No experience? Here’s exactly what to put on your CV…
You’re staring at a blank CV template wondering how to fill it when your job history section looks emptier than a tech conference after free lunch ends.
We’ve all been there.
The classic catch-22 – you need experience to get a job, but need a job to get experience. So how do you break this cycle?
The key: Focus on transferable skills, not job titles
Your work history might be limited, but your skill set isn’t:
- Communication skills from group projects
- Problem-solving abilities from coursework
- Time management from studies and part-time work
- Technical skills learned through personal projects
Employers value transferable skills over specific experience for entry-level positions. Make these the main part of your CV.
Education isn’t just about your degree
Your education section should be bulked out when experience is lacking:
- Relevant coursework that aligns with the job
- Projects that demonstrate practical application
- Academic achievements that showcase your work ethic
- Certifications that prove your commitment to the field
Don’t just list your qualification – explain how your educational background has prepared you for this specific role – hiring managers love specificity.
Personal projects often speak louder than job titles:
- That app you built in your free time? Shows initiative.
- The blog you upload on Linkedin each week? Demonstrates communication skills.
- Employers care more about what you can do than what you’ve been paid to do in the past!
Volunteer work counts as real experience
Volunteer positions develop the same skills as paid roles:
- Leadership from organising events
- Teamwork from community projects
- Problem-solving from limited-resource situations
- Communication from working with diverse groups
The skills you’ve gained volunteering are just as valuable so you should frame them that way.
The power of tailoring your CV
The biggest mistake inexperienced candidates make? Sending the same generic CV everywhere.
For each application:
- Mirror the language from the job description
- Highlight the skills that match their requirements
- Reorganise sections to emphasise relevant strengths which correlate with the role you’re applying for
- Include a powerful personal statement that connects your background to their needs
A tailored CV with limited experience will outperform a generic CV with more experience every time.
Generative AI
It can be very tempting to just let Chat GPT or Gemini do the heavy work for you but this takes away from your personal tone and your CV will end up sounding homogenous.
If you do use generative AI to craft your CV, use it well by choosing the right prompts and let the hiring manager know you’ve used it!
This is where your prompting skills come into play.
Be honest
Don’t try to disguise your lack of experience, address it head on with enthusiasm and a growth mindset.
Employers know junior candidates won’t have extensive experience. What they’re looking for is potential, adaptability, and the willingness to learn.
Show them you’re not just looking for any job – you’re looking for this job specifically, and you’re ready to grow into it.
Need more CV advice that actually lands interviews? Connect with us on LinkedIn.
