A CV for a Teenager

Why Teenagers Need a CV

Whether you have just finished your GCSEs or you are looking for weekend work while studying, there comes a point when you need some money of your own. Pocket money only goes so far, and earning your own wages brings a sense of independence that is hard to match.

The problem is that many employers, even for casual or part time roles, will ask for a CV. This applies to supermarkets, cafes, retail shops and local businesses of all kinds. Walking in and asking about vacancies is still a reasonable approach, but you will often be told to send or leave your CV.

A CV, short for curriculum vitae, is simply a summary of who you are, what you have done, and what you can offer. At 16 or 17, yours will naturally be shorter than an adult's. That is completely normal and expected. No employer reviewing a teenager's application expects two pages packed with professional achievements. What matters is presenting yourself clearly and showing that you are reliable, willing to learn, and ready to work.

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What to Include on a Teenage CV

Your CV should be one page long. This is plenty for someone just starting out. Focus on the following sections:

• Contact details: your name, phone number, email address and the town or area where you live. You do not need to include your full home address.
• A short personal statement: two or three sentences explaining who you are and what kind of work you are looking for. Keep this straightforward. For example, you might mention that you are a sixth form student seeking part time work and that you are keen to develop customer service skills.
• Education: list your school, the dates you attended, and your qualifications. If you have not yet received your GCSE results, you can write that results are pending and list the subjects you sat.
• Skills: think about what you can do. This might include communication, teamwork, time management, IT skills, or anything specific like a first aid certificate or a food hygiene qualification.
• Experience: this does not have to mean paid employment. Include any volunteering, work experience placements, helping at school events, babysitting, dog walking, or helping a family member with their business.
• Interests and hobbies: a brief mention of what you do outside of school can give employers a sense of your personality. Sports, music, coding, art or community involvement all count.
• References: you can write that references are available on request. If you have someone willing to vouch for you, such as a teacher, a family friend who runs a business, or someone you have volunteered for, ask their permission before listing their details.

Be honest throughout. Employers are generally good at spotting exaggeration, and starting a working relationship with honesty is always the better approach.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Making the Most of Limited Experience

The main challenge for teenage job seekers is a lack of formal work history. This is completely understandable, and employers know it. The key is to present what you do have in a clear and relevant way.

Think about transferable skills. If you have been part of a sports team, you have experience working with others towards a goal. If you helped organise a school event, you have shown responsibility and planning. Babysitting involves reliability and trust. Volunteering at a charity shop demonstrates customer interaction and punctuality.

Work experience placements arranged through school also count. Even if the placement was brief, it shows you have spent time in a working environment and have some idea of what is expected.

If you genuinely have very little to include, focus on your personal qualities and your willingness to learn. Employers hiring teenagers for entry level roles understand they are often training someone from scratch. A positive attitude and reliability can matter more than a long list of previous jobs.

Consider whether there are any short courses or qualifications you could complete to strengthen your CV. Some local councils and community organisations offer free courses in areas like food hygiene, customer service basics or first aid. These can be completed quickly and show initiative.

Practical Tips for Layout and Presentation

Keep your CV simple and easy to read. Use a clean font such as Arial, Calibri or Verdana in size 10 to 12. Avoid bright colours, unusual fonts or unnecessary graphics. The goal is clarity.

Use clear headings for each section so the reader can find information quickly. Leave some white space on the page rather than cramming everything together. A tidy, well spaced CV is easier to read than a cluttered one.

Check your spelling and grammar carefully. Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Ask a parent, teacher or older sibling to look it over. Small errors can create a poor first impression.

Use a sensible email address. If your current one is a nickname or joke, create a new one using your name. Something like firstname.lastname@email.com looks more professional.

Save your CV as a PDF before sending it. This keeps the formatting intact regardless of what device the employer uses to open it. Name the file clearly, for example: JohnSmith_CV.pdf.

When applying for jobs online or by email, write a brief covering message. A few lines explaining which role you are applying for and why you are interested will make your application feel more personal.

Finally, remember that your first CV is just a starting point. As you gain experience, take on new responsibilities or achieve qualifications, you can update it. Everyone's CV grows over time, and yours will too.

For information on working hours, minimum wage rates for your age group, and employment rights for young workers, check the official guidance on GOV.UK.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our CV Builder lets you build a professionally structured CV tailored to your target role. Enter your details and experience, and get a polished CV ready to send to employers. Try it now →