A school leaver CV should show education, practical skills and evidence of responsibility. You do not need to invent employment to create a credible first application.
Choose a realistic first role, such as a trainee, assistant or entry-level position, and use its requirements to decide what belongs in the document.
Present education accurately
Include your school, relevant examinations and results where useful or requested. Distinguish completed examinations from results you are still awaiting. Use clear qualification names and consistent dates.
You do not need to reproduce every school record. Select information that helps the employer assess the role, especially when specific subjects or grades are part of the requirements.
Identify responsibility outside employment
School clubs, sports, volunteering, event support and family-business tasks can provide examples. Explain what you actually did rather than merely listing an activity name.
An illustrative example might describe maintaining registrations for a school event and helping communicate schedule changes. That can show organisation and attention to detail without pretending it was a formal office job.
Be specific about useful skills
If you can use spreadsheets, explain the tasks you have completed. If you list languages, use an honest description of proficiency. Do not mark every language “fluent” because a template provides that option.
Short courses can be included when relevant, with the provider and completion status. Watching a tutorial is not the same as earning a certification.
Keep the opening simple
State that you are a school leaver seeking a relevant first opportunity and name the strengths supported by the CV. Avoid a long motivational paragraph that says little about your preparation.
Use a professional email, a current phone number and appropriate location information. Avoid adding identity numbers or extensive personal details just because an old example includes them.
Ask for a careful review
Have a trusted adult, teacher or reviewer check spelling, dates and clarity. Get permission before naming someone as a referee, and share their contact details only when appropriate to the application.
Begin with free career resources. If you need help arranging the evidence, explore CV writing support and explain that this is your first application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my CV be only one page?
Yes. One readable page of relevant information is better than extra pages filled with generic statements.
Should I include work in my family's shop?
Yes, if it is relevant and described honestly. State the context and tasks instead of inventing a senior title.
Take Action
Move from reading to results with a clear next step.
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Chanuka Jeewantha
Professional CV Writer and Career Development Specialist with 8+ years of experience in ATS-friendly positioning and career strategy.
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