What goes on a CV with no work history?

You can write a useful CV with no paid work history. This post covers what to put on it and in what order, using two UK public sources: the National Careers Service and the University of York careers service. It does not cover other countries, where conventions differ.

What do I put on a CV if I have no work history?

Start with your education, then the skills the job asks for, and give an example of each. The National Careers Service says that if you are applying for your first job, you can focus on skills you learned through projects, work experience or volunteering.

The University of York puts it more directly: everyone has something they can put on a CV. Employers want evidence of skills and enthusiasm for the role, not only job titles.

Which part goes first?

Put education directly after your introduction. The National Careers Service says to do this if you are early in your career or do not have much work experience. A person with a long work history would put that first instead.

List the qualifications, the school, college or university, and the dates. The University of York suggests going further than the degree name: add relevant modules, project titles and a dissertation title where you have one. If you are still at school, the same idea applies to the subjects and projects that relate to the job.

What counts as experience?

Anything that shows what you can do. The University of York names education, volunteering, part-time work, campus life, online courses and hobbies. It also suggests renaming the work section "Experience" or "Experience and achievements", so positions of responsibility and volunteering sit alongside paid jobs.

Describe routine work in terms of the skills it shows. York's example is a café job: clearing tables becomes following procedures and managing several small tasks at once. A hobby works the same way if you say what it took, such as the planning and motivation behind a training plan.

The National Careers Service also suggests including interests and hobbies that show relevant skills. Its example is captaining a sports team, which can show leadership and organisation.

Should I write a skills-based CV?

It is one option. The University of York suggests that after education you can focus on the skills most relevant to the job, which moves attention away from a short work history. Under each skill you give an example from your studies, volunteering or other activities.

York also says your CV does not have to follow a particular template. If you want a ready structure, the National Careers Service points to a CV builder from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Do I need an introduction?

It is optional, and it helps. The National Careers Service describes the introduction as a few short lines that sum up who you are and what you hope to do, placed under your name and contact details. York describes a short paragraph on your key skills and what you are looking for.

Write it for the job in front of you. Our guide on how to write a CV summary covers the wording.

How do I make it fit one job?

Read the job advert and match your skills to what it asks for. The National Careers Service says to highlight the skills you have that the advert lists. York says to check the person specification and match your examples to it.

This is where a short CV can compete. York notes that another applicant may have more experience but not present it as relevant, while you can. Our guide on how to tailor your CV to a job description goes through the steps.

What if I want more to put on it?

If you have time, the University of York suggests free online courses, volunteering with charities or other organisations, getting more involved in societies and clubs, or starting a personal project. It says this is especially worth doing in your final year. Add each to your CV with what you did and what you learned.

What to do next

1. List your qualifications with dates, and add modules or projects that relate to the job.
2. Write down everything else you have done: volunteering, clubs, casual work, courses, projects.
3. For each, note one skill it shows.
4. Pick the skills the job ad asks for and keep the matching examples.
5. Add a few short lines of introduction at the top.