What to Put on a CV at 16 – A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your First CV
It can be daunting to write a CV at 16, especially if you have no work experience. But a good CV can highlight your skills, strengths, and potential, and make you an appealing candidate to employers.
With a CV builder like Mycvcreator, you can create a professional and well-presented CV that best showcases your abilities. Most importantly, you can download CV for free to make sure that your CV is ready to be distributed to potential employers.
Why You Need a CV at 16
At 16, you may be applying for your first job, an apprenticeship, a work experience placement, or a volunteer post. Your CV is important as it will provide employers with an overview of your qualifications, skills, and interests. Although you may never have had any paid work, there are many ways of making your CV interesting through the promotion of transferable skills, academic achievement, and out-of-school activities.
What to Include in a CV at 16
When creating your CV at 16, ensure it includes the following key sections:
1. Personal Information
Your CV should start with your basic details:
- Full name
- Contact information (phone number and email address)
- Location (City and Country, no need for full address)
- LinkedIn profile or portfolio (if applicable)
Ensure your email address looks professional—avoid using unprofessional usernames and opt for something simple like [email protected].
2. Personal Statement (CV Summary)
A personal statement is a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) at the start of your CV explaining to us who you are, what you can contribute, and where you'd like to go in your career. This is your chance to present a good impression.
Example
"I am a responsible and motivated student seeking my initial job to gain valuable experience in the workplace. I am eager to learn new skills, be part of a team, and contribute positively to a business. I am confident in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability."
3. Education and Qualifications
Since you are currently at school, your education will be one of the most powerful parts of your CV. Add:
- The name of the school
- The period attended (e.g., 2020 – Present)
- Your expected qualifications (e.g., GCSEs, A-Levels)
- Subjects studied and any predicted or achieved grades
Example:
Springfield High School (2020 – Present)GCSEs (Expected 2024):
- Mathematics – Predicted Grade A
- English – Predicted Grade B
- Science – Predicted Grade B
- ICT – Predicted Grade A
4. Work Experience (If Any)
If you've had any work experience placements, part-time work, or internships, include them in this section. Don't panic if you don't have official work experience – you can include babysitting, volunteering, or tutoring!
Example:
- Retail Assistant (Work Experience)ABC Supermarket – June 2023
- Assisted customers with purchases and enquiries
- Managed the checkout and handled cash transactions
- Assisted with restocking shelves and maintaining the store's cleanliness
5. Skills and Strengths
You don't require work experience because you still have some skills you acquired from school, hobbies, and everyday life. Some good skills are:
- Communication – Excellent verbal and written skills
- Teamwork – Previous experience in team assignment and sports teams
- Time Management – Adherence to deadlines while performing homework and assignments
- Adaptability – Ability to catch up on learning new things quickly
- IT Skills – Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, or computer programming (where appropriate)
Use bullet points to present this section in a brief and readable manner.
6. Extracurricular Activities and Achievements
Employers like to see you are involved in extracurricular activities as they demonstrate useful skills and dedication. A few examples include:
- Sports Teams – Demonstrates teamwork and dedication
- School Clubs – Debate club, coding club, or drama society
- Volunteering – Volunteering for a charity, community work, or mentoring junior students
- Certifications – First aid certification, language courses, or online certifications
7. Hobbies and Interests
Your hobbies and interests section provides an opportunity for employers to understand you as a person. Choose hobbies that reflect positive traits, such as:
- Playing musical instruments – Reflects discipline and dedication
- Reading and writing – Enhances communication skills
- Playing team sports – Reflects teamwork and leadership
- Learning new skills online – Reflects self-motivation and inquisitiveness
8. References
At age 16, your referees may be work experience supervisors, sports coaches, or teachers. You may include:
"References available upon request."
Tips for Professional CV Formatting
In order to make your CV professional and easy to read, make use of the following tips:
- Keep it to one page
- Use a clear and easy-to-read font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)
- Use bullet points to ensure it is easy to read
- Avoid lengthy paragraphs and concise your writing
By using a CV creator like Mycvcreator, you are guaranteed that your CV will be professional-looking and clean. Also, the CV download free option will assist you in downloading and printing your CV in various formats.
Using Mycvcreator to Create Your CV
It is simple to create a CV at age 16 using Mycvcreator. Just follow the steps below:
- Visit Mycvcreator – You can locate Mycvcreator on the internet and sign up for free.
- Select a Template – Pick a professional CV template that best matches your style.
- Input Your Info – Enter your personal information, education, qualifications, and work experience.
- Edit Your CV – Make adjustments to the format, colors, and fonts to best suit your choice.
- Download Free – Utilize the CV download free feature to save your CV as a PDF or Word file.
Mistakes to Prevent When Creating Your CV at Age 16
- Spelling and Grammar Errors – Proofread carefully before sending
- Unprofessional Email Address – Use professional email address
- Information Overload – Make your CV short and to the point
- Including Irrelevant Details – Highlight the job-related skills and experience
- Not Tailoring Your CV – Tailor your CV for each job application
Conclusion
You do not have to find it hard to create a CV at 16. Focusing on your abilities, qualifications, and extracurricular school activities, you can have an excellent CV that will impress any potential employer.
With Mycvcreator's CV builder, you can create a professional CV simply and quickly and download it free of charge. Start today and begin applying for your first job or work experience placement!