How Do I Get a Job with No Work Experience?

Dear Yvonne,

How do you go about writing a good CV and getting a job with no work experience? I don't have work experience. The closest thing I have to a work experience is when I taught CRS in service year. I have some skills like MS Word and Excel but it seems those with experience would always be selected first. I am currently looking for a remote data entry job or a customer service role that pays well.

Yvonne says,

I understand the challenge of trying to get a job and creating a strong CV with no work experience. I’ve been here too many years ago but this is what could help you get started. First, ask yourself why you want the jobs you’re looking for. Is it realistic to get a high-paying remote job without experience or the required skills, and what can you begin to do about this? It is still possible to create a CV without work experience because a CV has other sections including your background summary, educational experience and any volunteer experience you may have. You can find CV templates online for a graduate with no job experience.

In addition to submitting your CV for a job, include a well-written cover letter that explains why you're interested in the position and how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate despite your lack of traditional work experience. Finally and most importantly, consider gaining experience and updating your skills by taking on internships, freelance projects, or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience and enhance your CV for future job applications. Start from somewhere and set an achievable goal for yourself. Have you researched what it takes to get a data entry or customer service job? Do you need a high-paying remote job from the get-go? I hope these questions help you reflect.