If you’re 16, 17 or 18 and looking for your first weekend or summer job, writing a CV can feel a bit overwhelming. Maybe you don’t think you have enough experience, or you’re not sure what to include. But here’s the good news: everyone starts somewhere—and you already have more to offer than you think.
As a professional CV writer with over two decades of experience working with jobseekers of all ages, I can assure you: employers hiring for student jobs aren’t looking for decades of experience. They’re looking for someone reliable, eager to learn, and able to communicate well. A strong, clear CV can help you stand out even if you’ve never had a job before.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to write your first CV, step by step.
1. Start with a Clear Personal Statement
This is the short paragraph at the top of your CV where you introduce yourself. Think of it like your 30-second pitch.
Keep it to 3–4 sentences. Include:
- Your age/year in school or college
- What kind of job you’re looking for (e.g., retail, café, customer service, babysitting)
- A few key strengths (friendly, reliable, quick to learn)
Example:
I’m a responsible and hardworking 17-year-old currently studying for my A-Levels in [Subject 1] and [Subject 2]. I’m looking for a part-time weekend or summer job in retail or hospitality. I’m friendly, reliable, and always willing to learn something new. I enjoy working with people and take pride in being organised and on time.
2. Education First (It’s Your Strength Right Now)
Since work experience may be limited or non-existent, education goes near the top.
Include:
- Your current school/college
- Subjects you’re studying
- Predicted or actual grades (if available)
- Any awards, prefect roles, or extra responsibilities
Example:
Greenhill Sixth Form College
A-Levels in English Literature, Sociology, and Business Studies (Predicted: AAB)
2023 – Present
Highfield Secondary School
GCSEs: 9 subjects including Maths (6), English (7), and Science (7)
2018 – 2023
3. Add Experience – Even If It’s Not Paid
No job yet? No problem. You can list:
- School volunteering (open evenings, helping in class)
- Duke of Edinburgh Award activities
- Babysitting, dog-walking, tutoring, helping a family business
- Sports teams or clubs where you’ve shown commitment or teamwork
Example:
Babysitting for Local Families
2022 – Present
- Regularly care for two children aged 4 and 7 during weekends and evenings
- Responsible for bedtime routines, meals, and games
- Trusted by families for reliability and calm under pressure
4. Key Skills Section
This helps highlight your strengths at a glance. Use bullet points and include both soft skills and technical abilities.
Examples:
- Reliable and punctual
- Confident communicator
- Team player
- Comfortable using Microsoft Word and Google Docs
- Basic food hygiene awareness
- Excellent attention to detail
5. Hobbies & Interests (Optional but Helpful)
This section gives a glimpse of your personality and shows you’re well-rounded.
Example:
In my free time, I enjoy baking, playing netball, and volunteering at my local charity shop. I also run a small Instagram page sharing study tips and revision techniques.
6. References
You can write:
References available on requestOr list one teacher, coach, or other adult who can speak to your character (with their permission).
A Few Final Tips:
- Keep your CV to one page
- Use a clean, simple font like Arial or Calibri
- Proofread carefully—ask a parent, teacher or friend to check it
- Save it as a PDF before emailing or uploading it to job sites
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.
At Trail and Tribe, we now offer a CV review service specifically for students and young people who are writing their first CV. If you’re unsure whether yours is making the right impression—or just want expert feedback before you hit send—we’re here to help.
Our team has reviewed thousands of CVs across industries, and we know what weekend and part-time employers look for in student applicants. We’ll help you present your strengths clearly, even if you’re just getting started.
➡️ Want your CV reviewed by a professional? [Get your first CV review here →]
