Writing about work experience on your CV and application forms
Date 13 March 2024
13.03.2024Looking to bulk out your CV with work experience? This blog has you covered with expert advice from our Student Futures team.
People often find that one of the biggest challenges when it comes to writing their CV and filling out application forms is talking about their work experience. This blog will look at what constitutes work experience and how you can talk about it. Although you may not have had a full-time job, it’s highly likely that you’ll have one or more of the experiences discussed below.
Employment
This can be full-time, part-time or temporary, it covers any type of employment. Always include the name of your employer, your job title and your start and finish dates with the employer. Mention the purpose of the role, your main responsibilities and the skills you used and developed.
Work Placements
You may have undertaken placements while at school or university. Placements can be opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and experience. Reflect on what you learnt on your placement, particularly the skills and knowledge you gained. Make sure you really emphasise work experience that is directly relevant to what you’re applying for. For first hand advice, read Tobias’ story on his work placement experience at The Walt Disney Company.
Volunteering
Talk about this as you would for an employed role, emphasising what you did and what you learnt. If you’ve not got any volunteering experience, it’s a good place to start a valuable attribute to employers which they look for when they scan your CV. There are lots of volunteering opportunities available in a range of fields.
Personal Projects
Do you have any hobbies or interests that you have turned into your own personal project? These can help to demonstrate your skills on your applications
Some examples of personal projects you may have worked on might include:
- Building your own website
- Writing a blog
- Taking up photography
- Learning to code
- Writing an e-book
Adding your projects can be even more beneficial if they’re related to the job or industry you’re applying to. For example, applying for a job in marketing, where the employer ideally would like someone with photography or coding skills.
For more expert advice, our team at Student Futures can support.
Student Futures is a sector leader team of specialists who enable UON students to achieve their personal aspirations and career goals. We support you with gaining work experience and connecting with employers, developing your skills and attributes, and ensuring you have a competitive edge in the job market.