How to Write a CV for a 16-Year-Old

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How to Write a CV at 16?

If you’re a 16-year-old looking for your first job, whether it’s a weekend job, part-time position, or work experience placement, writing a CV might seem daunting.

However, creating a professional CV at this stage is an excellent way to stand out and get noticed by potential employers. Even though you may not have much work experience yet, there are plenty of things you can highlight to show that you’re motivated, reliable, and eager to learn.

This guide will help you navigate writing your first CV at 16 with clear steps and examples to ensure your CV is polished and professional.

Do You Need a CV at 16?

A common question is, “Do you need a CV at 16?” The answer is yes! Many entry-level and part-time jobs require a CV, including:

Retail
Food service
Volunteering

In some cases, even if a job listing doesn’t specifically ask for one, submitting a CV will show that you’re serious about applying and have taken the time to present yourself well.

It also helps you communicate your skills, education, and experiences in a structured way that employers can read.

What Should I Put on My CV at 16?

As a 16-year-old still in school, you may not have formal work experience, but you still have valuable skills and experiences to highlight. The key is to focus on what you’ve accomplished so far and how it relates to the job you’re applying for.

Employers understand that you’re likely at the beginning of your career journey, so they’ll be looking for qualities like enthusiasm, responsibility, and a willingness to learn.

1. Contact Details

The first section of your CV should be your contact information. This helps employers quickly contact you if they want to schedule an interview. Be sure to use a professional-sounding email address—avoid email addresses like “coolguy123@email.com” and opt for something simple like your first and last name.

Example:

Ella Johnson
Bristol, BS3
07812 345678
ellajohnson@email.com

2. Personal Statement

Your statement is a concise paragraph that introduces you to potential employers. It should briefly explain who you are, what you’re looking for, and what you can offer. While you don’t need extensive work experience at 16, you can talk about your enthusiasm, strengths, and what you hope to achieve through this job.

Example:
“I am a hardworking and enthusiastic GCSE student seeking a part-time retail position to gain valuable customer service experience. I am reliable, friendly, and eager to learn new skills.”

3. Education

Since you’re still at school, your education will be a central part of your CV. List your school, the subjects you’re currently studying, and any predicted grades. This can also be included here if you have achieved any academic awards or recognition.

Example:

Bristol Secondary School, 2020–present
GCSEs (predicted grades):

4. Key Skills

You may not have job-specific experience yet, but you will have gained many skills throughout your education, extracurricular activities, and hobbies. Focus on transferable skills that could be useful for the role you’re applying for. These can include things like:

Teamwork: Developed through group projects or sports
Communication: Improved through public speaking, debates, or writing
Time management: Learned through balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and other commitments
Organisation: Developed through managing assignments, deadlines, and events

Example:
Key Skills:

Excellent teamwork skills developed through the netball team
Good communication from the school debates
Strong time management, balancing homework and babysitting

5. Experience (Optional)

While you may not have traditional work experience yet, you’ve likely had other informal work or volunteer experiences that you can include. For example, you could list:

Babysitting or pet-sitting
Volunteer work (at a charity shop, animal shelter, etc.)
Helping out at family businesses
School responsibilities (e.g., being a prefect, library assistant, or helping at school events)

If you’re writing a CV at 16 with no experience, it’s still important to show that you’re responsible and have gained some real-world experience.

Example:
Experience:

Babysitter (2023–present)
- Look after two children aged 5 and 7 every Saturday evening
- Organise fun activities, prepare meals, and supervise bedtime

6. Hobbies & Interests

This section can add a personal touch to your CV. List hobbies and interests that showcase your skills, personality, and any other activities that could be relevant to the job. For example, sports, arts, or volunteering can indicate that you’re well-rounded.

Example:
Hobbies & Interests:

Member of local youth theatre group; performed in 3 productions
Enjoy baking; won 1st place in school bake-off
Passionate about photography; run an Instagram account showcasing nature photos

7. References

References can be included at the end of your CV. If you’re writing a CV for a 16-year-old still at school, it’s common to list a teacher or coach as a reference. If you’ve had any work experience, please list your employer. If not, you can state that references are “available on request.”

Example:
References:

Available on request

Final Tips for Writing Your CV at 16

✅ Keep your CV to one page. Employers often have limited time to review CVs
✅ Ensure your CV is easy to read with a clean layout and no clutter
✅ Double-check for spelling and grammar errors
✅ Use an academic CV template, as this format typically highlights your education and skills

Writing a CV at 16 is about presenting your potential and enthusiasm for the job. Even if you don’t have work experience, showcasing your skills, interests, and accomplishments will make your CV stand out.

CV Example for a 16-Year-Old

Here’s an example of what a CV for a 16-year-old still at school might look like:

Personal Statement
I am a hardworking and enthusiastic GCSE student seeking a part-time supermarket role to gain valuable customer service experience. I am reliable, friendly, and eager to learn new skills.

Education
Bristol Secondary School, 2020–present
GCSEs (predicted grades):

Experience
Babysitter (2023–present)