Breaking into the job market without prior work experience can feel daunting, but here’s the good news: you don’t need a lengthy job history to create a powerful CV. In fact, recent surveys show that 62% of employers consider soft skills and personal potential as important as experience. So, if you’re just starting out-whether as a student, recent graduate, or career switcher-this newsletter is for you.
At Lateral Connect, we mentor and train future cyber professionals, many of whom are navigating the job market for the first time. We’ve seen firsthand how the right CV, even without professional work history, can open doors. Your CV should reflect who you are, what you’re capable of, and what you’re willing to learn-not just where you’ve worked.
In this edition, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling CV that highlights your potential, transferable skills, and unique qualities to help you stand out in a competitive market.
Crafting a CV without traditional work experience is all about showcasing who you are and what you bring to the table. Here’s how to make every section count:
1. Tailor Your CV to Each Role
Generic CVs rarely make an impact. Start by analysing the job description and picking out key skills and requirements. If you’re applying for a cybersecurity internship, highlight skills like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and tech proficiency. Even without work experience, you can align your personal traits, academic projects, and extracurricular activities with the role.
Tip: Use the job posting as a guide to build your Skills section or tailor your Personal Statement.
2. Think Outside the Box – It’s Not Just About Jobs
Employers value initiative. Volunteering, university societies, hackathons, freelance work, or even helping manage a family business all count. Describe these experiences as you would a job-focus on what you did, how you did it, and the results. For instance, if you led a team in a uni group project, you’ve already demonstrated leadership, planning, and collaboration.
3. Highlight Transferable Skills
According to employer data, only 65% require relevant work experience, which means transferable skills are gold. These include problem-solving, communication, customer service, digital literacy, and adaptability. Many of these can be drawn from education, volunteering, or part-time roles in other sectors. Link these skills directly to how they apply to the job you want.
4. Use the Right Keywords for ATS Systems
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs. To beat the bot, your CV needs relevant keywords from the job description. If a posting mentions “leadership,” include that exact word-not just “management.” Match your language with theirs to improve your chances of being seen.
Your CV is more than a history-it’s a strategic story. Use it to show your readiness, mindset, and potential.
Your First Role Starts With the Right CV
Not having formal experience doesn’t mean you’re starting from zero. It means you have a blank canvas to present your unique strengths, aspirations, and potential in a way that speaks to today’s employers. Tailoring your CV, emphasising transferable skills, and using the right language can be the key to landing interviews-even in competitive industries like cybersecurity.
At Lateral Connect, we specialise in preparing students and early-career professionals to enter the job market with confidence. Our mentoring programme pairs you with experienced professionals who will guide you through building your skills, confidence, and professional profile-including CV support tailored to your goals.
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