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When it comes to job search, a CV is the very first association that pops up in our minds. How else can an employer understand that one is a good fit for the role, if not with the help of their CV? On the flip side, creating a decent CV is time and energy-consuming. Not only should you master the principles of effective CV writing and formatting, but also consistently refine and update it. Is it possible to find a job without a CV? Yes!
In our article, we unpack 9 jobs that come from a diverse range of industries and require various skill sets. Let’s dive in!
Jobs where a CV isn’t of high importance do exist. Among them are entry-level positions, temporary jobs, retail, hospitality, food service roles, and freelance work. For instance, cashier, server, or sales associate are entry-level positions and don’t typically require prior experience or specific qualifications. When looking for people for these roles, employers often prioritize enthusiasm, customer service skills, and a positive attitude over a sparkling resume.
Like the retail industry, hospitality and food service workers are expected to quickly learn and adapt to the role rather than possess formal education or previous experience. All three place a strong emphasis on customer service and interpersonal skills. These qualities are more accessible to assess during the interview than through a CV.
Finally, those aiming at creative roles may also get by without a CV. Employees are interested in seeing your skills being put into practice; that’s why portfolios or work samples are valued way more than traditional resumes.
Employers offering no-CV jobs prefer application forms, online profiles, or face-to-face interviews to assess their candidates. However, even if you aren’t required to send your resume, you will still have to present yourself and prove your worth during the interview. How to do it effectively?
First and foremost, research the company website to define their mission, goals, and values. Highlight relevant experience that would help you contribute to this company’s success and development. Be straight to the point; vague arguments like ‘I am a team player’ or ‘I am stress-resilient’ have minimal effect. Instead, use the STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result. It will help you structure your answers and provide concrete examples of your accomplishments, even if they aren’t directly connected with the job you are applying for.
Don’t fret when it comes to discussing your weaknesses. A candidate ashamed of their mistakes or insufficient knowledge may create the wrong image of an individual with perfectionism and self-esteem issues. Acknowledging the power of constant professional development and demonstrating the ability to identify your potential areas for improvement instead will play into your hands.
Provide measurable accomplishments. Phrases such as ‘I have experience working in sales’ say nothing to the hiring manager about your capabilities in sales. Numbers speak volumes; use them to demonstrate your contribution. For instance, tell them what KPIs you had and how successful you were in meeting and even maybe exceeding them.
Finally, don’t wait for the question, ‘How do you see yourself in 5 years?’. You showcase your growth mindset by initiating the conversation about your future career plans and aspirations. It’s particularly helpful for those aiming at entry-level positions, apprenticeship and trainee roles.
To help you figure out if applying for no-CV jobs is the right option for you, we’ve outlined some advantages and disadvantages. On the bright side, there are:
The downsides of jobs with no CV needed include:
Here comes the most exciting part! We’ve collected 9 diverse no-CV jobs for you to explore and consider. Each of them offers unique opportunities for you to show your skills, talents, and personal traits without the need for creating a competitive CV.
With an ever-growing number of coffee shops and coffee bars, there is always demand for personnel. If you are passionate about the rich tapestry of coffee flavours and experiences, you’ll make an excellent fit for a barista or coffee shop assistant role. Such a beginning may result in higher-end cafe and restaurant roles later in your career.
Average base salary: £10.70 per hour around the UK and £11.44 in London.
Another legal career opportunity that offers an immediate start and no-CV application process is a waiter/waitress and other similar jobs in the food industry. Spending hours on your feet and dealing with various types of clients are often compensated with your guests’ happy faces, words of appreciation, and tips. While application requirements tend to vary from venue to venue, the majority of them usually require just filling out an online form.
Tip: Check East London – it’s abundant with food and drink venues.
Average base salary: £10.61 per hour throughout the UK and £12.28 in London.
Individuals with a driving license and who enjoy constantly moving should consider delivery job opportunities. Those include delivering food, paper post, or online shop orders. By the way, mobility isn’t the only advantage of this job, many companies also offer flexible schedules. If you are a student seeking a side hustle or have other commitments during the day, delivery jobs may be a feasible solution.
Average base salary: £12.57 per hour throughout the UK.
Entry-level roles in sales and marketing may not require a strong CV with extensive sales experience. However, such positions hold the promise of growing into more serious roles. For this reason, even if the employer doesn’t require a CV, they take the selection process seriously. A well-crafted cover letter in which you describe your potential contribution to the company may help you stand out from other inexperienced candidates.
Annum basic salary: £25,970 throughout the UK.
If you are outgoing and socially active, enjoy helping people, and don’t want to miss a social event, feel free to apply for event staff roles. They comprise different responsibilities: greeting and guiding guests, serving food and refreshments, or providing support with any issues, thus ensuring a seamless experience for visitors. For such work, no qualifications are required; it’s more about having the right personality and well-developed soft skills.
Tip: There is always something going on in Central London; regularly scan job openings there.
Average base salary: £11.39 per hour throughout the UK.
If you are one of those who derives pleasure from cleaning, why not turn this hobby into a source of income? Reliability and attention to detail are what employers seek in their candidates for this role, not formal qualifications or prior experience. After the on-the-job training, you can immediately start making money.
Average base salary: £11.11 per hour throughout the UK.
Are you looking for a fun job where no CV is needed? Check out the pet sitter! The most common way to find such jobs is word-of-mouth. Consequently, no CV or other formal arrangements are required. The experience of having your pet and a basic understanding of their psychology may significantly increase your chances of being hired. However, it’s optional. What counts is being patient and willing to impact the lives of pets and their owners positively.
Average base salary: £6.70 per hour throughout the UK, reaching £11.02 in London.
Those who seek remote no-CV jobs should consider virtual assistant opportunities. Usually, a virtual assistant is expected to be friends with the computer and have a stable internet connection; that’s it. Employers may require some specific skills, like experience working with special software. It’s great if you have any certification that proves your computer skills. If not, being computer-literate and a fast learner is usually enough to secure a position.
Average base salary: £11.70 per hour throughout the UK, reaching £15.39 in London.
Customer support roles may be a good option if you are stress-resilient and seek constant conflict-resolution experiences. As a rule, employers don’t expect candidates to have previous qualifications or provide impressive CVs. What they need is strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity in finding approaches to different people. These skills are more accessible to the test during the interview.
Average base salary: £9.64 per hour throughout the UK, reaching £12.02 in London.
