For college graduates and young interns taking those first steps into the real world without any prior working experience can be a daunting task. This should not discourage you from going for the job you desire.
Everyone has to start somewhere and by providing a well presented Curriculum vitae you can show a potential employer exactly what you have to offer and why they should hire you.
Summarise Yourself
This is effectively your sales pitch to an employer. Talk about who you are and what you have to offer, since your work experience is limited make sure you emphasise your skills and educational achievements.
In terms of skills try to list any that may be relevant to the job that your are applying for. Displaying the right attitude and listing appropriate skills may be enough to convince an employer to hire you.
Any Experience Counts
Just because you have never been in previous employment doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have experience in life. If you have ever volunteered for an organisation or a charity make sure to put it in. Maybe you helped coach a children’s sports team or provided a babysitting service.
All of this counts as valid experience and just because they were on a voluntary basis does not mean to that they didn’t help you develop skills that could be used in the future. For example let’s say you helped organise a summer project, you could list leadership and project management as skills you possess.
Make sure to list all relevant experience, even things you may think are irrelevant, you would be surprised how many employers will look at those things.. If you do choose to leave the experience section blank, then try focus on your practical and interpersonal skills instead.
Honesty Is The Best Policy
This is essential. Many people who have little or no previous experience feel the need to exaggerate certain details on their curriculum vitae in order to make it more appealing. This approach will NOT work.
One of the main factors an employer will take into account when assessing a potential candidate is honesty. Always remain honest and open about your work history if any. Claiming to possess skills that you have yet to require will only cause problems for yourself down the line.
Everyone has to start somewhere and a good employer will know that and help the candidate develop their skills from the beginning. If a candidate has claimed the ability to take on a task that they’re unable to complete to then they may quickly find themselves out of their depth.
