How to Create a CV for Your First Job in the UK

Essential Guide to Creating a CV for Your First Job in the UK

Published by LocalPage.uk Senior Content Architect • Updated for 2025-2026

Entering the UK labour market for the first time is a significant milestone. Whether you are a recent school leaver in England, a graduate from a Scottish university, or someone starting a new chapter in Wales or Northern Ireland, your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the single most important document you will produce. In 2026, the recruitment landscape has shifted towards a "skills-first" approach, where employers value potential and transferable attributes as much as traditional experience.

5.6m private sector businesses in the UK are currently looking for fresh talent, with SMEs making up 99.3% of the total business population.

Understanding the Current UK Entry-Level Job Market

Before putting pen to paper—or fingers to keys—it is vital to understand what UK employers are seeking. The Department for Business and Trade reports that as we move into 2026, there is an increased emphasis on digital literacy and adaptability amongst those seeking their first role. Whilst technical skills can be taught, the "soft skills" of communication and reliability remain the highest priority for the 4.2 million micro-businesses operating across the UK.

The Shift Towards Skills-Based Hiring in 2026

The traditional CV, which relied heavily on a long list of previous job titles, is becoming less effective for first-time applicants. Instead, focus on demonstrating how your education and personal projects have equipped you with the ability to solve problems. Professional services, which account for 22% of all UK businesses, are particularly keen on candidates who can show "work-readiness" through volunteering or extracurricular achievements.

Regional Variations in Recruitment Expectations

Whilst the core principles of a CV remain consistent across the United Kingdom, local nuances exist. In London and the South East, where 34% of the UK business population resides, the competition is fierce, requiring a highly polished and concise document. Conversely, in Wales, where 94% of companies are micro-enterprises, a more personal touch that emphasizes community involvement and local reliability can often yield better results through Business Wales networks.

A Note on Personal Identification and Privacy

In the UK, you should never include your date of birth, marital status, or a photograph on your CV. Under the UK GDPR and the guidance provided by the ICO, employers strive for an unbiased recruitment process. Including these details can actually hinder your application, as some automated systems may filter them out to ensure compliance with equality legislation.

Selecting the Right Format for a First-Time Applicant

For those with limited work history, the layout of the CV must be strategic. You are not hiding a lack of experience; rather, you are highlighting your potential. The "functional" or "skills-based" CV format is often the most effective tool for those entering the workforce in 2025-2026.

The Functional vs. Chronological Layout

A chronological CV works best when you have a steady career ladder to display. For your first job, a functional CV allows you to group your skills under headings such as "Communication," "Digital Proficiency," and "Problem Solving." This allows a recruiter at a local hospitality firm or a retail outlet to see immediately what you can contribute to their team, regardless of your previous employment status.

Optimising for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Large UK employers and recruitment agencies now almost exclusively use software to scan CVs before a human ever sees them. To ensure your CV passes these filters, use standard fonts like Georgia or Arial, avoid complex tables, and mirror the language used in the job description. For example, if a job advert in Scotland mentions "proactive engagement," ensure those exact words appear in your skills section.

The "Golden Triangle" of CV Real Estate

Recruiters often spend less than six seconds on an initial scan. The top third of your first page is the most valuable space. Ensure your contact details and a punchy personal profile are clear and compelling. Use this space to state clearly that you are seeking your first professional role and mention the specific sector you are targeting.

Crafting a Compelling Personal Profile

Your personal profile acts as your "elevator pitch." It should be a three-to-four line summary that captures who you are, what you offer, and what you want. Avoid clichés like "hardworking individual" or "team player"—instead, provide evidence-based statements.

Moving Beyond Generic Phrases

Instead of saying you are a "good communicator," state that you "successfully collaborated with a team of six during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition to achieve a shared navigation goal." This provides a tangible example of the skill in action.

In the competitive graduate markets of Northern Ireland, where cross-border trade has risen by 12%, highlighting linguistic abilities or an understanding of different regulatory environments can be a significant advantage.

Tailoring Your Profile for Every Application

One of the biggest mistakes made by first-time job seekers is sending the same CV to every employer. You must adapt your personal profile for every role. If you are applying to a startup in Manchester, emphasize your flexibility and eagerness to learn. If applying to an established financial firm in the City of London, focus on your attention to detail and adherence to professional standards.

Maximising Education and Academic Achievements

When you haven't yet held a full-time job, your education is your primary evidence of capability. Do not simply list your grades; explain what they taught you about the world of work.

Listing Qualifications Correctly in the UK

Standard practice involves listing your most recent education first. For school leavers, this means your A-Levels or Highers (in Scotland), followed by your GCSEs or National 5s. If you have completed a T-Level in England, ensure you highlight the 45-day industry placement, as this counts as significant work experience in the eyes of many SMEs.

Highlighting Relevant Modules and Projects

If you are applying for a junior marketing role but only have a degree in History, highlight a specific project where you had to analyse complex data or present findings to a group. This demonstrates transferable skills that are highly valued by the 532,000 professional services businesses currently operating in the UK.

Pro Tip: If you are based in Scotland, remember to use the SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) levels if applying to local public sector roles, as this helps recruiters compare qualifications accurately across the UK nations.

Turning Life Experience into Professional Value

You have more experience than you think. Every hobby, volunteer role, and weekend project has equipped you with skills that a business owner can use. In 2026, the "unpaid experience" section is often the highlight of a first-time CV.

The Power of Volunteering and Social Action

Whether you helped at a local food bank in Cardiff or coached a youth football team in Belfast, these roles demonstrate commitment and responsibility. Organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) often note that micro-businesses look for candidates who show initiative and a willingness to contribute to their local community.

Hobbies as Evidence of Soft Skills

Being the captain of a gaming team demonstrates leadership and strategic thinking. Maintaining a personal blog shows digital literacy and consistency. Even a passion for hiking shows resilience and planning. Ensure these are framed professionally—focus on the "doing" words (verbs) like "organised," "coordinated," and "implemented."

Quantifying Your Achievements

Whenever possible, use numbers. "Raised £500 for a local hospice through a sponsored walk" is much more impactful than "Did some fundraising." Numbers provide a scale for your achievements and help an employer at a small retail operation (of which there are 306,000 in the UK) understand your potential impact.

Technical Skills and Digital Proficiency in 2026

Ofcom reports that 82% of UK adults now own a smartphone, and the expectation for digital fluency has never been higher. For your first job, your "Technical Skills" section should be robust and modern.

Essential Software and Digital Tools

Beyond the standard Microsoft Office suite, employers are looking for familiarity with collaboration tools like Slack, Trello, or Microsoft Teams. If you have used AI tools responsibly to assist in your studies or projects, mention your "AI literacy"—this is a trending requirement for 2026. However, ensure you understand the ethical implications, especially regarding data privacy and the ICO's guidelines.

Social Media and Content Creation

For many small businesses, having a staff member who understands how to navigate social media platforms professionally is a major asset. If you have managed a social media account for a school club or a local charity, highlight your understanding of engagement metrics and community management.

This is particularly relevant for the hospitality sector, where 190,000 premises are constantly looking for ways to improve their local digital visibility.

The Importance of a Clean and Professional Layout

Design matters. Your CV should be a reflection of your professional standards. A cluttered, poorly formatted document suggests a lack of attention to detail—a trait that can lead to an immediate rejection from 64% of hospitality managers who are currently battling staffing shortages and need reliable, organized help.

Choosing Fonts and Spacing

Stick to professional, readable fonts. Georgia is an excellent choice for a slightly more traditional look, whilst Sans Serif fonts like Calibri or Arial provide a modern feel. Ensure there is plenty of "white space" on the page; if the document is too dense, a recruiter's eyes will skip over the most important information.

Length and Saving Format

For a first job, your CV should never exceed two pages. In many cases, a single, well-packed page is more effective. Always save your document as a PDF before sending it. This ensures the formatting stays exactly as you intended, whether the employer opens it on a desktop in a corporate office in Edinburgh or a smartphone in a small shop in Cornwall.

Final Review: Proofreading and References

A single "typo" can be the difference between an interview and a rejection. In the UK, we use British English spelling—ensure your spellchecker is set to 'English (United Kingdom)' to avoid using 'Z' instead of 'S' in words like "optimise" or "organisation."

The Art of Proofreading

Read your CV backwards. This forces your brain to look at individual words rather than sentences, making it easier to spot spelling errors. Ask a friend or mentor to check it as well. If you are in Wales, Business Wales often provides mentorship programs that include CV reviews for young entrepreneurs and job seekers.

Managing References for Your First Role

You do not need to list your references' full contact details on your CV. The phrase "References available upon request" is standard. For your first job, your references will likely be a teacher, a tutor, or a leader from a volunteer organization. Ensure you have asked their permission before you reach this stage in the application process.

Next Steps: Moving Beyond the CV

Your CV is the key that opens the door, but your cover letter and online presence turn the handle. In 2026, 76% of UK consumers research businesses online; similarly, many employers will look for you on professional networking sites once they have read your CV.

The Role of the Cover Letter

Every CV should be accompanied by a tailored cover letter. Use this to explain *why* you want to work for that specific company. Mention something you admire about their recent work or their commitment to the local community in Northern Ireland or Scotland. This shows you have done your research—a quality that 99% of UK SMEs find highly attractive.

Preparing for the Interview

Once your CV has done its job, you will be invited to an interview. Be prepared to discuss every point you have made on your CV in detail.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, ensuring you always focus on the positive outcome of your actions.

"What should I put on a CV for my first job with no experience?"

Focus on your education, volunteering, and transferable skills like digital literacy and communication. Highlight school projects or hobbies that demonstrate responsibility and a willingness to learn.

"Do I need a photo on my UK CV in 2026?"

No. Including a photo is not standard practice in the UK and can lead to bias. Most UK employers prefer 'blind' recruitment processes to ensure equality and diversity.

How long should my first CV be?

For a first-time job seeker in the UK, a one-page CV is often ideal. It keeps your information concise and ensures a recruiter can see your potential at a glance. If you have extensive volunteering or extracurricular achievements, you may extend it to two pages, but never more.

Can I use AI to write my CV?

Whilst AI tools can help with structure and phrasing, you must ensure the content is your own. UK recruiters are increasingly adept at spotting AI-generated "fluff." Use it as a guide, but always rewrite sections in your own voice to ensure it reflects your true personality and experiences.

Should I include my GCSE grades?

Yes, especially if you are a school leaver. List your English and Maths grades specifically, as these are often used as a baseline by UK employers for numeracy and literacy. For other subjects, you can group them (e.g., "8 GCSEs at grades 9-4") to save space.

What is a "skills-based" CV?

A skills-based CV focuses on your attributes rather than your employment history. Instead of a chronological list of jobs, you create sections for different skill sets—like "Customer Service" or "Technical Proficiency"—and provide evidence from your life and education for each.

Is it okay to include my home address?

In 2026, you generally only need to include your town and county. For privacy reasons, your full street address isn't necessary until the onboarding stage. If applying for local roles in small towns in Wales or Northern Ireland, showing you are a "local" can be an advantage.

How do I explain a gap after finishing school?

Be honest. If you took a gap year to travel, volunteer, or care for a family member, list it as a section on your CV. Highlight what you learnt during that time—for example, budgeting during travel or time management while volunteering.

Do I need to include my hobbies?

Yes, but keep them relevant. Hobbies that show teamwork, leadership, or a unique skill are great. Simply saying you "enjoy watching movies" doesn't add much value, but "editing short films for a YouTube channel" shows creativity and technical ability.

How do I send my CV to a small business?

The best way is usually via email as a PDF. However, for some local trades or retail shops, dropping in with a printed copy and asking to speak to the manager can still be effective, as it shows immediate confidence and initiative.

What contact details are essential?

Include your full name, a professional-sounding email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com), and your phone number.

You should also include a link to your LinkedIn profile if it is up to date and professional.

What if I have a criminal record?

In the UK, you generally only need to disclose "unspent" convictions. Many employers are "Fair Chance" employers. You do not necessarily need to put this on your CV; it is often better discussed during the interview or a separate disclosure process as guided by Nacro or similar charities.