How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience

A resume is an important tool for both potential employees and employers. For the employer, it helps them get an idea of who the person applying is and if they’re the right fit for the position. On the flip side, it helps applicants showcase their experience and skills to help demonstrate that they're the best candidate for the job. It’s a necessary piece of the job puzzle but what if you’re applying for your first job and have little to no experience? While you may not have work experience in the traditional sense, you still possess strengths that can be highlighted to show your potential. Here’s how to get started.

After scanning through the standard applicant contact information like name and email addresses, an employer is going to want to know what you’ll bring to the position. A summary statement allows you to briefly explain in two to three sentences who you are and what you can do. Use this space to highlight any skills or accomplishments that may be relevant to the position you’re applying to. Did you pick up some Microsoft Excel skills over the summer? Are your organization methods constantly praised? Add your best here as it’ll help make a strong first impression. 

Carefully look over the requirements of the position then make a list of every life experience, accomplishment and activity you’ve ever done and figure out what you can use to show how that specific experience has helped you prepare for the job you’re applying to. For example, if you’ve babysat and are applying for a receptionist position, you could share how the experience allowed you to strengthen your multitasking abilities and cultivate better time management skills. Don’t focus on the actual job that was performed (babysitting) but rather the skills needed to perform that job (problem-solving, active listening, etc.). While some employers do look for specialized skill sets like knowledge of a certain computer software, they’re also looking for what’s called, “soft skills” which are abilities you’ve picked up throughout life that can be applied to any job. Some of those soft skills can include:

Remember to try and match the verbiage used by the employer. Many employers utilize an applicant tracking system to streamline their selection process so it’s important to add some keywords to your resume so it doesn’t get overlooked. Look at the job description and try to incorporate some of the keywords used in the job ad into your resume.

If you’re starting off with no volunteer experience, your education is going to stand out as the strongest aid in qualifying for a job. Adding relevant coursework, committees and programs you’re a part of can help prove to employers your commitment to work and your ability to learn new things. Be sure to also include any scholarships or awards you’ve received to this section to give your resume that extra shine.

The best way to undo all of the hard work you’ve just put into your resume to prove your attention to detail is to put forward a poorly written resume riddled with typos and grammatical errors. Give your resume the best shot possible and be sure your resume is easy to read. Don’t clump all of your information into one big block of text, instead follow a resume template and stick to the structure. Once all of your information has been added, have someone take a look at your work before hitting the submit button.