How to Write a CV With No Experience (for Students & Graduates)

📝 How to Write a CV With No Experience (for Students & Graduates)

🎯 Feeling stuck because you’ve got “no experience”?

You’re not alone. Most students and recent graduates worry their CVs will look empty — but here’s the truth: you have plenty to offer. Employers don’t just hire for experience; they hire for potential, attitude, and transferable skills.

Your job is to show that you can learn fast, work well with others, and get things done — all of which you’ve already proven at university. Let’s break down exactly how to make your CV shine.

💡 1. Focus on What You Do Have

Think beyond traditional “jobs.” Experience comes in many forms:

• Group projects and coursework
• Volunteering or charity work
• Student societies or sports teams
• Part-time or summer jobs
• Personal or freelance projects

These all show initiative, collaboration, and responsibility — traits every employer loves.

💬 Example: “Managed a team of four to deliver a marketing campaign for a student society, increasing event attendance by 40%.”

🧱 2. Structure That Works

Keep your CV simple, clean, and easy to scan. A good order for students:

1. Contact details (no photo, date of birth, or full address needed)
2. Personal statement (3–4 lines summarising who you are and what you’re looking for)
3. Education (degree, university, expected grade, key modules if relevant)
4. Skills (a mix of technical and soft skills)
5. Experience (any relevant activity — see above!)
6. Achievements / Interests (optional but helps show personality)

✅ Tip: Write your personal statement last — it’s much easier once you’ve listed your skills and experience.

⚡ 3. Write Like a Pro: The Power of Action Verbs

Employers skim CVs quickly, so using strong, clear verbs helps you stand out. Avoid weak phrases like “helped with” or “responsible for” — instead, use:

• Led
• Created
• Delivered
• Organised
• Improved

❌ “Helped with planning events.”
✅ “Organised and promoted three student events, attracting over 150 attendees.”

📎 Download: Action Verbs for Your CV — Free PDF

🎯 4. Tailor Every CV to the Role

Don’t send the same CV everywhere. Instead:

• Read the job description carefully.
• Pick out the key words they use (“teamwork”, “problem-solving”, “initiative”).
• Mirror that language in your CV.

Example: If a job asks for “strong communication skills,” highlight your presentation experience or essay writing projects.

🚫 5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Listing duties instead of achievements (“served customers” vs “handled 50+ customer orders daily”)
• Typos or inconsistent formatting
• Using an overdesigned template that’s hard to read
• Forgetting to include your LinkedIn profile

A clean, well-written CV beats a fancy-looking one every time.

🌟 6. Confidence First, Experience Second

Everyone starts somewhere — and what matters most is how you present your potential. Focus on what you’ve learned, how you’ve contributed, and the skills you’ve already built.

📎 Download your free Action Verbs PDF to help you write confident, powerful bullet points for your CV.