CV for first job: a complete school-leaver example (South Africa)

If you’re writing a cv for first job with little or no work experience, your goal is simple: show you’re reliable, ready to learn, and have proof of skills through school subjects, projects, volunteering, achievements, and practical details (availability, location, and references). Below you’ll find what to include, what to avoid, and a complete copy-and-paste example you can adapt.

What should a cv for first job include if you have no experience?

A strong school-leaver CV is not “empty” — it’s just organised differently. Instead of leading with work history, lead with what you can offer.

• Contact details (professional email, phone number, area/suburb)
• Career objective (2–3 lines tailored to the role)
• Education (matric/NSC, school, year, key subjects; optional results)
• Skills (mix of technical and people skills, backed up by examples)
• Projects & school activities (group projects, leadership, committees, sport, choir, etc.)
• Volunteering / community work (even a few hours counts if it shows responsibility)
• Achievements (awards, leadership roles, attendance, academic, sport)
• Short courses (computer literacy, first aid, online courses, etc.)
• References (teachers/coaches/faith leaders/community leaders — with permission)

If you’re unsure which sections to keep, see our section-by-section guide: What to put on a CV: complete section-by-section guide.

How long should a first job CV be?

For a school leaver, one page is usually enough. Two pages is only fine if you have meaningful extras (multiple projects, volunteering, leadership, short courses) and it still reads cleanly.

• Keep it skimmable: short bullet points, clear headings, enough white space.
• Prioritise relevance: reorder sections so the most relevant comes first.
• Save space: don’t list every subject if you’re applying for basic entry-level work (choose key ones).

First job CV template: copy-and-paste school leaver CV (South Africa)

Use this as your first job cv template. Replace the brackets with your details and keep the formatting consistent. If you’re building your CV online, you can also create a free CV and edit each section.

[YOUR FULL NAME] [Cell number] | [Professional email] | [Suburb, City] | [Optional: LinkedIn or portfolio if relevant]

Career objective Reliable and hardworking matriculant seeking my first entry-level role as a [job title]. I bring strong communication, a willingness to learn, and proven responsibility through [school leadership/volunteering/project]. Available to start [date] and able to work [shifts/weekends if true].

Key skills

• Customer service & communication: confident speaking to people and handling questions politely (school events and team activities)
• Time management: balanced exam prep with [sport/cultural activity/part-time responsibilities]
• Computer skills: MS Word, basic Excel, email, online forms (school projects and assignments)
• Teamwork: worked in groups for [project name], shared tasks and met deadlines
• Attention to detail: accurate with written work, checking instructions and correcting mistakes

Education National Senior Certificate (Matric) — [School name], [Town/City] Completed: [Year]

• Key subjects: English Home Language, Mathematics/Maths Literacy, Life Orientation, [3–4 relevant subjects]
• Highlights (optional): [e.g., consistently strong attendance / improved results / top in subject]

School projects

• [Project name] (Subject): Researched [topic], worked in a team of [number], and presented findings to the class; managed my section and delivered on time.
• [Project name] (Practical/Business/IT): Created [poster/spreadsheet/basic budget/short report]; used [Word/Excel/Google Docs] and checked for errors before submitting.

Leadership & activities

• [Role], [Club/Sport/Committee] — [Year]: Assisted with organising [events/practices], communicated updates to members, and supported younger learners.
• [Sport/Cultural activity] — [Years]: Built discipline and teamwork through regular training and competitions/performances.

Volunteering / community involvement

• [Organisation/Community activity] — [Month Year]: Helped with [serving/packing/cleaning/admin], followed instructions, and worked respectfully with others.
• Informal responsibility (optional): Supported my household by [caring for siblings/assisting family business chores] while maintaining school commitments.

Short courses (optional)

• [Course name] — [Provider/School/Community centre], [Year] (topics: [2–4 topics])

Availability

• Available: [immediately / from date]
• Preferred location: [area / willing to travel]
• Work type: [full-time / part-time / weekend / holiday]

References [Name Surname] — [Teacher/Coach/Community leader] | [School/Organisation] | [Cell/Email] [Name Surname] — [Teacher/Coach] | [School] | [Cell/Email]

How to write a strong objective for your cv for first job

Your objective matters more when you don’t have work experience — it explains what role you want and why you’re a safe, sensible hire. Keep it short and specific.

• Include the job title: “seeking an entry-level cashier role” (not “any job”).
• Prove reliability: attendance, responsibilities, leadership, volunteering.
• Match the advert: if it mentions “customer service” or “accuracy”, use those exact words if true.

Example objective (retail): “Friendly and dependable matriculant seeking my first entry-level retail assistant role. Strong communication and attention to detail developed through school events and group projects. Available immediately and willing to work weekends.”

What to put under skills (without sounding generic)

Employers see “hardworking” on every CV. The trick is to add a quick proof line so it becomes believable.

• Instead of: “Good communication” Write: “Good communication — presented projects to class and helped at school event registration.”
• Instead of: “Team player” Write: “Teamwork — worked in a group of 4 to complete a term project and meet weekly deadlines.”
• Instead of: “Computer literate” Write: “Computer skills — Word for formatting, basic Excel for tables and simple calculations, email and online forms.”

When you build your profile, keep your skills consistent across your CV and online profile. You can update your CV profile anytime.

Education: how to list matric on a school leaver CV

For most first jobs, you don’t need to list every subject mark. Include the essentials and highlight what supports the role.

• Always include: qualification (NSC/Matric), school, location, year completed.
• Include key subjects: especially if relevant (e.g., Maths for admin; Business Studies for retail; CAT/IT for office roles).
• Add results only if they help: strong symbols, distinctions, or clear improvement.

If you want a deeper walkthrough, our related guide can help you format it neatly: Matric certificate on CV: how to list it (subjects, symbols, pass type).

What documents should you prepare with your first job CV?

Many South African entry-level applications ask for supporting documents. Prepare a tidy folder (digital and printed) so you can apply quickly.

• Certified copy of ID (if requested)
• Matric certificate / statement of results (if requested)
• Proof of address (if requested)
• Any certificates for short courses (if relevant)

Some employers request certified copies specifically. If you’re unsure what to certify and how long certification is valid, see: Certified copies for job application: what to certify, validity, and where to do it.

Common mistakes that make a cv for first job look weak

• Using an unprofessional email address (create a simple one like name.surname@gmail.com).
• Adding personal details that can cause bias (avoid ID number, religion, marital status, or full home address).
• Listing duties without proof (show outcomes: “helped organise event for 200 learners” if accurate).
• Spelling and formatting errors (keep fonts consistent; check dates; align bullet points).
• Too long and unfocused (one strong page beats two messy pages).

How to tailor your CV for different first jobs (retail, admin, hospitality)

You can keep the same base CV and adjust three areas: objective, skills order, and project/volunteering bullets.

Retail (shop assistant, cashier)

• Bring “customer service”, “cash handling (willing to learn)”, “accuracy”, “working weekends”.
• Add examples of dealing with people: school events, fundraising, team captain.

Admin / reception

• Bring “email”, “MS Word”, “basic Excel”, “filing”, “professional communication”.
• Add school projects involving documents, reports, presentations, or schedules.

Hospitality (waiter, runner, kitchen assistant)

• Bring “fast learner”, “cleanliness”, “teamwork”, “stamina”, “customer service”.
• Add volunteering that shows service and following instructions.

Choosing a CV layout that looks professional

A clean design helps your CV get read. Keep it simple: clear headings, one font, and consistent spacing. If you want to change the look without retyping everything, you can choose a CV design and preview options.

Quick checklist before you send your cv for first job

• Is the job title mentioned in your objective?
• Do your skills include proof (not only adjectives)?
• Are your dates and school details correct?
• Did you ask references for permission and confirm their contact details?
• Did you save it as PDF with a clear file name (e.g., “Thato-Mokoena-CV.pdf”)?

How CV Hub can help you apply faster

If you want to build, edit, and resend your CV quickly as you apply to different entry-level roles, CV Hub helps you keep one profile and update it as you go.

• Create a free CV and start with the template above.
• Return anytime to log in to CV Hub and download an updated version.
• Keep your details current as you gain experience — update your CV profile after short courses, volunteering, or interviews.

If you get stuck on formatting, sections, or downloads, you can read the CV Hub FAQ or contact CV Hub.