How to Make a CV Without Experience

Published 1 November 2026

Not having a previous job does not mean you have nothing to put on a CV. Employers can still learn about your abilities from coursework, projects, internships, volunteering, responsibilities and the tools you know. The key is to give clear examples instead of filling the page with general claims.

Start with the role you want

Read the job description and note the skills, tools and responsibilities it mentions. Choose the parts of your background that genuinely relate to those requirements. You do not need to match every line. Do not add keywords for software or tasks you have never used or performed.

Use a simple CV structure

1. Contact details: name, phone, professional email and city.
2. Short profile: your current study or career stage, relevant strengths and target role.
3. Education: qualification, institution and dates.
4. Projects: class assignments, independent projects, portfolio work or practical exercises.
5. Skills: relevant technical and transferable skills.
6. Other experience: internships, volunteering, part-time work, student activities or family-business responsibilities when relevant.
7. Training: certificates and short courses that support the role.

Turn projects into useful evidence

Describe what the project was, what you personally did and what tools or methods you used. A short, specific explanation is stronger than a project title alone. For a group project, be clear about your own contribution. If you can share a portfolio, code repository or presentation, add a link that works and is appropriate for employers to see.

Show transferable skills with examples

Communication, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving and attention to detail are easier to trust when connected to an example. You might describe coordinating a college event, presenting research, helping a community group or meeting a project deadline. Use only examples that actually happened and explain your part in them.

Write a short profile summary

Try this fill-in pattern: “I am a [student/recent graduate] in [subject] with practical experience in [project, tool or activity]. I am interested in [role/field] and can contribute [two relevant strengths].” Adjust the wording to your real background and the job.

What not to do

• Do not invent job titles, internships, client work or certificates.
• Do not describe yourself as an expert in tools you have only briefly tried.
• Do not include unrelated personal information to make the CV longer.
• Do not copy a sample CV word for word.
• Do not use a complicated layout that makes your details difficult to read.

Check the CV before applying

Use clear section headings, consistent dates and readable type. Save a PDF for most online applications unless the employer requests a Word file or a different format. Reopen the file after downloading and check that links, spacing and page breaks look right.

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