Do you need to have worked before you can have a CV?
No. A CV is a presentation of you, not a list of jobs you have had. If you are 15, 16, or 17, the employer knows exactly what to expect. They are not looking for an experienced candidate - they are looking for someone who seems reliable and motivated.
What makes the difference is that you have actually put effort into the application. A CV that looks half-finished signals that you did not really want the job.
What to include in a CV without work experience
Contact details
Name, city, phone number, and email address. Check that your email looks sensible. Create a new one if the one you have is old and embarrassing.
Personal profile
This is the first thing a recruiter reads. Say what you are looking for, why you are applying, and what you can contribute. Two to four sentences is enough.
Example - 16 years old, applying for a retail summer job
"I am a secondary school student looking for my first summer job. I am used to taking responsibility and enjoy working with other people. I am available for the whole of July and the first three weeks of August."
Example - 18 years old, looking for part-time work alongside school
"I am in my senior year of high school and looking for part-time work on evenings or weekends. I am careful, learn quickly, and am used to balancing school commitments with other responsibilities."
Education
Which school you attend, what course or program, and what year you are in. If you have completed school or a qualification, write the name of it and the year you finished. If you have completed any courses relevant to the job you are applying for, mention them.
Activities and experience
This is the most important section when you have no formal work experience. Include anything that shows you take responsibility and do things:
- Sport training or competitive involvement
- Leadership roles in a club or class
- Volunteer work
- Student council or committee involvement
- Babysitting or childminding
- Helping with a family business
- Running a school project
- Being in a band, organizing events, running a YouTube channel
It does not need to be impressive. It needs to be genuine and show that you actually do things.
Skills
List what you genuinely know how to do. Languages you speak. A driver's license if you have one and it is relevant. Software you are confident with. Many young people underestimate their digital skills - if you are good at video editing, managing social media, or coding, include that.
Remember: Everything you list should be something you can talk about in an interview. If you write "Excel: advanced" you should know what a formula is. Be honest about your level.
How long should a CV be for a young person?
One page. Always. You do not have material for two pages and you should not try to force it. A well-structured half page beats a full page of padding.
Should you include a photo?
No. It is not standard in most professional markets and it is not necessary. You risk nothing by not sending one.
Tailor your CV for each job
It sounds time-consuming but it is five minutes of work. Change the personal profile so it fits the specific job. If you are applying to a bakery, mention that you are interested in food or hospitality. If you are applying to a warehouse, mention that you are physically active and like working methodically.
That is enough. The employer notices immediately whether you have written something that fits their listing, or whether you sent the same CV to 30 places without reading what they were looking for.
What to send with your CV
Always include a short cover note. It does not need to be long. Three or four sentences where you introduce yourself, explain why you are applying for that specific job, and state your availability. That is often what determines whether the employer even opens the PDF.
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