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First-Time Resume With No Work Experience Example

Writing Your First Resume

What to include in your resume.

• Tips Preparing Your First Resume

Resume Template and Example

More resume examples and templates.

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Writing your first-ever resume can be a challenge. How do you sell yourself to an employer when you’re a student who doesn’t have any experience in your targeted field?

When writing your first resume with no formal work experience, it's appropriate to include casual jobs like babysitting, pet-sitting, lawn-mowing, and shoveling snow. You can also include volunteering, internships, extracurriculars, and community activities.

All experience counts. The best way you can present yourself, your skills, and your assets to a hiring manager is to provide them with a strong resume that showcases your unique talents.

Here's how to write your first resume, what to include, how to show employers the skills you have, a sample resume to review, and a template you can use to get started writing your resume.

To get started, review information on the  different parts of a resume  and what is included in each element. It's a good idea to review high school resume examples to get an idea of what is appropriate. Even if you've never held a formal job, you still have important life experience that applies to the job search.

Don't forget to look at volunteer work, civic groups, and youth organizations (for example, the Scouts or 4-H). The skills you have developed doing these things have given you valuable experience that will impress employers.

The bottom line is you actually have a lot more experience than you think you have.

Writing your first resume  can seem intimidating, but if you take it step-by-step, you will be able to put together a document that will highlight your abilities and show the hiring manager that you’re worth calling for an interview.

Start by mining your life experience and academic achievements to show you'll be an asset to the company even though you don't have any related job titles to show off at this stage in your career.

For your first resume, take the soft skills (also known as “people skills”) you have and show how they translate into success where you choose to apply them. Include volunteer experience, school achievements, sports, clubs, and organizations you belong to.

Scan the job descriptions for the positions to which you're applying. Look for keywords that indicate what the hiring manager values in a candidate.

For example, the job listing might say, "Successful candidate will be a self-starter who delivers on time and within budget." In that case, although you don't have relevant work experience in the same field, you can get the hiring manager's attention by being sure to include (and emphasize) projects that you've successfully led, such as high school clubs in which you held a leadership role that required you to manage both your time and the team's money.

Other people skills that employers often seek in entry-level job applicants include traits like dependability, good communication, organizational skills, a solid work ethic, and teamwork.

If you start with the job listings instead of a blank page, the hiring manager's keywords will guide you, and help you focus on which of your academic or after-school experiences have prepared you for this first step in your career.

Once you've compiled a list of what you need in your resume, it should include:

• Contact information
• Experience (casual work, volunteering, clubs, youth organizations, and teams)
• Skills (related to the job)
• Awards and Achievements (academic and extracurricular)

Tips for Preparing Your​​ First Resume

• Don't lie.  No matter how tempting it might be to stretch the truth, lying on your resume is always a bad idea. You might make it through this round of interviews and even get the job, but you won't be able to deliver on the promises your resume offered. Plus, you'll potentially be caught—and fired.
• Don't pad.  You don't need to include the line "references upon request," personal information beyond your contact information, or a bunch of unrelated hobbies. In fact, there's a lot of stuff you don't need to put on your resume, even when it's your first one.
• Proofread.  Nothing is less persuasive than a resume full of typos and inconsistencies. Have a trusted friend or family member  proofread your resume  before you submit it.

Download the resume template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) to use as a starting point for your own resume.  

Resume Example (Text Version)

Michelle Washington 18 Sunnyside Boulevard Arlington, NY 16543 mwashington@email.com 111.123.1234

EDUCATION Arlington High School, Arlington, NY CLASS OF 2024 (3.9 GPA)

Pet Sitter — Arlington, NY JUNE 2022 - PRESENT

Established successful pet-sitting business including dog walking, feeding, and yard care. Responsible for obtaining clients, scheduling and attending visits, organizing visits, and maintaining client relationships.

Soup Kitchen Volunteer — Arlington, NY SEPTEMBER 2022 - PRESENT

Act as weekend/holiday volunteer manager at local soup kitchen, scheduling volunteer time slots, managing intake of donated food, and assisting with preparation and distribution of meals on Sundays and holidays including, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Child Care Provider — Arlington, NY JUNE 2020 – JUNE 2022

Provided child care for several families after school, on weekends, and during school vacations.

SKILLS                                                  

Customer service Hospitality Microsoft Office Google Drive

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

National Honor Society Honor Roll President of Arlington High School Volunteer Club MVP, Arlington Varsity softball team

Here are more examples that you can use to get ideas for your own resume:

• Entry-Level Resume Example
• High School Student Resume Example
• High School Student Resume Template

Key Takeaways

Think about everything you've done. Incorporate casual jobs, volunteering, internships, extracurriculars, and community activities to showcase your skills and assets, even if you lack formal work experience.

Highlight your transferable skills. Emphasize soft skills like communication, dependability, organizational skills, and teamwork that align with the job requirements.

Tailor your resume to the job. Customize your resume for each application by including relevant keywords from the job description and focusing on experiences that demonstrate your fit for the position.

CareerOneStop. " Get Work Experience ."

CareerOneStop. " Resumes ."

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First Resume: Example With No Work Experience and Tips

A first resume not only highlights your skills and achievements but also acts as a tool to showcase your potential to employers.

But, writing a first resume can be a challenging task, especially when you have no work experience to mention. This is where most job seekers struggle to write an effective resume that attracts the attention of recruiters.

In this article, we will discuss the important aspects of writing a first resume with no work experience, along with some valuable tips to help you create an impressive resume that can land you your dream job. So, let’s dive into the details and discover how you can write a winning first resume that stands out from the crowd.

Resume Format and Structure

When starting to build your first resume with no work experience, it can be overwhelming to decide which format and structure to use. The most commonly used resume formats are the chronological resume, functional resume, and combination resume.

A. Chronological Resume

The chronological resume format is the most traditional and widely used format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position first. This format is ideal if you have a consistent work history and have job roles that show a clear progression.

If you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience, the chronological resume may not be the best format for you. An employer will be able to see that you have little experience and may assume that you are not qualified for the job. However, if you have completed internships or volunteer work related to the job you are applying for, you can include them in your chronological resume.

B. Functional Resume

The functional resume format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience. This format is ideal if you have gaps in your employment history, have changed careers, or do not have a lot of work experience.

The functional resume includes sections that highlight your relevant skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. You can also include any relevant coursework, projects, or certifications you have completed. This format allows you to emphasize your strengths and transferable skills.

C. Combination Resume

The combination resume format is a mix of the chronological and functional resume formats. It includes a section that highlights your skills and abilities, as well as a section that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. This format is ideal if you have some work experience and want to emphasize your skills and achievements, while also demonstrating your work history.

If you are a recent graduate with no work experience, you can still use the combination resume format. Focus on highlighting your relevant coursework, projects, and extracurricular activities in the skills section. You can also include any volunteer work or internships that relate to the job you are applying for in the work experience section.

Choosing the right resume format and structure is key to creating an effective resume. Consider your work history, skills, and qualifications when deciding which format to use. If you need help crafting your first resume, there are many online resources and career centers that can offer support and guidance.

Key Sections of a First Resume

A. Header and Contact Information

The header and contact information are the first things that a potential employer will see on your first resume. It is essential to include accurate and professional information to make a positive first impression. Your full name, phone number, email address, and physical address should be included in the header. If you have a professional website or social media accounts, you can also add them to your header.

B. Objective or Summary Statement

The objective or summary statement is a short paragraph that follows the header and contact information section. This section describes your career goals and highlights your most relevant skills for the position. It is essential to tailor this statement for each position you apply for to show the employer that you understand the requirements of the role and have the necessary skills to succeed.

C. Education

The education section should include your highest level of education, the name of the institution you attended, your program of study, and your graduation date or expected graduation date. If your GPA is 3.0 or higher, you can also add it to this section. If you have any relevant coursework or academic achievements, include them in the education section.

In the skills section, you can list your hard and soft skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Hard skills are technical abilities that you have acquired through education or training, while soft skills are interpersonal abilities such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Make sure to only include skills that are relevant to the job.

E. Relevant Coursework

If you don’t have any work experience, relevant coursework can be a way to show that you have relevant skills and knowledge. List any relevant courses you have taken that relate to the position you are applying for. This section can also be used to highlight any academic projects or research you have completed.

F. Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities can provide insight into your personality, work ethic, and leadership skills. List any clubs, organizations, or volunteer groups that you are a part of and describe your role and any accomplishments.

G. Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to community service and show that you have gained valuable skills outside of the classroom. List any volunteer work you have done, including the organization, your role, and any achievements.

H. Internships

Internships are essential for gaining professional experience and acquiring skills related to your field of study. List any internships you have completed, the organization, your role, and any accomplishments.

I. Certifications and Awards

Certifications and awards can show that you have demonstrated proficiency in a particular area or achieved exceptional performance in an activity. List any certifications, licenses, or awards you have received.

J. References

References are optional on a resume but can be helpful in demonstrating that you have the support of previous employers, teachers, or mentors.

Tips for Writing a First Resume

When writing your first resume, it can be challenging to know where to start. However, the following tips can help you create a successful first resume that catches the attention of potential employers.

A. Customize the Resume

One critical tip for writing a first resume is to tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Each job has different requirements, and employers want to know what makes you stand out. By customizing your resume, you can highlight the skills, experiences, and qualifications that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

B. Use Action Words

Using action words in your resume helps to create an impression of your proactive attitude and helps to add impact to your accomplishments. Assure that every bullet point or sentence begins with a compelling action word that conveys your ability to get things done. Using powerful words such as “developed,” “created,” and “managed” can help a novice candidate’s resume to stand out from the crowd.

C. Focus on Achievements

Employers want to know what you can accomplish, regardless of your experience level. Focus on achievements in your resume, highlighting the positive results you’ve achieved whenever possible. This might include projects you’ve completed, problems you’ve solved, and any outcomes or results you’ve generated, like increased revenue or cost savings that can demonstrate your potential to succeed in the new position.

D. Highlight Relevant Skills and Qualifications

Relevant skills and qualifications make a difference when competing for a job, so make sure to include them on your resume. This will also include any workshops, volunteer work, or coursework that aligns with the job description or industry. It’s important to remember that even if you have no work experience, you may have valuable skills like problem-solving skills, collaborative skills which could qualify for a particular job.

E. Proofread and Edit the Resume

Finally, take the time to proofread and edit your resume carefully. Your resume is a reflection of you, and any errors or typos can ruin your chances of getting hired. Read over your resume multiple times, corrected any grammatical and format issues, and ask someone else to do the same. By spending the time to proofread your resume, you can ensure that it looks polished and professional to potential employers.

Creating your first resume may seem daunting, but including these tips ensures a successful first attempt. By customizing your resume, using action words, focusing on achievements, highlighting relevant skills and qualifications, and proofreading and editing, you can make a tremendous impression and pave the way to employment.

Example First Resume with no Work Experience

When crafting your first resume without any work experience, it’s essential to highlight your skills and education to appeal to potential employers. In this section, we’ll provide examples of three different resume formats to help you showcase your strengths.

A. Introduction of the Candidate

Before diving into the resume formats, let’s introduce our hypothetical candidate. Meet John Smith, a recent high school graduate with no prior work experience. John is eager to enter the workforce and gain experience to start building his career.

B. Chronological Format Example

The chronological resume format is the most common, listing your work experience in reverse chronological order. However, since John has no work experience, we’ll focus on highlighting his education, skills, and accomplishments.

John Smith  123 Main St. | Anytown, USA 12345 | 555-555-5555 | johnsmith.

Cover Letter Tips and Examples

A compelling cover letter can be the difference between getting noticed by a potential employer or getting lost in the pile of job applications. In this section, we’ll cover the importance of a cover letter, the key sections that should be included, tips for writing a successful cover letter, and provide an example of a first cover letter with no work experience.

A. Importance of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role you are applying for. It allows you to go beyond the resume and provide additional context about why you are the perfect candidate for the job. A well-crafted cover letter can prove to the hiring manager that you have taken the time to research the company and tailor your application to fit their needs.

B. Key Sections of a Cover Letter

There are three key sections that should be included in a cover letter: the introduction, the body, and the closing.

Introduction

In the introduction, you should start with a strong opening line that catches the reader’s attention. You can then provide a brief overview of who you are, what position you are applying for, and how you heard about the job.

The body of the cover letter is where you can showcase your skills and experience that make you a strong fit for the role. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, as well as how your skills and qualifications match the job posting.

In the closing, you should thank the hiring manager for their time and express your enthusiasm for the position. You can also include a call to action, such as requesting an interview or asking to follow up on your application.

C. Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

Here are some tips to help you write a successful cover letter:

• Research the company and tailor your cover letter to the job posting
• Use a professional tone and be concise
• Highlight your relevant skills and experience
• Avoid repeating information from your resume
• Proofread for any errors or typos

D. Example First Cover Letter with no Work Experience

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the position of Marketing Assistant at ABC Company. As a recent graduate with a degree in Marketing, I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills to a real-world setting.

Although I may not have direct work experience, I have completed several marketing internships and projects that have allowed me to develop valuable skills. For example, during my internship at XYZ Company, I conducted market research, wrote social media copy, and assisted with email marketing campaigns. Additionally, I have experience using marketing analytics tools such as Google Analytics and SEMRush.

I believe my skills and experience make me a strong fit for the Marketing Assistant role at ABC Company. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my creative ideas and collaborate with your team to achieve your marketing goals.

Thank you for considering my application.

Job Search Strategies for Students and New Graduates

Finding a job as a student or new graduate can be overwhelming, but there are several strategies that can help you land your first job. Here are some job search strategies that you can use to help you get started:

A. Networking

One of the most effective ways for students and new graduates to find employment opportunities is through networking. Networking involves establishing professional relationships with people in your industry or field of interest. This can be done by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and contacting people who work in companies that you are interested in.

Networking can help you discover job openings that aren’t advertised, get referrals, and learn more about the industry. When you attend networking events, be prepared to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and ask for advice or information.

B. Job Search Websites

Job search websites are another useful tool for students and new graduates looking for employment opportunities. These websites allow job seekers to search for job openings by keywords, location, industry, and job type. Some of the most popular job search websites include Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.

When using job search websites, it’s important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. You should also set up email alerts for new job postings and apply for jobs as soon as possible.

C. Career Fairs

Attending career fairs is a great way for students and new graduates to meet recruiters and learn more about different companies. Career fairs are usually held on college campuses or in convention centers and typically include a variety of companies.

Before attending a career fair, make sure you research the companies that will be attending and prepare your resume and elevator pitch. During the career fair, approach recruiters with confidence, ask questions, and leave a positive impression.

D. Company Websites and Social Media

Many companies post job openings on their websites or social media platforms. It’s important to regularly check the websites and social media pages of the companies that you are interested in to stay up-to-date on job openings.

When applying for jobs through company websites, make sure you carefully read the job descriptions and tailor your application to the specific job. You should also follow the companies on social media to learn more about their culture and values.

Finding your first job as a student or new graduate can be overwhelming. However, by using these job search strategies, you can increase your chances of finding employment opportunities and landing your dream job. Remember to stay positive, be persistent, and keep improving your resume and cover letter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to crafting your first resume without work experience, there are several mistakes that you should be sure to avoid. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to be aware of:

A. Typos and Grammatical Errors

One of the quickest ways to turn off a potential employer is to present a resume that’s filled with typos and grammatical errors. These mistakes can make it seem like you don’t care about the quality of your work, or worse, that you don’t have strong communication skills. Be sure to proofread your resume carefully, and consider having a friend or family member review it as well. Even better, use an online tool like Grammarly to help catch any errors you might miss.

B. Including Irrelevant Information

When you’re just starting out in your career, you might be tempted to include every detail about yourself on your resume in the hopes of making yourself look more impressive. However, including irrelevant information can make it harder for employers to see why you’re a good fit for the job. Stick to information that’s directly relevant to the position you’re applying for, such as any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities.

C. Using a Generic Resume Template

There are countless resume templates available online, but using a generic template won’t help you stand out from the crowd. Instead, take the time to create a personalized resume that showcases your unique skills and experiences. Consider using design elements like color or typography to make your resume visually appealing, but avoid going overboard with flashy graphics or excessive formatting.

D. Not Tailoring the Resume to the Job Description

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is failing to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Each job description will have different requirements and preferences, so be sure to read the description carefully and revise your resume accordingly. Highlight any skills or experiences that are particularly relevant to the position, and use keywords from the job description to help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a first resume that highlights your strengths and catches the eye of potential employers. Remember, while it may take some time and effort to craft the perfect resume, the result will be worth it when you land your first job.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a first-time job seeker, it’s natural to have questions about creating your first resume. Below are some common questions and answers to help you in your job search.

A. What if I have no Work Experience?

If you have no work experience, don’t worry. You can still create a strong resume that emphasizes your skills and abilities. Use the skills section of your resume to highlight transferable skills you’ve gained from volunteer work, school projects, or extracurricular activities. Include specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills, such as leadership or problem-solving.

B. How long should my Resume be?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on your individual experience and qualifications. As a general rule of thumb, a one-page resume is sufficient for most entry-level positions. If you have extensive experience or qualifications, consider a two-page resume. Be sure to prioritize the most relevant information for the position you’re applying for.

C. What if I have gaps in my Education or Work History?

It’s common to have gaps in your education or work history, and it’s important to be transparent about these gaps in your resume. If you took time off from school or work for personal reasons, briefly explain why in your resume or cover letter. If you used that time to gain new skills or experiences, highlight those on your resume.

D. Can I include Hobbies or Personal Interests in my Resume?

Including hobbies or personal interests on your resume can be a tricky area. If your hobbies or interests are relevant to the position you’re applying for, it can be a great way to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the work. For example, if you’re applying for a job at a sports company, highlighting your interest in sports can help set you apart from other applicants. Just be careful not to distract from your qualifications and experience with irrelevant information.

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How to Write Your First Job Resume [For 2024]

So there you are, sitting in front of a screen, staring at a blank Word page for hours, with one task at hand: writing your first job resume.

Where do you even start?

And most importantly: How do you fill those 1-2 pages when you have no work experience?

We feel your struggle and we’re here to help!

In this article, we’re going to guide you through the entire process of creating a first job resume from start to finish.

Let’s dive right in, shall we?

How to Write Your First Job Resume

• Pick the right resume template
• Write down your contact information (correctly)
• Include a resume objective
• List your education (in detail)
• Instead of work experience, focus on…
• Highlight your skills
• Mention optional sections
• Stick to the one-page limit
• Get inspired by a first-job resume example

Don’t worry, we’re going to cover all of the above in detail!

Starting with the first step:

#1. Pick the Right First Job Resume Format and Template

There are 3 main resume formats you can pick from. Each of them highlights a different part of your resume.

• Reverse-Chronological Resume - In this format, your work experiences and education are listed in reverse-chronological order. 
• Functional Resume - Instead of work experience, this format focuses on your skills and achievements.
• Combination (or Hybrid) Resume - This format focuses on both your skills and work experience.

For 99% of job-seekers, we recommend sticking with the reverse-chronological format.

While a functional resume can sometimes help for career changers or recent graduates, it’s still nowhere near as common as the reverse chronological one.

Plus, recruiters world-wide are familiar with the reverse-chronological format, making it a safer bet.

A reverse-chronological resume looks as follows:

Once you’ve picked the format, the next step is to perfect your layout, font, and the like. Here’s what we recommend for that:

• Use a Two-Column Layout. A two-column resume layout allows you to fit a lot more content into your resume.
• Pick a Common Font. We recommend Ubuntu, Overpass, or Roboto.
• Use Bullets to Describe Your Experiences.
• Don’t Go Over One Page. Unless you’re a professional with a decade of work experience, we recommend sticking to the one-page resume limit.

Want to avoid all the hassle of formatting your resume layout? We don’t blame you - if you wanted to build a good-looking resume from scratch, it would take you hours before you could even start filling it in.

Thankfully, there’s an easier way out: using a resume builder.

With Novoresume, all you have to do is pick a template, and fill in the contents. It’s that simple.

And on top of that, Novorésumé resumes are ATS-friendly . Meaning, your resume won’t be swallowed up by an applicant tracking system just because it can’t read it.

Want to get started with Novorésumé? Browse our resume templates .

#2. Write Down Your Contact Information (Correctly)

It’s important for the recruiter to have at least two ways of reaching back to you.

Meaning, you should always provide your contact information in your resume . That includes: 

• First and last name
• Phone number

Apart from these must-haves, you can also provide:

• LinkedIn URL - This is a good way to complement your resume. It also makes the recruiter’s life easier since they usually check your LinkedIn profile anyway. Make sure all information is updated and consistent with your resume, though.
• Relevant social media (like Quora or StackOverflow) - Any social media that is related to the job position and puts you in good light should be included in your resume. In most cases. If you’re a developer, it could be projects on GitHub. Writer? Personal blog.
• Website or blog - Again, this should be something related to the job. It shows your interest and dedication to the industry and how you spend some of your free time.

When it comes to your contact information, the key is to write everything correctly . Double-check you’ve spelled your name and email right, make sure the phone number you’ve listed can be reached, and that the accounts you have linked to are up to date . 

Something else you should know regarding location is how much detail you should be providing. 

The reason recruiters want to know your location is so that they have an idea of whether you’re in the vicinity of the company or not (and if you’ll need to relocate for work). 

That means, providing the city and country where you live will be enough. No need for your full home address. 

#3. Include a Resume Objective

Recruiters spend on average 7 seconds scanning each resume before deciding if it’s worth more consideration or not. 

That means your resume has about 7 seconds to leave a great first impression and convince the recruiter you’re the person they’re looking for.

A good resume objective does that for you. 

A resume objective is a 2-3 sentence snapshot of your skills, achievements, and career goals . Its purpose is to communicate your motivation for getting into the field and your interest in this particular position. 

This makes it ideal for the first job resume of a recent graduate or somebody who’s changing careers. Basically, any resume with no work experience . 

Your resume objective should be tailored to the position you are applying for and highlight skills that will help the company achieve its goal. Use as many facts and numbers as you can to back up any statements or achievements. 

• Creative and motivated recent graduate with a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Michigan. Seeking permanent employment in the field of marketing after completing successful internships in 2 major media companies. Looking to further develop my market analysis skills and contribute to future marketing strategy developments at XY Company.
• I am looking to put my marketing skills into action by initially working for the marketing department of a well-known company until I can finally get to an executive position.

#4. List Your Education (In Detail)

For starters, you should know how to list your education entries correctly in the following format:

• Program Name e.g.: B.A. in Information Systems
• University Name e.g.: University of Chicago
• Years Attended e.g.: 07/2013 - 05/2017
• GPA (only if really high)
• Honors (If applicable) e.g. Cum Laude

Exchange Program (If applicable) e.g. Exchange program in Berlin, Germany

Apart from your skills, your education is the biggest selling point in your first job resume. This is not the place to be humble and play down your achievements!

Write down your GPA (if it’s something impressive), emphasize your honors, and most importantly, highlight your academic achievements by describing them in detail.  

What you can also do is list specific courses that you have taken that are relevant to the position you are applying for. 

Here’s an example of what an entry on the education section should look like:

B.A. in English Literature (Cum Laude)

Boston University

07/2014 - 05/2018

• Courses: Advanced Topics in Literature: Shakespeare’s Work 
• Clubs: Boston University Drama Club
• Exchange program in London, UK

#5. Instead of Work Experience, Focus On This

As a recent graduate, the recruiter knows you don’t have any work experience - and that’s OK. As long as you’re applying for a junior or entry-level position, the experience isn’t something expected from you.

Instead, the recruiter will be looking for other experiences that enrich your profile, like:

• Internships
• Extracurricular Activities

When talking about these experiences, format them just like you’d format your work experience. 

Business Analyst Internship

AAA Company

Milan, Italy

05/2019 - 12/2019

• Ran weekly and monthly analysis on diverse areas of the business
• Created insightful reports of the analysis to present to managers and teams
• Defined strategic KPIs, in order to monitor the efficiency of commercial operations

When possible, try to focus on listing your achievements and not your responsibilities. This will help you stand out from the rest of the applicants.

Haven’t done any internships? Include extracurricular activities.

More often than not, an applicant with extracurricular activities and an average GPA will impress the recruiter much more than a 4.0 GPA student with nothing else to show. When listing your extracurricular activities, each entry should have the following format:

Moot Court Club Member

2017 - 2019

• Participated for two years in a row at the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, making it to the finals in 2019
• Researched and prepared written pleadings, called memorials addressing timely issues of public international law
• Helped train the new club members in topics of international law

Finally, you can also list independent projects, if you have any. Think, something you did on the side just for yourself. This can be a personal project, small business or startup, side-gig, blog, etc.

Amy’s Book Club Blog

2018 - Present

• Created my own book club website for reviewing and discussing the latest books.
• Curated a monthly book calendar for my followers to follow, combining trending, relevant, and classic books.
• Created over 40 book review articles.
• On average, received 2000 visitors per month to the blog.

#6. Highlight Your Skills

The two types of skills you can mention on your resume are soft skills and hard skills.

Soft skills are attributes that help you adapt to work environments, work in a team, and apply your hard skills effectively. They are related to your personality, social skills, communication, attitude, etc.

Hard skills refer to technical knowledge and specific tools. They are skills that one learns and applies directly to the job. Some examples of hard skills include:

• Financial accounting
• Adobe Illustrator

Although soft skills are becoming more and more in demand by employers , for your first job resume, we recommend sticking to hard skills. 

Sure, attributes like “teamwork” or “critical thinking” are much appreciated by just about any employer. 

The thing is, though, the recruiter can’t really tell if you actually have critical thinking skills, or just listed it on your resume to fill space.

Hard skills, on the other hand, are very easy to test.

Tailor Skills to the Job Ad

Not sure which skills to mention in your first job resume?

The simplest way to find the essential ones is to check the job ad.

The recruiter themselves mentioned the skills they’re looking for - the only thing you need to do is mention them in your resume (as long as you have them, anyway).

Let’s say you’re applying for a graphic designer position that wants the following qualifications and skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat; XD, Animate and/or After Effects are a plus
• Working knowledge of presentation software (Canva, PowerPoint and/or Keynote)
• Ability to work under pressure, manage work on multiple projects daily, manage a large workload and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized

Based on that, your skills section should include the following:

• Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat
• After Effects and Cinema4D
• Canva and Keynote
• Time management
• Detail-oriented

If the job ad isn’t too descriptive, you can also check out these 101+ most in-demand skills for 2024 . 

#7. Mention Optional Sections

Still have some space on your resume?

That’s not a bad thing! You can use this space to your advantage and add some other useful sections.

Here are some ideas:

• Volunteering - If you have some volunteering experience, make sure to include it in your first job resume. Such a section shows commitment, dedication, and a sense of purpose, something most recruiters will appreciate.
• Languages - With companies becoming more and more international, additional languages are always appreciated.
• Hobbies - You can show your genuine interest in the industry or field by listing some relevant hobbies/interests.
• Awards & Certifications - Whether it’s an award from an essay competition in college or a certificate from an online course, anything that flatters your profile should be added.

#8. Stick to the One-Page Limit

“ How long should a resume be? ” seems like an eternal dilemma at this point. 

Generally, the answer is: it depends. 

Since you’re making a first job resume, the answer is: definitely one page . 

Unless you have an extensive employment history that can’t fit into one page, there’s no need to go over that limit. 

It’s unlikely that the recruiter will want to look at two pages of extracurriculars and hobbies. 

#9. Get Inspired by This First-Job Resume

Need some inspiration for your resume? Check out the resume examples below.

First Job Resume FAQ 

Still have some questions on how to write a convincing first job resume?

We’ll answer them here.

1. What do I put on my no-experience resume?

There’s plenty of other things you can include in your resume instead of work experience. For starters, you should:

• Focus on your education, making sure the entries are formatted correctly.
• Pick the right skills that match what the employer is looking for.
• Talk about internships, personal projects, or extracurricular activities. Describe your achievements in detail.

If you still have some space left, you could use it to your advantage and add extra sections like volunteer work, languages, awards & certificates, or hobbies.

2. Is a resume necessary for a first job?

Depending on the region, a resume or CV is always necessary for a job application, be it the first or the 20th. 

Before deciding if they should call you for an interview, the recruiters need to have some insight into you and your skills.

3. Do I need work experience to land my first job?

Short answer: You don’t! 

If you’re a recent graduate, it’s a given that you won’t have any work experience. Most employers don’t actually expect years of work experience for an entry-level or junior position. 

Instead, they’ll be looking at your other types of experiences (internships, extracurricular activities, etc.) to decide on whether you’re a good fit for the job or not.

4. How do you write a resume for your first job?

The process is quite similar to the one for writing a regular resume, but with a few tweaks.

The exact steps for creating a first job resume are:

• Instead of work experience, focus on extracurricular activities, internships, projects, etc.

Key Takeaways

Writing your first job resume doesn’t have to be stressful!

Remember the following tips and you’ll do just fine:

• Pick the right format and template to avoid the hassle of formatting your resume. Make sure to pick an ATS-friendly resume template.
• Write a concise and attention-grabbing resume objective. Show the recruiter that you’re relevant for the role and that they should read the rest of your resume.
• Instead of work experience, include information on your internships, projects, and extracurricular activities.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Resume Tips

Writing an Outstanding Resume with No Experience (+ Examples)

It might seem like an uphill struggle, or something that’s impossible to achieve. A resume with no work experience?  After all, the whole point of a resume is that it’s all about showcasing your work experience and career progression–isn’t it?

Well, yes–your resume is usually a succinct history of your career, skills, and qualifications.

But we all have to start somewhere in the world of work. We don’t want to have a Catch 22 scenario where you can’t get a job because you haven’t got any experience, and you haven’t got any experience because you can’t get a job!

So, don’t worry; help is at hand. Crafting a resume with no experience is not as daft as it sounds. It can certainly be done, and in such a way that means you’ll be snapped up in no time, if you follow ZipJob’s guidelines when applying for entry-level roles.

What can I put on my resume if I have no work experience?

It’s a real conundrum. How to fill a page with relevant information when you’re barely out of shorts, and certainly have no idea where to start?

We’ve got you covered, with a list of sections and the sort of information to include on your resume with no work experience.

The best way to start is by splitting the page up into different areas, and concentrating on each… one at a time.

Summary for a resume with no experience

The Professional Profile is the first bit of writing that a hiring manager will read, positioned just underneath your contact details. Try to avoid cliches and buzzwords . Instead, emphasize your transferable skills and what you can offer the organization, in a paragraph format, three or four sentences long.

Skills section

Underneath is the skills section. As you have little or no experience, chances are you’ll need to focus on soft skills here, such as polished communication, organization, time management, and decision-making. If possible, use examples of when you have used these to great effect within your resume with no work experience.

Education section

If you’ve graduated within the last year or two, your education section should come next since it’s the most recent thing you’ve achieved. Detail out your GPA if it’s high and include modules covered, with percentages of any exams taken.

If you achieved any extracurricular accolades while at college or university, include those as well.

Volunteer work section

There are many fabulous skills you can glean from volunteer work –from teamwork to collaboration and project management, so really go to town here with blowing your own trumpet.

Additional sections

This is the place where you can add anything else that hasn’t already been covered, such as relevant hobbies and interests , societies that you belong to, language ability, or internships.

Can ChatGPT build resumes?

One last word of advice, and it’s about ChatGPT . While it might be really tempting to let this AI tool do the work for you, resist! It has limited responses to any prompts, and will just splurge out generic fluff, without a thought for your individual achievements.

Craft your own resume, using ZipJob guidelines, and by looking at the three examples for inspiration.

First time resume with no experience samples

Check out our examples of resumes with no experience below.

1. This first one is an undergraduate looking for his first foray into the world of work. His resume is angled towards becoming an Actuary. Note how he focuses all his achievements and accolades towards this goal, detailing Math awards and other relevant skills. His core skills section is a bit further down the resume with no work experience, as relevant information and achievements are considered more relevant in this case.

2. The second example is a client with literally no work history at all, having spent all her precious time bringing up her family. She has opted to use first person for a more informal approach. See how she details out her skills, learned from being a homemaker, as well as emphasizing many transferable soft skills that should give her traction to land a role as a cleaner, which is her aim. 

3. Our final example is a school leaver, looking to enter the environmental sector by showcasing relevant volunteer work and further attributes. Here, the skills matrix, relevant information, and a voluntary post are the focus.

Writing a resume with no experience can be a daunting task to tackle on your own. Check out what ZipJob’s professional resume writers can do for you.

Recommended reading:

99+ Essential Keywords and Phrases for Impactful Resumes

10 Best College Grad Job Search Sites (Updated for 2024)

19 Essential Skills for Resumes: Examples Included

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn .

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Looking for resume samples with no experience?

[ Click here to directly go to the complete no experience resume sample ]

No-work-no-pay is not only a true phrase but also a circle we see in life. But let's break it down.

Is a resume with no experience is as good as no resume at all? No way!

A resume does not only document the work experiences you have. In fact, for a fresher, your first resume for first job is bound to have no experiences at all.

So, how to write a resume with no job experience? How do you represent that you have not done any work, yet exhibit your characteristic performance?

Let us lend you a helping hand.

A resume with no experience could essentially have information around:

• Education Section
• Certifications
• Extra/Co-Curricular Activities
• Initiatives
• Publications

But how do you substantiate the data, order it, and prioritize it accordingly?

Along with first time resume with no experience samples, our guide, followed by a comprehensive list of FAQs, shall not only help you build your resume in the steps, but also answer the most essential question.

• how to make a resume for first job?
• what to put in the professional experience section of a resume when you have no experience?
• what skills to add in a resume when you have no experience?
• how to put hobbies on resume?
• how to put education on resume?
• how to write objective for a no experience resume?

Before writing a resume with no work experience

[ Back to Table of Content ]

Making a first time resume is always exciting.

Before writing your resume with no experience, here's a checklist of factors that you might want to consider:

Introspection

Your target profile determines your resume.

Lot of people with no work experience do not review their options - maybe because they do not know if they have any.

And it also makes sense: why not pounce at the first opportunity which presents itself?

But think about it: if you spent hours and days working on your first resume, wouldn't you want to be absolutely sure that you are seizing the opportunity ?

Hence, it is important to have absolute clarity on what could be your strong and weak points .

Before proceeding with your first job resume, make a Master CV, within which you list complete experiences pertaining to:

• your hobbies and interests
• industry you think might be your perfect fit
• work culture that suits you

Ask yourself questions like whether you want to be in a corporate setting or startup venture? It is important to have entire clarity regarding the same as your target profile determines how you write your resume.

Factor in the costs - monetary and otherwise.

Location is a major factor in your first job resume. The following questions can help you decide:

• Are you looking for specific profile or industry, irrespective of the location?
• Are you limited by physical location?
• Are you comfortable with travelling or working close by?
• Will relocating for benefit you in the long run?
• Is your company offering accommodations?

After achieving clarity of your own scope, start researching about the company and the profile.

Is the company looking for workers in the first place?

Get to know about their recruitment process and their interview methodologies. Do they ask to include specific details in their resumes?

Always read the company's reviews to understand if your perception of the profile/company/industry differ from the ground reality.

Check out the parameters to realize whether it is something you might be interested in.

Most companies turn to their existing database before engaging in a fresh outreach. If your target company is not offering any jobs then you may call an internal representative to drop in your resume .

One of the best forms of online research for finding a job is typically through LinkedIn . But before researching or applying through LinkedIn ensure that your profile is well maintained.

Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date.

• Secure recommendations from your professors, batchmates and friends
• Add all relevant skills and get them endorsed
• Include volunteer work and extra/co-curricular achievements

Many large organizations (as opposed to start-ups and small businesses) resort to LinkedIn for their job requirements. A stellar LinkedIn profile could be your best bet.

Once your research has taken off, use your network for further support. This typically includes:

• Career Center at School/College : Not only are most vacancies first posted there but career centres also lend a hand in creating or proofreading your college resume.
• Professors/Faculty : Most Professors that we know want nothing more than to genuinely help anyone and everyone who approaches them for help. If you earnestly ask the Faculty members for help, you'll undoubtedly get some valuable insights.
• Senior/Alumni Students : Your immediate seniors will always be one step ahead of you, so our advise is to leverage that. Additionally, their internships are fresh and their insights will be more relevant to you than anyone else's.
• Hiration Resume Experts : If none of that works out, our Resume Experts will be at your service 24x7! Just shout out in the comments below or visit our website in case you have any doubts pertaining to your college resume .

Perseverance

Nothing beats more than perseverance.

If you've zeroed in on a company or two for which you'd be willing to give your heart and soul, start cold calling them.

• What if they are not looking for people? Doesn't matter. Drop in your resume anyway.
• Be an avid follower of the company and its initiatives. Keeping yourself up-to-date will benefit you sooner or later.
• Maybe there's an event or a job fair happening nearby in which the said organization is participating.

Well, then what are you waiting for?

How To Begin A Resume With No Work Experience

Before you get down to writing the resume, let us clear a few things:

• Don't compare your NO work ex resume with a professional who has had years of experience.
• The objective is to showcase your experience in the best possible way and not to get drowned out by others.

You can check out our guide to Resume Layouts to get an idea on how to proceed. Our advice: stick to a combination format .

Contact Information in a resume with no work experience

We wouldn't have included a section on Contact Information for your No Work Experience Resume if we didn't think it was important.

People make the silliest of mistakes even while adding their contact details in their resume.

That is the most basic stuff.

First, enter your name - the largest text (>16 pts.) on the document.

• Contact Number and Email

Then, make sure to provide authentic information without typos or incomplete information.

Don't include your entire residential address. Just the area and postal code will do.

This suffices for candidates who are willing to relocate as well.

• Misc . (Skype, LinkedIn, Blog/Portfolio, etc.)
• Include Skype id handle only if necessary/specified in the Job Description
• Include LinkedIn if is well maintained and updated according to your resume
• Showcase your portfolio or blogs (with links) as long as it is relevant

You can add section of " Hobbies and Interests " in the end as long as it is relevant and you have enough space.

For example, "Playing Chess" could be relevant to a job pertaining to analysis.

How To Write A Resume With No Work Experience

How to make a resume for first job? Let's analyze a resume which has no work experience.

College Resume Summary/Objective in a resume with no work experience

This section will go at the top and will be a game-changer. We've seen a lot of students spending countless hours working on just this one section.

Let's start off with the difference between Resume Summary & Resume Objective. How do you tell which one to use?

Well it is simple.

Ask not what the company can do for you but what you can do for the company.

Do not start working on the Resume Objective section without finding out it is even necessary. Place yourself in the shoes of the recruiter. What will you look at in an application with a list of all the things that s/he is looking for?

Something like this:

Dynamic and detail-oriented English major looking to leverage the stellar communication skills as an Intern to create engaging and SEO-driven content for large-scale conglomerates. Demonstrated ability to efficiently work in teams as a zonal-level lacrosse player at University of Berkeley.

Try to convince the recruiter how you will play an instrumental role in helping them achieve their goals rather than sending a bucket list of items that you are looking for.

That's the major difference between a No Work Ex Resume Summary and a No Work Ex Resume Objective section. You should ideally be targeting the former. The skills that you possess will remain content in both the cases, but the emphasis should be on the needs of the recruiter, not your own.

Take a look at the summary from the following first resume examples:

Development Research Analyst & Consultant

Meticulous & detail-oriented Development Research Analyst armed with an extraordinary acumen for research encompassing both primary and secondary methodologies. Possesses a track record of consistently securing a top rank throughout the academic career. Adept at leading teams & coordinating with relevant stakeholders to analyze key parameters for consolidating information into actionable reports & presentations. Proficient in investigating significant social issues with a keen insight & a unique perspective, and conducting socio-economic impact assessment (SIA) for development and research projects.

Process Design Professional

Passionately motivated Chemical & Process Engineering Graduate with impressive analytical skills & hands on experience in the field of Process Design. Possesses extensive industrial training experience as well as technical laboratory experience in the field of Chemical Engineering, Bio Technology & Bio Chemical Engineering. Highly skilled at conducting research in Process Engineering by employing effective Project Management, Process Engineering & Process Optimization principles to deliver results which exceed expectations. Has developed excellent analytical & critical thinking skills along with the ability to critically review work while making rational assumptions & estimation. Smoothly delivers even in the uncertain research environment by prioritizing design work using practical engineering assumptions. Drives effective collaboration & coordination to ensure that the team performs to the best of its ability & delivers outstanding results.

Now let's take a look at the remaining college graduate resume for first job.

The above image gives us a broader idea about how to write the resume objective for first job with respect to the rest of your resume.

You can check out our in-depth guide on the Resume Objective section : The Complete 2022 Guide with 10+ Resume Objective Examples for more insights on how to optimize this section as per your requirements.

Education in a resume with no work experience

One major area in which a standard professional resume differs from a No Work Experience resume is the Education section.

Or more specifically, the order in which this section appears in your student resume . The education should essentially come first.

Let's prioritize the most important degrees. In the following, the candidate does not only write the degree but also relates his achievements.

M. Sc. (Advanced Chemical & Process Engineering) | University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK | ’15-’16

• Passed with Merit | IELTS Overall Band Score: 7.0 & CEFR level: C1

B. Tech. (Bio Technology & Biochemical Engineering) | University of California, US | First Class | ’10 - ’14

Since your resume is not filled with multiple job experiences, you can lead the resume with your Education section. But even then, there isn't a single way to go about it.

Let us clarify that through an example:

University of Berkeley BA Economics (Hons.) Expected to graduate in '19

This is a perfectly average example.

But "Education" section is the most critical section of your no work ex resume.

And you need to stand out!

List out anything and everything that you have done till date and categorize them into Education, Co-curricular Activites and Extra-curricular Activities.

An example will clear that right out.

Bachelor of Economics (Honours) | University of Berkeley | May '11 – Jun '14

• Selected out of 10,000+ applicants to receive an additional 30% scholarship owing to a stellar academic & work profile
• 1 of 5 to be shortlisted out of 120+ applicants for a 1-year internship with the Microsoft Strategy team post-graduation
• 1 of 3 mentees to be selected out of 80 applicants by US’ top investor Jack Welch, former Chairman & CEO of General Electric
• Secured 1st Rank in a batch of 80 for Micro-Economics (96%) and Mathematics (86%)

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Event Head | University of Berkeley

• Led a team of 25 across 10+ colleges to develop a unique brand positioning & boost y-o-y participation by 15%
• Championed the debating event as Director Coordinator to execute marketing, tie-up with colleges, reach out to the volunteers, etc.

Head | Organising Committee | National Seminar | University of Berkeley

• Led 30+ members to host a delegation of 100+ eminent academicians like Noam Chomsky & leaders from Morgan Stanley

Core Committee Member | Economics Debating Club

• Collaborated with Harvard Economics Club

The above snapshot shall help you acquire an upper hand.

You may in fact also change the order of your sections to help you stand out. Let's look at the example below:

In the above example, the "Academic Achievements" section stands out, which is why the candidate reordered it on top.

Since it's only your Education experience, recruiters aren't expecting anything flashy either.

But to help them decide whether or not to invest in you, show them the levels of initiative you can manage, modules and coursework across your degree, extra trainings you took, etc.

For instance, there might be some academic projects which you completed but which are only relevant for a few specific profiles.

However, if your domain of education does not synchronize with your target profile as is the example in one of the next first resume examples, then you may re-prioritize and re-order it.

His was resume with no work experience yet a few experiences which he prioritized in order to make it relevant to the target job.

Your resume for first job should be relevant.

Professional Experience in a resume with no work experience

If you have experience in an unrelated field that's okay.

Most resumes you see online are standard professional resumes which are nowhere related to what you are looking for.

We suggest you check out our given sample resume with no work experience. Further, you may use Hiration's online resume builder to find the most relevant first job resume template for you.

You shall hardly find examples of resumes without experience.

First, your first resume does not strictly need to be following all the guidelines to get a job with no experience.

You can include odd jobs which may or may not be related to your target job profile.

The idea here is not to look like you were born for this job. The idea is just to showcase a certain level of initiative from your end.

You can additionally add your experiences in:

• voluntary work
• non profit leadership
• social initiatives

The first job resume should not and will not exceed 1 page.

You can highlight the points you frame using action verbs. Our guide on Power Verbs should help you jazz up your resume with no experience.

However, you must align your previous roles in an achievements based format instead of a responsibility based one.

Key Section in a Resume with No Work Experience

Key skills in a resume with no work experience.

The "Key Skills" section always plays a crucial role in getting shortlists.

Most people either miss the section altogether or they relentlessly stuff a resume with keywords. Both of these options are a huge NO.

The most underrated source of relevant keywords is your job description .

Never submit your resume without consulting the Job Description. While comparing the JD, you shall find the necessary skills required for your target job.

Prioritize:

• leadership/professional skills (project management, team management, stakeholder management, etc.)
• over soft skills (coordination, communication, etc.).

First, establish a cause-effect relationship in your professional section and highlight how you utilize the skills to achieve organizational goals.

Analyze the Job Description against which you made you resume

A Key Skills section increases your chances of getting scored higher by the Applicant Tracking System.

You may find relevant skills in our database of resume examples.

The Key Skills and Technical Skills should always be prioritized above the Academic Achievements/Qualifications as can be seen in the sample resume with no work experience above.

For a greater understanding of the role which the Key Skills section plays in your resume, check out our comprehensive guide on Resume Key Skills .

A trainings section is extremely important in case of resume with no work experience

Additional Sections in your Resume for College

A high school student resume with no work experience often struggles to the end of page.

But do not incorporate fluff or unnecessary points to stretch your resume.This only reflects a false sense of accomplishment which often backfires during the interview.

To avoid that:

• target your information to the requirements of the recruiter
• ensure enough blank space in-between text for making it 1 page

Hiration's online resume builder has a 1 click fit button to increase or decrease spaces as required.

Also, enough research is important to customize a resume with no work experience.

For example, if the organization you are targeting has an unofficial lacrosse team which plays with teams from other corporates, and you happen to play the same sport, you are gold !

Otherwise, always quantify your achievements and provide detailed information around all information. Add sections around your Hobbies and Interest. However, include details .

Look at the following example:

HOBBIES : Photography, music, travelling, reading books

In a resume with no work experience, especially a first resume without work experience, candidates are often eager to flood the "Additional Information" section along these lines.

These do not value unless you quantify your contributions.

Let's take a look at this example from a resume for first job:

• Photography : Owner and administrator of ZYX Photography Page on Facebook with 7k+ likes
• Travelling : Visited 6 countries in the last 1 year and documented my travels on my travel blog (insert link) with an average traffic of 50k users/month

Add a link to your Behance account, or a professional Instagram or Facebook accounts, if necessary, for such interests.

You are going a step beyond what's expected and detailing how you excel in those hobbies.

A recruiter reading this will instantly conclude that you'd also be able to transfer these skills in the workplace to help him achieve organizational goals.

In addition to the Hobbies section for your college student resume, you can add more sections related to:

• Extra-curricular Activities

Stay relevant and keep the resume targeted according to the requirements while making a college freshman resume.

My First Resume

A resume with no experience does not mean a resume without information.

Let's look at the differing samples of the same high school student resume with no work experience:

Now put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter. Among the two resumes which one is more credible?

Data always validates claims.

This applies for both experience or no work experience resumes.

Clearly, only stating your educational qualification, your awards and your positions do not quantify or qualify your first job resume enough. Adding data around your contributions exemplifies:

• your acquired skills
• extent of your responsibility
• quantifiable achievements

and a lot more.

Quite simply only stating "Mosaic - The Pscyhology Fest" under Leadership Positions, versus stating your contributions:

• Organized the 'Showcase' event
• Managed the event by coordinating with multiple schools and delivering presentations in accordance with school policies

under the same header gives a clearer picture of the responsibility you were able to fulfil and the initiatives you took.

Data transitions your resume from vague to clear .

Further, "CO-CURRICULAR ACHIEVEMENTS" play an important role in any resume

• Scholar Badge Holder | The National School | '11 - '18
• Qualified for Regional Round | International Financial Olympiad | '17 - '18
• State Rank 35 | International Olympiad of English Language | '15 – '16
• 72/80 | International German Exam - Fit in Deutsch 2 | '16
• 55/60 | International German Exam | Fit in Deutsch 1 | '14
• Advanced Math Applications | Kumon Mathematics Programme | '15

So, let's dwell more into how to write a resume for the first time with the following questions.

First Resume FAQ

• How to make a resume for first job?

Before your first job you have a resume with no working experience. But do not worry. Recruiters would not expect work information in a resume for first job. Rather they prioritize your:

• What to put on a resume when you have no experience?

A resume with no work experience does not strictly need to have all professional sections. Instead you may include more data around your Education Qualification, Trainings, Certifications, Extra/Co-Curricular Activities, Initiatives, Projects, Publications

• How to make a resume when you have no experience?

Without work it is difficult to substantiate an usual resume. But you may easily do so if you have the right data at the right place.

• What should I include in a college freshman resume?

A college freshman resume should strictly function to get into a university or institute. In such a resume with no work experience, you must remove all irrelevant data around volunteering and the like, and include more data around:

• Relevant Projects

Key Takeaway

A resume with no work experience sounds like a losing battle, at first, but with this strategy, you’ll have a resume they won’t be able to resist.

• Focus on education : Highlight your academic achievements
• You do have experience : Your little or direct experiences count - a stint with an NGO , or freelance gigs

And if you don’t have, get some free or inexpensive courses online to add relevant experience.

• Other sections : Without an extensive experiences section, you can add sections pertaining to "Extracurricular Achievements", "Co-curricular Activities", "Additional Information" or "Languages".

In a resume with no work experience, prioritize your sections accordingly :

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USAJOBS posts all federal job opportunities with a position description and instructions how to apply. With USAJOBS.gov tools and resources, you can find the right federal job faster.

About USAJOBS

As the federal government's official employment site, USAJOBS has attracted over 16 million job seekers to create accounts to date.