How to Make a CV for Your First Job (Examples to get you Started)
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- Good CV examples for first-time job seekers.
- Editable first-job CV templates.
- A step-by-step guide to writing your first CV.
- Dos and don’ts for a first CV.
- Helpful answers to common first-job CV questions.
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CV example for a first job
- Supported first-year students with academic queries and settling into university life.
- Handled sensitive issues by signposting to wellbeing and support services.
- Improved interpersonal and communication skills through weekly check-ins.
- Assisted customers and managed simple administrative tasks such as stock logs.
- Worked with volunteers to organise donations and maintain shop standards.
- Confidentiality and professionalism
- Research and data organisation
- Problem-solving and conflict awareness
- Time management and planning
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Adaptability and willingness to learn
- Attention to detail
- Empathy and active listening
- Ability to work both independently and in a team
- Presentation and report-writing skills
- Workplace wellbeing and personal development
- Volunteering and community projects
- Reading about organisational behaviour
The best format for a first CV
Skills-based CV format
- emphasise transferable skills rather than experience
- highlight achievements from education, projects, volunteering or part-time activities
- apply for a first job with little or no work history
Reverse-chronological CV format
- show recent experience, even if it’s part-time or temporary
- present their education and achievements in a clear timeline
- highlight steady progress or growing responsibility
First CV tips
- Keep it to one page: Your first CV shouldn’t be longer than one page.
- Use clear headings: Include contact details, profile summary, skills, experience and education. Optional sections like interests can also help fill space while adding personality.
- Use a larger font: Choose a font size between 10-12. It will help fill out the gaps on the CV.
- Avoid photos: Photos aren’t typically used on UK CVs.
How to write a CV for your first job in 6 steps
- How to format contact details.
- How to write a CV summary.
- How to highlight your skills effectively.
- How to structure your experience section (even with no paid work).
- How to list education and qualifications clearly.
- How to add optional sections to strengthen your CV.
Step 1: Add your contact details
- Full name – your first and last name.
- Location – your town or city is enough.
- Mobile number
- Email address – use a clean, professional email format.
- Optional links – add LinkedIn or a portfolio if it supports your application.
Example contact section
Step 2: Write your first-job CV summary (personal statement)
- A brief description of who you are (for example, a recent graduate or someone starting their career).
- The key skills or qualities you want to highlight.
- The type of role or environment you’re interested in.
- Any relevant experience, projects or achievements worth mentioning.
Example first-job CV summary
Step 3: Highlight your skills
- Communication – speaking clearly, writing well, listening effectively
- Teamwork – collaborating on group tasks or activities
- Organisation – planning, prioritising and managing time
- Problem-solving – staying calm and finding solutions
- Customer service – helping people in shops, events or volunteer settings
- Digital skills – Microsoft Office, Google Workspace or basic software
- Adaptability – learning new tasks quickly
Step 4: List your education and qualifications
- Name of the school, college or university
- Course or qualification (GCSEs, A levels, degree, diploma etc.)
- Dates attended
- Key subjects or grades (only list details if they support your application)
- Any achievements such as awards, leadership roles or strong grades in relevant subjects
Step 5: Structure your experience section
- Role or activity – this could be volunteering, a project, part-time work or informal responsibilities.
- Organisation and dates – keep these short and factual.
- Key responsibilities – short bullet points explaining what you did.
- Skills used – link tasks to transferable skills such as teamwork, communication or problem solving.
- Start each point with an action verb (assisted, organised, supported, created, managed).
- Focus on what you contributed or achieved.
- Keep points short, clear and relevant to the role you want.
Example experience
- Assisted customers and answered questions in a friendly, proactive way.
- Helped organise donations and restock shelves during busy periods.
- Worked with a team of volunteers to maintain a clean and organised shop floor.
Step 6: Add your interests or hobbies
- Team sports – shows teamwork, communication and reliability.
- Creative hobbies – such as art, design or music, which can show creativity and attention to detail.
- Fitness or outdoor activities – demonstrates motivation, discipline and resilience.
- Volunteering – highlights initiative, responsibility and a positive attitude.
- Reading or personal development – shows curiosity and willingness to learn.
Dos and don’ts for a first CV
DO
DO tailor your CV summary to each role
DO highlight your transferable skills
DON’T
DON’T apologise for lack of experience
DON’T forget to prepare for the interview
FAQs about first CVs
How do I know if my first CV is good enough?
- is one page long
- uses a clean, simple layout
- includes skills, education and at least some form of experience
- uses clear bullet points
- is tailored to the job
Do I need a cover letter with my first CV?
What should I put on a CV if I have no work experience?
How far back should I go with education?
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