Your first part-time job CV at 16

6 minute read · Updated 30 October 2026

At 16 (and often from 13 for some light work) you can start applying for part-time jobs in shops, cafés, supermarkets, cinemas and garden centres. Many of these employers still ask for a CV, especially smaller local businesses. Here is how to put together a one-page CV that gets noticed.

What employers want from a 16-year-old

A manager filling a Saturday shift is mainly asking three questions:

• Will you turn up on time? Show reliability through attendance, clubs you have stuck with or regular commitments.
• Will you be good with customers? Show friendliness and confidence, for example through volunteering, events or team activities.
• When are you available? Make your availability clear, especially weekends and school holidays.

The sections to include

1. Your name and contact details: phone, email and town. You do not need your full address or date of birth.
2. Personal statement: two or three sentences about you and the job you want.
3. Education: your school, GCSE subjects and predicted grades.
4. Experience: volunteering, school roles, clubs or babysitting.
5. Skills: six to eight, such as customer service, teamwork and using a till or Excel.
6. Achievements and interests: awards, sports, music, hobbies.
7. Availability: for example, "Available Saturdays and Sundays, and full-time in school holidays".
8. References: "Available on request" is fine.

A complete example

Rules for young workers

If you are under school-leaving age, there are legal limits on the hours and times you can work, and some councils require a work permit. Employers should know these rules, but it helps to understand them too. GOV.UK has a clear page on child employment.

Handing it in

For local shops and cafés, handing in a printed CV in person still works well. Go at a quiet time (mid-morning on a weekday is ideal), dress neatly and ask to give it to the manager. Our guide on how to send your CV covers this in more detail.