Career Advice 　>　 School Leavers CV & Interview Advice

School Leavers CV & Interview Advice

Find out everything you need to know about life after school, whether you're looking for work or want to go to university. In addition to making the most of our free CV and cover letter templates designed specifically for school leavers, you can also browse a range of tips and advice tailored to you. With expert advice on everything from preparing for uni to getting work experience, you'll be able to plan for the path that suits you best.

Should I go to university?

Let’s face it, university isn’t right for everyone. To help you weigh up all the options, here's how to find out whether it's a good fit for you.

14 of the best retail skills for your CV

Here are 14 of the best retail skills for your CV – from active listening to commercial awareness – plus tips on how to showcase them to employers.

GCSE results day 2026: What to do next

Here are your GCSE results day options for 2026, from sixth form and T Levels to apprenticeships, resits, and work. Practical advice to plan your next step.

20 easy jobs to do without experience

Think all jobs need experience? Think again. From high-paying roles to easy work from home jobs, here are 20 jobs you can start today.

How to get work experience

Need some work experience? From CV tips to work experience request emails, here’s our essential guide on how to get work experience.

Not going to uni? 11 alternatives to consider

Thinking about not going to uni? From degree apprenticeships to entry-level jobs, here are 11 great alternatives to university.

School leaver advice

Should I go to university?

Let’s face it, university isn’t right for everyone. To help you weigh up all the options, here's how to find out whether it's a good fit for you.

14 of the best retail skills for your CV

Here are 14 of the best retail skills for your CV – from active listening to commercial awareness – plus tips on how to showcase them to employers.

GCSE results day 2026: What to do next

Here are your GCSE results day options for 2026, from sixth form and T Levels to apprenticeships, resits, and work. Practical advice to plan your next step.

20 easy jobs to do without experience

Think all jobs need experience? Think again. From high-paying roles to easy work from home jobs, here are 20 jobs you can start today.

How to get work experience

Need some work experience? From CV tips to work experience request emails, here’s our essential guide on how to get work experience.

Not going to uni? 11 alternatives to consider

Thinking about not going to uni? From degree apprenticeships to entry-level jobs, here are 11 great alternatives to university.

Five helpful courses for each stage of your career

From starting out to stepping up, here are five essential courses to help you excel at every stage of your career. Start learning today.

School leaver cover letter template

Writing your first cover letter? Our free template will help you highlight your skills and land your first job after leaving school.

Jobs for 16-year-olds

16 and ready to work? Here are a few jobs you can do - and a handful of helpful hints to get your career off on the right foot.

Degree levels explained

Considering going to uni? There’s more than one way to get a degree. Here's everything you need to know about university degree levels.

T levels explained

Wondering what T levels are? Our guide explains the T level qualification, what it’s equivalent to, and if it's the right choice for you after your GCSEs.

What are V levels?

Discover V levels - the new vocational qualifications launching in 2027. Learn how they compare to A levels and T Levels, plus what it means for your career.

School leaver CV template

Looking for your first job after leaving school, but worried your lack of experience could harm your chances? Here's our school leaver CV template.

Free cover letter template

Feel like your cover letter could do with some work? Here's our handy free cover letter template to help get you started.

How to write a CV education section (with examples)

Learn what to include in the education section of your CV, with examples for graduates, school leavers, and experienced professionals.

Six of the best extracurricular activities for your CV

Wondering how you can add a little extra to your CV? We’ve already covered whether you should include your hobbies, but here are five extracurricular activities you might want to add to your CV.