Teenager CV Example, Template & Full Writing Guide

Embarking on the path to employment as a teenager can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. With limited work experience and a plethora of responsibilities, crafting a standout CV is essential.

Your teenager CV must highlight your strengths, skills, and potential, showcasing why you're the perfect candidate for the role. If you’re worried about writing your teenager CV with no experience, worry no more. I’ll show you everything you need to do to succeed.

In this guide, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to structure your teenager CV to make a strong impression. Plus, explore a teenager CV example you can use as a template for your own application.

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We created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.

Looking for other similar articles? Check out:

• CV for a 16-Year-Old Sample
• First CV Example
• Part-Time Job CV Guide
• School Leaver CV Sample
• Student CV Example

Teenager CV example

Here’s how to write a teenager CV that gets you a job:

1. Begin your teenager CV with an objective statement

Picture this: the recruiter scanning your teenager CV might spend less time than it takes to scroll through an Instagram story. How do you ensure they will stop and look at your CV specifically? Start your CV with a compelling personal objective that captivates their attention.

Craft your personal statement with substance and ambition, avoiding cliché wording like 'experienced' or 'proven track of'. Place your personal statement prominently at the top of your CV to grab the reader's interest. Highlight your significant achievements, focusing on those demonstrating maturity and work ethic, such as sporting or hobby successes.

Tailor this section to each job application, emphasizing how your skills and aspirations align with the role. A well-crafted personal objective sets the tone for your teenager CV, making it more compelling and memorable to potential employers.

Teenager CV example: objective

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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2. Focus on your teenager education

You most likely didn’t have much time and opportunities to gain a ton of work experience. As much as employers would love to have their entry-level specialists be 16 years old with 20 years of experience, that’s just their fantasy.

If you don’t have any work experience, you should emphasize your teenager CV education section. Utilize a clear format, including the type of qualification, starting and graduation dates, and the school attended. If you're currently studying, include an expected completion date for clarification.

Consider incorporating additional educational experiences, such as extracurricular activities, workshops, or online courses relevant to your career aspirations. These demonstrate your willingness to learn and develop beyond traditional academic settings. You can also showcase your best grades.

Teenager CV template: education section

3. Present work achievements if you have them

As the OECD study shows, teenagers combining full-time study with part-time work tend to fare better in the adult job market than expected based on their backgrounds and academic qualifications.

While your work history may seem limited as a teenager, it holds significant weight in showcasing your skills, experiences, and readiness for future roles.

Begin by listing any part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer positions you've held, focusing on relevance to the role you're applying for. Even if your work experience is limited, highlight key responsibilities and accomplishments demonstrating your capabilities and work ethic. Use bullet points to format each entry on your CV for a teenager, ensuring clarity and conciseness.

When describing your teenager CV work achievements, emphasize quantifiable results and contributions rather than just listing duties. For example, instead of stating "assisted customers," highlight accomplishments like "increased customer satisfaction by resolving 95% of inquiries promptly." Tailor your language and examples to align with the requirements and expectations of the job you're targeting.

CV example for teenagers: work experience

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4. Display valuable skills in your teenager CV

Crafting a teen CV may seem daunting, especially if you're light on work experience. However, you've likely engaged in activities that have honed transferable skills.

Consider the diverse range of experiences you've had, from school projects to volunteer work, that have equipped you with valuable skills. Even activities like sports participation can demonstrate relevant skills such as teamworking skills, leadership prowess, or adaptability.

When listing, aim for a balance of hard and soft skills. Hard skills, like IT proficiency or trade skills, can be acquired through training or education, while soft skills, such as communication skills or problem-solving capabilities, are inherent traits that can be demonstrated through various activities.

To enhance your teenager CV further, provide brief explanations or examples for each skill listed. This can add depth and context to your achievements, making them more impactful.

Skills for teenager CV example

5. Provide additional qualifications with bonus sections

In addition to the standard sections of a teenager CV, bonus sections can add depth and credibility to your application.

These sections, such as certifications, volunteer work, known languages, or other extracurricular activities, can provide valuable insights into your character, interests, and achievements. For example, including relevant certifications or courses, such as first aid training or language courses, demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development.

Additional sections on a teenager CV

6. Supplement your teenager CV with a cover letter

While a CV for teenagers is the essential foundation, a well-written cover letter makes your job application’s value skyrocket.

A cover letter allows you to introduce yourself to the employer, express your interest in the position, and highlight why you're the ideal candidate for the job. It lets you expand on specific experiences or achievements mentioned in your teen CV and tailor your application to the job requirements.

When writing a cover letter, address it to the hiring manager or recruiter by name, if possible. Use the opening paragraph to introduce yourself and mention the position you're applying for. In the body paragraphs, highlight relevant experiences, skills, and achievements demonstrating your suitability for the role. Finally, conclude the cover letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and inviting the recruiter to schedule a call with you.

7. Ensure consistent formatting throughout your teenager CV

Creating a teenager CV is akin to preparing for a match—uniformity is key. Consistent CV formatting ensures your CV is visually appealing and easy to navigate, increasing your chances of landing an interview.

Follow these CV layout rules for best results:

• Opt for a straightforward font in your CV for teenagers. Arial and Calibri are tried-and-tested choices.
• Ensure consistent 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Employ bold, clear headings for each section of your teenager CV.
• Utilize lines to separate sections and establish a structured CV format for easy skimming.
• Save your teen CV as a PDF unless instructed otherwise.
• Write a one-page-long CV. At this point in your career, anything more than a page will make you look pretentious.
• Leave your personal details on top of your CV, and omit adding details like your date of birth or gender.

A cover letter alone simply won’t be enough—you need an impactful CV, too. Create your CV in minutes. Just follow our wizard and fill in every CV section with ready-made content. Get started by choosing a professional CV template.

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Are you inspired to share your thoughts or questions about crafting your teenager CV? We'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below. Your insights could help other teenagers navigate their CV writing journey more effectively. And if you have any questions, I’ll gladly help you.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.