“Entry level. Must have two years’ experience.” If that sentence makes you want to throw your phone, fair enough.
You’re not imagining the problem. In the Youth Voice Census 2026, 57% of young people said a lack of work experience was a barrier to getting a job. Last year, it was 47%. Only 28% feel confident that they have suitable experience.
That’s a problem with the system, not a personal failure. The census report is blunt: if employers want experience, young people need realistic chances to get it.
You still need a job, though. This guide explains how to get hired in the UK when your CV feels empty.
Step 1: Count the experience you already have
Employers want proof that you’ll turn up, learn and work well with other people. Paid work is one form of proof, but it isn’t the only one.
What counts as experience
- Looking after siblings or caring for a family member
- Completing school or college projects, especially group work
- Taking part in sports teams, clubs, cadets, Scouts, Guides or Duke of Edinburgh
- Running a social account, channel, server or online shop
- Helping at a family business, market stall or event
- Fixing, building, modding or making things
- Volunteering, fundraising or helping with a faith or community group
- Sticking with a demanding hobby, such as an instrument, sport, language or game
Write down three examples. Beside each one, note what it says about you. “Looked after my brother after school for two years” shows that you’re reliable, patient and trusted with responsibility.
Step 2: Get fresh examples in the next 30 days
You don’t need a year of work history. Two or three recent examples can give you something useful to discuss in applications and interviews.
- Volunteer for a day at a charity shop, parkrun, food bank or local event. One shift still gives you a real example. The number of young people willing to consider volunteering for experience fell from 55% to 35% in a year, so doing it may help you stand out.
- Ask to shadow someone for a day. Message a local business and ask, “Could I spend a morning seeing how you work?” You may get more replies from local firms than large employers.
- Finish a short project. Design a logo for a friend’s band, make a spreadsheet for your team’s fixtures, repair a bike or film a short video. A finished project gives you evidence of what you can do.
- Take a free short course in food hygiene, first aid or basic digital skills. Completing it shows that you can commit to learning something new.
Step 3: Apply where training is expected
Some employers expect new starters to learn on the job:
- Apprenticeships and foundation apprenticeships
- Retail, hospitality, warehousing, care and leisure roles
- Trainee and junior jobs at local businesses
- Seasonal work at Christmas, during summer or at events and festivals
Step 4: Write a skills-first CV
Change the usual order. Start with a short profile and your strongest skills. Follow with education, relevant experience from Step 1 and then your interests.
Keep it to one page. For a full template, read How to Write a CV With No Experience.
Step 5: Look beyond job sites
Thousands of people apply online and wait. Try a few routes that get you in front of employers directly.
- Visit in person during a quiet period. Ask for the manager, hand over your CV and say when you’re available.
- Contact local businesses. Many don’t advertise every vacancy. Tell them who you are, what you’re good at, what type of work you want and when you can start.
- Tell people you’re looking. Only 31% of young people feel confident about their personal networks. Your network can be family, neighbours, coaches or your friend’s mum who runs a salon. They can only help if they know you’re job hunting.
Step 6: Talk about experience without apologising
If an employer asks what experience you have, use an example from Step 1 or 2. You can say:
“I haven’t had a paid job yet, but I looked after my younger brother after school for two years. It taught me to be reliable and patient. I also learn quickly when someone shows me what to do.”
Keep it direct. The employer is trying to work out whether they can rely on you and train you.
Step 7: Set a routine you can stick to
Rejection is common when lots of people are chasing the same jobs. It doesn’t tell you what you’re capable of.
Pick a weekly target, such as five applications, two visits and one direct message. Once you’ve done them, stop for the day. Job hunting shouldn’t take over your whole week.
Quick checklist
How inyourroots® can help
inyourroots® starts with your strengths rather than your work history. Budi, your career companion, helps you spot what you’re good at, turn it into evidence for employers and find local businesses that care about fit as well as job history.
You don’t need a CV to start. Join the waitlist at inyourroots.com/budi