Tips on completing the Work Experience section
By Craig from Jobulo
So, you’re writing a new CV and you’re fretting over the Work Experience section as you’ve not had a lot of previous jobs. Well don’t fret. It’s actually not that uncommon and if you’re suited to the job role for which you are applying it shouldn’t count against you at all. Many people can find themselves in this position; you may have just left school or university, be returning from a career break or returning to work after starting a family. Whatever the reason there are plenty of ways to complete the Work Experience section of your CV and still impress a potential employer. Here are the Jobulo top tips on how to write a CV if you’ve not got much work experience:
#1 Focus On The Experience You Do Have
If you think about it you probably do have some previous work experience to draw upon – most people do. Did you have a part-time job while you were at school perhaps? Maybe you’ve done some voluntary work previously? Did you do any work experience while you were at school, college or university? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’ you should certainly look to include the placement within your CV work history. When including these items on your CV remember to personalise them to the role for which you are applying. Think about how the experience gained in your previous position can help you fulfill the needs of this new job vacancy.
Work Experience
#2 Include Your Achievements
If you don’t have much in the way of work experience the Achievements section of your CV can be a great way to show an employer what you can do. It can also serve to give them a bigger picture of how you will perform in the work-place. Whether you’ve made an achievement inside work or it’s an achievement made following a hobby or a sport, it’s definitely worth including. It shows the employer that you have the ability and determination to complete tasks tells them that you can succeed when you put your mind to it. For more on this specific issue, read our article on making the most of the achievements section on your CV.
#3 Include Your Hobbies
The Hobbies section is another great area that you can use to flesh out your CV. Your hobbies tell the employer a little bit more about you and the kind of person you are. This is an important aspect for them as they can use this information to see if you will fit in within their team. If a prospective employer shares an interest with you, this can be a great conversation point!
#4 Volunteering
If you haven’t got much career experience then volunteer work can be a wonderful way to build your experience. Whether you volunteer for a month or just a day, gaining any experience in an industry can prove a valuable head-start, it can also look great on your CV! You can find voluntary work by searching the internet and your local newspaper. Maybe there’s a local charity that needs help or perhaps there’s a local business that works in a sector you’d love to be involved in. Try emailing local companies you’d like to work for and ask if they have the capacity to take on a volunteer. When listing a voluntary position within your CV you should remember to make it clear that this was a voluntary role – it’s always best to be honest.
So, if you’re struggling to fill out the Work History section of your CV, why not put these ideas into practice and give your CV a boost that could land you a new job.
Top Tip: A placement as a volunteer work or intern not only can be used as great content for your CV, they can often lead onto other opportunities for full time paid placements. You will also be able to meet people that have worked in that specific industry which can provide you with some great insight into a potential career in that sector.
—
You may also want to check out more CV tips.
