CV with no experience
Are you a student with no experience, or do you just want to create your first CV? ToolResume saves your time with ready-to-use CV templates.
Build my CV
You're about to create your CV without experience, and you may wonder why you should do it on our platform. At ToolResume, we understand the challenges faced by recent graduates, students, or even people far from employment when writing a convincing CV without work experience. Our platform is designed to give you the tools and resources you need to overcome these challenges and create a CV that stands out to recruiters. With our professional templates, you can showcase your skills, education and ‘experience’ professionally and effectively.
Identify your career objective
Before starting to write your CV, take the time to think about your career aspirations. Find out what field you want to work in and what types of job you are interested in. Having a clear objective will help you focus the writing of your CV and highlight the skills that are relevant to that field.
Find out what skills you can transfer
Even if you have no professional experience, you may have developed skills that are useful in different contexts, such as your voluntary activities or commitments. Perhaps you have office skills? A particular skill? Or perhaps you developed some skills during your studies? Identify these transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, time management, etc. These skills can be invaluable to employers and should be highlighted in your CV.
Be familiar with employers' expectations
Find out what employers expect in your target field before you start writing your CV. Look at job offers and job descriptions to understand the skills and qualities they are looking for. This will enable you to tailor your CV to the needs of the job market and highlight the elements that are most relevant to recruiters, even if you have no work experience.
How to write a CV without any experience
As a student, for example, writing a CV without experience can seem intimidating, but by focusing on some key elements, you can create a compelling CV.
First, start with a section on your academic background, highlighting relevant degrees. If you don't have any, don't hesitate to mention any certifications you may have passed. If you hold a driving licence or the CBT, it may be relevant to mention this here. The same applies if you have first aid training, language certification such as TOEFL or TOEIC, language certification (C2I), etc. In brief, don't overlook all the qualifications that attest to specific or useful skills in your target job.
Then, dedicate a section to your skills, emphasising any which are directly relevant to the job for which you are applying. You can include technical, language and IT skills, as well as cross-disciplinary skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Don't underestimate the importance of voluntary or extracurricular activities. These experiences can provide tangible evidence of your skills and commitment, even if they are not directly related to your professional field. Describe your responsibilities, achievements and skills acquired during these experiences in detail. Finally, make sure you tailor your CV to each application. Customise your summary, skills, and achievements according to the specific requirements of each position to show that you are the right person for the job. By following these steps, you can create a CV with no experience that enhances your potential and catches the recruiters' attention.
CV templates with no experience
Benefit from the many online CV templates tailored to your industry sector and job. Select the style which suits you best to make you shine and help you get the dream job.
Best practices and mistakes to avoid for a CV with no experience
Best practices
Tailor your CV to each application
Emphasise your achievements and skills
Mistakes to avoid
Not mentioning your hobbies
Neglecting quality of writing
The basics for a CV with no experience
01
Focus on your skills
02
Highlight your training and qualifications
03
Details of voluntary or extra-curricular experience
04
Be clear and professional in your application
05
Tailor your CV to each application
Frequently asked questions for an inexperienced CV
Why is it important to have a CV even without experience?
A CV without experience allows you to highlight your skills, training and relevant activities, demonstrating your potential to recruiters. Even if you have no work experience yet.
How can I highlight my skills on a CV with no experience?
Identify the skills you have acquired through your studies, personal projects, internships or extracurricular activities, then highlight them on your CV by matching them to the requirements of your target job.
Should I include my voluntary or extracurricular experience in my CV with no experience?
Yes, voluntary or extracurricular experience can provide tangible evidence of your skills and commitment as a student. Describe them in detail to show how they have developed your skills and enriched your career.
How do I tailor my CV for each job application?
To customise your CV, analyse the specific requirements of each job vacancy, then tailor your resume, skills and experience to meet the employer's needs. Emphasise the most relevant elements for each job to ensure you maximise your impact.