You do not need years of work experience to create a professional CV. If you have finished school, are looking for your first job, or want to apply for a learnership, internship or general worker position, you can still prepare a CV that highlights your abilities.

Many South African job seekers struggle with the same question: what should you put on a CV when you have never been employed?

The answer is to focus on what you can genuinely offer. Your education, practical skills, short courses, volunteer activities, school projects and responsibilities can help employers understand your potential. The key is to present this information clearly without inventing work experience.

This guide explains how to write a CV with no work experience, what sections to include and how to prepare your first job application.

Quick Guide: CV for Someone With No Experience

CV section	What to include
Contact details	Full name, cellphone number, professional email address and town or city
Personal profile	A short introduction explaining your strengths and career goal
Education	Highest grade passed, Matric or other qualifications
Key skills	Genuine skills relevant to the job
Practical experience	Volunteer work, school projects, community activities or relevant informal work
Training	Relevant certificates or short courses
Languages	Languages you can speak, read or write accurately
References	Suitable referees, if requested or appropriate

1. Start With Your Contact Details

Place your contact information at the top of your CV so an employer can reach you easily.

Include your:

• Full name and surname
• Active cellphone number
• Professional email address
• Town or city and province

Make sure your phone number is correct and your email account is active. Use an email address that is appropriate for job applications.

You generally do not need to place your ID number, banking details or other sensitive personal information on your CV unless a legitimate application process specifically requires relevant information at a later stage.

2. Write a Strong Personal Profile

A personal profile is a short paragraph near the beginning of your CV. It introduces you to the employer and explains the kind of opportunity you are seeking.

Avoid generic statements that do not tell the employer anything about your abilities. Instead, focus on your genuine strengths, willingness to learn and relevant skills.

Here is an example for someone applying for an entry-level job:

“Motivated and reliable job seeker seeking an entry-level opportunity to develop practical workplace skills and contribute to a team. Able to follow instructions, communicate respectfully and approach assigned tasks with care. Willing to learn new procedures and work according to company requirements.”

Adapt this paragraph to your own circumstances. If you have completed relevant training or gained practical experience, mention it. Do not claim skills or abilities you cannot demonstrate.

Example for a general worker position

“Hardworking job seeker interested in a general worker position. Able to follow instructions, work cooperatively with others and maintain an organised working environment. Eager to learn workplace procedures and contribute to daily operations.”

Use this example only if it accurately reflects your abilities and interests.

3. Include Your Education

Education is particularly important when you have no employment history because it helps employers understand your academic background.

List your highest qualification first. Include the name of the qualification, school or institution, and year completed where relevant.

For example:

National Senior Certificate

• Institution: Name of school
• Year completed: 2025

If you did not pass Matric, state the highest grade you completed or passed accurately. Never claim to have a qualification you did not obtain.

You can also list relevant subjects, certificates or training if they relate directly to the position.

For example, basic computer training may be useful for an office assistant vacancy, while relevant safety training may support an application for certain operational roles.

Always check the minimum educational requirements in the job advertisement. Some employers accept applicants without Matric, while others require a National Senior Certificate or a specific qualification.

4. List Skills You Can Actually Demonstrate

Employers may consider transferable skills when recruiting entry-level candidates. These are abilities that can be useful in different working environments.

Examples include:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Following instructions
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Organisation
• Basic computer literacy
• Customer service
• Willingness to learn

The most relevant skills depend on the position.

For a retail job, customer service and communication may be useful. For a warehouse role, organisation, accuracy and the ability to follow procedures may matter. For an office assistant position, computer literacy and filing skills may be relevant.

Do not list every skill simply because it appears in an example CV. Choose skills you genuinely possess and can explain during an interview.

5. What Can You Put Under Work Experience?

If you have never held a formal job, you do not need to invent an employment history.

Instead, consider whether you have completed activities that demonstrate useful abilities.

These may include:

• Volunteering at a community organisation
• Helping organise a school or community event
• Participating in a school project
• Completing practical training
• Taking part in a recognised learnership or internship
• Helping with legitimate family or community responsibilities
• Completing relevant personal projects

Describe the activity, your responsibilities and what you learned.

For example, if you helped organise a community event, you could explain that you assisted with arranging materials, communicating with participants or keeping the venue organised, provided those duties are accurate.

You can use a heading such as Relevant Experience and Activities instead of Work Experience when you have not held a formal job.

If you have no relevant activities at all, leave this section out and focus on your education, skills and training.

6. Add Short Courses and Certificates

Relevant training can strengthen an entry-level CV, particularly when the vacancy asks for a specific skill or certificate.

Depending on the role, useful training might include:

• Basic computer literacy
• Customer service
• Occupational health and safety
• First aid
• Relevant technical or vocational training
• Job-related software training

These are examples, not requirements for every job. Before paying for a course, check whether the qualification is recognised and whether employers in your chosen field actually request it.

Never list a certificate you have not earned. If you are currently studying, state that the course is in progress rather than completed.

7. Should You Include References?

References are people an employer may contact to verify your character, skills or previous responsibilities.

If you have never worked, an appropriate referee may be a teacher, lecturer, volunteer supervisor or community project coordinator who knows you well.

Ask for permission before listing anyone. Confirm that their contact details are correct and that they are willing to act as a reference.

Follow the vacancy instructions. If references are not required at the application stage, you do not necessarily need to include their details on your CV.

8. A Simple CV Layout for Your First Job

Use the following structure when preparing your CV. Replace the example descriptions with your own accurate information and remove sections that do not apply.

FULL NAME AND SURNAME

Cellphone number | Professional email address | Town or City, Province

PERSONAL PROFILE

Write a short paragraph introducing yourself, describing your genuine strengths and explaining the type of position you want.

KEY SKILLS

List relevant skills you genuinely possess.

EDUCATION

Highest qualification or grade passed
Name of school or institution
Year completed

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND ACTIVITIES

Describe any relevant volunteering, practical training, school projects or community activities. Include only activities you actually completed.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATES

List relevant completed courses and certificates, including the issuing institution where appropriate.

LANGUAGES

List the languages you can speak, read or write and describe your proficiency accurately.

REFERENCES

Include suitable referees if requested or appropriate.

Before submitting your CV, remove all instructional wording and make sure there are no blank headings or unfinished sections.

9. How to Tailor Your CV to a Job Advert

One CV may not be suitable for every position. Read each vacancy advertisement and identify the employer’s requirements.

Check the following:

• Minimum educational qualification
• Required skills
• Previous experience requirements
• Certificates or licences
• Main responsibilities
• Application documents
• Closing date and submission method

Then adjust your personal profile and skills section to highlight your relevant strengths.

For example, if you are applying for a retail assistant position and genuinely have customer service experience from volunteering, explain that experience clearly. If you are applying for a data capturing position and have basic computer skills, include them accurately.

Use relevant words from the vacancy when they describe your actual abilities. Do not copy the advert word for word or make false claims to attract attention.

A clear, tailored CV can help an employer understand your suitability, but it cannot guarantee shortlisting or employment.

10. Where Can You Apply for Your First Job in South Africa?

Entry-level opportunities can appear in different sectors, including retail, hospitality, cleaning services, warehousing, customer service, administration and certain government programmes.

You can also look for learnerships and internships if you meet the relevant requirements.

Start by checking the employer’s official careers website, verified recruitment channels and legitimate vacancy announcements. Read the full advert before applying.

Useful starting points include:

• Latest entry-level job opportunities
• General worker vacancies
• Learnership opportunities
• Internship opportunities
• CV and job application advice

These links open relevant searches on JobsLink.club. Check individual vacancy details and confirm the application requirements before submitting documents.

11. How to Apply for a Job With No Experience

Once your CV is ready, follow these steps:

1. Find a genuine vacancy that accepts applicants with your level of experience.
2. Read the job requirements and confirm that you qualify.
3. Update your CV to reflect the position and your relevant skills.
4. Prepare the documents requested in the advertisement.
5. Complete the application form carefully, if one is required.
6. Submit your application using the employer’s official method.
7. Check that your documents have uploaded successfully or your email has been sent.
8. Keep a copy of the application and any confirmation received.

For South African government vacancies, read the official advertisement carefully. Some posts require a completed Z83 form, while the timing and requirements for supporting documents may vary.

You can find related guidance here: How to complete the Z83 application form.

12. Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your First CV

Inventing experience: Employers may check the information you provide. Describe your real background honestly.

Using a generic profile: Explain why your genuine skills are relevant to the position.

Adding unnecessary personal information: Keep your CV focused on recruitment-related details.

Ignoring spelling mistakes: Review names, dates, phone numbers and grammar before sending the document.

Using a complicated design: Choose a simple layout that is easy to read.

Applying without checking requirements: Some vacancies require specific qualifications, licences or experience.

Sending the wrong document: Follow the employer’s instructions about file formats and supporting documents.

Paying someone who promises a job: Be cautious of guaranteed-employment offers that require suspicious upfront payments.

Applying only once: Continue searching and applying for suitable opportunities while keeping a record of your applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a job in South Africa without work experience?

Yes. Some entry-level vacancies accept candidates without previous formal employment. Check each advert because employers set their own minimum requirements.

Can I write a CV without Matric?

Yes. You can prepare a CV using your highest completed grade, skills and relevant training. However, you should apply only for positions whose educational requirements you meet.

Do I need a professional CV template?

No. A professional-looking CV can be created with a simple document and clear headings. Accuracy, readability and relevance matter more than expensive graphics.

Should I include informal work on my CV?

You may include relevant informal work or responsibilities if they are genuine and you describe them accurately. Make sure the employer can understand what you did and what skills you developed.

How many pages should a first CV have?

For many first-time job seekers, one page may be enough. Two pages can be appropriate if you have relevant education, training or activities to explain. Avoid adding unnecessary information just to make the CV longer.

Can I use one CV for learnerships and ordinary jobs?

You can start with the same basic CV, but adjust it to each opportunity. A learnership may focus on educational requirements and willingness to learn, while an ordinary job may place more emphasis on practical skills.

Does an ATS-friendly CV guarantee a job?

No. A clear CV can help present your information effectively, but recruitment decisions depend on the employer’s requirements, other applicants and the selection process.

Final Advice

Not having work experience does not mean you have nothing to offer. Your education, practical abilities, relevant activities and willingness to learn can help you prepare a credible application for suitable entry-level opportunities.

Keep your CV simple, include only accurate information and tailor it to the job you want. Most importantly, check the vacancy requirements before applying and continue improving your skills while searching for opportunities.

Your first CV does not need to be perfect. It needs to present your real strengths clearly and give an employer a reason to consider your application.