First job
High school graduate CV: sample and first CV example
This example is for students in their final year and fresh high school graduates looking for a first job, seasonal work or a part-time job while studying.
A first CV does not have to be empty. We show what to put instead of work experience and how to convince an employer that you are worth a chance.
How to write a high school graduate CV
Professional summary
In a few sentences, say who you are now (a high school graduate, a first-year student), what job you want and when you can work. Add two or three qualities that you back up with examples below, for example punctuality or getting on easily with people.
High school graduate, a part-time computer science student from October. I have experience picking strawberries and helping in the family workshop. I am looking for a full-time job on weekdays, ideally in a warehouse or a service center.
Experience: duties and achievements
Instead of work experience, list everything that shows responsibility: seasonal and part-time work, volunteering, helping in a family business, organizing school events, tutoring, babysitting. Describe it like a normal job: what you did and what came of it.
Weaker: I helped at school.
Better: Co-organizing a pet food collection for a shelter: more than 300 kg of donations.
Weaker: Summer job.
Better: Serving customers at the counter and the till during the season, making coffee with an espresso machine.
Weaker: I gave private lessons.
Better: Math tutoring for 3 primary school students, regularly for a year.
Skills worth listing
List the skills you really have: computer programs, languages, a driving licence, using a till if you have worked in a shop. Choose the personal qualities your examples show.
Professional skills
- Computer skills: Word, Excel, Canva
- A foreign language with your level
- Operating a till and a card terminal
- Driving licence
- Basics of photography, video editing, programming
- First aid
Personal skills
- Punctuality and responsibility
- Willingness to learn
- Working with people
- Teamwork
- Good time management between school and work
School, achievements and interests
On a high school graduate's CV, school matters more than in later years. Give the name or type of school, the track, the year of your exams and your most important achievements: olympiads, competitions, the student council, clubs, exchanges. You do not have to give your exam results, but if they are high and fit the job, you can.
Be specific about your interests: not "sport" but "volleyball in an amateur club". The employer may ask about them, and they are a good topic for conversation.
- If you are not yet 18, tell the employer: there are special rules for employing minors.
- Give your availability: days, hours and when you can start.
- Use a serious e-mail address with your first and last name.
Tailoring your CV to the job offer
For a café, emphasize customer contact and seasonal work; for a warehouse, accuracy and physical work; for an office, computer programs and languages. You can easily change the same CV by reordering your skills and examples.
Questions and answers
What should I put on my CV if I have no experience?
Seasonal and part-time jobs, volunteering, helping in a family business, school activities, competitions, courses, languages, a driving licence and your availability. This shows responsibility better than an empty section.
Should a high school graduate list their exam results?
Not necessarily. Include them if they are high and fit the job, for example a good English result for a job with tourists.
How long should a high school graduate's CV be?
One page. A short, clear CV with a few concrete examples works best.
Do you need a cover letter for a seasonal job?
Usually not. A short message saying from when and for how long you can work is enough.