what to write on your resume for your first job

Here’s How to Write a Resume for Your Very First Job (Plus, an Example!)

So you’re applying to your first job and you’ve gotten to the portion of the job application that reads, “Upload resume here” or “Email your resume to...” Now what?

Don’t sweat it. Literally every single person who has ever submitted a resume started with a blank page at some point. They likely also had the same questions you might be thinking about right now: What exactly is a resume? How do I make a resume ? What information goes on one? How do I talk about my experience? What if I’ve never had a “real” job before? How long should it be ?

But don’t fret. With a few tips on what information to include (and how) and some simple formatting guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to writing a resume for your first job.

What Is a Resume?

Let’s start by setting the stage. A resume is a document that lists your education, experience, and skills with a focus on what’s important to the job you’re applying for. Your resume is your unique story, a staple in your job search tool kit, and a major component of most job applications you will submit. It’s a living document that continues to grow as your career does.

When it’s done right, your resume clearly and concisely tells a future employer what you can bring to a new role and company. In a job search, a resume is typically the first point of contact between you and the company you want to work for. And your first impression can determine whether or not you move on to the next step in the hiring process—usually an interview —so it’s worth putting in the time to make sure it’s a great one.

While resumes can come in all shapes and sizes—and as a recruiter, believe me, I have seen them all—there’s one thing effective, impactful resumes have in common. They tell your story in a digestible way that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them start to think, “Yes, I could see this person in this role. I'd like to learn more.”

What Goes on a Resume?

While every resume has different content based on your experience, skills, background, and education, most resumes have the same basic parts. Grouping the information on your resume into clearly defined sections helps the reader find the information they need to best assess your potential as a candidate.

Here are the basic sections to help you organize a resume for your first job:

Name and Contact Information

The top of every resume should clearly state your full name and the best contact information for the recruiter or hiring manager to get in touch with you, including an email address and phone number.

Your email should be simple and professional. Stick to your first, middle, and last name or initials and maybe some numbers if you’re having trouble finding a name-initial combo that works or isn’t already taken. Double-check that your voicemail is set up on the phone number you provide and the mailbox isn’t full. Also revisit the outgoing message: Is it clear that whoever calls you has reached the right person? Is the message something you would want your future employer to hear? Both the email and voicemail should be ones you actually check so you can respond to possible employers promptly.

Depending on what experience you have, what jobs you’re applying for, and what you want to share, you can also include your LinkedIn profile or the URL for an online portfolio or personal website in the header as well.

Read More: Here’s Exactly What Should Be Included in Your Resume’s Header

Resume Summary (Optional)

Right under your contact information, you can consider including a resume summary : a few sentences that clearly and concisely describe who you are as a candidate. This is where you can highlight things like your organization skills and drive, your passion for the industry you’re applying to, and some key skills. If you choose to include a resume summary, you should use strong adjectives and descriptors to best paint a picture for the reader.

Read More: 3 Resume Summary Examples That’ll Make Writing Your Own Easier

On a resume, education can include high school, college degrees, certificates, and specialized programs. List what school or program you attended, the area of study and/or degree you got or will get, any honors or awards you received, and the year you completed or expect to complete your education.

If your education relates directly to the role you’re applying to, it can also make sense to include some of the courses you completed or a major project that shows you putting what you learned into action. For example, if you’re applying to do construction work, you might want to talk about the projects you completed and skills you learned in a woodshop or similar class.

Education can show up in a few different places on your resume depending on what you studied or are studying, how related it is to what you are applying to, and when it happened. If you’re still in school or have recently graduated, you should consider putting your education section just after your summary or contact information. If you’re more than a few years past completing your education, and it doesn’t directly relate to what you’re applying to, it can be included below your related experience section or sections.

Read More: How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume

Your past experience will take up the bulk of your resume. For most resumes, this means past jobs, so if you’re making a resume for your first “real” job, you might be worried about what to include. But jobs aren’t the only thing that count as experience. The goal of your resume is to include experiences that show your specific and unique perspective, skills, and the value you will bring to the new role—regardless of whether you were paid for them or if you did the work formally as part of an organization.

On your first resume, you should definitely include past jobs if you’ve had them, including things that aren’t in the industry you’re applying to and less formal paid experiences like babysitting or mowing lawns in your neighborhood. But your experience section can also talk about volunteering; school organizations, teams, and clubs; internships; class projects or capstone classes or projects; and any one-off special projects, gigs, or personal pursuits that relate to the types of roles you’re applying for.

For example, if you volunteered to support event planning for the fundraisers at a local nonprofit and you’re applying for a role that includes time management and meeting coordination, you should include that volunteer experience on your resume. Or if you’ve designed your family and friend’s event invitations with InDesign and are applying to a job where graphic design and design program experience is a plus, these experiences belong in this section! If you’re still stuck, think about your student groups, hobbies, and activities you’ve participated in. These likely require skills like organization, time management, and communication in addition to the skills required to participate, and these are experiences you can list on your resume.

If you have different types of experience to share, you can break them up under more than one section heading. Headers can include things like “Work Experience,” “Volunteer Experience,” or “Related Experience,” or be thematic like “Customer Service Experience,” “Event and Program Planning,” or “Leadership Experience.”

Start by figuring out what your most important experiences are for the job you’re applying for. To do this, thoroughly read the job description. Then, identify which of the experiences, skills, and qualities emphasized are ones you already have. It might help to make a resume outline or use a resume worksheet to write out everything in one place before making your actual resume. Then you can easily tailor your resume, or select what matters most, for each job you apply to.

Read More: What It Really Means to “Tailor Your Resume”

That’s what you include in your experience section—now let’s talk about how to include it. For each experience you should list your position, the organization you worked for (if applicable), and when you did the work. Under this, you should describe what you did, usually in bullet-point format.

One mistake I’ve seen from candidates is that they assume others just understand what a job they’ve had entails, which just isn’t the case. Your resume should very clearly spell out your past experience to show why it will make you successful in the role you are applying for. Most of the time that means you have to highlight transferable skills, which are useful in multiple settings and jobs but sometimes need translating to make their value clear. Make sure you’re explaining any jargon or industry-speak to help make the experience more relatable (unless you’re applying for a job in the same industry).

When thinking about how your experience is transferable, break down the nitty-gritty of what you did and how you could use those practices and skills in different settings. For example, don’t assume the hiring manager will guess why babysitting will help you be successful in an office setting. Say that when you were babysitting, you were managing kid’s schedules, coordinating activities, and communicating with other kids’ caretakers to organize transportation. Then you can explain how this translates to being able to navigate multiple priorities, manage calendars, communicate effectively with different people, and anticipate needs.

Make your bullet points impactful by stating actions and results. Actions are what you actually did and how; the results are what you achieved and what actually happened because of your actions. Wherever you can, add numbers and context to best highlight the impact of your experience. Bullet points should also lead with powerful, descriptive action verbs , and avoid first-person language.

For example, you might say:

• Coordinate with up to 10 external vendors to confirm and schedule delivery of supplies (using Calendly)

While your entire resume should show off your skills, you may also want to include a skills section. This can appear as a list or in bullet form and usually includes hard skills, technical skills, and language skills. This section can help when a recruiter is using software to scan your resume for keywords (more on that later) or when someone only has a short amount of time to read your resume and find your most important skills. So don’t be afraid to talk about a skill in your experience, education, or resume summary section and also list it in your skills section.

Hard skills can include things like project management, event planning, graphic design, calendar management, customer service, cashiering, or different driver’s licenses. Which ones are most important depend on the job you’re applying to, so make sure you’re looking at the job descriptions.

Technical skills can overlap with hard skills but generally refer to specific software, tools, systems, and coding languages you have experience with. For example, if you’re experienced in graphic design, you should note which specific programs you’ve used. Again, check the job description to see which technical skills you need for the job. A few examples of technical skills for your first job might include: Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint; G Suite; Slack or any other communication platforms; Asana, Trello, Airtable, or other project management tools; Adobe Photoshop; and Salesforce.

Language skills include any language you can speak, read, and/or write with reasonable fluency. Even if it’s not listed on the job description, noting what languages you speak (other than English) and at what level can be an advantage. For example, if you’re applying to a job where you need to interact with customers in an area where many people speak Spanish and you also speak Spanish, this will help you work more effectively and efficiently.

Even if a skill feels very basic to you, it can still be worth mentioning, especially if it’s in the job description. In my experience, one of the biggest challenges people face in crafting a resume, or in describing why their experience is important, is that they tend to devalue what they do every day because it becomes second nature.

Finally, stay away from listing skills just because they sound good. Instead, list only skills you actually have. If you can describe where you learned a skill and how you’ve used it in the past, you probably have enough experience with it to list on your resume.

How to Format Your Resume

Recruiters read lots of resumes and don’t always have a lot of time to spend on each one. So you want to ensure they can decipher your resume quickly and effectively. The following formatting guidelines and tips will help you achieve this.

Keep It to One Page

Since this is your first (or one of your first) jobs, your resume shouldn’t be more than one page . If your content is spilling onto a second page, ask yourself: Is all of this information important and necessary for the role I’m applying for? Am I describing my education and experience as concisely as possible?

On the flip side, don’t include filler to take up the whole page if you don’t have more experiences that actually add value to your resume.

Focus on Readability

You want to format your resume so it’s quick and easy to read—that using means bullet points, a healthy dose of white space (think how your eyes react to a large block of text), and clear headers to denote resume sections so the reader can scan and identify relevant information.

Design-heavy resumes have become more popular, and while a splash of color or simple design element can make your resume stand out in a stack, too much can be distracting and may not translate well to certain applicant tracking systems (ATS)—databases of job applications that employers can search to find the most promising candidates. This resume-scanning software has trouble finding and reading text on heavily designed documents, and you could lose out on being picked up by a keyword search, which is often the first review of a resume.

Read More: Beat the Robots: How to Get Your Resume Past the System & Into Human Hands

Capitalize on Valuable Real Estate

The top third of your resume is what the recruiter will see first, so you want to make sure the content on this part of the page makes them want to keep reading.

The very top should include your name and contact information. If you’re including a summary, that comes next. Then, you have a choice: You could lead with your education, your skills, or your most recent or most applicable experience. When deciding, think about what will best demonstrate how you’re a great fit for the role you’re applying to: Is your coursework the thing most aligned with the job? Or is it that volunteer work you’ve been doing? Or maybe it’s a combination of skills you’ve picked up in different ways.

Consider the Best Way to Organize Your Resume

The top of your resume is what a hiring manager will see first, but you also want to think about the best way to present your information overall. There are three main formats to consider:

• Chronological : The most common resume format, this is where you list your experience in reverse chronological order, separated by job or position, starting with the most recent (or current). In this format, your skills section would come after your experience.
• Functional : In this format, you would spend the bulk of your resume highlighting your most relevant skills followed by a brief section outlining your experiences. If you don’t have any past jobs, you may want to consider a functional resume since it has less of an emphasis on individual positions.
• Combination : Just like it sounds, this format combines both chronological and functional approach in which you highlight relevant skills at the top of your resume and then list your experience in reverse chronological order. This format can be beneficial if your most recent experience isn’t related to what you’re applying for.

Read More: Your Complete Guide to Resume Formats (and How to Pick the Best One for You!)

Be Consistent With Your Formatting

While there are no hard and fast rules about when to bold or italicize, what size the actual bullet points should be, or how many tabs you use, it is important to stay consistent in whatever you choose. If you decide to bold your job titles, make sure you do so throughout your resume. The same goes for any other formatting decision. This makes your resume more organized and easier to read.

Check Out This Sample Resume

So what does it all look like at the end? Here’s a sample resume to help you visualize how utilizing strong resume formatting for readability, including impactful resume sections, and thoughtfully and strategically describing your experience in concise bullets points can help you create a resume for your first job.

In this example combination resume, the person is applying for front desk coordinator positions in a medical office.

Download resume sample here

Before submitting your resume for your first job, the final step is to make sure you edit and proofread it. Reading your resume out loud and asking for some assistance from a second set of eyes can be helpful.

Now that you’ve made your first resume, it’ll only get easier. Remember that your resume is truly a living document and you’ll want to make a practice out of updating it and tailoring it to every job as your experience and career build. But you don’t have to start with a completely blank page ever again.

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How to Make a Resume for First Job In 6 Steps (+ Examples)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated January 12, 2024 15 min read

“How to make a resume for first job,” you ask?

In this highly competitive job market, even the most experienced professionals can struggle for success. So how can you, a fresh graduate with no experience , stand out from the rest? Believe us, you can. 

We'll show you how to highlight your skills and academic achievements , and other relevant experiences you might have, in a way that makes up for the lack of experience and catches an employer's eye.

In this article you'll find how to make an effective resume with no experience and land your first job. You'll also find out:

• If you need a resume for your first job;
• How to make a resume for first job in 6 steps;
• How to know what is relevant;
• First job resume examples.

But let's start with the basics...

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What even is a resume?

Do you need a resume for your first job, how to make a resume for your first job in 6 steps, how to know what is relevant, resume example for first job.

• Key takeaways: How to make a resume for first job?

In short, resume is a document which presents your career history in a succinct way. It provides an overview of your most relevant achievements (professional and educational):

• the skills you've acquired; 
• any qualifications, awards, or certificates you've gained; 
• your education;
• and work experience. 

Stylistically speaking, resumes are formal, brief, and packed with information . 

The aim of a resume is to present a summary of everything you need to convince the hiring managers that you are the right person to fill the open position in their company.

Who is the resume meant for? 

The target audience of your resume are the recruiters or the hiring manager . 

Resume serves as the initial point of contact between you and the people who decide whether you get invited to a job interview . With a good resume, you can make a strong first impression which will get you on the list of promising candidates.

Recruiters like brevity and efficiency, so make sure you communicate with them in clear and concise language .

What does a resume consist of? 

Given the volume of information included in a resume, you must organize it into appropriate and clearly distinguished resume sections . This will prevent your resume from looking cluttered and chaotic.

Generally speaking, there are two types of resume sections: necessary and optional .

The necessary resume sections include:

• Personal/contact information
• Resume summary or resume objective
• Work experience

From the optional sections , the most frequent include:

• Hobbies and interests
• Awards and achievements
• Certificates
• Volunteering
• References (though this one is mainly used in CVs, rather than resumes.)

How long should a resume be?

Choosing the right resume length can be tricky, believe it or not. Luckily for you, there is only one correct answer. 

Our recommendation to keep your resume to only one page probably won't surprise you. 

Absolutely. 

Whether it's your first or fiftieth time, you always need to attach a resume to your job application . 

Your resume is something like an ID card in the workforce – it tells people who you are, what you can do , and how they can reach you . Without a resume you won't get invited to a job interview; and without a job interview, well, you won't get a job. 

Maybe you feel that since you have no practical experience, writing a resume is pointless - this statement couldn't be further from true. 

After all, you would have to create a resume at one point in your life, so it may as well be now.

The simple fact of having a well-done resume already displays a certain level of professionalism and readiness for the workplace. 

Knowing how to best present yourself and your abilities – especially when you have no previous experience to vouch for them – is a skill in itself. And every skill needs practice. 

So let's practise!

Writing a good resume for your first job can be intimidating; but following these 6 steps will make the process much easier.

Instead of a resume summary, opt for a resume objective. In 3-5 sentences, focus on your career goals and academic achievements. Express your enthusiasm for the job, your goals, and your desire to grow professionally. 

This might be the most important section of your resume. Write your education entries in detail. You can mention relevant coursework, projects, or awards.

If you lack professional experience, you can build on your relevant internships, volunteering, independent projects, your teen jobs , summer jobs, or part-time jobs. Especially highlight those that are at least somewhat relevant for the job.

Highlight hard skills, like languages, computer skills , or other tools. Also, don't forget to include soft skills , which are personality traits and are transferrable from your old jobs or school. You can also organize your skills section into smaller categories and use infographics.

Include your contact information in your resume header. Make sure they are clearly visible and easy to find with the first glance. Don't forget to include your LinkedIn profile.

If you feel that there's still relevant information to be mentioned, but you lack separate resume sections – create them. For instance, create a separate 'Independent Projects' section and boast about your endeavours.

Now, let's go through these steps in detail.

Step 1: Create a compelling resume summary/objective 

What is the purpose.

What separates a good resume from a great one is its ability to immediately capture the attention of whoever is reading it. A nifty piece of text called a resume summary does the trick. 

This brief text placed near the top of your resume, close to your contact information, condenses your resume highlights into 3-5 sentences . 

It provides an overview of your most impressive professional qualities:

• Most significant achievements
• Most relevant skills
• Experiences that cater to specific needs of the job you want

What can you do?  

Obviously, you can't really do all that. But you can still create a persuasive short text that will make the recruiters keep on reading the rest of your resume. 

Instead of writing a resume summary, try to compose a resume objective . 

Instead of past experience and achievements, you can highlight your:

• Career goals 
• Enthusiasm to learn and grow professionally
• Educational achievements

Look at this example:

What makes this resume objective good?

• Anita shows the recruiters her qualifications by informing them of her bachelor's degree.
• She states exactly what she can offer to her future employer: proactive approach, problem-solving, critical thinking. 
• She expresses her desire to “ grow professionally ”

Step 2: Flash out your education

The education section is where you list your degrees and your academic accomplishments. To be honest, candidates with years of professional experience need this section only as a way to show that they hold an academic degree. Simply because such is the convention. 

In their case, an education entry contains the following:

• The name of the institution
• Location of the school
• Years of study
• Level of study 
• Name of their degree

What can you do?

For fresh graduates, the education section of a resume is often the most significant part . Make sure to put some meat on the bones … a lot of it actually.

At this point in your professional life, your academic achievements are probably the only way to showcase your most relevant abilities and substantial qualifications . Throughout your academic journey, you've likely gained and achieved a multitude of things, use this section to show your range. 

Apart from the information shown above, you should elaborate on your education entries by detailing your:

• Relevant coursework. Being fresh out of school does have a certain advantage – all the theoretical knowledge is still in your head. 
• Final thesis. Your final thesis is the climax of your studies. It's by far your most elaborate project. It requires a lot of effort, good time management, dedication and long-term commitment – all the qualities highly desired by employers. Not to mention if the subject of your thesis directly links to the job you're applying for!
• Extracurricular activities. It's good to demonstrate your interest in things outside of the prescribed curriculum – this might suggest similar tendencies in work environment. 
• Projects you've worked on. Apart from the knowledge, you've gained valuable teamwork experience.
• Scholarships.  
• Academic awards. Make the recruiters recognize your hard work. 
• GPA . Include it only if it's higher than 3.5.

In short, make note of every relevant information that will make your future employers see your potential.

Keep in mind that your education entries should be listed in reverse-chronological order .

Consider this example:

What makes this education section good?

• By mentioning the acknowledgements for her academic performance, Hannah shows the recruiters that she is focused, hard-working and consistent. 
• Her membership in various societies and clubs suggest that she's developed strong communication and networking skills.

Step 3: Camouflage your work experience.

Normally, the work experience section takes up the most space on a resume. It is here where candidates demonstrate their acquired skills and know-how with practical examples from real-life professional situations.

One of the defining characteristics of those just entering the workforce, such as yourself, is the lack of practical work experience. 

This doesn't have to mean that you have no experience whatsoever. 

Instead of dealing with this section in the traditional way, you can make for your lack of experience by focusing on:

• Internships. You can treat your internships as if they were regular jobs. In a few bullet points, note your responsibilities and accomplishments. Include any projects or studies you've participated in. What problems did you solve? What outcomes did you contribute to?
• Independent projects . Feel free to add any kind of projects you've worked on. These can be academic, personal, work-related, freelance projects, etc. For instance, if you created a website for your college society, include this along with the transferrable skills you gained and a URL link.
• Volunteering. Volunteering is as valid as any other work experience. Just because something wasn't paid, doesn't mean that it didn't bring you anything valuable. Plus, if the company you're interested in shares your passion for volunteering, this can be your greatest weapon. 
• Part-time jobs. What relevant tasks did you undertake? What were your responsibilities? 

If you pick one, two, or combination of all – keep in mind that all the information on your resume should be relevant! This means that everything you decide to put on this document has to connect to the job you're applying for in some way.

If none of your experience aligns with the demands of your target job, you can still include it. Just make sure to focus on all the transferable skills you’ve gained because of it. 

Here is one example of how to deal with the feared “work experience” section:

What makes this work experience section good?

• Despite not having any full-time experience, Nathan utilized his internship to the maximum. 
• He clearly states the competences and tasks he undertook.
• He details the accomplishments and skills he employed with specific examples . 
• To make the text more readable and organized, he used bullet points and bold fonts . As a consequence, the whole entry feels less dense.

Step 4: Show relevant skills

It's quite straightforward, really – the skills section on your resume is there to highlight any skills that can help you get the job. 

Your abilities fall under one of two categories: hard or soft skills. 

Hard skills are those you can obtain through education or training – they can be easily measured and quantified. The most prominent hard skills are:

• Foreign language proficiency
• Computer skills (coding languages, spreadsheets, etc.)
• Completed training (forklift operation, driving licence, etc.)

Soft skills , on the other hand, aren't so easily defined. We can say that these are the interpersonal and social nuances one cultivates throughout years and years of experience. You can also know them under the term transferable . Some of the most sought-after soft skills include:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Leadership 
• Reliability
• Time management 

Since soft skills aren't strictly tied to a particular job position, you can apply them across all industries. Yes, even you .

Although both hard and soft skills can be included in the skills section , we recommend you to do this:

• Use the skills section to mark your hard skills . Since these can be objectively measured, you can mark down the level of your proficiency by using infographics. Your resume will be sleeker and visually more interesting.  
• Sprinkle your soft skills throughout other parts of your resume . Don't just write communication skills and blackout three out of five circles – that doesn't say much. We aren't saying that this is necessarily wrong; but you can do better!
• Instead of just writing teamwork , mention your participation in various projects when you talk about your education. 
• Don't just write reliable, show how many responsibilities and competences you were able to handle during your internship.
• Instead of just writing leadership skills , mention the fact you led multiple group projects in your resume objective. 

Let's look at Anita's resume again. Focus on her skills section:

What makes this skills section good?

• She included hard skills only, which allowed her to include more of them. (all relevant to the job position though!)
• Anita organized her skills section into two categories . This made it more readable. 
• By including infographics, she elevated the overall look of her resume.

Step 5: Provide up-to date contact information

A good resume is incomplete without your personal contact information. The recruiters need to know how to get in touch with you as soon as they look at your resume. Don't forget to clearly state your:

• Full name; 
• email address;
• phone number;
• and links to your LinkedIn, online portfolio of social media account (only if relevant!)

Make your contact info stand apart from the rest of the text. Place it in the topmost part of your resume (also called the resume header ). 

You can use a bigger font size to draw immediate attention to your name. 

And for the love of God, don't use unprofessional-sounding emails such as [email protected] . 

Step 6: Enhance your resume with optional sections

Optional sections in a resume are those that are not essential but can be included to provide additional context about your skills, experiences, or personal interests. 

These sections can be particularly useful for highlighting aspects of your profile that might not be evident from the standard sections.

When it comes to organizing your resume sections, there really is only one rule. The more important the information, the sooner it should be accessible . 

If you want to draw the recruiters' attention to all the certificates you've gained – create yourself a stand-alone certificate section . 

Maybe you have both internship and volunteering experience, but you only went into detail on your internship – create a volunteering section . 

Or, you may want to create a separate Projects section where you provide links and descriptions of your independent endeavours you did as a freelancer or just for fun.

Your additional section can look like this:

What makes this example good?

• By organizing all certificates under one section, you draw attention to your qualifications head on. 
• Each certificate is explained in detail with 1-2 short sentences.

If you'd like some more inspiration, breeze through our resume samples and have a look at resumes that have actually helped our customers to land the job they'd wanted. 

Congratulations. Now you know how to make resume for first job. 

Just one more thing.

If you've read carefully you might've noticed how often the word relevant pops up in this post. (Could be a good drinking game actually.)

By relevant we mean pertaining to the job you're applying for . 

Knowing what your job demands allows you to tailor your resume to each job posting you wish to reply to. The closer your resume aligns with these requirements, the better chance to land a job interview you'll have.  

Go to the job posting and read it again. Which key words and phrases catch your eye? 

In this example, we've highlighted them for you: 

Job posting example:

 Entry-Level Customer Service Representative

XYZ Tech Solutions is looking for a motivated Entry-Level Customer Service Representative to join our team in Miami, FL. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills , basic computer proficiency, and a strong command of both English and Spanish . This role involves addressing customer queries, solving problems with a proactive approach, and contributing to team efforts in a fast-paced environment. No previous experience required, making it perfect for those starting their professional journey. If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and ready to grow your skills, apply now and kickstart your career with us!

When constructing your resume, make sure that you've managed to tick as many boxes as possible . Just don't lie!

Have a look at the following resume example.

Now, let's have a look at a great example resume for first job belonging to a student intern.

She highlights her skills and education, effectively camouflaging the lack of work experience.

She makes use of the skills-based resume format , which focuses on your skills rather than professional experience – also a great way to make up for the lack of experience.

The best thing is you can use this resume as your first draft.

Student Intern Resume Sample

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

K ey takeaways: How to make a resume for first job?

Even without formal work experience, a resume is crucial. It serves as the initial point of contact between you and potential employers .

To make your first resume land with a bang, follow these simple steps:

• Create a compelling resume objective. Focus on career goals and academic achievements.
• Flash out your education. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, or awards.
• Camouflage your work experience. Utilize internships, volunteering, and part-time jobs to adequatly compensate for your lack of experience.
• Show relevant skills. Include both hard and transferabe skills. For better readability use infographics if possible. 
• Provide up-to date contact information. Ensure it's up-to-date and prominently displayed.
• Enhance your resume with optional sections. Add any other relevant sections as needed.

Don't forget the golden rule – always customize your resume to align with the specific job requirements, focusing on relevant skills and qualities .

Finally, a good resume should always be accompanied by a good cover letter. It can lend you more space to show the recruiters your passion and personal motivation to work for their company. As a fresh graduate, this is how you write a cover letter with no experience .

Is your first resume any good?

Scan your resume for issues and see how it compares against other resumes in our database.

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide

For most job-seekers, a good resume is what stands between a dream job and Choice D. Get your resume right, and you’ll be getting replies from every other company you apply to.

If your resume game is weak, though, you’ll end up sitting around for weeks, maybe even months, before you even get a single response.

So you’re probably wondering how you can write a resume that gets you an interview straight up.

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about how to make a resume, including:

• The 8 Essential Steps to Writing a Resume
• 11+ Exclusive Resume Tips to Up Your Resume Game
• 27+ Real-Life Resume Examples for Different Professions

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

Before we go into detail about how you should make a resume, here’s a summary of the most important steps and tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a resume format carefully. In 99% of cases, we recommend the reverse-chronological format .
• Add the right contact details. Leave your headshot out and make sure to include your job title , a professional email address, and any relevant links. (E.g.: your LinkedIn profile , online portfolio, personal website, etc.).
• Write an impactful resume summary. Unless you’re an entry-level professional, always go for a resume summary. If you do it right, it’s your chance to get the hiring manager to go through the rest of your resume in detail.
• Pay attention to your work experience section. Take your work experience section from OK-ish to exceptional by tailoring it to the job ad, making your achievements quantifiable, and using action verbs and power words.
• Add the right skills for the job. Keep this section relevant by only including the hard and soft skills that are required for the position.
• Keep your education short and to the point. Your most recent and highest degree is more than enough for a strong education section. You only need to add more details here if you’re a recent graduate with barely any work experience.
• Leverage optional resume sections. Optional sections like languages, hobbies, certifications, independent projects, and others can set you apart from other candidates with similar skills and experience.
• Include a cover letter. That’s right, cover letters matter in 2024, and the best way to supplement your resume is by adding an equally well-crafted cover letter to your job application. To make the most of it, check out our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter .

To get the most out of our tips, you can head over to the resume builder and start building your resume on the go as you read this guide.

New to resume-making? Give our ‘7 Resume Tips’ video a watch before diving into the article!

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

Before you start filling in the contents of your resume, you have to make sure it’s going to look good. 

After all, the first thing hiring managers notice is what your resume looks like, and then they start reading it. So, this is your best chance to make a great first impression.

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological. This is by far the most popular resume format worldwide and, as such, it’s the best format for most job-seekers.
• Functional. This resume format focuses more on skills than work experience. It’s a good choice if you’re just getting started with your career and have little to no experience in the field.
• Combination. The combination resume format is a great choice for experienced job-seekers with a very diverse skill set. It’s useful if you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in several different fields and you want to show all that in your resume.

So, which one should you go for?

In 99% of cases, you want to stick to the reverse-chronological resume format . It’s the most popular format and what hiring managers expect to see. So, in the rest of this guide, we’re going to focus on teaching you how to make a reverse-chronological resume.

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

With formatting out of the way, let’s talk about your resume’s layout , which determines the overall look of your resume. 

Does it look organized or cluttered? Is it too short or too long? Is it boring and easy to ignore, or is it reader-friendly and attention-grabbing?

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

• Stick to one page. You should only go for a two-page resume if you have decades of experience and you’re sure the extra space will add significant value. Hiring managers in big companies get hundreds of applications per job opening. They’re not going to spend their valuable time reading your life story!
• Add clear section headings. Pick a heading and use it for all the section headers so the hiring manager can easily navigate through your resume.
• Adjust the margins. Without the right amount of white space, your resume will end up looking overcrowded with information. Set your margins to one inch on all sides so your text fits just right on the page.
• Choose a professional font. We’d recommend sticking to a font that’s professional but not overused. For example, Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Avoid Times New Roman, and never use Comic Sans.
• Set the correct font size. As a rule of thumb, go for 11-12 pt for normal text and 14-16 pt for section titles.
• Use a PDF file. Always save your resume as a PDF file, unless the employer specifically requests otherwise. Word files are popular, but there’s a good chance they’ll mess up your resume’s formatting.

Another thing you need to consider in terms of your resume’s layout is whether you’re going for a traditional-looking resume template or something a bit more modern :

If you’re pursuing a career in a more traditional industry, like law , banking , or finance , you might want to stick to the first.

But if you’re applying to a tech company where imagination and innovation are valued, you can pick a more creative resume template .

Want to Save Time? Use a (Free) Resume Template

Anyone who’s ever tried creating a resume from scratch knows how boring the formatting can be.

Before you can even start filling in the contents, you need to tweak the margins, adjust font sizes, and make sure everything fits into one page while still looking good.

What if you could skip past all that and still create a compelling resume?

Try one of our free resume templates . They’re pre-formatted, so all you have to do is fill in the contents.

They’re also created in collaboration with recruiters from around the globe, ensuring that the templates are visually appealing and ATS-friendly!

See for yourself how one of our templates compares to a resume created in a standard text editor:

#2. Add Your Contact Information

Now that we’ve got all the formatting out of the way, let’s get into what your resume is all about— the information you put on it .

The first thing you want to do when filling out the contents of your resume is to add your contact information .

This section is pretty straightforward but crucial. Your contact details belong at the top of your resume in a designated resume header , so the hiring manager can easily find them.

Even if everything else about your resume is perfect, that all flops if you misspell your email address or have a typo in your phone number. If the hiring manager can’t contact you, it’s a missed opportunity.

So, double-check, and even triple-check your contact information section and make sure everything is factually correct and up-to-date.

Must-Have Information

• Full name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top of your resume.
• Email address. Stick to an address that’s professional and easy to spell, like a combination of your first and last name. (E.g.: [email protected])
• Phone number. Add a reliable number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country. If you plan to relocate for the job or want a remote position, specify it on your resume.

Optional Information

• Job title. Add your professional title underneath. Write it down word for word, whether it’s “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Junior Data Scientist.” Just don’t make up job titles like “Marketing Wizzard” or “Data Manipulator.” They’re not quirky; they’re just unprofessional. 
• LinkedIn profile . We recommend that you include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile since over 77% of hiring managers use the platform when evaluating a candidate. 
• Relevant links. Include links to personal websites or any social media profiles that are relevant to your field. For example, a developer could include a Github profile, while a graphic designer could link their Behance or Driblle account, and so on.
• Date of birth. Unless this is specifically required in the job ad, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know how old you are. It’s not important for their decision-making, and at worst, it might lead to age-based discrimination.
• Unprofessional email address. Your quirky, old high school email address doesn’t belong on your resume. Instead of [email protected] , go for a [email protected] type of address.
• Headshot. (USA, UK or Ireland) Depending on the country where you’re applying, it might even be illegal to include a picture of yourself on your resume . While it’s the norm to include a picture in most of Europe and Asia, always check the regulations for each specific country or industry you’re applying to.

All clear? Good! Now, let’s look at what a great example of a resume's contact information section looks like:

#3. Write a Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

It's no secret that recruiters spend an average of less than seven seconds on a resume .

When you receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications daily, it's physically impossible to spend too much time on each.

So, what the hiring managers do to go through resumes more effectively is to skim through each resume and read it in depth only if it piques their interest.

This is where the resume headline comes in.

Placed right next to (or underneath) your contact information, this brief paragraph is the first thing the hiring manager is going to read on your resume.

Now, depending on how far along in your career you are, your resume headline can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

So, how do you choose between a resume summary and a resume objective? Here’s all you need to know:

Resume Summary

A resume summary, as the name suggests, is a two to three-sentence summary of your career so far. If done right, it shows that you’re a qualified candidate at a glance and gets the hiring manager to give you a chance.

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

• Your job title and years of experience.
• A couple of your greatest professional achievements or core responsibilities.
• Your most relevant skills for the job.

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of experience in building scalable and efficient applications. Contributed to a major project that enhanced application performance by 25%. Strong background in Spring Framework and microservices. Aiming to apply robust coding skills to develop innovative software solutions at XYZ Tech Solutions.

Unless you’re a recent graduate or amid a career change, we recommend you stick to a resume summary. Otherwise, a resume objective might be a better option for you.

Resume Objective

A resume objective is supposed to express your professional goals and aspirations, academic background, and any relevant skills you may have for the job.

It communicates your motivation for getting into a new field, so it’s the go-to headline for recent graduates and those going through a career change. As with a resume summary, a resume objective should be brief—around two to four sentences long.

So, here’s what it would look like if you’re a student:

Hard-working recent graduate with a B.A. in Graphic Design from New York State University seeking new opportunities. 3+ years of practical experience working with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, creating illustrations and UX/UI design projects. Looking to grow as a designer and perfect my art at XYZ Design Studio.

Or, on the other hand, if you’re going through a career change, it might look more like this:

IT project manager with 5+ years of experience in software development. Managed a team of developers to create products for several industries, such as FinTech and HR tech. Looking to leverage my experience in managing outsourced products as a Product Owner at Company XYZ.

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

The most important part of your resume is your work experience.

This is where you get to sell yourself and show off your previous accomplishments and responsibilities.

If you manage to master this section, you’ll know most of what’s there to know about how to make a resume.

There are plenty of good practices for writing your work experience . But before we dive into all the nits and grits, let's start with the basics.

The standard format for each work experience entry is as follows:

• Job title/position. Your job title goes on top of each work experience entry. When the hiring manager looks at your resume, you want them to know, at a glance, that you have relevant work experience for the job.
• Company name/location/description. Mention the name of the employer and the general location, such as the city and state/country where you worked. In some cases, you may also want to briefly describe the company, like when the organization isn’t particularly well-known.
• Dates employed. Add the approximate timeframe of your employment at each company. You don’t need to give exact dates since the standard format for this is mm/yyyy.
• Achievements and responsibilities. This is the core of each work experience entry. Depending on your field, you want to list either your achievements or responsibilities. List them in bullet points instead of paragraphs, so they’ll be easier to read.

Here’s a real-life example:

Your work experience entries should always be listed in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent job and working your way back into the past.

Now that you know how to list your experience, we’re going to show you how to write about it in a way that makes you stand out from the competition, starting with: 

Are you a student with no work experience? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to writing a resume with no experience here.

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

One of the most common resume mistakes is only listing responsibilities in your work experience section.

Here’s the thing—in most cases, the hiring manager knows exactly what your job responsibilities are.

For example, if you’re a sales manager, your responsibilities would be:

• Reach out to potential clients over the phone or email.
• Maintain relationships with existing company clients and upsell relevant products.
• Tracking and reporting on leads in CRM.

Coincidentally, this is also the same list of responsibilities for every sales manager out there. So, 90% of all other resumes probably mention the same thing.

To stand out from the competition, you want to focus on writing achievements in your resume instead. These can be how you helped your previous company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on.

Let’s compare how responsibilities hold up next to achievements for the same job:

• Exceeded sales team KPIs by 30%+ for 3 months straight.
• Generated over $24,000 in sales in 1 month.
• Generated leads through cold-calling
• Managed existing company clients

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there just aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you’re a warehouse worker .

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

• Loading, unloading, and setting up equipment daily.
• Packaging finished products and getting them ready for shipping.
• Assisting in opening and closing the warehouse.

In fields like this, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself through achievements, so it’s okay to stick to responsibilities instead. You can still make them shine by following the rest of our advice about listing your work experience.

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you work in a warehouse. Your day-to-day responsibilities probably involve:

• Loading, unloading and setting up equipment on a daily basis.
• Package finished product and get it ready for shipping.
• Assist in opening and closing the warehouse.

In such fields, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself, so it’s totally OK to stick to responsibilities instead.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Tailoring is what sets an amazing resume apart from an okay one.

Hiring managers don’t need to know about every single job you’ve ever worked at or every single skill that you have.

They only want to know about your jobs, experiences, or skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job doing Google Ads, you don’t need to talk about your SEO internship from eight years ago.

By focusing your resume on whatever is important for the specific role, you’re a lot more likely to stand out and catch the hiring manager’s attention.

Let’s take a look at an example of a job ad:

As you can see, we’ve highlighted the most important requirements.

To tailor your resume accordingly, you just need to mention how you meet each of these requirements in your resume.

You can highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications in different parts of your resume, such as:

• In your resume summary, where you should recap your years of experience.
• Throughout your work experience section, where you should list achievements and responsibilities that reflect your social media marketing experience.
• In your education section, where you can let the hiring manager know you have the degree that they’re looking for.

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

If you’ve got over a decade’s worth of work experience, you’re probably wondering whether all of it belongs on your resume. In most cases, you’d end up writing a novel if you listed everything you’ve ever done, and that’s not how long a resume should be .

If you’re new to the job market, on the other hand, you probably don’t have any experience, and you’re wondering what you could even add to this section.

So, here’s how much information your resume should include, depending on your level of experience:

• No experience. If you’re looking for your first job , you won’t have any work experience to fill this section with. So, you can either keep it empty and focus on all the other sections or fill it up with any experience gained in student organizations, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and other projects.
• Entry-level. List all your work experience so far. While some of it won’t be relevant, it can still show the hiring manager that you do have some actual work experience.
• Mid-level. Only mention relevant work experience to the position you’re applying for. There’s no need to waste space on jobs that aren’t related to what you’re after.
• Senior-level. List up to 15 years of relevant work experience, tops. If your most recent experience is as a marketing executive , the hiring manager doesn’t care how you started your career as a junior marketing specialist 23 years ago.

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

Did you know that over 70% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ?

Most companies these days use ATS to evaluate hundreds of resumes instantaneously and automatically filter out the ones that don’t meet their criteria.

For example, if a resume doesn’t mention a specific skill or isn’t formatted correctly, the ATS will automatically reject it.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make an ATS-friendly resume .

Here are a couple of tips to help you get past those pesky robots:

• Stick to one page. Sometimes employers set a limit on how long a resume should be. This means that if your resume is longer than one page, it might get automatically disqualified.
• Incorporate keywords. Tailoring your resume to the job helps a ton with beating the ATS. Just carefully read the job description to find hints for what the ATS will be looking for. Then, whenever you find keywords related to your responsibilities and achievements, make sure to include them in your work experience section.
• Use an active voice. Passive voice is too vague and unclear, so make sure to use active voice as much as possible when describing your previous jobs. (E.g.: “Managed a team of ten people,” instead of “ A team of ten people was managed by me.” )
• Leverage powerful action words. Instead of starting each of your sentences with “was responsible for," make your work experience impactful by using words that can grab attention. Saying that you “spearheaded” or “facilitated” something sounds a lot more impressive than “helped.”

Want to make sure your resume formatting passes the ATS test? Choose one of our tried and tested ATS-friendly resume templates , and you’ll be good to go! 

#5. List Your Education

The next section on your resume is dedicated to your academic qualifications. Let’s start with the basics!

Here’s how you should format the education section on your resume :

• Program Name. Your major and degree type should be listed. (E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration” )
• University Name. Add the name of the institution. (E.g.: “New York State University” )
• Dates Attended. Use a mm/yyyy format for the dates you attended. (E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012” )
• Location. If your university is less well-known, you can also add the location. (E.g.: “Stockholm, Sweden” )
• GPA. Use the appropriate grading system for the country you’re applying to work in. (E.g.: In the USA, it would be “3.9 GPA” )
• Honors. Add any honors and distinctions you’ve been given. (E.g.: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude )
• Achievements. You can mention interesting papers you’ve written, projects you’ve done, or relevant coursework you’ve excelled in.
• Minor. “Minor in Psychology”

Pretty simple, right? Now let’s see what an education section looks like in practice:

This example includes all the necessary information, plus an eye-catching award and relevant classes this candidate has taken.

Resume Education Tips

Now that you know how to list your education on your resume, let’s take this section to the next level.

Just follow these expert tips:

• If you’re making a resume as a student and don’t have any work experience yet, you can list your education section at the beginning of the page instead of work experience.
• You can add your expected graduation date if you’re still pursuing your degree.
• If you already have relevant work experience, just keep this section short and sweet. Recent graduates can expand on their education more and add optional information like projects, classes, academic achievements, etc.
• Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest degree on top. Your highest and most recent degree is usually enough, so if you have a Master’s degree that’s relevant to the job, there’s no need to mention your earlier degrees.
• Don’t add your high school degree to your resume if you already have a university degree. It doesn’t have as much weight, and you can use the space for something else.
• Only mention your GPA if you had an impressive academic career. Anything below a 3.5 GPA doesn’t need to be on your resume.

Are you in the process of applying for college? Check out our guide to writing a college application resume to wow that admissions officer!

#6. Emphasize Your Know-How in the Skills Section

After your work experience, your skills are the first thing the hiring manager is going to look for. In fact, together, work experience and skills make up 90% of the hiring decision .

So, this is the place where you want to mention all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

There are two types of skills you can include when writing your resume:

• Hard Skills. These are measurable abilities. What you can list here can be anything from coding in Python to knowing how to cook Thai cuisine.
• Soft Skills. Also known as personal skills, these are a mix of communication skills , personal traits, career attributes, and more. They can include leadership, critical thinking, and time management , just to name a few.

Your resume should always cover both hard skills and soft skills . Here’s an example in action:

Now, let’s discuss how you should list your most important skills on your resume.

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

Your resume should be easy and neat to navigate. The hiring manager shouldn’t have to waste time looking for a specific skill because you didn’t separate it into the appropriate subsection.

So, just create separate categories for your hard and soft skills.

Depending on your field, you could customize the name of your “hard skills” subsection to something like “technical skills," “marketing skills," or something else related to your field.

Let’s look at an example of what skills look like on a project manager’s resume :

Methodologies & Tools

• Agile Methodology
• SCRUM Framework
• Waterfall Project Management
• Microsoft Project
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Risk Management

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

You might have some awesome skills, but the hiring manager only needs to know about the ones that are relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, your gourmet chef skills shouldn’t be on your resume.

Look at the job ad and list at least two to three essential skills you have that are required for the role. Remember—there’s no need to list every skill you have here; just keep it relevant.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Graphic Design or a related field.
• Tech-savvy, with some background in CMS systems such as WordPress.
• Thrives in a stressful environment and juggles multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Self-reliant, with the ability to manage their own work.
• A can-do attitude and an outside-the-box thinker.
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages.
• Basic understanding of Office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

So, the must-have hard skills here are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages. Other good computer skills to have are WordPress or similar CMS systems.

While you can also mention Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, it’s pretty much assumed that you know how to use them since they’re required for most office jobs.

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

For each hard skill you list on your resume, you should also mention your proficiency level. This tells employers what they can expect from you and how much training you might need.

• Beginner. You have some experience with the skill, whether it’s from some entry-level practice or classroom education.
• Intermediate. You’ve used the skill in a work environment with good understanding.
• Advanced. You’re the go-to person for this skill in your office. You can coach other employees, and you understand the skill at a high level.
• Expert. You’ve applied this skill to more than a handful of different projects and organizations. You’re the go-to person for advice about the skill, not just in your office but even amongst some of the best professionals in your field.

Just make sure to never lie about your actual skill level. Even if you get the job, once you need those skills you exaggerated, it will be pretty awkward for both you and your employer.

Include Transferable Skills

These are the types of skills that are useful for almost any job out there.

Transferable skills can be both soft skills (e.g.: teamwork, creativity, problem-solving skills, and others) and hard skills (MS Office Suite, HTML, writing, etc.)

Whatever job you’re applying to, chances are you have transferable skills from your experience that can come in handy one way or another. So, feel free to include them, even if they’re not specifically required for the position.

Not sure which skills to mention on your resume for your specific field? Check out our list of 101+ essential skills for inspiration!

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

The sections we’ve covered so far are must-haves for any resume. They’re the bread-and-butter for any job application, and if you get them right, you’ll land any job you apply to.

But if you have some leftover space, there are a few optional sections you can choose from to give your resume a boost!

Are you bi-lingual? Or even better  – multi-lingual? You should always mention that on your resume!

Even if the position doesn’t require you to know a specific language, it can still come in handy at some point. At the end of the day, it’s always better to know more languages than less.

To list languages in your resume , just write them down and assign them the appropriate level:

• Intermediate

You can also use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scales.

As a given, you should never lie about your language skills. You never know—your interviewer might turn out to be fluent in the language or even be a native speaker!

Hobbies and Interests

If you want to spice up your resume, hobbies and interests could be just what you need.

While this section isn’t a game-changer, it can help the hiring manager see who you are as an individual.

For example, if you listed “teamwork” as one of your skills, hobbies like team sports can back up your claim.

And who knows? Maybe you and your interviewer have some hobbies or interests in common!

Volunteering Experience

If you’re the type of person who devotes their free time to helping others while expecting nothing in return, chances are that you’re the type of employee who’s in it for more than just the money. 

Seeing volunteer experience on your resume tells hiring managers that you’re a loyal employee who’s after something meaningful.

Several studies show that listing your volunteer experience can boost your chances of getting hired, especially if you have little to no work experience.

Certifications

Hiring managers love candidates who invest in themselves, and that’s exactly what they see when you list certifications on your resume .

If you value continuous learning and strive to expand your skill set, that’s always a plus.

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

For example, if you’re a Microsoft Cloud Engineer and you specialize in Microsoft Technologies, you should definitely include all essential certifications on your resume, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert one.

Awards and Recognitions

There’s no harm in showing off a little on your resume. After all, you want to be a candidate that shines above the rest.

So, if you’ve received any awards or recognitions that make you stand out in your field, make sure to add them.

For example, if you’ve been recognized for your contributions to data science or received a hard-to-come-by scholarship , mention it in your resume. Just keep your entries here relevant to the field you’re applying to.

Publications

Whether you’re a freelance writer or a distinguished academic, publications are always impressive.

If you have any published works (online or in an academic journal), you can add them to your resume. Just make sure to include a link so the hiring manager knows where to check your work!

Are you looking for a career in academia? Check out our guide to writing the perfect academic CV to get started!

Working on side projects can show off your passion for your field. Whether they’re university class projects or part-time entrepreneurial endeavors, they’re relevant.

For example, if you worked on a mock software product as part of a university competition, it shows you went through every step of product creation, from ideation to creating a marketing strategy.

This project also shows off your organizational skills , and if you mention it in your resume, you stand a better chance of landing the job you had your sights set on.

But projects can also be personal, not academic. For example, you might manage an Etsy store where you sell hand-made arts and crafts to customers online. This is a great opportunity to highlight your creativity, management, and customer service skills .

Overall, hiring managers love employees who do cool work in their free time, so projects are always a great section to add to your resume.

Looking to kickstart your career? Check out our guide on how to get an internship for useful tips and real-life examples!

Extracurricular Activities

Every college freshman knows that extracurricular experience can make a difference in their application.

Especially if you don’t have a lot of experience outside of school, extracurricular activities are a great way to show potential employers your skills and give them insight into you as a person. Different clubs and after-school projects can help you gain real-life skills and considerably increase your chances of landing your first job after college.

For example, joining a student government organization can hone your leadership skills and teach you how to work as part of a team.

For example, if you’re part of a student government or public speaking club, these activities can help you hone your leadership and presentation skills.

11+ Expert Resume Tips

You’ve got the gist of how to make a resume. Now, it’s time to make it really stand out from the crowd!

Follow these exclusive resume tips to take your resume game to the next level:

• Match the professional title underneath your name to the job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Mention any promotions from your previous jobs. Use the work experience entries for them to focus on the achievements that helped you earn them.
• Describe your achievements using Laszlo Bock’s formula : accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z . This way, your work experience can go the extra mile and show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.
• Always list your achievements and responsibilities in concise bullet points. This makes your resume more reader-friendly, and it’s more likely that the hiring manager will see your impressive achievements at a glance.
• Don’t use personal pronouns like “I” or “me,” and don’t refer to yourself by name. Stick to a slightly altered third person, like “managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.” instead of “he managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.”
• Name your resume sections correctly, or it might get rejected by the ATS. Swapping out quirky names like “career history” or “expertise” for “work experience” and "skills" makes it easier for the hiring manager to find what they’re looking for, too.
• Prioritize important keywords instead of adding all of them. Make sure the relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences you add all make sense in context, too. Your goal is to get past the ATS and impress the hiring manager.
• Focus on transferable skills if you don’t have a lot of relevant work experience. Any extracurricular activities or personal projects can help you stand out here.
• Add a strategic pop of color to headings, bullet points, or key elements you want to highlight. It can help your resume stand out, but don’t overdo it—you want the information to be more impressive than the color palette.
• Don’t include the line “references available upon request.” Hiring managers already know they can request a list of references from you, so there’s no need to waste valuable space on it.
• Make sure your resume is optimized for mobile viewing. Most hiring managers use their mobile phones as often as desktop computers, so save your resume to a PDF file and make sure your formatting stays intact across any device.
• Rename the resume file you plan to send so it includes your name and the name of the position you’re applying for. It’s a small detail that can turn into a crucial mistake if you forget it.
• Read your resume out loud when you’re done. This is a great way to catch awkward phrases or spelling mistakes you might have missed otherwise.
• Use a tool like DocSend to track your resume. You’ll get a notification any time someone opens your resume, and you can see how long they spend reading it.

FREE Resume Checklist

Are you already done with your resume? Let’s see how it holds up!

Go through our checklist for perfecting your resume and see where you stand!

If you missed some points, just go through your resume one more time and perfect it.

And if you ☑’d everything—congrats! You’ve learned all there is to know about writing a resume, and you’re good to go with your job search.

Need to write a CV instead of a resume? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV with dozens of examples!

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

Looking to create an effective resume without dealing with the formatting hassle? Just choose one of the templates below.

#1. Traditional Resume Template

Good for traditional industries like finance, banking, law, and manufacturing.

#2. Modern Resume Template

Good for both contemporary and forward-looking industries, including entrepreneurship, medical technology, and engineering.

#3. Creative Resume Template

Good for creative industries, including entertainment, design, and architecture. 

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

Good for experienced professionals in basically any industry who want to let their achievements do the talking. 

#5. IT Resume Template

Good for any IT-related profession like software development, cyber security, and DevOps engineering.

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

Good for multiple industries, including HR, education, and customer service.

#9. Executive Resume Template

Good for senior professionals across different industries, including hospitality, marketing, and logistics.

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

Knowing how to write a resume is one thing, but making a resume that stands out is something entirely different. Without inspiration, even top career experts might stumble on a roadblock or two.

Check out the following effective resume examples for specific jobs to get a better sense of what a good resume looks like:

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a nurse resume here.

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a data scientist resume here.

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business analyst resume here.

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a digital marketing resume here.

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer resume here.

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a construction project manager resume here.

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a customer service resume here.

#8. High School Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a high school resume here.

#9. Student Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a student resume here.

#10. Server Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a server resume here.

#11. Actor Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an actor resume here.

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a web developer resume here.

#13. Engineering Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineering resume here.

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a computer science resume here.

#15. Architect Resume Example 

Check out our full guide to writing a data analyst resume here.

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a remote job resume here.

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales associate resume here.

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist resume here.

Want to see more examples? Check out our compilation of 80+ resume examples for different fields .

• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Bartender Resume
• DevOps Engineer Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Graphic Designer Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Pharmacist Resume
• Recruiter Resume
• Supervisor Resume

Next Steps After Your Resume

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to make a resume, it’s time to talk about the rest of your job application.

After all, your resume is only the first step in your job search. To land the job you deserve, you also need to write a captivating cover letter and ace that upcoming interview. Here’s how:

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

Most job-seekers flinch when they hear that they have to write a cover letter. What do you even mention in a cover letter, anyway? If you were good at writing cover letters, you’d be applying for a job as a writer !

In reality, though, writing a cover letter is very simple once you know its purpose.

Think of your cover letter as a direct message to the hiring manager. It’s your chance to briefly explain why you’re such an awesome fit for the position. And with a few cover letter tips to point you in the right direction, you’ll write the perfect cover letter for your job application.

Just follow this structure:

• Add the contact details. Include the same contact information as on your resume, plus additional contact details for the hiring manager, including their name, job title, the company’s name, and location.
• Introduce yourself. Start your cover letter by mentioning who you are, what your work experience is, and why you’re interested in the position. Mention a standout achievement or two, relevant skills, and what you’d like to do for the company you’re applying for.
• Explain why you’d excel at the job. Find the requirements in the job ad that you meet, and elaborate on how you fulfill the most important ones. Research the company so you know what you like about it, and mention it in your cover letter. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job and confidence that you’ll be a great fit for their team.
• Wrap it up politely. Conclude your cover letter by recapping your key selling points and thanking the hiring manager for their time. Then add a call to action, such as “Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided phone number so that we can discuss my application in greater detail.” Then, add a closing line and follow it with your full name.

Sounds easy, right? Here’s a real-life example to drive the point home:

Do you need more help perfecting your cover letter? Learn what the most common cover letter mistakes are and check out cover letter examples for all professions here.

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

Once you’ve perfected both your resume and cover letter, there’s only one thing left.

It’s time for the final step—the dreaded job interview.

Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, you probably hate the interviewing process. No matter how experienced you are, it can be nerve-wracking. Sitting there while someone’s prodding into your past experiences and judging you isn’t fun.

But did you know that most interviewers ask the same questions?

That’s right—all you have to do is learn how to answer some of the most common interview questions, and you’ll be an interview away from landing your dream job!

Just check out our complete guide to the 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers and learn how to ace your next interview.

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

Do you still have some questions about making a resume? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below!

#1. What does a good resume look like in 2024?

For your resume to look good in 2024, make sure it’s organized and clean and isn’t longer than one page.

Be sure to include information that adds value to your application—leave out the focus on your relevant work experience and skills that you can back up, and list as many achievements as possible. 

If you’re using a resume template, choose one based on your industry. Conservative industries like law, banking, and business require more traditional resume templates. But if you’re going for an industry like design, architecture, or marketing, you can go for a creative resume template . 

Remote work is also big in 2024, so if that’s what you’re after, tailor your resume to match the job you want.

#2. How do you make a resume in Word?

The best way to create a resume in Word is to use a pre-designed Microsoft Word template. To access them, you should: 

• Open MS Word
• Click “file” from the menu bar 
• Select “new”
• Type “resume templates” in the search bar 

That said, Word resume templates are generic, hard to personalize, and overall not very stylish.

Want a resume that looks good and is extremely easy to make? Check out resume templates to get started!

#3. How do I write a resume for my first job?

If you’re writing your first-ever resume for an entry-level position, the hiring manager won’t expect you to have any work experience.

However, you can make up for your lack of experience with your skills and academic achievements.

For example, you can take advantage of extracurricular activities, internships, volunteering experiences, and other non-professional experiences. You can use them to highlight the skills you’ve gained and what you’ve achieved so far.

So, your first job resume should have a resume objective, emphasize your education, and replace your work experience with any internships, volunteering, independent projects, or other experiences.

#4. How to make a resume on Google Docs?

You can make a resume on Google Docs by choosing one of their templates and filling it in on the go.

All you have to do is go to your Google Drive’s template gallery, choose your preferred template, fill in your information, and your Google Docs resume is ready to go! 

That said, Google Docs templates aren’t the most user-friendly choice. You don’t have much flexibility with the layout and formatting isn’t that easy. For example, you tweak a section to the slightest, and the whole resume becomes a mess.

If you want an easier option, check out our resume builder !

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

Typically, employers prefer one-page-long resumes that follow the reverse chronological format. 

Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes every day, so they don't have the time to read three-page resumes. Try one of our one-page resume templates so you don’t go over the recommended resume length.

Meanwhile, the reverse-chronological format is the most popular because it draws attention to your most recent jobs and professional achievements, which is the #1 most important thing hiring managers look at when evaluating a resume.

#6. How many jobs should you put on your resume? 

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

This means that your work experience section should be tailored to the job you are applying for. If you’ve worked five different jobs and they can all add value to your current application, then you should include all five. 

If, on the other hand, you’re applying for, say, a customer service position and some of your past jobs don’t have anything to do with customer service, you should skip them.

#7. Should I put my address on my resume? 

You can put your location (city, state, or country) on your resume, but you don’t need to put your entire physical address.

Putting a physical address on a resume was the norm back when companies would contact you via mail. In today’s world, everyone communicates via email, which is why adding a correct and professional email address to your contact information section is far more important than putting your physical address. 

So, just include your location or-–if you’re a remote worker—specify you prefer to work remotely by writing “working remotely from [location].”

#8. What information should I leave out of my resume?

As a general rule, you shouldn’t include your birthday or your headshot on your resume. This norm varies from country to country but it applies to the USA, Canada, and UK.

If you have plenty of achievements to list under your work experience, then you can leave your basic work responsibilities out of your resume. 

In your education section, you should only include your highest and most recent degree. So, if you hold a Ph.D., you can list that and your Master’s degree and leave your Bachelor’s degree and high school diploma out.

Finally, leave out any skills that aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.

#9. Is a resume a CV?

Depending on where you are, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume might be completely different things.

In most of the world, though, including Europe and Asia, they are used interchangeably for the same document. Both CVs and resumes are one to two pages long, and list skills and experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Sometimes more detailed resumes that go over one page are referred to as CVs. These are typically only used by senior professionals, executives, CEOs, etc.

In the USA, however, a CV is a completely different document. Typically, CVs are detailed and comprehensive documents that highlight your entire academic and professional history. They’re often used for academic, scientific, or research positions, which is why this type of CV can also be referred to as an academic CV.

You can create your CV using one of our CV templates !

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

Your resume is your opportunity to show the hiring manager your communication, writing, and presentation skills . Employers also evaluate you based on how effectively you can convey information about yourself, and there’s no one that can represent you better than yourself.

Writing your own resume lets you introduce yourself authentically. You have the best understanding of your skills and experiences, and you can personalize them to make your resume stand out.

And, as a bonus, the experience of writing your resume yourself can be reflective and insightful, so it might help you understand your professional journey and career goals better.

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

Generally, we strongly recommend that your resume stick to one page.

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, and keeping your resume to one page increases the odds that they’ll see your qualifications faster.

In some cases, like when you have a lot of relevant experience, your resume can go over two pages. But this exception is reserved for senior professionals with over a decade of relevant experience and tons of skills and achievements that simply can’t fit on one page.

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

Absolutely, a simple resume is often more than okay—it's preferable.

Before your resume even gets to the hiring manager, a complicated layout could get it rejected by the applicant tracking system (ATS). A simple resume template can help get your application straight to the hiring manager.

A clean layout can also make sure that your resume is easily readable and looks professional. This can focus the hiring manager's attention on your work experience and skills without excessive clutter or flashy colors to distract them.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

If you’ve followed all of our advice until now, congrats! You’re probably an expert on how to make a resume.

To recap, let’s go through some of the most important lessons we’ve learned so far...

• Use the right resume builder to make the process as smooth as possible. You don’t want to mess around with formatting for hours before even starting to work on your resume!
• Focus on your achievements over responsibilities. This can help you stand out from all the other applicants, especially if you back your claims up with data.
• Include all the must-have sections, like the resume summary, work experience, education, and skills. Then leverage optional sections if you have leftover space.
• Tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for. Everything listed on your resume should be relevant to the specific job you’re applying for, and you should write a new resume for every new job application.
• Take the time to perfect your cover letter. It’s just as important as your resume, so make sure you pay as much attention to it!

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How to Write a Resume for Your First Job

If you are a current student or recent graduate, you may feel you lack enough experience to draft a resume for your first job. It is important to remember you can use personal life experience, skills and activities for your resume. By using those experiences, and emphasizing the skills employers are looking for, you can find writing your first resume easier than it may seem.  This article explains the steps to help draft your first resume along with some tips to get your resume noticed by the hiring manager.

How to write your first resume

When creating the first draft of your resume, you should get all of the information you can into each section and then edit it down to what is relevant. 

When writing your resume, you will need to include these items:

1. First, include contact information in your resume

The beginning of your resume should include all of your relevant contact information. Your contact information should be included below the header of the resume in case it is put through recruitment software, which may disregard headers and footers. Contact information should include:

• Email address
• Phone numbers
• Home address, if you choose

2. Second, include an opening statement in your resume

Your opening statement will be a summary of who you are and briefly where you studied or worked that make you a good fit for the job you are applying for. This is the section where you will need to tailor each resume to the job you are applying for, making sure it is relevant to the industry or position.

This section should be between five and seven lines and written in the first person. The opening line will need to be a strong statement of who you are and why you are applying. The following sentences should be supporting information, such as skills and attributes you have that make you the ideal candidate.

3. Third, include strengths and skills in your resume

In this section, you should include between 10 and 15 skills you possess that make you a promising job candidate. Make sure you thoroughly read the job posting so you know the relevant skills to include. Make sure you address key skills that match the required or essential job skill list, then delve into skills that they desire in a potential candidate. If they have not listed many skills, choose skills you believe would make you the ideal candidate. 

You can draw on skills from:

• Previous jobs you’ve had
• Areas you’ve studied
• Internships
• Volunteer or community involvement

4. Fourth, include computer and software skills in your resume

Every position will require some level of technological, computer or software-related skills. In this section, you will need to list all programs and technologies you have experience and demonstrated use of, starting with the skills required for the job position. 

Some areas to include are:

• Spreadsheet and word processing software
• Accounting programs
• Programming languages
• Specialized equipment
• Web and graphic design software
• Technological tools

5. Fifth, include your educational history in your resume

When listing your educational history, you will only need to include your highest level of education and any advanced degrees you hold. If your highest level of education was a bachelor’s degree, there is no need to list your high school education. If you hold a master’s degree or doctorate, you should list them as well. If you have specific academic achievements, list them in bullet points below the earned degree.

6. Sixth, include your employment history in your resume

When completing the employment history section, you will start with your current or most recent employment and work backward. 

Each job listing should include:

• The company’s name
• Your position title 
• The employment dates
• The performed duties

With your first resume, you may have little or no employment history. 

If this is the case you can include:

• Work experience that occurred during your education
• Volunteer work and community service

With each job listing, you should list any achievements that you had while at the job. Focus on the key skills the new job requires when determining which achievements to highlight.

When listing your accomplishments and achievements, make sure they are quantified with facts and figures whenever possible. For example, instead of saying you increased social media interaction during your employment, say you increased viewership on social media channels by 30% over six months through your initiatives. If part of your experience is through volunteer work, you may discuss how your organization raised and contributed $50,000 to a charity’s fundraiser.

7. Seventh, include your certifications and licenses in your resume

If you had any additional training that resulted in professional licenses or certifications, or if the job requirements include certification, list all of your relevant licenses and certificates. In this section, list the certification and the date it was obtained.

8. Eighth, include your references in your resume

Your resume should always include at least two people who can provide you with a positive recommendation that would show why you would be a good employee. The best references are typically those who you have worked for, but if this is for your first job, educators or other volunteers who have worked with you can make strong references as well. Include their name, their position title and their best contact information.

9. Last, edit your resume thoroughly

The final step in your resume writing process is to review and proofread it with a discerning eye. Check for grammar and spelling mistakes, as well as structural issues that can make it difficult to read. Read each section aloud, and remove anything that is distracting or interrupts the flow of the information.

Tips for writing your resume

There are a few things that can help you get noticed in a positive way by a hiring manager and allow your resume to stand out. 

Here are a few tips for writing your resume:

Remove anything that is not relevant from your resume

It can be easy to get caught up in accomplishments when you are trying to make your resume stand out, but if any of the information is irrelevant to the job posting, remove it. For example, if you are applying for a job in the IT field, an award for football is hardly relevant and may seem distracting.

Keep your resume short and concise

Your resume is your introduction to the hiring manager and will hopefully pique their interest enough for them to call you in for an interview. Keep your resume to a short summary that fits on one page. If you want to delve deeper into your experience or specific skills, that is what you will bring to the interview.

Use action and power words in your resume whenever possible

A hiring manager will be more interested in resumes that focus on action, and using these words may help compel the manager to call you in for the interview process. Action and power words are direct, clear and concise. 

Some examples to include in your resume are:

• Implemented
• Streamlined

Create a professional design for your resume

Depending on how many people are applying for your specific position, you are likely to have 20 to 30 seconds for a hiring manager to see your resume. This means making your resume eye-catching and easy to read is crucial. Choose a design that is simple, elegant and professional, making sure to avoid any patterns that are too busy. 

Other ways to make your resume more visually appealing are: 

• Use common, easy-to-read font styles such as Cambria, Calibri or Helvetica
• Keep your font size at 12 or 14 point
• Maintain appropriate spacing
• Use bullet points when appropriate
• Keep the margins at 1 inch all around

Add keywords to your resume

Keywords can be pretty significant when a company is using recruiting software to scan their applicants. Start by creating a list of keywords and skills that come up when searching for the type of job you are applying for. Try to use these keywords in various sections of your resume, making sure they sound natural. This can even be beneficial when resume software is not used as resumes are first typically scanned for certain skills and words by the hiring manager. Adding the right keywords can help you get to the next level in the hiring process.

Writing your resume for your first real job can be a simple process when you follow the steps and tips listed above. By doing your company research, aligning requirements with your skills and structuring your resume in an easy-to-read format, you are more likely to get noticed by a hiring manager and get to the interview process.

CVs & Résumés

• Sep 9, 2021
• 10 min read

How to Write a Résumé for Your First Job (with Example)

Writing your first-ever CV or résumé and not sure how to go about it? Read our step-by-step guide as we walk you through the entire process.

Chris Leitch

Editor-in-Chief & Résumé Expert

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

The average person changes jobs 12 times throughout the course of their lifetime. That means they create at least 12 different versions of their résumé during that time.

But the trickiest version of them all is always the first.

Indeed, writing your very first résumé as college graduate or school leaver can feel beyond daunting – especially when you’re overwhelmed with (often conflicting) advice on the internet about how you should go about it. More often than not, you come away with more questions than what you had to begin with.

Which résumé format should you use? What should you include? How do you tailor your résumé to the job?

Well, we’ve got you covered! Here’s how to write an awesome first résumé.

1. Choose the right format

The first thing you need to know about writing your first résumé is that there are different kinds of formats, each serving a very different purpose.

For example, the chronological résumé , which is the most common of them all, is used to emphasise an applicant’s employment history . It starts by listing their professional experience in reverse chronological order (that is, with their most recent job first) and is ideal for jobseekers who have a strong, solid work history.

As an entry-level candidate with little to no work experience at all, though, you’ll be best suited to a skills-based résumé  which focuses your application around your skills and attributes. You’ll still include your work history (if applicable), but your skills will take centre stage here, offering you the opportunity to better sell yourself by matching your skillset to the job requirements.

2. Prepare the structure

The next thing you need to do is prepare your résumé’s structure.

A skills-based résumé is typically separated into the following sections (in this order):

Work experience

Hobbies and interests.

Once you’ve got a general structure in place, you can start writing your résumé .

Now, let’s take a closer look at each section:

Your résumé's header should include the following:

• Your address or, preferably, general location
• Your phone number
• Your email address
• Your personal website and LinkedIn profile (if applicable)

Don’t include your gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion or any other protected characteristic, as this opens you up to all kinds of potential discrimination. You should also generally avoid including a résumé photo .

The summary section of your CV or résumé is a short description highlighting your professional goals and what you bring to the table. It’s typically around 50 to 200 words long – if you feel that there’s more to write about, save it for your cover letter .

Here’s an example of a well-written summary: ‘Enthusiastic school leaver with six GCSEs looking for an apprenticeship in hairdressing with an exciting and trend-setting company. Possessing excellent customer service skills and passionate about hair care techniques.’

The skills section here is the most important one of them all. Typically, skills are grouped together under relevant subheadings in a skills-based résumé, like ‘Effective Communication’, ‘IT and Technology’ and ‘Commercial Awareness’, with two to three bullets under each one providing examples that ‘vouch’ for those skills.

Under ‘Effective Communication’, for example, you could say: ‘Working in customer service has enabled me to develop and expand on my communication skills . My role at Company ABC involved daily interaction with all kinds of people.’

Here’s where you list past and current jobs (part-time, full-time or seasonal), internships, volunteer work and anything else you’ve done in your professional help. That said, try to only list experiences that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Make sure to include the following details for each position:

• Your job title
• Dates of employment
• The organisation’s name and location
• Key duties and accomplishments

List your education in reverse chronological order – that is with the most recent event listed first. That said, don’t mention anything before high school.

Make sure this section includes the following details for each entry:

• College/school name
• Dates of study
• Grades (if you’re still waiting for exam results, you can mention mock/expected grades, though this isn’t essential)

A hobbies section is completely optional, but if you don’t have any notable work experience, mentioning your hobbies and interests can be a great way to win employers over with your personality. Only mention a handful of examples and make sure that you elaborate a little bit on each one, like so: ‘I am involved in the local amateur dramatics society, where I volunteer as a lighting and sound engineer.’

A references section is also optional. If you do include references in your résumé, make sure to seek people’s permission before you start listing them as referees.

As a general rule of thumb, list not more than three referees and include the following details:

• Referee’s name
• Their job title and company name
• Their address
• Their phone number
• Their email address
• Their relationship to you (eg: ‘Family friend of 10 years’)

3. Use the job description as a guide

Remember when you first read the ad for the job you’re applying to and thought ‘I’m going to apply for that!’? Well, your résumé is meant to have a similar effect on employers and make them think ‘I want to hire this candidate!’.

So, how can you make that happen? By copying the language used in the job description, of course.

Now, I don’t mean that you should reproduce the job description in your résumé word for word but rather that you carefully re-read the ad to identify keywords and phrases that you can weave into your document. For example, if the ad requires that the ideal candidate is an ‘excellent communicator’, find a way to brag about your communication skills .

4. Highlight your transferable skills

As your professional experience is fundamentally lacking, your skillset is the greatest weapon you have in your employ. In fact, your skills should take centre stage on your résumé.

You can do this by drawing on life experiences and transferable skills, skills which you picked up over time at school or even at home, and which can be applied to a range of jobs and industries. For example, completing essays and coursework requires planning and organisation. Similarly, revising for exams involves learning new processes and information. The job ad may also prove useful when writing this section.

5. Focus on hobbies and interests

When you’re just starting out in your professional journey and writing a résumé for your first job , it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and especially other applicants who are at the same or similar level as you. And listing your hobbies and interests on your résumé could be just the leverage you need to ensure that you do stand out.

For example, if you enjoy travelling, you could mention this on your résumé and find a way to show your cultural awareness and that you’re comfortable in new environments.

A word to the wise, though: be careful with controversial and unusual hobbies, like taxidermy, for example. You want to be memorable, yes, but not for all the wrong reasons! You should also stay away from things like political views and religious beliefs, as the hiring manager reviewing your résumé may have a polar opposite opinion, and this can greatly hinder your chances of landing a job interview .

6. Follow an example

A great little trick to use when writing your résumé is to use examples for inspiration.

Here’s a good résumé example to help you get started, which is based on one of our many professionally designed templates:

Explore our collection of professionally designed and ATS-optimised résumé templates, and make your application shine!

7. Don’t lie

Confession time: I lied on my very first résumé. I was worried that my lack of experience and qualifications would hinder my job search efforts, so I decided to embellish a few things, such as my skills section. Miraculously, I got the job.

But just because I was, for want of a better word, lucky to get away with my lie, it doesn’t mean it was the right thing to do in the first place. And it certainly doesn’t mean you’ll get away with lying on your own résumé  – chances of getting caught in this day and age are extremely high, what with the readiness of the internet and background checks now a staple in applicant screening processes.

Even if you don’t get caught straight away, the truth will eventually catch up with you. And when it does, you will lose your employer’s trust and, quite possibly, your job. Just look at Scott Thompson who had to step down from his post as CEO at Yahoo! in 2012 after it emerged that he lied about his college degree.

It might be a tad hypocritical coming from me, but I beg you: don’t do what I did.

8. Edit and proofread

There’s nothing worse than a résumé full of typos and grammatical errors. Quite simply, it does the complete opposite of persuading the hiring manager that you’re the perfect candidate for the job; it shows that you’re careless and you don’t pay enough attention to the little details – the very last qualities employers look for in potential hires.

There are loads of proofreading tools available online which you can use to check your résumé for spelling and grammar. Having said that, though, don’t rely on these tools too much – even the best spellchecker can miss a potentially embarrassing spelling mistake which is an otherwise grammatically correct sentence (think: ‘Working in a busty office’).

Enlisting the help of a human proofreader (like a friend or family member) is, therefore, just as important – they may be able to offer you constructive feedback about your résumé’s content and layout, too!

9. Don’t forget the cover letter

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen jobseekers make over and over again is ditching the cover letter .

Despite what some people might tell you, cover letters are not dead. They’re still very much alive and they can prove incredibly valuable in presenting yourself to potential employers as a well-rounded candidate.

Hiring managers expect a cover letter in your application – even if they don’t explicitly ask for one. In other words, forgoing the cover letter entirely can do you more harm than good. Indeed, you’ll risk coming across as lazy and not at all interested in the job you’re applying for, which is highly unlikely to be appreciated by a company.

The only time you shouldn’t send a cover letter is when you’re specifically asked not to do. Otherwise, you should always accompany your résumé with a well-written letter, which should be targeted to the specific employer and job you’re applying for, about a page long, straight to the point and which complements – not regurgitates – your résumé.

Have a look at this useful video we created: 

Final thoughts

Whether it’s your 1st or 21st time round, writing a CV or résumé is never an easy task – but also a useful life skill worth mastering. And the tips mentioned above will help you craft a résumé that makes employers notice you and, ultimately, land your first job.

Got a question about writing your very first résumé? I’d love to hear from you – simply leave your question in the comments section below and I’ll get back to you!

This article is an update of an earlier version published on 15 November 2017.

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How To Write Your First Resume (With Examples)

• General Resume Examples
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You’re starting to look for your first “real” job, which means it’s time to write your first resume.

If you’ve never had a full-time job remotely similar to the one you’re applying for, it can be difficult to know where to start when listing your qualifications.

You’ve gained many valuable skills through your schoolwork and other jobs, though, which is worth talking about. You just need to know how to talk about it in a way that sells those skills to a potential employer.

Key Takeaways:

The sections that you should include in your resume are:

Contact information

Objective statement/summary

Work experience

Keep your resume to one page .

Tailoring your resume and adding job specific keywords are a great way for your resume to stand out from other candidates.

What To Do Before Writing Your Resume

What to include in your resume, example resume, what not to include in a resume, how to choose the perfect template for your resume, resume tips to keep in mind.

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Before you begin writing your resume, make a list of keywords and skills that employers in your field are looking for.

You can do this by reading through the job description you’re applying for. If you aren’t ready to start down that road yet, you can also read through multiple job descriptions within the same industry and look for common keywords.

It’s important to include these keywords in your resume, because many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen applications. These programs will scan your documents for keywords and let your resume through to human eyes only if they find what they’re looking for.

Because of this, you should always tailor your resume for each specific position you apply for.

Chances are you’re not going into writing your first resume with a lot of professional experience under your belt. That’s not a problem, though, as long as you structure your resume accordingly by following these steps:

Add your personal information. Your name and contact information should be prominently featured at the top of your resume. Include your email address, phone number, and physical address so that it’s easy for hiring managers to get a hold of you.

Open with an objective statement. Your objective statement should highlight the top two or three features about you that you really want recruiters to see, as well as share a brief overview of your professional goals.

Highlight your relevant experience. Even if you don’t have any professional experience in the field you’re entering, that doesn’t mean you don’t have any relevant experience that you can add to your resume.

Start by going point by point through the job description you’re applying for (or one that looks interesting to you if you aren’t applying yet) and think through times you’ve used the skills they list.

Consider your volunteer work, your on-campus job, the clubs and organizations you were involved with, or other experiences you’ve had.

For example, if you are applying for a position that requires a lot of organizational and interpersonal skills, you could highlight your abilities in this area like this:

Volunteering 2014-Present Chicago, IL Coordinated community garage sale that raised $5,000 for local food pantry Tutored three elementary school students in English classes and helped them raise their grades by 5% each Spoke to local high school swim team about dedication and teamwork Student Assistant 2014-15 Chicago, IL Managed student appointments for three professors Implemented calendar sharing system for professors and their assistants

Feature your education. If you’re a current student or have recently graduated, one of your greatest assets is your education. As such, you should put it on your resume.

Don’t just list the name of your school and your major, though. Also include any relevant classes, clubs, and study abroad opportunities, and mention any honors or certifications you’ve received. If you have a stellar GPA or graduated with honors, consider mentioning that as well, as these can help you further impress hiring managers.

For example, your education section could look something like this:

Education Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering University of Colorado May 2020 Summa Cum Laude Relevant Coursework: Physics 3 Statics and Dynamics Heat and Thermodynamics Engineering Management Activities and Achievements: Led five-person team to win the schoolwide senior project competition Dean ’s list all semesters President of engineering club

Mention your specific skills. In addition to your work experience, you’ll also want to share what relevant skills you have. These can be anything from your proficiency in a particular software to speaking a foreign language.

Even though the job description may not be asking for someone who knows how to use Photoshop or speaks conversational Spanish, including skills like these shows that you have a lot to bring to the table. It also proves that you’re a well-rounded, hard-working individual, which organizations value.

If your skills section is looking a little thin, feel free to also list the soft skills from your experience section. Just make sure you can back each of these up with specific stories and examples, because you will be asked about them during an interview.

If you’re certified in a skill, be sure to include that as well.

The skills section of a resume with the experience section from the previous example may look like this:

Skills Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook Spanish (conversational) Javascript (basic) Adobe Photoshop (intermediate) Communication Organization Teamwork Leadership

Hobbies and interests (optional). If you’re struggling to fill your resume and know that you’d fit in great with the company you’re applying for, you should consider including some of the hobbies and interests that you know the company would appreciate.

Even if you don’t know much about the company’s culture, listing some of your hobbies shows that you can take on a variety of tasks and responsibilities. Plus, it helps them see that you’re a fun person to be around.

John Smith | New York, NY 12789 | (732)-235-3454 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/John Smith SUMMARY Dedicated digital marketing professional with over four years in the marketing industry. Highly proficient in marketing automation systems, digital campaigns, SEO, SEM, and website building. WORK EXPERIENCE Volunteering 2014-Present Chicago, IL Coordinated community garage sale that raised $5,000 for local food pantry Tutored three elementary school students in English classes and helped them raise their grades by 5% each Spoke to local high school swim team about dedication and teamwork Student Assistant 2016-18 Chicago, IL Managed student appointments for three professors Implemented calendar sharing system for professors and their assistants EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering University of Colorado May 2020 Summa Cum Laude Relevant Coursework: Physics 3 Statics and Dynamics Heat and Thermodynamics Engineering Management Activities and Achievements: Led five-person team to win the schoolwide senior project competition Dean’s list all semesters President of engineering club ADDITIONAL SKILLS Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook Spanish (conversational) Javascript (basic) Adobe Photoshop (intermediate) Communication Organization Teamwork Leadership

While it can be tempting to stuff your resume as full as possible to make it look more impressive, there are some things you should still leave out.

Irrelevant experience. Not all of your experience is going to help you get every job you apply for. While your stint working as a lab assistant might have been applicable when you were originally a chemistry major, it probably won’t give you any points when you’re applying for an entry-level marketing job.

Now, if the job you’re applying for requires organizational skills, you might talk about how you coordinated your class schedule with the lab schedule to make sure you had everything set up on time. That would be considered relevant experience for that soft skill.

This goes for your skills, achievements, and hobbies as well: Your first place win in your local acting competition, while impressive, probably isn’t relevant to the student recruiter position you’re applying for. It’s best to leave it off and focus on the applicable achievements you do have.

White lies. Another tempting way to fill up your resume is to stretch the truth about your experiences and skills. While you do want to word your accomplishments so that the readers understand what you truly achieved and learned, you don’t want to get caught in the trap of making things sound more impressive than they are.

These white lies may seem harmless, but hiring managers are used to picking up on them and will purposely ask questions in an interview to see if you’re telling the truth. To avoid this embarrassing scenario, only list skills and experiences that you know you can back up with a story or in a skills test.

Work samples and references. While many recruiters want to see these documents, they don’t want them on your resume. Wait until they ask to see them, or include them as separate documents if they’re required with your application.

Fluff words. You don’t want to add too many fluff words or buzzwords just to impress your employer. It just makes it harder for your employer to understand what you have to bring to the table.

You might have noticed that there is no shortage of free resume templates on the internet. These can cut your work in half when creating a resume, so take advantage of them.

When you’re choosing one to use, keep these factors in mind:

Page length. Choose a template that will allow you to keep your resume to one page . This might be all too easy right now, but once you start getting some more professional experience to add to your resume, it will become more difficult.

White space. Similar to the last point, make sure your template has plenty of white space (areas without any text or graphics in them). No one wants to read a document that is solid text, and even if they do read it, it’ll be difficult to understand.

Instead, design your resume so that it’s scannable and has room to breathe. You should be able to easily tell when one section ends and when a new one begins.

Font. The point of your resume is to be readable, so choose a template with a clean, professional font. This also means that it shouldn’t be too small to read.

Stick to one to two fonts for your whole resume, and if you do choose a second one, make sure it serves a purpose and is clearly different from your first one. Mixing serif and sans serif fonts, for example, is a great way to do this.

Some fonts to stick to are:

Design. When choosing a template, strike the balance between visually appealing and still appropriate for your industry.

Proofread. When you finish your resume, the final step is to proofread it. You want to make sure all the information you have down is correct and error free. This include spelling and grammar mistakes. It can look unprofessional if a hiring manger picks up your resume and there’s just mistake after mistake.

Tailor your resume. You should be tailoring your resume to each job that you apply to. If some of your work experience doesn’t relate to the job that you are applying for, you don’t need to include it. Having unnecessary information just takes up space.

Use keywords. The best way to get an employers attention is to use keywords. You can find them in a job description or on a company’s website. Try to match the keywords to your skills and experience.

Quantify when possible. Being as specific as possible can help a hiring manager know who you are. Instead of saying something like “has a lot of experience” try saying “has five years of experience.” Using accurate numbers and dates can help improve the quality of your resume.

Use bullet points instead of paragraphs. This is a great way to save space on your resume. You should keep it to three to four bullet points for each section, and no more than two lines of text. Bullet points can make it easier for a hiring manager to read your skills and qualifications faster.

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Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

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How To Write Your First Job Resume

In This Guide:

What will this guide do for me, related resume guides, covering the basics, how to set up a resume, overcoming resume-writing block, breaking down your first resume, additional sections, sample first job resume, reviewing your resume, frequently asked questions.

At some point we all must go through our first time – our first time creating a resume, that is. Your first resume will lead to your first job and the rest of your career. When creating your first resume, some of the anxieties surround its length, how you write a first resume, and what needs to be on it. It can be particularly difficult knowing how to write a resume with no experience, too.

Fortunately, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide with examples to show you why you need a resume, what a resume needs, how you put all of that together, and how you can have the best one out there (with or without experience). Looking for a quick reference? You can find our first resume FAQ at the end of this post, too.

• Provide an understanding of what a resume is
• Explain what your resume can be used for
• Provide tips to overcome resume writer’s block
• Show you how to set up a resume
• Detail the major points that you need to include in your first job resume
• Highlight successful examples that show these points in action
• Give inspiration for how your first job resume can be created
• Answer frequently asked questions on resume building

BUILD A JOB WINNING RESUME

• Bank Teller Resume Guide
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• Photographer Resume Guide

What is a resume?

Your resume is a formal record of your skills, attributes, interests, abilities, prior experience, and relevant expertise in any field. For many people, a resume is off-putting as they don’t think they have any relevant experience nor do they understand how to approach it. One of the hardest steps to overcome with your resume is getting started, so be sure to check out how to overcome that struggle below.

Why do I need one?

Your resume is your conversation starter with any future employer. No resume in the world will be able to speak for you as well as you could yourself, but the aim is to make your resume as comprehensive and concise as possible so the recruiter (the people that hire employees) will want to hear more and offer an interview.

There are many ways that people find employment. However, if your personal network doesn’t give rise to finding a job, and you don’t have any friends that have jobs vacant, your resume is the first step. Think of it as the foundation from which you can build the empire of your career.

Who looks at my resume?

There are two main review systems used by employers. These are recruiter reviews and automated reviews (ATS). In some instances, an organization may run your resume through an automated system that scans for keywords and key details. After that initial screening, a recruiter will further analyze the details on your resume.

As it is possible that your resume will pass through an automated service, it is important to use readable fonts and a format that makes sense.

First things first, you need to set up your resume with the right resume format. There are a few options you can choose from: reverse chronological, functional, or a hybrid of the two.

Here’s the difference between them.

The reverse chronological resume layout emphasizes your work experience, listing them off from the most recent position first. This layout also shows off your qualifications, skills, and education, but work experience is the main focus.

Since you’re just starting out in the workforce with little to no experience yet, this format may not be the best option for you.

How about the functional resume layout?

This one emphasizes your skills, putting less of the spotlight on your previous work experience. Your skillset takes up most of the page, with only a brief summary of your experience and education at the bottom.

And finally, the hybrid resume layout is the perfect mix between the reverse chronological and functional formats. The hybrid resume equally focuses on your skills, work experience and educational background.

For a first job resume, go for either the functional resume layout or the hybrid layout (if you have some experience to talk about).

Enhancv has customizable resume templates for you to choose from to make writing your resume easy.

Formatting tips

Making your resume easy to read and scannable will go a long way in making a great first impression.

Keep these tips in mind when writing your resume:

• Use a common font, like Times New Roman or Arial
• Make the font big enough to read (12pt or higher)
• Bold headings, subheadings, and job titles
• Use bullet points to organize your points in descriptions
• Export your resume as a PDF so it looks consistent across all devices and platforms

There are a few sections that are required in a resume; no matter what position you’re going for. Some jobs have restrictions on the formatting, details, and fonts you may use (for example, an Academic Resume), but for the most part, you can start with a blank slate and add what you feel is necessary. The key to building your resume is thinking about three things:

• What is the job I’m applying for?
• What is required of me in that role?
• How do I convey that I fulfill those requirements?

If you keep those three things in mind, you won’t get overwhelmed by what you think should be happening in your resume – instead, you’ll be excited to start working and showing your talents.

Other tips you can use to overcome writer’s block when it comes to your resume are:

• Speak to your family on how they have written their resumes and what they think might belong to yours
• Sit down and think about moments you are most proud of
• Talk to someone who has worked with you on some project or volunteering

While there is no one-size-fits-all way to create a resume, it’s helpful to see some examples of sections you can include. Some things are needed on all resumes no matter what they’re being used for. We’ll focus on those for now.

The first thing the recruiter should see is your name and who you are below it. They’re not going to remember who turned in the resume at the desk or submitted it online. Without your name on your resume, there’s nothing to distinguish your resume from another person’s. It’s reminding the recruiter who you are at a glance.

2. Contact details

Always include contact details on a resume. This can include your email, phone number, website, and/or LinkedIn. It is necessary to include at least two ways that a recruiter can get in contact with you – just in case one of them doesn’t work.

Do’s and Don’ts:

3. Personal summary

Chances are, you don’t have a lot of experience when writing your first job resume. This is okay – but you need to find a way to tell the recruiter more about you. A personal summary can be used to explain who you are and what you hope to accomplish from the role. Typically, 2-3 sentences just below your contact details are enough. It doesn’t have to take the form of a paragraph. You can use a Personal Philosophy Section or Most Proud Of (see: additional sections) section to convey more details.

4. Skills section

In one form or another, you’ll have to mention your specific skills on your resume. This is to show the employer what you’re capable of and what you’ll bring to your role should you be hired.

Some skills that you can mention in your first job resume (with working experience) are:

• Customer relations (solving customer issues)
• End of day processing (closing shop)
• Data processing (inputting stock on excel)
• Transaction maintenance (working on a checkout)
• Inventory control (managing stock)

Some skills you can mention in your first job resume (without working experience) are:

• Proficiency in Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint)
• Conflict resolution (you’re able to find compromise)
• Human relations (communication)
• Innovative problem solving (you can find creative ways to solve problems)
• Time management (you can get things done on a deadline)

It’s important to include a mix of soft skills and hard skills on your resume.

Hard skills describe your technical or teachable abilities – the ones that are specific to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a restaurant server position, your hard skills would be things like:

• Inputting orders
• Using the POS systems

On top of your hard skills, employers want to hire people who will fit in with their company culture and deliver an amazing experience to their customers. They’re looking for job candidates who have soft skills too.

Soft skills are more personality-based. While hard skills are teachable through training or education, soft skills have more to do with your personal character.

Let’s go back to the restaurant server example. Restaurant managers want to hire servers who have both hard and soft skills to deliver great customer service. These soft skills can be things like:

• Self-motivated
• Positive, helpful attitude
• Great verbal communication
• Able to work under high pressure

When writing your first job resume, include a mix of your hard and soft skills to show the hiring manager that you’re the well-rounded candidate they need for the job.

Just be sure to give examples that show that you have these skills whenever possible.

5. Previous experience

Your previous experience is a great way to show the recruiter that you can apply all of your skills to the real-world. Employers want to see you’re capable of making a difference in their organization and that you’ll be an important piece of the puzzle in achieving success.

What do I put on my resume if I have no experience?

Before you skim over this section and think you don’t have any previous experience, it doesn’t have to be in a working environment. If you’ve spent time volunteering, babysitting, coaching, leading people at Summer Camp, taking on extra-curricular activities at school, all of these things are previous experience.

The important part of describing your previous experience is to go in-depth about what you accomplished more than what you were responsible for. See an example below for a Library Assistant and Equipment Manager. Make sure everything you mention is measured when possible.

6. references

References or Referees are people you include on your resume that will be able to speak about you. There are two types: character references and professional references.

Character Reference

A character reference is used when you do not have any professional experience (working in a job). Traditionally, you should include two character references that can speak to your abilities and who you are as a person. These should not be family members if you can avoid it. Ask one of your teachers, coaches, and so on. You should include their name, email, and phone number.

Make sure to ask your referee (the person you include as reference) for their permission to do this and notify them when you are applying for jobs.

Professional Reference

Professional references are those from people that you have worked with/for previously. Usually, this will be your supervisor or manager. As with character references, you’ll need to include contact details and name. Again, be sure to ask their permission to include this.

There are some more sections that you can include on your first job resume depending on your personal preferences. These sections are more about showing your personality and interest and aren’t needed exactly, but they can help you stand out from the crowd. If you have little experience, these optional sections are a great way to show off your talents.

Most proud of

Your Most Proud Of Section gives insight into who you are as a person. It can be used to highlight some of your projects and personal achievements. This will help the potential employer understand how you fit in the company’s culture and the team.

2. Certifications

Certifications show you’re willing to dedicate time to learning new skills. Being certified in First-Aid, Manual Lifting, Microsoft Excel and more are great to include on a CV as they show you’re proactive in your work.

3. Passions

Passions are a way to quickly emphasize things that matter most to you. These can be personal causes or more business-focused. Some examples of personal passions are:

• Music Production
• Fighting homelessness

Some examples of business-focused passions are:

• Improving efficiency
• Growth and improvement
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Collaboration

Awards are the pinnacle of measured achievement. Including awards shows the employer that external parties have recognized your ability and rewarded it in the past. If you’re still in high-school, high-school awards such as Student of The Year are appropriate. As you enter college, you should try to include awards and achievements from college instead.

For some industries, a photo is an excellent way of personalizing your resume and adding a human touch. However, in some countries, it’s forbidden or frowned upon to include a photograph. So, double-check. This can be as simple as emailing the HR department to ask or ask your guidance counselor for some help with this.

We have more resume examples for you to check out, specific to your job title.

TRY ENHANCV RESUMES

After completing your resume, reviewing your content is the last step you should take before sending it out to recruiters.

1. Have you read the job description?

The job description is typically posted alongside any job listing. It will give details on what the job will entail and the duties you’ll be given. Reading the job description will help tailor your resume to answer the question the recruiter will ask.

For example, if the job description mentions accounting, you’ll know to include your math skills.

Not all parts of the job description need to be satisfied, however. Meet as many expectations as possible. If it mentions “experience with customers” this doesn’t have to be direct experience working in customer service. It can be selling hot dogs at your local football game.

2. How is your resume different?

Looking at your resume, you should spot things that make it unique. Remember, you need to stand out from the pool of people that are applying for the same job you are. Including personalized sections (Most Proud Of etc.,) tells your unique resume story and typically satisfies this idea.

3. Are your achievements measured?

Look over achievements to see if they are all measured. Again, listing responsibilities will only do so much. Providing a measure shows the recruiter what impact you have made in the past and gives insight into the potential impact you’ll have in the future.

4. Have you checked for typos?

Typos are very common in resumes. Everything else may be perfect, but if there’s a typographical error (spelling mistake, grammar mistakes, and so on) it will dampen the good impression you’re trying to leave on the recruiter. You can utilize Enhancv’s content analyzer to spot common typos.

5. Has a friend reviewed your resume?"?

Getting a fresh pair-of-eyes to look at your resume will do wonders. Not only will it give you an idea of how your resume comes across to a neutral party, but they may also find mistakes that you’ve missed. They may even think of some achievement you forgot to include. Luckily, Enhancv’s built-in referral link allows you to do this with ease.

1. How long should my first resume be?

For your first resume, you should aim to keep your resume between 1-2 pages (1 is preferable). Extremely long resumes are often filled with fluff and aren’t tailored to one particular job.

2. What font should I use?"?

Font restrictions are not very common, but check out the job description/application guidelines just in case. In general, use a readable font with clean edges. Arial, Times New Roman, Rubik, and so on.

3. How many resumes should I have?

A good rule-of-thumb is to have a resume for every sector or industry you’re applying to. For example, a sales resume and a volunteer resume . For jobs that you really care about, you might even tailor your resume to that specific company .

4. What needs to be on my first resume?

Essential sections include:

• Contact Details (Phone Number & Email)
• Previous experience (not necessarily in the working world)

Additional sections include:

• Most Proud Of
• Achievements
• Personal Summary (important for your first resume)
• Certifications

5. Where can I find first resume examples?"?

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How to Write a Resume for the First Time

Updated September 29, 2023 12 min read

Writing your first ever resume is a daunting experience, so don’t give yourself too much of a hard time. When you’re looking through job opportunities and researching various requirements and specifications, you might be wondering how to make yourself sound qualified for the jobs in question.

But don’t forget, every CEO applied for their first job once upon a time, and you’re no different. When you’re looking for your first job, employers won’t expect you to show professional experience. Writing your first resume is about shaping your experiences in a way that emphasizes your skills and attributes.

So, how do you go about this? What must you include on your first ever resume to stand a chance of receiving an interview? We’ve got you covered. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about your first resume, so you can stand out from the crowd.

Before you write your resume

The best resumes are personalized and relevant to the job that is being applied for. As such, you need to think carefully about the roles that you’re applying for and create a resume that is suitable. Before you download a template and start adding sections to your first resume, consider doing the following:

• Research job boards like Indeed and make a list of entry-level positions that interest you.
• Thoroughly read the job descriptions and requirements. Make a list of skills that are commonly sought after (teamwork, effective communication, customer service, etc.).
• Create a LinkedIn profile and research the professional profiles of people in positions that you aspire to work in. You could even reach out and message them to ask for advice.
• Note down your core skills, attributes, and experiences. Even if you don’t think they’re relevant, to begin with, just get everything down in front of you so you can use it as a starting point.

Doing this research in advance saves you lots of time when it comes to editing and updating your resume. It also helps you build a clear picture of the type of job you hope to acquire. When you’ve done your initial research, it’s time to start putting your resume together.

Download a template

The first thing to do when writing your first resume is to download a template. You can find templates on Microsoft Word, or a simple Google search will reveal countless templates for your perusal.

Consider searching for entry-level resumes and, if possible, utilize a template from the industry you hope to work in, whether it’s hospitality, sales, or tourism, for example.

What to include in your first resume

Remember, when you’re compiling your first resume, you’re unlikely to “WOW” your potential employer with your previous professional experiences. As such, you need to frame your resume in a way that plays to your strengths and highlights your education, skills and attributes. Let’s take a look at how to shape your first resume.

Begin with a compelling introduction/statement of intent

Studies show that, on average, a recruiter spends no more than ten seconds reviewing a resume. What does this tell us? You need to make an excellent first impression.

The best way to do this is to write a compelling introduction or statement of intent at the start of your resume, so it’s the first thing recruiters look at. Make sure your statement is:

• Concise and to the point. Your statement should be a maximum of 2-4 sentences and should articulate exactly what type of position you’re looking for.
• Relevant to the job in question. You need to personalize your statement for every single job you apply for.
• Highlighting your key strength. While it’s not the place to list all of your skills and achievements, including your key strength in your statement helps to showcase your suitability for the job.

Writing a strong introduction will capture the attention of the recruiter and will give you a good chance of securing an interview or at least will motivate them to continue reading your resume.

Highlight your education

When you’re writing your first resume , the chances are you’ve recently completed your education. This will form a significant chunk of your resume, so you need to make sure it’s well presented.

Include your most recent education first, and then list them in chronological order. When writing your education, make sure you include the following:

• The name of the institution, the course/s studied, and the month and year of study.
• Grades achieved (or expected grades if you’re waiting for results).
• Any specific research project that is potentially relevant to the job applied for.
• Extra-curricular activities that you completed while in education, such as the Duke of Edinburgh award, as well as any societies or clubs that you joined and played for.

Don’t feel the need to go all the way back to primary or even secondary school if you don’t think it’s necessary. For instance, if you have a Masters’ degree, your employer is likely unconcerned with the results you achieved at the end of high school.

List your achievements and awards

This is a vital section in any entry-level resume. Your achievements will help you stand out from the crowd and will show your employer that you excel at something.

In the absence of experience, achievements and awards bolster your resume and give recruiters further insight into your personality and potential.

Articulate your core skills

You need to think carefully about how to present your skills on your resume. It’s not enough just to list the skills that are outlined on the job listing, as this proves nothing to recruiters.

It’s worth crafting a short paragraph in which you articulate your core skills and how you attained them. For example, if you’re applying for a position in a bar, you could write the following:

“My four years spent as first-team football captain at high school enabled me to develop many transferrable skills. I learned the value of collaborating with my team, working hard, and communicating effectively. I also understood from a young age the importance of taking responsibility for my actions, which helped me grow and mature alongside my studies.”

As you can see from this example, it gives the person reading your resume an insight into how you developed your core skills, as opposed to just reading the skills listed on a piece of paper. This will undoubtedly help your resume stand out from others.

Include any relevant experiences

If you’ve undertaken any voluntary work or odd part time jobs while you’ve been studying, it’s important to include them on your resume.

You should think outside the box with this section and think about things you’ve done in your past that could be framed as useful experience. For instance, walking the elderly neighbor's dog every weekend could be construed as a form of volunteering.

What’s more, babysitting or childminding is valuable work experience and indicates that you’re trustworthy and responsible.

Don’t forget that recruiters are looking for any evidence that you can adapt to a workplace environment, so any experiences you’ve had in the past will show them that you have the potential to succeed in a professional role.

Top tips for compiling your first resume

Now that we’ve gone through the various sections you should include on your first resume, here are some top tips you should consider when putting it together:

• Try and keep it to one page . For entry-level positions, you won’t have a great deal to write, so it’s a good idea to present all of the necessary information on one page and keep it concise.
• Include keywords in your resume so that you will be picked up in the Applicant Tracking System. If your resume doesn’t include the keywords the ATS is looking for; your application might not even be seen.
• Run it through a grammar and spell checker like Grammarly. We can’t stress this point enough. If a recruiter notices any spelling or grammatical errors on your resume, they’re likely just to discard it without even reading it.
• Use standardized fonts and sizes. Your resume must look professional, so don’t be tempted to use a flashy, decorative font just because you think it looks nice.
• When you include your contact details in the header of the document, create an appropriate email address such as [email protected] . Email addresses from your childhood won’t look good on a professional resume!
• If you’re delivering resumes by hand, print them off and place them in a folder or wallet. There’s nothing worse than handing a crumpled piece of paper to an employer.

Closing thoughts

Writing your first ever resume is certainly not an easy task, and it requires a little bit of trial and error to get it right. If you find that you’re not hearing back from employers after applying for a number of jobs in a specific period of time, don’t be afraid to mix things up and change things around.

Whatever you do, don’t get disheartened. It’s a competitive world out there, and looking for your first job takes time.

Hopefully, this guide will help you put together the perfect first resume and will secure you the first job you’ve been looking for.

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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10 Skills to Put on a Resume That Will Help You Stand Out

Here's how to show you're the best candidate for the job.

When you're looking for a job , submitting your resume is the first opportunity you'll have to make a good impression. What's more, this is the stage at which most employers weed out the vast majority of applicants. Showing that you're competitive is all about clear communication, hiring experts say. Yes, you need to have the skills that employers find desirable—but knowing the skills to put on your resume is just as important in forming your personal brand.

Caitlin Wehniainen, director of business development for the premier staffing agency On Cue Hire , says there are a handful of skills that are considered universally desirable across fields.

"By emphasizing these skills, candidates can not only distinguish themselves from others but also convey their readiness to contribute meaningfully to their prospective employers," she tells Best Life. "At On Cue Hire, we continually observe that these competencies are among the most sought-after by hiring managers across the various industries we serve as a staffing firm."

Ready to transform your resume and finally get noticed? These are the top 10 best skills to include on your resume to ensure your first impression is a lasting one.

RELATED: How to Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile and Dazzle Future Employers .

1 Analytical thinking

In today's corporate landscape, decisions are largely driven by data. This means that analytical thinking—the ability to interpret that data and put it to good use—is indispensable.

"This skill enables you to interpret complex information, identify trends, and solve problems efficiently," says Wehniainen. "Employers value candidates who can bring clarity to data-driven projects and provide actionable insights that drive business success."

2 Writing and communication skills

Wehniainen says that effective communication is the key to any successful team: "Being able to convey ideas clearly and persuasively, both in writing or verbally, ensures that you can collaborate seamlessly with colleagues and customers."

However, there's another facet of communication that you should plan on highlighting on your resume: Your willingness to do it often. "It's even more important in our world of remote and hybrid work," Wehniainen says. "Staying on your email, chat, answering your phone when someone on your team needs something—this is all so important to staying clued into your work environment."

RELATED:  11 Jobs That Don't Require a Degree .

3 Adaptability

Blake explains that historically, "you could expect to learn a skill or trade, go to university, and enter a career that would not look that different at retirement or death, as the world was pretty stable. When you exist in a world where that's no longer the case, it's accelerating the usefulness of our knowledge and skills in many ways, and the half-life of those skills has come down, which means the rate at which we have to learn has gone up," he explains.

Wehniainen agrees that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new challenges is crucial in today's rapid-fire work environment.

"Everything in our digital world is evolving at a rapid pace. Being able to learn new skills, adjust, and adapt well is key," she says. "Employers seek individuals who can pivot and remain effective even when faced with unexpected obstacles. Showcasing adaptability on your resume signals to employers that you can thrive in dynamic settings."

4 Foreign language fluency

Knowing a foreign language will also help you stand apart from the crowd—and it may help you get hired even if you won't need that language in the workplace. As a practical skill that could open up opportunities for the company, knowing a second language can also demonstrate a dynamic capacity for learning, cross-cultural interests, and the ability to commit to long-term development.

RELATED:  10 Most In-Demand Jobs in 2024 .

5 Problem solving skills

Lauren Winans , chief executive officer and principal HR consultant at  Next Level Benefits , notes that problem-solving, or "identifying issues and creating solutions," is another essential skill that employers are looking for. One way to feature this on your resume is to highlight specific problems you have solved in past work settings—and to quantify those successes where possible.

"Problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving objectives," agrees Wehniainen. "Employers look for candidates who can identify issues, brainstorm solutions, and implement effective strategies. Showcasing this skill on your resume demonstrates your proactive approach and resilience in the face of challenges."

6 Specific tech skills

Having hard technical skills like data science, machine learning, cloud computing, photo or video editing, and more could also help you stand out from the crowd of job applicants. Blake says that if you possess these skills, you should always be sure to highlight them prominently on your resume.

Having knowledge of specific programs or platforms is also invaluable to many employers. Be sure to list specifics—for instance, by sharing that you are well-versed in Python, C++, AI programs, or any other relevant tech.

RELATED:  How to Ace Every Common Job Interview Question .

7 Time management

Having time management skills means you'll be a more self-directed employee—and independence is considered highly valuable in the workplace, Wehniainen says.

"The ability to manage time effectively is vital for meeting deadlines and maintaining productivity. Employers appreciate candidates who can prioritize tasks, manage workloads, and deliver high-quality results within set timeframes," she explains. "Highlighting time management skills shows that you can handle responsibilities efficiently and maintain a balance."

8 Emotional intelligence

Wehniainen says that if you possess high emotional intelligence , this is another quality worth highlighting both on your resume and in the interview phase.

"Emotional intelligence (EQ) involves understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as empathizing with others," she explains. "This skill is increasingly valued as it contributes to better teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution. Demonstrating high EQ on your resume indicates that you can navigate interpersonal dynamics with ease and professionalism! People with strong EQ rise the ranks quickly, and employers value this as a soft skill today."

RELATED:  10 Resume Tips to Help Your CV Stand Out, Experts Say .

9 Public speaking

Highlighting your enthusiasm for public speaking will also help set you apart from the crowd. That's because "proficiency in presenting information clearly and confidently" is hard to come by, Winans says.

You can list this on your resume by highlighting past achievements in public speaking. Whether you led your office through professional development or spoke at an international conference, let your potential employer know that you can represent and lead within the organization with confidence and clarity of voice.

10 Anything specific to the position

The hiring experts agree that the most important skills you can include are those that are most pertinent to the job at hand. Take a close look at the listed job description and consider how many of the skills or qualities you possess. Then, tailor your resume to demonstrate that you're the best fit.

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How to Write a Resume Summary That Stands Out

In the competitive job market, making a strong first impression is crucial. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a compelling personal summary at the top of your resume. A personal summary, also known as a resume summary, is a brief statement that highlights your key skills, experiences, and career goals. It serves as a snapshot of your professional identity, giving employers a quick overview of who you are and what you bring to the table.

A well-crafted summary not only grabs recruiters’ attention but also sets the tone for the rest of your resume. Here are six actionable tips for making your summary stand out.

1. Tailor your summary to each job

Customize your resume summary for each job application. Carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Then, highlight these in your summary. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and align your qualifications with the employer’s needs. For example, if a job posting emphasizes teamwork and project management, ensure these qualities are prominent in your summary.

2. Showcase specific achievements

Rather than just listing your skills, provide specific examples of your achievements. Quantify these achievements wherever possible. For example, instead of writing, “Experienced in social media marketing,” you could write, “Increased social media engagement by 50% through strategic content creation and audience targeting.” This helps demonstrate your impact and value to potential employers.

3. Highlight transferable skills

Include skills that are important to target employers, even if they come from different experiences. Many skills are transferable across various roles and industries. Identify these skills in your summary to show your versatility. For example, communication, leadership, and problem-solving are valuable in many fields. Highlighting these can make you a more attractive candidate.

4. Use dynamic and specific language

Action verbs and strong adjectives can make your summary more dynamic and engaging. Words like “led,” “developed,” “managed,” and “innovative” help convey your proactive and results-oriented nature. Avoid generic phrases and be specific about what you’ve accomplished. For example, “Developed a new project management system that improved team efficiency by 30%” is more impactful than simply stating, “Project management skills.”

5. Show the benefits you bring to employers

Your personal summary should not only highlight your skills and achievements but also explain how they benefit potential employers. Think about what makes you unique and how your experiences can add value to the company. For example, “Passionate about using data analysis to drive business decisions, leading to more informed and strategic company growth.” This approach helps employers see the direct benefits of hiring you.

6. Be specific

Avoid generic statements that could apply to anyone. Be specific about your skills and experiences to stand out. While it’s important to use industry-relevant terms, avoid overloading your summary with jargon that might confuse the reader. Employers are more interested in what you’ve achieved rather than just what you were responsible for. Highlight the impact of your specific actions to show your genuine interest and fit for the position.

Andrew Fennell is the founder and director of StandOut CV , a leading CV builder and careers advice website. He is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to publications like Business Insider, The Guardian, and The Independent.

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LinkedIn’s AI job coach can write your cover letters and edit your resumé

The platform’s job search tool is also getting a boost, thanks to generative ai..

Last year, LinkedIn began experimenting with AI-powered tools for job seekers on its platform. Now the company has added a bunch of new capabilities for its premium subscribers who are #OpentoWork, including personalized resumé, AI-assisted cover letters and more conversational job searches.

The changes are meant to speed up some of the most tedious aspects of looking for a new role. For example, the revamped job search feature now allows you to look for roles with queries like “find me a marketing job that’s fully remote and pays at least $100,000 a year,” or “find business development roles in biotech.” Those are all relatively simple descriptions but anyone who has searched for jobs on LinkedIn (without the help of AI) knows that it can often be a struggle to narrow down job listings with keywords.

Once you find a role you’re interested in, the built-in assistant can give you feedback on your qualifications and help with your application. You can upload a copy of your current resumé and LinkedIn’s AI will provide tips on what to update based on the job description. This can include suggestions on specific experiences to highlight or the ability to rewrite entire sections of the document. Likewise, LinkedIn can generate cover letters based on your experience and the job you want to apply for.

The company gave me a preview of these tools and I thought it did a surprisingly decent job for a first attempt at a cover letter. It incorporated specific details from my profile and the tone didn’t feel as robotic as much of the AI-written text I’ve encountered. Of course, as a journalist, I like to believe I can still write a better cover letter than an AI. But, I can see how the tool could be useful for people applying to dozens of jobs at once, especially since many companies use AI software to whittle down applications anyway.

LinkedIn product manager Rohan Rajiv says that these tools are meant to be more of a jumping off point for users rather than an all-in-one solution. “What we want to do is make it easy for folks who have a difficult time telling their story, have a difficult time staring at a blank screen trying to put something together to at least get started,” he tells Engadget.

But he also notes that the company is still in the relatively early stages of its AI push and it could eventually automate more of the job application process. “The next horizon is going to be … can you just do that for me,” he says. “You can almost imagine people thinking about it from an agent standpoint, and helping you get things done.”

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Go to our varied collection of beautifully designed cover letter templates and pick one that suits you! We have created templates and samples that align with jobs, industries and professional image goals. All you need to do is consider which one strikes your fancy and is appropriate for your potential employer.

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