How to Create CV With No Experience in 2025

Creating a CV when you haven’t worked much can be hard, especially if you’re just starting out or changing careers. But remember, everyone starts somewhere. The trick is to make a CV that shows off the skills you do have, your education, and anything else that proves you have potential.

This guide will give you the tools to make a CV that looks professional and makes a good impression, even if you don’t have much experience. It includes examples and advice that’s useful for 2025.

What Companies Want to See in a CV From Someone With Little Experience
In 2025, companies care about more than just job history.

When they look at CVs from people who haven’t worked much, they pay attention to:

Your Skills and How Well You Can Adapt: Showing you have skills that fit the job.
Your Desire to Learn: Showing you’re excited to learn new things.
Your People Skills: Like communicating, working with others, and solving problems.
Your Excitement for the Field: Showing you really care about the work.
You should design your CV to focus on these things.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a CV With No Experience

Choose a Professional Format

A clean, organized CV format ensures your information is easy to read and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)-friendly. Avoid using images, fancy designs, or graphics that might confuse automated systems.

Add a Header With Contact Information

Start your CV with no experience by including your name, email, phone number, LinkedIn profile, and, if applicable, a portfolio link.

Write a Personal Statement

Your personal statement is the first impression employers get from your CV with no experience. Use it to introduce yourself, summarize your goals, and highlight key skills relevant to the job.

Example:

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, skilled in social media management and content creation. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team environment while developing expertise in digital marketing.

Highlight Your Education

When writing a CV with no experience, your education becomes the focal point. Include your degree, institution, and graduation year. Mention relevant coursework, academic projects, or achievements.

Example: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University of Cape Town | Graduated: December 2024

Relevant coursework: Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development
Final project: Created a mobile app that improved NGO donations by 25%.

Emphasize Transferable Skills
A great CV with no experience focuses on skills you’ve gained through education, volunteering, or personal projects. These can include technical and soft skills.

Important Abilities to Show Off:

Computer Skills: Knowing how to use Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and tools for managing projects.
Communicating: Being good at writing and speaking clearly.

Working with Others: Having experience working together in groups.
Figuring Things Out: Thinking in new ways and looking closely at problems.

Include Volunteer Work or Internships
While writing a CV with no experience, volunteer work and internships can act as substitutes for traditional employment. Focus on your contributions and results.

Example: Volunteer Social Media Coordinator
Local Youth Center | June 2024 – Present

Increased social media engagement by 30% through targeted campaigns.
Designed content strategies that attracted 100+ participants to events.

Add Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities show initiative, leadership, and teamwork. Mention clubs, societies, sports, or projects where you played an active role.

Example: President of the Debate Society
University of Pretoria | 2023–2024

Organized national debate tournaments with 200+ participants.
Managed a team of 15 members and a R50,000 budget.

Include Certifications or Online Courses
Certifications demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement, making your CV with no experience stand out. Include certifications or online courses relevant to the job.

Example:

Google Ads Certification (2024)
Data Visualization with Tableau | Coursera (2023)

Highlight Technical Skills and Languages

Today’s job world really values tech skills and knowing multiple languages. Even if you don’t have job experience, make sure to list these skills clearly on your resume.
For example: Tech Skills: Python, SQL, Canva, Adobe Photoshop
Languages: English (Fluent), isiZulu (Conversational)

Keep It to One Page
When crafting a CV with no experience, ensure it’s concise and limited to one page. Focus on information relevant to the job.

Example: CV With No Experience
Here’s an example layout of a CV with no experience:

Jane Doe
jane.doe@email.com | (123) 456-7890
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe | Portfolio: janedoeportfolio.com

Personal Statement
Recent graduate with a passion for digital communication and social media. Skilled in content creation and data analysis. Excited to contribute to a fast-paced team environment while expanding my digital marketing knowledge.

Education
Bachelor of Marketing
University of Johannesburg | 2020–2024

Relevant coursework: Social Media Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Market Research
Final project: Increased a local business’s sales by 15% through a targeted campaign.
Key Skills

Social Media Management
Content Creation
Data Analysis
Team Collaboration
Volunteer Work
Event Organizer
Local Animal Shelter | 2023–2024

Planned and promoted fundraising events, raising R10,000 for animal welfare.
Coordinated with vendors to ensure smooth event execution.
Certifications

HubSpot Content Marketing Certificate (2024)
Google Digital Marketing Fundamentals (2023)
Languages and Tools

Languages: English (Fluent), Afrikaans (Conversational)
Tools: Canva, Microsoft Excel, Trello

APPLY FOR OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE HERE:

Common Mistakes When Writing a CV With No Experience

Using Complex Formats: Avoid graphics or fancy layouts that may confuse ATS software.
Exaggerating Skills: Be honest about your abilities.
Leaving Out Keywords: Include terms from the job description to improve ATS compatibility.
Ignoring Grammar: Proofread to avoid errors.

Final Thoughts on Writing a CV With No Experience:

Creating a CV with no experience may seem challenging, but it’s an opportunity to highlight your potential. By focusing on education, transferable skills, and relevant activities, you can create a compelling CV that sets you apart from the competition.