)
Whether you’re a student, school leaver, or recent graduate looking for your first job, you need a modern CV to be successful. Even if your experience seems limited, there are several strategies to highlight your transferable skills, qualifications, and other experiences.
Stuck with your CV? We've got good CV examples for a first job to help get you started!
Here’s what we cover in this article to help you write the perfect CV for your first job:
Key sections and information: guidance on how to write a CV for first job and the essential components to include.
CV examples and CV templates: choose the best CV format for the first job you are applying for.
Common mistakes to avoid on a CV with checklist: how to write your first CV and pay attention to the details.
Writing a CV with no experience: what to include to emphasise your unique skills.
Good first CV examples: select a starter CV sample to customise.
How to make a CV for a first job
Like any good CV, it's crucial to incorporate the must-have sections that effectively showcase your strengths, top skills employers looking for, and achievements.
Personal contact information: Include your full name, phone number, professional email, location, and LinkedIn profile.
Personal profile, also known as personal statement: Mention your background, soft skills, and career goals.
Skills: Using bullet points, list hard and technical skills in a separate 'Skills' section.
Work experience: Elaborate on your part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer work, focusing on achievements and key learnings with the use of action verbs.
Education: State your highest level of education, mentioning your relevant courses and projects.
Must-have CV sections
Personal profile
Skills section
Work experience
Education
Learn more about how to write a good CV.
If applicable, you could incorporate the following CV sections to fill in the gaps or strengthen your application:
For more information on GPDR laws and UK requirements, refer to our related blog article on whether to include a photo on a CV.
How to write a CV for the first time
Focus on tailoring your CV and cover letter to each job opening, matching the keywords and skills listed in the job description. Keep the layout clean and easy to scan.
Font: Use Arial or Calibri, size 10–12 for body text and 14–16 for headings.
Colour: Use neutral tones consistently, avoid heavy graphics or bold colour blocks.
Margins: Set margins to 1–1.5 inches on all sides.
Alignment: Keep text left-aligned with clear spacing between sections.
Headings: Use short, standard section names (e.g., Work Experience, Education, Skills).
Bullet points: Use bullet points over paragraphs to detail achievements and responsibilities.
For more tips, check out our related blog articles on the best colour and font for a CV.
What counts as work experience on a CV?
This section can take many forms, and it's essential to highlight your expertise and value to potential employers. Here are a few examples of what counts as work experience on a CV:
Internships: Provide valuable hands-on experience in a professional setting, applying academic knowledge and gaining industry insights.
Part-Time Jobs: Include any paid or unpaid work relevant to the job you're applying for, highlighting applicable skills and responsibilities. This can also include seasonal work.
Volunteer Work: It show relevant skills and experiences, showcasing dedication, teamwork, and community involvement.
Apprenticeships: Combine work and study to gain industry-specific skills and qualifications, offering hands-on experience.
Traineeships: Offer structured training programs combining practical work experience with learning and gaining industry-specific skills.
Freelance Work: Explain your freelance projects, who you worked for, and the skills you developed.
Work Placements: Provide hands-on experience in a professional environment, highlighting skills and knowledge gained.
Job shadowing: Mention shadowing professionals in your desired industry to show proactive learning and industry insight.
If you're looking for remote-friendly entry-level roles, see our remote work guide.
Feeling stuck with where to start? Artificial intelligence (AI) can help with your CV, but knowing how to use it effectively is key. We break it down in our AI CV writing guide.
3 good CV templates for first job
1. Student CV example
Download this student CV template for first job for free in PDF.
This student CV sample features Penelope, a third-year university student looking to kickstart her career in Human Resources. She opted for a one-column format and a simple CV template. By including education at the top of the CV, she draws the recruiter's attention to key skills and qualifications. Part-time or voluntary experience has been strategically incorporated into the additional experience section with years only. Penelope create a matching student cover letter to further enhance her job application.
Still not sure what job to apply for? Check out our list of best student jobs to help narrow down your search.
2. School leaver CV example
Download this school leaver CV example for free in PDF
In this CV sample for a first job, Isabella highlights achievements. She has showcased her customer service and language skills to gain a competitive edge. The Wheaton CV template is well-structured, concise, and well-formatted, which looks appealing and is easy to read for recruiters.
Uncertain about job opportunities? Browse through our list of in-demand jobs that didn't exist 20 years ago.
3. Internship CV example
Katie Andrews is a recent graduate looking to kickstart a career through an internship. With the Princeton CV template, she showcases her experience through education and side jobs while drawing attention to her technical and language skills.
Read more tips on how to enter the workforce after graduating.
How do I write a CV for my first job with no experience?
Starting your first job search can be exciting but also a bit daunting, especially when you feel like you don't have much experience to showcase. Interestingly, some of the highest paying jobs don't require a degree. Regardless of your level of experience, there are many ways to create a compelling CV that highlight your potential and enthusiasm. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose the appropriate CV format based on your background.
Opt for a professional CV template with easy-to-read sections.
Add a personal statement explaining your background, main achievements, and career goals.
Highlight the transferable skills gained from side jobs or volunteer work.
Mention relevant projects, internships, or apprenticeships.
State your highest level of education.
Writing your first personal profile
Your personal profile sits at the top of your CV and is often the first thing a recruiter reads. Keep it to two or three sentences. Here are a few example opening lines to get you started:
"Motivated A-level student with a strong interest in marketing and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure."
"Enthusiastic recent school leaver with customer-facing experience gained through part-time retail work and a commitment to developing a career in hospitality."
"Proactive university student seeking an entry-level HR role, with experience coordinating student society events and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office."
Matching keywords from the job description
Recruiters, and applicant tracking systems, look for specific language. If the job description says "strong communication skills," use that exact phrase in your personal profile or skills section. Read the job posting carefully and mirror its wording where it genuinely reflects your experience.
| Industry/role | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Marketing | Content creation, SEO strategy, Campaign management, Brand development, Market research |
| HR | Employee relations, Talent acquisition, Onboarding, HR compliance, Performance management |
| Project management | Budget control, Agile methodology, Stakeholder engagement, Risk assessment, Deliverables |
| Cleaner | Sanitisation, Deep cleaning, Waste disposal, COSHH compliance, Attention to detail |
| School leaver | Punctual, GCSE qualified, Teamwork, Initiative |
| Nanny | Child development, Meal preparation, First aid certified, Safeguarding, Routine management |
| Retail | Cash handling, Stock replenishment, Customer service, Point of sale (POS), Sales targets |
| Software engineer | Python / Java / C++, Full-stack development, Git version control, API integration, Debugging |
| Finance | Financial reporting, Budget forecasting, Cost analysis, Auditing, Compliance |
| IT | Troubleshooting, Network administration, Cyber security, Helpdesk support, Cloud computing |
For more insights, check out our related blog article on how to write a CV with no experience.
Explore the following good CV examples for first jobs with no experience to help you in your job search:
Are you considering a job in healthcare? Explore these healthcare jobs that require little to no experience.
10 common mistakes to avoid on a CV for your first job
When creating your first CV you need to pay careful attention to details and every statement on your CV to ensure you present yourself well. Here are the common mistakes to steer clear of:
Spelling and grammatical mistakes.
Irrelevant information that doesn't match job's criteria.
Poor formatting and layout.
Clichés and generic statements.
Outdated information.
Lack of keywords from the job opening.
Unprofessional email address or personal details.
Combining duties and achievements.
CV is too long.
Exaggerating or lying.
For more tips, see our blog article on how to improve your CV.
CV Checklist: No Experience Edition
Download this checklist for your next job application to elevate your CV!
Still looking for more inspiration? Check out the following CV and cover letter samples to help you get started:
Sales CV and cover letter.
Key takeaways
Here are a few final tips to bear in mind when entering the workforce in the UK:
Customise your CV for each job to match the job requirements and keywords indicated in the job description
Make your CV applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly by using standard section headings (e.g., Work Experience, Education), avoiding tables or text boxes, and saving as a PDF unless the job posting specifies otherwise.
Use a simple CV and professional format with bullet points, neutral headings, and consistent style.
Use bullet points and action verbs to highlight key information and bring the spotlight to your skills and experiences.
Incorporate core sections like a personal profile, skills, work experience, education.
Use your network to look for better opportunities and send your CV via email to the right person.
Remember, rejection is part of the process. Read our guide on how to handle job rejection effectively.
Next steps?
To help you write a CV for your first job, we have a dedicated team of professional writers at CV Writing Service ready to review and provide feedback for your articles. Additionally, take a look at our CV examples page for more inspiration on different career paths you could take. Our CV tool helps you create an outstanding CV in one of the 22 languages available. Easily search for jobs and track your job applications all in one place.
FAQs
How long should my first CV be?
Keep your first CV to one page.
One page is the ideal CV length for applicants with limited experience.
Extend to two pages only if you have substantial relevant qualifications or projects.
Use a clean template to avoid padding – white space is not wasted space.
How to write the first CV for a job?
Start with a professional CV template and build each section in order.
Write a two to three sentence personal profile summarising your background and goals.
List relevant skills, then education, then any work, volunteer, or project experience.
Tailor the language to match the job description before you apply.
What is the best CV format for the first job?
A chronological or skills-based CV format works best depending on your background.
Use chronological if you have some relevant experience or education to show progression.
Use skills-based if you have very little experience and want to lead with transferable skills.
Avoid functional formats – most UK recruiters prefer to see dates and context.
How do I find the right job openings?
Platforms like Indeed, Reed, and Totaljobs are ideal for entry-level roles, while Milkround and Prospects specialise in graduate schemes. Don’t underestimate the value of networking – your connections may lead to opportunities. Also, attend career fairs, engage on LinkedIn, and approach employers directly.
How do I write a CV for the first time?
Start by creating a master CV that lists everything, then tailor it for each application.
Include all qualifications, experience, projects, and achievements in one document.
Use this as your source file, not the document you send to employers.
For each job, create a tailored version using the master CV as your base.
What should I put on my CV if I have no work experience?
Focus on education, transferable skills, and any unpaid or informal experience.
Include school or university projects, volunteering, sports teams, or clubs.
Write a personal profile that highlights your enthusiasm and relevant skills.
Use a skills-based CV format to draw attention away from the lack of formal employment.
