Tips For Writing a Good CV with No Work Experience
When you're brand new to the working world and feel as though you've got nothing to add to a CV, creating one that stands out can feel near impossible. But we're here to tell you that's not the case.
Everyone (and we mean everyone!) starts somewhere. Plus, whether you're stepping into a new field or just starting out with little experience, it’s natural to feel a bit unsure. But boosting your confidence is all about preparation and practice.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about creating a CV with no experience.
Our Tips For Writing a Good CV with No Work Experience
Creating a CV when you have no direct experience in the field can be challenging, but there are ways to highlight your skills and qualities to attract potential employers. It's essential to present yourself in the best light possible, focusing on your strengths and potential rather than just your direct experience.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to approach this:
Make Sure You're Clear On the Direction You Want to Go In
Start by really getting to know the industry you’re interested in. This doesn’t just mean skimming job ads but analysing what the current trends are, who the big players are, and what skills are most in demand.
This kind of 'homework' makes you feel less like an outsider and more like someone who’s ready to take on the challenge. Most importantly, it'll help you frame your CV in a way that aligns with the direction you want to go in.
Consider Your CV Presentation
Before you start CV writing, think about how your first job will involve learning how to structure the contents first. Some general advice includes:
Keep your CV to no more than two pages.
Use a clean, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman, size 10 to 12.
Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Read your CV multiple times and use tools like Grammarly, or ask someone else to proofread it.
Place Your Contact Details at the Start of Your CV
When you make a CV, it's very important to put your contact details (such as your phone number and email address) at the very beginning. This helps people who might want to reach out to you about the dream job you just applied for to get in touch with you easily. If they can't find out how to contact you, they might choose someone else for the job.
So, always remember to include a way for people to reach you in your CV!
Don't Forget About a Cover Letter
A strong cover letter is really important, especially if you're putting together a CV and you don't have work experience. Here's why:
First Impressions Count: Think of your cover letter as the first hello to someone you really want to impress. It's your chance to show a bit of your personality and enthusiasm. This can make someone interested in meeting you, even if your CV doesn't list much job experience.
Shows Effort: When you write a good cover letter, it shows you've put effort into applying for the job. It tells employers that you're serious about wanting the job. This can be a big plus, especially when it’s clear you've taken the time to understand what the company does and how you might help.
Include a Strong Personal Statement
A personal statement on a CV is a very brief section at the top of your CV where you introduce yourself, highlight your professional attributes, and express your career objectives. You don't need to be going into extensive detail here, as that's what your cover letter is for.
So, for example, if you were hoping to land your first role within the digital marketing sector, you would write something along the lines of "Recent graduate with a B.A. in English Literature passionate about transitioning into digital marketing. Skilled in content creation and social media management and possessing strong analytical skills gained from university coursework and personal projects".
Emphasise Your Educational Achievements
If you have successfully completed school, gone to college, or graduated from university, this must be included in your CV, typically under an education section.
By structuring your CV to showcase your educational background and related activities, you make a compelling case for your candidacy even without extensive professional experience.
Here’s how you can effectively highlight your education on your CV:
List Your Qualifications: Start with your most recent educational attainment at the top. For example, if you've graduated from university, list your degree, the institution, and your graduation year.
Highlight Relevant Coursework: If you've taken courses directly relevant to the job you're applying for, make sure to list them. For example, if you are applying for a position in digital marketing, mentioning courses that you've completed (Google Digital Garage is a free educational tool where you can achieve a certificate) can be beneficial.
Include Projects and Dissertations: Any relevant projects or dissertations should be highlighted. Detail the objective of the project, your role, and the outcome. This can show potential employers your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Really Highlight Transferable Skills!
When we talk about key skills, we can divide them into two big groups: hard skills and soft skills. Even if you don't think you have any valuable skills, we assure you this is not the case!
Hard skills are things you learn, like math, writing, or how to use technology. These are skills you can easily show and test, like solving a math problem or making something with tools.
Soft skills, on the other hand, are more about how you behave and work with other people. These include being good at talking with others, time management, being a team player, and knowing how to solve problems without getting upset. Soft skills are about your personality and how you handle situations.
These are all core skills that can be transferred from one job to another. So, even if you have no relevant experience to include in your CV, rest assured that you will have relevant skills.
Our advice would be to try and use specific examples. So, instead of just listing "communication skills," briefly describe a situation where you effectively communicated in a group setting to achieve a goal.
Include Any Voluntary Work or Internships
Any volunteering or internships you've done, even if they are not directly related to the particular job you're applying for, can (and should) be included. These experiences are still valuable and can demonstrate your work ethic and commitment.
Describe the responsibilities, achievements and results you were proud of from these experiences.
Include Relevant Hobbies and Interests
Typically, towards the end of a CV, you can include a short summary of any hobbies or interests that are relevant. Only include hobbies that showcase your skills, leadership, or teamwork.
For example, if you’re applying for a tech job, mention hobbies like coding small projects or participating in hackathons.
Include References
References can be a powerful tool on a CV with limited experience, but it's best practice to state "references available upon request." That isn't to say that you shouldn't have references ready or inform your references that they may be contacted. Reach out to professionals, such as former tutors, teachers, and mentors, who can provide an accurate reference.
Ask for Feedback on Your CV Writing
Feedback is another key element. It’s important to get honest, constructive feedback, not just praise. Otherwise, how else do we learn and grow?
Knowing what you need to work on helps you focus your efforts more effectively. Plus, hearing that you’re on the right track from someone you respect can really boost your morale.
General Guidance for Entering the Workforce with No Experience
Once you land your first new role (because you will!), there are a few pieces of advice worth remembering.
First of all, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Connecting with people in the industry can seem intimidating at first, but most people are happy to give advice and share their experiences. Every conversation can be a little confidence boost, reminding you that you belong in this field, too.
And remember, confidence isn't just about feeling good inside - it's also about how you present yourself. Dressing smartly and in a way that's also comfortable for you and your personal style can really help you feel the part when you're new to a job.
Lastly, really try to keep a positive mindset. Whether it's from school, college, university or experience gained on a different career path to what you're aiming to go into now, remind yourself of your past successes and allow yourself to feel good about them. Every small success builds your confidence bit by bit. And when things don’t go as planned, take it as a learning experience, not a setback.
Need Help With Your CV? Get in Touch!
We hope you've found our tips for writing a good CV without experience useful. If you need help or guidance with creating a great CV, get in touch today.
