Guide · CV writing
How to Write a CV With No Experience
How to write a CV with no work experience: lead with education, projects, volunteering, part-time work and transferable skills, with an example.
To write a CV with no work experience, lead with a short personal statement, then put education, projects, volunteering, part-time or casual work, and extracurricular activities first, written as achievements that show transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organization and problem-solving. Keep it to one page and tailor it to each job.
Structure
- Contact details.
- Personal statement.
- Education (with relevant modules, grades, projects).
- Projects.
- Volunteering and part-time work.
- Skills and certifications.
- Activities and interests (optional).
Example personal statement
Example
Motivated business studies graduate with experience organizing events for a 300-member student society and working part-time in retail. Confident with Excel, social media and customer service. Looking for an entry-level marketing or administration role.
Turn activities into achievements
| Activity | CV bullet |
|---|---|
| Society treasurer | Managed a $6,000 society budget and reported monthly to the committee |
| Retail job | Served 100+ customers per shift and trained 2 new staff on the till |
| Group project | Led a 4-person team to deliver a market research report graded first-class |
| Volunteering | Organized a charity bake sale raising $850 |
Tips
- Include relevant coursework and projects.
- Get a quick certification in a tool the job uses.
- Write a strong cover letter explaining your motivation. See how to write a cover letter.
See the full guide on how to write a CV.
Frequently asked questions
What can I put on a CV with no experience?
Education, projects, volunteering, part-time or casual work, extracurricular activities, skills, certifications and achievements.
Should a no-experience CV be one page?
Yes, one focused page is ideal.
How do I show skills without work experience?
Use examples from school, university, volunteering, clubs, projects or part-time work, with results where possible.
Keep reading
- How to Write a CV That Gets Interviews: The Complete Guide
- CV Achievements Examples: How to Write Work Experience Bullets That Stand Out
- LinkedIn Profile Tips: How to Optimize Your Headline, About and Banner
- CV Personal Statement: How to Write One (With 10 Examples)
- The Best CV Format: Chronological, Skills-Based or Hybrid?
- Skills to Put on a CV (And How to Present Them)
- ATS-Friendly CV: How to Get Past Applicant Tracking Systems
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