Tips on how to write a CV when you have no work experience

Overcoming the fear of a blank CV

It can feel a bit intimidating when it’s time to find a job after uni, and everyone’s telling you to just relate your work experience to the role you’re applying for. What if you don’t have any work experience yet? How will employers know how passionate you are, what a great work ethic you have and how dedicated an employee you would be? Don’t stress! There are other ways to write a CV with no experience.

Showing your potential

Everyone starts somewhere. So what if you’re straight out of university and haven’t had any formal work experience yet? You still have many valuable and transferable skills. Just think about the classes you aced, the projects you completed, or the clubs you were part of. These are all experiences that showcase what you can bring to the table. If you did an internship during your studies or have any experience helping out a friend or relative’s company, even for a little while, jot this down along with what you learned and contributed. You can also include personal challenges you’ve overcome or general experiences like travel. For example, did you plan a backpacking trip around Europe with a group of friends? This demonstrates organisational and teamwork skills!

While you’re still studying, we suggest you keep a journal of your experiences and achievements along the way – it’ll give you a solid set of examples to draw from in future job applications and interviews, so you don’t feel stumped later on.

Highlighting your skills

Your CV is more than just a list of places you’ve worked, it’s a summary of who you are and what you have to offer. Employers value authenticity so talk about skills you genuinely have. Remember, employers don’t expect you to have extensive wisdom and expertise at this point (that takes years to cultivate!) Make a list of your top five skills and find specific examples where you’ve demonstrated it. Soft skills count – things like communication and problem-solving are essential in most jobs. For instance, did you help mediate a disagreement in a group project? That’s conflict resolution!

Even seemingly small experiences like waiting tables teaches valuable skills in customer service and time management, so when you’re stuck on how to write a CV, feel free to include those experiences too.

Sharing your achievements

Whether you were team lead in a group project, or you excelled in a specific class, these achievements say a lot about you. Think beyond academics too. Did you raise funds for charity, create social media content for your SU, or help run a successful event? Mention it! You could be proactive and subscribe to relevant publications to show that you keep up to date with trends in your chosen field. Join online discussions, attend free webinars – showing that you’re engaged with your industry will make your CV stand out.

You can read more top tips on how to write a CV here.

Making sense of your qualifications

So you want to know how to write a CV with no experience? Don’t just list out your achievements, give them some context so employers know exactly how they can benefit from what you’ve learned. For example, rather than saying ‘dissertation on X topic’ – explain how this demonstrates research skills, attention to detail and ability to produce professional-level reports. Wherever possible, you should try to quantify your achievements, for example ‘increased newsletter readership by X%’. Think about what the company needs and give practical examples of coursework, projects or experiences that are relevant to the role.

Volunteering and extracurriculars

No work experience, no problem. Whether you volunteered at a local shelter, tutored fellow students or participated in a sports team, these activities show initiative and commitment as well as your ability to balance multiple priorities. Feel free to mention any university clubs or societies you were part of, and if you did any freelance gigs or side projects, this will count towards showcasing your entrepreneurial spirit.

Upskill with free resources

Learning doesn’t stop after graduation. Show employers you’re proactive by upskilling yourself using online resources. Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer free certifications in everything from social media to project management. Depending on your field, even basic knowledge of tools like Adobe and Google Analytics can give you an edge. You could also consider showcasing your work to potential employers on a personal website or online portfolio to demonstrate your skills in a way that’s more engaging than just writing a CV.

Design and formatting

Lastly, it’s important to make sure your CV looks as good as it reads. A good design can make all the difference, so make sure you pay attention to formatting. Canva have some really useful, editable CV templates that are ideal for both professional and creative industries. Be sure to keep it concise, use bullet points to make your achievements stand out, and proofread for any typos before hitting send. Rather than applying everywhere with the same CV, we encourage you to include a cover letter that’s tailored to the specific role you’re applying for. This shows you’ve done your homework and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role, setting you apart from other applicants.

It can be tricky to write a CV with no experience, but just remember - behind many a successful professional was once a fresh graduate! Now go out there and apply for your dream job, you’ve got this!