So, you’re ready to job hunt — but your CV looks empty. No formal job. No internship. Just school… and maybe some volunteering.
Don’t panic.
In this episode, we show you exactly how to build a strong CV with no formal work experience. Employers aren’t just looking for jobs — they’re looking for potential. And trust us, you’ve got it.
🔑 What to Include in a “No-Experience” CV
Here’s what matters most for early-career CVs:
✅ Contact Details
Make sure your phone number, email, and location are correct.
✅ Personal Profile (Short Intro)
A short paragraph summarising who you are, your strengths, and your goals.
“Motivated and fast-learning matriculant with strong communication skills and a passion for customer service. Seeking to grow in a professional environment where I can learn and contribute.”
✅ Education
List your highest level of education, the school or institution, and year completed. Include any certificates, short courses, or online training too (Google, LinkedIn, Coursera, etc.).
✅ Skills Section
Include skills like:
- Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, typing speed)
- Social media
- Languages you speak
- Communication, teamwork, punctuality
✅ Volunteer Work / Community Involvement
Even helping at church, tutoring siblings, or organising events counts. Describe what you did and the dates.
Volunteer Assistant – Community Soup Kitchen (April–June 2024)
Assisted with food preparation, distribution, and clean-up. Helped serve over 100 community members weekly.
✅ Achievements or Awards
Did you win a school award? Lead a team? Get top marks in a subject? Include that!
✅ Hobbies & Interests (Optional)
Only add this if relevant. For example:
“Enjoys reading about business, learning photography, and volunteering with youth programmes.”
✅ References
List 1–2 people who know your work ethic — like a teacher, pastor, or volunteer coordinator.
“Available upon request” also works if you don’t have one yet.
📝 Extra Tips
- Keep your CV to 1 page, 2 max
- Use simple, clean formatting (no fancy fonts or colors)
- Save and send as a PDF, not Word
- Name it clearly:
“Lerato_Ndlovu_CV_2025.pdf”
🚀 Final Word
You don’t need a job history to show you’re employable. What matters is your attitude, effort, and willingness to learn — and a good CV helps prove that. Build from where you are. Your first job is closer than you think.
