How to write a CV in Microsoft Word - Step by Step ( No Experience CV), by SuccessLink on YouTube. 13 min 59 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 59 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Open Word and pick a simple single-column resume template, or start with a blank page. Avoid two-column designs that confuse applicant tracking software.
Add your name in large bold text at the top, then your phone number, email and city on the lines below. Use a professional email address.
Write a short profile of two or three lines under the contact details. Say what you are studying or have finished and the type of role you want.
Add an Education section with your course name, school or college, and dates. List grades or relevant modules if you have little work history.
Create a Skills section with six to eight bullet points. Include software, languages and soft skills taken from the job advert wording.
Add an Experience section for part-time jobs, volunteering, projects or societies. For each, give the role, place, dates and two bullet points on what you did.
Set the font to Calibri or Arial at 10 to 12 point for body text and 14 to 16 point for headings. Keep margins at about 2 cm and align text left.
Use Word styles for headings so spacing stays even, and add a little space before each section. Keep the whole CV to one page.
Run spell check with Review then Spelling and Grammar, and read it aloud once. Save as a PDF with File then Save As, and keep the Word copy for edits.
Tips and common mistakes
Mirror words from the job advert in your skills and profile so the CV passes keyword screening.
Keep bullet points to one line each and start them with an action word like organised or helped.
Do not add a photo, date of birth or full home address unless the employer asks for them.
Name the PDF file clearly, for example Firstname-Lastname-CV.pdf, before you send it.
Questions
What if I have no work experience at all?
Use sections for education, volunteering, school projects, hobbies with responsibility and any online courses. Employers accept this from students and graduates.
Should I send a Word file or a PDF?
Send a PDF unless the advert asks for Word, because the layout stays fixed. Keep your Word file so you can edit it for each application.
How long should a no-experience CV be?
One page is enough. Recruiters skim quickly, so cut anything that does not support your application.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
