Finding a job without experience: what goes on your CV?

You can have relevant experience without a previous paid job. A placement, course, volunteering or personal project can show how you approach a task. State the context honestly and explain what you did yourself.

My advice is to look beyond “no experience needed”. Examine the core tasks, necessary certificates and support the employer describes.

Build an evidence example

Use three short lines: situation, your task and what you did or learned. For example: “During my placement, I helped check orders. I compared quantities with the delivery note and reported differences to my supervisor.” This is a writing example; use your own facts.

What belongs on your CV?

• Relevant education and placements, with specific tasks.
• Skills you can explain or demonstrate.
• Valid certificates and driving licence where relevant.
• Availability and work preferences that matter to the vacancy.

Do not describe yourself as independently experienced in a task you only performed under supervision.

Ask how starting works

Who trains you? Which tasks come first? What must you know beforehand? When is progress discussed? These answers make “training provided” meaningful.

If a mandatory qualification is missing, ask about training or another entry role. The guide to applying without a degree explains the distinction.

Make your first response specific

Choose one advertised task and connect it to your own example. Use the application email as a starting point. You do not need to invent experience to explain what you want to learn.