Writing Your First CV When You Have Little Experience
A first CV isn't judged by the number of experiences on it, but by its clarity and relevance. Built well, it opens doors even without a long track record.
A simple, readable structure
A CV fits on one page: contact details at the top, then education, experience, skills, and optionally interests. Choose a clean layout, a single font, clear headings. Recruiters spend a few seconds per CV — they need to understand at a glance who you are. Skip the graphic flourishes that distract more than inform.
Make the most of what you already have
Without a full-time job to show, highlight internships, summer jobs, volunteering, school projects, babysitting, or leadership roles in clubs. All of it demonstrates real qualities: reliability, people skills, organisation. Describe each experience with a concrete action and a result, not a vague label. 'Managed the till and served 50 customers a day' beats 'worked in a shop'.
Tailor your CV to each application
A generic CV sent everywhere performs poorly. Re-read the job ad, spot the expected skills, and bring the ones you have to the top of each section. Pick up a few keywords from the ad, since some systems filter CVs automatically. Tailoring isn't lying — it's putting the most relevant side of yourself in the spotlight.
Apply it now
- Choose a clean template that fits on one page.
- List all your experiences, including non-professional ones.
- Describe each with a concrete action and a result.
- Spot the job ad's keywords and adapt your CV accordingly.
- Have someone proofread it to catch typos and vague phrasing.
Frequently asked
Should I include a photo?
It's not required and increasingly less expected. If you do include one, make it sharp, neutral, and professional.
Is it risky to slightly exaggerate an experience?
Yes, very. Lies are spotted quickly in interviews or on the job and destroy your credibility. Honestly showcase what you have instead of inventing.