CV for a 16 Year Old (UK 2026 Guide)

Writing your first CV at 16 can feel awkward — but it’s absolutely doable. Employers hiring for weekend jobs, part-time roles or apprenticeships mainly want to see that you’re reliable, friendly, and willing to learn. If you haven’t worked before, you might also like our CV with no experience UK guide.

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What a 16-Year-Old CV Should Include

Keep it clear and simple. For most first jobs, a one-page CV is perfect.

  • Your name + contact details
  • Short personal statement (3–5 lines)
  • Education (GCSEs / predicted grades)
  • Skills (with proof/examples)
  • Any experience: volunteering, clubs, responsibilities
  • References (optional: “available on request”)

Copy/Paste CV Layout for a 16 Year Old

If you’re unsure where to start, use this simple structure. It works well for retail, cafés, weekend jobs, and apprenticeships.

  1. Name + Contact Details (phone, email, town/city)
  2. Personal Statement (3–5 lines)
  3. Education (GCSEs / predicted grades)
  4. Skills (with real examples)
  5. Experience (volunteering, clubs, helping family, work placement)
  6. Interests (optional — only if it supports the job)

Applying for retail roles? See our Retail Assistant CV example for job-specific wording.

Personal Statement Example (Age 16)

This should be confident but honest. Mention what type of role you want (retail, café, warehouse, apprenticeship) and what makes you a good hire.

Reliable and hard-working student looking for a part-time role in retail or hospitality. Friendly and confident speaking to customers, with strong teamwork skills from school group projects and sports. Known for good timekeeping and a positive attitude. Ready to learn quickly and support the team during busy periods.

Best Skills to Put on a 16-Year-Old CV

Pick skills you can back up with real examples (school, clubs, helping family, sports). Employers don’t expect “professional” experience — they want proof you can show up, learn, and be part of a team.

Work-ready skills

  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Reliability & timekeeping
  • Willingness to learn
  • Following instructions

Practical skills

  • Basic IT (email, Word/Docs)
  • Organisation
  • Problem solving
  • Customer service mindset
  • Fast learner

Education Section Example

Employers expect education to be a main section at 16. Include predicted grades if you haven’t finished yet.

Secondary School — Manchester

GCSEs (in progress), 2024–2026

  • English & Maths — predicted grades (add if strong)
  • Other subjects relevant to your job/apprenticeship
  • Attendance award / prefect / responsibilities (if any)

What Counts as “Experience” at 16?

You don’t need paid work to show experience. Any responsibility that proves you can be trusted helps. If you’re applying for hands-on roles, you can also look at our Warehouse Worker CV example for skills and wording that employers recognise.

  • Volunteering (school events, charity shops, community work)
  • Babysitting / helping family
  • Sports teams or clubs
  • School roles (prefect, mentoring, library helper)
  • Work experience placements

First Job CV Tips (UK)

  • Keep it to 1 page if possible
  • Use a clean format with clear headings
  • Tailor your statement to the job (retail vs café vs warehouse)
  • Use simple, confident wording (no exaggerations)
  • Ask a parent/teacher to proofread spelling

FAQ

How long should a CV be for a 16 year old in the UK?

For most first jobs, keep it to one page. A clear one-page CV is easier for employers to scan and is perfect when you have limited experience.

Should a 16 year old include GCSE predicted grades on a CV?

Yes — if you’re still in school, it’s normal to include predicted grades (especially for English and Maths). Keep it simple and update it once your final results are available.

What can I put as experience if I’ve never had a job?

You can include volunteering, helping family, school responsibilities, clubs, sports teams, fundraising, or a work experience placement. Anything that shows responsibility and reliability counts.

Do I need a photo on a UK CV?

No. In the UK, you usually should not include a photo. Focus on your skills, education, and a strong personal statement instead.

Should I include references on a first CV?

It’s optional. Many people write “References available on request”, or you can include one teacher/coach reference if it’s appropriate and you’ve asked permission.

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