It’s possible to write a CV with no work experience. However, if you have recently left education and would like to bolster your CV with work experience, then there are lots of ways you can do this. Finding full time employment is hard at this stage with lots of candidates applying for the same position, and with more work experience than you it will be tough. But all is not lost!
Here’s how to gain more work experience for your CV.
Voluntary work
The first place to start is at a local charity shop. You will very easily and quickly find work, and you will be able to instantly develop lots of soft skills like communication and organisation. Although you aren’t getting paid you should push past that fact and ignore it. Nothing is more important at this stage than trying to learn new skills and gain valuable work experience.
Your CV could be looking bare at only one page now that you’ve left education, and any kind of work experience will edge you closer to full time employment. Although not every employer, especially for entry level positions, demands some level of work experience on a CV – they do understandably favour it.
Do-it.org is a fantastic website that allows you to search for voluntary work in your area. So you don’t have to go knocking on any doors if it’s more convenient to search online, however you may have a local shop that you’d like to visit. Don’t forget that you are not just restricted to charity shops, you can also volunteer at local wildlife parks, country parks, youth clubs, and so on.
If you are still in education you could consider volunteering in your spare time – weekends, after school, etc. This would prepare you well in advance for when you leave.
Part time work
Whilst searching for full time employment you could consider applying for a part time position. This may be easier to find and you will likely not need as much experience. Try local coffee shops, restaurants and retail outlets as they are always looking for help – especially near the holiday periods like Christmas.
The great thing about part time work compared with voluntary is that you get paid of course! This is certainly an added bonus, and it is possible that it leads further. There are lots of job seekers that find part time work, do a great job and find themselves working full time. Lots of opportunities will present themselves as soon as you are officially working for a company. You just have to get out there and see what’s available.
Are you looking for a part time job whilst pursuing your education? Then go to – Student Job.Build your portfolio
If you are a budding photographer, model or actor – then you need a portfolio. So if your future career requires a lot of creativity and the need for evidence of your work, then the sooner you start making a portfolio the better.
Employers in these particular industries rely on portfolios so they can see what someone is capable of. So get started today taking lots of pictures, shooting videos, or writing your next novel. Whatever it takes you need to start as early as possible so you can gain some traction. The faster you get your name out there, the quicker you’ll be able to get your career started.
One of the best ways to build up your portfolio is to offer your work for free or at a reduced cost. Understandably most people will be a little wary of paying for a service from someone who has only just started. You won’t have any or many reviews or testimonials, and your portfolio could be quite small at this stage. But you will come across friends and family members that would like to try out your services and allow you the opportunity to build up your portfolio – so take advantage of every opportunity.
Here are 5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Creative Portfolio.
