As a school leaver, you'll likely not have much work experience, but it's important not to sell yourself short when applying for a job. Take a look at our CV template for 16-year-olds to find out how to present yourself in the best possible light
Ellie Smith
Seeking an apprenticeship in accounting
Anytown | elliesmith@myemail.com | 07551 194143 | LinkedIn
Personal profile
I am a highly motivated and hardworking individual looking for a part-time apprenticeship role in accounting or finance. I am enthusiastic, have excellent attention to detail, and I give 100% in my work. My predicted GCSE grades are good across all subjects, including maths and English. I enjoy working with numbers, as maths has consistency in that answers are either right or wrong. I attend a maths club at school weekly to compete in quizzes and problem solving, and mentor Year 7 students in maths to help develop their skills and confidence.
Skills
- Teamwork: I enjoy working with others in maths club or in classes, as I can learn from other students' ideas to help me build my skills.
- Mentoring: To build my skills and help younger students, I mentor Year 7 students in maths to develop their skills in evaluating data, recognising patterns, and problem solving.
- Communication: I can clearly and confidently communicate with people from all backgrounds and cultures. In class, I actively listen, absorb new information and carry out tasks. My written and verbal skills are excellent, and I am always friendly and polite to teachers and students.
- Problem Solving and Initiative: My logical thinking gives me a strong advantage when problem solving. I can work through problems calmly and ask for help if needed. Chess helps me solve challenges and try out new moves.
- Time Management: Managing both my clubs, hobbies, and studies demonstrates my strong time management skills. I am organised and plan carefully to ensure I manage my time effectively.
Education and qualifications
Smithtown Secondary School Sep 2021 - Jun 2026
- Mathematics - Predicted Grade 8
- English Language - Predicted Grade 6
- English Literature - Predicted Grade 4
- Combined Science - Predicted Grade 5
- Geography - Predicted Grade 6
- Sociology - Predicted Grade 4
Hobbies and interests
- Attending the school maths club weekly to compete in competitions, often competing with other schools in the area.
- Playing chess with friends at a local club.
Excellent references will be made available following the interview.
Please be aware that this is an example. Use this example CV for 16-year-olds to help generate ideas and structure your own CV, but avoid copying and pasting. Your own CV must be original and tailored to the specific job for which you're applying.
- At the top of the CV, make clear your intention, seeking a role or apprenticeship in (industry).
- Don't use the full address; town/county, email, and mobile number are fine. Break the mobile number down so it's easier to read.
- Add a LinkedIn profile at the top if you have one, but make sure you have a photo and information on your profile.
- If you do have work experience or a part-time job, add a section and add what you have achieved from the experience.
- It's good to write your CV in first person (I, my) when you start out. Once you have had a job/apprenticeship, it is better to write in implied first person - see The CV & Interview Advisors - Should a CV be in third person?
- Presentation and being easy to read are essential; don't use fancy fonts, columns, icons, or anything in the header or footer. Your CV may be only one page if you don't have much experience. If you do go onto page two, try not to leave blocks of space on the page. Reformat to reduce the content to one page by reducing the font size and margins, or enlarge it if necessary to fill the page.
- Make your interests interesting: for example, sports show resilience, teamwork, and communication. Extra-curricular activities and school clubs can help when applying for an apprenticeship. Ensure that you highlight your relevant skills, relating them to the position you are applying for and supporting them with examples from your academic background or other relevant interests and hobbies.
Find out more
- Explore all example CVs.
- Read about how to write a CV.
- View this example personal statement for college.