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CV Tips for Young People Leaving School

Start strong. Stand out. Get noticed.

Creating your first CV can feel daunting—but it doesn’t need to be. Your CV is your chance to show employers what you’re capable of, even if you don’t have much work experience yet.

Follow these simple tips to build a CV that gets you one step closer to your first job or apprenticeship.

1. Keep it clear and simple

Employers often spend less than a minute looking at a CV, so make yours easy to read.

• Stick to 1–2 pages maximum

• Use clear headings (e.g. Education, Skills, Experience)

• Choose a simple font and layout

• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs

Top tip: If it’s easy to scan, it’s easy to remember.

2. Start with a strong personal statement

Your personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your CV. It should explain:

• Who you are

• What you’re looking for

• Why you’re a good fit

Example:

A motivated and reliable college student currently studying Business, seeking an apprenticeship where I can develop practical skills and contribute to a team. Known for strong communication and a positive attitude.

Keep it short, honest, and focused.

3. Focus on your skills (not just experience)

If you don’t have much work experience yet, that’s completely normal.

Instead, highlight the skills you’ve built through:

• School or college

• Group projects

• Volunteering

• Sports or clubs

• Part-time work (if applicable)

Key skills employers look for:

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Time management

• Problem solving

• Reliability

4. Include your education clearly

List your most recent education first.

Include:

• School or college name

• Subjects studied

• Grades (actual or predicted)

Example:

• GCSEs – Telford Academy (2024)

  • Maths – 6

  • English – 5

  • Science – 5

5. Add any experience you have

This doesn’t have to be a full-time job.

You can include:

• Work experience placements

• Volunteering

• Helping in a family business

• Babysitting or community activities

Focus on what you did and what you learned, not just where you worked.

Example:

Work Experience – Local Retail Store

• Assisted customers on the shop floor

• Handled stock and displays

• Developed confidence speaking to people

6. Use real examples

Don’t just list skills—show them.

Instead of:

• “Good teamwork skills”

Try:

• “Worked as part of a team to complete a group project ahead of deadline”

This makes your CV more credible and more memorable.

7. Check your spelling and grammar

Small mistakes can make a big difference.

• Use spellcheck

• Read it out loud

• Ask someone else to check it

A clean CV shows attention to detail and professionalism.

8. Be honest

It might be tempting to exaggerate—but honesty matters.

• Don’t include skills you don’t have

• Be realistic about your experience

Employers value potential and attitude just as much as experience.

9. Tailor your CV for each opportunity

You don’t need to rewrite your CV every time—but you should adjust it slightly.

• Highlight skills that match the role

• Mention the industry (e.g. construction, healthcare, business)

• Reflect the language used in the job description

This shows employers you’re serious.

10. Keep going

Your first CV doesn’t need to be perfect.

What matters is:

• Taking the first step

• Learning as you go

• Building confidence

Final thought

Everyone starts somewhere. Your CV is simply your starting point.

Focus on what you can do, stay positive, and keep putting yourself forward for opportunities.

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