How to write a CV with no work experience
Draft: to be reviewed before launch.
Everyone starts with no work experience. A good CV shows an employer that you are reliable, willing to learn and able to follow instructions. This guide walks you through one, step by step.
Keep it short and clean
Aim for one page, two at most. Use a plain font, clear headings and the same layout all the way through. Save it as a PDF so it looks the same on every phone and computer, and give the file a sensible name such as Thandi-Nkosi-CV.pdf.
What to put on it
1. Your details. Full name, cell phone number, email address and the town where you live. Use a simple, professional email address (your name, not a nickname). Make sure your voicemail works and that you answer unknown numbers.
2. A short introduction (two or three lines). Say who you are and what kind of work you want. For example: “Matric graduate looking for an entry-level cashier or sales assistant position. Friendly, punctual and quick to learn.” Change it to fit each job.
3. Education. Start with your highest qualification. For matric, list the school, the year, and your subjects and results if they help. Add any courses or certificates, such as computer skills or first aid.
4. Skills. Be honest and specific. Languages you speak, computer skills (Word, Excel, email), a driver’s licence and its code, and skills such as customer service, handling cash or teamwork.
5. Experience. If you have never been employed, you still have experience:
- Volunteering, church or community projects
- Helping in a family business or shop
- Sports teams, school committees or leadership roles
- Piece work or short jobs, such as tutoring, car washing or babysitting
Write what you did and what you achieved, in one line each. “Helped run the tuck shop at school, handling cash and stock every day.”
6. References. Two people who know you and can speak well of you, such as a teacher, a coach or a church leader. Ask their permission first, and give their name, relationship and phone number.
What to leave out
- A long list of personal details. Your age, marital status or religion are not needed.
- Your full ID number, bank details or passwords. Give an ID copy only once you have a genuine job offer.
- A photo, unless the advert asks for one.
- Spelling mistakes. Read it aloud and ask someone else to check it.
- Lies. Employers can check, and being caught costs you the job.
Tailor it for every job
Read the advert. Use the same words it uses when they are true for you. If it asks for “customer service” and you have helped customers at your family shop, say so. A small change makes your CV stand out from the pile.
Before you send it
- Does it fit on one page?
- Are your phone number and email correct?
- Did you follow the application instructions (subject line, closing date, documents to attach)?
- Is your message polite, with your name and the job title in the subject line?
When you are ready, browse current jobs and apply on the employer’s own site. Many entry-level roles are in Retail and Admin and Office.