How to Write a CV as a newcomer

Ivana Batt

March 28, 2023

How to Write a CV with No Experience (Swiss Edition)

Whether you're a student, graduate, or switching fields, writing your first CV can feel intimidating—especially in Switzerland, where hiring standards are high and details matter.

The good news? Recruiters don’t expect career starters to have years of experience. They look for clarity, potential, and motivation. This guide will show you exactly how to build a Swiss-style CV that works—even if your experience is limited.

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🎯 1. Focus on What You Do Have: Skills & Education

Start your CV with a strong education section, especially if you're a recent graduate.

Include:

Degree, school, city, dates
Relevant coursework or thesis
Grades (only if strong or required)

Then add a skills section right after, highlighting technical and soft skills like:

MS Office, Google Workspace, or tools like Canva or Figma
Communication, time management, languages
Research, presentation, teamwork

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✍️ 2. Write a Strong Personal Summary

Even if you lack experience, a personal statement at the top of your CV can make a big impact.

Example:

"Motivated business graduate with a strong interest in digital marketing and project coordination. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and continue developing professionally in a Swiss corporate environment."

Keep it to 3–4 lines, tailored to the job you're applying for.

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💼 3. Use Internships, Student Jobs, and Projects as Experience

Swiss employers count things like:

Part-time jobs
Volunteering
Group projects
Student association roles
Family business involvement

For each experience, use bullet points to describe what you did and what you learned. Even babysitting or retail jobs can highlight responsibility, customer service, and reliability.

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