How Do You Write a CV for Year 10 Work Experience With No Previous Jobs?

Securing a Year 10 work placement hinges on a well-crafted CV that highlights your potential, not your experience. For students with no formal work history, the key is to create a compelling CV that focuses on education, transferable skills, and personal passions. This guide provides a step-by-step framework and a ready-to-use template to help you build an effective application.

What is a CV for Year 10 Work Experience?

A CV for Year 10 work experience is a formal document you submit to employers to arrange a short-term placement. Unlike a standard professional CV, its primary goal is not to list previous jobs but to showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and soft skills. Employers understand that applicants at this stage are entering the workforce for the first time, so they look for enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and foundational abilities that would make you a valuable addition to their team, even for a few weeks.

How to Write a CV for Year 10 Work Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a standout CV involves strategic planning. Follow these steps to structure your application effectively.

1. How Should You Research Before Writing Your CV?

Before drafting your CV, invest time in research. If your school offers a placement program, start by consulting with a student advisor. If you need to find your own opportunity, identify industries or roles that align with your interests. Researching target organisations allows you to tailor your CV. For instance, applying for a placement at a veterinary clinic means emphasising any animal-related volunteering or science subjects, making your application more relevant and impactful.

2. What Belongs in Your CV Header and Contact Details?

The header is the first thing an employer sees. Place your full name at the top of the page in a slightly larger font. Directly below, include your phone number, a professional email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com), and your town or city. Ensure all contact information is accurate and professional. If you are including a cover letter, the details must match exactly to avoid confusion.

3. How Do You Craft a Powerful Personal Summary?

Your personal summary is a brief, 2-3 sentence introduction at the top of your CV. It should immediately capture the employer's attention by stating your school year, career interests, and key strengths. Focus on your enthusiasm and what you hope to achieve. For example: "An motivated Year 10 student seeking a work experience placement in retail to develop customer service skills and gain practical insight into business operations. A reliable and quick learner passionate about contributing to a team environment."

4. What Educational Information Should You Highlight?

In the education section, clearly state your current status. List your expected GCSE completion year and your school's name. Beneath this, include the subjects you are studying, particularly those relevant to the placement. This gives employers insight into your academic strengths and interests. For example, listing Design Technology and IT for a design studio placement directly demonstrates relevant foundational knowledge.

5. What Skills and Experience Can You Include?

This section is critical when you have limited formal work experience.

• Volunteering & Extracurricular Activities: Detail any volunteering, club memberships (e.g., debating society, sports teams), or personal projects. Describe responsibilities using strong action verbs like 'organised', 'assisted', or 'managed'. This demonstrates initiative and transferable skills like teamwork and time management.
• Skills: Create a dedicated section for both soft and hard skills. Soft skills include communication, problem-solving, and reliability. Hard skills could be basic proficiency in specific software (e.g., Microsoft Office), languages, or coding. Align these skills with the requirements of the placement you are applying for.

Year 10 Work Experience CV Template

Use this template as a framework, replacing the bracketed text with your information.

Your Full Name Phone Number | Professional Email Address | Your Town/City

Personal Summary [Two to three sentences introducing yourself, your school year, your interest in the specific field, and your key attributes or goals.]

Education [Expected Year of GCSE Completion] | [Name of Your School]

• [Relevant Subject 1]
• [Relevant Subject 2]
• [Full list of GCSE subjects]

Experience & Activities [Role, e.g., Volunteer] | [Month, Year – Present or Month, Year] [Organisation Name] | [Town/City]

• [Responsibility describing what you did and a positive outcome, e.g., Assisted with organising fundraising events, helping to raise over £200.]
• [Another specific responsibility.]

Skills [Skill 1] | [Skill 2] | [Skill 3] | [Skill 4] | [Skill 5]

Example of a Year 10 Work Experience CV

Sophie Jones 07812 345678 | sophie.jones@email.com | Manchester

Personal Summary A diligent Year 10 student keen to secure a work experience placement in a local library to explore a career in information sciences. Possesses strong organisational skills developed through school responsibilities and a genuine passion for reading and community engagement.

Education 2026 (Expected GCSEs) | Manchester Secondary School

• English Literature
• History
• ICT
• Full list of GCSEs available upon request.

Experience & Activities Library Prefect | September 2023 – Present Manchester Secondary School | Manchester

• Assist the librarian with shelving books and maintaining a quiet study environment.
• Help students locate resources and use the library's digital catalogue system.

Skills Teamwork | Organisation | IT Literacy | Communication | Reliability

To maximise your chances, tailor each CV you send out. Focus on your potential, be specific about your achievements, and proofread meticulously to ensure there are no errors. A polished and personalised CV demonstrates professionalism and genuine interest to a potential employer.