How to Write a CV with No Job Experience

Did you know the average job listing receives over 250 applicants? That is tough for anyone, but it can feel even harder if you are a student or recent graduate with little to no experience. So, how can you stand out?

The good news is that the UK job market is shifting towards skills-based hiring, with 54% of employers now prioritising skills over experience. A well-structured CV that highlights your skills, education, internships, volunteer work, and personal projects can make a strong impression.

Not sure where to start? Here is how to craft a strong CV with no job experience.

1.    Start with a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement, placed at the top of your CV, serves as a brief introduction to who you are and what you aim to achieve. This should be a concise summary of your career goals, key strengths, and the value you can bring to an employer.

Example:

Hello! My name is [Your Name], a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, passionate about content creation and digital marketing. Skilled in research, writing, and social media management, I am eager to apply my creative and analytical abilities in a dynamic marketing role to contribute to brand growth and customer engagement.

2.    Emphasise Transferable Skills

Even if you have not held a formal job, you have likely gained valuable skills through education, volunteer work, personal projects, or extracurricular activities. Highlight these transferable skills to demonstrate how they apply to the role.

Key Transferable Skills:

• Communication (written and verbal)
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Leadership
• Research and analytical skills
• Adaptability

Example:

Collaborated with a team of five classmates to design and present a project on consumer behaviour, demonstrating strong teamwork and communication skills.

3.    Highlight Education and Certifications

Since you do not have professional experience, your education becomes a focal point. Include your degree, institution, graduation date, and any relevant coursework, honours, or academic achievements. Certifications can also demonstrate industry knowledge and dedication.

Example:

Bachelor of Arts in Communications
XYZ University, England, UK – Graduating 2024

• Relevant coursework: Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Media Studies
• Achievements: Dean’s List (2023, 2024), Research Award for Best Marketing Strategy Paper
• Certifications: Google Analytics, HubSpot Content Marketing

If your GPA is strong (above 3.5), you may include it.

4.    Include Internships, Volunteering, or Freelance Work

Internships and volunteer experiences are valuable, even if unpaid. They demonstrate hands-on skills, industry exposure, and your ability to work in a professional setting.

Example:

Content Creator (Volunteer)
ABC Non-Profit Organisation, London (June – August 2023)

• Created social media content, increasing engagement by 25% over two months.
• Developed promotional materials for fundraising events, leading to a 15% increase in donations.
• Worked with a team of five to coordinate and execute outreach programmes.

Use bullet points to highlight responsibilities and achievements, focusing on measurable results whenever possible.

5.    Showcase Extracurricular Activities

Employers value qualities like leadership, responsibility, and teamwork, all of which can be demonstrated through extracurricular activities. Mention your role, the organisation, and specific accomplishments.

Example:

President, Communications Club
XYZ University (2022 – 2024)

• Led a team of 15 members to organise workshops and guest lectures.
• Managed event planning and execution, with an average attendance of 200+ students.

Highlight leadership roles and how you positively influenced the group. Focus on the skills gained, such as event planning, public speaking, and coordination.

6.    Create a Skills Section

A dedicated skills section allows you to highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to the role. Group them into categories if necessary (e.g., Technical Skills, Communication Skills).

Example:

Technical Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Analytics, Adobe Photoshop
Languages: [Mention any foreign languages you speak]
social media: Content Creation, Community Management
Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

7.    Add a Projects or Portfolio Section

Personal projects, academic assignments, or creative work can showcase your abilities, particularly in creative or technical fields.

Example:

Digital Marketing Project

• Developed a comprehensive marketing strategy for a hypothetical product, including competitor analysis and social media planning.
• Designed promotional content that increased engagement by 20% during testing.

Research Paper – Media Consumption Trends

• Analysed social media usage among college students, identifying key patterns and behaviours.
• Presented findings at the university’s research conference.
• Use quantifiable results whenever possible. Focus on projects that align with the role.

8.    Keep It Professional and Well-Formatted

Presentation matters. Use a clean, modern layout with consistent fonts, proper headings, and bullet points to ensure readability.

Formatting Guidelines:

• Keep your CV to one page unless you have substantial experience.
• Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Maintain a consistent font size (11 or 12).
• Ensure spacing and alignment are uniform throughout.

Final Checklist

• Strong personal statement
• Transferable skills aligned with the job
• Clear education and certifications section
• Relevant unpaid work experience (internship, volunteering, freelance work)
• Leadership and extracurricular activities
• Technical and soft skills list
• Professional and clean format

Conclusion

Crafting a CV without job experience does not have to be difficult. By focusing on your skills, education, internships, and extracurricular activities, you can effectively demonstrate your value to potential employers. Tailor your CV to each job, follow this structure, and take the next step toward securing your first role. If you need help our experts at CV Folks are professionally trained to assist you.