example personal statement that you can use as a guide:

I am a young, keen individual who is eager to begin a career in (what depending on the role you are applying for). I will be leaving school/I left school (when) and am interested in working in your industry/company.

I work hard, enjoy learning and like to do things that are hands on where I can feel the jobs getting done and see the success this brings. I have always had a passion for (career choice) and have done (what towards beginning this career choice).

I am very enthusiastic and have tailored my education round (what career choice to be interested in) and ready to begin learning whilst doing something that I enjoy. I want to be successful in my career and am prepared to put the hours and effort into my career to achieve this.

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School Leaver CV Examples & UK Templates

The prospect of writing a school leaver CV can feel daunting. Where do you begin with no experience, or at least very little?

There is no need to stress writing a school leaver CV without experience. With the correct formatting and strategy, you can still create a CV that grabs the hiring manager's attention and helps you get that all-important interview.

At Resume.io, we have helped job seekers from all walks of life find their dream job – with or without experience. We have a wide range of CV examples you can choose from in various professions. You can also use our CV builder to help you create the perfect CV. We will help you get those thoughts down onto paper while making a real impact.

In this school leaver CV guide, together with the CV example, we will cover these topics:

• How to write your school leaver CV – including tips and tricks for making it impactful
• The best format to use for your school leaver CV
• Advice on how to make the most of each section of your CV
• Layout and design hints and tips

How to write a school leaver CV

There are various sections that are a must-have for your school leaver CV. The insertion of these will ensure that you cover all the key points of your skills and experience:

• Employment History

Every hiring manager wants to feel that you have considered the role and the company, so you should aim to tailor your CV to suit the position you are applying for. As a school leaver, you are likely to be applying for a range of different roles in an array of industries, but even making minor tweaks will show that you are focused on the role you are applying for.

Do as much research as you can about the role, the company, and the hiring manager, and in this way, you will be able to get the tone right. Then, use our CV examples to inspire you to create your own.

Here is a tried and tested formula to use when writing your school leaver CV:

• Make sure the style and tone are adapted to suit the employer you are applying to.
• Ensure your school leaver's CV is professional and use a polished format to create the right impression.
• Consider that the employer may have an ATS (Applicant Tracking System), so use relevant keywords throughout your CV. You can find these on the job spec.

How much do school leavers earn?

The average salary for a school leaver in the UK is £16,622. The actual figure you can expect to earn will derive from factors like your qualifications, relevant experience, job location, and industry. You should always be paid at the national minimum wage , which is £7.49 from April 2023 for employees aged 18-20. Companies are legally obliged to pay this.

Choosing the best CV format for a school leaver

In most cases, the reverse chronological order, defined by the employment history section, is the favourable option. However, in the case of a school leaver, you may want to start with the education section since you are less likely to have experience.

You can make the education section more extensive than you would if you already had a lot of professional experience to fill your CV to at least one page in length. Although, two pages is ideal. Use our CV samples for additional guidance.

If you have any achievements from school that you are particularly proud of and feel would be relevant, you may want to consider creating an additional 'achievements' section. It will not only make your school leaver CV stand out a bit more, but it will also add to the length, making your CV more appealing.

CV summary example: your story so far

Your story is just beginning as a school leaver, but you still have a tale to tell. Beneath your name and contact details is where you will place your CV summary (otherwise known as profile), which is a short introduction to who you are and what has led you to apply for the role.

The summary section needs only two or three statements that show the expertise and skills you possess relevant to the role. You should avoid using 'I' when devising your statements. Instead, you should use action verbs, such as managed, demonstrated, or developed.

You may be looking for some inspiration when writing your summary so that you can take a look at our related CV samples such as our student CV sample and graduate CV example. You may also find useful information in our internship CV sample.

Enthusiastic individual with experience in delivering excellent customer service. Experienced in anticipating deadlines and coordinating complex schedules. Excellent computer skills and proficient in a range of data entry and calendar management software. 

CV education example

As discussed in the guide, the standard format for a CV is usually the employment section situated after the summary. However, it would make more sense to start with your education with a school leaver CV, as this will be the most important.

With experienced candidates, the detail of school qualifications is usually irrelevant. However, with a school leaver CV, you should note the number of GCSEs/Highers (or equivalent) that you possess, including the grades. You can also add an achievement section under this if you have achieved anything that would make you stand out, for instance, an award for highest attendance, the best project in Year 1, and the like.

Westminster City School, London  September 2016 - June 2023  

• Achieved 7 GCSEs (Art, History, Biology, Chemistry, English, French, Computing Studies)
• 3 A Levels (Computing Studies, Art and English)

Employment history sample: the next step

The employment history section can seem very tricky for a school leaver with little to no experience. Of course, you can't leave it blank, but how do you write about experience if you don't have any?

Any experience counts here so that you can use this section to detail unpaid work, volunteer work, or activities associated with clubs or sports. The focus should be to highlight transferable skills you have developed during these jobs or activities. For example, building relationships, providing excellent customer service, and developing communication skills.

You can use bullet points when describing the duties associated with these. Instead of using 'I' – for instance”'I babysat my neighbours children during school holidays”, you could say “responsible for attending to the needs of my neighbour’s children during evening hours”

Crew Member at McDonalds, London December 2021 - Present

• Communicating with customers to deliver their orders and ensure satisfaction.
• Collaborating with other crew members to follow safety guidelines.
• Monitoring cleanliness of restaurant and executing general cleaning tasks.
• Balancing till and recording data in company software.

Babysitting, London September 2021 - June 2022

• Responsible for taking care of multiple after school.
• Coordinating the children’s after school activities.
• Staying on top of children’s needs including cooking meals.

If you did not receive the qualifications to attend university, or you're not interested in going, you're not alone. Following the pandemic, a poll revealed that more than one fifth of school leavers planned to pursue a job rather than higher education.

School leaver CV skills example: leading the way

If you have little or no experience, you may want to focus on the soft skills you possess. Of course, it is better to have a mix of both hard skills and soft skills, but it will depend on whether you have been previously employed. Next, consider the skills you possess that might be relevant to the role. For instance, is the hiring manager looking for an excellent communicator? Do they need someone with great problem-solving skills? Use this section to hone your skills. Below you’ll find the skills from our CV sample.

• Coordination Skills
• Customer Service Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Team Player
• Excellent Phone Manner

CV layout and design: creating a great first impression

With your school leaver CV, you are hoping to get to the interview stage, which involves writing great content and a clear layout and design. Hiring managers are not looking for your CV to be anything outlandish; they should just be easy to read, with clear, defined sections.

There is no need to complicate the design of your school leaver CV; keep it simple. The hiring manager may only read the cover letter for a mere second, so they should be instantly attracted to the design and style. Use our CV examples for inspiration on the CV layout and design.

You should always play to your strengths when writing your school leaver CV, which includes structuring it to highlight the most critical areas of your skills and experience. These, of course, must be relevant to the role.

Writing a CV always comes with challenges, and it's important that you get it right. We have a range of tried and tested CV templates that you can use to help you create your work of art. In addition, some of the less enjoyable tasks can be taken off your shoulders using our CV templates.

Key takeaways for a school leaver CV

• Before you get started on your school leaver CV, create a draft of the sections you'll like to include and the order.
• A school leaver CV should focus on the education and skills section, as the experience section may be non-existent or minimal.
• Tailor your CV to the role you are applying to and the company; even minimal changes will help make it more appealing.
• Use a simple, straightforward CV design to attract the hiring manager's attention.
• Use our online CV maker to make your CV creation seem effortless.

Attractive CV templates at your fingertips

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• CV and Cover Letter
• How to write a school leaver...

How to write a school leaver CV (with template & example)

8 min read · Updated on August 15, 2024

Thinking about stepping into the world of work?

As a student or school leaver, you're probably wondering how to write an impressive CV that will help you onto the career ladder. Don't fret – even if you have no previous work experience, you can write a CV that showcases your skill set. Read on to find out how to write a school leaver CV, what to include and exclude, along with a template and example to use as inspiration.

What is a school leaver CV?

A school leaver CV is a document that provides a brief account of your education, qualifications, and employment or volunteer experience. Whether you've completed year 11 with GCSEs, or college with a BTEC, GNVQ, A Levels, or Highers and Advanced Highers, you need a CV.

As a current student or recent school leaver, you may have limited professional experience. However, qualifications, skills, and voluntary work can be used on your CV to demonstrate your competencies when applying for your first job, apprenticeship, or internship.

What to include in a school leaver CV

The format of a CV is flexible. After all, every person and their experiences are unique, so the document structure must be malleable. However, there are essential elements to include in your CV that prospective employers expect to see and that you can leverage as a school leaver. They include:

Contact information (or CV header )

Personal statement

Competencies and skills

Work and voluntary experience

Hobbies and interests

How to write each section of your school leaver CV

Ready to put pen to paper? To help increase your chances of success in securing your first job, follow these steps to create your school leaver CV:

1. Contact information

Every CV starts with your contact information, not the title “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae.” The information to include is your full name, location, phone number, and email address. If you have a link to your LinkedIn profile , a website or a professional online portfolio , you can add that too.

2. Personal statement

Next on your CV is a personal statement, which is also known as a professional summary or personal statement. Note that this is not the same as a personal statement written as part of a university application. 

Your personal profile is a short paragraph consisting of two or three sentences summarising who you are, your relevant qualifications or experience, and your job goals. For example, as a school leaver, you may write that you have recently completed school and are looking to take your first steps in a particular industry.

3. Competencies and skills

Following your personal statement is a section designed to highlight your most relevant competencies, skills, and achievements. 

Use bullet points to list between six and nine of your most impressive abilities and achievements that are relevant to the role you're applying for. They could be hard skills from particular classes, such as IT, or soft skills you have cultivated throughout your education.

Top tip: Tailoring this CV section to each position, as it's often the first thing a hiring manager reads. If your points align with the role requirements and the potential employer's needs, you'll create a powerful first impression.

4. Education

Since you're a school leaver, your education is very important and is likely to be a stronger representation of your skill set than your work experience. This is especially true if you're applying for your first job. As a result, it should be the next section on your CV. Here's a quick breakdown of how you can optimise this section: 

Use reverse chronological order: Detail your educational history from GCSE level onwards, working in reverse chronological order . For each institution, include the school name and bullet point the name of the qualifications you gained there, along with the grade. If you're awaiting results, you can add predicted grades and the expected date of completion. 

Prioritise your highest qualifications: If you're attending college, summarise your GCSEs in one line as your college-level qualification is more advanced and therefore a more accurate representation of your current competency level. However, we would recommend mentioning Maths and English GCSE grades as they're often a prerequisite for many jobs. For example, “9 GCSEs including grade 6 in English and Maths.” 

Add awards and memberships: If you've received academic awards, were a member of any clubs, or took part in extracurricular activities, you may choose to list them in this section too. Alternatively, you can list them in a dedicated awards section or your hobbies and interests section.

5. Work and volunteer experience

If you have some work or volunteer experience, no matter how brief, it could be a great addition to your CV. However, if you don't, you can skip this section.

Listing relevant work experience is very similar to your education section, whereby each experience is listed in reverse chronological order, detailing the company name, your job title, employment dates, a brief overview of your role to add context, and a bullet-point list of key achievements.

To ensure that your listed experience strikes a chord with the prospective employer, review the job description and identify key requirements and phrases that align with your own experience and be sure to reference them. 

6. Relevant hobbies and interests

Include this section especially if you're writing a CV for a school leaver with no experience. While a hobbies and interests section is optional when writing a CV for a school leaver, it can be used to leverage your candidacy and show off your personality.

Hobbies and interests that relate to key requirements listed in the job description and showcase your work ethic would be a good addition to your school-leaver CV. For example, playing football would suggest you possess motivation and teamwork abilities and can work under pressure.

If you're not sure whether you should add a hobby or interest, always ask yourself, “Will adding this help me to get the job?” If the answer is no, it's okay to leave it out.

How to format a school leaver CV

By this point, you should feel ready to write your CV. Here are a few formatting tips and tricks and general guidelines when writing a school leaver CV:

Headings: Use clear headings for each section of your CV to make the document easily digestible.

Font type: Contemporary, simple font types are better as they create a modern and clean read.

Font size: Keep body text between 10 and 12 point font and headings between 14 and 18.

Length: Your CV should be two pages maximum . As a school leaver, it could easily be one page.

Spacing: Standard 1.15 spacing is your best option on a CV.

Margins: 2.5cm margins are standard, but you can decrease them to 1.5cm if you want to fit your CV nearly onto one or two pages.

File type: The best CV file type is a Word document, as it will maintain formatting and an ATS will be able to read it accurately. 

Bonus: what not to include on a school leaver CV

There are a few details that you don't need to list on a school leaver CV. They include:

Referees: You don't  need to add the line “references available upon request” at the end of your CV, as asking for references is standard recruitment practice and employers know you will have them available.

Headshot: You do not need to add a photo of yourself to your CV. While commonplace in other countries, it is not a requirement in the UK due to anti-discrimination legislation.

Protected characteristics: You do not need to include sensitive information, such as age, race, religion or belief, marital status, sexual orientation, sex or gender reassignment, or disabilities as they are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 .

CV template for a school leaver or student

School leaver CV example

To help guide you, here's an example CV for a school leaver in the UK:

Ready to craft your CV?

Writing an interview-winning school leaver CV can be daunting, but it's definitely achievable. If you lack the professional experience, remember to lead with your hobbies and interests while weaving in the appropriate skills throughout your CV. Follow our step-by-step guide and use the provided template and example to guide you along the way.

To save you any doubts, submit your CV for a free review and our experts will tell you if you're on the right track to job search success.

This article was originally written by Laura Slingo and has been updated by Charlotte Grainger.

Recommended reading:

How to write a CV for a 16-year-old (with examples)

How to write a CV for a job with no experience

How to write a personal statement for a CV

Related Articles:

How to demonstrate teamwork skills on your CV (with examples)

What are hard skills? List and examples to include in your CV

Breaking the taboo: discussing salary expectations with your employer

See how your CV stacks up.

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School-leaver CV example

Cv example - stephen.

This CV highlights skills, strengths and personal qualities. It's a useful approach if you're applying for your first job after leaving school. This approach can also be useful when :

• Returning to employment after a break
• Your work history has gaps or you have made a lot of job changes

Stephen Jameson

11 Stone House Court, Porth, CF1 5SD Email: stevej @ examplemail .co.uk Telephone: 01995 387621 Mobile: 07800 0001111

Personal Profile

A trustworthy, empathetic and professional individual who is looking forward to starting work and learning new skills. An effective communicator who is patient, kind and caring. An adaptable, flexible individual who works well as part of a team but equally as confident lone working. Clear knowledge and understanding of the importance of GDPR and safeguarding regulations.

• Punctual and reliable
• Good at keeping notes and records
• Good IT skills
• Good at working as part of a team – I am a member of my local rugby team
• Excellent communication skills

Employment and Work Experience

Sales Assistant, Saturday job – Porth Town Sports Shop, June 2021 - present

• Displaying stock
• Dealing with customers
• Taking payments including debit and credit card payments

Hillhouse Care home, Porth , June 2021

I completed two weeks work experience in a care home for the elderly. I was interested because my grandmother lives with us and I help with her care sometimes. Tasks included:

• Helping at mealtimes
• Talking to and playing games with some residents
• Observing the work of the care assistants

Education/Qualifications

Newborough Comprehensive School, 2009 - 2014

• GCSEs: English Grade C, Welsh Grade C, History Grade D, Double Award Science Grade C/D, achieved 2022
• ASDAN Silver Award, achieved 2022

Hobbies/Interests

• Football – play for local football team
• Karate - achieved black belt

References available on request.

This CV highlights employment history and skills, starting with the most recent job.

This CV is useful when emphasising skills and achievements relevant to the job.

You use this CV format when applying for academic jobs within higher education or similar.

You use this CV when applying for teaching jobs.

You use this CV when applying for jobs in the legal sector.

This CV emphasises technical skills relevant to the job.

This CV would be useful when applying for a new job in a new career.

Make your CV the best it can be. Find out what to include in your CV, view example CVs, and download our Guide to CV writing.    

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Use this sample resume as a basis for your own resume if:

• Your highest level of study is Year 10 or earlier
• You don't have any formal (paid) work experience 

For sample resumes designed for other levels of education/work experience, check out  our Sample CVs page .

Download this sample resume

• Sample CV: Yr 10/Earlier + No Work Experience - Word  (103.74 KB)
• Sample CV: Yr 10/Earlier + No Work Experience - PDF  (99.57 KB)

If you have trouble with this sample resume, please contact us at  [email protected] .

Features of this resume

This sample resume has been designed to focus on: 

• General skills that help you work as part of a team
• Personal qualities that mean you're able to work in a professional environment
• Work experience or volunteer work that shows your strengths and qualities
• A written testimonial that shows you're capable of transitioning into the world of work

Other things you can put on your resume include: 

• Sport or community club participation (if relevant)
• Hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job or demonstrate your skills

How long should your resume be?

This sample resume is two pages long, but if you have no paid experience your resume might be only one page. Don't worry - a one-page resume is fine when you're just starting out in the world of work.

If your resume ends up three pages long, you're including too much information. Try shortening some sections or cutting some things out.

More information

For more about resumes and cover letters, check out these pages:

• Sample resumes
• Sample Cover Letters
• How to Write a Resume
• How to Write a Cover Letter

Sample Resume

Email:   [email protected] Mobile:  XXXX XXX XXX

Recent school leaver seeking to start a career in warehousing

Confident and articulate individual with commended ability to work with others to achieve set outcomes. Young yet mature school leaver with developed employability skills and personal attributes that support the transition from education to full-time employment. Leadership and communication skills developed and demonstrated through engagement in sports clubs and associations. Motivated individual keen to obtain employment in warehouse and operations environment. Key strengths include strong attention to detail and willingness to learn and develop professionally.

Key skills include: 

• Customer service 
• Problem solving 
• Task allocation 
• Supervision 
• Records management 
• Cash handling 
• Transaction processing 
• Stock control 

Technical Skills:  Microsoft Word ~ Microsoft Excel ~ Microsoft Outlook ~ General SAP use

Elwood Secondary College  Year 10 2013

Achievements:

• 2012:  Principal’s award for dedication demonstrated by sporting contributions and achievements.
• 2011:  Community recognition award for working as a buddy for newly enrolled Year 7 students.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Verbal Communication:  Recognised ability to communicate with a range of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Demonstrated by 3-year captaincy of Captain of Elwood AFL team.
• Commitment & Dedication:  Willing to provide long-term ongoing contribution and commitment to an organisation. Demonstrated by membership of local AFL team for over 5 years.
• Collaborative Team Member:  Ability to collaborate with team members. Demonstrated by group work assignments, professional work experience placements and captaincy of Elwood AFL team since 2010.
• Reliable:  Commended reliability as team member and supporter. Demonstrated by attending all Elwood AFL games since 2007.
• Honest:  Strong personal morals and ethics ensure complete honesty and transparency. Demonstrated by managing cash count at fundraisers and events in school community.

STUDENT WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS

Acme Transport and Warehouse Centre (2013) Warehouse Assistant (2-week Work Experience Placement)

Worked in fast-paced warehouse environment over a 2-week placement period. Worked full-time hours and assisted as a member of the receipt and despatch warehouse team.

Achievements and Contributions:

• Stock Control:  Developed skills and understanding of processes to ensure ability to manage large variety of product lines while meeting production targets. 
• Logistics Planning:  Calculated cubic metre requirements for despatch and assisted in identifying transport requirements to meet customer deliveries and urgent order requests. 
• Records Processing:  Developed understanding of con note processing and pallet control procedures. Assisted with end-of-month reconciliation of pallet accounts. 
• WH&S:  Developed understanding and appreciation for health, safety and environmental management policies in an organisation. 
• Team Collaboration:  Attended daily toolbox meetings reviewing daily production targets. Contributed to discussions on efficiency and process improvements as well as problem resolution.

Testimonial

"Adam worked with us during his school placement period of 2 weeks. Over this time he was a very enthusiastic learner and wanted to help across all aspects of the warehouse. His interpersonal skills saw him adapt really well into the work environment and the guys were more than happy to help him when he needed to understand something or wanted to learn. I see a strong future for Adam and wish him luck."

- Warren Jackson, Warehouse Manager, ACME Transport and Warehouse Centre.

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENTS

• 2013:  Elwood College Year 7 Buddy
• 2011:  Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Volunteer Collector
• 2010 - 2013:  Elwood AFL Captain - Under 18s  

PROFESSIONAL REFEREES

Tom Noah Coach Elwood AFL Under 18s Phone XXXX XXX XXX 

Judy Little Year 10 Coordinator Elwood Secondary College Phone: XX XXXX XXXX  

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