Looking for your first job after leaving school, but worried a lack of experience will hold you back?
If you have no previous work history, you might think you don’t have much to include on a CV. But with the right approach, enthusiasm, and a bit of research (not to mention time spent viewing some helpful CV examples), your application can still stand out to employers. There’s no reason a CV without much work experience should stop you from landing a job you’ll love.
To help you increase your chances of success, here’s our step-by-step guide on how to write a school leaver CV, complete with a free template.
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School leaver CV format
First things first, let’s talk structure. For a school leaver, your CV layout should highlight your strengths, even if you don’t have a long list of jobs to show off. By prioritising sections like education and skills, you can show employers what you have to offer.
Here’s a simple CV structure to follow:
- Name and contact details
- Personal statement
- Skills
- Work experience (or employment history)
- Education
- Hobbies and interests (optional)
- References
How to write a school leaver CV
A good school leaver CV should be clear, concise, and no longer than two pages of A4. Recruiters are busy, so your CV needs to be easy to read and get straight to the point.
Here’s what to include in each section:
Personal statement
Always start with a personal statement. This is a short paragraph at the top of your CV that explains who you are, what you can offer, and your career goals. Think of it as your elevator pitch to a potential employer.
You need to write a new personal statement every time you apply for a job. Make sure you tailor it to the role by looking at the job description and highlighting the key skills the employer is looking for.
A good personal statement should answer three questions:
- Who are you? (e.g., ‘A motivated and reliable school leaver with 8 GCSEs, predicted to achieve strong A-level results in Maths, Physics, and IT.’)
- What can you offer? (e.g., ‘Possessing excellent problem-solving skills developed through academic projects and a passion for technology demonstrated by building a personal computer.’)
- What are your career goals? (e.g., ‘Eager to start a career in IT support and contribute technical aptitude and a willingness to learn in an entry-level role.’)
How to write a personal statement for job applications
Skills
For a school leaver, the skills section is your best friend. It’s where you can really shine and show employers what you’re made of, even without formal work experience.
Instead of just listing skills, give examples that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. You can split this section into two parts:
- Hard skills: These are teachable, technical abilities. Think IT skills (like Microsoft Office or specific software), languages, or data analysis.
- Soft skills: These are personal qualities that help you work well with others. Examples include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
For example, don’t just say you have ‘teamwork skills’. Mention the time you collaborated on a group project at school or played for a local sports team.
The best CV skills every employer wants to see
Education
This section is vital for a school leaver CV. You should list your qualifications starting from your GCSEs.
Always write in reverse-chronological order, so your most recent qualifications (like A-levels) go at the top.
For each qualification, include:
- The name of the school or college
- The dates you attended
- The qualifications and grades you achieved (or your predicted grades if you’re still waiting for results)
You can summarise your GCSEs (e.g., ‘8 GCSEs, grades 9-4, including English and Maths’). If any of your course modules or projects are particularly relevant to the job, mention them to show off your knowledge.
How to write a CV education section (with examples)
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School leaver courses: What are your options?
Work experience
Even if you think you have no work experience, you might be surprised. This section can include part-time jobs, Saturday work or summer jobs, internships, or even volunteer work.
If you genuinely have no employment history, don’t worry. You can either leave this section out or use it as a chance to be proactive. Consider volunteering for a local charity or offering to help at a family friend’s business for a few weeks. It’ll give you something valuable to add to your CV and show initiative.
For any experience you do have, list:
- Your job title
- The company or organisation’s name
- The dates you worked there
- A few bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements
Focus on the transferable skills you gained. Did your paper round teach you time management and reliability? Did volunteering at an event improve your communication skills? These are all great things to highlight.
Work experience letter template
Hobbies and interests
This section is optional, but it can be a great way to show your personality, especially if your work experience is limited.
The key is to include hobbies or extracurricular activities that add value and make you a more attractive candidate. For example, being captain of a football team shows leadership, while writing a blog about your passion for vintage fashion could be perfect for a retail job.
Be wary of generic interests like ‘socialising with friends’. Ask yourself: will this help me get the job? If the answer is no, it’s fine to leave it out. And remember, only include things you’re happy to talk about in an interview.
Should I include hobbies and interests in my CV?
References
You don’t need to list your referees on your CV. Simply writing ‘References available upon request’ at the end is standard practice.
Make sure you do have credible people you can use as a reference. This could be a teacher, a tutor, or a family friend who knows you well. Always ask for their permission before you share their contact details with a potential employer.
What to do next
Writing a CV without much experience can seem tough, but it’s all about focusing on your potential, skills, and enthusiasm. With a well-structured and tailored CV, you’ll be in a great position to start your career journey.
Once your CV is completed, here’s what to do next:
- Fine-tune your CV: Double-check for common mistakes (seriously, even “attention to detial” can slip through), ask a friend or family member to review it, and always tailor your CV to match each job you apply for.
- Write a standout cover letter: Yep, it still matters. Personalise each one to show why you’re a great fit.
- Start your job search. Browse trusted job boards, set up email alerts, and don’t forget to check company career pages. When applying for a new job, focus on quality over quantity – tailoring your application for each role.
- Get interview ready: Practise answering common questions like, ‘Tell me about yourself’ and ‘What are your strengths?’ Remember, confidence is key.
- Don’t forget the follow up: If you don’t hear back, it’s OK to chase up your application. Persistence pays off (as long as you don’t go full stalker mode).
- Keep learning: Not every application will turn into a job offer – and that’s perfectly normal. Use any feedback you get to improve your CV and interview game for next time.
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