How to write a CV with no experience
Looking for your first job and think you have nothing to put down? You have more than you think: education, internships, projects and skills. We'll show you how to build a CV that convinces even on your first try.
What to put on a CV with no experience
Start with your education
With no work history, your studies go at the top: degree, institution, year and, if they're strong, your grades or standout projects.
Add internships, volunteering and projects
Internships, coursework, volunteering or personal projects count as experience. Describe what you did and what you learned.
Highlight your skills
Languages, digital tools, soft skills (teamwork, communication). Align them with what the job posting asks for.
Add a short professional summary
Two lines under your name explaining who you are and what you're looking for. They make up for the lack of experience with attitude and a clear goal.
The first-job CV checklist
- Contact details and a professional email
- A 2-3 line professional summary or objective
- Academic background featured at the top
- Relevant internships, volunteering or projects
- Languages and digital skills
- Soft skills aligned with the job posting
- A single page, clean and ATS-friendly format
Frequently asked questions about a CV with no experience
What do I put on a CV if I have no work experience?+
Your education, internships, volunteering, coursework or personal projects, languages and skills. Anything that shows what you can do counts, even if it wasn't a paid job.
How do I start my first resume?+
Pick a simple template, add your contact details, a short professional summary and your education at the top. Then add internships, projects and skills. With simpleCV you'll have it in minutes.
Should I include a career objective?+
Yes. On a CV with no experience, two or three lines explaining who you are and what you're looking for help the recruiter place you and make up for the lack of track record.
How long should a first-job CV be?+
A single page. Without years of experience, prioritise what's relevant and keep a clean, easy-to-read design, also for ATS filters.
Is my student CV good enough for online postings?+
Yes, as long as you use an ATS-friendly format: single column, standard headings and the job's keywords. Our simple templates already meet this.
Is simpleCV free for my first CV?+
Yes. Creating and editing your CV is free. Downloading the watermark-free PDF is the premium option.
Want the full guide? Read how to create a CV for your first job
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