Guides
Writing a first-job CV with no paid experience
You do not need to invent a job to write a useful CV. For a first application, explain what you have learned and give evidence of reliability, communication and practical skills from genuine activities.
Find evidence outside paid employment
Think about college tasks, a work placement, volunteering, a community group or a practical project. Note what you actually did, who you worked with and any tools you used. Choose examples that relate to the vacancy.
For example, helping set up an event can show that you followed instructions, prepared equipment and worked with others. State that it was volunteering rather than presenting it as paid employment. Do not claim responsibility for the whole event unless you really had it.
Put your strongest relevant section first
After contact details and a short profile, you may put education or practical experience ahead of work history. Include the course or qualification name, institution and accurate dates. Mark a qualification ‘in progress’ if it is not complete.
Grades should be accurate and optional unless requested. Do not include expected grades as achieved results. A short practical experience section can be more useful than a blank section labelled ‘Employment’.
Write evidence rather than promises
A fictional example is: ‘Helped prepare tables and equipment for weekly community meetings, then checked shared areas were tidy before visitors arrived.’ It demonstrates an activity without inventing a job or a performance figure.
Avoid ‘excellent at everything’ or ‘born leader’. If a role offers training, explain that you are willing to learn, alongside a real example of following instructions or completing a task. This is stronger than claiming experience in equipment you have never used.
Check the requirements before applying
Entry-level does not always mean there are no requirements. Read the advert for hours, travel, essential qualifications and any age-related legal restrictions. Ask the employer when a requirement is unclear rather than assuming a CV template resolves it.
Make sure a recruiter can contact you: check voicemail, email spelling and availability if you include it. Use a simple file name and inspect the final document. Your first-job CV should be a truthful starting point you can update as you gain experience.