A CV with no work history is not an empty CV — it is a chance to show everything else you bring, and Kiwi employers who hire entry-level candidates know exactly how to read one.
What should you put on a NZ CV when you have no work experience?
Fill your CV with the things that prove you are capable and reliable: education, volunteer work, school or community activities, sports leadership, and any informal work like babysitting or helping in a family business. These are all legitimate experience, and Kiwi hiring managers recognise them as such.
What sections should a no-experience NZ CV include?
Keep your CV clean and easy to scan. Aim for one page — two at most if you genuinely need the space. Structure it in this order:
- Contact details — name, phone, email, and your suburb (no need for a full address)
- Personal statement — two to three sentences summarising who you are and what you are looking for
- Education — most recent first; include NCEA levels, any certificates, or current study
- Skills — both technical (e.g. Microsoft Office, social media, first aid certificate) and personal (reliability, communication, teamwork)
- Volunteer and community involvement — club roles, school leadership, sports coaching, church or marae activities
- Referees — list two people who can speak to your character and work ethic, even if they are teachers, coaches, or community leaders
How do you write the skills section when you feel you have none?
Everyone has skills — they are just not always labelled that way yet. Think about what you have done consistently and well: showed up on time, organised a team, solved a problem, learned something new quickly. These translate directly into workplace skills like punctuality, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Write them in plain language, and back each one up with a brief example in your cover letter.
Should you include referees on your NZ CV if you have never worked?
Yes. Referees are especially important when you have no employment history because they give the employer someone to call who can vouch for you. A teacher, sports coach, school dean, or community leader all count. Always ask permission before listing someone, and let them know which role you are applying for so they can give a relevant reference.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a NZ CV be with no experience?
One page is ideal. Focus on quality over quantity — a tight, well-organised one-page CV reads better than a padded two-page one. Only go to two pages if you have substantial volunteer or study history to include.
Do NZ employers expect a photo on a CV?
No. Photos are not standard on New Zealand CVs and most hiring managers do not expect one. Leave it off unless a role specifically asks for it.
What if I only have school as my experience?
School counts. List any leadership roles (prefect, sports captain, subject prize), NCEA achievements, and relevant projects or assignments. If you studied a subject directly related to the job, mention it explicitly.
Can I list informal work like babysitting or lawn mowing?
Absolutely. Any work where someone trusted you with a responsibility — paid or unpaid — demonstrates reliability and initiative. List it under a section called "Other Experience" and describe what you did and what it involved.
What is the minimum wage I should expect in my first job?
The adult minimum wage in New Zealand is $23.95 per hour. A starting-out or training rate of $19.16 per hour can apply in specific circumstances — check Employment New Zealand for the rules.
Source: Minimum wage — Employment New Zealand
Once you know what to include, building the actual document is the easy part. Use the free AI CV + Cover Letter Writer to create a polished, tailored CV — even if you are starting from scratch.