Unleash Your Potential: How to Write Your CV without Work Experience
It's possible to highlight your ascent to the summit of Arthur's Seat, in an hour or less, on your CV. You can even mention, in short details, about how your admissions tutor would give you an unconditional offer after lamenting your lack of support from your family after asking for additional financial support. And you can boost your 8-lap run around a track oval in 10 minutes or less. It's all about potential, and how to word it properly.
You may not have work experience, but you can stand out from the other applicants. Some might have the relevant skills, yet it doesn't mean that they have a higher chance of getting hired. It's about knowing the field where you see yourself in the long run. It involves long research, where you list down the companies you hope to work for. And customise your CV according to what the firm(s) look for with the help of CV services. These are the primary factors, but don't discount the other ones.
You reside outside Greater London. which should put you on a disadvantage. This doesn't give you some assurance that you could save some money in a year or two, as transportation is not cheap. You might be used to the gray weather, but it can have an effect on you on certain days. (How to motivate yourself for work? This would be the question during those certain days.) And don't discount the long nights. There would be more factors, but you should figure out the big picture. These may (or may not) influence your decision on how to market your talents and capabilities, but you must make sure of one thing. Your CV must contain a profile, which is located on the top of it, highlighting your achievements and capabilities that should appeal to a prospective employer. If you have a LinkedIn account, then please be reminded that your LinkedIn profile must be different from your CV. Let's proceed to the other features (of your CV).
What to Decide during Your Research
How to market your high marks and extra-curricular activities. You want to show recruiters (or employers) that you're the best candidate, if not one of the brightest prospects. So you must tailor your CV heavily to match the requirements that are highlighted in the ads. For instance, your A-levels must not be about figures alone. It must imply your prowess in communication and organisation. (If you still don't have a clue, then drop by the university. There must be someone from the Careers Service who would guide you.) You must be selective about what to mark on your CV, which should be linked to your specialty. Extra-curricular activities would be another thing, though. Did you make a positive impact on a particular club? Did you demonstrate your leadership skills? Did you learn anything from it? Your answers should give you an idea on how your profile must be read. It must be a comprehensive description of what you would be
Highlight your non-work experience. This should offset your lack of direct work experience. If you managed to submit your assignments ahead of the deadline, then don't think twice of mentioning it. This would show your focus and commitment, which should be an asset to any company. You could attach some samples of your outstanding papers, which prove your impressive communication skills. And you must recall the compliments of your professors. If you don't have an email copy of it, then recall it. Rephrase it in such a way that should make you a bright prospect. It would be better if you could ask your professor about a reference, though. It wouldn't be enough, as you have to step it up. This means a possible risk of rejection, if not an amusing reaction (that you might take it hard). Tell more about yourself, but don't get carried away. It may (or may not) be related to your specialty, yet it should give the recruiter an impression that you would be counted on. In this regard, don't hesitate in narrating your household duties. (Mum must be proud of it.) If you want to make sure that all bases are covered, then go to the next item.
It's not too late to volunteer for a day or two. If you have little time, then you may be tempted to skip this option. Don't. This should give your CV a positive vibe, not to mention the skills that you would learn from your participation. Someone might admire your efforts, even be impressed at what you have shown. It may be cheeky of you to ask for a word or two, which could be used as a reference. You must put your best foot forward, so your motives won't be viewed negatively. This should be the perfect time to be observant about the happenings, as you could learn a number of things along the way. Don't say it all, as one (or a few) won't be relevant to the company that you hope to be working for. If you insist otherwise, then how you spin it must be persuasive enough. Thinking out of the box may give you a huge advantage.
What Your CV Must Look Like
Recruiters would look at the heading of your CV, which must include your contact details, profile of a few sentences or less, and a nice photograph of yours. You should know well that it must neither too casual nor too serious.
The next section must be a highlight of grades, extra-curricular activities, and non-working experience which has something to do with requirements in the ad. You must be able to brag about it without sounding you're out of touch. This is your cue to insert additional information, which you would get from your long research into the company's values and vision. In this regard, your capabilities could be a make-or-break case.
The second page must summarise the rest of your achievements, as well as inclusion of your volunteering experience. This should get you a call for an interview.
