How to Write a CV With Little Work Experience

A short work history does not mean you have nothing useful to show. Employers need evidence that you can do the work, and that evidence can come from education, projects, volunteering, caring responsibilities, internships or other relevant activities—not only paid jobs.

Start with the role, not the template

Read the job description and note the skills and tasks it emphasizes. Choose the experiences that best demonstrate those requirements. A master CV can help you keep a full record, but tailor the version you send so the most relevant evidence is easy to find.

Make projects count

For each relevant project, briefly explain what you did, the tools or methods you used, and the outcome. A coursework project, personal website, research assignment or community activity can demonstrate practical skills when you describe your own contribution clearly.

For example, instead of writing “Worked on a group presentation,” specify your part: “Researched local transport data and presented the findings in a 10-minute class presentation.” Keep every claim accurate; do not imply that a class or volunteer project was paid employment.

Use concise, evidence-based bullet points

Begin with an action verb and add useful detail: what you did, for whom or what, and what changed or was produced. Include numbers only when you can support them. If a result was not measured, describe the concrete deliverable rather than inventing a percentage.

Keep the structure easy to scan

Use clear headings such as Education, Projects, Experience and Skills. Put the strongest, most relevant sections near the top, and use reverse chronological order within sections where appropriate. Keep formatting consistent and follow the employer’s requested file type. Simple formatting is easier for people and many applicant systems to read.

Don’t apologize for being early in your career

Avoid filling space with vague claims or unrelated details. A focused CV with specific examples is stronger than a longer document padded with generic skills. Review spelling, dates and contact details before sending it.

University career services offer useful CV guidance, including Oxford University’s CV advice and the University of California, Santa Barbara’s resume guidance. Requirements vary by country and employer, so follow the instructions for each application.