Everyone starts somewhere. If you are writing your first CV and the work history section feels empty, do not worry. You almost certainly have more to offer than that blank space suggests, and a good CV does not need years of experience behind it. It needs to show an employer you are worth a shot.
What this guide covers
Start with what you actually have
No paid work does not mean no experience. Employers in New Zealand hire attitude and potential all the time. Pull together anything that shows you are reliable, capable and willing to learn:
- School projects, leadership roles or sports teams
- Volunteering, marae or community work
- Helping in a family business or with whanau
- Coaching, babysitting, lawn mowing, anything you were trusted to do
- Courses, tickets or certificates you have earned
These all count. They show up in your CV as evidence that you can be relied on.
The structure that works
Keep it simple and put it in this order:
- Name and contact details. Phone, a sensible email, and your town or city.
- A short personal statement. Two or three lines on who you are and what you are after.
- Key skills. A short list, matched to the job you are applying for.
- Experience. Any of the things above, newest first, with what you did and what came of it.
- Education and training. School, courses, tickets, with the years.
- Interests and referees. A brief line on interests, then two or three referees who have agreed to vouch for you.
Write a personal statement that is not generic
This is the bit at the top that an employer reads first. Do not waste it on tired phrases. Say who you are, what you are good at, and what you want. For example: "A reliable school leaver with strong people skills from two years of weekend volunteering, looking for a first role in retail or hospitality where I can learn fast and pull my weight."
Target it to the job
This is the habit most first CVs miss, and the one that matters most. Read the job advertisement, find the skills and qualities they ask for, and make sure your CV reflects them in your own honest words. The same CV sent to every job tends to get overlooked. A CV that mirrors the ad gets read.
Presentation matters
Keep it to two pages at most. Use one clean font. Save it as a PDF, and name the file with your own name, like Jane-Smith-CV.pdf. Spell-check it, then read it out loud once to catch anything clumsy. A tidy CV signals a tidy worker.
The one habit that matters most
Targeting. The same CV sent to every job is the number one reason good people get overlooked. Shape each section around what the employer is actually asking for, and you move from the no pile to the maybe pile.
Want to build yours the easy way?
Build a CV That Gets You Hired walks you through every step above and builds your real CV as you go, so you finish with a professional PDF ready to send. It is made for first CVs, no experience needed.
See the CV course Just $49 through Capability Solutions. New to it? Use code JOBREADY15 for 15% off.Frequently asked questions
Can I write a CV if I have never had a job?
Yes. Use school work, volunteering, sport, community roles and any odd jobs as your experience. Employers hire attitude and potential, not just years of work.
How long should a first CV be?
One to two pages. For a first CV, one well presented page is often plenty.
Do I need a photo on my CV in New Zealand?
No. A photo is optional. If you include one, use a tidy head and shoulders shot with eyes to the camera.
What is the most important part of a CV?
Targeting it to the specific job. Match your skills and personal statement to what the advertisement asks for.