How to Write a CV for a Job with No Experience

Writing a CV when you have no work experience might feel intimidating, but it’s absolutely possible to create a strong application that showcases your potential. Whether you’re a student, a first-time job seeker, or changing careers, this guide will teach you how to write a CV for a job with no experience that stands out to employers.

Below, we break down each section of your CV, with examples to help you craft your own. Make sure to use CV templates that align with the job description and make your application look professional, even if you have no experience.

How to Write a Summary on Your CV

The summary (or personal profile) is your chance to introduce yourself in a few sentences. Even if you haven’t held a job before, highlight your motivation, strengths, and career goals.

Example Summary:

“As a motivated and hardworking student, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in customer service. I am a fast learner, adaptable, and passionate about developing professional skills in a dynamic environment.”

When learning how to write a CV for a job with no experience, remember your summary should match the role you’re applying for. For example, if you’re writing a CV for a retail job with no experience, emphasise customer-facing skills and teamwork.

How to List Your Education on a CV with No Experience

Your education can show dedication, knowledge, and transferable skills. Include your degree, school name, expected graduation year, and any relevant coursework.

Example Education Section:

Education
BSc Business Management (Expected 2025)
University of Birmingham, UK

• Relevant coursework: Marketing, Accounting, Leadership

If you’re wondering how to write a CV for a job with no experience, education is often placed right after the summary—especially for students or recent graduates.

How to Highlight Skills on a CV for a Job with No Experience

Skills matter just as much as experience. Include soft skills (communication, teamwork) and technical skills (Microsoft Office, Adobe, coding). Tailor your skills to fit the job you want.

Example Skills Section:

Key Skills

• Excellent communication and teamwork
• Time management and organisation
• Basic Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Not sure what skills to include? Look at the job description for clues. If applying for a supermarket job with no experience, mention reliability, attention to detail, and customer service.

How to Include Volunteering or Extracurricular Activities on a CV

Volunteering and school activities count as experience! Employers value initiative and responsibility, even if unpaid.

Example Volunteering Section:

Volunteering Experience
Event Assistant – Charity Fun Run (June 2024)

• Helped organise registration desk and provided customer support
• Worked with a team of 10 volunteers to ensure smooth event operations

This is a powerful way to address work experience how to write a CV for a job with no experience—turning unpaid roles into proof of your abilities.

How to Write a CV with No Experience by Using Personal Projects

Personal projects can also show skills like creativity, leadership, and problem-solving. From running a blog to tutoring classmates, projects deserve a spot on your CV.

Example Projects Section:

Projects
Personal Blog Creator (2023)

• Built and maintained a blog using WordPress
• Wrote and published 15+ articles on student life and career advice

This is especially useful if you’re searching how to write a CV for a teaching job with no experience or how to write a CV for a security job with no experience—use projects that relate to your career goal.

How to Add References on a CV with No Experience

References aren’t mandatory on a CV, but they can strengthen your application if available. Teachers, sports coaches, or volunteer supervisors are great options.

Example References Section:

References
Available upon request

If you’re writing how to write a CV for a restaurant job with no experience or how to write a CV for a cleaning job with no experience, including references from past volunteering or school can reassure employers of your reliability.

Final Tips for How to Write a CV for a Job with No Experience

If you’re a student wondering how to write a CV for job application as a student with no experience, or you’re preparing your first CV, the key is focusing on your strengths, enthusiasm, and transferable skills.

✅ Use a clean layout—consider CV templates to make your CV professional.
✅ Save your CV as both Word and PDF formats to meet employer requirements.
✅ Write a matching cover letter to explain why you’re excited about the role.
✅ Tailor every CV to the job. (A CV for a waitress job with no experience will differ from a CV for a teaching job with no experience.)

By following these steps, you can write a professional, tailored CV that opens doors—even if you’ve never worked before. Ready to apply?.