Writing your first CV can feel awkward when you have never had a formal job. The good news is that employers hiring for entry-level roles expect short work histories. They are looking for reliability, basic skills and a sensible attitude, and you can show all of that without a long career behind you.
This guide explains what a UK CV is, how it differs from a US resume, and how to build one from the experience you already have.
What a UK CV is
CV stands for curriculum vitae. In the UK, it is the standard document you send with a job application. It is a short, factual summary of who you are, what you have studied, what you have done and what you can do.
For a first job, aim for one page, or two pages at the very most. Recruiters often read many applications quickly, and a clear, focused CV is easier to read than a crowded one.
A UK CV is usually:
- Written in plain, professional language
- Laid out in a simple format with clear headings
- Saved and sent as a PDF or Word document, unless the employer asks for something else
- Tailored to the specific job you are applying for
UK CV vs US resume: the main differences
If you have looked at online templates, many are written for the US market. The two documents are similar, but a few habits differ.
- The name. In the UK, people say CV. In the US, a resume is the usual term for a similar short document.
- Length. Both are short for early-career applicants. For a first UK job, one page is a good target.
- Spelling. Use UK spelling, such as organised, programme and centre.
- Dates. Write dates in the UK style, for example September 2023 to June 2024.
- Education wording. Use the terms UK employers know, such as GCSEs, A levels, T levels, BTECs, apprenticeships or a degree. Avoid American terms like high school GPA or grade point average.
- Personal details. Keep these minimal. A name, phone number, email address and general location, such as your town or city, is enough. You do not need a full home address.
- Photos and personal information. Do not add a photo, your date of birth or other personal details unless the employer specifically asks. They are not needed to assess your application.
- Cover letter. Many UK employers like a short covering letter or a supporting statement alongside your CV, so it is worth preparing one.
The sections to include
A simple order works well for a first CV. Put the strongest and most relevant material near the top.
1. Name and contact details
Add your name as a heading, then your phone number, a professional-sounding email address and your town or city. If your email address is a nickname from years ago, create a simple new one using your name.
2. Personal statement
This is a short paragraph of two to four sentences at the top. It says who you are, what you can offer and what kind of role you want. Keep it specific and honest.
For example:
Reliable and friendly school leaver with experience of teamwork through volunteering and sports. Confident dealing with the public and quick to learn new tasks. Looking for an entry-level customer-facing role where I can build my skills.
Avoid empty phrases such as "hard-working team player" unless you back them up elsewhere on the page.
3. Education and qualifications
With little work history, this section often comes before employment. List your most recent first. Include the name of the school, college or university, the dates, and your qualifications and grades if you are happy with them.
If you are still studying, write the qualifications you are working towards, for example "A levels in progress, expected summer 2025". You can add subjects that relate to the job, such as maths for a cashier role or IT for an office role.
4. Work experience
List any paid or unpaid work. This can include:
- Part-time or Saturday jobs
- Work experience placements arranged through school or college
- Volunteering
- Helping with a family business
- Informal work such as babysitting, dog walking or tutoring
For each one, give the role, the organisation, the dates and two or three short bullet points about what you did. Start each point with an action word and, where possible, show the result.
- Served customers and handled cash accurately during busy weekend shifts
- Helped set up and tidy the hall for weekly youth club sessions
- Answered phone calls and passed messages to the right person
5. Skills
Keep this section practical. Name skills that are relevant to the job and that you can give an example of.
- Communication: explaining things clearly to different people
- Teamwork: working with others on group projects or in a sports team
- Time management: balancing studies with other commitments
- IT skills: using common programmes such as word processing and spreadsheets
- Languages, if you speak any
6. Interests and achievements
This is optional, but it can help when you have little experience. Include activities that show commitment or useful qualities, such as captaining a team, completing a Duke of Edinburgh award or running a small online project. Skip anything generic, such as "socialising with friends".
How to fill a CV when you have little work history
A short history is not a weakness if you show what you have done in the right way.
Use what you already have
Think about school, college, clubs, volunteering, caring for family members and personal projects. Each of these involves skills employers value, such as responsibility, reliability and communication.
Write down everything you have done in the last few years. Then pick the items that fit best with the role you want.
Match the job advert
Read the job advert carefully and note the skills and qualities it asks for. Use some of the same words in your CV where they honestly describe you. This helps a recruiter see the match quickly, and it can also help if the employer uses software to sort applications.
Show examples, not labels
Instead of saying you are organised, show it. "Planned a fundraising bake sale for 40 people and kept a record of money raised" tells an employer much more than a single adjective.
Consider a skills-based layout
If you really have no work experience, you can put a skills section above a shorter experience section. Under each skill, give a one-line example from school, volunteering or everyday life.
Formatting tips for a clean CV
- Use a clear font, such as Arial or Calibri, at around 10 to 12 points
- Keep margins comfortable so the page is not crowded
- Use bold headings and bullet points so it is easy to scan
- Be consistent with dates, spacing and capital letters
- Name your file sensibly, for example "Jane-Smith-CV"
Check before you send
A small mistake can make a good CV look careless, so take a few minutes to check it.
- Read it aloud to catch awkward sentences.
- Check spelling, especially names of schools and organisations.
- Confirm your phone number and email address are correct.
- Ask a teacher, parent, careers adviser or friend to read it and say what stands out.
- Make sure it matches the job you are applying for, not just a general version.
Many schools, colleges and universities offer free careers support, and local services often run help sessions for first-time applicants. It is worth asking what is available near you.
References
You do not need to list referees on the CV itself. A short line saying "References available on request" is common, but optional. If an employer asks for references later, a teacher, tutor, volunteer coordinator or previous manager can usually provide one. Ask permission before you give someone's details.
Final thoughts
Your first CV does not need to be perfect or long. It needs to be clear, honest and focused on the job in front of you. Start with a simple draft today, fill it with the experience you already have, and improve it each time you apply. A CV is a working document, and it will grow as you do.
