personal statement for cv with no experience examples

CV personal statement examples

17 eye-catching examples + writing guide

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If you want to secure job interview, you need a strong personal statement at the top of your CV.

Your CV personal statement is a short paragraph which sits at the very top of your CV – and it’s aim is to summarise the benefits of hiring you and encourage employers to read your CV in full.

In this guide I have included 17 CV personal statement examples from a range of professions and experience levels, plus a detailed guide of how to write your own personal statement that will get you noticed by employers

CV templates 

17 CV personal statement examples

To start this guide, I have included 10 examples of good personal statements, to give you an idea of how a personal statement should look , and what should be included.

Note: personal statements are generally used by junior candidates – if you are experienced, check out our CV profile examples instead.

Graduate CV personal statement (no experience)

Although this  graduate has no paid work experience, they compensate for it by showcasing all of the skills and knowledge the have gained during their studies, and demonstrating how they apply their knowledge in academic and personal projects.

When you have little or no experience, it’s important to draw out transferable workplace skills from your studies and extracurricular work, to showcase them to employers.

Graduate CV personal statement (part time freelance experience)

This candidate has graduated with a degree in biochemistry but actually wants to start a career in digital marketing after providing some digital freelance services to fund their studies.

In this case, they haven’t made much mention of their studies because they aren’t relevant to the digital marketing agencies they are applying to. Instead they have focused their personal statement around their freelance work and passion for the digital field – although they still mention the fact they are degree educated to prove their academic success.

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School leaver CV personal statement (no experience)

This candidate is 16 years old and has no work experience whatsoever, but they compensate for this by detailing their academic achievements that relate to the roles they are applying for (maths and literacy are important requirements in finance and accountancy roles).

They also add some info on their extracurricular activities and school work-placements, to strengthen this student CV further.

    Top tips for writing a CV personal statement

• Thoroughly research the jobs and companies you are planning to apply for to identify the type of candidate they are looking for – try to reflect that in your personal statement
• Don’t be afraid to brag a little – include some of your most impressive achievements from education, work or personal life
• Focus on describing the benefits an employer will get from hiring you. Will you help them to get more customers? Improve their workplace? Save them time and money?
• If you have no work experience, demonstrate transferable workplace skills from your education, projects, or even hobbies

School leaver CV personal statement (part time experience)

Although this person has only just left school, they have also undertaken some part-time work in a call centre alongside their studies.

To make the most of this experience, they have combined their academic achievements with their workplace exposure in this personal statement.

By highlighting their GCSE results, summer programme involvement, work experience and expressing their ambitions to progress within sales, this candidate really makes an appealing case for hiring them.

College leaver CV personal statement (no experience)

This candidate has left college with good grades, but does not yet have any work experience.

To compensate for the lack of workplace exposure, they have made their A level results prominent and highlighted skills and experience which would benefit the employers they are targeting.

Any recruiter reading this profile can quickly understand that this candidate has great academic achievements, a passion for IT and finance and the ability to transfer their skills into an office environment.

College student CV personal statement (freelance experience)

As this student has picked up a small amount of freelance writing work during their studies, they have made sure to brag about it in their personal statement.

They give details on their relevant A level studies to show the skills they are learning, and boost this further by highlighting the fact that they have been applying these skills in a real-life work setting by providing freelance services.

They also include key action verbs that recruiters will be looking for , such as creative writing, working to deadlines, and producing copy.

Academic CV personal statement

Aside from junior candidates, the only other people who might use a personal statement, are academic professionals; as their CV’s tend to be more longer and detailed than other professions.

This candidate provides a high level overview of their field of study, length of experience, and the roles they have held within universities.

School leaver CV personal statement with and sports experience

Although this person has no work experience, they are still able to show employers the value of hiring them by selling their other achievements and explaining how they could benefit an organisation.

They expand on their sports club involvement to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership skills, communication and motivation, which are all important traits in the workplace, and will be looked upon favourably by recruiters and hiring managers.

They also draw upon their future plans to study business studies and take a part time job, to further prove their ambition and dedication.

History graduate CV personal statement

This history graduate proves their aptitude for both academic achievement and workplace aptitude by showcasing valuable skills from their degree and voluntary work.

They do this by breaking down the key requirements for each and showing how their skills could be beneficial for future employers, such as listening, communication, and crisis management.

They also describe how their ability to balance studies alongside voluntary work has not only boosted their knowledge and skills, but also given excellent time management and organisational skills – which are vital assets to any employer.

Law graduate CV personal statement

This legal graduate makes the most from their work university work placements by using it to bulk out the contents of their CV personal statement.

They include their degree to show they have the necessary qualifications for legal roles, which is crucial, but more importantly, they showcase how they applied their legal skills within a real-life work setting.

They give a brief overview of the types of legal professionals they have been working alongside and the type of work they have been carrying out – this is all it takes to get the attention of recruiters and show employers they have what it takes to fulfil roles in the legal sector.

Medical student CV personal statement

This medical student proves their fit for the role by showcasing the key skills they have gained from their studies and their work experience placements.

In just these few sentences, they are able to highlight the vast amount of experience they have across different disciplines in the industry, something which is particularly important in the medical sector.

As they have not graduated yet and are still studying, they have provided proof of their most recent grades. This can give the recruiter some indication as to the type of grade they could be graduating with in the near future.

Masters student CV personal statement

This masters student has started by specifying their area of study, in this case, accounting, and given details about the specific areas of finance they are most interested in. This can hint towards their career goals and passions.

They have then carefully listed some of the key areas of accounting and finance that they are proficient in. For example, business finance, advanced corporate finance and statistics.

They have also outlined some of the transferable skills needed for accounting roles that employers will be looking out for, such as communication, attention to detail and analytical skills.

Finance student CV personal statement

As this finance student has recently undertaken some relevant work experience, they’ve made sure to shout about this in their personal profile.

But more than this, they have included a list of some of the important finance skills they gained as a result of this work experience – for example, financial reporting, processing invoices and month-end reconciliations.

Plus, through power words and phrases such as ‘prevent loss’ and ‘ improve upon accuracy and efficiency’, they have also showcased how they can apply these skills in a workplace setting to benefit the potential employer.

Internship  CV personal statement

This digital marketing professional has started their personal profile by outlining their most relevant qualifications and work experience, most notably their freelance role as a content manager.

They have also provided examples of some of the key marketing skills that potential employers might be looking for, including very detailed examples of the platforms and tools they are proficient in – for example, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.

They have then closed their statement by giving a detailed description of the type of role or opportunity they are looking for. In this case, an in-house position in a marketing company.

Graduate career changer personal statement

Switching careers as a graduate can be tough. Especially when it comes to writing a personal statement that will attract employers in your new chosen field.

This candidate is looking to move from history teaching into journalism, so they have created a statement which briefly mentions their current workplace, but mainly focuses on highlighting transferable skills which are relevant to journalism. They achieve this by discussing the writing skills they use in their current role, and mentioning their hobby of writing – including some publications they have been featured in for extra brownie points.

Business management graduate personal statement

This business management proves their ability to work within a junior business management position by swiftly highlighting their impressive degree (to ensure it is not missed) and summarising some of the real-life experience they have gained in management during their university placements and volunteering. They do not let their lack of paid work experience, stop them demonstrating their valuable skills.

PhD graduate

PhD graduate roles attract a lot of competition, so it’s important that your CV contains a personal statement that will quickly impress and attract recruiters.

This candidate provides a short-but-comprehensive overview of their academic achievements, whilst demonstrating their exceptional level of knowledge in research, languages and publication writing.

By highlighting a number of skills and abilities that are in high-demand in the academic workplace, this CV is very likely to get noticed and land interviews.

How to write a personal statement for your CV

Now that you’ve seen what a personal statement should look like and the type of content it should contain, follow this detailed guide to one for your own CV – and start racking those interviews up.

Guide contents

What is a CV personal statement?

Cv personal statement or cv profile, personal statement format, what to include in a cv personal statement.

• Personal statement mistakes

How to write persuasively

A personal statement is a short paragraph at the top of your CV which gives employers an overview of your education, skills and experience

It’s purpose is to capture the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers when your CV is first opened – encouraging them to read the rest of it.

You achieve this by writing a tailored summary of yourself that explains your suitability for the roles you are applying for at a very high level, and matches your target job descriptions .

One question candidates often ask me is , “what is the difference between a personal statement and a CV profile?”

To be honest, they are almost the same – they are both introductory paragraphs that sit at the top of your CV… but there are 2 main differences

A personal statement tends to be used more by junior candidates (graduates, school leavers etc.) and is relatively long and detailed.

A CV profile tends to be favoured by more experienced candidates , and is shorter in length than a personal statement.

Note: If you are an experienced candidate, you may want to switch over to my CV profile writing guide , or example CV profiles page.

To ensure you grab recruiters’ attention with your personal statement, lay it out in the following way.

Positioning

You need to ensure that your personal statement sits at the very top of your CV, and all of it should be totally visible to readers, without the need to scroll down the page.

Do this by reducing the top page margin and minimising the space taken up by your contact details.

This will ensure that your whole personal statement can be seen, as soon as your CV is opened.

We have a Word CV template which can help you to get this right.

Size/length

Your personal statement needs to contain enough detail to provide an introduction to your skills and knowledge, but not so much detail that it bores readers.

To strike the right balance, anything between 8-15 lines of text is perfect – and sentences should be sharp and to-the-point.

As with the whole of your CV or resume , your personal statement should be written in a simple clean font at around size 10-12 to ensure that it can be read easily by all recruiters and employers.

Keep the text colour simple , ensuring that it contrasts the background (black on white is best) and break it into 2 or even 3 paragraphs for a pleasant reading experience.

It should also be written in a punchy persuasive tone, to help you sell yourself and increase your chances of landing interviews , I cover how to do this in detail further down the guide.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional CV templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Once you have the style and format of your personal statement perfected, you need to fill it with compelling content that tells recruiters that your CV is worth reading.

Here’s what needs to go into your personal statement…

Before you start writing your personal statement, it’s crucial that you research your target roles to find out exactly what your new potential employers are looking for in a candidate.

Run a search for your target jobs on one of the major job websites , look through plenty of adverts and make a list of the candidate requirements that frequently appear.

This research will show you exactly what to include in your personal statement in order to impress the recruiters who will be reading it.

Education and qualifications are an important aspect of your personal statement, especially if you are a junior candidate.

You should highlight your highest and most relevant qualifications, whether that is a degree, A levels or GCSEs. You could potentially go into some more detail around modules, papers etc. if they are relevant to the roles you are applying for.

It’s important that you discuss the experience you have gained in your personal statement, to give readers an idea of the work you are comfortable undertaking.

This can of course be direct employed work experience, but it doesn’t have to be.

You can also include:

• School/college Uni work placements
• Voluntary work
• Personal projects
• Hobbies/interests

As with all aspects of your CV , the content should be tailored to match the requirements of your target roles.

Whilst discussing your experience, you should touch upon skills used, industries worked in, types of companies worked for, and people you have worked with.

Where possible, try to show the impact your actions have made. E.g . A customer service agent helps to make sales for their employer.

Any industry-specific knowledge you have that will be useful to your new potential employers should be made prominent within your personal statement.

For example

• Knowledge of financial regulations will be important for accountancy roles
• Knowledge of IT operating systems will be important for IT roles
• Knowledge of the national curriculum will be important for teachers

You should also include some information about the types of roles you are applying for, and why you are doing so. Try to show your interest and passion for the field you are hoping to enter, because employers want to hire people who have genuine motivation and drive in their work.

This is especially true if you don’t have much work experience, as you need something else to compensate for it.

CV personal statement mistakes

The things that you omit from your personal statement can be just as important as the things you include.

Try to keep the following out of your personal statement..

Irrelevant info

Any information that doesn’t fall into the requirements of your target roles can be cut out of your personal statement. For example, if you were a professional athlete 6 years ago, that’s great – but it won’t be relevant if you’re applying to advertising internships, so leave it out.

Generic clichés

If you are describing yourself as a “ dynamic team player with high levels of motivation and enthusiasm” you aren’t doing yourself any favours.

These cliché terms are vastly overused and don’t provide readers with any factual details about you – so keep them to a minimum.

Stick to solid facts like education, skills , experience, achievements and knowledge.

If you really want to ensure that your personal statement makes a big impact, you need to write in a persuasive manner.

So, how do you so this?

Well, you need to brag a little – but not too much

It’s about selling yourself and appearing confident, without overstepping the mark and appearing arrogant.

For example, instead of writing.

“Marketing graduate with an interest in entering the digital field”

Be creative and excite the reader by livening the sentence up like this,

“Marketing graduate with highest exam results in class and a passion for embarking on a long and successful career within digital”

The second sentence is a much more interesting, makes the candidate appear more confident, throws in some achievements, and shows off a wider range of writing skills.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Your own personal statement will be totally unique to yourself, but by using the above guidelines you will be able to create one which shows recruiters everything they need.

Remember to keep the length between 10-20 lines and only include the most relevant information for your target roles.

You can also check our school leaver CV example , our best CV templates , or our library of example CVs from all industries.

Good luck with the job hunt!

Craft A Standout CV with No Work Experience: Examples & Tips

Create a compelling CV without work experience by emphasising education, relevant skills, extracurricular activities, and personal projects. This is how!

Looking for jobs with no qualifications? This article will help you learn how to write a CV without experience. It is still possible to get a role without some experience – you have to start somewhere, right? Many employers will be willing to consider people without qualifications if they can prove their work ethic and skills.

It can be tricky writing a CV when you don’t have any professional work experience to include. There are several sections you can focus on instead to help you stand out and land your first job.

Highlight relevant skills and use examples like CV work experience, no qualification jobs, and no experience CV. Discover tips for writing a CV with no experience, including CV examples for students in the UK. Creating a compelling document highlighting your skills, education, and other relevant experiences is still possible, as we explore.

• How to Write A CV With No Experience

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you to create a top CV. Remember these tips when you are looking to create a CV with no experience.

• Start with a solid personal statement or objective: Begin your CV with a summary of your career goals, skills, and what you hope to achieve. Highlight your enthusiasm, motivation, and willingness to learn.
• Emphasise your education: Since you lack work experience, focus on your educational background. Include the institution's name, degree or qualification earned, dates of study, and any relevant coursework or projects. Highlight any achievements or honours you received.
• Showcase relevant skills: Identify and highlight skills applicable to your target job or industry. These can be soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving) or technical skills (e.g., proficiency in specific software or programming languages). Provide examples of using these skills in your education or other activities.
• Highlight extracurricular activities: Include any extracurricular activities, clubs, or organizations you were involved in during your education. Focus on leadership roles, teamwork experiences, or projects demonstrating your skills and abilities.
• Volunteer or internship experience: If you have volunteered or completed any internships, include them in a separate section. Highlight the tasks you performed, skills you gained, and any accomplishments during these experiences.
• Include relevant coursework: If you've taken any courses relevant to the job you're applying for, list them separately. Mention specific projects or assignments that showcase your skills and knowledge in those areas.
• Highlight personal projects: If you've undertaken any personal projects, such as building a website, creating artwork, or developing an app, include them in a dedicated section. Briefly describe the project, your role, and any outcomes or achievements.

• Showcase certifications and training: If you have obtained any certifications or completed training programs, list them along with the issuing institution, dates, and any notable achievements.
• Tailor your CV to the job: Analyse the job description and identify the skills and qualities the employer seeks. Customise your CV by aligning your qualifications and experiences with those requirements.
• Format and layout: Keep the CV clean, well-organised, and easily read. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a professional font. Keep the document concise, ideally within one or two pages.
• Proofread and edit: Before finishing your CV, thoroughly proofread it to correct any spelling or grammatical errors. Make sure the information is accurate and up to date.
• Use a CV template or sample: To get started, search for CV templates or samples online designed for individuals with limited work experience. These templates can provide a structure and guide you through the process
• CV Examples For Students With No Experience

Remember, even without work experience, you can still highlight your skills , education , and other rele vant experiences to showcase your potential to prospective employers.

Find part-time , easy jobs near you that don't require a CV. Overcome the lack of experience by showcasing previous skills and work experience in your CV. Explore opportunities like unqualified teaching assistant jobs or unqualified nursery assistant jobs.

Here are a couple of examples of student CVs that you can take as inspiration for layout, format, and elements to include:

University Student CV Example

Sixth Form Student CV Example

• CV Format without Experience: What to Include

Now that you've seen several sample CVs, let's look in detail at how to format your CV and what to include. Firstly, you should work out the structure from a practical standpoint. Where is information included?

Usually, you should include contact details at the top , underneath your name. Then, the personal statement, work experience if you have it to offer, and other aspects like education, personal skills, and possibly references.

In terms of the actual information to include, and the sections of the CV, we recommend considering the following. Most people use the following structure when creating a CV for a role if they don't have relevant work experience to put at the top of the CV:

Personal Statement CV

The first section of any CV should be a personal statement tailored to the role you’re applying for. Suppose you’re applying for a job as a receptionist. In that case, your personal statement should be completely different to if you were applying for a role as a sales assistant in your local supermarket. Ensure you edit this section each time before sending your CV out.

With a personal statement, you want to answer any introduction questions a recruiter may have: Who are you? What do you offer to our company? What are you aiming for in your career?

Here are some do's and don'ts to remember while writing a personal statement.

As the job you’re applying for will be your first or one of your first, focus on your skill set rather than your limited work history. Showcase what you know and what you can bring to the company , especially modern skills that young people may more commonly possess.

Try to go into detail as much as possible when listing relevant skills. For example, if you list IT skills, name the programs you’re good at.

As well as specific qualifications and hard skills, it’s also good to include soft skills such as confidence in public speaking, a positive attitude and time-keeping skills. Giving examples of times when you’ve used these skills can help back up the points you’re trying to get across.

You should include all your education achievements from GCSEs onwards . Giving an overview of the subjects you took and your grades is a good idea.

Employers respect high grades and hard work.

If you’re still awaiting the results, including the mock exams you’ve sat or your expected results . Make sure you list your results in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent events at the top of the section.

Image by Rubén Rodriguez

Hobbies & Interests

On CVs, a hobbies section is always optional. However, if you haven’t any work experience to include, then listing your hobbies and interests can be a great way to get your skills and personality across.

Make sure any hobbies you list are not too generic. Hanging with friends or watching Netflix isn’t going to impress the recruiter. Completing a sailing course or becoming a black belt in karate shows you have the determination and a get-up-and-go attitude and a level of dedication.

A good question to ask yourself when writing this section is: "Will adding this information help me get the job? "

Employment History

We're exploring the top tips when making a resume for students with no experienc e, so, if you have no employment experience, you can always skip this section.

However, if you’ve done some work experience at school or participated in a volunteering project , this can also be included, even if it was only for a few days. It shows that you have a willingness to work and some experience at least. Here are some examples of things you could add to this section with minimal work experience:

• tutoring experience
• internships
• working in schools or as a teaching assistant
• volunteer experience
• student ambassador
• student council member
• peer mentor
• event organiser
• work experience placement/experience days
• library assistant
• sports team captain or coach

Once you've done a brainstorm on all the different types of relevant experience you could add to your CV, check out this helpful podcast for useful tips for writing a CV from scratch:

If you have no work experience, your school teacher or a family friend is an excellent reference option. Some employers will ask for references directly in the job advert. However, if this isn’t specified, then it’s perfectly fine to state that they are available upon request.

• CV Format and Layout

A well-organised and visually appealing CV can leave a positive impression on employers. Consider the following formatting tips:

• Use clear and concise headings for each section (e.g., "Education," "Skills," "Volunteer Experience," etc.).
• Use bullet points to list your achievements, responsibilities, and skills. This makes it easier to read and scan.
• Choose a professional font that is professional and easy to read, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Maintain consistency in formatting, spacing, and indentation throughout the CV.
• Keep the document clean and uncluttered . Avoid excessive use of fancy fonts, colours, or graphics unless you're applying for a creative field where visual elements are expected.

• Tailoring Your CV to the Job

To make your CV stand out, it's important to customise it for each job you apply to. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer seeks. Then, highlight the relevant skills and experiences that align with those requirements. Use similar language and keywords from the job description to make it easier for employers to recognise your suitability for the role.

If you still have trouble creating a personal statement for CV with no experience, look at this list of 5 questions you must ask when writing your personal statement.

• Proofread and Edit

Before submitting your CV, proofread and edit it for any errors or inconsistencies. Here are some steps you can follow:

• Read the entire CV, focusing on grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Pay attention to details such as verb tenses and subject-verb agreement.
• Use grammar and spell-checking tools to catch any obvious mistakes.
• Review the content for clarity and coherence. Ensure that the information is presented in a logical and easy-to-follow manner.
• Consider also asking a friend, family member, or mentor to review your CV. Fresh eyes can often catch errors or provide valuable feedback.

Our how to write a cv with no qualifications examples should help you to provide something that still looks professional.

By tailoring your CV to a specific job, paying attention to formatting and layout, and thoroughly proofreading it, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers. Remember to showcase your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and any transferable skills you possess, as these qualities can make up for the lack of work experience.

Get started on your journey today and improve your CV, even without a history in the workplace.

Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!

Ben Jacklin

Ben is a writer from the UK with a passion for all things relating to learning and tuition, especially music, arts, entertainment, and sports.

Frequently asked questions

📃 what to include on a cv without work experience.

If you have no experience in a workplace, that doesn't mean you can't have a great CV! Include your education, as well as other personal achievements and things you are involved in within the community, such as clubs you are involved in. Any positions of responsibility you've held can be useful, too.

🕵🏻‍♂️ Where to find CV examples for students with no experience

Fortunately, we have provided an example above, or there are plenty of others available out there for people who want to see what others have done. If your school has a careers department, you can also ask them, they may have CV examples for students.

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How to Write a CV Personal Statement [20 Examples Included]

By Jeffrey Stromes in CV Writing

When applying for a job, it’s critical that you immediately grab the recruiter’s attention . Otherwise, you’ll remain unnoticed, even though you may be a real gem in the pool of candidates. But how are you supposed to arouse the hiring professional’s curiosity right off the bat? The answer is hidden in these three words: a CV personal statement.

While writing a curriculum vitae is somewhat straightforward, creating a persuasive personal statement may be a challenge. Luckily, we’re here to end your struggles and teach you how to craft an eye-catching one, so keep reading to learn more!

Key Takeaways

As a highlight of your professional history, a CV personal summary aims to spark a recruiter’s interest and make them read your CV .

A personal summary is beneficial for all candidates, regardless of their experience, as it will allow a recruiter to learn more about them .

To write a compelling personal statement, you should tailor it to the job you want to apply for, highlight your experience and skills, and include your career goal.

What Is a CV Personal Statement?

Also referred to as a personal mission statement or career summary, a CV personal statement sums up who you are and what you may bring to the company . Its primary purpose is to spark a recruiter’s interest in you.

Located at the top of your curriculum vitae, a CV personal statement consists of two to four sentences that describe:

Mandatory CV Personal Statement Information

Who you are

How you’ll benefit the company

What your career objectives are

So, in other words, this part lets you show your greatest strengths and career goals . As such, it can be of great help if you’re starting out or seeking a different career path.

Here’s an example of a nicely crafted CV personal statement:

CV Personal Statement Example

As a dedicated Registered Nurse with five years of experience, I bring a proven track record in delivering compassionate and high-quality patient care. Proficient in diverse healthcare settings, I excel at assessing and addressing patient needs while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. I am seeking a role where my skills and passion for excellence can contribute to the Houston Medical Clinic.

Why You Should Have a CV Personal Statement

By emphasizing your unique skills and talents and demonstrating why you’re the right fit for the job, a CV personal statement can help you stand out from other candidates . It will entice a hiring professional to continue reading and discover more about your skills, qualifications, experience, and achievements.

While a personal statement can help seasoned professionals with solid experience land a new job, it is also beneficial for job hunters seeking their first jobs. A CV personal statement for students allows high schoolers or undergraduates to get the job they want by summarizing their relevant academic achievements .

How to Write a Personal Statement for a CV

Here’s how to write a CV personal statement and pitch yourself to a hiring professional:

#1. Introduce Yourself

The very first sentence of your personal statement should indicate that you’re a serious candidate for the position. Describe yourself and your work experience using strong adjectives and action verbs .

The simplest way to introduce yourself is to ask, “Who am I professionally?" and an eye-catching answer will pop out immediately.

#2. List the Skills Relevant to the Position

After you’ve introduced yourself, highlight two to three skills relevant to the position . Check out the job description and look for the required competencies; select a couple of them that refer to you, and then list them in your personal statement.

By doing so, you’ll not only tailor your statement to the role; you’ll also pass the pre-screening process carried out by an ATS hassle-free.

#3. Include a Specific Goal You Want to Achieve

The next step is to add an objective you’d like to accomplish . However, make sure that the goal isn’t solely yours; it should be in line with the company’s as well .

Mentioning a specific goal that also aligns with the company’s will make a hiring manager consider you a valuable addition to the team. 

#4. Mention Your Previous Experience/Background

Having relevant experience is a one-way ticket to the next stage of the hiring process. Hence, if you possess it, mention it right away.

To do it effectively, go over the job ad again and peruse the duties and responsibilities that will await you in this position. Try to remember similar activities and experiences from previous roles and list them.

#5. Quantify Your Achievements

Listing achievements along with experience indeed adds some value to your personal statement for a CV. However, supporting it with measurable results gives it more credibility .

You can back up your achievements with growth percentages, value increases, budget savings, customer happiness , etc. Such quantifiable results will show a hiring professional how you can contribute to the success of their company as well.

20 CV Personal Statement Examples

Here, we’ll list 20 CV personal statement examples that you can use either to get inspiration or as personal statement templates.

#1. Recent Graduate CV Personal Statement

Here’s a personal summary example for a budding computer scientist CV:

Computer Scientist CV Personal Statement Example

As a recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, I am enthusiastic about applying my academic knowledge in software development. I am eager to embark on a career where I can use my technical skills and bring a fresh perspective to contribute to a dynamic development team. 

And here’s an example of a personal statement for a digital marketing graduate:

Digital Marketing CV Personal Statement Example

Having recently earned my Bachelor of Arts in Marketing with a specialization in Digital Marketing, I am eager to launch my career in the fast-evolving digital landscape. I am now eager to contribute my energy, fresh perspective, and dedication to excellence in a professional marketing environment that fosters continuous learning and growth.

This is an example of a law graduate personal statement:

Law Graduate CV Personal Statement Example

As a recent law graduate, I bring a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and a passion for justice. My academic journey has equipped me with strong research, analytical, and communication skills. I am eager to embark on a legal career where I can apply my knowledge to contribute to the pursuit of justice.

#2. Career Change CV Personal Statement Example

Check out an example of a CV personal statement for a transition from finance into data analytics :

Data Analytics CV Personal Statement Example

As a dynamic professional with a successful track record in finance, I am now eager to use my skills to start a new challenge in data analytics. My goal is to use my financial and newly acquired data analytics abilities to contribute to a forward-thinking company seeking to optimize its operations through actionable insights.

Here’s an example of a personal statement for a civil engineer seeking a career change :

Civil Engineer CV Personal Statement Example

After a successful decade in project management within the construction industry, I am excited to redirect my career toward sustainable development and environmental management. Armed with a Master's degree in Civil Engineering, I am eager to bring my proven leadership and technical skills to contribute to a sustainability-focused company looking to drive positive change.

Take a look at the CV personal statement of a software developer transitioning into web design:

Web Design CV Personal Statement Example

With a decade of experience in software development, I am seeking a career change that merges my passion for technology and web design. Having technical experience in coding and a deep understanding of web design trends, I am eager to apply my analytical thinking and technical skills to build attention-grabbing and highly functional web pages.

#3. Internship CV Personal Statement Example

This is an example of a CV personal statement for a marketing internship :

Marketing Internship CV Personal Statement Example

As a highly motivated and creative individual, I am seeking an internship in marketing where I can apply my strong analytical skills and passion for brand promotion. Proficient in social media marketing and content creation, I am eager to contribute fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to enhance the company's online presence. 

Check out a personal statement example for a cyber security internship personal statement:

Cyber Security Internship CV Personal Statement Example

As a dedicated and detail-oriented computer science enthusiast, I am actively seeking an internship in cyber security to apply my strong understanding of network security and information protection. Eager to expand my knowledge of cyber defense strategies and contribute to safeguarding digital assets, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to a dynamic cybersecurity team during my internship.

Check out the CV personal statement of a psychology student:

Psychology Student Internship CV Personal Statement Example

Enthusiastic Psychology student with a deep interest in understanding human behavior and emotions. Through coursework in cognitive psychology and research experience, I've developed analytical and critical thinking skills. Actively involved in campus organizations focused on mental health awareness, I am now seeking internships in the field of counseling or research to apply my academic knowledge to real-world situations.

Here’s what a CV personal statement of an environmental science student looks like:

Environmental Science Internship CV Personal Statement Example

Passionate Environmental Science student dedicated to sustainability and conservation. Through my coursework, I acquired a strong foundation in environmental science. I am actively engaged in campus projects focused on reducing carbon footprint. Eager to contribute my knowledge to real-world environmental initiatives, I am seeking internship opportunities to apply my skills to sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

#4. Experienced Professionals CV Personal Statement Example

Here’s an example of a seasoned finance professional personal statement: 

Finance Professional CV Personal Statement Example

As a seasoned financial analyst with over 10 years of experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling, I am proficient in optimizing financial processes. I've successfully led cross-functional teams to achieve cost savings of up to 15%. With an MBA in Finance and a proven ability to drive profitability, I am eager to bring my strategic financial expertise to a leadership role.

This is what an experienced marketing executive CV statement should look like:

Marketing Executive CV Personal Statement Example

Accomplished marketing executive with a demonstrated history of driving brand growth in competitive markets. Over 12 years of experience, I developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategies, resulting in a consistent 20% annual increase in market share. I am now seeking a senior leadership position to apply my strategic vision and foster innovation in an innovative company.

 Take a look at the CV personal statement example of an IT project manager :

IT Project Manager CV Personal Statement Example

A seasoned IT project manager with PMP certification and a commitment to staying at the forefront of tech trends. I have a track record of reducing project timelines by 25% and enhancing system efficiency by 30%. Ready for a leadership role, I'm excited to lead a team in overcoming the next technological frontier.

Here’s an example of a human resources director personal statement:

Human Resources Director CV Personal Statement Example

With a decade of experience sculpting positive workplace cultures, I created and implemented HR programs that enhanced employee engagement and retention. Initiatives I've led resulted in a 20% improvement in employee satisfaction and a 15% reduction in turnover. Armed with an SPHR certification, I am excited to bring my strategic HR leadership to a company committed to fostering a positive workplace culture.

#5. Student CV Personal Statement Examples

If you’re a business administration student, this is what your personal statement should look like:

Business Administration Student CV Personal Statement Example

As an ambitious Business Administration student specializing in marketing, I offer a combination of academic achievements and practical skills developed through internships. Eager to apply my knowledge in a dynamic business environment, I am seeking opportunities where I can use my skills and passion for marketing to drive tangible results.

Here’s a graphic design student personal statement example:

Graphic Design Student CV Personal Statement Example

As a Graphic Design student with a creative flair and technical proficiency, I bring a unique blend of design skills acquired through coursework and hands-on projects. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and experienced in translating conceptual ideas into visually appealing designs, I am eager to embark on a career in graphic design and apply my artistic talents to contribute to innovative design projects.

#5. Entry-Level CV Personal Statement Examples

Check out a CV personal statement for an entry-level paralegal :

Paralegal CV Personal Statement Example

As a dedicated and detail-oriented recent graduate with an Associate degree in Legal Studies, I am eager to launch a career as a paralegal, bringing strong research, organizational, and communication skills. I am excited to contribute to a dynamic legal team where I can use a solid understanding of legal procedures and a commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Here’s an example of a virtual assistant CV personal statement:

Virtual Assistant CV Personal Statement Example

Tech-savvy and highly organized professional seeking an entry-level virtual assistant position. With proficiency in office software and platforms, I am well-equipped to handle administrative tasks such as managing calendars and coordinating meetings efficiently. I am eager to contribute my multitasking abilities and proactive approach to help streamline operations and enhance overall productivity in a virtual work environment.

This is what a good entry-level office manager personal statement should look like:

Office Manager CV Personal Statement Example

An enthusiastic and detail-oriented professional with a degree in Business Administration and a strong foundation in office management and administration. Through internships, I demonstrated the ability to coordinate daily operations, manage office supplies, and ensure a smooth workflow. Eager to use my organizational skills and proactive mindset to contribute to a positive and efficient work environment through effective communication and problem-solving.

Take a look at an example of a personal statement for a nurse CV:

Nurse CV Personal Statement Example

A compassionate and dedicated medical professional with an Associate degree in nursing. Through my coursework and clinical rotations, I gained a solid foundation in medical procedures as well as hands-on experience in patient care, medication administration, and treatment planning. I am seeking an opportunity to apply my knowledge and commitment to providing high-quality care.

Final Thoughts

To compel a recruiter to read your curriculum vitae to the very end, you need to grab their attention immediately. The best way to do it is by including a CV personal statement.

Though a bit tricky to write, this brief section of your CV is well worth the effort. Hopefully, our guide will ease the struggle and help you create an eye-catching personal statement and land that dream job!

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How to Write a CV with No Experience in 2024 (Examples and Tips)

by Karien de Villiers

• · December 02 2024
• · 10 min read

Table of contents

Looking for your first job can be a daunting and stressful time. We’ve all been there: you spend significant time applying for jobs but receive little feedback from recruiters or hiring managers. In most cases, the simple phrase, ‘ your application is not successful ’, can be demotivating and often frustrating. Nonetheless, we’re here to help you succeed.

If you're wondering, "I’ve got no experience; where do I start?” worry not, we’ve got you covered. You might be a school leaver, a graduate eager to take the first step, or seeking a career change . Regardless of who you are, we've compiled a step-by-step guide and best tips to help you create a keyword-strong CV that makes you shine in the pool of other candidates.

In this article we cover: How to write a CV for a job with no experience. Good examples of CVs with little to no experience . Personal profile examples for your CV. What skills to include.

Looking to create your first CV?

Applying for your first role? We can help! Check out our tips and tricks for writing an effective CV for a first job to kick off your career on the right foot.

Student CV example

Download this CV example - a university student CV.

This CV example features Penelope, a third-year university student looking to kickstart her career in Human Resources. She opted for a one-column format and a simple CV template . During her studies, Penelope gained relevant experience, both professionally and voluntarily. By including education at the top of the CV, we can draw attention to key skills and qualifications. Part-time or voluntary experience has been strategically incorporated into the additional experience section with years only.

Looking for a matching cover letter? Follow our step-by-step writing guide for the best student cover letter format.

Internship CV example

Download this CV example - Internship CV.

This CV template for no experience features Katie Andrews, a recent graduate looking to kickstart a career through an internship. With the Princeton CV template, she showcases her experience through education and side jobs while drawing attention to her technical and language skills.

Set yourself up for success with a matching professional internship cover letter .

School leaver CV example

Download this School Leaver CV sample in PDF

This CV format without experience focuses on Isabella, a high-school leaver who is seeking to leverage customer service and language skills to gain a competitive edge. The additional experience section outlines how she has played a key role in volunteering and organising successful community events and fundraisers. She clearly demonstrates her dedication, teamwork and leadership skills. This Wheaton CV template is well-structured, concise, and well-formatted, which looks appealing and is easy to read by recruiters.

Use a simple cover letter template to accompany your school leaver CV.

10 tips on how to write a CV with no experience

1. create a job-specific cv.

Unlike a master CV , a job-specific CV is a document that outlines your work experience and education, relevant to a specific job or industry. Do not confuse it with a generic CV, which may be used to apply for various jobs; a job-specific CV showcases the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.

As a teenager, 16-year-old, or school or college leaver, you have little to no experience but have found a job that catches your eye. The next step is to pay close attention to the job descriptions and the company’s ‘About us’ page before creating a CV. Once done, create a list with main keywords and incorporate them in your CV accordingly. Doing so ensures you are tailoring your CV, showing recruiters that you truly took the time and effort to apply .

For more information, read our article on how to write a good CV .

2. Keep your CV clear and concise

No one wants to read long chunks of text with lengthy job descriptions and achievements. These confuse a recruiter or hiring manager by distracting them from the main points of your CV. Eventually, it makes it harder for them to assess your key strengths and qualifications.

If you are writing a CV with no experience, focus on highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant. Keep your writing clear and concise, and try not to overwhelm a recruiter with unnecessary details.

To learn more about what makes a strong CV and how to optimise it for applicant tracking systems (ATS) , refer to our article on how to improve your CV .

3. Incorporate strong action verbs

Another CV tip is to utilise keywords and action verbs to convey your message more effectively. This tactic makes your CV more scannable by both recruiters and ATS, ultimately leading to more job interviews. Furthermore, they make your CV more concise and to the point.

Avoid: During my time as a marketing assistant, sales significantly increased over a few months.

Include: Achieved a 30% increase in sales over five months by initiating proactive customer support and driving new sales strategies.

Learn more about how to effectively incorporate action verbs in your CV .

4. Show your personality in a personal profile

If you are applying for your dream job, let your excitement shine through in your personal profile, also known as your personal statement. The general rule of thumb is to keep it brief and to the point , generally no more than six lines, depending on your CV template and experience level. Show why you are passionate about a specific field and believe you are a great fit for the role. Use this section to explain your long-term career goals while keeping it clear and to the point. In turn, this can help to show your commitment and ambition.

For more details, see the article on how to write a personal profile .

Personal profile examples for CV with no experience:

High-school student cv personal profile example.

Enthusiastic and data-driven school leaver passionate about marketing. Demonstrated hands-on experience in public speaking, customer service, and team management. Seeking to leverage communications and analytical skills to kickstart a career as a marketing assistant in a team-oriented start-up or small enterprise.

For more inspiration, refer to the school leaver CV example.

Undergraduate student CV personal profile example

Attentive and organised third-year law student majoring in International Human Rights Law,  experienced in building partnerships with clients and knowledgeable in court procedures and case transcriptions. Adept at legal research, document filing, and time management. In search of an entry-level job position as a policy advisor in a respected and professional law firm.

Take a look at the undergraduate CV example for more inspiration.

Data Scientist graduate CV personal profile example

Analytical and result-driven data scientist graduate with strong knowledge of JavaScript, Python, Scala, SQL, and R. Experienced in machine learning and statistical tools. Adept at converting complex data into clean and easily understandable results. Demonstrated excellent communication and data visualisation skills. Looking for a new internship to apply for and improve my programming skills.

Get more tips with our data scientist CV example or graduate cover letter sample .

Career change CV personal profile example

Enthusiastic and detail-orientated French-English translator who aims to change career as a Technical Writer. Quick learner with demonstrated communication skills in different multicultural and professional settings. Eager to kickstart a career in an international and team-oriented company as an intern or entry-level writer.

Explore CV examples for translator or technical writer.

Looking to create a professional CV?

Considering a job in healthcare? Explore these healthcare jobs that require little to no experience to get started!

5. Leverage transferable or interpersonal skills

Transferrable skills are abilities you can apply to various jobs and industries and can help elevate your CV if you have little to no experience. These are often broad and valuable, showing that candidates can learn new things, think critically, and work effectively with others.

In some cases, you have some of the required skills, not all, but one approach is to identify transferable skills. CV experts advise turning these skills into professional hard or soft skills. Remember that the skills you select should align with your desired job goals. With little to no work experience, we encourage you to emphasise transferable skills gained through training, projects, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities that would strengthen your CV.

Examples of transferable skills:

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Project management

Data analysis.

To learn more about the different types of skills on a CV, read our article on what skills to put on a CV .

6. Draw attention to your education and qualifications

If you have little to no work experience, shift your CV's spotlight to your education and qualifications. Don’t hesitate to place education above work experience if that is more relevant to the position and showcases your suitability for the role.

Tips on what information to include in the education section:

Degree (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) with the final grade

Thesis title and final grade (only if it is 70 or more)

Degree description

Relevant courses

Honours degree or certificate

Erasmus program.

Writing a degree description is a strategic way to showcase the relevant knowledge that would set you apart from other candidates. If you lack work experience, use it to highlight transferable skills from your studies that you can apply in a corporate setting.

Additionally, you could also include the following information in your CV:

Apprenticeship

Academic achievements or publications

Refer to our how to list education on a CV article for more insights.

If you’re still unsure how to write a CV with no experience or qualifications, think outside the box and show you have the potential to be a valuable asset to the company. Re-consider your strategy and shift the focus to achievements to demonstrate your potential.

7. Apply a skills-based CV layout

Do you feel you don’t have enough experience to include in your CV? Experts at CVMaker recommend creating a skills-based format. This type of CV emphasises your qualifications and skills. It’s best suited for those new to the industry or changing careers. If you want to learn more, see how to write a skills-based CV .

8. Utilise the additional experience CV section

Most employers prefer to hire candidates with relevant work experience, even if you don't have a degree relevant to the job. If you’re struggling to add to your work experience section, consider creating an additional experience section to elaborate on volunteering, hobbies and interests, student societies, or other side activities. Even with non-paid work experience, you can still benefit from the skills and achievements you’ve gained.

To learn more, see the article on how to write a modern CV.

If you lack relevant experience in any of the aforementioned fields, creating a project-based CV could be another solution. It is a less common type of CV that focuses on tangible skills and accomplishments gained through concrete projects.

9. Add measurable achievements from projects or side jobs

Enhance your CV by adding measurable achievements, also called career accomplishments, to prove your abilities. Quantify by adding numbers and figures such as:

Sales growth percentages

Successful projects

Awards or promotions received. 

Doing so ensures you provide clear evidence you’re qualified for the job, thus making your CV more attractive to recruiters and hiring managers.

Examples of achievements:

Developed and launched a mobile app, receiving 1,000+ downloads within the first month.

Organised and hosted a charity event, raising £2,000 for a local community organisation.

Attained a certification in Digital Marketing from Google Digital Garage with a 95% score.

Refer to how to add achievements on a CV for more information.

10. Boost your no-experience CV with courses and certificates 

Stay ahead of competitors by enrolling in online courses and obtaining relevant certificates. Continuous learning showcases your commitment to professional development and equips you with up-to-date skills and knowledge. 

Examples of courses and certificates:

Coding Bootcamp (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), Udacity 

Certificate in Social Media Marketing, Coursera

Creative Writing Workshop, Skillshare

See how to add courses and certificates on a CV for more information.

Key takeaways

As you embark on your journey towards your first job or a career change, remember that challenges are simply stepping stones to growth. Our guide on writing a CV with no experience has equipped you with the most effective strategies to boost your interview prospects. But before you take your next step, take a moment to reflect on your career goals and strengths - it's the first brick in your path to success.

Next steps?

To help you create an up-to-latest-standards CV, don’t forget to explore our services below:

CV Builder : explore one of our professional CV templates to help you create a tailored and well-structured CV.

Cover Letter Builder: apply for a job with a matching cover letter template with a clear layout so you can easily personalise and adjust to your career goals.

CV Writing service : connect with one of our experts to receive feedback and get quick, professional advice on tailoring your CV to a specific job. 

Blog : see our guides and brief articles to educate yourself on the best strategies to improve your job prospects and help with your job search. Get organised with tips on how to track job applications and send your CV via emaii .

Follow our above tips on how to write a CV with no experience to give you a helping hand in the next steps of your career journey.

What is the best font for a CV with no experience?

Choose a professional, easy-to-read standard font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are clean and widely accepted, making your CV look polished and easy to read. Avoid decorative or overly stylised fonts, as they may distract recruiters from the content of your CV.

Refer to the best font on a CV article for more inspiration.

What is the best job for beginners with no experience?

If you're just starting out and don't have any work experience yet, here are some great job options that are beginner-friendly and don't require a background in the field. Explore the following CV examples to help get you started:

Virtual assistant

Hospitality

Care Assistant

Catering Assistant.

Take a look at the best jobs for students for more inspiration.

Do I need to add hobbies and interests for my CV with no experience?

Including hobbies and interests on your CV can provide insight into your personality and demonstrate teamwork, creativity, or leadership qualities. However, if you have limited space or if they are not directly relevant to the job you're applying for, we suggest prioritising other sections such as skills, education, or work experience. If your hobbies align with the job or showcase transferable skills, your chances of success could increase.

Read our hobbies and interests in a CV article for more information.

What is the best format for a CV with no experience?

Choose the format based on job requirements and your level of experience.

Chronological: Suitable for experienced professionals with a relevant work history.

Skills-based : Ideal for entry-level candidates with valuable skills but no experience.

Combined : Flexible format suitable for different candidates, highlighting skills and work history.

Remember that a traditional way to create a CV is to use a chronological format. If that’s your goal, consider creating a section called 'Website & socials' instead of going in-depth about your transferable skills and projects.

How to make the CV for your first job stand out?

To ensure your CV captures the attention of your first job in the UK job market, follow these strategies:

Tailor for each application : Craft a unique CV for every job you apply for. Highlight skills and experiences that align with the specific job requirements mentioned in the listing.

Showcase transferable skills : Emphasise skills acquired through education, volunteering, or internships. Focus on abilities like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Display strong personal profile : Write a concise yet impactful personal statement reflecting your passion for the industry and suitability for the role. Let your enthusiasm shine through.

By customising your CV, emphasising transferable skills, and crafting a compelling personal statement, you are more likely to land that all-important job interview.

How to overcome a lack of work experience on a CV?

The first step is to focus on transferable skills. Emphasise abilities gained through education, volunteering, internships, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, consider creating a skills-based or project-based CV to showcase tangible skills developed through specific projects. Tailor your CV to highlight these skills, proving your suitability for the job despite lacking work experience.

What is ATS, and how should you optimise for it?

To boost your chances of landing your dream job, be aware of applicant tracking systems (ATS), as many large corporations use them to filter out the best candidates based on years of experience, specific skill sets, and keywords from a job description. While it may not apply to a cashier , driver , or waiter/waitress role, this tool is handy for recruiters to scan through applications and avoid manually reading hundreds of CVs. So, make sure to create an ATS-friendly CV to gain a competitive edge over others.

How do I include experience that isn't from a job on a CV?

Including non-job experience on a CV can be a great way to showcase your skills, achievements, and versatility. Other ways to gain experience can be through volunteering, courses, education, internships or work placements.

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Updated December 02 2024

Karien has established herself as a leading figure in the career services industry, crafting over 800 professional documents and assisting job seekers globally with reviews such as "I'd hire me". Renowned for her expertise, she continues to empower individuals, specialising in creating resources to aid job seekers in securing employment and staying ahead in the ever-evolving job market. Start here today!

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