How to write a CV with no work experience

Choose a simple first-CV structure

Keep the layout clear and predictable. Employers should be able to find dates, qualifications and evidence quickly. You do not need graphics, progress bars or a photograph for most UK applications.

• Name, town or city, phone number and professional email address.
• A short profile tailored to the type of role you want.
• Key skills supported by evidence.
• Education and relevant training.
• Projects, volunteering, placements, activities or responsibilities.
• Employment history if you have any, even when it was brief or informal.

Write a focused personal profile

Use three or four lines to identify your current position, the strengths relevant to the role and what you are looking for. Avoid unsupported phrases such as 'hard-working team player'.

A useful profile might say: 'College leaver with experience organising group projects and volunteering at community events. Confident speaking with the public, following instructions and meeting deadlines. Seeking an entry-level customer service role with structured training.'

Turn everyday experience into evidence

Think about times you solved a problem, kept a commitment, worked with other people, learned a tool or completed something to a deadline. Relevant evidence may come from coursework, a group presentation, caring responsibilities, sports, fundraising, content creation or helping in a family business.

Describe the action and outcome rather than listing a skill alone. 'Helped organise a college event for 80 students, coordinating registrations and answering attendee questions' carries more evidence than 'good communication skills'.

• Projects can show planning, research, software and problem-solving.
• Volunteering can show reliability, teamwork and public contact.
• Caring responsibilities can show organisation, patience and trust.
• Clubs and sport can show commitment, communication and improvement.
• Independent learning can show initiative when you include what you built or completed.

Write achievement-led bullets

Begin with a clear action word such as organised, created, supported, researched, resolved or presented. Add the task, useful detail and outcome. Use numbers only when you know they are accurate.

Before: 'Helped with social media.' After: 'Planned and created weekly posts for a student society, keeping event information accurate and responding to member questions.'

Check and tailor before sending

Match the language of the vacancy where it truthfully describes your experience. If the employer asks for accuracy, customer communication and Microsoft Excel, make relevant evidence for those points easy to see.

Proofread names, dates and contact details. Save the file as a PDF unless the employer requests another format, and use a clear filename such as Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf. Never add a skill or qualification you cannot explain.