How to Write a CV When You Have No Work Experience in South Africa
Trying to write your first CV can be difficult when you have never had a formal job.
Many matriculants, school leavers, students and first-time job seekers believe they have “nothing to put on a CV” because they do not have previous employment.
That is not true.
If you have no formal work experience, your CV should focus on what you have already learned and achieved through school, college, volunteering, informal work, projects, leadership activities and everyday responsibilities.
South Africa’s Department of Employment and Labour explains that a CV should present your education, qualifications, skills, experience, activities and references in a way that helps an employer understand your employability. SAYouth similarly advises young applicants to include qualifications, skills and all relevant experience—including part-time work and volunteering.
This guide shows you exactly how to write a CV when you have no work experience, what information to include, what to leave out and where South African job seekers can find free official career resources.
Quick Guide: What Should Be on a CV With No Experience?
A first-time job seeker’s CV can include:
- Full name and surname
- Cellphone number
- Professional email address
- Town, city and province
- Short professional profile
- Education
- School subjects
- Skills
- Volunteer work
- Informal experience
- School or college projects
- Leadership activities
- Extracurricular activities
- Certificates
- Achievements
- Languages
- References
You do not need to invent employment history.
A short, truthful CV is much stronger than a CV containing experience or qualifications an employer cannot verify.
Why Your CV Matters Even When You Have No Experience
Your CV is often one of the first things an employer sees before deciding whether to consider you for an interview.
The Department of Employment and Labour describes a CV as an important document for showing employers your skills, qualifications and suitability for employment. It also recommends updating and tailoring your CV when applying for different positions.
When employers recruit entry-level candidates, they understand that many applicants will not have years of experience.
They may instead look for evidence of:
- Reliability
- Good communication
- Willingness to learn
- Basic computer literacy
- Teamwork
- Punctuality
- Responsibility
- Organisation
- Problem-solving
- Ability to follow instructions
- Positive attitude
Your CV should help demonstrate these qualities.
Step 1: Start With Your Contact Details
Place your contact information at the top of your CV.
Include:
Full name and surname
Cellphone number
Email address
Town or city
Province
Example
Lerato Dlamini
Pretoria, Gauteng
071 000 0000
lerato.dlamini@email.com
Keep this section simple.
You generally do not need to put your complete residential address on a CV unless the employer specifically requests it.
Use a Professional Email Address
Your email address forms part of the first impression an employer receives.
A simple format is best.
For example:
Avoid informal addresses that include inappropriate nicknames or phrases.
If necessary, create a separate email account specifically for job applications.
Step 2: Write a Strong Professional Profile
Your professional profile should appear directly below your contact information.
It usually needs only three to five lines.
Explain:
- Who you are
- Your education level
- Your strongest skills
- What opportunity you are seeking
Do not begin with:
“I have no work experience.”
Your lack of experience should not be the main message of your CV.
Focus on what you can offer.
Professional Profile Example for a Matriculant
Motivated Grade 12 graduate with good communication, teamwork and organisational skills. Comfortable using basic computer applications and eager to develop practical workplace experience. Seeking an entry-level opportunity where I can learn, contribute to a team and develop my career.
Example for a Learnership Applicant
Hardworking South African matriculant interested in gaining practical workplace skills through a structured learnership programme. Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with a willingness to learn, follow instructions and take responsibility.
Example for an Administration Job
Organised and dependable Grade 12 graduate with basic Microsoft Word, email, data-capturing and communication skills. Interested in an entry-level administration opportunity where I can develop professional experience and support daily office operations.
Step 3: Put Your Education Near the Top
When you have little employment experience, education becomes one of your strongest sections.
Include:
- Qualification
- School or college
- Year completed
- Relevant subjects
Example
National Senior Certificate
Mahlangu Secondary School
Completed: 2025
Subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Business Studies
- Geography
- Life Sciences
If you are still completing Matric, write:
National Senior Certificate – Currently Completing Grade 12
Expected completion: 2026
Never claim that you completed a qualification if you are still studying toward it.
Step 4: Add Relevant Skills
Your skills section is especially important when you do not have formal employment history.
Choose approximately five to eight genuine skills that are relevant to the opportunity.
Examples of Skills for First-Time Job Seekers
Communication
You may have communication experience from:
- School presentations
- Group projects
- Community activities
- Customer interaction
- Sports
- Clubs
Teamwork
Teamwork can come from:
- School projects
- Sports teams
- Community organisations
- Church groups
- Volunteer work
Computer Literacy
Only mention programs you can actually use.
Examples:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Docs
- Internet research
- Basic data capturing
- Online application systems
Time Management
Meeting assignment deadlines, studying for exams and balancing different responsibilities can demonstrate time-management skills.
Organisation
Examples could include organising:
- Schoolwork
- Events
- Team projects
- Community activities
Problem-Solving
School, volunteer projects and everyday responsibilities can demonstrate basic problem-solving ability.
Customer Service
You might already have customer-facing experience if you have:
- Helped at a family shop
- Sold products
- Assisted customers
- Helped at events
- Worked at a school fundraiser
Step 5: Include Informal Experience
Work experience does not only mean having a permanent job with an employment contract.
Think carefully about responsibilities you have already had.
Relevant informal experience can include:
- Helping in a family business
- Tutoring learners
- Babysitting
- Selling products
- Helping at community events
- Assisting at church
- Gardening
- Washing cars
- Helping someone with administration
- Volunteer work
- Helping at a local organisation
- Capturing information
- Assisting customers
Do not exaggerate.
Describe what you genuinely did.
Example
Volunteer Assistant
Community Youth Programme
January 2026 – June 2026
Responsibilities:
- Assisted participants with registration
- Helped prepare training materials
- Supported event setup
- Communicated with programme participants
- Worked with other volunteers
- Assisted with basic administrative duties
The Department of Employment and Labour specifically recommends including relevant volunteer work because it can demonstrate responsibility and useful experience.
Step 6: Use School Projects as Experience
School and college projects can provide strong examples for candidates who have never worked.
Consider projects that involved:
- Research
- Presentations
- Teamwork
- Computers
- Leadership
- Planning
- Problem-solving
- Meeting deadlines
Example
Grade 12 Business Studies Research Project
- Worked in a team of four learners
- Researched challenges affecting small businesses
- Helped gather and organise information
- Contributed to the written report
- Presented findings to the class
- Completed the project before the deadline
This gives an employer evidence of:
- Teamwork
- Research
- Communication
- Organisation
- Presentation
- Time management
Step 7: Include Leadership Experience
You do not need to have managed employees to demonstrate leadership.
Leadership experience could come from being:
- Class representative
- Prefect
- Student representative
- Sports captain
- Club leader
- Youth leader
- Project leader
- Event organiser
Example
Class Representative – 2025
- Communicated learner concerns to teachers
- Shared important school notices with classmates
- Helped coordinate classroom activities
- Encouraged cooperation between learners
This can be useful evidence of leadership and communication ability.
Step 8: Add Achievements
Relevant achievements can strengthen a beginner CV.
Examples include:
- Academic awards
- Attendance awards
- Sports achievements
- Leadership certificates
- Debate competitions
- Science competitions
- Community awards
- School recognition
- Training certificates
You do not need a long list.
Include achievements that help demonstrate your abilities, discipline or commitment.
Step 9: Include Certificates and Short Courses
Short courses can help demonstrate that you are continuing to develop your skills.
Examples might include:
- Computer literacy
- First aid
- Customer service
- Digital skills
- Office administration
- Health and safety
- Entrepreneurship
- Workplace readiness
Only include training you genuinely completed.
Add:
- Course name
- Training organisation
- Completion year
Step 10: Add Languages
Language ability can be useful, particularly for customer-facing positions.
Example:
Languages
- English – Speak, read and write
- isiZulu – Speak, read and write
- Sesotho – Conversational
Do not describe yourself as fluent if you are not.
Step 11: Choose Suitable References
References are people who can confirm something about your reliability, behaviour or abilities.
If you have never had an employer, possible references include:
- Teacher
- Lecturer
- Principal
- Coach
- Volunteer supervisor
- Community leader
Ask the person for permission before providing their cellphone number or email address.
You can also write:
References available on request
SAYouth recommends preparing suitable references and testimonials as part of your job-search preparation.
Complete CV Example for Someone With No Work Experience
Lerato Dlamini
Pretoria, Gauteng
071 000 0000
lerato.dlamini@email.com
Professional Profile
Motivated and dependable Grade 12 graduate with good communication, teamwork and organisational skills. Comfortable using basic computer applications and eager to gain practical workplace experience. Seeking an entry-level job or learnership where I can contribute positively while developing professional skills.
Education
National Senior Certificate
Example Secondary School
Completed: 2025
Subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- Life Sciences
Key Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Microsoft Word
- Basic Microsoft Excel
- Email and internet use
- Organisation
- Time management
- Willingness to learn
Volunteer Experience
Community Event Volunteer
Pretoria
March 2026
- Assisted with participant registration
- Helped organise materials and seating
- Provided directions to visitors
- Worked with other volunteers
- Assisted with cleaning after the event
School Project
Grade 12 Business Studies Project
- Conducted research
- Worked with a team
- Assisted with writing the report
- Helped prepare a presentation
- Presented findings to classmates
Achievements
- Good Attendance Certificate
- School Leadership Participation Certificate
Languages
- English
- Sepedi
- isiZulu
References
Available on request.
How Long Should a CV Be?
For someone with no formal work experience, your CV does not need to be long.
A good target is:
1–2 pages
One well-written page can be enough for a matriculant.
Do not add unnecessary information simply to make your CV look longer.
Should You Add a Photo?
You do not normally need a photo unless the employer specifically requests one.
Your CV should mainly communicate your:
- Education
- Skills
- Relevant experience
- Achievements
- Suitability
If an application does not request a photograph, there is generally no need to add one.
Should You Put Your ID Number on Your CV?
Avoid distributing unnecessary sensitive personal information.
Provide your ID number or ID document when an official application process specifically requests it.
For a general CV that you may send to different employers, your name and contact information are usually sufficient unless an application instruction says otherwise.
What Should You Leave Off Your CV?
Avoid:
- False employment history
- Fake qualifications
- Fake references
- Unnecessary sensitive information
- Long personal stories
- Unprofessional photos
- Complicated graphics
- Difficult-to-read fonts
- Excessive decoration
- Spelling mistakes
- Salary demands unless requested
Everything on your CV should help explain why you are suitable for the opportunity.
Never Lie About Work Experience
It might be tempting to invent a company or change your job title because you think employers will reject candidates without experience.
Do not do this.
Employers may:
- Check references
- Verify qualifications
- Ask detailed interview questions
- Check previous employment information
It is better to present genuine volunteering, projects and informal responsibilities properly than to provide false information.
How to Tailor Your CV for Different Opportunities
One of the strongest improvements you can make is adjusting your CV for the position.
The Department of Employment and Labour recommends updating your CV and aligning your skills and abilities with the job you are applying for.
For Retail Jobs
Highlight:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Cash-handling exposure if genuine
For Administration Jobs
Highlight:
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- Data capturing
- Organisation
- Attention to detail
For Learnerships
Highlight:
- Education
- Willingness to learn
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Career interest
- Relevant subjects
For Apprenticeships
Highlight:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Technical subjects
- Engineering subjects
- Workshop experience
- Practical skills
For Call Centre Jobs
Highlight:
- Communication
- Listening
- Customer service
- Computer skills
- Problem-solving
- Professional telephone skills
Make Your CV Easy to Read
A clean CV is usually better than a complicated design.
Use:
- Clear headings
- Short bullet points
- Consistent spacing
- One readable font
- Simple formatting
Avoid:
- Too many colours
- Decorative backgrounds
- Unnecessary icons
- Text boxes everywhere
- Very small text
Employers should be able to scan your CV quickly.
Make Your CV Friendly for Online Applications
Many organisations use online recruitment systems.
A simple CV structure can help keep important information clear.
Use headings such as:
Professional Profile
Education
Skills
Experience
Projects
Certificates
References
Where possible, use the same important terminology that appears naturally in the vacancy.
For example, if a job requires:
Customer service and computer literacy
and you genuinely have those skills, use those terms in your CV instead of unrelated wording.
Do not stuff your CV with keywords you cannot support.
Save Your CV Properly
PDF is often a useful format because it helps preserve your layout, unless the employer specifically asks for Word or another format.
Use a professional filename.
Good
Lerato-Dlamini-CV.pdf
Avoid
cvnewfinal123.pdf
or
finalcvNEWfinalfinal.pdf
Proofread Before Sending
Check:
- Name
- Cellphone number
- Email address
- Dates
- Qualifications
- Spelling
- Grammar
- References
Ask someone you trust to read your CV before you submit it.
A small mistake in your phone number could prevent an employer from contacting you.
Check Your Phone and Email After Applying
Employers may contact candidates through:
- Phone calls
- SMS
Make sure:
- Your phone works
- Your voicemail is appropriate
- Your email inbox is accessible
- You check your spam folder
- You respond professionally
Should You Write a Cover Letter?
Some employers ask for a cover letter in addition to a CV.
SAYouth explains that a cover letter should introduce you, explain why you are interested in the position and show how your skills and experience relate to the job. It recommends writing a new cover letter for each job and keeping it under one page.
A simple structure is:
Paragraph 1: State the job you are applying for.
Paragraph 2: Explain your relevant education and skills.
Paragraph 3: Explain why you are interested.
Final paragraph: Thank the employer and express interest in discussing the opportunity.
Useful Official Links for South African Job Seekers
These resources can help you prepare your CV and search for legitimate opportunities.
1. SAYouth – CV and Cover Letter Guidance
SAYouth provides practical guidance for young South Africans on preparing CVs and cover letters.
SAYouth: How to Write a CV and Cover Letter
SAYouth recommends including your contact information, qualifications and all relevant experience—including part-time work, internships and volunteering.
2. Employment Services of South Africa – ESSA
ESSA is operated by the Department of Employment and Labour.
Registered work seekers can search for opportunities, and the system can compile a CV using information entered in a profile. The Department says the CV can be downloaded and that registered work seekers may be considered for matching with potential employers.
Register on the Official ESSA Work-Seeker System
3. Department of Employment and Labour CV Guide
The Department publishes its own guide explaining what a CV is, what it should contain and how it helps job seekers present themselves to employers.
Department of Employment and Labour CV Guide
4. Department of Employment and Labour Job-Hunting Guide
This official guide includes advice on:
- Preparing your CV
- Tailoring your application
- Volunteering
- Searching for work
- Preparing yourself for employment
Department of Employment and Labour Job-Hunting Guide
5. Department of Employment and Labour Online Services
The Department’s online platform gives work seekers access to:
- Work-seeker registration
- Job search
- Employment counselling
- Career resources
Department of Employment and Labour Online Services
6. Public Service Vacancies
People interested in government jobs should monitor the Department of Public Service and Administration’s official Public Service Vacancy Circular.
The circular regularly publishes vacancies across national and provincial government departments. Applicants should always follow the application instructions for the specific advertised position.
Department of Public Service and Administration
Government Job Applications and Your CV
Government applications can have specific requirements.
The DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular instructs applicants to follow the requirements in the relevant advertisement and, where required, submit the prescribed Z83 together with the requested CV information.
Do not assume that sending a CV by itself is enough for every government vacancy.
Always check:
- Application method
- Z83 requirements
- Reference number
- Closing date
- Required documents
- Email or eRecruitment instructions
Free CV Help Through ESSA
One useful option for first-time job seekers is registering on ESSA.
The Department of Employment and Labour states that after a person registers and captures their information, ESSA can automatically compile a CV that the work seeker can download.
That can be particularly useful if you are unsure how to start building your first CV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a job if I have no work experience?
Yes.
Entry-level jobs, learnerships, apprenticeships and some internships are specifically designed for candidates who are still developing workplace experience.
What do I put under experience if I have never worked?
Consider including:
- Volunteering
- School projects
- Community activities
- Informal work
- Leadership
- Relevant practical responsibilities
Can I put volunteer work on my CV?
Yes.
Both the Department of Employment and Labour and SAYouth recommend including relevant volunteer experience.
Can I include helping at a family business?
Yes, provided you accurately explain the responsibilities you performed.
Can I include school projects?
Yes.
A good school project can demonstrate research, communication, teamwork, organisation and problem-solving.
Should I write “No Work Experience” on my CV?
Usually not.
Use the space to explain your education, skills, projects and other relevant experience instead.
How long should my CV be?
For a first-time job seeker, one or two pages are normally enough.
Can I use the same CV for every job?
You can keep one main CV, but you should adjust the skills, profile and relevant information to match each opportunity.
Do I need to include references?
References can be useful.
If you do not want to publish their details on every CV, you can write:
References available on request.
Should I attach certificates to every CV?
Only attach documents requested by the employer or application platform.
Follow the advertisement carefully.
Where can I create a CV if I do not have one?
One official option is ESSA. The Department of Employment and Labour says registered work seekers can capture their details and download a CV generated through the system.
Is ESSA free?
The Department describes its online work-seeker services, including registration and job searching, as free.
Where can South African youth learn more about CVs?
SAYouth provides a dedicated CV and cover-letter guide for young work seekers.
Final CV Checklist
Before submitting your application, ask yourself:
- Is my name correct?
- Is my phone number correct?
- Is my email professional?
- Is my location included?
- Does my profile explain what I can offer?
- Is my education accurate?
- Have I included relevant skills?
- Have I included volunteering or projects?
- Is everything truthful?
- Have I checked spelling?
- Is the CV easy to read?
- Have I tailored it to the vacancy?
- Is the file name professional?
- Have I followed the employer’s application instructions?
If the answer is yes, your CV is ready to submit.
Final Advice
Having no formal work experience does not mean you have nothing valuable to offer an employer.
Your first CV should show the strongest evidence you already have of your:
- Education
- Skills
- Responsibility
- Willingness to learn
- Projects
- Volunteer experience
- Achievements
- Potential
Do not compare your first CV with someone who has worked for ten years.
Your goal is to show why you are a promising entry-level candidate.
Keep the document simple, professional and truthful. Tailor it to the opportunity and continue developing your skills while applying.
You can also register with the Department of Employment and Labour’s official ESSA platform to search for work opportunities and create a work-seeker profile.
About the Author
Mr Josh writes practical employment, learnership, apprenticeship, internship, bursary and career-guidance content for Linkinn.co.za.
His work focuses on helping South African young people understand application requirements, prepare stronger job applications and locate legitimate employment and training opportunities.
Articles by Mr Josh aim to use authoritative sources where available and clearly distinguish Linkinn.co.za from employers and government organisations.
Article reviewed and updated: September 2026.
Editorial and Verification Note
This guide was prepared using information from official South African career and employment resources, including:
- Department of Employment and Labour
- Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA)
- SAYouth
- Department of Public Service and Administration
Linkinn.co.za encourages readers to verify application requirements directly with the employer before submitting personal information.
Disclaimer
Linkinn.co.za is an independent employment-information and career-guidance website.
Linkinn does not recruit, shortlist or guarantee employment for readers.
Job requirements and application procedures differ between employers. Always follow the instructions contained in the official vacancy advertisement and avoid submitting unnecessary personal information through unverified websites.