How do I write a CV for a 16 year old with no experience?

Creating a CV when you’re 16 and have little to no work experience can feel like an uphill challenge. However, what many young job seekers may not realise is that employers understand and expect this. The key lies in highlighting your skills, strengths, and potential. This guide breaks down exactly how to write a compelling CV for a 16 year old with no experience, using a structure that showcases your value while meeting the expectations of employers.

Why a CV still matters when you’re 16

Even if you're applying for part-time jobs, apprenticeships, or volunteering roles, a well-written CV shows employers that you are serious, motivated, and prepared. It also helps you practise essential life skills such as self-presentation and professionalism.

According to the UK Government’s National Careers Service, a CV is your opportunity to "market yourself to employers" and to "showcase your achievements, strengths and skills" (National Careers Service, gov.uk). Even without formal job experience, there are plenty of ways to demonstrate these qualities.

What to include in a CV for a 16 year old with no experience

1. Contact details Start with your full name, phone number, email address, and location. You do not need to include your full address or a photo. Make sure your email is professional, ideally using a variation of your full name.

2. Personal statement This is a short paragraph at the top of your CV summarising who you are and what you’re looking for. Since you don’t have experience, focus on your enthusiasm, reliability, and any goals you have.

For example:

“I am a responsible and motivated student with a strong interest in developing my communication and teamwork skills. I am eager to gain experience in a retail or customer service role where I can learn and grow.”

3. Education List your most recent education first. Include your school name, the years you attended, and the subjects you are studying or have completed. You can also mention predicted or achieved grades.

Example: Greenwood High School 2020 – present GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, Geography, and Business Studies (predicted grades: 7–9)

4. Skills You might not have job experience, but you definitely have skills. Think about what you’ve learned at school, through hobbies, or while helping at home.

Examples include:

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Time management

• Problem solving

• IT proficiency

• Organisation

• Adaptability

  
  

Be sure to back up each skill with a brief example if possible, such as “Organised and led a group project in school that received top marks.”

5. Volunteering, school projects or extracurriculars Even if unpaid, any activity that demonstrates responsibility, teamwork, or initiative is worth including.

Examples:

• Helped organise a charity bake sale at school, raising over £300 for local hospice

• Played in the school football team for three years

• Participated in Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

• Volunteered at the school library once a week

  
  

These experiences show your work ethic, reliability, and willingness to contribute.

6. Achievements and awards Highlight any accomplishments, whether academic, personal, or from outside of school.

Examples:

• Won a school essay competition

• Perfect attendance for two years

• Completed a coding course on FutureLearn or CodeAcademy

• Recognised for leadership in a school club

  
  

7. References You can simply write “References available on request,” or include one or two if you have them. Suitable references include teachers, mentors, or leaders from extracurricular activities.

How to format your CV professionally

• Keep it to one page

• Use a clean, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri

• Use bullet points to break up text

• Proofread thoroughly for spelling and grammar errors

• Save and send as a PDF to preserve formatting

  
  

CV template for a 16 year old with no experience

Here’s a basic example to get you started:

Name 

Phone: 07XXX XXXXXX 

Email: yourname@example.com 

Location: Manchester, UK

Personal Statement A reliable and hardworking student looking for a part-time role to build experience in customer service. Organised, enthusiastic, and eager to learn in a professional environment.

Education Manchester High School 2020 – Present GCSEs: English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, History, French, Business Studies (predicted: 7–9)

Skills

• Teamwork: Worked collaboratively in group science project

• Communication: Gave a presentation in English class on climate change

• Organisation: Balanced schoolwork with extracurricular clubs

• IT Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

  
  

Experience Volunteered at local food bank once a month (2023) Helped manage school’s social media for sports week Completed an online customer service course via OpenLearn

Achievements Perfect attendance record Won Year 10 creative writing competition Completed Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

References Available upon request

Final tips for success

• Tailor your CV for every application. Mention the company name and highlight the skills that match their job description.

• Consider writing a short cover letter to accompany your CV, especially if you're applying to a smaller business.

• Be confident in your potential. Everyone starts somewhere.

  
  

Conclusion

Writing a CV as a 16 year old with no experience isn’t just possible, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality, potential, and eagerness to grow. With a clear structure, emphasis on transferable skills, and a professional layout, you can create a CV that stands out for all the right reasons.

For more official guidance, visit the National Careers Service CV Help or Prospects CV Tips.