Your first CV and first job interview can make the difference between securing an opportunity and losing a job before it truly begins. In 2026, the labour market is more competitive, employers are paying closer attention to detail, and candidates need to know how to present their experience, skills and motivation clearly.
For many young people, students, graduates and people at the start of their professional journey, the biggest issue is not a complete lack of preparation, but how they put together their CV and present themselves in an interview. A rushed CV with grammatical mistakes, unnecessary information or no clear structure can be rejected quickly. Likewise, an unprepared interview can undermine the positive impression created by a CV.
This 2026 guide to CVs and job interviews explains step by step how to write a strong CV, what it should contain, how to prepare for your first interview, which questions you may be asked and which mistakes to avoid if you want to get your first job.
The topic is especially important for the younger generation, which is entering a labour market different from that of its parents. We explored this change in more detail in the article The Generation Asking Different Questions Than Their Parents, where we explained why young people are seeking more balance, meaning and flexibility in their careers.
Why CVs and interviews matter more than ever in 2026
The labour market has changed significantly in recent years. Digitalisation, artificial intelligence, remote work, automation and economic changes have altered the way companies select candidates. Employers are no longer looking only for qualifications, but for people who can solve problems, communicate well, work in teams and adapt quickly.
The World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs Report 2025 shows that by 2030, a significant share of the skills required in the labour market will change. Increasingly important skills include analytical thinking, flexibility, resilience, creativity and lifelong learning.
In other words, employers consider not only what you have done so far, but also your potential. For a candidate without extensive experience, this can be an advantage. If you know how to present your skills, projects, courses, volunteering or willingness to learn properly, you can make up for a lack of lengthy professional experience.
What a good CV should contain in 2026
A good CV should be clear, concise, well organised and tailored to the job you are applying for. It should not be overloaded with unnecessary information, excessive colours or long descriptions. Recruiters read many CVs, and the first few seconds are very important.
Normally, a CV for an early-career candidate should be one page long. If you have more relevant experience, it can be two pages, but the information must be very well organised.
A good CV in 2026 should include:
- Name and contact details: telephone number, professional email address, city and, where relevant, a LinkedIn profile or portfolio.
- Brief professional profile: two to four lines about who you are, what you are looking for and what you can offer.
- Professional experience: jobs, internships, work placements, volunteering or relevant projects.
- Education: secondary school, university, courses, certifications or qualifications.
- Skills: digital skills, foreign languages, communication, organisation and teamwork.
- Specific achievements: projects, results, activities or clearly defined responsibilities.
- Other relevant information: driving licence, availability, portfolio or certifications.
The Europass platform remains one of the best-known options for creating a CV in a standardised format used across Europe. For some applications, especially those involving institutions, European projects, education programmes or international jobs, a Europass CV can be useful. For other private-sector companies, a simpler, more modern and tailored CV may be more suitable.
A simple CV template for your first job
If you do not have much experience, that does not mean you have nothing to include on your CV. An employer wants to see reliability, clarity, a willingness to learn and specific examples showing that you can carry a task through to completion.
Example structure for a simple CV
Name: Andrei Popescu
Telephone: 07xx xxx xxx
Email: andrei.popescu@email.com
City: Constanța
LinkedIn profile / portfolio: optional
Personal profile
I am a secondary-school or university graduate looking for my first job in a field where I can learn quickly and contribute to the team’s work. I am organised, reliable, detail-oriented and interested in professional development.
In the same context, see also Skills Development: A Competitive Advantage at Work, which provides additional relevant information.
Education
Secondary school / university: name of institution
Period: 2022-2026
Stream / specialisation: science, humanities, economics, technical studies or another relevant field
Relevant projects: school projects, assignments, competitions or extracurricular activities.
Experience, volunteering or projects
Volunteer at a local event
Responsibilities: organising participants, communicating with the team, logistical support and resolving issues that arose.
Personal / school project
Example: creating a presentation, managing an online page, taking part in a team project or building a digital portfolio.
Skills
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
- Google Docs, Google Sheets;
- communication and teamwork;
- attention to detail;
- English — intermediate/advanced level;
- adaptability and willingness to learn.
This 2026 CV template can be adapted to the job. For a sales role, highlight communication and working with people. For an administrative role, emphasise organisation and attention to detail. For an IT job, include projects, courses, programming languages or platforms you have used.
What to put on your CV if you have no experience
Lack of experience is one of the biggest concerns for candidates at the beginning of their careers. However, employers know that a young candidate cannot have years of experience. What matters is showing what you have done so far and what you can learn.
If you do not have professional experience, you can include the following on your CV:
- school or university projects;
- volunteering;
- work placements;
- online courses;
- certificates obtained;
- extracurricular activities;
- participation in competitions or events;
- digital skills;
- foreign languages;
- responsibilities that demonstrate discipline and reliability.
In 2026, online courses and digital skills can matter greatly, especially for candidates without experience. If you have completed relevant courses, you can include them on your CV. We explained separately how to choose suitable courses in the article Online Digital Courses: Accreditation, Platforms and What Is Worth Choosing, as well as in the guide on e-learning and online courses.
Common CV mistakes that can rule you out from the start
A CV does not have to be perfect, but it should be polished. Some mistakes can suggest a lack of attention, poor organisation or a lack of interest.
The most common CV mistakes are:
- Grammar mistakes: check the text before sending it.
- An unprofessional email address: avoid nicknames or old email addresses from your teenage years.
- A CV that is too long: do not include unnecessary details.
- False information: do not exaggerate your English level, experience or skills.
- Sending the same CV everywhere: tailor it for every important job application.
- Missing contact details: it may sound basic, but it happens often.
- An overloaded design: a CV should be easy to read.
- Vague descriptions: do not simply write “reliable person”; demonstrate it through examples.
A simple rule is this: if a piece of information does not help the employer understand why you are suited to that job, it probably does not belong on your CV.
What employers look for in a candidate with no experience
An employer does not expect a candidate applying for their first job to know everything. Instead, they look at attitude, reliability, punctuality, willingness to learn and the ability to communicate.
For many entry-level jobs, the following matter greatly:
- arriving on time;
- communicating clearly;
- asking when you do not know something;
- following instructions;
- paying attention to detail;
- being able to work with other people;
- not giving up at the first obstacle;
- having a courteous attitude towards colleagues and customers.
Often, a candidate without experience but who is reliable and eager to learn may be preferred to an experienced candidate with an unsuitable attitude.
How to prepare for your first job interview
Your first interview may seem intimidating, but preparation reduces anxiety. You do not need to memorise answers; you need to know clearly who you are, what you are looking for and why you applied for that job.
Before the interview, take the following steps:
- read the job advertisement several times;
- visit the company’s website;
- check its field of activity;
- prepare two or three examples about yourself;
- practise a brief 30-to-60-second introduction;
- choose suitable clothing;
- check the address, time and contact person;
- prepare a few questions for the employer.
A good interview does not mean appearing perfect. It means being coherent, honest, polite and prepared.
How to introduce yourself at the start of an interview
One of the most common requests is: “Tell us a little about yourself.” Many candidates freeze at this point, although the question is a good opportunity to make a positive first impression.
A good answer might sound like this:
“I am at the beginning of my career and I would like to learn in a professional environment. I have completed my studies in my field, taken part in several projects, and I am organised, detail-oriented and reliable. I applied for this job because it seems like a good opportunity to develop my skills and contribute to the team’s work.”
The answer should be adapted to the job. The important thing is not to speak for too long, not to repeat your entire CV and not to go into personal details unrelated to the role.
Common interview questions and examples of good answers
1. Why do you want this job?
This question checks your motivation. The employer wants to see whether you applied at random or genuinely understand the role.
Good answer:
“I want this job because it matches my skills and the direction in which I want to develop. It seems like a good opportunity to learn, work in a team and gain practical experience in a field that interests me.”
2. What are your strengths?
It is not enough to say “I am reliable”. Give examples.
Good answer:
“One of my strengths is that I am organised. For example, during a team project, I kept track of tasks, deadlines and the materials needed. This helped us finish the project on time.”
3. What are your weaknesses?
Do not say that you have no weaknesses. Choose something real, but something that can be improved.
Good answer:
“Sometimes I tend to check a task too many times before submitting it because I want it to be correct. I am working on this by organising my time better and maintaining a balance between attention to detail and efficiency.”
4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
The employer wants to see whether you have direction, not whether you have a perfect plan.
Good answer:
“In five years, I would like to have more experience in the field, be more confident in my skills and be able to take on greater responsibilities. At this point, my goal is to learn as much as possible and grow professionally step by step.”
5. Why should we hire you?
Here, you need to connect your skills to the company’s needs.
Good answer:
“I believe I could be a good fit for this role because I am reliable, I learn quickly and I am willing to make an effort to adapt. Even though I am at the beginning of my career, I bring motivation, attention to detail and a desire to contribute to the team.”
What you should never say in an interview
Some answers can create a poor impression even if you have a good CV. An interview is not the place to speak negatively about former teachers, former employers, colleagues or other companies.
Avoid statements such as:
- “I do not know anything about the company.”
- “I have applied for many jobs; I do not even remember exactly which role this is for.”
- “I do not like being told what to do.”
- “I only want the salary.”
- “I have no flaws.”
- “I am not interested in learning new things.”
- “At my former workplace, everyone was incompetent.”
You can be honest without being unprepared. You can discuss salary, but it should not be the only thing you convey. You can say that you want fair pay, while also showing that professional development, stability and the working environment matter to you.
How to answer the salary question
The salary question may come up at the very first interview. Many candidates are afraid to answer, but it is normal to discuss money. The important thing is not to give a completely unprepared answer.
Before the interview, check salary levels for the relevant field, the city where you are applying and your level of experience. If you are at the beginning of your career, you can phrase your answer flexibly:
“As I am at the beginning of my career, I am interested in learning and developing, but I would also like fair pay for the responsibilities of the role. I would first like to understand the full package, schedule, responsibilities and growth opportunities.”
If the employer insists on an amount, you can provide a realistic range rather than a fixed figure. For example: “Depending on the responsibilities and benefits, I am considering a range between X and Y lei net.” For a more detailed approach, you can also consult the guide How to Negotiate a Better Salary.
What to wear to your first interview
Your outfit depends on the company and the job, but the general rule is to be clean, well groomed and appropriate to the context. You do not need to wear a suit if you are applying for a job with a casual environment, but you should not appear unkempt either.
For office, sales, reception, banking, administration or customer-service roles, choose a simple and neat outfit. For technical or creative jobs, you can opt for a more relaxed look, but it should still be professional.
A first impression is not limited to clothing. Punctuality, greeting, tone of voice, posture, attentiveness and the way you respond all matter.
Questions to ask the employer
An interview is not only an assessment of the candidate. It is also an opportunity for you to understand whether the job suits you. At the end, it is a good idea to have two or three questions prepared.
You can ask:
- What are the main responsibilities during the first few months?
- What does a typical day in this role look like?
- Is there a training or onboarding period?
- What are the most important qualities for someone in this role?
- How is performance assessed?
- What are the next steps in the recruitment process?
These questions demonstrate interest and maturity. They also help you avoid jobs where the real responsibilities are very different from the advertisement.
What to do after the interview
After the interview, you should not send repeated or insistent messages. However, a brief thank-you message can leave a good impression, especially for office jobs, internships or roles where communication matters.
A simple example:
“Good afternoon, thank you for today’s discussion and for your time. I was pleased to learn more about the role and the company. I remain available should you require any further information. Have a nice day!”
If you were told that you would receive an answer within a certain period and the deadline has passed, you can follow up politely with a short message. Do not accuse, pressure them or send several messages in one day.
Case studies: what a good path to a first job can look like
Case study 1: secondary-school graduate applying for a first job
A secondary-school graduate with no experience may feel they have nothing to put on their CV. In reality, they can include school projects, extracurricular activities, volunteering, digital skills and a willingness to learn. If they are applying for a job in retail, reception or customer service, they can highlight communication skills, punctuality and reliability.
For pupils just finishing secondary school, the examination period can be decisive. We have also published a complete guide on Baccalaureate 2026: Official Calendar, Exams, Results and Preparation Guide, useful for those who want to organise their next steps more effectively before university or their first job.
Case study 2: student looking for an internship
A student looking for an internship can focus on university projects, courses, workshop participation and digital skills. Even if they have not worked at a company, they can show that they have discipline, curiosity and the capacity to learn.
On a CV, it is better to state specifically, “I created a market-analysis presentation”, “I worked in a team of four people” or “I used Excel to organise data” than to use only general phrases such as “I am hardworking and ambitious”.
Case study 3: person seeking a career change
A person who wants to change fields needs to show why their previous experience can be useful in the new role. For example, someone who has worked in sales may have strong communication, negotiation and customer-relations skills. These can also be valuable in marketing, customer support, recruitment or administration.
In such a case, online courses, certifications and personal projects can be very important. They show that the change is not only a wish, but a process already under way.
How artificial intelligence can help you write your CV — and where to be careful
In 2026, many candidates use artificial-intelligence tools to write their CV, cover letter or interview answers. These tools can be useful, but you should not mechanically copy generic text.
AI can help you correct mistakes, rephrase your experience more clearly, tailor your CV to a specific job or practise interview questions. However, the answers must remain real and personal. If you use complex phrases in an interview that you cannot explain, the recruiter will quickly realise it.
Use technology as an aid, not as a replacement for honesty and preparation.
Mistakes that can cost you your first job
Sometimes, candidates lose opportunities not because they are incapable, but because they make simple mistakes. The most important are lack of preparation, being late, an outdated CV, vague answers and a lack of interest in the company.
Other important mistakes include:
- not answering the phone or email after applying;
- not knowing which role you applied for;
- speaking too much and not listening to the question;
- lying on your CV;
- having an arrogant attitude;
- asking only about holiday leave and salary, without showing interest in the work;
- having no questions at the end;
- being unable to give any examples about yourself.
A good candidate is not someone with perfect answers, but someone who conveys reliability, clarity and a genuine willingness to learn.
A CV gets you to the interview, but attitude can get you the job
A good CV in 2026 should be clear, accurate, tailored to the job and easy to read. It does not need to be full of complicated phrases; it should show who you are, what you can do and why you could be suited to that role.
Your first job interview should not be seen as an impossible test, but as a professional conversation. The employer wants to see whether you are reliable, understand the role, can communicate and have the potential to fit into the team.
For an early-career candidate, the most important strengths are reliability, punctuality, willingness to learn, honesty and the ability to adapt. Experience builds over time, but a first impression forms quickly.
If you prepare your CV carefully, read about the company before the interview, prepare a few examples and avoid basic mistakes, you will have a much better chance of getting your first job or taking the next important step in your career.
Frequently asked questions about CVs and job interviews
How long should a CV be in 2026?
For an early-career candidate, a CV should usually be one page long. If you have more relevant experience, it can be two pages, but the information should be clear, well organised and tailored to the job.
What should I put on my CV if I have no experience?
You can include your education, school or university projects, volunteering, work placements, extracurricular activities, courses, digital skills, foreign languages and any activity that demonstrates responsibility and a willingness to learn.
Is it good to use a Europass CV?
A Europass CV can be useful for applications in Europe, institutions, education programmes or jobs that require a standardised format. For some private-sector companies, a simple, clean and tailored CV may be more suitable.
What is the most common mistake at a first interview?
The most common mistake is arriving unprepared: knowing nothing about the company, being unable to explain why you want the job and having no specific examples of your skills.
How do I answer the salary question?
It is a good idea to research salaries in the field beforehand and offer a realistic range. You can say that you would like fair pay for the responsibilities of the role and that you want to understand the full package before giving a final answer.
What do I do after an interview if I do not receive an answer?
If the deadline communicated by the employer has passed, you can send a short, polite message asking whether there are any updates on the recruitment process. Repeated or insistent messages are not recommended.
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