Why you're not getting the interview. Creating a successful CV without experience.

There is a common misconception that a CV should be 'one size fits all,' but this isn't the case. If you're applying for different job roles or even different industries, your skills and experience must be tailored to reflect your suitability for each position. Simply listing everything you’ve ever done, without considering its relevance, may do more harm than good.

Let’s say you’re 18, fresh out of school, and have minimal work experience. It’s natural to feel nervous about your CV looking sparse. However, this isn’t a disadvantage—it’s an opportunity. A CV should typically be one page, two at most, meaning you need to maximise the space with relevant and compelling information. Employers are not just looking for experience; they value potential, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

What to Include in Your CV

1. Personal Details

At the top of your CV, include your full name, phone number, and professional email address. There’s no need to list your full home address—your town and postcode will suffice. Avoid unnecessary details such as your date of birth or a photograph unless specifically requested.

2. Personal Statement

This is a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) summarising who you are, what you’re looking for, and what you can bring to an employer. If you lack experience, highlight your enthusiasm, transferable skills, and willingness to learn. Example:

"A motivated and hardworking individual with a strong passion for [industry]. Recently completed [qualification] with a keen interest in developing skills in [specific area]. Eager to bring a proactive attitude and dedication to learning into a dynamic workplace."

📌 Statistic: A study by The Ladders found that recruiters spend an average of 6-8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to continue reading. A clear, engaging personal statement can make an immediate impact.

3. Education & Qualifications

List your most recent education first, including the name of your school/college, dates attended, and qualifications achieved. If you studied subjects relevant to the job, highlight them. For example, if applying for a marketing role, mentioning coursework in business studies or media can be valuable.

📌 Statistic: According to a 2023 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 61% of employers prioritise problem-solving skills, while 53% value strong communication skills—both of which can be highlighted in your education section.

4. Skills & Achievements

If you lack work experience, this section becomes crucial. Think about:

• Transferable skills: Time management, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, adaptability.

• Technical skills: IT proficiency, social media management, coding, design software.

• Personal achievements: Volunteering, Duke of Edinburgh Award, sports leadership, extracurricular activities.

📌 Statistic: A LinkedIn report found that 92% of recruiters say soft skills (like communication and adaptability) are just as important—if not more important—than hard skills when hiring.

5. Work Experience (if applicable)

If you have work experience, even if it’s part-time, include it here. Focus on what you learned rather than just listing duties. If you don’t have formal work experience, consider including:

• Volunteering roles

• School projects

• Work placements or internships

• Informal work (babysitting, tutoring, helping in a family business)

📌 Statistic: Research by Jobvite found that 60% of hiring managers consider volunteer experience as valuable as paid work experience.

6. Hobbies & Interests (Optional)

Only include hobbies if they demonstrate skills relevant to the job. For example, running a blog shows writing and digital skills, while participating in team sports demonstrates teamwork and discipline.

7. References

You can either list two referees (e.g., a teacher or previous employer) or simply write "References available upon request."

What Employers Look For

According to studies, recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing a CV, with 80% of that time focused on the following key areas:✅ Name and contact details (instantly checking for professionalism)✅ Current job/education (or most relevant experience)✅ Skills and qualifications (especially if tailored to the role)✅ Layout and readability (well-structured CVs are preferred)

📌 Statistic: 76% of CVs are rejected due to spelling or grammatical errors (according to CareerBuilder). Proofreading is essential.

📌 Statistic: 88% of employers want candidates who are adaptable and willing to learn, even if they lack direct experience (LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report). This means demonstrating enthusiasm and a proactive attitude can outweigh a lack of formal work history.

Final Thoughts

If you lack experience, don’t let that discourage you. Employers understand that everyone has to start somewhere, and they often prioritise attitude and potential over direct experience. The key is to present yourself as someone who is eager to contribute, develop new skills, and grow within the company.

By tailoring your CV, focusing on your strengths, and keeping it concise and professional, you can make a strong impression—regardless of how much experience you have.