The good news for first-time jobseekers is that the overall UK market, while softer than recent years, still has around 721,000 vacancies (ONS, early 2026). The Totaljobs 2025 Hiring Trends report also notes a growing emphasis on skills-based hiring, meaning employers are increasingly looking at what you can do rather than where you have been. That is good news if you are starting out.
Education, including grades, relevant modules, dissertations, or projects
Volunteering, which demonstrates responsibility and initiative
Extracurricular activities such as sports leadership, society roles, or charity fundraising
Internships or work shadowing, even if only for a week
Freelance or personal projects such as a website you built, content you created, or an event you organised
Part-time or casual work in retail, hospitality, or care, which all demonstrate reliability and interpersonal skills
Lead with a strong personal statement focused on what you want to contribute rather than what you lack. Follow with education, then any experience however informal, then skills. Keep it to one page and make every line earn its place.
Focus on your strengths, motivations, and what you are working towards. Be specific about the role you are applying for and why you want it. Avoid vague phrases. Instead give evidence, for example: 'as captain of my university volleyball team, I managed a squad of 12 and organised four away fixtures per term'.
How do I write a CV with no work experience?
What can I put on a CV with no experience?
How should I structure a no-experience CV?
How do I write a personal statement with no experience?
Does the 2026 job market favour candidates with no experience?
What is skills-based hiring?
