After NCEA, start with a simple one-page CV listing school, subjects, and any part-time or volunteer work, then apply to entry level retail, hospitality and admin roles. Use school references, mention your availability clearly, and apply widely rather than waiting for the perfect listing.
How do I get a job straight after NCEA?
Most school leavers land their first job by keeping the CV short and honest, applying to more places than feels comfortable, and being upfront about when they can start. You do not need work history to get hired. Employers hiring entry-level staff are usually looking for reliability, a decent attitude and clear availability, not a long CV.
What should my CV actually include with no job history?
Keep it to one page. List your school, the NCEA level and subjects you completed, then any part-time work, volunteering, sports teams, or school leadership roles, even small ones. A stint helping out at a family business, coaching a junior sports team, or running a fundraiser all count as real experience employers can picture.
Add a short line at the top saying what kind of role you want and when you are available to start. This matters more than people think, because a lot of hiring at this level comes down to timing.
Who should I use as a referee if I have never worked?
Teachers, sports coaches, or anyone who has supervised you outside the classroom are all solid choices. Pick people who can speak to whether you turn up, follow instructions, and get on with others, since that is what most entry-level employers actually want to know. Always ask them first and let them know what job you are going for.
Where should I actually be applying?
Cast a wide net rather than fixating on one dream job. Retail, hospitality, warehousing and admin roles tend to hire often and are genuinely open to first-timers, especially over summer when NCEA results land and businesses gear up for the busy season.
- Retail stores in your local mall or town centre
- Cafes, takeaways and restaurants needing weekend or evening staff
- Supermarkets, which often run structured entry-level hiring
- Warehouses and distribution centres, especially seasonal ones
- Reception or admin roles at local businesses
- Family friends or local business owners who might need casual help
Be upfront in your application about your availability, whether that is full-time, weekends only, or fitting around further study. Clarity here often beats a fancier CV.
What if I get knocked back a lot?
Rejection at this stage is common and rarely personal. Keep tweaking your CV, ask for feedback where you can, and keep the applications going out. Volume and persistence matter more than a perfect application when you are just starting out.
Key takeaways
- A one-page CV with school, subjects and any part-time or volunteer work is enough to start applying.
- Teachers and coaches make strong referees when you have no job history yet.
- Apply widely across retail, hospitality, admin and warehousing rather than waiting for one perfect listing.
- Being clear about your availability can be just as important as your CV content.
- Expect some rejection, it is normal and not a reflection of your chances overall.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a cover letter for my first job application?
A short cover letter helps, even two or three sentences explaining why you want the role and confirming your availability. It shows effort beyond just sending a generic CV to every listing.
Should I apply for jobs that ask for experience I don't have?
Yes, especially for entry-level listings. Many ads list a wishlist rather than firm requirements, so if the role looks genuinely entry-level, apply anyway and let your attitude and availability do the talking.
How many jobs should I be applying for?
There is no fixed number, but applying to only one or two roles rarely works. Aim to apply steadily and widely, then focus more energy on the roles that respond.
What if I don't have any part-time work or volunteering to list?
That is fine. List subjects, school activities, sports teams or anything showing commitment and reliability. Employers hiring first-jobbers expect a light CV and focus more on how you present yourself in the application and interview.
If you want help turning what you have into a CV that actually gets read, the No-Experience Toolkit is built exactly for this stage, free and made for people starting from zero.