How to Write a CV with No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide)
Introduction
Crafting a CV with no experience can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a recent graduate, switching careers, or applying for your very first job, you have more to offer than you think.
This guide will show you how to create a compelling, professional CV that gets noticed even if your work history is still growing.
1. Choose the Right CV Format
For candidates without work experience, the functional or skills-based format works best. It highlights what you can do, not just what you’ve done.
Key sections to include:
- Header (Name, Email, LinkedIn, Phone)
- Personal Statement / Career Objective
- Skills Summary
- Education
- Projects / Volunteering / Internships
- Certifications or Courses (if any)
2: Write a Strong Personal Statement
This short paragraph at the top of your CV should summarize who you are and what you’re aiming for.
Example:
“Motivated and detail-oriented graduate with a strong interest in digital marketing. Skilled in content writing, social media strategy, and basic SEO. Eager to contribute and grow with a dynamic marketing team.”
3: Highlight Transferable Skills
Even without a job history, you’ve gained skills from school, life experiences, or hobbies.
Examples:
- Communication
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Customer service (from volunteer work or side gigs)
Use bullet points to make it readable.
4: Emphasize Your Education
List your highest level of education first. If you have good grades, relevant coursework, or completed a capstone project, mention them.
Example:
B.A. in Mass Communication
University of Lagos, Nigeria
Relevant Courses: Digital Media, Research Methods
5: Add Projects, Internships or Volunteering
If you’ve helped at a school event, managed a social media page, or volunteered, mention it!
Example:
Social Media Volunteer, Green Youth Foundation
- Created weekly content calendars
- Grew Instagram audience by 25% in 3 months
6: Include Certifications (If Any)
Free or low-cost online courses can strengthen your CV.
Examples:
- Google Digital Skills for Africa
- Coursera’s “Excel Skills for Business”
- LinkedIn Learning “Customer Service Basics”
✅ Final Tips
- Keep your CV to 1 or 2 pages
- Proofread carefully
- Save as PDF before sending
- Use clean, modern formatting (Canva or Zety templates work well)
🔗 Tools to Help You Build Your CV
- Canva – Free CV templates
- Zety – Easy CV builder with tips
- Grammarly – Free grammar checker
- LinkedIn – Add your profile URL to look more professional
Conclusion
Everyone starts somewhere, and your first CV is the beginning of your career journey. Use the tips above to present your strengths, stay confident, and apply boldly. You’ve got this!