How to Write a Resume with No Experience [21+ Examples]

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It’s time for your first job hunt !

You need to write a resume , which can be nerve-wracking if you don’t have any real-life work experience.  

You don’t know where to start, what to include, or which resume format to choose.

On top of that, most advice you find online isn’t relevant because it focuses on emphasizing professional background.

Chances are, you’re straight out of college with no experience to speak of. 

Or maybe you're a high-school student applying for a part-time job.

Whichever the case may be, you’re probably having trouble filling in the blank space on your resume that’s supposed to be the work experience section.

Worry not, though. In this guide, we’re going to help you create an AMAZING resume, no work experience is needed.

  • How to format your resume with no work experience
  • 4 sections to replace work experience (that help you stand out)
  • 2 no-work experience resume samples (guaranteed to land you the job)

How to Format Your Resume [with No Work Experience + Examples] 

A resume format is the layout of your resume .

The ideal resume format usually depends on how much work experience you have. 

But what happens when you have none?

For a no-experience resume, we recommend that you use the reverse-chronological format . 

no experience resume format

It’s the most popular format amongst applicants and a recruiter favorite.  

The sections in your reverse-chronological resume will be: 

  • Header : Contact Information and Resume Statement
  • Internships, extracurricular activities, projects, volunteer work  (These sections will replace your work experience)

In this article, we’ll walk you through each of these sections, and explain how to write them in a way that you stand out from the crowd.

Let’s dive in.

Start With Your Resume Header

resume header example

Your resume header includes your contact information and your resume statement.  

Below, we’ll show you how to write both of these elements and how to include them in your header section.

Put Down Your Contact Information

Just like the name suggests, the first thing you add to your header is your personal and contact information.

It’s the easiest part to get right, just keep it short and to the point.

In your contact information section, mention the following:

  • First and Last Name
  • Phone Number
  • E-mail Address
  • A link to a professional profile (e.g. LinkedIn ) or personal webpage (if you have one)

Make sure to use a professional-sounding E-mail.

I.e. something along the lines of “[email protected].” 

You’re sure to leave a wrong impression if you use an email you created back in preschool ( “[email protected]” ).

Make sure to double-check, triple-check your contact information. After all, the recruiter can’t contact you if you have a typo in your phone number.

(Optional) Write Your Resume Objective

A resume objective is a short heading statement in your resume, where you describe your professional goals and aspirations.

Fun fact - hiring managers look at your resume for 5-6 seconds max .

Yep, that’s right. In most cases, the hiring manager is literally drowning in resumes. So, they have a couple of seconds to skim each one.

Well, this section is your chance to catch their attention (and let them know you’ve got what it takes).

A resume objective is usually 3-4 sentences max and includes information on:

  • What your field of study is;
  • What your skills and experiences are (ones that are relevant to the job );
  • Why you’re applying for this position and/or this company.

As with contact information, you don’t need to label your resume objective with a title. Just write it underneath your contact information section.

Here’s an example of what a resume objective looks like:

“ Recent Communications graduate looking to apply for the role of Secretary at XYZ inc. Extremely organized with good writing and multitasking skills. Practical experience in management gained through several university projects, which involved coordinating tasks between different team members and ensuring that everyone was in sync with the latest information. ”

Emphasize Your Education

education section on resume no experience

In your average resume, the first section would be work experience.

Since you don’t have any, though, you’ll want to omit that and replace it with the education section.

This way, you bring a lot more attention to your education, which is one of your main selling points. 

What should you include in the Education section? 

List the following features in this order:

  • Name of the degree
  • Name of the institution
  • Years attended
  • Location of the institution (optional)
  • GPA (optional)
  • Honors (optional)
  • Relevant coursework (optional)
  • Exchange programs (optional) 

As a general rule, if you studied in a prestigious university, you can add the name of the institution before the degree . This way, you will catch the recruiter’s attention faster.

Now, let’s go through some real-life examples:

BA in Computer Science

Tufts University

Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts

10/2015 - 06/2018

Magna Cum Laude

  • Exchange Program in Greenville, NY

University of the Arts London

BA in Interior Design 

10/2017 - Ongoing

Westwood High

Boston, Massachusetts

Class of 2018 

career masterclass

Education Section Q&A

Still have some questions about the education section? Worry not, we’re about to give you all the answers!

Do I include my GPA?

  • The answer here is a “maybe.” We’d recommend including a GPA if it’s higher than 3.5. Anything lower than that, and you might be underselling yourself. Keep in mind, though, that most employers don’t care about your grades.

Should I include my coursework?

  • Yep, but just as long as it’s relevant. If you have no work experience, including courses can help establish your expertise in a field. Feel free to skip out on any basic courses, though. No one cares about your Maths 101 course.

Do I mention my degree if I dropped out?

  • If you studied for more than 2-3 years, yes. A half-finished degree is still better than no degree. If you dropped out after a semester, though, that doesn’t really mean much.

Do I mention my high school degree?

  • Only if it’s your only degree. If you have any higher education, your high school degree will only take up space.

4 Sections to Replace Work Experience [With Examples]

Now that you’ve listed your education, it’s time to fill that work experience gap in your resume.

You aren’t still worried about your lack of experience, right?

Because here are four sections you can use instead:

1) Internships

Have you done an internship that is relevant to the position you are applying for?

Now’s the time to mention it. 

Here is how you add an internship to your resume:

First , place the Internship section right after the education section. 

Title it: Internships

Second , write your internship title and role . Be specific.

If your internship was in the marketing department, instead of just “Intern”, say “Marketing Intern”. 

Third , put down the company name , location , and duration of the internship - in that order.

Marketing Intern

Full Picture

New York, NY

09/2019 - 12/2019

Easy and straightforward, right?

One more step:

Last , add a list of responsibilities you had as an intern in bullet point form. 

If you have any tangible achievements , even better! Write those in as well.

Finally, tailor both the responsibilities and achievements to the role you’re applying for.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

You used to be an Advertising Intern .

You’re applying for the position of Social Media Assistant . 

Here’s how you would put down your internship entry:

Internships

Full Picture Company

  • Analyzed various social media platforms for trending content
  • Managed company social media accounts
  • Posted interested content on company Facebook page, increasing engagement by 25%

The listed responsibilities and achievements are directly connected to the Social Media Assistant job requirements.

You’re applying for a Content Writer position. Take a look at the same entry now:

  • Assisted the Marketing Manager in writing press releases and new blog posts , which increased web traffic by 25%.

Notice how the internship title remains the same. 

But in this case you’re applying for a Content Writer position, so you are highlighting your writing experience instead.

For more examples, check out our full guides to an internship resume and how to write a cover letter for an internship .

2) Extracurricular activities

Still have a ton of empty space in your resume?

Extracurricular activities are always a great addition!

Whether they’re related to the job you’re applying for or not, they still show one thing:

You’re hard-working and motivated.

Imagine you’re the HR manager, and you can pick between these 2 candidates:

  • Josh Johnson. Studied at Massachusetts State. 4.0 GPA, but that’s all he did in college - no extracurricular activities, internships, or anything else.
  • Suzie Activeson. Also studied at Massachusetts state. 3.2 GPA. Vice-president of the business club. Served as a student government senator for 2 semesters. Organized several events as part of the marketing club.

Sure, Josh is probably qualified, but we don't know anything about him, other than that he studied a lot.

Suzie, on the other hand, can manage a team (business club VP), organize events (marketing club), and is passionate about making a change (student government).

So, which one would you pick?

Now, let’s explain how to list extracurricular activities on your resume:

  • Title of the section: Extracurricular Activities
  • Name of the organization and/or team 
  • Your role in the organization
  • Time period
  • Noteworthy awards or achievements

Extracurricular Activities

Public Speaking Club

Vice-President

09/2018 - 09/2019

  • Organized 10+ public speaking lectures
  • Brought in speakers from all over the state
  • Conducted public speaking workshops

3) Volunteering Experience

Volunteering shows dedication and passion to apply yourself. 

And there’s nothing recruiters love more than a committed employee.  

Whether you spend your free time in a soup kitchen, or you helped collect trash in the countryside, you can mention it in your resume!

But how do you list volunteering experience?

Well, it follows the same logic as your internship and extracurriculars:

  • Title of the section: Volunteering Experience
  • Name of the organization
  • Relevant tasks and achievements (bullet points)

Volunteering Experience

Grand Archive Library Volunteer

Washington, D.C

08/2017 - 02/2019

  • Performed secretarial activities, such as sorting mail, filing documents, answering phone calls, and taking messages. 
  • Led a poetry reading event twice a month. 

4) Projects

In this section, you can add any relevant projects you were part of during your time in school or at an internship.

Your capstone project, graduation thesis, or research project go here. 

No need for work experience!

You can also mention any other type of project you’ve worked on in school, including:

  • Business project for a real-life client
  • Mock website you created in Web Design 101
  • Fake magazine you created as a capstone project
  • Market research you did as part of your graduation thesis
  • Software you developed in Software Engineering class

...And so on!

Here’s how you put them down:

  • Title of the section: Projects
  • Project name
  • Project type
  • Related organization 
  • Relevant responsibilities and achievements (optional)

And now, for some practical examples. Here’s what a journalism student project could look like:

Online Privacy and Social Media: a Journalistic Study of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica

Journalism Capstone Project

Harvard University

09/2018 - 11/2018

And here’s a law school example:

In-House Pro Bono Project

Columbia Law School

11/2018 - 03/2019

  • Completed a full petition for U nonimmigrant status, interviewed legal persons and drafted affidavits.

If you have anything physical to back up your project with, feel free to include a link.

For example, if you’re a developer, you could include a link to your GitHub profile.

Stand out with your Skills 

skills section no work experience resume

There are two types of skills you can include on your no-experience resume: 

Soft skills and hard skills. 

What’s the difference? 

Soft skills are attributes or habits that describe how you work. They are not specific to a job, but indirectly help you adapt to the work environment. 

Here are some of the most popular ones: teamwork, responsibility, leadership, creativity, etc.  

Hard skills , on the other hand, refer to specific tools, technical knowledge and training and other work-specific skills. They apply directly to the job. 

Technical writing, C++, financial accounting, etc. are all examples of hard skills.

So, which of these skills should you include? 

That depends on a lot of factors, but as someone with no work experience, you should opt more for hard skills .

See, you could write all the cool buzzwords like “Critical Thinking” and “Leadership,” but the recruiter won’t believe you.

Fun fact - that’s what 90% of students do.

Instead, you should focus on skills that make you stand out , and in most cases, those are hard skills.

So, how do you decide which hard skills to mention? Easy! Just check the job ad you’re applying for.

Let’s say you’re applying for an entry-level creative internship, and you find these requirements in the job description: 

  • Video editing experience (Premiere, After Effects)
  • UI design experience
  • Photo editing experience (Photoshop)
  • Photography experience
  • Experience with Adobe Illustrator

You’d transfer this into your skills section:

  • Premiere & After Effects - Expert
  • Photoshop - Expert
  • UI Design - Intermediate
  • Adobe Illustrator - Intermediate
  • Photography - Intermediate

Not sure which skills to mention? Check out our article on 150+ must-have skills for all sorts of professions !

Other Sections You Could Include in a No-Experience Resume

A resume without experience does have one advantage: extra space . 

You can use this space to create other sections that highlight how awesome you are!

Here are some sections you could include:

  • Hobbies and Interests . Add flair to your resume by showing your genuine passion and interest in the industry.
  • Languages. Do you know a second language? Or even a third? Awesome! Most companies these days are pretty international and appreciate an extra language skill or two. Be mindful not to over-exaggerate your proficiency, though. Only knowing how to ask “¿Donde está la biblioteca?” doesn’t warrant a Spanish entry on your resume.
  • Awards & Certifications . Do you have any fancy pieces of paper that show you’re smart? Maybe it’s an award for a terrific essay in a competition, or a certificate from an online course . Whichever the case may be, awards and certifications show that you’re a winner, so definitely include them in their own respective section.

Need Inspiration? 2 No Work Experience Resume Samples

Do you still have questions or don’t know where to begin?

That’s when a resume sample comes in handy. 

It provides you with a predetermined format.

It also helps you picture how your no-experience resume is supposed to look like. 

As Picasso put it: Good artists copy; great artists steal! 

Here are 2 no work experience resume samples you can borrow ideas from:

Business Student Resume Sample

no experience resume sample

High-school Student Resume Sample

high school no experience resume sample

Create a Matching Cover Letter

All done with your resume?

It’s not over yet. You need to write a cover letter to go with it.

A cover letter is a single-page letter that accompanies your resume and is part of your job application.

Look at it this way: your resume describes your experiences, and your cover letter explains (in simple words) how they’re relevant to the job.

Now, here’s a quick infographic on what to include in a cover letter:

cover letter writing for no experience resume

Finally, as with everything else in your resume, make sure to keep your cover letter relevant, short, and concise.

The hiring manager doesn’t have time to read an autobiography, they’ll only review your cover letter for a few minutes. 

There’s a lot more to creating a good cover letter than what we just explained.

For a complete, all-you-need-to-know walk-through, check out our Complete Guide on How to Write a Cover Letter !

Key Takeaways

...and that’s a wrap!

At this point, you should know everything there is to know about writing a killer no-experience resume.

Just to keep things fresh, though, let’s quickly go through everything we’ve learned so far:

  • When creating your no-experience resume, use the reverse-chronological format.
  • You can create a killer no-experience resume by emphasizing your education instead. Include relevant internships, soft & hard skills, and projects.
  • Other sections you can include on your resume are hobbies & interests, languages, certifications, or achievements.
  • Keep all the content on your resume clear, precise, and relevant. Use bullet points for all your descriptions.
  • After you’re done with your resume, you want to write an awesome cover letter that goes with it. The cover letter is a one-page letter that tells the story behind your resume content and reemphasizes why you’re a great fit for the job.

Related Resume Examples

  • Internship Resume
  • High School Resume
  • Research Assistant Resume
  • College Resume
  • Students and Graduates Resume
  • Teacher Resume

Recommended Readings:

  • 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2024
  • 20+ One-Page Resume Templates [Free Download]
  • 35+ Common Interview Questions and Answers [Complete List]

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Soft Skills

14 minute read

How to Write an Impressive Resume With Little Experience

Kat Boogaard

Kat Boogaard

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You’re starting your job search, and you’re feeling ready to tackle things head on. You’ve given your network a heads up that you’re looking for a new opportunity, you knocked the digital cobwebs off of your LinkedIn profile, and you’ve bookmarked some of your favorite job boards .

How to write a resume with little experience

Sure, you’d have plenty to say if you had years of experience under your belt. But, whether you’ve just graduated or are making a career change, you’re totally new to this industry and don’t have a ton of relevant work history to showcase. 

You’re stuck in that vicious cycle that way too many job seekers are familiar with: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. Now what? Cue the groans, eye rolls, and exasperated sighs.

Let’s explore how to write a resume with little experience.

Want to learn more?

Take your soft skills to the next level with our comprehensive (and free) ebook!

How to write a resume with little experience: 7 must-know tips to get to the top of the pile

Yes, figuring out how to write a resume with little experience can be a disheartening exercise, but it’s certainly not an insurmountable challenge (after all, everybody starts somewhere!). 

Let’s cover some strategies you can use to call attention to your best attributes and get yourself one step closer to landing the interview — and maybe even the job. 

1. Take a fine-tooth comb to the job description (and use those keywords!)

It’s tempting to think of your resume as your personal sales sheet of sorts. You feel like you need to cram every positive thing about yourself (from your dozens of skills to your numerous accomplishments) into those margins, so you can seem as impressive as possible.

But here’s what you need to remember about your resume: it’s not designed to share everything about you. It’s meant to demonstrate relevance to whatever job you’re applying for. 

How to write a resume with little experience

What exactly does that mean? You’ll start by taking a super close look at the job description — seriously, print it out and grab a highlighter. Now, look for requirements, responsibilities, and skills that are emphasized. For example, perhaps you see several mentions of “being a team player” and “collaborating with a team.” 

Obviously, the employer has made it clear that teamwork is an important competency for whoever fills that role, so that’s something that should be emphasized on your own resume (provided you honestly possess that skill, of course). 

List “teamwork” or “collaboration” as a bullet within your skills section , and include your ability to thrive in a team setting in your summary (don’t worry, we’ll cover both of these sections in detail a little later).   

Not only does using this strategy clearly draw parallels for the hiring manager, but it will also help you make it past any Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) the employer might have in place.

These systems are the scary robots who scan your resume before it ever makes it in front of human eyeballs. To put it simply, if you don’t have the correct keywords that have been predetermined by the company, you won’t make it through that initial filter. It’s yet another reason why tailoring your resume for every single job is an important habit to get into.

2. Get creative and explore different resume structures

How to write a resume with little experience

While that’s the most common format, it doesn’t mean it’s the best one for you. If you don’t have a ton of relevant work experience to highlight, then why would you want the majority of your resume to be dedicated to that history?

Instead, look at using what’s called a functional or a skills-based resume . This format includes a lot of the tried and true resume sections you’ve come to expect (like a summary and education), but it draws less attention to your work history and more attention to your skills.

Using this structure, you’d bucket your skills into different categories. For example, if you’re applying for your first digital marketing role, perhaps you’d identify the following categories of skills:

  • Social Media Management Skills
  • Analytics Skills
  • Graphic Design Skills
  • Interpersonal Skills

You’d list those categories on your resume, and underneath each you’d dedicate a couple of bullets to talking about what you bring to the table in that category. Here’s a quick peek at what that could look like for one of these categories:

Social Media Management Skills:

  • Experience using a variety of popular platforms (including Buffer, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social) to manage and monitor numerous social media accounts.
  • Created a comprehensive social media marketing plan for Sacramento State University’s campus-wide volunteering day. 

Pretty impressive, right? Especially when you consider that neither of those bullets relate to this person’s work history — those were skills and accomplishments they picked up through things like coursework, extracurriculars, and volunteer work.

That’s the beauty of a skills-based resume. It allows you to shine the spotlight on your most relevant and notable qualities, even if they have nothing to do with your work history.

Of course, you should still list any previous jobs to show that you have work experience. But, those can be listed at the bottom of your resume with very little detail like this:

Waitress | ABC Bar and Grill | Sacramento, CA | Sept. 2018 - Dec. 2019

Customer Service Representative | Company XYZ | Sacramento, CA | June 2017 - July 2018

Are you too intimidated by starting with a blank document? Grab a free Microsoft Word resume template right here . Yep, there’s even a skills-based one you can use. 

3. Think outside of the box (and your work history)

How to write a resume with little experience

What they really want to know is that you have the skills and knowledge to succeed in that role — and it typically doesn’t matter to them as much how you went about getting that knowledge.

Were you involved in a bunch of extracurricular activities? Are you committed to volunteer work that allows you to try new things? Do you keep yourself busy with a bunch of side hustles or passion projects? Have you advanced your education and skills development through online courses (like you can do with GoSkills)? 

You don’t need to earn a paycheck from something in order to include it on your resume. The above are all worthwhile endeavors and accomplishments that you can showcase to demonstrate relevance. So, don’t fall into the trap of only thinking about your day jobs, and challenge yourself to get creative.

Additionally, if you have supplemental materials (whether it’s an online portfolio, a macro you created in Excel , or an app you designed in your free time) to include with your resume, don’t hesitate to send those in too. Those materials provide hard evidence that you don’t just talk the talk — you can actually walk the walk too. 

4. Use a professional summary to set the stage

If you’re still using an objective statement (that’s the quick line that says something like, “Recent graduate seeks entry-level position in the digital marketing field”) at the top of your resume, you can go ahead and kick that to the curb right away.

Objective statements have gone by the wayside in the job search, because they really don’t do anything but state the obvious. Everybody who’s applying for a job has the same objective: to get the job they’re applying for. Otherwise they wouldn’t bother tossing their hat into the ring.

Instead, opt for a professional summary. It’s a short paragraph (usually about three to five sentences without using any personal pronouns), that brings all of your most relevant skills right up front and introduces you as a candidate. 

Particularly if you’re someone without a lot of relevant experience, this summary gives the hiring manager your greatest highlights, and also arms them with some context to keep in mind as they’re reviewing the rest of your document. 

Sticking with our digital marketing example, here’s a look at what a summary statement might look like:

Recent graduate of Sacramento State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Communications and a minor in Graphic Design. Proficient with a variety of marketing tools and programs, including Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, and more. Highly self-motivated, skilled communicator, and a dedicated team player.

Keep in mind that this is another place where you should be referring back to the job description. Any must-have things you see listed there should be injected into your own summary, so you hit the hiring manager with that information right away. 

5. Give yourself the six second test

The average recruiter or hiring manager spends only six seconds reviewing your resume before deciding how to move forward. That’s it. Count to six right now, and you’ll realize that’s barely any time at all.

How to write a resume with little experience

Yes, heat map studies show that they are going to look at your work history. However, they also pay close attention to your education. So, provided it’s relevant for the roles you’re applying to, include your education near the top with a bold header, so that employers can quickly spot those details. 

Once you have a rough draft of your resume in hand, set a timer for six seconds and take a look at your own document. Is it easy to read? Is it neatly organized and digestible? Can you get a grasp of the nuts and bolts in a short amount of time?

Really challenge yourself and be honest here. The better your resume does during those six seconds, the higher your likelihood of ending up in the “to be interviewed” pile. 

6. Lean on your cover letter to tell your story

Your resume does most of the legwork, and it’s really your golden ticket in the door for a job interview .

How to write a resume with little experience

Particularly for career changers or people with little experience, a cover letter can be a great addition to the materials you submit with your job application. It allows you to not only use personal pronouns, but also to tell more of your story and fill in any of the gaps or questions that might come up based on your resume alone.

The best way to think of your cover letter is as a trailer to a movie. Use it to highlight your most impressive and relevant qualifications, so that the hiring manager wants to review your resume in detail for more information.

Struggling to figure out what to include? In addition to turning your attention to the job description (remember, that’s your best friend here), ask yourself this: If you could only tell the hiring manager for that position three things about you, what three things would they be? Those are elements you should definitely incorporate into your letter. 

Want to make writing your cover letter even easier? Check out this template . 

7. Proofread your resume (and then proofread it again)

Whether you’re somebody with decades of experience in your field or you’re just getting your feet wet, it’s important to proofread your resume carefully. Extremely carefully. 

77 percent of hiring managers say that typos or bad grammar are instant deal breakers when they’re reviewing resumes from candidates. You’d hate for a misspelled word or misplaced period to be the reason you’re destined for the recycling bin.

When you’ve been staring at your own resume for hours, it’s way too easy to miss small mistakes (particularly the ones spell check doesn’t point out). So, try reading it backwards — from the bottom up. This will force your brain to focus on each individual line and make you far more likely to catch any blunders.

Want to be extra safe? Have a friend you trust review it too. In addition to providing some helpful feedback about the actual content, they can help you spot any mistakes that snuck past you. After all, there’s nothing more embarrassing than saying that you’re “detail-oreinted.”  

Don’t have a lot of experience? Your resume can still set you apart

Writing your resume is probably not something you’ll ever look forward to, but it can feel extra daunting when you don’t have a lot of relevant work history or experience to showcase.

The worst thing you can do is to count yourself out of the running for a position simply because your past jobs don’t line up perfectly. If you still feel that you have skills and knowledge that qualify you for that position, it’s worth applying with a resume that shows what you’re made of.

Use the above tips to create a document that captures all of your best qualities and minimizes the not-so-pertinent ones. You’ll be one step closer to scoring that interview invite . Good luck!

Online courses are a great way to build your knowledge while also beefing up your resume. Check out GoSkills courses now to expand your learning horizons and stack your resume with impressive skills.

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Kat Boogaard

Kat is a writer specializing in career, self-development, and productivity topics. When she escapes her computer, she enjoys reading, hiking, golfing, and dishing out tips for prospective freelancers on her website.

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How to Write a Resume With No Work Experience

Whether you’re a student, you’ve just graduated, or if you’ve been with one company for a long time, creating a resume when you have little to no work experience can be a challenge.

However, though it can seem intimidating, it’s completely possible to catch a potential employer’s eye – with or without a great deal of professional experience.

Here are three essential job seeker tips perfect for new grads, students, and candidates changing their career paths that will help you land the interview without years of experience on your resume.

1. Write a Summary

no work experience 1

While objectives are a thing of the past, summaries work well for people who have limited work experience. They’re the best place you can explain why you should get the job on your resume, instead of listing an impersonal series of dates and places.

All you need to do is write a sentence or two about who you are as a potential employee and any relevant skills or achievements.

As well, if you recently graduated from high school or college, mention your new status in your summary. It will help explain why you have limited experience.

2. Highlight Your Skills

no work experience 2

While you may have little or no work experience to discuss on your resume, you’re sure to have skills that you may have acquired in school or while volunteering that qualify you for the job.

One way to highlight them is to break down these skills into individual lists of hard and soft skills for your resume. Draw employers’ attention to these relevant soft and hard skills as a heading and list achievements related to these skills under the appropriate heading.

Check out an example of a functional resume here .

[sc name=”cta-create-resume-1″]

3. Don’t Forget Unpaid Work Experience

no work experience 4

Internships or volunteer opportunities can still count as work experience. If you worked as an intern or volunteered for a significant period of time, include the position on your resume.

Since you already listed your skills on your resume, you don’t need to rehash this information when you are listing internships and volunteer work. Just be sure that you mention the company or not-for-profit organization, the months and years you were in the position and your title.

If you earned any awards specific to one of these positions, it makes sense to list it under the associated position, as well.

Even With Little to No Work Experience…

no work experience 3

Building a resume when you have limited work experience can be tough, but it’s definitely possible to make it work. Everyone has to start somewhere, but you don’t have to send in a sparse resume when you are new to the job market.

Emphasize the hard and soft skills that make you the best person for the job with a resume summary and a  functional resume template .

Plus, there are countless ways you can enrich your job application outside of your resume. Try building up your personal brand using social media or learn how starting a blog could help you get your dream job here .

Just starting out in your career? Take advantage of Resume.com’s free resume samples and  resume templates for your resume to get your job hunt started successfully! Publishing your resume on Resume.com will also allow employers search for your resume online! Don’t forget to check out our online job listings to get started on where to apply!

Career Sidekick

If you’re looking for how to write a summary for your resume with no work experience , you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through exactly what to do, and then we’ll look at resume summary examples for entry-level job seekers, students and fresh graduates. 

How to Write a Summary For Your Resume With No Experience:

First, a resume summary is different than an objective . And it’s much better. Putting an objective on your resume is outdated and unnecessary. Resume objectives are useless because they don’t share anything the hiring manager doesn’t already know (such as “my goal is to obtain a position in the ___ industry”). So what we’re doing here is better and will help your resume stand out from people who simply put an objective. Whereas, the resume summary gives a quick highlight reel of your qualifications, education, and more. If you’re not sure what a resume summary actually is, check out this article on 10 resume summary examples . And while it’s easier to figure out what to put if you’ve built up some work experience, you can still write an effective resume summary with no work experience whatsoever.

So in this article, I’m going to show you how. What should go into your summary when you don’t have any work experience? 

1. Put academic accomplishments and leadership

What did you study? Did you just graduate with a degree? Mention that. If you took a leadership role in your class projects, or clubs/groups at your school, you can mention that too. Leadership doesn’t need to be in a job to get the hiring manager’s attention! Taking a leadership role in a sports environment is impressive as well. You’re not going to mention specific accomplishments in your resume summary usually (you can do that later in your resume), but you can say things like “proven leadership” or “natural leader”, etc.

2. Put your interests and passions

Are you passionate about startups and technology? Great, put that. Want to make a difference in the world, and focus your career on social impact? Mention that. This can include the grades you received, but also leadership positions you led, and clubs/groups you participated in.

3. Put “hard” skills

If you’re proficient in any tools, technologies, etc… you can include that in your resume summary. Don’t list 20 things. That’s what your “Skills” section is for. But pick the three or four things that are most relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Coming up in this article, we’re going to look at two resume summary examples for people with no experience. .. and in the second example, you’ll see how this would look.

4. Include soft skills

Are you great at analytical thinking? Do you love working as a part of a team? Are you great at multi-tasking and handling a fast-paced team environment? While these shouldn’t be the main focus of your resume summary section, they can be worth mentioning. It’s especially good to include soft skills that you see mentioned in the job description.

For example, if you see they mention wanting someone who’s great at multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, and you feel that describes you well, then your resume summary is the perfect place to include this.

5. Put statements that will grab the employer’s interest and make them want to ask you questions!

If you mention leadership they’ll want to ask you more about your leadership experiences. That’s a good thing. Remember, whatever you put, they’ll probably ask you about. So as you write your summary for your resume, try to think about what you want them to discuss with you, and what you want a chance to talk about. And try to “tailor” your resume to fit the companies you’re applying to. If you’re applying to large corporations don’t start your summary by saying “Startup enthusiast”.

3 Resume Summary Example for Students, Fresh Graduates and Entry-Level Job Seekers:

In this section, I’m going to share three examples of how to write a summary for your resume with no experience. You can use these resume summary examples as a student, entry-level job seeker, or any job search where you don’t have experience:

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #1: Economics Student

Enthusiastic, highly-motivated Economics student with proven leadership capabilities, who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges.

In this example above, you’re showing that you completed your Economics degree and have an interest in the subject, and you’re mentioning leadership and making the reader want to learn more about this. You’re also making yourself sound ambitious and motivated at the end, which is always a good thing (I’m referring to the part that says “who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges). Notice the format too. This is how I recommend phrasing it. Don’t say “I am a ___”. Just start with the descriptive words.

This is a simple yet effective resume summary example for students OR recent graduates.

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #2: Fresh Graduate in Computer Science

Computer Science graduate passionate about data engineering and machine learning. Highly-capable leader, having led multiple Senior class projects to completion. Proficient in a range of modern technologies including Python, Java and Scala.

This is another good example of a student or fresh graduate resume summary that still shows your skills and academic focus, even if you have no formal work experience.  In this entry-level resume summary example, you’re highlighting accomplishments and leadership as a student and you’re also showing that you’re passionate about your work. Saying you’re passionate about data engineering is much better than just saying, “Looking for a job in data engineering.” They’ll know you’re looking for jobs because you applied. Taking up space to say it is a bad use of this area of your resume, and is why I never recommend having a resume “Objective” section. The summary exists instead of an “Objective” and is much better.

The example above also included some great programming keywords (Python, Java, Scala) to help get past any automated application systems and grab the hiring manager’s attention very quickly when they first look at your resume. If you work with any tools or technologies that have names like these, you can include it in your entry-level resume summary if you’d like. Other examples of tools/technologies: Photoshop, MS Excel, etc.

If you decide not to include these on your resume summary, make sure to include them elsewhere such as your Education or Skills section .

Resume Summary Example with No Experience #3: Math Student Graduating Soon

4th year mathematics student passionate about statistics and data analysis. Proven project leader. Active member of Boston University’s Mathematics Club. Speaker at 2018 “New York Young Mathematicians Conference.”

This resume summary example for students shows how you can list accomplishments even if you’ve never formally worked before. Did you participate in any clubs at school? Have you led any class projects? These are impressive pieces you can add to your resume summary with no experience formally working. 

How to Write a Resume Summary For Students/Fresh Graduates – Quick Recap

  • Skip buzzwords like “hard-working” and put real academic accomplishments instead, like projects you produced and tasks you led
  • Include what you’re interested in and passionate about to show them why you are applying for this position
  • Mention hard skills like “Java Programming” or “Excel,”  especially if they’re listed on the job description
  • Include soft skills as well like, “excellent at multi-tasking”, especially if you saw these keywords anywhere on the job description
  • Include statements in your resume summary that will catch the employer’s interest and make them want to talk with you and ask you more. Remember – the entire goal of your resume is to get invited to interview. So if you did anything unique like giving presentations, working in an internship , participating in a school club, etc., you can include this in your entry-level resume summary.

If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great entry-level resume summary that will stand out and catch a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s attention so you can get more interviews.

After you write your entry-level resume summary, here are two more articles that may be helpful when job searching with no experience:

  • The best times of year to job search
  • How to create a great elevator pitch for job hunting

Biron Clark

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

More Resume Tips & Guides

Crafting the perfect resume for teens (template & expert advice), how to beat applicant tracking systems with your resume, what do recruiters look for in a resume, what happens when you lie on your resume 10 risks, don’t say you’re a quick learner on your resume, guide to resume sections, titles, and headings, 12 resume formatting tips from a professional, how artificial intelligence (ai) is changing resume writing, 22 resume bullet point examples that get interviews, are resume writers worth it, 7 thoughts on “resume summary with no experience: examples for students and fresh graduates”.

This site was pretty helpful in guiding me throughout my school resume, would love other tips would do well.

This is a great guide. If only schools were actually interested in teaching children real life skills like this.

Hi, I am a student who has been finding it very difficult to make resumes due to the lack of working experience. I am currently trying to find a job while studying at the same time. I am in University completing a certificate and will soon be applying for a BA in Psychology and Criminolgy. However, I wish to apply for a part time job in the fashion industry. Can you please leave me some tips about what I can do to ensure that I can find a job without needing experience.

Your page has really helped, Thank you.

Hi, I’m a job seeker with 2 years experience working as a cart collector at grocery store and an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, is this a good professional summary?: “Reliable team member with a keen interest in information technology and other applications. Capable of handling multiple projects within deadlines. Eager to apply my professional and academic background as an Administrative Assistant at Bogdan Contracting.”

I’ve been job seeking since October 2018, I’m hoping I can start a career in tech support as soon as possible.

Hi Marcais,

I think it sounds pretty good. My least favorite part is the first word, though. “Reliable” sounds pretty average/boring. Sure, you show up, do your job, etc. That’s what I think when I hear “reliable”. But not much more.

I’d look for a better word to lead off with.

I would like to say thank you for making this article about writing a summary for a resume. For the past couple of months, I have been struggling to find someone who can help me with that because I don’t have a lot of experience in my field (i.e. engineering). I do have one question though. Is it appropriate to use first-person nouns in the summary section? I have seen people do that, but I find it quite odd.

Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you.

Hi Frances,

I’d avoid saying, “I” if that’s what you’re asking.

Just say “Led team of 7 people to accomplish ___”

Just start without a pronoun.

Another example: “Highly-accomplished accounting professional who has ____”

Comments are closed.

How to Write a First Job Resume for Teens

Even with no work experience, teens can still make an effective resume. See a sample teen resume.

How to Write a Resume for Teens

A well-written resume can be a key to success when looking for a first job or applying for a scholarship or competitive academic program. Even with no “real-world” work experience, you can still make an effective resume as a teen. Here are eight tips for writing a first-time resume or a first job resume as a teen. See a sample teen resume below.

Teenage girl doing homework in her room. The school has been closed during coronavirus outbreak and the classes have moved to e-learning platform.
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Know the Purpose

Identify the goal of the resume. A resume to get a job as a lifeguard has a different purpose than one for getting a philanthropic academic scholarship. Review the job description or qualifications and make a list of the essential requirements and preferred requirements.

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The essential requirements, or must-haves, are fixed or firm prerequisites such as: “Must have a clean driver’s license” if applying to be a delivery driver; or “Must have a GPA of 3.5” if applying for a specific academic program. These requirements are usually not flexible, and your resume should show that you meet them to be considered.

Preferred or ideal qualifications are nice to have, but may be flexible or could be satisfied a different way. A preferred qualification might be written as “Previous retail experience preferred” or “Applicants with volunteer work in social justice preferred.” If you have the preferred qualifications, be sure to include those qualifications. If you don’t have an exact preferred qualification but something similar, you can include it in your resume.

For example, while you may not have retail experience but have volunteered multiple times at the local thrift clothing store , that work can show you are interested in clothing and have some experience with a retail environment. The addition of similar experience is useful if it helps to make you more qualified than someone else who has no preferred or similar qualifications.

Choose a Simple Document Format

You can start with a blank document or use a resume template on Word or Google, but be sure to select one that is simple, without graphics, tables or other complex formatting styles. Often those templates do not load correctly or clearly into the Applicant Tracking Systems that are used as databases of candidates. Complex templates can also be difficult to update later. Most ATS do best with Word documents when submitted online via a posting portal.

Each resume section except for your contact information and your summary can have a title to separate it. You can use something as simple as: "Education, Experience, Skills" to designate each area. All caps, small caps, bold or just a little color and/or an underline can be effective ways to add some style to the section headings while still having a clean, easy to read appearance. A teen resume should almost always be one page, in 10-11 point font with standard page margins.

If emailing a resume, a PDF version works. If you're bringing it in-person, you can use anything that results in a professional and easy to read format on a clean, unfolded piece of white printer paper.

Professional Contact Information

In the body of the resume – not in a header – include your name as you would want it on a paycheck, your best contact phone number and a professional email address. This is not the time to use [email protected]. Instead, use an email address that is a combination of your first and last name or something else that is simple and professional. Be sure it is an email address that you check multiple times a day – including spam and clutter folders. You do not need to put in your full address, but having your city and state can be helpful if you are applying to a local neighborhood opportunity. For a more competitive or business-related opportunity, you can include a link to your LinkedIn profile, if you have one.

Summary or Objective Statement

Sometimes a resume may become separated from the pile of similar applicants. To ensure that the reader knows your target or goal in submitting a resume, include a statement of purpose. For example: “High school junior targeting a full-time summer job as a lifeguard. Able to start as of June 1 and available to work full time until Aug. 15. Can work part time during the school year.”

For many teenagers, your education is often your most significant accomplishment and qualification so far. List your school, your grade level and include additional information such as relevant classes. For example, you can list having an A in biology if you're applying to a biology program or your three years playing lacrosse if you are applying for a coaching job in your town's parks and recreation department. If you have a 3.0 GPA or above, you can include that too. You can also include any certifications or other training that is important for the role, such as CPR or a lifeguard certification.

Experience – whether it's paid, unpaid, part-time , full-time or on a volunteer basis – can do a lot to add to your credentials. Include any experience that shows you have done similar work, but also include any experience that shows you are reliable, trustworthy, hardworking or interested in the type of business or industry. To an employer, a candidate who has been hired or managed by someone else seems “less risky” than one who has never held responsibilities outside of the home or school. Some examples could be volunteering each week at the church nursery, watching your neighbor’s cats every time they go out of town or helping the drama teacher to set up and clean up after every performance at the high school.

Add Other Relevant Content

Some additional sections you can include are: skills , technology tools, awards/achievements, sports, clubs, hobbies and interests. The key here is to limit these to only things that will add value to your credentials. No need to include that you love playing Minecraft if you are not applying to a video game camp as a group leader, for example.

Review Your Work

Proof and edit online, print it out and proof it again. Then, ask a couple of other people – adults or people who have a vested interest in your resume representing you well – to review it too. You would much rather catch an error with a trusted contact than to miss out on an opportunity because of an autocorrect mistake.

When built correctly from the start, your resume can continue to evolve without much effort as you add more to your qualifications. See a sample teen resume below.

Sample Teen Resume

Robin Student

955.555.5555 | [email protected] | Danville, CA | linkedin.com/in/robinstudent

High school junior targeting a full-time summer job as a lifeguard. Able to start as of June 1 and available to work full time until Aug. 15. Can work part time during the school year.

  • Washington High School, Class of 2022
  • CPR and Lifeguard certification.

Experience:

  • Swim team co-captain.
  • Volunteer at Unity Church as a summer camp counselor.
  • Babysitter for neighbor's toddlers.
  • Can help others learn swimming techniques.
  • Helpful and enthusiastic.
  • Punctual and follows instructions.
  • Girl Scouts.
  • Community garden volunteer.

Tags: resumes , Applying , high school , teens , money , personal finance

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Entry-Level Resume Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Launch Your Career

Get a headstart with an entry-level resume format

Greg Faherty

Certified Professional Resume Writer

CV template Prague

Launching your career can feel like stepping into a vast, uncharted territory—especially when you’re drafting your first resume with minimal work experience . 

Fear not! This guide is here to navigate you through creating an entry-level resume that not only stands out but also positions you perfectly on the first rung of your professional ladder. 

You’ll learn how to articulate your potential loudly and clearly, ensuring that recruiters see your value right from the start.

What is an Entry-Level Resume?

Think of your first job resume as your personal ambassador—it presents your skills, education, and the potential you bring to every prospective employer. 

Designed specifically for those stepping into the job market or pivoting to a new field, this resume acts as your initial handshake, offering a snapshot of who you are professionally.

Why is it important?

A robust entry-level resume does more than list your experiences —it narrates your story in a way that compels hiring managers to take notice. It’s your opportunity to make a memorable first impression , potentially paving the way to that all-important interview .

Your entry-level resume should tell recruiters that you understand the role and are prepared to add value , despite having less experience than others might.

Entry-level resume example

Examining a resume example for a first job can be incredibly useful as it provides a tangible model to reference and draw inspiration from when writing your own personalized document .

[John Smith]

[123 Main Street | Anytown, USA | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected]]

[Marketing Professional]

Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from State University. Skilled in social media marketing, content creation, and data analysis. Completed internships with a local marketing agency and a volunteer position with a nonprofit organization, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a passion for driving results. Proven ability to leverage tools such as Google Analytics and Hootsuite to optimize marketing campaigns and enhance brand visibility.

Social Media Marketing | Content Creation | Data Analysis | Email Marketing

SEO Optimization | Google Analytics | Hootsuite | Microsoft Office Suite

Bachelor of Science in Marketing

State University, Anytown, USA

  • GPA: 3.7/4.0
  • Graduation: May 2023

Marketing Intern

ABC Marketing Agency, Anytown, USA

June 2022 – August 2022

  • Assisted in developing social media marketing strategies for clients, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement on average.
  • Created engaging content for various social media platforms, driving brand awareness and customer engagement.
  • Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities for client campaigns.

Marketing Assistant (Volunteer)

XYZ Nonprofit Organization, Anytown, USA

September 2021 – May 2022

  • Managed organization’s social media accounts, increasing followers by 30% within six months.
  • Designed and implemented email marketing campaigns to promote fundraising events, resulting in a 25% increase in donations.
  • Coordinated with internal teams to develop promotional materials and digital content to support organizational initiatives.

Marketing Campaign Analysis Project

January 2023 – May 2023

  • Led a team in analyzing the effectiveness of various marketing campaigns, utilizing Google Analytics to track key metrics such as website traffic and conversion rates.
  • Presented findings to faculty and industry professionals, demonstrating the ability to communicate complex data clearly and concisely.

Certification s

  • Google Analytics Certification, 2024
  • Hootsuite Platform Certification, 2023

Need inspiration to write your resume? Try our AI-powered resume builder and get tailored suggestions and guidance!

The Most Effective Resume Format for Entry-Level Candidates

For an entry-level candidate, the best resume format is typically a combination format . This format allows you to highlight your relevant skills and achievements, even if you have limited work experience. 

There are several reasons for this:

  • Skills section : With this format, you can place a prominent section near the top of your resume. This allows you to present the abilities you’ve gained through education, internships, volunteer work, and other experiences.
  • Work experience : While you may have limited professional experience, you can still include internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work under the Work Experience section. Focus on your achievements and transferable skills . make sure you list them in reverse chronological order.
  • Education : Since education is often the most relevant section for entry-level candidates, it’s typically placed near the top of the resume. Include details about your degree, GPA (if it’s strong), coursework, and any academic achievements or honors.
  • Optional sections : Depending on your experiences, you may also include additional sections such as projects, certifications, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. These can help round out your resume and provide additional context for your abilities.

Overall, a combination format allows you to display your abilities, education, and relevant experiences in a way that shows your potential and suitability for the position.

How to Write Your First Resume When You Don’t Have Experience

When tackling your first resume, it’s essential to spotlight elements beyond the typical sections like contact information and education. 

Focus on the tasks you performed, any achievements or recognition you received , and how these experiences have prepared you for your future career endeavors.

By strategically listing   these aspects of your background, you can create a compelling entry-level resume that presents your potential and positions you as a promising candidate, even without extensive professional experience.

Resume Summaries vs. Resume Objectives: Which To Use

Deciding between a resume summary and an objective can shape how recruiters view your application. While both elements aim to introduce your credentials, they serve slightly different purposes and are perceived differently by hiring managers.

Resume Objectives

Traditionally, resume objectives have been used to outline your career goals and what you seek to gain from the job. 

However, objectives are increasingly seen as outdated and self-focused, as they often emphasize the applicant’s desires more than their contributions to a potential employer.

Example of a Resume Objective

Seeking a challenging position in graphic design where I can leverage my coursework and freelance experience to grow and develop my skills.

Resume Summaries

On the other hand, resume summaries are gaining favor because they focus on what you can offer the employer. They provide a brief overview of your key accomplishments and abilities, which can immediately show your value to the hiring team.

Example of a Resume Summar y

Detail-oriented graduate with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and digital illustration. Completed more than 15 freelance projects, demonstrating creative flair and a strong commitment to delivering client-focused solutions.

Why Choose a Resume Summary?

Given the shift in preference towards candidates who can articulate what they bring to the table, a resume summary is more effective , especially for entry-level candidates. 

It allows you to succinctly display your skills and potential contributions, meeting more directly employers’ needs.

Consider opting for a summary over an objective. This approach positions you as a proactive candidate while aligning with modern hiring practices.

4 Key Sections of an Entry-Level Resume Plus Examples

From emphasizing your educational achievements and coursework to displaying your extracurricular involvement and valuable work experiences, each section plays a key role in presenting a comprehensive picture of your qualifications. 

Let’s explore how to maximize these sections with examples and insights tailored to entry-level candidates.

Education Section

In the Education section of your resume, list your academic achievements and any relevant coursework or projects. This is particularly important if you have limited work experience. 

Provide details such as your degree, graduation year, and any honors or awards you received.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

XYZ University, Anytown, USA

Graduated May 2023

  • GPA: 3.8/4.0
  • Honors: Dean’s List, Fall 2022

Relevant Coursework:

  • Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Web Development
  • Database Management Systems
  • Software Engineering Project
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Mobile Application Development

Work Experience Section

In this section, include both formal work experience like internships and volunteer work , as well as shorter-term experiences like micro-internships and job shadowing . 

Treat these experiences similarly to full-time jobs , detailing your responsibilities and achievements. Frame non-traditional experiences such as volunteer work or projects as formal work experience.

Ex perience

Volunteer Coordinator

Quantify your accomplishments with numbers when possible, or include KPIs . This helps provide context and scale to your contributions.

Include Your Extracurricular Activities

List any extracurricular activities where you held leadership positions or were actively involved in a team setting. 

These experiences demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively , manage responsibilities, and contribute to group success.

Ex tracurricular Activities

President, Marketing Club

September 2021 – May 2023

  • Led weekly meetings to plan club events and discuss marketing trends.
  • Organized guest speaker events and workshops to enhance members’ skills and industry knowledge.
  • Collaborated with other club officers to develop marketing campaigns to increase membership and engagement.

Team Captain, Intramural Soccer Team

September 2020 – May 2022

  • Organized team practices and coordinated game schedules.
  • Fostered teamwork and camaraderie among team members to achieve common goals.
  • Represented the team in league meetings and served as a liaison with university officials.

Using Power Words to Enhance Your Entry-Level Resume

Power words are action verbs that can make your resume more compelling and memorable. 

By using these dynamic words, you display your contributions and show active participation in your experiences. 

Here are some effective power words tailored for entry-level resumes, along with examples of how to use them:

Assisted : Demonstrates your ability to work cooperatively in a professional setting.

Assisted in managing a team of five in a university project, coordinating logistics and schedules.

Created : Shows initiative and the ability to develop something new.

Created a customer feedback system as part of a school project, which enhanced the group’s final project submission.

Resolved : Emphasizes problem-solving skills.

Resolved user issues as a volunteer at a tech fair, improving visitor satisfaction.

Organized : Points to your capability to arrange resources or events effectively.

Organized a local charity event, resulting in over 100 participants and raising $5,000.

Implemented : Indicates you can put plans or ideas into action.

Implemented a new inventory system during an internship, which reduced waste by 20%.

Enhanced : Suggests improvement of a project or task.

Enhanced the company newsletter as an intern by incorporating interactive content, increasing engagement by 30%.

Coordinated : Shows leadership and management skills , even in informal roles.

Coordinated the schedule for a college workshop series, improving attendee rates.

Designed : Reflects creativity and the ability to conceive and execute designs.

Designed a new layout for the student organization’s website, improving user experience and accessibility.

Achieved : Used to describe an accomplishment.

Achieved ‘Top Salesperson of the Month’ as a part-time retail worker through enhanced product knowledge and customer engagement strategies.

Tailoring Your Resume for Different Entry-Level Roles

Tailoring your resume for each job application is essential to increase your chances of standing out among other candidates.

Begin by thoroughly analyzing the job description provided by the employer. Identify key abilities, qualifications, and experiences they are seeking in an ideal candidate. 

Pay close attention to keywords and phrases used throughout the job description , as these are often the criteria against which your application will be evaluated.

For example, let’s consider a job description for a marketing assistant position that emphasizes skills in social media management, content creation, and data analysis. 

A candidate should incorporate these keywords into their resume summary to demonstrate how they meet the job requirements .

Example Job Description

Marketing Assistant responsibilities

  • Manage social media accounts and develop content calendars to drive engagement and brand awareness.
  • Conduct market research and analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for marketing campaigns.
  • Assist in the creation of marketing materials, including blog posts, email newsletters, and promotional materials.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute marketing initiatives and support overall business objectives.

Now take a look at how a candidate has added the keywords from the job description to their resume summary:

Resume Summary

Results-driven marketing graduate with proficiency in social media management, content creation, and data analysis. Experienced in developing engaging content calendars and conducting market research to drive brand awareness and customer engagement. Skilled in collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute marketing initiatives and achieve business goals. Excited to leverage my skills and passion for marketing to contribute to the success of [Company Name].

In addition, take the time to research the company’s culture and values . This insight can help you tailor your resume to underscore experiences and accomplishments that resonate with the company’s priorities, further increasing your chances of making a meaningful connection with the employer.

Customize your resume for each application based on the job description and company culture. This way you’ll demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and show how your skills and experiences match with the needs of the employer.

Embark on Your Journey: First Resume for a Teenager

Diving into resume writing while you’re still hitting the books can seem pretty intimidating. However, with the right approach and guidance, it’s entirely manageable. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your first resume:

  • First things first, as you probably have little to no paid work experience to detail, it is recommended that you use a combination or functional (skills-based) resume format to present a blend of abilities and activities that benefit you.
  • Secondly, as extra support, there are hundreds of specific first-job or teenage resume templates to use which are hugely advantageous in providing structure, advice, and examples for first-time resume writers.
  • The next step is to consider the content of a teenager resume, including the headings and texts . Social and athletic groups allow you to develop skills and experiences that are crucial to mention on a first resume.
  • Finally, when the content is compiled, you must ALWAYS edit and review the resume. You can ask a teacher, coach, or parent to take a look for you to ensure there are no errors or irrelevant information that could put a hiring manager off contacting you.

See an example in action:

[1234 High School Avenue, Anytown, USA | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected]]

Motivated high school student eager to gain valuable work experience and contribute to [Company/Organization] in a [desired role]. Skilled in [list relevant skills or areas of interest], with a strong work ethic and a passion for learning.

High School Diploma

Anytown High School, Anytown, USA

Expected Graduation: May 2024

Relevant Coursework

  • Advanced Mathematics
  • English Literature
  • Computer Science
  • Social Studies
  • Science & Biology
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Detail-oriented and organized
  • Team player with the ability to collaborate effectively
  • Quick learner with a proactive approach to tasks

Extracurricular Activities

President, High School Debate Club (September 2022 – Present)

  • Led weekly meetings to discuss debate topics and practice argumentation skills.
  • Organized and participated in inter-school debate competitions, earning [list any awards or achievements].

Member, Anytown High School Soccer Team (September 2020 – May 2023)

  • Developed teamwork and leadership skills through regular practice sessions and competitive matches.
  • Represented the school in district-level tournaments, contributing to team success and sportsmanship.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Tutor, Anytown Community Center (June 2022 – August 2023)

  • Provided academic support to elementary and middle school students in math and English.
  • Assisted with organizing and facilitating educational workshops and activities.

>> Additional Information <<

  • Strong work ethic and willingness to take on new challenges.
  • Excellent time management skills, balancing academic studies with extracurricular activities and part-time work.
  • Seeking opportunities to gain hands-on experience and make a positive impact in a professional environment.

Empower Your Search: Entry-Level Resume Templates

Are you in a hurry or need extra assistance? Try our resume templates for quick, expert help . 

Choose from a variety of samples tailored for entry-level positions , providing a solid foundation for your resume. Customize them to fit your needs and stand out to potential employers.

Our templates provide a proven structure to kickstart your resume creation . They also offer valuable advice on completing each resume section, guiding you on what to include and what to avoid to catch the attention of the right employers.

Key Takeaways for Writing an Outstanding Entry-Level Resume

Writing your first resume can feel overwhelming at times, but worry not! With the expert guidance offered in this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the tools you need to create a standout resume that sets you on the path to success in your career:

Here’s a quick recap of the most valuable advice shared in this article:

  • Tailor your resume : Customize each resume for the specific job and company by adding relevant skills and experiences.
  • Use power words : Incorporate dynamic action verbs to make your contributions more appealing.
  • Choose the right format : Opt for a combination resume format to effectively present your abilities, education, and achievements.
  • Write a compelling summary : Use a resume summary to list key accomplishments and skills, focusing on what you can offer the employer.

May your career aspirations take flight and lead you to remarkable achievements!

An entry-level resume should include essential sections like contact information, education, abilities, work experience (including internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs), and relevant projects or coursework. 

Underscore transferable skills, achievements, and any certifications . Tailor each resume to the specific job you’re applying for, focusing on showcasing how your experiences align with the requirements of the position. 

Additionally, consider adding a summary or objective statement to emphasize your career goals and what you bring to the table as a candidate.

Including a summary in an entry-level resume is optional but can be beneficial . A well-written summary provides a concise overview of your skills, experiences, and career goals, helping recruiters quickly understand your qualifications. 

It’s particularly useful if you’re transitioning to a new industry or highlighting transferable skills. 

If you’re a student with no work experience, focus on transferable skills , relevant coursework, volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your capabilities and enthusiasm. 

Show your willingness to learn, adaptability, and passion for the role or industry. Additionally, express your eagerness to contribute, grow, and make a positive impact within the organization. 

Writing a compelling cover letter that displays your potential and matches the job requirements can also help compensate for the lack of professional experience.

CV template Munich

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Entry Level Resume

Posted By: jbdkeepcoding 28th June 2014

Too Little Experience for Adding to Your Entry Level Resumes?

Young people, including students and recent graduates, often believe they will have difficulty in getting the jobs they want since employers will often hire someone with more experience. This can happen even for entry level jobs.

Although it is partially true, it is also true that when you are in this stage, you are selling yourself on promising rather than past events. Nobody will expect to find in an entry level resume years of job-relevant experience, and unless such claims are supported by convincing evidence, you run the risk of employers dismissing you as a liar.

Then, a good entry level resume should focus more than others on resume layout, grammar, attention to detail, highlight the young state of mind and those useful skills that a young people can be gained by getting involved in other activities different to a proper professional work experience.

Skill Oriented or Functional Entry Level Resume

If it is your case, you may want to emphasize your adaptive skills that would tend to overcome a lack of experience. EasyJob’s features a “skill-oriented” or functional resume that you can chose from the resume maker, constitutes the right solution to student and entry level resumes .

There are resume’s structures specifically designed for entry level job seekers looking for their first job and EasyJob Resume Builder has them all. Download EasyJob Resume Builder Demo and check it out NOW for FREE.

Entry Level Resume Writing Tips

Entry level job seekers should also consider expressing a willingness to accept difficult or less desirable conditions as one way to break into a field and gain experience. For example, “willing to work weekends and evenings” or “able to travel or relocate” may open up some possibilities that might appeal to an employer.

Besides, the reader of your entry-level resume must quickly know through your resume profile , that you are young, well-qualified, full of enthusiasm, and capable of easily integrating with a team. Use phrases like:

  • “hardworking”
  • “extremely reliable, considerate, and organized”,
  • ”learn new things quickly”
  • “well developed skills in…,”
  • “skilled at evaluating options and generating solutions”,
  • “comfortable working with all personality types”.

“EasyJob Resume Maker” provides you with thousands of such resume skill-phrases and other resume wording samples that you can easily paste into your little experience resume.

Resume Skill Mining: a Must for Little Experience & Entry Level Resumes

You should also look for anything that might be acceptable as experience and emphasize it. This might include volunteer work, education, training, military experience, or anything else that you might present as legitimate activities that support your ability to do the work that you feel you can do.

Most entry level job seekers have far more valuable skills and experience than they realize, and fail to present those ’employability assets’ in their resume. In our competitive job market, this is a mistake you can’t afford.

A job-seeker with a long and consistent work experience might be able to overlook some of his skills and achievements and still get away with it.

If you have little experience or a short work history, you can’t. No way!

EasyJob’s Skill Mining techniques will help you find those resume skills and present them in a sharp, focused, assertive and pro-active way with a winning resume. Check it out NOW for FREE!

Entry Level Resume Sample by EasyJob

Entry level resume sample could be a good starting point for little experience job seekers writing for first time their resume. Free download EasyJob demo here and also take a look at our entry level resume sample created by EasyJob Resume Builder software.

No Experience Resume & First Job Resume Tips for Young Job-Seekers
College Resume & Student Resume. No Experience, Student, Just Graduate or First Job Resume?
Entry-Level Resume Writing Tips.

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Use this sample resume as a basis for your own resume if you:

  • Have completed (or are currently completing) VCE 
  • Have little or no formal (paid) work experience

For sample resumes designed for other levels of education/work experience, check out our Sample CVs page . 

Download this sample resume template:

  • Sample Resume: VCE + No Work Experience - Word (133.87 KB)
  • Sample Resume: VCE + No Work Experience - PDF  (123.51 KB)

NOTE: DON'T SUBMIT YOUR RESUME AS A .PDF. Always submit your resume as a .doc, .docx or .rtf. If you have trouble with this sample resume, contact us at [email protected] .

If you've finished or are currently doing VCE (or an equivalent) but you haven't had much - or any - paid work experience, this sample resume can help you focus on the personal attributes you can contribute to the needs of an organisation.

This sample resume has been designed to focus on:

  • A marketing statement that highlights your capabilities and demonstrates what you bring to the job
  • Personal attributes that will help you to transition into the work environment
  • Any achievements, commendations or awards you received at high school that show you are honest and reliable
  • Any volunteer placements that demonstrate your willingness to contribute to the community

Other things you can put on your resume include:

  • Any sporting or community club participation (if relevant to the job)
  • Work placements or work experience that show you know how to work in a professional environment
  • Key skills that demonstrate your employability (and examples of their use) 
  • Written testimonials provided by supervisors, sporting club coaches, teachers or others involved in volunteer and community clubs
  • Any hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job

This sample resume is one page long. A one-page resume is more than acceptable when you're just starting out in the world of work. You may end up with two pages if you include all of the suggested additional information.

If your resume ends up being three pages long, you're probably providing too much information - try cutting some things out and sticking to two pages maximum.

For more about resumes and cover letters, check out these pages:

  • Sample Cover Letters
  • How to Write a Resume
  • How to Write a Cover Letter

Email: [email protected] Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

VCE graduate seeking casual employment in a dynamic organisation

Personable and astute student with proven time management and collaboration skills developed from sporting and volunteer engagements. Strong interpersonal skills enhanced by taking part in theatre activities to develop confidence and communication abilities. Understanding of general employability skills and the importance of working as part of a team, learning from others and developing as a professional. VCE graduate looking for first-time employment in a position that requires a dedicated, young and enthusiastic employee.

  • Customer Service (phone and face-to-face)
  • Problem solving
  • Cash management
  • Sales reconciliations
  • Transaction processing
  • Sales refunds
  • Dispute resolution
  • Data processing
  • Inventory control
  • Store-based security
  • Stock receipting
  • End-of-day processing
  • Sales negotiations
  • Product selection

Software Skills: Microsoft Word ~ Microsoft Excel ~ Microsoft Outlook ~ Firefox ~ Internet Explorer

All Saints Anglican College VCE 2013 ATAR: 88.7

Achievements:

  • 2013: Class captain (in partnership with one other class representative)
  • 2012: Represented school at National Youth Day events
  • 2012: Recognition award for contribution to the local community and volunteering

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

  • Effective Communication Skills:  Articulate communicator with appreciation for the different communication styles required when working with other team members or with customers.
  • Honest and Reliable:  Strong morals and ethics ensure honesty, reliability and ability to undertake tasks responsibly.
  • Flexible:  Understanding of need to remain flexible to support last-minute demands and changes. Comfortable in changing environments and situations, ensuring ability to remain flexible and adaptable at all times.

STUDENT WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS

Taylor Smith Partners (2-Week Work Placement - 2013)

Achievements and Contributions

  • Customer Service:  Responded to incoming calls. Screened telemarketing and direct sales calls while transferring customer enquiries to appropriate department.
  • Administration:  Typed general communication and letters to customers and businesses as directed. Ensured accurate development of communication by providing correspondence to supervisor for approval.
  • Records Processing:  Entered customer information into internal records management system. Updated existing customer records while creating new data files as directed.

VOLUNTEER PLACEMENTS

Melton Community Gardens (2011 - current)

Worked in community gardens assisting members of the local community in planting and caring for allocated sections. Assisted with setup and preparation of community garden, including general repair and maintenance works.

St Vincent De Paul (2010-2013)

Provided support during various fundraising activities for local community group. Assisted at events and gatherings including providing suggestions to help meet fundraising targets. Personally attended various events, including spending time with homeless youth in Melbourne CBD.

PROFESSIONAL REFEREES

Joanne Boyle Manager St Vincent De Paul Society Phone XX XXXX XXXX

Allan Blue Maintenance Manager Melton Community Gardens Phone: XX XXXX XXXX

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IMAGES

  1. Resume for Teens: 10 Examples & Writing Tips

    resume examples for young adults with little experience

  2. Resume For Young Professional

    resume examples for young adults with little experience

  3. Resume Examples Little Work Experience

    resume examples for young adults with little experience

  4. 5 Free Resume Templates for Teens (with Little to No Experience)

    resume examples for young adults with little experience

  5. Resume For Young Professional

    resume examples for young adults with little experience

  6. 47++ Sample resume for teenager first job That You Should Know

    resume examples for young adults with little experience

VIDEO

  1. A recruiter's advice for young people #careeradvice

  2. Understanding Younger People’s Experiences

  3. Webinar: How to Write Your First Resume While in High School

  4. Creating An IMPRESSIVE ESL Resume With NO EXPERIENCE

  5. LIFE ADVICE: 11 things I would tell my 19 year old self

  6. How to include travelling in your CV

COMMENTS

  1. Resume for Teens: 10 Examples & Writing Tips

    Academic achievements can be a good reflection of your work ethic. 6. Proofread carefully to make the best impression. Finally, always double check (or even triple check) your resume for mistakes. You might be tempted to send in your resume as soon as you complete it, but read it over a couple times.

  2. Resume Examples for Teens: Template and Writing Tips

    Read more: Top Resume Formats: Tips and Examples of 3 Common Resumes. 2. Make your contact details easy to find. You want it to be easy for a recruiter to contact you by ensuring that your contact details are clear. Include your name, phone number, email address and the city and state where you live.

  3. Teenager Resume Examples [Template + Tips for Teens]

    Write a teenage resume objective. Use a 60-word count and stuff it with accomplishments that fit the job. Lock your experience and education to the job offer with matching bullet points. See the resume examples for teens above for clues. Use special "other" sections to show you're more than just a resume for teens.

  4. How To Write a Great Resume With No Experience

    The goal of a first job resume is to demonstrate your value as an employee and show employers why hiring you would benefit their company: 1. Review the job description. Carefully review the job description and note any specific skills you have or requirements you can fulfill.

  5. Great Resume Examples for Teens

    A teen resume, or a high school resume, is a resume created by a person who is still in their teens and has little to no work experience. While not all teenagers work during their high school years, many do, which is when a teen resume will come in handy.

  6. 6 Great Teen Resume Examples + Writing Tips

    That's where our trusted Resume Builder comes in to save the day. 1. Type your job title in the search bar to load personalized examples of resume summaries. 2. Pick the one that best fits your profile and qualifications. 3. Customize it with your unique skills and years of experience.

  7. How to Write a Resume with No Experience [21+ Examples]

    It's the easiest part to get right, just keep it short and to the point. In your contact information section, mention the following: First and Last Name. Phone Number. E-mail Address. A link to a professional profile (e.g. LinkedIn) or personal webpage (if you have one) Make sure to use a professional-sounding E-mail.

  8. 10 Resume Examples for Teens and Early Career Adults

    For example: "A responsible and professional high school student with a passion for helping others, I am looking for a part-time role in customer service." Or: "A marketing graduate with experience in B2B social media marketing and crisis communications.

  9. 17+ Free Student Resume Examples for 2024

    17+ Student Resume Examples & Templates. Written By Ida Pettersson. Reviewed By Conrad Benz, Hiring Manager. Our resume examples for students are sleek, free, and properly formatted. Customize one of these templates and use our writing tips to convince employers that you have the skills and knowledge they're looking for. March 4, 2024.

  10. Teenager Resume: Examples, Templates, and Writing Tips

    Education—break it into sections and responsibilities. Experience—work, volunteering, job-shadowing. Skills. Extracurricular activities —hobbies, honors, groups. With these details, your teenager resume will shine. You should also use the right resume format for teenagers, so the manager knows you're a catch.

  11. How to Write a Resume With Little Experience

    6. Lean on your cover letter to tell your story. Your resume does most of the legwork, and it's really your golden ticket in the door for a job interview. But, let's face it — it's tough to capture who you are as a professional in the confines of sentence fragments and bullet points.

  12. Example Resume for a Young Professional

    Below is an example resume for a young professional applying for writing jobs. Sam Young. 1234 Pearl Street. San Francisco, CA 12345. (123) 456-7890. [email protected] SUMMARY STATEMENT Creative, dedicated journalist seeking writing and editing opportunities in the San Francisco area.

  13. Teen Resume Examples & Writing Tips (2024) · Resume.io

    If you're hunting for your first job right now, you're in luck! The worker shortage has created great demand for minimum-wage workers. In fact, the teen unemployment rate in 2021 was at its lowest since the 1950s, Business Insider reported. Not only will you have a wider range of jobs from which to choose, but your pay rate is likely to be higher as employers try to attract workers.

  14. How to Write a Resume With No Experience: Template & Example

    In two or three lines, highlight your skills, achievements, and career goals. Emphasize how you can bring value to the company and why you are a strong candidate. Keep it concise, but ensure it captures your unique qualities and positions you as the top job candidate. 6. Structure Your Resume for Readability.

  15. How to Write a Resume With No Work Experience

    It will help explain why you have limited experience. 2. Highlight Your Skills. While you may have little or no work experience to discuss on your resume, you're sure to have skills that you may have acquired in school or while volunteering that qualify you for the job. One way to highlight them is to break down these skills into individual ...

  16. Resume Summary with No Experience: Examples for Students and Fresh

    Resume Summary Example with No Experience #3: Math Student Graduating Soon. 4th year mathematics student passionate about statistics and data analysis. Proven project leader. Active member of Boston University's Mathematics Club. Speaker at 2018 "New York Young Mathematicians Conference.".

  17. How to Write a First Job Resume for Teens

    Choose a Simple Document Format. You can start with a blank document or use a resume template on Word or Google, but be sure to select one that is simple, without graphics, tables or other complex ...

  18. Entry-Level Resume Writing Guide & Templates

    An entry-level resume should include essential sections like contact information, education, abilities, work experience (including internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs), and relevant projects or coursework. Underscore transferable skills, achievements, and any certifications.

  19. Entry Level Resume

    "EasyJob Resume Maker" provides you with thousands of such resume skill-phrases and other resume wording samples that you can easily paste into your little experience resume. Resume Skill Mining: a Must for Little Experience & Entry Level Resumes. You should also look for anything that might be acceptable as experience and emphasize it.

  20. 9 Tips For a Young Professional Resume

    For example, if you are in marketing or public relations, a volunteer role where you are regularly helping to plan and organize events can provide you with practical event planning experience that many employers find desirable. White space. Don't fear having too little information on your resume.

  21. How to Write a Resume with Education and No Experience

    3. Highlight your education. 4. Use keywords and action verbs. 5. Quantify your achievements. 6. Here's what else to consider. If you have little job experience but lots of education, you might ...

  22. 40 Resume Summary Examples to Help You Write Yours

    Step 6: Customize for Each Application. Align your resume summary with the job's key requirements. Highlight the aspects of your experience and skills most relevant to the position. For example, if the job emphasizes leadership skills, ensure your summary showcases your experience leading teams or managing projects.

  23. High School Student Resume Samples

    Have little or no formal (paid) work experience; For sample resumes designed for other levels of education/work experience, check out our Sample CVs page. Download this sample resume template: Sample Resume: VCE + No Work Experience - Word (133.87 KB) Sample Resume: VCE + No Work Experience - PDF (123.51 KB) NOTE: DON'T SUBMIT YOUR RESUME AS A ...