Choose from a wide range of NEWCV resume templates and customize your NEWCV design with a single click.
Use ATS-optimised Resume and resume templates that pass applicant tracking systems. Our Resume builder helps recruiters read, scan, and shortlist your Resume faster.
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact Resume rules employers look for.
Create Resume
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact Resume rules employers look for.
Create ResumeWriting a CV for your first job is not about pretending you have professional experience. It is about showing an employer that you are reliable, willing to learn, easy to train, and sensible enough to represent their business. In the UK job market, most first job CVs are judged very quickly. Recruiters and hiring managers are not expecting a long work history. They are looking for evidence of attitude, availability, communication, basic responsibility, and whether you understand the role you are applying for.
A strong first job CV should include your contact details, a short personal profile, key skills, education, any work experience or volunteering, achievements, hobbies if relevant, and references available on request. The trick is making normal school, college, university, volunteering, family, sports, or community experience sound useful without making it sound inflated.
A first job CV has one job: to make the employer feel you are worth speaking to.
That sounds simple, but many first job CVs fail because they try to look “professional” in the wrong way. Candidates often copy corporate CV language from the internet and end up writing things like “dynamic and results driven individual with excellent stakeholder management skills”. For a first job in retail, hospitality, care, admin, warehouse work, customer service, apprenticeships, or part time work, that does not help. It sounds copied. Employers can smell that from three postcodes away.
For a first job, the hiring manager is usually asking:
Can this person turn up on time?
Can they speak to customers, colleagues, or supervisors properly?
Do they seem responsible?
Are they available when we need them?
Will they learn quickly?
Do they understand what the job involves?
For a first job CV, use a simple reverse chronological or skills based format. If you have no paid work experience, lead with your profile, key skills, education, and any unpaid experience. Do not panic about having an empty work history. Employers hiring for first jobs expect this.
Your CV should usually be one page. Two pages can be acceptable if you genuinely have useful volunteering, projects, achievements, extracurricular activities, or placements, but most first job CVs are stronger when kept focused.
Use this structure:
Contact details
Personal profile
Key skills
Education
Work experience, volunteering, placements, or responsibilities
Achievements
Are they likely to be hard work to manage?
That last question sounds harsh, but it is real. Entry level hiring is often about risk. The employer knows they will need to train you. What they do not want is someone who needs constant chasing, ignores instructions, has poor attitude, or disappears after two shifts because the job was less glamorous than expected.
A good first job CV reduces that risk. It gives clear evidence that you are dependable, practical, and ready to work.
Hobbies and interests, if relevant
References available on request
Keep the layout clean. Use clear headings. Avoid graphics, photos, icons, rating bars, tables, and complicated columns. Many UK employers use applicant tracking systems, especially for large retail, hospitality, supermarket, call centre, logistics, and apprenticeship applications. A fancy CV that looks nice but reads badly in an ATS is not helping you.
The safest first job CV format is boring in layout and strong in content. That is not glamorous, but it works.
Use this template as your starting point. Replace the example wording with your own details, but keep the structure simple.
Your Name
Phone: 07XXX XXXXXX
Email: yourname@email.com
Location: Town or city, United Kingdom
Availability: Evenings, weekends, school holidays, immediate start, part time, full time, or specific days if relevant
I am a reliable and motivated school leaver looking for my first job in customer service, retail, hospitality, administration, or another entry level role. I am confident speaking with people, quick to learn new tasks, and comfortable working as part of a team. Through school, volunteering, family responsibilities, and extracurricular activities, I have developed strong communication, organisation, and problem solving skills. I am looking for an opportunity where I can build practical work experience, support the team, and learn how the workplace operates.
Reliable and punctual
Confident communicating with customers, classmates, teachers, or team members
Able to follow instructions and ask questions when needed
Comfortable working in a team
Organised with schoolwork, deadlines, or activities
Positive attitude and willingness to learn
Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Word, email, online research, or Google Workspace
Able to stay calm and polite in busy or pressured situations
School or College Name, Town or City
GCSEs or A levels, Year to Year
Subjects include:
English
Maths
Science
Business Studies, ICT, Psychology, Media, Health and Social Care, or other relevant subjects
Expected or achieved grades:
English: Grade X
Maths: Grade X
Relevant subject: Grade X
School Work Experience Placement, Company or Organisation Name, Location
Dates
Supported staff with basic daily tasks and followed instructions in a professional setting
Helped organise materials, update information, or assist customers, students, visitors, or team members
Developed confidence speaking with new people and asking questions when unsure
Learned the importance of punctuality, teamwork, and completing tasks properly
Volunteering or Community Activity, Organisation Name, Location
Dates
Helped with events, fundraising, younger students, community activities, or local projects
Worked with others to complete tasks and support people attending the activity
Built communication, patience, and responsibility through practical involvement
Represented the organisation politely and positively
Family, School, or Personal Responsibilities, Location
Dates
Managed regular responsibilities alongside school or college commitments
Organised time effectively to balance study, activities, and personal duties
Developed patience, reliability, and the ability to follow routines
Received positive feedback for reliability, teamwork, attendance, effort, or attitude
Completed a school project, presentation, competition, Duke of Edinburgh Award, sports activity, creative project, or volunteering challenge
Took responsibility as a prefect, mentor, team captain, group leader, peer supporter, or student representative
Improved confidence, communication, or organisation through school, college, or community activities
I enjoy activities that help me develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, or creativity, such as sport, fitness, reading, coding, baking, music, volunteering, gaming communities, content creation, or helping with family responsibilities.
References available on request.
Your personal profile should be short, specific, and believable. This is where many first job CVs go wrong.
The profile is not meant to be a dramatic life story. It is not meant to say you are “passionate about delivering excellence” when you are applying for a Saturday job in a shop. It should quickly explain who you are, what kind of role you want, and why you look employable.
A good first job CV profile should show:
Your current situation, such as school leaver, college student, university student, or recent graduate
The type of work you are seeking
Your strongest employability qualities
Evidence of attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn
A clear link to the job market in the UK, especially if applying for local part time, entry level, seasonal, or apprenticeship roles
Weak Example
I am a hardworking individual who is passionate, motivated, and enthusiastic. I have excellent communication skills and work well under pressure. I am looking for a role where I can develop my career.
Why this is weak: It says nothing specific. It could belong to anyone. Recruiters see this kind of wording constantly, and it gives no reason to believe the candidate understands the job.
Good Example
I am a reliable college student looking for my first part time job in retail or customer service. I am confident speaking with people, organised with deadlines, and used to working with others through school projects and volunteering. I am available evenings and weekends and keen to build practical work experience in a busy UK workplace.
Why this works: It is realistic, direct, and useful. It gives the employer the information they actually need: role target, availability, people skills, teamwork, and willingness to learn.
No work experience does not mean no useful experience. This is where candidates often undersell themselves.
When I review first job CVs, I am not looking for fake corporate achievements. I am looking for transferable evidence. That means situations where you have already shown responsibility, communication, organisation, patience, consistency, or problem solving.
You can include experience from:
School or college projects
Work experience placements
Volunteering
Helping at family businesses
Sports teams
Clubs or societies
Caring responsibilities
Babysitting
Tutoring younger students
Fundraising
Community events
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Religious or cultural community activities
Online projects, if relevant and appropriate
Creative work, such as editing, design, writing, photography, or content creation
The key is to translate the experience into workplace value.
Do not write:
Write:
Do not write:
Write:
Do not write:
Write:
This is not about exaggerating. It is about explaining the relevance. Employers are not mind readers. They will not automatically connect your school project to teamwork unless you show them the connection.
The best skills for a first job CV are practical employability skills. Avoid stuffing the CV with impressive sounding phrases that do not match your level.
For most first jobs in the UK, these skills are useful:
Reliability
Punctuality
Communication
Teamwork
Customer service potential
Organisation
Basic IT skills
Following instructions
Problem solving
Positive attitude
Adaptability
Attention to detail
Confidence speaking with people
Willingness to learn
Time management
Staying calm under pressure
The mistake candidates make is listing skills without evidence. Anyone can write “teamwork”. The stronger CV shows where that teamwork came from.
Weak Example
Teamwork
Communication
Hardworking
Organised
Good Example
Developed teamwork through group projects, sports activities, and volunteering at school events
Confident communicating with teachers, classmates, visitors, and members of the public
Organised with homework deadlines, revision schedules, and balancing study with personal responsibilities
Reliable and punctual, with strong attendance and a willingness to take on practical tasks
The second version gives the recruiter something to believe. That matters because first job hiring is often based on signals, not proof of past employment.
For a first job CV, your education section matters more than it would on an experienced candidate’s CV. That does not mean you need perfect grades. It means you should use your education section to show relevant subjects, effort, consistency, and skills.
Include:
School, college, or university name
Location
Dates attended
Qualifications achieved or expected
Relevant subjects
Relevant projects, coursework, or responsibilities
Awards, attendance, leadership roles, or achievements if useful
If you are applying for retail, hospitality, or customer service roles, English, maths, business studies, drama, media, psychology, health and social care, and languages can all be relevant depending on the role.
If you are applying for apprenticeships, admin roles, IT support, or office based entry level jobs, include subjects like ICT, business, maths, English, economics, computer science, and any coursework involving research, spreadsheets, presentations, or written communication.
Example
Greenfield College, Manchester
A levels, 2024 to 2026
Subjects: Business Studies, Psychology, English Language
Completed group presentations and written coursework requiring research, planning, and clear communication
Developed confidence presenting ideas and working to deadlines
Maintained strong attendance while balancing study and part time volunteering
This is much stronger than simply listing subjects and grades. It helps the employer understand what those subjects say about you as a potential employee.
Below is a realistic first job CV example for a student applying for retail, hospitality, customer service, or general entry level work.
Amelia Khan
Phone: 07XXX XXXXXX
Email: ameliakhan@email.com
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Availability: Weekends, evenings, and school holidays
I am a reliable and confident college student looking for my first part time job in retail, hospitality, or customer service. I enjoy working with people, learn new tasks quickly, and have developed strong organisation and teamwork skills through school projects, volunteering, and helping at local community events. I am available evenings, weekends, and school holidays, and I am keen to gain practical work experience in a busy UK workplace.
Reliable, punctual, and committed to doing tasks properly
Confident speaking with customers, visitors, teachers, and classmates
Able to follow instructions and ask sensible questions when needed
Strong teamwork skills developed through group projects and volunteering
Organised with deadlines, revision, and balancing school commitments
Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Word, email, Google Docs, and online research
Calm and polite when dealing with busy situations or different types of people
Birmingham Central College, Birmingham
A levels, 2024 to 2026
Subjects: Business Studies, English Language, Psychology
Developed communication and research skills through presentations and written coursework
Worked regularly in groups to complete projects and meet deadlines
Built confidence discussing ideas and receiving feedback
Oakwood Secondary School, Birmingham
GCSEs, 2019 to 2024
English Language: Grade 6
Maths: Grade 5
Science: Grade 5
Business Studies: Grade 6
Media Studies: Grade 6
Volunteer Helper, Local Community Centre, Birmingham
June 2024 to Present
Help support community events by preparing materials, welcoming visitors, and helping keep activities organised
Speak politely with people of different ages and backgrounds
Work with other volunteers to complete tasks during busy events
Developed confidence, patience, and responsibility in a public facing environment
School Event Assistant, Oakwood Secondary School, Birmingham
March 2024
Helped staff prepare classrooms, organise sign in sheets, and guide visitors during a parents’ evening
Answered basic questions from visitors and directed them to the correct rooms
Stayed calm and helpful during a busy evening event
Received positive feedback for being polite and reliable
Selected to help at school open evening because of strong communication and reliability
Completed a group business project involving research, planning, and presentation skills
Maintained good attendance throughout GCSEs and college
I enjoy reading, baking, fitness, and helping at community events. These interests have helped me build patience, consistency, and confidence working with different people.
References available on request.
Employers are not reading your first job CV like an academic essay. They scan it. Quickly.
They usually notice:
Whether your contact details are clear
Whether you live within a realistic distance
Whether your availability matches the role
Whether the CV looks easy to read
Whether your profile sounds copied or genuine
Whether you have any evidence of reliability
Whether you understand the type of work
Whether there are spelling or formatting mistakes
Whether you sound trainable
Availability is especially important for first jobs. A candidate can have a lovely CV, but if the shop needs weekend cover and the CV says nothing about weekends, the hiring manager may move on. This is not because they dislike the candidate. It is because hiring managers are usually solving an immediate staffing problem.
That is one of the biggest hiring realities candidates miss. Employers are not just asking “Is this person good?” They are asking “Can this person solve the problem we currently have?”
For a supermarket, that problem might be evening and weekend shifts. For a restaurant, it might be busy Friday and Saturday service. For a warehouse, it might be early starts. For an apprenticeship, it might be commitment and maturity. For an admin role, it might be accuracy and consistency.
Your CV should make the answer obvious.
Most first job CV mistakes are not dramatic. They are small signals that create doubt.
Generic phrases make the CV feel copied. Employers want to see that you understand the role, not that you found a template and filled in three adjectives.
Avoid phrases like:
Highly motivated individual
Excellent team player
Works well under pressure
Passionate about success
Good communication skills
These phrases are not banned, but they need context. Instead of saying you have good communication skills, explain where you used them.
This is a common mistake. Candidates sometimes make school responsibilities sound like senior management experience. It does not work.
A hiring manager would rather see honest, relevant, modest experience than inflated language. If you helped organise a school event, say that. Do not describe it as “stakeholder coordination across operational functions”. Nobody is buying that, and frankly, nobody wants to.
For first jobs, availability can be the difference between being shortlisted and ignored. If you can work weekends, evenings, holidays, or start immediately, say so near the top.
Creative CV templates often cause more problems than they solve. Columns, icons, photos, skill bars, and graphics may look modern, but they can be awkward for applicant tracking systems and annoying for busy hiring managers.
Simple is not boring when the content is strong.
In the UK, you do not need to include your date of birth, marital status, National Insurance number, full address, photo, or personal details that have nothing to do with the job.
Use your name, phone number, email address, general location, and availability.
Spelling mistakes matter more than candidates think. Not because employers expect perfection from a first job applicant, but because mistakes in a short CV suggest low care. If someone submits a one page CV with obvious errors, the employer may wonder how much attention they will pay at work.
You do not need a completely different CV for every job, but you should adjust your profile, skills, and examples depending on the role.
For retail jobs, emphasise:
Customer service potential
Confidence speaking with people
Reliability
Teamwork
Weekend and evening availability
Ability to stay calm when busy
For hospitality jobs, emphasise:
Energy and resilience
Politeness
Working under pressure
Teamwork
Flexibility with shifts
Good personal presentation
For admin jobs, emphasise:
Organisation
Accuracy
Basic IT skills
Written communication
Following instructions
Confidentiality and professionalism
For apprenticeships, emphasise:
Commitment to learning
Interest in the field
Attendance and punctuality
Relevant subjects
Long term motivation
Practical attitude
For warehouse or logistics roles, emphasise:
Reliability
Physical stamina if relevant
Following safety instructions
Timekeeping
Teamwork
Early start or shift availability
This is what I mean by candidate positioning. You are not changing who you are. You are choosing the most relevant evidence for the job in front of you.
A common mistake is sending the same first job CV to every vacancy and hoping the employer connects the dots. Do not make them work that hard. Hiring managers are busy, distracted, and often reviewing applications between other tasks. Make the match obvious.
A strong CV is not just about what you add. It is also about what you remove.
Leave out:
A photo, unless specifically requested for a valid reason
Date of birth
Full home address
National Insurance number
Marital status
Overly personal information
Fake skills
Inflated job titles
Unexplained gaps that look confusing
Long paragraphs about your personality
Salary expectations, unless requested
Negative comments about school, previous employers, teachers, or personal situations
References with full contact details, unless the employer asks for them
Do not include anything that makes the employer pause for the wrong reason. Your first job CV should feel clean, easy to understand, and focused on employability.
A first job CV should usually be one page. That is enough space to show your profile, skills, education, experience, achievements, and availability.
If you have strong volunteering, work experience, projects, or extracurricular achievements, a second page can be acceptable, but only if the content adds value. A two page first job CV full of stretched wording is weaker than a sharp one page CV.
The question is not “How can I fill the page?” The better question is “What does the employer need to know to decide I am worth interviewing?”
For most first job applicants, the strongest one page CV includes:
A clear profile
Six to eight relevant skills
Education with useful detail
One or two experience sections, including volunteering or school responsibilities
A few achievements
Availability
References available on request
That is enough. Do not pad it. Padding makes the CV weaker because it forces the employer to search for the useful parts.
Before sending your CV, check it like a recruiter would.
Is your name clear at the top?
Is your phone number correct?
Is your email address professional?
Have you included your town or city?
Have you included availability if applying for shift, part time, seasonal, retail, hospitality, or entry level work?
Does your personal profile sound genuine?
Have you included education clearly?
Have you shown transferable experience, even if unpaid?
Have you included evidence of reliability, communication, teamwork, or organisation?
Is the CV one page where possible?
Is the formatting simple and easy to scan?
Have you removed unnecessary personal details?
Have you checked spelling and grammar?
Have you saved it as a PDF unless the employer asks for another format?
Does the CV match the job you are applying for?
The final question is the most important. A first job CV does not need to be impressive in a dramatic way. It needs to be relevant. Relevance beats fancy wording almost every time.
The biggest misunderstanding about first job CVs is that candidates think they need to prove they are already experienced. You do not.
You need to prove you are employable.
That means showing the employer you are likely to be reliable, polite, trainable, and sensible. In the UK job market, especially for entry level, part time, seasonal, and apprenticeship roles, employers are often hiring for attitude first and experience second. But attitude cannot just be claimed. It has to be shown through examples.
Do not write a CV that tries to sound like an experienced professional. Write one that sounds like a capable beginner who understands work is not always glamorous, customers are not always easy, managers are not mind readers, and being useful matters.
That is the kind of first job CV employers take seriously.
Written by Simar Malhi, a recruiter and headhunter with international recruitment experience. I write about CVs, job applications, hiring decisions, and the reality behind recruitment processes. My goal is to help candidates understand more honestly how employers, recruiters, and hiring managers actually select candidates.
Upload Resume
Import from Linkedin