Logistics and warehouse roles make up the single biggest slice of entry-level work that FindMeAJob tracks across the NZ market right now, with 38 of the 267 entry-level roles we follow as of August 2026 sitting in that category alone. That matters for student CVs because most of those roles care far less about formal qualifications than you might expect, and far more about whether your CV looks like it belongs to someone who shows up and pays attention.
What should a student put on a CV in NZ?
A student CV in NZ should include a brief personal summary, any part-time or volunteer work, school subjects relevant to the role, extracurricular activities that show responsibility, and two referees (a teacher or coach works fine if you have no employer). Keep it to one page. Employers at entry level are not expecting a decade of history.
How to make your school experience sound relevant
This is where most student CVs fall flat. They list "NCEA Level 2" and leave it at that. Instead, name the subjects that connect to the job. Applying for a customer service role? Mention communication or commerce. Going for a warehouse or trade assistant role? Physical education, technology, or any team project work shows you can operate in a physical environment alongside other people.
Coaching a junior sports team, helping at a school event, babysitting regularly, or running a school stall all count as experience. They show you can take responsibility, deal with other humans, and finish what you started. Write them as short bullet points with a concrete detail: not "helped at event" but "set up and ran a fundraising stall at the school fair, handled cash and managed stock for three hours."
What about referees?
You do not need a former boss to have a strong referee. A teacher who knows your work ethic, a sports coach, a community leader, or even a neighbour you have done regular work for can all speak to your character and reliability. Ask them before you list them, tell them what job you are applying for, and send them a quick note about what you would like them to highlight. That small step makes a real difference to what they say when called.
If you are unsure whether to list referee contact details on the CV itself or write "available on request," either is fine in NZ. Just make sure your referees are actually reachable.
Formatting that does not get you deleted
Keep the layout simple. One font, clear headings, no tables or columns that break when an employer opens the file on a different device. A plain Word document or PDF works. Avoid photos, coloured backgrounds, and anything that looks like a design project rather than a professional document. The content is what gets you the interview.
A brief personal statement at the top, two or three lines, helps a lot when you have no work history. Something like: "Year 13 student at [School], reliable and keen to learn, looking for my first role in hospitality or retail. I work well in a team and have a strong track record turning up and doing what I say I will."
Blunt, plain, specific. That is what reads well to a hiring manager who has thirty CVs to get through.
- Personal summary (2-3 sentences, tailored to the role)
- Education (school name, year level or NCEA level, relevant subjects)
- Part-time, volunteer, or informal work (babysitting, lawn mowing, school jobs)
- Extracurricular activities and any leadership roles
- Skills relevant to the job (customer service, cash handling, physical fitness, time management)
- Referees (name, role, and contact, or "available on request")
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a job in NZ with no work experience at all?
Yes. Many entry-level roles, particularly in hospitality, retail, cleaning, and warehousing, are open to candidates with no formal work history. Employers at this level are usually hiring for attitude and reliability. A clear, honest CV and good referees go a long way.
How long should a student CV be in NZ?
One page is ideal. If you genuinely have content that fills two pages, that is fine, but never pad it out. A tight, honest one-page CV reads better than a bloated two-pager full of filler phrases.
Should I include my NCEA results on my CV?
You do not need to list individual grades unless they are strong or directly relevant. Noting your NCEA level and the subjects you studied is enough. If you have achieved merit or excellence endorsements, mention those.
Do I need a cover letter as a student?
For most entry-level roles in NZ, yes. It does not need to be long, but a short cover letter that explains why you want this specific job and what you bring to it will set you apart from applicants who send a CV with nothing else.
What if I have absolutely nothing to put on my CV?
Start with what you have: school, subjects, any community involvement, and referees. Then consider whether there are any volunteer opportunities, community events, or local businesses where you could get a small amount of experience quickly. Even a week of unpaid work for a family friend counts as something real to talk about.
If you want a second set of eyes on your draft, the free CV Score tool gives your CV a score out of 100 with specific suggestions for what to fix before you send it out.