How to Create a CV and LinkedIn Profile with No Work Experience

Struggling to stand out without formal work experience? You’re not alone.

Many school leavers, students, and new graduates feel stuck when trying to enter the job market. But the truth is—you still have something valuable to offer.

Here’s how to show it clearly in your CV and LinkedIn profile.

  1. Focus on Skills, Not Job Titles

No job doesn’t mean no skills. Think about school projects, volunteering, side hustles, or even personal achievements.

Ask yourself:

  • Have I led a team project at school or university?
  • Have I organised events or helped in the community?
  • Have I taught myself a skill like coding, design, or video editing?

Include these in your CV under a “Skills & Projects” or “Practical Experience” section.

Example:

Team Leadership (2024)
Led a team of 5 in a final-year business strategy project. Managed timelines, assigned tasks, and presented findings to a panel of lecturers.

Social Media Design (Freelance, 2023–2024)
Designed Instagram posts and reels for a local clothing brand. Grew followers by 30% in 3 months.

  1. Write a Strong Personal Summary

This is the first thing employers read.

Use 3–4 lines to explain:

  • Who you are
  • What you’re passionate about
  • What you’re aiming for
  • What makes you a good fit

Avoid buzzwords and keep it real.

Example:

“I’m a recent high school graduate interested in digital marketing and content creation. I’ve run a small TikTok account reviewing local cafés and learned basic editing, engagement, and storytelling. I’m eager to grow my skills in a work environment where I can contribute and learn.”

  1. Highlight Education and Training

If you don’t have work experience, your education becomes your strength.

Don’t just list your grades.

Add bullet points showing what you did, learned, or achieved.

Example:

Diploma in IT – Cape Town College (2022–2024)

  • Built a website using WordPress and Canva
  • Completed a group project on mobile app design
  • Passed a Microsoft Excel certification with 90%

Also include online courses, workshops, or certifications—even if they’re free.

Example:

Google Digital Garage – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing (2024)
Completed 40 hours of training in SEO, Google Ads, and social media marketing.

  1. Make LinkedIn Work for You

LinkedIn isn’t just for people with jobs. It’s for people with potential.

Start by:

  • Uploading a clear, friendly profile photo
  • Writing a headline that shows what you’re aiming for
  • Filling in your “About” section with your personal summary

Headline ideas:

  • “Aspiring Graphic Designer | Adobe, Canva, Social Media Content”
  • “Student of Business | Passionate about Sales and Customer Service”
  • “Entry-Level IT Graduate | Building Real-World Tech Skills”

Then add:

  • Education section
  • Projects or volunteering
  • Skills like Excel, teamwork, problem-solving, communication
  • A few good posts or articles to show what you’re learning

You can even ask for a recommendation from a teacher, coach, or mentor.

  1. Show, Don’t Just Tell

You say you’re good at something—prove it.

Use simple evidence and outcomes to back up your claims.

Instead of this:
“I’m a hard-working and reliable person.”

Try this:
“Completed an 8-week online course in Python and built a working calculator app.”

Or:

“Managed my school’s soccer team Instagram page and posted daily content for 3 months.”

Or:

“Tutored 2 classmates in maths once a week and helped them improve by one grade level.”

Even if it feels small, it’s worth sharing.

  1. Keep Your CV Clean and Easy to Read

Stick to one page.

Use clear headings:

  • Personal Info
  • Personal Summary
  • Education
  • Skills
  • Projects or Volunteering
  • Courses or Certificates
  • References (optional)

Avoid clutter. Choose a simple font like Arial or Calibri. Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs. Save your CV as a PDF before sending it.

  1. Think Like a Recruiter

If you were hiring someone, what would you want to know?

  • Can this person show up on time?
  • Can they solve problems?
  • Can they learn quickly?
  • Are they reliable?

Everything you add to your profile or CV should help answer those questions. You don’t need fancy words. You need honest examples.

  1. Start Somewhere, Then Improve

Your first CV or LinkedIn profile doesn’t have to be perfect. Start with what you have.

Then build on it every few weeks:

  • Add a new course
  • Share something you’ve created
  • Volunteer for a project
  • Ask someone to review your profile

Progress matters more than perfection.

No experience? No problem. You do have stories, strengths, and potential. Your job is to make them easy to see. So start writing. Start posting. And show the world what you can do.

Need help improving your profile? Ask a friend, mentor, or teacher to review it with you.

And if you’ve already done that—what’s the one skill or story you can add today?