Looking for your first job, then writing your CV and cover letter for the first time, might seem like a task that you never feel prepared for. Well, it is no news that writing a CV to impress the recruiters when you have no experience is challenging. However, with iCover by your side, you can win their hearts and make sure your CV shows employers why you are the perfect fit for their organisation and the role.
This CV writing guide for beginners includes:
- Why a CV matters for students
- CV example for 16 year olds
- CV format and templates
- Tips to Make Your CV stand out
- A guide on How to Make a CV on Word or Canva
Therefore, let’s begin!
Why a Good CV Matters for 16 Year Olds?
A good CV matters for 16 year olds because it serves as a professional snapshot of their skills, education, and experiences, which helps employers quickly assess their suitability for a job. At this age, having a well-prepared CV demonstrates maturity, professionalism, and seriousness about applying for work, even if they have limited work experience. It gives young job seekers a competitive edge, helps structure their potential contributions clearly, and can be the key to unlocking employment opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.
How to Write a CV for a 16 Year Old?
Let’s learn how to write a CV at 16 with no experience from experts:
Contact Details
Include full name, mobile number, email address, and optionally a LinkedIn profile or relevant website.
Personal Statement
- Write a brief, captivating personal summary that introduces who you are, what you are currently doing (e.g., school level), key skills, and aspirations.
- Highlight any ambitions or goals that relate to the industry or role applied for.
Example: “Motivated and dedicated student with excellent interpersonal skills, eager to contribute and learn in a customer service role.”
Education Section
- List your current schooling, subjects studied, with expected or achieved grades (GCSEs or A-Levels).
- Mention the school name and expected graduation date if applicable.
Example: “9 GCSEs including English and Maths, expected June 2026, Tytherington Academy.”
Skills to Add to a Teenager CV
- Include both hard skills (e.g., computer skills, languages) and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, communication).
- Provide brief explanations or examples of how these skills were used or developed.
Example: “Leadership: Captain of school football team, managing team activities and strategy.”
Work or Voluntary Experience
- Include any part-time jobs, internships, volunteering, or relevant responsibilities.
- Use bullet points to list duties and achievements clearly.
- Mention dates, job titles, employer names, and locations.
Example: “Paper delivery, Sharp’s Newsagents – Lincoln, Jan 2021 to Aug 2022: Delivered newspapers to 50+ houses, managed payments.”
Hobbies and Interests
- Optional, but useful to show personality and skills like discipline or teamwork.
- Mention any notable achievements or roles.
Achievements and Awards
Include school or personal achievements, such as sports awards or competitions.
References
Usually optional for CV for 16 year old, but can include a teacher or mentor’s contact details with permission.
Now that you know what to include in a CV at 16, let’s check CV for 16 year old example.
Downloadable CV Template for 16 Year Old
Writing your first CV is never too easy. Explaining career goals aligning with the company’s goals, showcasing your work experience and extracurricular activities in the best light possible, which are relevant to the job role you are applying for, and adding keywords from the job description to pass the ATS without hassle is clearly too much for a 16-year-old. Therefore, our experts have provided this downloadable CV templates for 16-year-olds, which will help you get noticed and land a job quickly!
CV Examples for 16 Year Olds: What Format to Follow?
Whether you are applying for an apprenticeship or writing a CV with no experience, following the CV format is essential. As a CV writing service provider, we have seen numerous CV examples for 16 year olds, who could not make it to their first job because they messed up the format. But don’t worry! Today, we are sharing with you the best CV examples and tips to help you learn how to write your first CV at 16.
Chronological CV Format
- This is best for a first job CV example for teenager with some work experience, internships, or volunteering.
- List work experience starting with the most recent formal work experience relevant to the role you are applying for.
- Includes sections in this order: Contact Details, Personal Statement, Work Experience, Education, Skills, Hobbies, and References.
- Work experience is detailed with job title, employer, dates, location, and bullet points explaining responsibilities.
Skills-Based (Functional) 16 Year Old CV Format
- The best no experience CV tips for teens say, you must always use a skills-based CVs.
- When you don’t have much work experience, focus on transferable skills and abilities, backed by examples from school, extracurricular activities, or volunteering.
- Sections usually include: Contact Details, Personal Statement, Skills (with explanations/examples), Education & Qualifications, Hobbies & Achievements, and optionally References.
- Work experience can be brief or omitted if not applicable, but any volunteer roles should be added.
Key Formatting Guidelines for the Best Layout for a Teenage CV
- Keep CV length to one page, using clear headings for each section.
- To help the hiring manager read your CV in minutes, use bullet points for easy readability.
- Use a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri to turn your basic CV into a strong CV.
- Avoid clutter, fancy fonts, or excessive graphics.
- Dates should be formatted consistently (e.g., January 2021 – August 2022).
- Use action verbs and concise language in descriptions.
- Tailor your CV for each job by emphasising relevant skills or experiences.
CV Example for a 16-year-old for Part-time Job and Internship
Here is an example CV for 16 year old applying for part-time jobs or CV for Internship:
CV Tips to Make 16-Year-Old CV Stand Out
Tailor Each CV to the Job
When you’re applying for a job, to turn your simple CV for 16 16 year old into a proper chronological or skills-based CV, you must use specific key phrases and skills mentioned in the job description to demonstrate relevance. Tailoring shows genuine interest and improves your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
Strong Personal Statement
Create a captivating personal statement at the top of your CV that conveys who you are, what you offer, and why you want the job. Highlight your transferable skills, academic achievements, and enthusiasm concisely to grab attention in the first few seconds. Though this might seem like a simple CV format for 16 year olds, your CV summary can make a lot of difference.
Highlight Transferable Skills
Check out our sample CV for 16 year old. You will see how our Graduate CV writing experts have emphasised on skills like teamwork, communication skills, time management, leadership, and problem-solving developed through school group projects, volunteering, sports, or hobbies. Give examples of how and where you used these skills to make them credible.
Include Relevant Achievements and Hobbies
All our CV examples for 16 year old still at school or just graduated showcase awards, extracurricular successes, and hobbies that showcase dedication and qualities that employers value. This can differentiate you from others with similar educational backgrounds who have never had a job.
Professional Presentation
Whether you check out our student CV example for part-time job or a CV without any qualifications or experience relevant to the role you’re applying for, keep the CV concise to one page with clear headings and bullet points. Use a clean font and layout for easy reading. Avoid errors by proofreading carefully and having someone else review it.
CV for a 16-year-old: What to Include When You Have Little or No Work Experience?
Volunteer Work & Community Involvement:
Any time you’ve dedicated to helping others, a charity, or local community events counts as valuable experience. This demonstrates responsibility, initiative, and a commitment to contribution.
Extracurricular Activities & School Roles:
Participation in school clubs, sports teams, drama productions, student council, or being a prefect are excellent opportunities to show skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, and dedication.
Personal Projects & Hobbies with Responsibility:
Don’t underestimate the skills gained from personal pursuits. If you manage a blog, code a simple game, create digital art, or even consistently care for pets/siblings, these can be framed to show valuable attributes.
Academic Projects & Coursework:
Highlight group projects, presentations, or specific coursework that required research, problem-solving, or teamwork. Focus on the skills used rather than just the subject matter.
Transferable Skills:
Throughout these experiences, explicitly mention the transferable skills you’ve developed. Employers are looking for evidence of communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, digital literacy, and reliability. Ensure you back each skill with a brief example.
Writing your first CV with limited experience can feel daunting, especially when you’re also preparing your first cover letter. Check out our No-Experience Cover Letter Example to learn how to introduce yourself confidently, even without prior work history
What to Put on Your CV in the Education Section as a 16 Year Old?
For a 16-year-old, your education section is one of the most vital components of your CV. It provides employers with a clear snapshot of your academic achievements, subjects of interest, and foundational skills. As a UK career guidance expert, I advise structuring this section for maximum impact:
Institution Name & Dates Attended:
Always start with your most recent or current school, just like in most of our Graduate CV Examples.
- Format: [School Name], [Town/City] – [Start Date] – [End Date/Present]
- Example: Tytherington Academy, Macclesfield – September 2021 – Present
Qualifications (Achieved & Expected):
- GCSEs: If you have already received your GCSE results, list the number of GCSEs you achieved, along with specific subjects and grades, especially English and Maths. If awaiting results, state “Expected [Number] GCSEs, including English and Maths – Grades Pending, June [Year].”
- A-Levels / BTECs (if applicable): If you are currently studying A-Levels or BTECs, list the subjects you are taking and when you expect to complete them.
- Other Qualifications/Awards: Include any other academic achievements, certifications (e.g., Duke of Edinburgh Award, First Aid Certificate, specific IT qualifications).
Key Achievements & Relevant Coursework (Optional, but Recommended):
This is where you can go beyond just grades to show deeper engagement and skill development.
- Mention specific projects or coursework that align with the job’s requirements (e.g., a relevant science project for a lab assistant role, a design portfolio for a creative role).
- Highlight any academic awards, scholarships, or special recognition received.
CV Examples for 16 Year Olds UK: CV Format for Skill Section
The skills section should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Using bullet points and categorising skills can be very effective.
Communication:
- Articulate speaker, regularly contributing to class discussions and delivering presentations on various subjects.
- Able to convey information clearly and concisely through written assignments and emails.
Teamwork:
- Experienced in collaborative projects, working effectively with peers in group assignments, and as a member of the school debate club.
- Actively participated in school fundraising events, contributing to a team goal.
Problem-Solving:
- Demonstrated analytical skills in science experiments and mathematical challenges, approaching issues logically to find solutions.
- Quick learner, able to adapt to new situations and troubleshoot minor technical issues.
IT Proficiency:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for academic tasks and presentations.
- Familiar with online research methods and digital communication platforms.
Organisation & Time Management:
- Excellent organisational skills, managing academic workload, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments to meet all deadlines.
- Able to prioritise tasks and maintain a structured approach to schoolwork.
Customer Service (if applicable):
- Developed basic customer interaction skills through volunteer work at the local charity shop, assisting customers with enquiries.
Languages:
- Basic proficiency in French (achieved GCSE grade 5).
Tips for a 16-Year-Old’s Skills Section:
- Be Specific: Instead of just saying “good communication,” provide an example of how you’ve demonstrated it.
- Tailor to the Job: If you know the type of job you’re applying for, emphasise skills that are most relevant to that role.
- Use Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs (e.g., “managed,” “developed,” “contributed,” “demonstrated”).
- Honesty: Only list skills you genuinely possess and can talk about. Do not lie on your CV.
- Review: Ask a teacher, parent, or career advisor to review your CV for clarity and impact.
Personal Statement Examples for 16 Year Olds
A CV personal statement summarises your career path. It also focuses on what you hope to give recruiters regarding your goals and achievements in one or two concise sentences. You can still discuss your abilities in the CV. Reading the parts below will teach you more about how to discuss talents in your initial CV.
A strong CV personal statement is packed with passion and details, not meaningless platitudes like “detail-oriented, timely, and trustworthy.” To draw the reader in, place it at the beginning of your CV. Concentrate on your most significant accomplishments pertinent to the position or that reflect maturity and a strong work ethic, such as achievements in sports or a hobby. You should also include a CV goal that outlines the value you can add to the organisation. You can also check out our CV Summary example for 16 year old if you’re still in a dilemma.
Key Components to Include:
- Who you are (e.g., motivated, enthusiastic student)
- Add to your CV what skills do you possess (highlight 2-3 key transferable skills)
- Relevant experiences (briefly mention academic strengths, volunteering, extracurriculars)
- What you are seeking and why you are a good fit for this specific role/company
How to Make a CV on Word or Canva?
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does a 14 Year Old Write a CV?
Focus on education (current subjects, achievements), hobbies, volunteering, school projects, and any informal work experience (e.g., babysitting). Highlight transferable skills like teamwork, reliability, and communication.
Does Education Matter on a CV at 16?
Yes, absolutely. You’re 16 and you’re studying or a recent graduate, your education (GCSEs, predicted grades, key subjects) is often the most significant section of your CV, especially if work experience is limited.
How Should I Put My GCSEs on My CV?
List your school name and dates attended, then beneath that, list each GCSE on CV along with the grade achieved (or predicted grade if still studying). You can group similar subjects or list them alphabetically.
What to Put on a CV If There Is No GCSEs?
Focus on your current studies, any specific modules or subjects you excel in, predicted grades (if applicable), relevant skills gained from school projects, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and hobbies.
Can I Use Free CV Examples for School Leavers?
Yes, free CV examples for school leavers can be a great starting point to understand structure and content, but always adapt and personalise them with your own unique experiences and skills.
How to Write Your CV to Add Transferable Skills?
Identify skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving) gained from school projects, clubs, hobbies, or volunteering. Then, provide specific examples of how you demonstrated these skills in those contexts.
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