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Trying to fill the pages of a CV when you don’t have much work experience to showcase can feel overwhelming. It’s daunting to put yourself out there, only to face no responses or receive the typical automated job rejection message. The good news? Even with little to no experience, you can write a strong CV and a great application to set yourself up for success. Whether you're a school leaver, a graduate, or starting a new career, our step-by-step guide will help you craft a beginner-friendly CV to stand out.
In this article, we cover:
How to write a CV for a job with no experience
Personal profile examples for your CV
Examples of CVs for students with little to no experience
How to highlight skills on a CV with no experience.
Sample of a CV for a job application with no experience.
Applying for your first role? Check out our tips and tricks for writing an effective CV for a first job to kick off your career on the right foot.
Student CV example
Download this CV example for students with no experience in PDF.
Why does this CV template work for students?
It’s a clear and simple CV template with a one-column format.
Part-time or voluntary work is strategically incorporated into the additional experience section.
By including education at the top of the CV, you can draw attention to key skills and qualifications.
Looking for a matching cover letter? Follow our writing guide for the best student cover letter format.
Internship CV example
Download this internship CV example in PDF.
Why does this CV template work for interns?
This CV template for teenagers with no experience is perfect for recent graduates looking to kickstart a career through an internship, due to its one-page format and easy-to-read layout.
With the Princeton CV template, you can showcase your experience through education and side jobs, while drawing attention to technical and language skills.
Set yourself up for success with a matching professional internship cover letter.
School leaver CV example
Download this School Leaver CV sample in PDF
Why does this CV template work for school leavers?
This CV format for school leavers with no experience highlights an ‘additional experience’ section, outlining how volunteering and organising fundraisers have played a key role in this school leaver's work history.
The clean layout clearly demonstrates skills like dedication, teamwork and leadership.
This Wheaton CV template is well-structured and easy to follow for recruiters.
Read the complete step-by-step CV writing guide with the school leaver CV example.
Use a simple cover letter template to accompany your school leaver CV.
10 tips on how to write a CV with no experience
1. Create a job-specific CV
Unlike a master CV, which is an all-inclusive document, a job-specific CV is a keyword-optimised version that highlights the skills, experiences, and qualifications most relevant to the role and aligns with the job description.
Pro tip
A master CV is not the same as a generic CV. While a generic CV might be used to apply for multiple similar roles, a master CV is a comprehensive record of your experience and skills, designed for flexibility and adaptability.
If you're a 16-year-old or a recent school leaver with little to no work experience and unsure how to write a good CV, start by reviewing the listing carefully and visiting the company’s ‘About Us’ page. Use this research to compile a list of key skills and keywords that stand out, then incorporate them strategically into your CV. By tailoring your CV in this way, you demonstrate to recruiters that you’ve invested thought and effort into your application, setting yourself apart from the competition.
2. Keep your CV clear and concise
Hiring managers don’t have time to read lengthy, unfocused text, which is why applicant tracking systems (ATS) are so popular. These help filter through CVs and shortlist the ones that are well-optimised. If you don’t have experience and write a long CV, it can distract from your key qualifications, making it harder for your strengths to stand out. To ensure your document is impactful, keep an optimal CV length, ideally one page, and use an easy-to-read template.
To learn more about optimising your CV format, refer to our article on how to improve your CV.
3. Incorporate strong action verbs
Another tip is to utilise keywords and action verbs in your CV, such as assisted, supported, organised, maintained, and coordinated to express your achievements and overall message more effectively. This tactic makes your CV more scannable by both recruiters and ATS, ultimately leading to more job interviews.
| Examples of action verbs | |
|---|---|
| Learning and development | Improved, acquired, enhanced, expanded, mastered, strengthened |
| Communication and teamwork | Collaborated, presented, negotiated, facilitated, unified, addressed |
| Initiative and motivation | Initiated, implemented, resolved, achieved, spearheaded, streamlined |
Avoid: During my time as a marketing assistant, sales significantly increased over a few months.
Include: Achieved a 30% increase in sales over five months by initiating proactive customer support and driving new sales strategies.
4. Highlight your proactive attitude in your personal profile
For beginners, the biggest challenge when applying for jobs is overcoming the lack of experience. Many feel they don’t have enough to offer or struggle to make their CV compelling. By focusing on your proactive attitude and career aspirations in your personal profile, you can shift the narrative from what you don’t have (experience) to what you do bring to the table: energy, dedication, and a willingness to grow and contribute.
The general rule of thumb is to keep your personal statement to the point, generally between 3-5 lines, depending on your CV template. Show your passion for the field, your fit for the role, and your long-term career goals, giving hiring managers a reason to consider you even if your CV doesn’t have a lengthy work history.
Personal profile examples for CVs with no experience
Personal profile CV example for hospitality roles
Motivated and people-oriented individual looking to start a career in the hospitality industry. Brings a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a genuine enthusiasm for creating positive guest experiences. Eager to learn on the job, adapt quickly, and contribute to a welcoming and professional hospitality environment.
Undergraduate student CV personal profile example
Attentive and organised third-year law student majoring in International Human Rights Law, experienced in building partnerships with clients and knowledgeable in court procedures and case transcriptions. Adept at legal research, document filing, and time management. In search of an entry-level job position as a policy advisor in a respected and professional law firm.
Take a look at the undergraduate CV example for more inspiration.
Data Scientist graduate CV personal profile example
Analytical and results-driven data scientist graduate with strong knowledge of JavaScript, Python, Scala, SQL, and R. Experienced in machine learning and statistical tools. Adept at converting complex data into clean and easily understandable results. Demonstrated excellent communication and data visualisation skills. Looking for a new internship to apply for and improve my programming skills.
Get more tips with our data scientist CV example or graduate cover letter sample.
Care assistant with no experience CV personal profile example
Compassionate and reliable professional with a strong desire to support others in daily living and emotional wellbeing. Naturally empathetic and patient, with excellent communication skills. Eager to begin a career as a Care Assistant, bringing a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for helping people.
Check out our care assistant CV example for more details.
Career change CV personal profile example
French-English translator who aims to change career as a Technical Writer. Quick learner with demonstrated communication skills in different multicultural and professional settings. Eager to kickstart a career in an international company as an intern or entry-level writer.
Explore CV examples for a career change, or more specifically, for a translator or technical writer.
Considering a job in healthcare? Explore these healthcare jobs that require little to no experience to get started!
5. Leverage your transferable and interpersonal skills
If you’re unsure how to write a CV for someone with no experience or qualifications, a key strategy is to highlight transferable qualities and interpersonal skills, such as communication skills. You can apply these abilities to various jobs and industries. These are often broad and valuable, showing that candidates can learn new things, think critically, and work effectively with others.
Pro tip
Showcase your transferable skills as hard or soft skills on your CV, ensuring they align with your career goals.
With little to no work experience, we encourage you to emphasise the skills gained through training, projects, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities that would strengthen your CV.
| Examples of transferable skills | |
|---|---|
| Administrative roles | Time management, organisation, attention to detail |
| Customer service roles | Communication, conflict resolution, empathy |
| Creative roles | Creativity, analytical thinking, collaboration |
| Sales roles | Persuasion, negotiation, relationship building |
| IT roles | Problem-solving, adaptability, data analysis |
| Healthcare roles | Emotional intelligence, teamwork, quick decision-making |
To learn more, read our article on what key skills to put on a CV.
6. Draw attention to your education and qualifications
If you have little to no work experience, shift your CV's spotlight to your education and qualifications. Don’t hesitate to place your education section above the work experience section (or even replace it) if that is more relevant to the position and showcases your suitability for the role.
What information to include in the education section:
Degree (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) with the final grade
Thesis title and final grade (only if it is 70 or more)
Degree description
Relevant courses
Honours degree or certificate
Erasmus program
Academic achievements or publications.
Example:
Bachelor’s Degree in History - University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK (2022)
Achieved a First-Class Honours, specialising in critical analysis, research methods, and effective communication.
Developed strong skills in evaluating complex information, constructing persuasive arguments, and managing large projects to meet tight deadlines.
If you don’t have a university degree, highlight practical qualifications, such as workshops or courses, to showcase your skills and stand out as a candidate. Focus on the hands-on knowledge you’ve gained and how it applies to the job. Remember: it’s all about showing real-world value.
Pro tip
If you’re still unsure how to write a CV with no experience, think outside the box and show you have the potential to be a valuable asset to the company. Reconsider your strategy and shift the focus to achievements to demonstrate your potential.
Are you looking for CV examples for students with no experience? We've prepared different samples in our student CV example article.
7. Use a skills-based CV layout
Do you feel you don’t have enough experience to include in your CV? We recommend creating a skills-based format, also known as a functional CV. This type of CV emphasises your qualifications and skills over work experience, and it’s great for those new to the industry or changing careers. If you want to learn more, see how to write a skills-based CV.
8. Make the most of your extracurricular activities
Employers often prioritise relevant experience over a directly related degree when hiring. If you're finding it difficult to build out your work experience section, consider adding a dedicated section to highlight volunteering, student societies, or other extracurricular activities. Even unpaid work can showcase valuable skills and accomplishments that enhance your candidacy.
To learn more, see the article on how to write a modern CV.
Pro Tip
If you lack relevant experience, creating a project-based CV could be another solution. It is a less common type of CV that focuses on tangible skills and accomplishments gained through concrete projects.
Struggling with your CV? Let artificial intelligence (AI) simplify the process! Follow our guide to create a polished, job-winning CV with tips for AI CV writing.
9. Add measurable achievements from projects and side jobs
Enhance your CV by adding measurable achievements, also called career accomplishments, to prove your abilities. Quantify by adding numbers and figures, such as:
Sales growth percentages
Successful projects
Awards or promotions received.
This approach allows you to clearly demonstrate your qualifications, making your CV more compelling to recruiters and hiring managers.
Examples of achievements:
Developed and launched a mobile app, receiving 1,000+ downloads within the first month.
Organised and hosted a charity event, raising £2,000 for a local community organisation.
Attained a certification in Digital Marketing from Google Digital Garage with a 98% score.
Refer to how to add achievements on a CV for more information.
10. Boost your no-experience CV with courses and certificates
Stay ahead of competitors by enrolling in online courses and obtaining relevant certificates. Continuous learning showcases your commitment to professional development and equips you with up-to-date skills and knowledge.
Examples of courses and certificates:
Coding Bootcamp (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), Udacity
Certificate in Social Media Marketing, Coursera
Creative Writing Workshop, Skillshare
See how to add courses and certificates on a CV for more information.
Key takeaways
As you embark on your journey towards your first job or career change, remember that challenges are simply stepping stones to growth. If you've ever wondered, "how do I write a CV with no experience?", our guide has equipped you with the most effective strategies to boost your interview prospects. But before you take your next step, take a moment to reflect on your career goals and strengths - it’s the first brick in your path to success.
Dos
Choose the right CV format
Use clear and concise language
Proofread carefully
Tailor your CV to the specific job
Keep your CV format neat and ATS-friendly
Don'ts
Use colloquial terms or slang
Include outdated information
Add facts you cannot back up
Overcomplicate design
Forget to proofread your CV
Get your hands on the ultimate free CV checklist in PDF, guaranteed to ensure your CV ticks all the right boxes!
Next steps?
After creating your CV, take the next steps to boost your job applications. Explore our professional CV templates to craft tailored, well-structured applications that stand out. Use the Cover Letter Builder to create a matching cover letter with a clear layout that’s easy to personalise for your career goals. If you need extra support, connect with our experts through the CV Writing service for professional advice and feedback on tailoring your CV to specific roles. Finally, visit our blog for helpful guides to improve your job prospects, like how to track job applications or send your CV via email.
FAQs
What is the best font for a CV with no experience?
Choose a professional, easy-to-read standard font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are clean and widely accepted by ATS, making your CV look polished. Avoid decorative or overly stylised fonts, as they may distract recruiters from the content of your CV.
Refer to the best font on a CV article for more inspiration.
What is the best job for beginners with no experience?
If you're just starting out and don't have any work experience yet, here are some great beginner-friendly job options that don't require a background in the field. Browse these CV examples to inspire and guide you as you get started:
Take a look at the best jobs for students for more inspiration.
Do I need to add hobbies and interests to my CV with no experience?
Including hobbies and interests on your CV can provide insight into your personality and demonstrate teamwork, creativity, or leadership qualities. However, if you have limited space or this section is not directly relevant to the job you're applying for, we suggest prioritising other sections, such as skills, education, or volunteering experience. That said, if your hobbies align with the job or showcase transferable skills, your chances of success could increase.
What is the best format for a CV with no experience?
There’s no strict rule on formatting, so choose the format that best aligns with the job requirements and your experience level.
Chronological: While this classic or more traditional format works well for everyone, it is especially beneficial for professionals with some established work history.
Skills-based: Ideal for entry-level candidates with valuable skills but no experience.
Combined: Flexible format suitable for different candidates, highlighting skills and work history, and presenting them in a way that emphasises how skills relate to past roles.
How to make the CV for your first job stand out?
To make your CV stand out and secure your first job in the UK market, consider these effective strategies:
Tailor for each application: Craft a unique CV for every job you apply for. Highlight skills and experiences that align with the specific job requirements mentioned in the listing.
Showcase transferable skills: Emphasise skills acquired through education, volunteering, or internships. Focus on abilities like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Write a compelling personal profile: Write a concise yet impactful personal statement reflecting your passion for the industry and suitability for the role. Let your enthusiasm shine through.
How to overcome a lack of work experience on a CV?
The first step is to emphasise abilities gained through education, volunteering, internships, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, consider creating a project-based CV to showcase tangible skills developed through specific projects.
How do I pass my CV through ATS?
To create an ATS-friendly CV and improve your chances of landing a job, understand how these systems work. Many large companies use ATS to filter candidates based on experience, skills, and keywords from job descriptions. While it may not apply to every role, ATS help recruiters quickly scan applications. So, optimise your CV by following an easy-to-read format, using a clean layout, and organising the information well to stay competitive.
How do I include experience not from a job on a CV?
Including non-job experiences on your CV is a powerful way to showcase your skills, achievements, and adaptability. Valuable experience isn’t limited to formal roles; it’s also about demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to learning. Activities like volunteering, online courses, internships, or personal projects can equip you with skills that are often just as relevant, if not more so, than those gained through traditional employment. By highlighting specific lessons or accomplishments from these experiences, you can effectively illustrate your capacity for growth and your readiness to succeed, even without direct professional experience.
