Writing a CV with no work experience can feel difficult, especially when you are applying for your first job and do not have previous employment to list.

However, having no formal work experience does not mean you have nothing valuable to put on your CV.

If you are a school leaver, student, graduate or first-time job seeker, you can use your CV to highlight your education, skills, projects, achievements, volunteering, extracurricular activities and willingness to learn.

The key is to focus on what you can offer an employer, rather than focusing on the fact that you have not worked before.

This guide explains how to write a CV with no work experience in South Africa and provides examples you can adapt for your own job applications.

Can You Create a CV Without Work Experience?

Yes.

A CV is not only a record of previous employment. It can also demonstrate your:

Education
Skills
Qualifications
Projects
Achievements
Certifications
Volunteer experience
Leadership experience
Extracurricular activities
Computer skills
Languages
Career interests

For someone applying for their first job, these areas can help an employer understand your potential.

You should never invent work experience simply because you think your CV looks empty.

Instead, present your actual education, skills and experiences in a professional way.

What to Include in a CV With No Work Experience

A first-time job seeker CV can include:

Name and contact details
Professional profile
Career objective
Education
Skills
School or university projects
Certifications and short courses
Volunteer experience
Leadership and extracurricular activities
Achievements
Languages
References

You do not need every section. Choose the sections that are relevant to your situation.

1. Add Your Name and Contact Details

Start your CV with your name and basic contact information.

For example:

Lerato Mokoena
Soweto, Gauteng
Phone: 000 000 0000
Email: lerato@example.com

You can also include a LinkedIn profile if you have a professional profile.

You generally do not need to include your full street address.

Use a Professional Email Address

If you are applying for your first job, make sure your email address is suitable for professional communication.

An address such as:

firstname.lastname@email.com

is generally more appropriate than an email address containing slang, offensive language or unnecessary nicknames.

2. Write a Strong Professional Profile

A professional profile is particularly useful when you do not have work experience because it allows you to introduce yourself.

Keep it short and focus on:

Your education
Your strengths
Your career interests
Your relevant skills
Your willingness to learn

Example for a School Leaver

Motivated and hardworking school leaver who recently completed the National Senior Certificate. Strong communication, teamwork and computer skills, with a willingness to learn and develop practical workplace experience. Seeking an entry-level opportunity where I can contribute positively while building my professional skills.

Example for a Graduate

Recent Business Management graduate with a strong academic background and good communication, research and organisational skills. Eager to gain practical workplace experience and apply academic knowledge in a professional environment.

Avoid making your profile too long.

3. Add a Career Objective

A career objective can be useful if you are applying for your first job.

For example:

Seeking an entry-level administrative position where I can use my computer, communication and organisational skills while gaining practical workplace experience.

Make your objective relevant to the type of position you want.

Avoid using the exact same generic objective for every application.

4. Put Education on Your CV

When you do not have work experience, your education becomes particularly important.

Include:

Qualification
School, college or university
Year completed or expected completion
Relevant subjects
Academic achievements

Example for a School Leaver

National Senior Certificate
ABC High School
Completed: 2026

Relevant Subjects:

Mathematics
English
Computer Applications Technology
Business Studies

Only include subjects that are relevant to the position where appropriate.

Example for a Graduate

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
ABC University
2023 – 2026

If you are still studying, clearly indicate that your qualification is in progress.

5. Include Your Skills

Your skills can help demonstrate what you can contribute even if you have never had a formal job.

You can divide your skills into technical and soft skills.

Technical Skills

Examples include:

Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
PowerPoint
Google Workspace
Basic computer troubleshooting
Social media
Canva
Data capturing
HTML
Basic coding

Only list skills you genuinely have.

Soft Skills

Examples include:

Communication
Teamwork
Time management
Problem-solving
Organisation
Adaptability
Attention to detail
Customer service
Willingness to learn

Instead of listing every possible soft skill, choose those you can demonstrate through your education, activities or projects.

6. Include School Projects

School projects can provide useful evidence of your abilities.

For example, if you completed a project that involved research and presenting information, you could write:

Research Project

Conducted research using multiple sources.
Organised information into a structured report.
Presented findings to classmates.
Worked within a project deadline.

This demonstrates research, organisation, communication and presentation skills without claiming that you have formal employment experience.

7. Include University or College Projects

Students and graduates can use academic projects to demonstrate practical skills.

For example:

Business Project

Developed a basic business plan.
Conducted market research.
Analysed information and prepared a presentation.
Worked with other students to complete the project.

For an IT graduate:

Website Development Project

Designed a basic website.
Used HTML and CSS to create web pages.
Tested website functionality.
Documented the project and presented the final result.

Projects can be particularly useful for careers such as:

IT
Engineering
Marketing
Accounting
Business
Design
Computer science

8. Include Volunteer Experience

Volunteering can demonstrate responsibility even when you have not had formal employment.

For example:

Community Volunteer

Local Community Organisation
2025

Assisted with community events.
Helped organise activities.
Communicated with community members.
Worked as part of a team.

Do not underestimate legitimate volunteer experience.

It can demonstrate transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and organisation.

9. Include Leadership Experience

Leadership does not have to come from employment.

You may have gained leadership experience through:

School
University
Sports
Student organisations
Community organisations
Religious organisations
Clubs
Events

For example:

Class Representative

ABC High School

Communicated learner concerns to teachers.
Assisted with organising school activities.
Worked with other learners to coordinate events.

This can demonstrate communication, responsibility and teamwork.

10. Include Extracurricular Activities

Relevant extracurricular activities can help show your interests and abilities.

Examples include:

Sports
Debate
Coding clubs
School societies
Student organisations
Music
Community projects
Competitions

You do not need to list every activity you have participated in.

Choose activities that demonstrate useful skills or achievements.

11. Include Certifications and Short Courses

If you have completed relevant courses or certifications, add them to your CV.

Examples include:

Computer courses
Microsoft training
First Aid
Health and safety
Digital marketing
Coding courses
Entrepreneurship programmes
Industry-specific training

Example

Introduction to Digital Marketing
ABC Training Platform
2026

Only include courses you have actually completed.

12. Include Achievements

Achievements can help demonstrate commitment and ability.

Examples include:

Academic awards
Sports achievements
Leadership awards
Competition results
Certificates of achievement
Community recognition

Example

Academic Achievement

Achieved an academic excellence award during Grade 12.

Or:

Sports Achievement

Represented the school in provincial-level athletics.

Use genuine achievements and avoid exaggerating them.

13. Include Languages

Language skills can be relevant to many jobs in South Africa.

For example:

Languages

English – Fluent
Setswana – Native
isiZulu – Conversational

Be honest about your level of proficiency.

14. Include References

If you do not have previous employers, you can potentially use academic or community references.

Depending on the situation, references could include:

Teacher
Lecturer
Coach
Volunteer supervisor
Community leader

Always ask the person for permission before listing them.

You can also write:

References available upon request.

CV Example for a School Leaver With No Work Experience

Here is a basic example of what a school leaver’s CV could look like.

Lerato Mokoena

Pretoria, Gauteng
Phone: 000 000 0000
Email: lerato@example.com

Professional Profile

Motivated and hardworking school leaver who recently completed the National Senior Certificate. Strong communication, teamwork and computer skills with a willingness to learn and develop practical workplace experience. Seeking an entry-level opportunity to contribute positively to an organisation while developing professional skills.

Education

National Senior Certificate
ABC High School
Completed: 2026

Relevant subjects:

English
Mathematics
Business Studies
Computer Applications Technology

Skills

Computer literacy
Communication
Teamwork
Time management
Problem-solving
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Willingness to learn

School Projects

Business Studies Project

Conducted research on a small-business concept.
Prepared a written report.
Presented findings to the class.
Worked with other learners to complete the project.

Achievements

Academic achievement certificate
Participated in school activities
Assisted with school events

Languages

English – Fluent
Setswana – Native

References

Available upon request.

CV Example for a Graduate With No Work Experience

A graduate can use education, academic projects, skills and certifications to demonstrate their potential.

Sipho Dlamini

Johannesburg, Gauteng
Phone: 000 000 0000
Email: sipho@example.com

Professional Profile

Recent Information Technology graduate with a strong academic background in computer systems, networking and software development. Strong problem-solving and communication skills with practical experience gained through academic projects. Seeking an entry-level IT opportunity to apply technical knowledge and develop professional experience.

Education

Bachelor of Information Technology
ABC University
2023 – 2026

Technical Skills

Microsoft Office
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
Computer troubleshooting
Networking fundamentals
Database fundamentals

Academic Project

Student Management System

Designed a basic student management application.
Developed system functionality as part of a university project.
Tested the application and documented the results.
Presented the project to academic staff.

Soft Skills

Problem-solving
Communication
Teamwork
Time management
Research
Presentation skills

Certifications

Introduction to Networking
ABC Training Provider
2026

Languages

English – Fluent
isiZulu – Native

References

Available upon request.

CV Example for a First Job in Retail

If you are applying for your first retail job, focus on communication, customer service, teamwork and reliability.

Professional Profile

Friendly and motivated first-time job seeker with strong communication and teamwork skills. Recently completed Grade 12 and eager to gain practical experience in a retail environment. Reliable, willing to learn and comfortable working with people.

Skills

Customer service
Communication
Teamwork
Basic computer skills
Time management
Organisation
Problem-solving

Relevant Experience

School Event Volunteer

Assisted with organising a school event.
Helped communicate information to participants.
Worked with other learners to complete tasks.
Assisted with setting up and packing away equipment.

This experience does not need to be presented as formal employment.

CV Example for an Internship With No Work Experience

Internship applications often provide opportunities for students and graduates to gain their first professional experience.

Professional Profile

Motivated graduate seeking an internship opportunity to gain practical experience and apply academic knowledge in a professional environment. Strong research, communication and analytical skills with a willingness to learn and contribute to a team.

Education

Bachelor of Commerce
ABC University
2023 – 2026

Relevant Skills

Microsoft Excel
Research
Data analysis
Communication
Presentation
Teamwork
Administration

Academic Project

Business Research Project

Conducted research into customer behaviour.
Analysed collected information.
Prepared a written report.
Presented findings to a group.

How to Make a CV Stand Out Without Work Experience

You do not need to exaggerate your experience to make your CV stronger.

Instead, focus on presenting your genuine skills and achievements clearly.

Tailor Your CV

Read the job advertisement carefully.

If the employer is looking for:

Computer skills
Communication
Customer service
Teamwork

and you genuinely have those skills, make sure they are easy to find on your CV.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are abilities that can be useful in different environments.

For example:

School project → Workplace skill

Research project → Research skills
Group assignment → Teamwork
Class presentation → Communication
Sports team → Teamwork and discipline
Student leadership → Leadership
Volunteer work → Responsibility and communication

This allows you to demonstrate your abilities without pretending that these activities were formal employment.

What Not to Do When You Have No Work Experience

One of the biggest mistakes first-time job seekers make is trying to make their CV look more experienced than it really is.

Avoid:

Inventing Jobs

Never create fake employers or positions.

Exaggerating Skills

Do not claim advanced knowledge of software you have only used once.

Adding False Qualifications

Only list qualifications and certificates you actually have.

Filling the CV With Unnecessary Information

A CV does not become better simply because it is longer.

Using Too Many Graphics

Keep your CV professional and easy to read.

Writing a Very Long Personal Story

Use a short professional profile instead.

How Long Should a No-Experience CV Be?

A school leaver or first-time job seeker may only need one page.

A graduate with several projects, qualifications, certifications and relevant activities may need more space.

Do not add unnecessary information simply to make your CV longer.

The goal is to provide enough relevant information for the employer to understand your background.

Should You Say “I Have No Work Experience” on Your CV?

You do not need to write:

I have no work experience.

Instead, use the space to explain what you do have.

For example:

Recent Grade 12 graduate with strong communication, computer and teamwork skills seeking an entry-level opportunity to gain practical workplace experience.

This communicates your situation without making the absence of employment the main focus of your CV.

Where Can You Find Your First Experience?

If you currently have no work experience, consider opportunities such as:

Internships
Learnerships
Apprenticeships
Graduate programmes
Volunteering
Part-time work
Temporary work
Student projects
Community projects

These opportunities can help you develop practical skills and build your professional experience over time.

Create Your CV Online

If you are creating your first CV, you do not need to start with a blank page.

YouthPlug CV allows you to create a CV online, choose a template and enter your own information.

You can create your CV for free and update it as you gain:

Work experience
Qualifications
Skills
Certifications
Projects
Achievements

This means the same CV can grow with your career.

No-Experience CV Checklist

Before submitting your CV, check that it contains:

Full name
Phone number
Professional email address
Location
Professional profile
Education
Relevant subjects or coursework
Skills
Projects
Volunteer experience, if applicable
Leadership experience, if applicable
Certifications
Achievements
Languages
References or “references available upon request”

Also check:

Spelling and grammar
Contact details
Qualification dates
Formatting
Job-specific requirements
Application instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a CV if I have no work experience?

Yes. You can create a CV using your education, skills, projects, achievements, volunteering, certifications and other relevant experience.

What should I put on my CV if I have never worked?

Focus on your education, skills, projects, achievements, certifications, volunteering, leadership experience and extracurricular activities.

What should a school leaver put on a CV?

A school leaver can include their National Senior Certificate, relevant subjects, skills, achievements, school projects, activities, volunteering and career interests.

What should a graduate put on a CV with no experience?

Graduates can highlight their qualification, academic projects, technical skills, certifications, volunteering, achievements and relevant coursework.

Should I say that I have no experience?

You do not need to make “no experience” the focus of your CV. Instead, highlight the education, skills and other experiences you have gained.

Can I get a job without work experience?

Many entry-level positions, internships, learnerships, apprenticeships and graduate programmes are designed to help people develop practical experience. Always check the specific requirements of the opportunity before applying.

How long should a CV with no experience be?

For many school leavers and first-time job seekers, one page may be enough. The length should depend on how much relevant information you have rather than an arbitrary page count.

Conclusion

Creating a CV with no work experience is possible. You do not need to invent employment history or exaggerate your skills to create a professional CV.

Instead, focus on what you have already achieved through your education, projects, volunteering, school or university activities, certifications, leadership experience and personal development.

Your first CV may look different from the CV you have later in your career. As you gain work experience, qualifications and new skills, you can update your CV and gradually replace school projects and other early experiences with professional achievements.

The most important thing is to be honest, keep your CV relevant and show an employer what you can contribute.

If you are ready to create your first CV, use YouthPlug CV to build and update your CV online for free.