make a resume for your first job

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

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated July 25, 2024 16 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. Add tools and software that you already have experience using and are relevant to the position you’re applying for. For example, a VoIP phone system, CRM platform, or  call center software  will be a huge plus for customer support roles, and keyword research and SEO tools will bring benefits if you’re applying for an SEO-related role.
• 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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First Job Resume: How to Write with no Experience + (Examples)

Sitting down to write a resume for your first job can be daunting. I mean, of course, you are excited, it is your first job after all, but it is more than a little bit scary. What should you write about? What does an employer expect from someone that doesn't have an awful lot of experience? Why is this first job the right one for you and where is it likely to lead?

Any first-time resume may be low on experience, but that does not mean that it has to be low on personality or potential. You have lived through many situations which will allow you to make a resume for a first job to shine a light on who you are. No one expects you to be the finished article, so you merely need to give a few suitable hints when you write your resume. 

We would like to explore a few considerations for anyone making that nervous first job resume. We design the most attractive resume and cover letter templates , but we also aim to give you some inspiration as you sit down and stare at that fateful blank page before writing.

Learning how to write a resume takes a certain finesse. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Read our complete guide and take a look at our examples now.

Let’s be honest, when you are contemplating how to make your resume for a first job, there is nothing scarier than a blank page. You will soon find that you have far more to say for yourself than you think. Your potential is limitless, but what should you focus on? What will fit with the hiring manager’s vision of a perfect candidate?

Do I need to make a resume for my first job? 

Yes, you do! Making a resume for a first job is an essential part of the job seeking process. No matter what your previous experience, you haven't been living alone in a cave and you might be surprised at just how relevant your experiences have been. You can’t just write a quick note asking for an interview. Take the time to steer the interview conversation in your direction.

Sample resume for first job

This sample resume offers an insight into what a resume for a first job might look like. It is always good to take some time to gain inspiration from as many sources as possible. Pick and choose your inspiration.

There is no reason why your first-job resume should not resemble a normal resume. Ideally, you don’t want the hiring manager to think that you are different in any way. The content will just be slightly different. We have many other resume writing examples across our website that might offer inspiration (such as our blog or free library of 250+ profession-specific guides), so this is intended to pull together some of our advice in this article.

Check out this example of a first job resume, crafted with all of the best hiring practices in mind:

The best summary for a first job resume

Any employer will expect the first few words of a resume summary for a first job resume to be full of your unique personality. You might not have many work-related achievements to boast about and the ink on your college exams might not have quite dried, but the summary in your first resume is not about where you have been. Talk about your volunteering work and any internships that you may have done. Start off with a confident “I’ve got this” vibe.

The summary for a first job CV is like a mission statement. Make the resume clear about how you get things done and showcase your attitude. Choose adjectives with care and keep the summary brief but powerful. Don't start off your first-job resume with three lines of meaningless waffle. Be brief, share your career objectives and give the reader one powerful reason to keep reading.

Actively looking for your first job or internship is the first step to success! So, be proud rather than embarrassed. Consider internships as an example of a scenario where it’s completely OK to not have work experience when you make your resume:

A 2017 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that college graduates who had completed an internship received more job offers than those who had not. Remember that nobody expects job experience from an intern!

Think about how your career objectives fit in with the position—if you describe a dream job that is unlike the role in question, your chances of securing an interview will plummet. It is this objective that will interest a hiring manager the most. In fact, some early-career candidates actually call this section “career objective” rather than summary.

How to write an employment history for your first job resume

Describing your experience in a first job resume should be seen in the broader context of how your activities thus far have contributed to make you a high-potential hire. You may have had limited work experience, so you need to write a resume work experience section (or just ‘Experience’ section if you haven’t had temp or summer jobs) that shows relevant skills and qualities from any of your other life activities:

• Paid work experience . Any paid work should feature prominently on your resume. You may feel that your voluntary work has more relevant experience, but nothing beats sharing evidence of having the responsibility to deliver on a job and get remunerated for it. Most first job resume employment histories are filled with examples of “basic” college jobs that bring in some money for socializing (etc.), and these roles are far from worthless.
• Casual jobs . We have all had casual jobs through our school and university years, and while it might not seem exciting to let a future employer know that you worked on the tills in a shop for a summer, a tourist guide for a season or an au pair working abroad, including casual jobs will portray you as hardworking and dedicated.
• Volunteering . Sticking your hand up and opting to do something for free demonstrates passion and interest. If that volunteering activity aligns with your future job, it is an ideal way of proving that your heart is in the right place. If your experience includes volunteer work, make sure to make it part of your first job resume structure when you write the CV.

Remember that you can re-order resume sections in our resume maker.  Follow the general advice in our guide but also use your common sense: customize, create new sections and drag them around to see what works. For example, if you have a LOT of volunteer experience or more than 1-2 academic rewards, consider making a dedicated section for those… and maybe even make that section 1st or 2nd from the top so it jumps out!

• Extracurricular . Whether you starred in a university production, played on a successful sports team, or learned an instrument to a high standard, sharing how your character has developed through your extracurricular activities is a valid way of sharing your personality with a prospective employer. Tease out the most relevant details for the role in question.
• Education . College credentials should obviously feature prominently in your first job resume as they show the culmination of years of hard work. You should include details such as your grade average if it is over a 3.0. Consider including any relevant coursework or side-projects if the profession is particularly intellectually demanding. The rigors of higher education demand many skills that are also required in the workplace.

There are all sorts of jobs for teens available. Opportunities will vary depending on the local amenities, but there are undeniable lessons to be learned as teenagers earn their first wages. We explore a few of the most common roles.

The best skills for a first job resume

Deciding on the words that you use to describe your experience is central to making the right impression. While anyone can wax lyrical about softer behavioral traits, the best skills for writing a first job resume are measurable and evidenced with factual and situational examples.

Read the job description carefully—what sort of first job resume skills would a successful employee be expected to possess? Make a resume for your first job with real examples to highlight these skills.

• Soft skills . Whether you have managed others in a group project, helped customers in a store or over the phone, or done something individually creative, your future job will demand a certain mix of softer behavioral skills. Talk about how you have achieved things with others and give a sense that you are keen to develop.

Examples of soft skills might be: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, time management, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, creativity, work ethic, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, leadership, decision-making, attention to detail, active listening.

• Hard skills . While soft skills are easier to exaggerate, the more quantifiable hard technical skills are what might make your resume jump to the top of the pile. Experience with office software and social media will rank highly and if you are going into a more technical profession, the ability to learn a programming language might speak volumes.

Examples of hard skills might be: Microsoft Office proficiency, data analysis, programming languages (e.g., Python, Java), project management, graphic design, technical writing, digital marketing, foreign language proficiency, financial modeling, search engine optimization (SEO), database management, social media management, AutoCAD, network administration, statistical analysis.

Your first job resume skills section is critical because it is an opportunity to show that you have the ability to learn something difficult.

How do you write a resume with one job? 

You should remember that your CV is a window onto all your life experiences—in the early stages of your career, jobs are just part of your story. By all means, expand as much as you can on the relevant aspects of your work experience, but whether you are making your resume for your first job or your second job, there is plenty more content that you can include.

First job resume templates

Selecting a first job resume template is an intensely personal choice, but we hope that we have a template that might suit any situation and personality.There are, however, certain templates that may actually help to make a resume for a first job. The style should be minimalist, the skills section should be prominent and the font may be slightly larger than usual. Don’t fall into the trap of filling the page with a wall of text when half of it is filler. 

The Vienna template offers a bold design and a larger than average font , with an eye-catching section for rating the impact of your skills. The colorful header is more acceptable for a first resume template and you can be sure that it will make you stand out from the crowd if the hiring manager needs to find your resume again from amongst the pile. Many of our resume templates have choices of color scheme.

The Creative resume template category is a popular pick for first job resumes that are looking to create an original feel. The bold section highlights of the Madrid template leave the reader with the impression that a candidate really has something to say. Do not hide from your lack of experience and put your best foot forward with confidence. You wouldn’t believe how many resumes are a few uninspiring lines on a Word document.

For those who prefer a cleaner look, the Berlin first resume template has dividing lines between the sections to allow you to differentiate your experiences. Lines tend to make a reader pause and reflect on what they have read before moving on. There is also an argument to suggest that a great resume template should let a candidate’s experience speak for itself, so the Professional resume templates category is a good choice as well.

What should a first job resume look like? 

To start with, when you write a resume for a first job, it should not be longer than one page. Even if you have the most fascinating life story, if your work experience is lacking, you should seek to keep the highlights onto just one page. Focus on the relevant experience for the role in question and you shouldn't have too much trouble keeping it brief and powerful.

Here are some insights from the first job resume templates that are made with the builder on Resume.io.

The best resume examples for a first job

There is nothing like browsing a few examples to inspire you when writing your first resume. Here are a few from 100s of our free samples to share some typical early job resumes:

• Sales Assistant . One of the most common routes into a first job is a continuation of part-time employment that commenced in college. The first rung of the ladder in meritocratic industries such as retail, banking, healthcare , and many others often involves considerable amounts of menial work and admin, so make sure that you make a resume for the first job to showcase your work ethic.
• Telemarketing . While this telemarketing resume sample includes a longer stretch of initial experience, much of the information within it could be included as part of a fresher resume sample. Many graduates will have undertaken telemarketing work and the skills contained within will be relevant for many corporate roles. Make a resume for your first job that includes: marketing, communication, customer service, and problem solving.
• Tutor . Many students will have undertaken tutoring work to earn a little extra cash and there is great value in understanding how to learn when you are teaching someone else. Again, this sample contains a couple of positions, but most student tutors will have the same experiences. Understanding the perspective of others via active listening is a critical skill in a loud and busy workplace.
• Internship . There are certain white-collar professions such as law and finance where an internship is a coveted and prestigious first role, so this internship resume sample and guide is a particularly valuable indication of what you might want to include when you are talking about taking your first steps.

A different source of inspiration that can help fresh graduates make a first resume is the summary sections of various LinkedIn profiles. You can filter profiles by years of experience, and it is interesting to see how others in your future industry describe themselves. It goes without saying that you too should have a LinkedIn profile , much of which should be a duplicate of what is on your resume.

What should a teenager put on a resume?

While school grades should feature prominently as this gives an indication of many useful qualities, when a teenager is writing a resume for a first job, their potential employer will be more interested in what they have to say about their personality and what they want to get out of their career. Ambition and motivation are everything when you are a teenager, so fill your teenage first job resume with stories of energy, drive and determination.

How to make a resume for first job after a long career gap

If you sit down to make your resume after a long gap of 7+ years (for whatever reason), it can somehow feel that you are actually making the resume for your first job. None of your long-forgotten experience seems relevant anymore and you might even have forgotten how it feels like to work with other people. That is incredibly daunting.

Luckily, as you search your memories for relevant stories, making your "first job" resume will not be as tricky as you think. Just start by being honest with yourself. You have to acknowledge that things will have moved on since you last put on a suit in anger, and you should definitely not try to shoehorn the experience into your story for the sake of it.

The hiring manager will see that you have been out of the workplace for whatever reason, so they will again be looking for potential rather than track record. Share your motivations and let them know what you want this fresh start to your career to look like. How does this job fit into your grand plan?

How to write a fresher resume: tips and tricks

It might feel like writing a fresher resume with a seemingly small amount of experience might prove tricky, but once you get going on your story, you will be surprised by the amount that you actually have to tell. You may well even struggle to keep it short. It is important to maintain a healthy balance between motivations, accomplishments , and career objectives. Here are some resume writing tips to make the most of your personal sales pitch:

• Be honest and factual . When contemplating what to include in their fresher resume format, a feeling of inadequacy may tempt recent grads to embellish and even invent experiences. This is a job search cardinal sin; lying on your resume can lead to you losing your job at a later point. Avoid flowery statements and include as many facts and hard skills as possible.
• Find value in everything you have done . You may feel a little embarrassed to include certain parts of your experience when you write your resume for freshers, but as long as you tease out what is relevant, even something like babysitting can show that you are responsible and trustworthy. The hiring manager likely learned a few similar lessons in their younger days.
• Sound like you . It is important to make a resume for the first job that reflects who you are, because if there is a dissonance at the interview, hiring managers will become wary. Ask a few people close to you to read the fresher resume format through; there is nothing worse than putting on an act to secure your first job. Be yourself and get a job that you will enjoy.
• Mirror the job description . Although you might be starting out in your career, an employer will expect you to feel like someone that they can mold and develop. A great way to achieve an initial connection is to make a resume for the first job using the language and tone of the job description in your resume for college graduates. Portray yourself as “one of them” before you get to the interview.
• Convey your transferable skills . It is not enough to mention that you had a part time job as an office assistant—you have to share the most relevant transferable skills about that experience. This requires a solid understanding.
• Use action verbs and compelling language . Think about the sorts of activities in your future role and imagine the sorts of conversations that you will be having in future team meetings. Use action verbs and language that you think will be part of the office speak. If you do not have much experience to share, making a first job resume using powerful action verbs gives you added dynamism.
• Proofread it (at least) five times . Last, but definitely not least, make sure that there are no silly mistakes lurking that could make a hiring manager think twice about your attention to detail. This is a basic expectation for any graduate, so don’t fail this test. Use software such as Grammarly to make your resume—you won't regret it.

Hopefully sitting down to write your first job resume won’t seem so scary now.

You need to make a few bucks while you earn your university degree, that’s totally understandable. To find a position that gives you what you need and leaves you time to study, take a look at our advice below.

You undoubtedly have so much to tell, so pick a resume template for your first job and get to it!

Key takeaways

Finding the right first job can be an important step. It will not necessarily dictate the rest of your career, but it may lead to wonderful opportunities. 

Try to make the best possible decisions and you never know what may come next. 

Settling for second best because you just want to earn some cash is not an option. You never know what you might achieve if you aim high.

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How to Make a Resume: Beginner's Writing Guide with Examples

30 min read · Updated on August 06, 2024

Your dream job is one resume away!

Your resume is arguably the most important financial document you'll ever own. And before you think, “Yeah – right” let's consider for a moment. Without a resume, you don't get the job, so you can't pay bills, support a family, go to the big game, have that weekend trip, or plan for retirement. Your resume is the doorway to your future, so let's make sure it's perfect.

Part of making it perfect is remembering that it's a targeted career marketing document – not a chronicle of your life. So, how do you write a resume? In this beginner's writing guide, we'll show you how to make a resume and provide examples of what each section should look like. 

Grab a cup of coffee and strap in, because you're about to learn everything you need to know about how to make a new resume!

Table of contents:

The purpose of a resume

Avoid rejection by the ATS

What is your career target?

Build your personal brand, what should your resume look like, how to make a resume – the layout.

How long does it take to put together a resume?

A major resume no-no: typos

How to make your resume more professional

Theory in practice – resume examples

The most basic purpose of a resume is to sell your skills , achievements , and qualifications to prospective employers. This one document can financially make or break you. Let's take a quick look at what being unemployed costs you per day (assuming a five-day workweek):

If you make $40,000 per year, you lose about $155 every day that you're out of work

If you make $50,000 per year, you lose about $190 every day that you're out of work

If you make $75,000 per year, you lose about $288 every day that you're out of work

If you make $100,000 per year, you lose about $385 every day that you're out of work

Clearly, finding out how to make a resume for a job is critical so that you can properly sell your skills, qualifications, experiences, and achievements to prospective employers. 

The job market is tough and highly competitive; you have to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates by creating a compelling narrative that tells a story of value, keeping in mind that your resume is supposed to do a few things for you:

Introduce you to a new company

Underscore how your experiences and education are relevant

Showcase how your skills and competencies will benefit the new company's team

Win interviews

Avoid rejection by the ATS 

What do you know about applicant tracking systems? Job seeking can be compared to throwing your resume into a black hole. You can go through 100 listings on any job search website and complete the online application with zero results. 

Ever had that happen? It's okay, it happens to everyone at some point or another! 

The problem is that you're probably not putting the correct keywords into your resume. When you hit “Submit” on an online application, it isn't magically emailed to the hiring manager. 

Oh, no! 

It goes through a computer system that scans your resume for specific keywords that can be found in the job description posted by the company. And, just so you know, approximately 90% of companies use ATS scans , including everything from mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500 companies. 

The companies use these programs because they just don't have time for a human to go through all the resumes they receive. Depending on the job opening, a company can get between  250 and 500 applicants . Can you imagine being the person who has to sift through all those resumes? 

Here is where the ATS steps in. It's designed to weed through candidates to narrow the applicant pool, so that the human hiring manager has a more reasonable resume load to go through. It ranks the remaining candidates in order based on how much of a match they are for the position that's open. 

Being overlooked by the ATS is one of the number one reasons job seekers get ghosted by companies.

Once your resume makes it through the ATS and gets into the hands of a hiring manager, don't think they're going to sit down and read each one. Who has that kind of time? You should expect that the first round of resume sorting will consist of them flipping through the stack to pick the ones that stand out within about 6 seconds of glancing at them. 

PRO TIP: Put your resume on a table, stand up, and look at it from a little distance. Is it eye-catching? Can you tell the position you're seeking just by glancing at it? Set a timer if you have to, but no more than 10 seconds.

Speaking of eye-catching, don't make the same mistake as a lot of your rival job seekers by being too generic with your resume. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being non-specific will open doors to more opportunities. The problem is that the hiring manager won't be able to tell exactly where you'll fit within their organization. 

The first step in winning an interview is being sure that your resume actually makes it into the hands of a human being at the company you apply to. Start by defining what you want to do.

So the first, and most important, step in crafting the perfect resume is to narrow down your target career path. The more specific you are with this first step, the more response you'll receive from hiring managers because they'll be able to tell exactly how you fit within their organization. There are four areas to focus on as you begin to chart your career path:

Industry: Do you want to work in private sector, nonprofit, government, or public roles?

Geography: This one is more in-depth than choosing rural vs urban. It also includes whether you want to work in a dynamic or static environment.

Company size: You may not think it, but having an idea about whether you want to work in a small company or one with thousands of employees is important. 

Role: Saving the best for last, you have to know what position you want.

On the surface, it may seem like these things are only important for the job search aspect of landing a new position, but you have to know what voice to write your resume in, too. Part of that is knowing your audience. When you understand your audience, you can build a personal brand that resonates with what they're looking for in a new staff member.

Now that you've gotten your target career path nailed down, the next step is to brand you. Think of yourself as a product and your resume is the packaging. Companies spend a lot of time on their branding and packaging - you have to do the same thing.

The best place to start is with a  career assessment . Taking one of these tests can help you to identify your strengths, what sets you apart from others, and key themes of your professional identity. Just like Nike and Coca-Cola have timeless taglines and catchphrases that succinctly define what they have to offer to consumers, your personal brand has to tell a concise, yet compelling, story. This is where your resume comes in.

Your resume isn't just a piece of paper you give to a hiring manager or upload to a website that says, “I'm interested in this job.” Your resume is a personal marketing tool. You shape that tool with words that describe your experiences and achievements, to impress and grab the attention of the hiring manager. 

Unlike Nike's “Just Do It” phrase, your personal brand isn't something you build and forget. It is fluid and should be revisited and refined as you gain new skills, experiences, and achievements. Weave the elements of your brand into every section of your resume.

There is a common misconception that entry-level resumes look different than executive resumes. The reality is that the only difference is how much content is available to write about. 

Obviously, someone who has little to no experience will have a  short resume  – generally one page. 

When you start to get up to 10 years of experience, then you've earned the second page, so go ahead and use it. 

It's not incremental though

Just because you have 20 years of experience doesn't mean you can have a three-page resume. As you work through how to make a resume, remember that a three-page resume should be avoided, unless you have a lot of career extras like publications, research, patents, publications, or public speaking engagements to talk about. 

Other than the number of pages, your resume should use the same format and layout no matter if you're applying to a job as someone fresh out of college or seeking to be the CEO of a company. 

Chronological resume 

The  reverse-chronological  is the most popular, traditional, and well-known resume format. Its focus is placed on achievements from your career history and is defined by listing your work history starting with your current or most recent job and working backward 10-15 years. 

Employers like this type of resume because it tells them what, when, and where you worked. It's best to use this if your work history is steady and shows growth and development. If you're looking to make a career change, have had frequent job changes, or if you're seeking your first job, this may not be the best format to use.

Pro Tip: You could also get lost in the ATS if your  resume is over-designed . Many resume writers will tell you that you need to stand out in the sea of sameness by adding some personality to your resume through design. While that's true, you need to avoid heavily formatted resumes which are often rejected by computer scanners as being illegible.

Functional resume 

This resume type focuses more on skills and experiences rather than on your work history. It's more of a “what you know and how you apply that knowledge” than a simple list of where you got the knowledge. It plays down gaps in work history and makes frequent job changes less noticeable. If it isn't done properly, though, it can be confusing for the hiring manager to read and understand. There's also a bit of a stigma behind it, because employers know that job seekers use this style to downplay job-hopping. So, the first thing they do when they get a functional resume is check employment dates. If you can avoid using this style, it's best to do so.

Combination resume 

There is another resume format that focuses on skills first and then experience last. It's the combination resume, which is sometimes called a hybrid resume. This is the most complex resume type and the best resume for mid-career professionals who are transitioning into another career or for people who have special skills and a strong track record of accomplishments. These types of resumes do take a long time to read and some hiring managers won't take the time unless they're looking to fill a hard-to-fill position.

Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae (CV) is Latin and means “course of life.” It's a little different from a resume, but some positions require a CV over a resume. The first thing you would notice is that a CV is significantly longer than a resume.  A resume is a self-branding document meant to portray your experience and achievements in a concise and easy-to-read format. A CV goes much further into the depth of your education and accomplishments (think publications, awards, and honors) and even has a section for you to include "Areas of Interest."

The best way to describe a CV is that it's a career biography. The biggest significant difference is that a CV is arranged chronologically in a way that gives a complete overview of your full working career. It also doesn't change based on the career or position for which you're applying.

Layout 

To make things easier for the hiring manager to digest the content of your resume, it should be laid out in a specific way to ensure that the right information is in the right place. 

Hiring managers don't  READ  resumes. They skim through until they find something that piques their interest and then they stop to read

Contact information

Title 

Professional summary , core competencies, experience , education and credentials , awards, certificates, and volunteer work .

Since the reverse-chronological resume is the one that the majority of people will use to apply for jobs, and because it's the format that hiring managers want to see, we'll focus this article on showing you how to make a resume using that style. 

Current contact information 

Location | Phone | Email | LinkedIn | Portfolio (if applicable)

You can be creative and use bold font in your  contact information  and even put a border under it to separate it from the body of your resume. 

• Name: Be sure to list your name the same across all professional documents (e.g., resume, cover letter, thank you note, LinkedIn profile). Don't get hung up with whether to use your legal name (i.e. the name on your birth certificate or driver's license). Write your name in the manner you want people to address you. Also, if you use any abbreviated credentials after your name (e.g. Jane Smith, MD), remember to include them on all professional documents.  You can also include any shortened versions of your name in quotations (e.g. Christopher "Chris" Smith). Just make sure to list it the same way everywhere you put your name.
• Address: It is no longer customary to include your full address on your resume. There have been instances of discrimination against job seekers based on their address. As far as your address is concerned, all you need is the City, State, and Zip Code. A lot of people leave off the Zip Code; however, hiring managers can query the ATS for all resumes within a radius of a Zip Code. If you exclude the Zip Code or put something like, "Greater New York Metro Area," your resume won't be included in the query.
• Phone and email: Put the telephone number and email address where you can easily be reached. Also, be sure that your email address is professional. Using something like [email protected] just won't cut it. The best idea is to use some form of your name. If you're paranoid about having your name in your email address, then you can use some form of the type of position you seek, like [email protected].
• LinkedIn URL: You don't have to spell out the entire URL on the contact line. You can put the words “LinkedIn URL” and hyperlink those words. Before you include your LinkedIn URL, be sure that your LinkedIn profile is optimized for the career you want - because you can bet if they have access to it, the hiring manager will look at it. 
• Portfolio: If you're applying for a position like Graphic Designer or Software Designer, you may have a portfolio of work that you want to make available to someone reviewing your application for employment. Include a hyperlink to the portfolio in your contact information. 
• Headshot / photo: There is no reason to include a  headshot on your resume . Actually, it's seen as taboo and could be the thing that gets your resume rejected, because the hiring manager might assume you think you can get the job based on your looks. However, there are some exceptions, like if you're applying to be a model or actor. 

Do you want a hiring manager to be able to tell immediately what type of candidate you are? Put a title at the top of your resume. Center the text on the line, put it in bold font, and put a blank space above and below. The white space and the small amount of words will help it to jump off the page and immediately be noticed. It will also be the first step in helping you stand out in the sea of sameness.

Also, be sure the title on your resume mirrors the title on the job description that you're applying to, but add a bit of panache to it so that it's not too boring. For example, instead of writing “Financial Services Associate,” write “Client-Centric Financial Services Associate Dedicated to Customer Engagement and Revenue Growth.” Just remember to keep it on one line. 

The very next thing on the page should always be your Professional Summary. But how do you write a summary for a resume?

It's a three to five-sentence statement about you. Where you've been in your career, where you're going, and how you'll use your experience to get there. 

While the professional summary is sometimes referred to as the resume objective , you must remember that the days of writing a  resume objective are dead . Never, ever include an objective on your resume. They are a waste of space and don't relay any information that markets you as the best candidate for an open position. 

Let's take a look at an example of each:

Sales Representative seeking a challenging position that will use my skills and provide opportunities for growth in a dynamic and rewarding company. 

As you can see, the objective is very inward-facing and only talks about what you want out of your career. It provides no value to the hiring manager and eliminates any possibility for them to be able to tell what you bring to the table for them. 

Professional Summary:

Ambitious sales professional offering 10+ years' experience in customer retention and aggressive revenue growth. Conquers goals and quotas through a keen awareness of the human buying motive that allows for quickly overcoming objections. Used historical data and consumer trends to reach new customers and grow territory by 24%. Innate ability to work independently or as a member of a cross-functional team.

The best use of resume space is to write a summary of your career. The effectiveness of this summary comes from the fusing of three things:

Relevant keywords – customer retention, revenue growth, and quotas 

Hard and soft skills – overcoming objections and working independently

An achievement – 24% territory growth

With this professional summary, the hiring manager will be able to tell in an instant what you have to offer their team. 

Even though the skills section of your resume is small, it packs a powerful punch! The skills you list in this section highlight your key abilities and show potential employers what you bring to the table. 

It should contain approximately 12 ATS-friendly keywords and phrases that align with the keywords in the job description. Meaning, this is a fluid section that will need to be  tailored to every job  that you apply to. Technically speaking, your entire resume should be customized to align with each job description. That's one thing that will help you get past the ATS. 

Be sure to include a good mix of  hard and soft skills  because prospective employers not only want to know that you can perform the tasks related to your job (hard skills), but they also want to gain a clear understanding of how you'll fit within the culture of the company (soft skills). 

Tips for building your Core Competencies section:

Include skills that are relevant to the job that you're applying to

Avoid creating a laundry list of everything you know how to do – be selective so that the section is more impactful

Group similar competencies together using categories – technical skills, soft skills, and languages

Prioritize your top skills based on their relevance to the job you want

Update frequently

Be consistent with the formatting

Here is a sample Core Competencies list that contains both hard and soft skills:

Core Competencies

Project Management | Data Analysis | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Digital Marketing Strategy | Python Programming | Customer Relationship Management (CRM) | Negotiation | Team Leadership | Business Development | Financial Modeling | Articulate Communication

This section is meant to show how your career history lends itself to the skills you have that make you the perfect candidate for a given job. There are some general rules of thumb on how to make a resume with a great professional experience section:

Don't go further back than 10 to 15 years

Use no more than 3 to 5 bullets per work listing

Incorporate at least 5 measurable achievements per 10 years of experience (the more the better)

Use stacking for companies where you held more than one role

10-15 Years

The 10-15 years of experience is the most relevant – you can list more than that, but avoid using bullet points for roles over 10 years old. Begin by listing your most recent position first and work your way backward to your oldest position, within that 10-15-year range. If you have 30 years of experience, you can use achievements or skills you learned during that time as talking points during the interview. Listing those older experiences on your resume will only dilute the content.

As you write out your bullet points, keep two words in mind: “so what?” The hiring manager is going to be thinking it, you might as well be thinking it, too. Every time you write something on your resume, think, “So what? Why am I writing this? What value will it bring to my new employer? Will this be THE THING that lands me an interview?"

Achievements

Remove “Responsible for…” from your resume-writing vocabulary. That's because it's crucial that you talk about what you achieved, instead of just what your responsibilities were. Let's face it, there are a lot of things that people are “responsible for” that never get done. So, be sure to talk about things you actually accomplished, as that will be the proof the hiring manager needs to take the next step and call you for an interview.

1. Use numbers whenever possible

The best way to call attention to your career accomplishments is to use numbers. Numbers add credibility to your claims and provide a clear picture of what you bring to the table. 

Don't write this:

• Conducted cold calls to expand client base

Write this instead:

• Increased sales by 15% by making approximately 20 cold calls per day to expand the client base

The latter makes an unmistakable assertion that you had a positive impact, not only in your role but on the company as a whole. You can take it a step further and talk about things like problem-solving skills and how you addressed challenges to lead to team success. These types of  soft skills are highly valued by employers  and could be the thing that lands you an interview.

PRO TIP: Use the  CAR method  for building achievement statements into your resume.

2. Use action words to convey accomplishment

A lot of people make the mistake of copying bullet points from the job descriptions of the roles they've held. This practice makes you sound detached from achievements and focuses more on responsibilities. Using passive language is too generic and doesn't allow a hiring manager to see what you'll be able to accomplish in the new role. 

It's better to use action language to show that you're an achiever rather than a doer. Here are some examples of action words you can use on your resume: 

Worked with others: Advised, Aided, Assisted, Chaired, Coached, Collaborated with, Consulted with, Helped, Instructed, Interacted with, Mentored, Motivated, Supported

Communicated: Addressed, Advertised, Answered, Briefed, Corresponded with, Debated, Explained, Facilitated, Informed, Interpreted, Interviewed, Persuaded, Responded to

Analyzed data: Assessed, Appraised, Audited, Calculated, Computed, Estimated, Evaluated, Forecast, Inspected, Measured, Researched, Surveyed, Tested

Operated equipment: Installed, Maintained, Programmed, Ran, Serviced, Used

Worked with money or contracts: Administered, Appropriated, Authorized, Balanced, Controlled, Directed, Enforced, Financed, Funded, Governed, Invested, Monitored, Oversaw, Purchased

Organized something: Arranged, Assembled, Catalogued, Compiled, Coordinated, Itemized, Routed, Scheduled, Stocked, Tracked

Created: Composed, Customized, Designed, Directed, Established, Founded, Illustrated, Originated, Shaped

Researched: Analyzed, Collected, Criticized, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Tested

How to make your professional experience section: The formula

There's a formula for writing your professional experience section in a way that focuses on achievements. You'll start by asking yourself these questions about every job you've had:

What was the name of the company?

What was the title of your role?

What dates were you employed? (*Hint: use the MM/YYYY format for your dates)

What did you do every day? (*Example: Leveraged management skills to direct operations of 5 separate but concurrent projects by delegating tasks to staff based on employee acumen and monitoring / controlling budgets)

What is one thing you did at the company that you're really proud of?

What is another thing you're really proud of?

What is one more thing you did that you're really proud of?

When you put all of that together, it should look like this:

Company Name | MM/YYYY to Present

Position Title

Balanced competing priorities on multiple and concurrent projects and program management initiatives using data-driven strategies in Agile environments. Managed key accounts, onboarded new accounts, and oversaw organizational process adoption for nursing facilities, emergency departments, and pharmacies.

Developed $2M Provider Incentive Program that increased community provider partnerships

Saved $800K by using Six Sigma skills to implement DMAIC approach

Coached and mentored 2 direct reports, creating an open environment of communication that facilitated future-facing decision-making

Many people will create separate sections for education history and certifications. That's not necessary. You can include all of it in one section. You can also include extras like  relevant coursework , projects, and achievements. These extras can be truly beneficial for your application if you have little to no work experience. 

There are some general rules of thumb for the education section: 

Spell out acronyms (BS, MS, PhD) and school abbreviations

It is no longer customary to include graduation dates unless you're still in school or graduated within the last year

Never include high school, unless you're still in high school - listing high school doesn't say “ I finished high school, ” it says, “ I didn't go to college .” 

List your degree first and then your school, unless you've obtained multiple degrees at the same institution. 

Here's what a regular education section looks like:

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

Master of Business Administration (MBA) | ABC University

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | XYZ University

Six Sigma Black Belt | Council for Six Sigma Certification

If you don't have a lot of experience and need to include some relevant coursework or major projects to inject relevant keywords into your resume, then this is what that would look like:

Relevant coursework:  Marketing, Operations Management, Accounting, Corporate Finance

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program. 

You can include educational information about a degree program even if it's still in progress. Here's what that would look like:

Expected completion:  05/2024

Capstone project:  Let a team of 4 to execute a market analysis project to expand the Brooms and Handles company into new regions. Used market and consumer analysis data to identify gaps and achieve a 15% projected revenue increase and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction within the pilot program.

It is important to list what you do outside of work and school. It helps to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded person. 

Were you the president of a fraternity or sorority? 

Did you get involved with showing new students around campus? 

Have you headed a sales team that produced top awards? 

Were you an employee of the month? 

Do you speak multiple languages?

Did you volunteer for an organization?

Did you perform some major research that ended up being published?

All of these extras allow prospective employers a sneak peek into your life outside of work. They can also go a long way to breaking the ice during an interview, especially if something you do outside work is important or interesting to the hiring manager. 

Keep in mind to list only those volunteer positions, projects, or affiliations that are related to your career goals. 

How long does it take to make a resume?

If you're going to use the resume wizard that MS Word has, you can slap your information together in a day or two. It will get to employers. The bad thing is that it probably won't get a whole lot of attention. 

The "just right resume" can take weeks, because of how much background work goes into it. You'll write it, rewrite it, and write it again, and may even have multiple versions. Ultimately, the exact amount of time that goes into putting your resume together depends on your level of experience, how complex your history is, and the specificity of the job you're applying to. 

Entry-level resumes take the least amount of time, simply because there's less information to include

Mid-level resumes take a few days because of the amount of detail in your work history

Executive resumes, or those for specialized positions, can take weeks - especially if you have to do some digging to come up with accomplishments from your previous positions

Updating an existing resume that's well-maintained can be done in just a few hours

While the time spent can seem like a lot, if you're truly marketing yourself for that “just right” position, do you want your resume to say “This was thrown together in a couple of hours using a template” OR do you want it to say “I know this document is important and a significant amount of time was spent on it to make it perfect?”

The first and foremost thing that will get your resume tossed in the garbage can are typos. The number of resumes with errors that are turned in every day to employers across the globe is so astounding that it bears discussing. 

You must proofread your resume!

The major problem with typos and grammatical boo-boos is that your eyes will read what you intended to type. So, after you've read through your resume a few times and think it's perfect, get a friend to read it. Make sure the friend is one of those brutally honest types. It's better to get it back marked all over with bright red ink so you can fix it before you send it out, than to send it out and then realize there's a mistake in it.

How to make your resume seem more professional

Lazy words: Do you see words like "etc" or “other duties as required” on your resume? Delete them immediately. If you take shortcuts in the language of your resume, hiring managers will wonder if you'll be taking shortcuts at work. 

Cookie cutter resumes: Your resume has to stand out. Because of that, you should avoid throwing something together that you find a sample of online. Make it yours, make it represent you. Many people rely on the resume wizard that comes loaded with MS Word and, while that is a good tool to use to help you remember the sections to include, it shouldn't be the end-all-and-be-all of your resume design. 

Specificity: You've had three jobs in the last 10 years and you've listed every detail of everything you've done during your tenure at those jobs. That makes you a Jack (or Jackie) of all trades, but a master of nothing. You have to be specific to the job for which you're applying. What value do you bring to that employer for that job? What achievements can you highlight?

Tailoring: Considering the rampant use of ATS by companies big and small, you have to take the time to customize your resume so that it gets past those scanners. Remember to use relevant keywords from the job descriptions throughout your resume. 

PRO TIP: You can check to see how to make your resume better! Have it checked against an ATS and get a free, personalized, and  professional resume review . 

Theory in practice – 10 resume examples

It's one thing to have someone tell you how to make a resume, it's another thing to see an example – proof that all of this information can come together in a practical way that makes sense. 

1. Software Engineer resume example

Click here for an example of a Software Engineer resume.

2. Data Scientist resume example

Click here for an example of a Data Scientist resume.

3. Cybersecurity resume example

Click here for an example of a cybersecurity resume.

4. Digital Marketing Manager resume example

Click here for an example of a Digital Marketing Manager resume.

5. Nurse Practitioner resume example

Click here for an example of a Nurse Practitioner resume. 

6. Finance Director resume example

Click here for an example of a Finance Director resume. 

7. Attorney resume example

Click here for an example of a Attorney resume.

8. Administrative Office Assistant resume example

Click here for an example of an Administrative Office Assistant resume. 

9. Information Technology Expert resume example

Click here for an example of an Information Technology Expert resume. 

10. Chief Executive Officer resume example

Click here for an example of a CEO resume. 

Now you know how to make a resume for your next job!

It may seem like it takes a lot of work to make a good resume, but if you've followed along this far there are a few things that should be ingrained in you that will help you write a professional resume:

Know what you want to do – be specific

Make your resume with the right format 

Use a standard layout, whether you are writing your first resume or 50th

Use action words to make your resume stand out

Quantify your achievements to prove that you have what it takes to succeed in a new role

Tailor your new resume to each job

Double and triple-check for errors, typos, and grammar mistakes

If you're still unsure how to make a perfect resume, TopResume has you covered. Our team of  professional resume writers  has the know-how and experience to write a resume for you that will win interviews.

Recommended reading: 

Resume Tricks That Don't Work

What Does Your Resume Really Say About You?

Bad Resume Advice You Should Completely Ignore

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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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: 

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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.

Finding a Job

Job Applications

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Resume (With Examples!)

Your resume is arguably the most valuable piece of paper for your career. But this document can be daunting for many. Maybe you’re not sure how to fit in all your information onto one page. Maybe you’re not sure about the right way to format and write your resume. Maybe you don’t even know what the heck a resume is!

Whatever your concern, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making the perfect resume, from scratch.

What Is a Resume?

What are employers looking for in a resume.

• Pick Your Format
• Start With Your Basic Information
• Add in Your Work Experience
• Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience
• Don’t Forget Your Education
• Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests
• Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)
• Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)
• Edit and Refine It

What Are Some Examples of a Good Resume?

A resume is a summary of your career, whether yours is just getting started or has been going on for years. Coming in at around one page in length (two only under specific circumstances), it showcases the jobs you’ve held and currently hold, the responsibilities you’ve taken on, the skills you’ve developed, and the qualities you bring to the table as an employee. Together, those things make it super easy for any hiring manager to see your qualifications and fit for a role.

For all the work you may put into writing one, hiring managers actually spend very little time—mere seconds in many cases—looking at your resume. But despite this sad fact, it’s safe to say that creating a great resume (rather than hastily throwing one together) still matters.

“If you miss the mark, your resume may never be read. Even worse, you might be removed from the applicant pool by a computer before a human even knows you exist,” says Muse career coach Heather Yurovsky , founder of Shatter & Shine. So you want to get it right because, as she explains, isn’t the goal to “spend less time looking for a job and more time in a role you love?”

You might be wondering if you can lean on your LinkedIn profile instead of writing a resume. The answer, sadly, is no. Most hiring managers still expect you to submit a resume, even if they also look at your LinkedIn. Even if you don’t need a resume for a job you’re applying for now, you’re going to need one at some point in your career—they’re not anywhere close to going out of style. So it’s best to always have one at the ready should an opportunity pop up.

And although LinkedIn has plenty of benefits, a resume has one clear advantage: While your LinkedIn is usually a broader picture of your career trajectory, your resume gives you the opportunity to tailor your career story to a specific role or company (more on that later).

Oh, and you’ve probably heard of something called a CV? It’s slightly different from a resume , and usually more common with academics and job seekers outside the U.S.

Hiring managers look for three things on your resume, “What did you do? Why did you do it? And what was the result?” says Muse career coach Martin McGovern , owner of Career Therapy. “If you can answer all three of these questions in...your resume bullet points, you’re going to be on the right track.”

Clear, easy-to-understand language is key. “The truth is that most resumes make no sense. They are stuffed with jargon, they are too technical, and they are filled with redundancies. Try to read a resume that isn’t yours and you will quickly realize that it feels like an alien wrote it,” McGovern adds. Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter who has no idea how your role works—how can you make your resume accessible to them?

The hiring manager also cares about more than just you and you alone—they care about you in relation to them. “Hiring managers want to see if a candidate matches the requirements” of the role they’re hiring for, Yurovsky explains. “Your resume should paint this picture so the hiring manager not only knows what day-to-day responsibilities you can handle, but why you, above other[s], bring value to their organization.”

How Do You Write a Resume?

Whether you’re someone who’s never written a resume in your life, or you need a nice, thorough refresher on the process of creating one, follow these steps to go from a blank page to a complete—and dare I say beautiful—document.

Related: This Free Worksheet Makes It Easy to Create (or Update) Your Resume

1. Pick Your Format

Before you start typing one single thing, you have to decide what you want the overall resume to look like.

Resume builders can be helpful for this step—they’ll take all your basic information and organize it for you, eliminating some of the legwork. You can also use a pre-made outline, such as one of these free Google Docs templates .

But it’s often safest to start with a clean slate all on your own and eventually upgrade to a more advanced layout. (If you'd still like a place to write all the relevant information before you get started, check out our resume outline .) This allows you to course correct, edit and re-edit, and choose a resume format that best fits your particular situation (after all, not everyone has a career trajectory that’s easy to compartmentalize).

In general, you’re most likely to cover and/or include sections on the following:

• Your work experience
• Your non-work experience, including professional organizations, community involvement, or side projects
• Your education and certifications
• Your skills (specifically hard skills) and interests

So how do you format and organize all of that information?

By far the most common (and safest, if you’re not sure which route to take) option is reverse chronological order . This means you organize your experiences from most recent to least recent. So your work experiences would go above your education, and your current role would go above previous roles you’ve held. This of course has its exceptions—maybe you went back to grad school between jobs, or your most recent role is irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. So the whole page may not be exactly in reverse chronological order depending on your situation. It’s just a guideline.

There’s also something called a functional or skills-based resume . This is used pretty rarely, mainly with career changers and those with limited or complicated work histories. It gets its name because it’s primarily about listing your skills rather than experiences, and showcases them above your work history and education.

You can also opt for a combination resume , which is a mix between a reverse chronological resume and skills-based resume. It highlights your skills at the top, but allows just as much room below to cover your job and school experience.

Use caution when choosing these two formats: “Combo and skills-based [resumes] can be hard to follow, because [they force] the reader to hunt for connections between your skills and experience, and [don’t] provide the full context of your work,” says Muse Career Coach Angela Smith , founder of Loft Consulting. “I’ve also heard a lot of recruiters say that they automatically discount skill-based resumes because they feel the candidate is trying to hide something. I don’t necessarily believe that, but I think it’s important for job-seekers to know that perception is out there.”

2. Start With Your Basic Information

Your contact information should always go at the top of your resume. In this header you’ll want to include anything that could be helpful for a recruiter to get in touch with you. Usually, this means adding in:

• Your full name (preferably the name you use across the web)
• Your phone number
• Your personal email address

You might also choose to include other basic information, such as your LinkedIn or personal website URL, your GitHub (for technical roles), your social media profiles (if relevant to the job), or your address. If you’re looking to move for a job, you may choose to leave out your address or write “open to relocating” to better your chances of getting an interview.

The key is to make this part as clear as possible. If a hiring manager can’t reach you, there’s no point in perfecting the rest of your resume.

3. Add in Your Work Experience

This section will most likely be the bulk of your resume. Even if you’re changing careers, employers still want to see where you’ve worked, what you’ve done, and the impact of that work to get a sense of your background and expertise.

Your “Work Experience” might be one entire category, or you might choose to break it up into “Relevant Experience” and “Additional Experience” to highlight the jobs that are most important for hiring managers to focus on. Either way, you’ll almost always want to have your most recent experience at the top and your older experience down below.

Within your work experience, you’ll want to include each official job title, the company (and possibly its location), and the years you worked there. Below that, you’ll add in two to four bullet points explaining what you did in that job, the skills you built and exercised, the tools you used, and the results of what you did. If you accomplished a lot during your time there, focus on the responsibilities that made the most impact or you’re the most proud of, as well as the ones that best align you with the job you’re applying for (more on that in the following sections). It’s key here to list, if relevant, quantitative as well as qualitative accomplishments.

For example, you might write:

Associate Accountant, Finances and Co., Ann Arbor, MI September 2017 – Present

• Manage billing and invoicing for more than 50 clients, ensuring the deadlines and needs of our enterprise partners, including Big Company and Super Star Org, are met
• Collaborate closely with sales, account management, and project management teams on project setup, maintenance, and invoice management
• Assist in the streamlining of invoicing guidelines and procedures through documentation and the implementation of new software, resulting in an average two-week decrease in total time spent per client

Your resume bullets should be in past tense if you’re referring to past jobs and present tense if you’re talking about your current roles. In addition, your bullets should always start with a strong action verb that best describes what you did. And if you have examples of your work, consider hyperlinking them here as well.

If you have a ton of experience and this category is starting to run long (read: over one page), consider kicking out your oldest jobs unless they’re super relevant to the job you’re applying for, or extra impressive for your field.

Not sure where to start? “It’s helpful to do a brain dump and create a document that has everything and anything you consider as experience or an achievement,” says Yurovsky. From there, she explains, you can start to whittle down what is and isn’t important. And you can refer to this document later if you ever decide to update your resume for a specific role.

Need more specific advice on listing your work experience on your resume? Check out these additional resources:

• When you’ve held multiple jobs at the same company: 2 Jobs, 1 Company: How to Show Multiple Positions on Your Resume
• When you’re not sure what your accomplishments are or how to explain them: Resume Revamp: How to Turn Your Duties Into Accomplishments
• When you want to spruce up a boring or insignificant job: How to Make Your Most Boring Jobs Sound More Interesting on Your Resume
• When you’re considering fudging a job title: The Answer to “Can I Change My Job Title on My Resume to Make It More Accurate?”
• When you’ve had a bunch of short-term gigs: How to List Temporary Jobs on Your Resume

4. Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience

Anything you’ve done that’s not work experience—your side gig, volunteer work, special projects—can be hosted under clearly-labeled sections (“Volunteer Experience” or “Activities,” for example). Depending on how robust your work experience is, these things may be worth including, particularly if they’ve helped you level up your skill set or better align you with your dream job. Plus, they make you look that much more well-rounded, passionate, and hardworking.

If you’re a recent grad, you might also build out a section for on-campus activities, such as clubs, organizations, or leadership experience. This can be a great supplement if you’re lacking in the jobs department. You can frame these just as you would professional jobs—including your title, the organization’s name, and bullets describing what your role was and what you accomplished.

Read More: This Is Exactly How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

5. Don’t Forget Your Education

If you’re still in school or just graduated, your education can go at the top of your resume, but for pretty much everyone else, this goes near the bottom. Most people include their school, graduation year (for folks less up to about a decade out of school), major, and degree. Brand-new grads might also write in their GPA, honors and awards, study abroad, thesis, or other notable achievements. But keep this section super simple, as you don’t want it to take up too much space over your work experience.

It’s possible you have unique education experience, such as taking an online course or certification. If you did this specifically as a way to boost yourself within your industry, definitely include it. Again, list everything more or less reverse chronologically—so a grad school degree would go above an undergrad degree, and a more recent relevant online course would go above that.

Learn more about the ins and outs of listing your education on your resume:

• How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume
• How to List Online Courses on Your Resume the Right Way (Because Yes, There Is a Wrong Way)

6. Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests

The skills section of a resume gets a bad rap, but it’s just as important as the rest of the stuff you include. It’s a quick list a recruiter can scan to see if your skill set aligns with what they’re hiring for. And it’s super ATS-friendly (ATS stands for “applicant tracking system,” the robot that in some cases reads your resume before a human does) because it allows you to add in keywords the machine is scanning for.

Usually this section goes at the bottom of your resume, but in special cases—such as a skills-based resume or when someone’s switching fields—you may place it further up.

What exactly do you throw in here? You’ll want to list any hard skills and applications you’re familiar with (Photoshop, SEO, JavaScript, to name a few examples), and, if relevant, your level of expertise. Avoid including soft skills here, like time management or public speaking—save those for your bullet points instead.

Be strategic when filling in your skills. Don’t list things you actually couldn’t do at a high competence level (I’m looking at those of you who say you’re “great” at Excel), and maybe nix skills that are completely irrelevant to the job you want. For example, you may not even need to include Excel if you’re applying for say, a design position, unless it’s listed as a job requirement.

Maybe you’re thinking, I’m a really good volleyball player, but that’s not a “skill,” right? No, it’s not, but it is a hobby. Adding in a hobby section at the bottom of your resume is underrated, and frequently a smart choice. It can be a great conversation starter with a hiring manager, and it can show that you’re a good culture fit—or a culture add—for the company. Also, it’s just a nice way to add in some of your personality. So tack on a bullet point listing out some of your interests, such as hiking, rowing, or crafting (no more than five to seven work-appropriate verbs), and you’re all set here.

7. Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)

You may have heard of a resume summary statement . They’re not super common, but they can be useful to include near the top of your resume if you’re looking to add clarity or context to your resume. If you’re a career changer, you might find a summary statement helpful in explaining your leap and tying your experience to your new path. Or if you’re a more experienced professional, you can use a summary statement to highlight a theme that brings your career trajectory together.

Overall, you probably won’t need a summary statement if your career is pretty linear and your bullet points do a great job of emphasizing what you have to offer in terms of skills and experience. But if you think it makes sense to include one, “Take the time to think about what the person reading your summary wants to know before you write it,” says McGovern. “Good summaries explain why you do what you do and how it can help. For instance: Merging a background in ABC, I help companies improve XYZ through 123. Summaries shouldn’t be any more complicated than that.”

So, taking McGovern’s example, you might say:

Merging a background in social media marketing and PR with seven years in the consumer tech space, I help companies improve their internal and external communication and brand awareness through data-driven, quality content and strategies that align with the modern trends of the space.

Yurovsky adds that “you don’t want your summary statement to be a dense paragraph with too much information. You want it to be easy to read, concise, and memorable. Almost like a tagline.”

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

8. Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)

Once you have your resume written out—you’ve broken down your work experience, tagged on some activities and additional experiences, and listed out your skills—it’s important to go back to the job description (or multiple job descriptions, if you’re applying to several similar jobs) and make sure that what your resume says matches up with the kind of candidate the employers are looking for. In other words, tailor it .

Let’s explain further. You’ll want to begin by tackling the ATS . This means combing the job description to see if individual words and phrases line up. What skills are they asking for, and have you listed them (so long as you actually have them)? What words are they using to describe their ideal hire, and do you use similar language in your resume?

Next, take a bird’s-eye view. If you were the hiring manager for the role, where on your resume would your eyes be drawn to? And what would you be looking for? Whatever you think will be most important for the recruiter, make sure it’s near the top of your resume, or otherwise emphasized.

Finally, dig into the role and responsibilities of the job. Does your resume reflect similar experience? If not, is there a way you can spin it so that it’s clear you’re capable of doing the job (and doing it well)?

These articles can help you if the word “tailoring” makes you start to sweat:

• What It Really Means to “Tailor Your Resume”
• Your Guide to Making Unrelated Experience Look Relevant on Your Resume
• A Cool Trick: How to Spin 1 Resume Bullet 5 Different Ways

9. Edit and Refine It

Please, please don’t just write your resume and shoot it out without giving it a second glance. Hiring managers may not spend hours browsing it, but if there’s one thing that sticks out more than anything else it’s a glaring typo.

The best approach? Write a rough draft, then leave and come back to it later with fresh eyes to give it an edit.

Cover the basics: Is your contact information correct and updated? Are you using the right verb tenses? Does everything look consistent and accurate in terms of spelling and grammar?

Then do some cutting if your resume’s quite long. It’s no longer a hard-and-fast rule that all resumes must be only one page—but consider it a smart guideline for most applicants, especially if you've got less than 10 years work experience. The exception is if you’re very senior or very established in your career; in this scenario, a two-page resume isn’t completely out of the question. Everyone else, read this article for advice on how to cut your resume down.

Formatting-wise, it’s key to consider a couple things. First, what font are you using , and is it legible (for a human and a robot)? When in doubt, go with one of these simple, but sleek, options: Arial, Arial Narrow, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Helvetica.

Second, are you going to save it as a Word document or PDF ? Neither option is wrong, although a PDF helps ensure that your formatting is maintained, no matter what type of computer the hiring manager uses to open the document.

Third, is your resume formatted in a way that it’s skimmable? If it’s feeling crowded or overrun with words, read this: 12 Tiny Changes That Make Your Resume Easy for Recruiters to Skim .

Once you’ve given it a few good looks, it may be worth sending it to a friend or colleague (or even a career coach ) to get a second opinion. Don’t just have them edit it for spelling and grammar—they should dig into your bullets and offer feedback on whether or not your resume is showing you in the best possible light (it’s smart to also send them the job description for something to compare it to).

Here’s the thing: Your resume won’t ever look exactly like someone else’s, nor should it. How you choose to format it, organize your information, and talk about specific experiences depends not just on your career path, but on your field, the job you’re applying for, the company that job is at, and more.

So there isn’t a universal way to do a resume. But there are common themes. To give you some context as to how yours might turn out, here are three examples of different kinds of resumes.

The Most Popular: A Reverse Chronological Resume

As previously mentioned, a reverse chronological resume is preferred by many coaches and HR experts, mainly because it’s super readable. When everything’s in a clear order, it’s easy to skim and even easier to draw lines between experiences.

Who it’s good for: Just about everyone—from students applying to internships all the way up to senior-level executives (with an optional resume summary statement)

Download an Example Chronological Resume for a Software Engineer

The Unorthodox Route: A Functional or Skills-Based Resume

Rather than listing out your experience in reverse chronological order, a functional or skills-based resume has bullet points that reflect how each of your skills is demonstrated by the work you’ve done over the course of your career. At the bottom, you’ll include everything else, such as your education, job history, professional achievements, community involvement, and other technical skills. This is a good option if you have a somewhat all-over-the-place work history and want to tie everything together neatly.

Who it’s good for: Career changers whose work experiences may not appear to be relevant and people with an abundance of temporary jobs or gaps in their work histories.

Download an Example Functional Resume for a Project Manager

The Creative Angle: An Infographic Resume or Resume Website

This resume type is characterized by how it’s formatted visually. You may choose a reverse chronological order or skills-based style to organize your information, but also use graphics, colors, unique fonts, and even multimedia elements to help that information pop. Keep in mind that any creative resume is still likely subject to an ATS—and certain elements may be unreadable by a robot. So consider going this route only if you know a human will be reading your resume (and that said human might enjoy it).

Who it’s good for: People applying to creative roles (designers, editors, writers, marketers, video producers, for example), startups, or fun companies, or to jobs where a creative resume is encouraged, if not required.

Download an Example Infographic Resume for a Designer

Not a designer but want your resume to look just as pretty as this example? Check out these articles:

• 5 Sites to Create an Awesome Infographic Resume (Even if You’re the Least Creative Person Ever)
• How to Build a Resume Website That Will Impress Every Hiring Manager Who Sees It
• 5 Digital Tools That Will Make Your Resume Infinitely More Beautiful

Your resume is a living, breathing document. So while you won’t go through this whole process every time you apply for a job, you should be thinking about all these things as you go to update your resume for your next career step. You might decide later on to switch up the order, or remove or add things, or even get creative and try out a whole new format. If you’re not getting the calls back you expect, you may decide to scrap it and start over —and that’s totally OK.

Regardless of where this piece of paper goes and how it grows, when you give it the care and attention it deserves, you set yourself up for success. And you’ll make it that much more likely that you’ll land an interview and get the chance to prove to the hiring manager—over the phone or in person—what you’ve got to offer.

How to Make Your Resume for a First Job (the Easy Way)

If you were to look at the news or social media, you might feel discouraged at the prospect of landing your first job. Reading story after story about mass layoffs can be difficult when you haven’t even had the chance to put your toes in the water. 

But if you’re new to the professional market, don’t worry. 

Because in this post, you’ll learn how to write a resume for a first job in a way that stands out to hiring managers. 

Even if you don’t have years of working experience, you can still focus on your education, skills, and other key areas of your resume to make yourself a stronger candidate.   

Writing your resume for a first job: 9 keys to success

So, you're about to create your first job resume with no work experience , but you know you have the skills and resources to build a well-crafted, impressive, and impactful document.

All that’s left is sitting down and actually doing it, so where do you start?

1. Get the education section right

Your “Education” section isn't just a list of qualifications, relevant coursework, or academic achievements; it's the foundation of your professional journey, particularly if you're seeking your first job. 

A detailed “Education” section tells a potential employer more than where you went to school or what degree you earned. And it does even more than show your baseline knowledge when stepping into a new role. 

On top of all that, your “Education” section concretely demonstrates that you can take on a long-term goal with varied obstacles and see that goal through to the end. 

But the question is, how do you showcase these educational experiences effectively on your resume? 

Instead of simply listing your qualifications, delve deeper:

• Did you lead a successful project in a business class?
• Did you take extracurriculars that demonstrate collaboration and teamwork? 
• Did your degree require a heavy amount of research work? 

Even if this is a high school student resume or your degree doesn't directly relate to the job you're applying for, you've likely picked up soft skills throughout your education. The key is to highlight these skills in a way that will resonate with the hiring manager and the job you're eyeing.

When crafting your resume's “ Education” section, Teal's AI Resume Builder is your new best friend. Because if you're a current student working on your first resume or a newbie in the professional world, conveying the value of your academic background in a professional setting can be challenging.

But Teal’s AI Resume Builder intuitively prompts you to enter all the educational details you need in a simplified manner. 

Then, it helps you connect your academic learning with the job you're applying for by targeting both hard and soft skills in the job description:

This gives you an advantage as you add text-based additional information to your resume: 

With Teal's AI Resume Builder, you can ensure your “Education” section isn’t just a rundown of your degrees but a testament to the skills and knowledge you bring to the table. 

It's all about making the right first impression, and Teal is here to help you do just that.

Try Teal’s AI Resume Builder today!  

2. Focus on creating a clean resume format

You've probably heard the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but that's exactly what happens with job applications. Your resume format is a testament to your professionalism and attention to detail, so it’s worth paying attention to.

Plus, it shows the hiring manager that you’re taking the process seriously and, consequently, being more respectful of their time. 

But how do you make a good first impression with your resume format? Consider the following tips:

Keep it to a single page: One page is plenty to tell your story effectively for your first job. An overcrowded resume can come off as cluttered and difficult to navigate. Stick to the essentials, highlight your most important bullet points and experiences, and ensure every word earns its place on your page.

Use a chronological format : Starting with your most recent experience or education and working backward is a tried-and-true method. This format gives the hiring manager a clear view of your journey. Remember, your resume is a narrative of your professional life. Make sure it reads smoothly and logically.

Prioritizer readability : The best resume format in the world won't help you if it's not easily readable. Be mindful of your layout and design, making it easy for the hiring manager to skim. Consistent bullet points, clear headers, and ample white space go a long way in enhancing readability. Choose a professional, clear font , and use it consistently.

Your resume is a reflection of you, even before the interview. Don't underestimate the power of a clean, sharp format. It's more than for fluff and aesthetics. It's about making your skills and experiences as accessible and engaging as possible for your potential employer.

Creating a professional, easy-to-read resume format with Teal's AI Resume Builder is easy. You can quickly customize your first job resume template: 

Resume templates settings (font, font size, line height, etc.):

And quickly re-arrange the sections of your resume:

In the end, this gives you more control over the look and style of your resume. That way, you can determine the best way to stand out to the hiring manager. 

3. Include internships

Starting your career might seem like a catch-22: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience . That's where internships, field studies, and other practical experiences come into play.

They serve as stepping stones into the professional world, providing you with valuable experience that can make your resume stand out. 

Here's why and how you should highlight your internships:

Internships showcase your professional aptitude . They're essentially a trial run of a real job, providing you with exposure to the professional world. 

But don't just list the role and company name under your internships section. Make sure you're painting a picture of your role and contributions. Detail the projects you tackled, your responsibilities, and the skills you honed during your time there.

When describing these experiences, consider the transferable skills you gained. 

• Did you learn to manage your time effectively? 
• Did you have to navigate team dynamics or solve complex problems? 
• Did you multi-task by juggling many projects simultaneously? 

Even if your internship wasn't directly related to the job you're applying for, these skills are universally valued in the workplace.

Highlight the outcomes and achievements of your internship. Concrete results demonstrate your ability to make a meaningful impact, which is exactly what employers want to see in potential candidates.

So, remember, internships aren’t just resume fillers .

They are testimony to your professional development and potential. Highlighting them properly can reassure employers that despite being a first-time job applicant, you're already well on your way to becoming a seasoned professional.

4. Highlight any projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities

When it comes to writing your first resume, follow this golden rule: every experience counts . 

Don't limit yourself to formal work or academic experiences, it can be very valuable to include projects in your resume as well. Whether it's a coding project you worked on in your free time, a charity event you organized, or a club you led at school, these experiences can tell potential employers a lot about you.

Here's how to use your projects to enhance your first job resume:

First, these experiences exhibit initiative and passion . They show you're a go-getter, willing to push above and beyond what's required. You're not just waiting for opportunities to knock but actively seeking them out .

Volunteer work further signals your commitment to community and causes , reflecting your values and character. Employers appreciate individuals who contribute to their communities. Plus, volunteering often involves desirable skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, all of which are transferable to the workplace.

And extracurricular activities, especially leadership roles, show your ability to manage responsibilities, work in a team, and even guide others. Maybe you were captain of a sports team or a club president, or perhaps you were the lead actor in a school play or organized the school activities.

These roles can showcase your leadership, teamwork, creativity, and time management skills.

When including these experiences on your resume, focus on the skills and resume accomplishments associated with each role. Describe the projects, explain your role, and, if possible, quantify the impact you made. It helps the employer understand the value you could bring to their company.

With Teal's AI Resume Builder , highlighting these experiences becomes an easy and effective process. The platform allows you to customize each resume, emphasizing different aspects of your experiences based on the job you're applying for.

For instance, if you're applying for a job that values leadership, Teal can help you emphasize your relevant experience as a project lead in a college club or a community project. 

And guess what? It assists you in structuring these experiences professionally and provides AI-generated content to make your descriptions impactful.

Don’t restrict your potential to just professional work experiences. With Teal, showcase your vibrant range of experiences and show potential employers the unique value you can bring to their team.

Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder today!

5. Include certifications if you have them

When you're fresh out of school, and your work experience is lighter, featuring certifications on your resume can be the ace up your sleeve to get a foot in the door. They are an official testament to your skills and dedication and could give you an edge over other candidates.

Certifications vary widely depending on your field of interest. 

They could range from technical qualifications, like a certification in Google Analytics or Python coding, language proficiency certificates, or project management credentials like the Scrum Master Certification. 

These certifications all share the clear message they send to hiring managers: you're committed to continuous learning and enhancing your skill set.

To get the most out of your certifications:

• Choose relevant certifications : Align your certifications with your career goals and the job you're applying for. This ensures the relevance of your learned skills and validates your commitment to the industry.
• Place them prominently : Include them in your resume's “ Education ” or “ Certifications ” section. Remember to provide the certificate's name, the awarding body, and the date you obtained it.
• Highlight them in your cover letter : If a particular certification is especially pertinent to the job you're applying for, it deserves mention in your cover letter or the summary section of your resume. This draws the recruiter's attention to your most job-relevant skills right away.

Earning certifications requires time, dedication, and often an investment, but the payoff can be well worth it. 

They equip you with valuable skills and demonstrate your motivation, self-discipline, and drive to potential employers, invaluable qualities to any workplace.

6. Don’t overlook your “Skills” section

The skills section of your resume is your personal spotlight. It's where you articulate your abilities and demonstrate the unique blend of talents you bring to the table.

When populating your skills section, divide it into technical and soft skills.

a) Technical skills: These are job-specific, hard skills you've garnered through your education, internships, or personal projects. They're measurable and often tied to specific tools or knowledge. 

For instance, you might include proficiency in a specific programming language, a knack for using data analysis software, or your adeptness with digital marketing tools. 

The keyword here is 'specific .' Be precise about what you can do.

b) Soft skills: These are less tangible but equally important. They're your “people” or interpersonal skills and often transcend the job or industry. Whether you're applying for a software developer or marketing analyst, skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and showing initiative will always be in demand. 

They show an employer that you're a well-rounded candidate who can navigate the complex dynamics of a workplace.

But here's the secret to a really good resume: customization . 

Avoid the pitfall of having a 'one-size-fits-all' skills list. Instead, tailor your skills section for each job you apply for. Scrutinize the job description, look for the specific skills they seek, and ensure they are showcased on your resume.

By doing this, you're not just stating that you have certain skills, you're demonstrating that you're the perfect candidate for this specific role. And that's something employers will find hard to ignore.

Again, Teal analyzes job descriptions for you, helping you identify the right keywords to add. And if you use Teal’s generative AI for sections on your resume, you’ll automatically have these keywords inserted to get an advantage with ATS software. 

7. Write a resume summary 

Your resume summary is often the first piece of information on your resume (after your contact information, of course). It’s also the first thing a hiring manager will read. 

As such, it needs to be engaging and encapsulate your professional persona. It's not a place for your life story but a snapshot of your key skills, experiences, and aspirations.

For a first-time job applicant, this is your golden opportunity to communicate your drive and ambition. Keep in mind that while your work experience might be limited, your potential is boundless.

Take this sample summary, for instance: 

"A freshly minted Journalism graduate with a flair for investigative storytelling. Honed research and editing skills during an internship at a regional newspaper. Passionate about leveraging my knack for digging into stories to drive social impact. Looking forward to bringing my abilities to a dynamic newsroom."

Note how this summary covers the person's skills, experiences, and career objectives. It doesn’t just focus on the past but includes a promising glimpse into their future contributions.

If writing about yourself feels a bit daunting, don't sweat it.

Teal's AI Resume Builder offers AI-generated content for resume summaries. That means you get assistance in crafting an engaging, professional summary that captures your skills, experiences, and career ambitions.

8. Include a cover letter

Here's something to remember: while your resume gives an overview of your skills and experiences, your cover letter offers insight into your personality and motivation. 

It's like the opening act that sets the stage for your resume, so never underestimate its importance.

A compelling cover letter helps you stand out from other applicants, particularly when you're applying for your first job. It lets you articulate why you're interested in the role, the company, and how you believe you can contribute.

In your cover letter, weave in all of your experiences. But it's not just about narrating what's already on your resume; it's about connecting the dots and highlighting the relevance of these experiences to the job you're applying for.

It's also your space to show you've done your homework about the company. 

Mention why you're excited about their work and how you envision growing along with them.

Finally, make sure your cover letter is well-structured, error-free, and professional yet personable. First impressions matter, so craft a cover letter encouraging potential employers to delve further into your resume.

Creating a unique cover letter for each job you apply to might feel like a monumental task, but with Teal's AI Resume Builder, it couldn’t be simpler. Teal offers a cover letter builder that generates a custom cover letter for each job application:

It ensures that your cover letter is in sync with your resume and tailored to the job description.

With Teal, you create targeted, meaningful introductions that capture the hiring manager's attention and show them why you're the perfect fit for the role. 

9. Leverage action verbs and power words

It's time to let your experiences make an impact. One effective but often overlooked tip is to start each bullet point in your experience or project descriptions with a resume action verb  or power word.

These aren't just simple verbs; they're engaging, dynamic words that pack a punch and highlight your skills and achievements. Think " spearheaded ," " engineered ," " championed ," " orchestrated ," or " galvanized ."

These words can boost your resume and convey your ability to bring about significant change or results. They are particularly useful for those crafting their first resume, helping to enhance even limited experiences.

For example, rather than saying, " Assisted in a project to improve website usability ," revise it with a power word: " Contributed to a website usability project, enhancing user experience and boosting site traffic by 25% ."

These power words don't just make your resume sound more professional and impactful, they also help the hiring manager visualize your actions and their outcomes. 

The goal? To seize their attention and make them curious to know more about you. So, as you pen your resume, remember the power of power words.

Resume examples for first jobs

Example 1: marketing coordinator.

About Me/Resume Summary: "Dynamic Business and Marketing graduate fueled by a passion for consumer behavior and creative communication. Honed skills in digital marketing, content creation, and brand management through internship experiences and rigorous academic projects. Eager to leverage these skills as a Marketing Coordinator to drive audience engagement and growth."

Education: "University of California, Berkeley, CA Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing | GPA 3.8 | Graduated May 2023 Dean's List, Beta Gamma Sigma Honors Society"

Skills: Digital Marketing, SEO, Google Analytics, AdWords, Content Creation, Brand Management, Brand Positioning

Volunteer Work: "Social Media Volunteer, Berkeley Animal Shelter, Berkeley, CA | September 2021 - Present

• Developed and implemented a social media strategy that increased online engagement by 45%.
• Created engaging content, including success stories of adopted pets and updates on available animals.
• Increased social media followers by 23% in 3 months, increasing engagement by 17%. 

Note that we made the above example in under five minutes with Teal’s AI Resume Builder ! 

Example 2: Mechanical Engineer

About Me/Resume Summary: "Analytical Mechanical Engineering graduate with a knack for problem-solving and a keen interest in product design. Acquired hands-on experience in CAD design, project management, and product development during a transformative internship and through university project work. Aspiring to apply these skills to optimize product design and performance as a Mechanical Engineer."

Education: "Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | GPA 4.0 | Graduated June 2023 Recipient of the 'Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis' award"

• AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Project Management, Problem-Solving.

Volunteer Work: "Engineering Mentor, Girls Who Code, Cambridge, MA | January 2022 - Present

• Mentored high school girls in introductory coding and engineering principles.
• Assisted in organizing 'Girls in Engineering' fair, inspiring young women to explore careers in STEM.
• Mentored 3 engineering students in 6 months to build and launch a website, resulting in 80% increase in online donations.

For more job-specific examples, check out our mechanical engineer resumes

These examples should provide a clear picture of how to tailor a resume to showcase your unique skills and experiences while also conveying your career aspirations. The key is to align your profile with the job you're applying for and let your personality shine through.

Starting your professional journey right here, right now

And there you have it, the roadmap to building a standout resume for your first job.

It's no secret that stepping into the job market for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. With countless other hopefuls applying for the same opportunities, the challenge lies in distinguishing yourself from the crowd, and that begins with a top-notch resume.

But the journey becomes significantly less terrible with Teal's AI Resume Builder by your side. 

Teal understands that your journey is unique, and your resume should reflect that. By transforming your experiences, skills, and aspirations into an enticing resume, Teal empowers you to narrate your story with confidence and clarity.

So gear up, take a deep breath, and let's turn that job search stress into job search success . 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i include in my resume if i have no formal work experience, how long should my resume be if it's for my first job, can i use a template for my first resume, and if so, what should i look for in one.

Nathan Thompson

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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
• Bookkeeper Resume Guide
• Caregiver Resume Guide
• Data Entry Resume Guide
• Entry Level Sales Resume Guide
• Executive Assistant Resume Guide
• Illustrator Resume Guide
• Intern Resume Guide
• Marketing Intern Resume Guide
• Musician Resume Guide
• Office Assistant Resume Guide
• 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?"?

You can find real examples of people that have been successful with their resumes on Enhancv’s Resume Examples page.

Writing your first job resume

Writing your first job resume can be difficult, but it’s manageable. Once you overcome writer’s block and start to think about the things you have done in your life, it will come naturally. To create a first job resume that resembles our sample resume and that satisfies all of our tips, be sure to check out Enhancv’s resume builder.

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First Job Resume Examples + Samples for 2022

This page provides you with First Job Resume Examples + Samples for 2022 resume samples to use to create your own resume with our easy-to-use resume builder . Below you'll find our how-to section that will guide you through each section of a First Job Resume Examples + Samples for 2022 resume.

If you’re a new graduate worrying about how to write your first ever resume, you’re not alone! When you don’t have a lot of past work experience, resumes can be pretty intimidating. It’s easy to wonder how you’ll fill all the space, especially if you’ve never even held down a part-time job before.

Don’t panic! Even if you’re totally new to the world of work, you almost certainly have enough relevant experience behind you to build a great resume for your first job. If you think laterally, it’s perfectly possible – and very much allowed! – to include things like club activities, school-based responsibilities, and volunteering work on your first job resume.

To get you started, we’ve put together this helpful guide to writing your first job resume. We’ve put together some example resume sections, some do’s and don'ts for writing your resume, and some advice on what to expect from the job application process – including some tips you may not hear from your college careers office. Read on, and you’ll be building your first job resume in no time!

If you’ve never worked before, chances are that you’ve never had to write a resume before, either. Don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as you think! As a general rule, a resume contains the following sections:

• A summary and/or objective
• A record of your past work experience
• A list of your qualifications, certifications, and licenses
• A list of your relevant skills

It’s important to remember that your resume needs to show a hiring manager two things, particularly when you have no work experience. The first is that you have relevant qualifications for the role you want – whether that’s an academic qualification in a relevant field, or just some volunteering-based or extracurricular experience. The second is that you have the skills you will need to do great work in the role.

What this means is that it’s okay if your experience section feels a little thin on the ground. As a current student or a new graduate, you won’t be expected to bring a ton of professional experience to the table. What matters is how you present yourself – which means making the most of the skills, qualifications and experience that you do have, so hiring managers can see a good reason to take a chance on you.

We’ll cover each section one at a time, so you have all the information you need to make your resume as strong as possible.

The Best Format for a First Job Resume

Before you get started on actually writing your resume, you’ll need to choose your resume format! This dictates what hiring managers will notice first when they take their first look at your application. The right format will draw their eyes to your strongest assets, and away from the places where you’re not as strong as you’d prefer.

When you choose your professionally-designed first job resume template from our selection, make sure you keep that in mind. Since you won’t have much prior work experience, it makes sense to choose a format that will call attention to your qualifications and skills instead. This will give recruiters an opportunity to see the best side of you, first and foremost!

Remember, this is just your first job resume – you will be able to create a brand new resume once you have more experience behind you. After you’ve built up a stronger work history in your field of choice, you’ll be able to opt for a resume format that balances your skills and qualifications with your work experience. We have a range of resume guides for a variety of different fields and industries, to help you pick the best resume format when the time comes!

• Applicant Tracking Systems

You may not know that some companies use an applicant tracking system (or ATS) to sort through the resumes they receive when inviting applications for a position. ATS software filters resumes based on keywords (usually drawn from the job description) to help winnow out resumes that are generic, not qualified for the role, or otherwise unsuitable to move to the next stage of the process. This is great for hiring managers, as it saves them valuable time and enables them to speed up the hiring process.

But for candidates, it isn’t always such good news! If your resume doesn’t make it past the ATS software, it is likely to be rejected before a human gets to see it and make informed decisions about your application. That can be a blow, particularly if you’ve spent a lot of time and effort on your resume.

You can maximize your chances of beating the ATS software by paying close attention to what the job description is asking for. Try to use the exact words used in the job description when describing your skills and experience: for example, if a job description asks for ‘strong time management skills,’ use that exact phrase when writing about your history of meeting deadlines for school. If you don’t treat the job description as your guide, you risk losing the role before the hiring process has truly begun.

ATS software can also be confused by complex and intricate resume formatting. That’s why all of VisualCV’s resume templates are designed to make your resume easy for ATS software to read, regardless of the layout they provide. That means you don’t have to worry about the software getting confused by your resume format – you can just focus on making sure your resume is as strong as it can be.

How to Write a Summary for Your First Job Resume

Most resumes begin with a summary. It’s the first thing most recruiters will see when they pick up your resume, and it’s intended to give them a clear, concise picture of your best qualities. Writing a good summary is all about brevity – think about your biggest strengths in relation to this particular role, and write them down in three sentences or less.

Remember, your summary should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for. You can’t write just one summary, then reuse it across multiple applications! Recruiters will notice, and it will hurt your chances of getting the job.

Because you’re applying for your first job, you won’t be able to talk about your prior work experience in your summary. However, you can mention your educational background, your skills, your best qualities, and any relevant non-work experience you have. Later in your career, you can use your summary to describe the trajectory of your career so far, so recruiters can see at a glance where you’re coming from. 3 First Job Summary Examples

• Current student at NYU majoring in International Relations. Secretary of the NYU Tea Society, with experience in planning, communication, and working to deadlines. A quick and adaptable learner with a strong work ethic.
• Maintaining a 3.8 GPA at Williams College. Former editor at the Williams Record, with experience of project management and collaborative work. Dedicated to learning new skills without compromising on the quality of my output.
• Majoring in Computing at UT Austin. Three years of volunteer experience in a residential care home, delivering enrichment activities to residents. Strong customer service skills with a compassionate mindset and a drive to deliver the best.
• How Not to Write a First Job Resume Summary

It can be tempting to turn your summary into a second cover letter – a long-form piece of writing focusing on the story behind why you want the job. Don’t give in to that temptation! It’s the number one thing to avoid when writing a resume summary.

Remember, your summary needs to be clear and direct, focused on what you can offer an employer in the role you want. Keep it brief, keep it focused, and keep it professional. You can talk more about yourself in your cover letter – don’t give up valuable resume space for the sake of a more in-depth summary than you need.

Summaries can be tricky to get right. Not every recruiter agrees that you need one – in fact, opinion is pretty divided – so don’t despair if you’re struggling with it! Leave it out for now, and consider coming back to it later.

• For the past three years, I have worked as a volunteer at the Shady Pines Residential Care Home, delivering enrichment activities to residents every weekend. I am excited to apply my experience with customer service to the role of Cashier. I believe I have the customer-focused mindset and the work ethic to really succeed in this position.

Do You Need a Resume Objective?

We’ve covered summaries pretty thoroughly – but what about your resume objective?

When you’re applying for a first job, an objective is a great way to give a hiring manager a little more information about your long-term goals. It’s a single-sentence statement about where you want to work or what you want to do in the longer term. Needless to say, your objective should have some relevance to the role you’re applying for!

Keep in mind that you won’t always need a resume objective. They’re not so useful when you already have an extensive work history, as your career so far can go a long way toward telling a hiring manager about your long-term plans. But at the beginning of your career, they’re generally considered to be worth including on your resume. First Job Resume Objective Example:

• International Relations major at NYU, hoping to build a career in the communications industry.

How to Describe Your Experience on Your First Job Resume

By definition, you probably don’t have any previous experience of holding down a paid job – after all, this is your first job resume! But that doesn’t mean you don’t have any relevant experience. Here are just a few of the things you can include in this section of your resume, provided you’ve participated in them in the past:

• High school clubs
• College extracurriculars
• Volunteering experience
• Internships
• Work experience placements
• Relevant hobbies and achievements

As long as you can draw on the experience to show why it makes you a good fit for the role you want, you can include it! It’s worth sitting down and listing all of the skills you used or learned during your non-work experience. Then you can include any experience where those skills align with the skills listed on your job description – generally a good sign that the experience is relevant to the role.

Remember, you don’t have to include everything you’ve ever done on your resume. If you have a lot of experience, be selective. On the other hand, if you don’t have much experience, don’t even think about lying to bulk it out – if you get caught (and you are likely to get caught), it will throw up red flags that recruiters won’t be able to ignore.

• Describe Your Experience Effectively

Each ‘item’ of experience on your resume is usually accompanied by a bullet-pointed list of things you achieved while carrying out the job. But as you’ll see in the example below, it’s not as simple as all that! Every bullet point you write should prove that you have at least one of the skills or qualities listed in the job description.

That’s why you should make sure to write about what you actually achieved – not just about the bare bones of what you did from day to day. Instead of ‘answered emails,’ try ‘addressed client queries promptly via email, ensuring clear communication and building trust.’ Doesn’t that sound so much more impressive?

As a rule, hiring managers will want to see evidence that you were able to succeed in your previous work – whatever it was. Point to the results you achieved by completing each task, and hiring managers will be more likely to believe that you can achieve results again in a future role.

Do: Editor, The Williams Record | 2019-20

• Responded to pitches for articles and columns from fellow students, selecting pitches for content in line with the mission and tone of the newspaper
• Supported writers in delivering their articles on time and to a high standard
• Liaised with other members of the editorial team to ensure that each issue went to print in good time
• How Not to Describe Your Experience

Don’t just write a list of the tasks you completed! Without any further context, a straightforward list of responsibilities assigned to you won’t tell a hiring manager anything. They won’t have any reason to believe that you excelled at those tasks, or that you might excel at similar tasks in a new job.

When writing a resume, you need to show hiring managers that you have the skills it takes to succeed. Be clear and explicit about those skills and how you applied them – don’t assume that they will make those connections for you.

Don’t: Editor, The Williams Record | 2019-20

• Answered emails
• Edited articles
• Worked with other editors

How to List Skills on Your First Job Resume

Your skills section should be a list of the skills you possess that will help you in the role you want. You can usually refer to the job description for the skills necessary for the job! Most of the time, they include a list of qualities that applicants should have – use that as a guide when listing skills on your resume.

It’s useful to distinguish between ‘hard skills’ and ‘soft skills.’ Hard skills are the practical skills you’ll use from day to day in your role – things like the use of particular software packages, or the ability to use a cash register. If you don’t have all the hard skills listed as necessary for the role you want, don’t panic – you can write, either in your cover letter or as part of your skills section, that you are willing to learn on the job.

On the other hand, you probably already have some relevant soft skills! We’ll cover those in more detail below.

For general information about skills on your resume, check out our resume skills guide here!

Important Soft Skills for Your First Job

Soft skills are the skills that you use in every aspect of your professional life. Skills like communication, organization and attention to detail are vital in almost every line of work, and will give you an advantage in navigating a new work environment. Plus, when you don’t have much prior work experience, a strong portfolio of soft skills can show an employer that you have what it takes to succeed.

Here are some of the most important soft skills to include on your first job resume, regardless of the job you’re applying for!

• Communication

Can you get along with people and make yourself understood, whether in person, in writing, or over the phone? Communication is foundational to almost every job – being able to communicate effectively will make you a better team member, as well as better at liaising with clients or customers.

• Organization

In the world of work, it’s vital to be organized. That means balancing all your commitments, showing up on time, looking presentable, and managing your working hours effectively. Prove that you can do all that, and your application will be that much stronger as a result.

• Willingness to Learn

This one is particularly important for people looking for their first job, as they’re likely to need more on-the-job training than more experienced candidates. Being willing and able to take in and adapt to new information is a crucial skill!

Very few jobs will need you to work in perfect isolation. You’ll have to get along efficiently with people from all walks of life, regardless of your personal feelings about them, in order to do most jobs to the best of your ability. That means being able to take on your share of responsibilities, all while keeping the wellbeing and morale of your colleagues in mind.

Final Thoughts

Landing that first job can be a daunting prospect, but it’s not impossible! With a well-written, well-constructed resume, you’ll be on your way up the career ladder in no time. Use what you have, think laterally about your experience, and don’t be deterred by rejection – keep pushing, and you’ll get there.

For a little extra boost to your resume, consider a VisualCV Pro membership! Pro membership allows you to customize every aspect of your resume, so you can show hiring managers your very best self from the outset of the application process. Sign up today, and get the head start you deserve on that first job.

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

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Crafting the Perfect Resume: Do’s and Don’ts for Modern Job Seekers

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, so it’s crucial to get it right. Whether you’re new to the job market or looking to make a career change, knowing what to include—and what to avoid—can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of crafting a resume that not only gets noticed but also increases your chances of landing an interview.

Table of Contents

Do Highlight Your Most Relevant Experiences

Tailor your resume for each job application.

One of the most effective ways to catch a recruiter’s eye is by highlighting the experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Generic resumes that try to cover all bases often end up missing the mark. Instead, customize your resume for each application by emphasizing the skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the job description.

For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, your resume should prioritize your experiences with campaign management, content creation, and social media strategy, rather than focusing on unrelated job roles.

Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Achievements

To make your relevant experiences stand out, use strong action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” “designed,” or “led.” Pair these with quantifiable achievements—numbers, percentages, or any metric that shows the impact of your work. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your value to potential employers.

For instance, instead of saying “responsible for increasing sales,” say “increased sales by 30% through the implementation of a new digital marketing strategy.”

Do Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Understand how ats works.

Most large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they ever reach a human recruiter. These systems scan your resume for keywords that match the job description, so it’s vital to optimize your resume accordingly.

Incorporate Keywords from the Job Description

Carefully read the job posting and identify the key skills, experiences, and qualifications the employer is looking for. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your resume. For example, if a job posting mentions “project management,” “data analysis,” and “team leadership,” ensure these terms appear in your resume if they align with your experience.

Avoid Complex Formatting

While creative resume designs might look great, they can often confuse ATS software. Stick to simple, clean formatting with standard fonts and bullet points. Use headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” to help the ATS and human readers navigate your resume easily.

Don’t Include Anything Confidential

Be mindful of sensitive information.

It’s crucial to avoid including confidential or proprietary information from previous employers in your resume. This not only violates trust but can also lead to legal issues.

Focus on Your Contributions, Not Specifics

Instead of detailing specific proprietary methods or data, focus on your personal contributions and the outcomes of your work. For instance, rather than saying “Managed a $5M project for a client at XYZ Corporation,” you could say, “Managed a multi-million-dollar project, delivering on time and within budget.”

Don’t Include Random, Unrelated, or Off-Putting Hobbies

Keep it professional.

While it’s okay to include hobbies that demonstrate relevant skills or cultural fit, avoid listing random or unrelated activities that don’t add value to your application.

Select Hobbies Wisely

For example, if you’re applying for a job in a creative field, mentioning a hobby like photography or graphic design can be beneficial. However, listing hobbies like “playing video games” or “watching TV” might not leave the best impression unless they are directly relevant to the job.

Don’t Try to Hide Gaps

Be honest about employment gaps.

Job seekers often worry that employment gaps will reflect poorly on them. However, trying to hide these gaps can backfire. It’s better to be upfront and provide a brief explanation for any time off from your career, whether it was for further education, caregiving responsibilities, or personal reasons.

Highlight How You Used the Time Productively

If possible, highlight any skills or experiences you gained during this time. For example, if you took time off to care for a family member, mention any volunteer work or courses you completed during that period. This shows that you remained proactive and engaged, even when not formally employed.

Don’t Use Negative Phrases

Keep the language positive.

Your resume should project confidence and professionalism. Avoid using negative phrases or self-deprecating language that could undermine your credibility. Phrases like “I was only a junior member” or “I failed to meet a few targets” should be replaced with positive language that emphasizes your strengths.

Reframe Challenges as Learning Opportunities

If you need to address challenges or failures, frame them as learning experiences that contributed to your growth. For example, instead of writing “Struggled to meet sales targets,” you could say “Gained valuable experience in a challenging sales environment, leading to improved skills in customer negotiation and closing deals.”

Don’t Spend All Your Time on the Design

Focus on content over aesthetics.

While an attractive resume design can catch the eye, content is king. Don’t get so caught up in the design elements that you neglect the substance of your resume. Your priority should be clear, concise content that effectively communicates your qualifications.

Stick to Professional Layouts

Use a simple, professional layout that is easy to read. Avoid overly artistic fonts or complicated graphics that might distract from the content. A well-structured resume with a clean design will appeal to both ATS and human recruiters.

Do: Use an Online Resume Outline

Leverage professional templates.

Using an online resume outline or template can help ensure that your resume follows the standard format that recruiters expect. These templates often come with sections for work experience, education, skills, and more, making it easier for you to organize your information effectively.

Customize the Template

While templates are a great starting point, make sure to customize them to reflect your personal style and the specific job you’re applying for. Tailor the content within the template to highlight your most relevant experiences and achievements.

Do: Be Specific

Provide clear examples.

Being specific in your resume helps employers understand exactly what you’ve accomplished. Avoid vague statements like “worked on various projects” or “contributed to team success.” Instead, provide specific examples that detail your role and the impact you made.

Quantify Your Achievements

Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “Improved customer satisfaction,” say “Increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% over six months through targeted service improvements.”

Do: Keep Your Resume Crisp

Stick to the essentials.

A resume should be a concise summary of your most relevant qualifications. Keep it focused by including only the information that directly supports your application. Aim for one to two pages in length, depending on your experience level.

Use Bullet Points for Clarity

Bullet points are a great way to keep your resume crisp and easy to read. They help break down information into digestible chunks and make it easier for recruiters to quickly scan your resume for key details.

Do: Highlight Your Social Work

Showcase relevant volunteer experience.

If you’ve been involved in social work or volunteer activities, include them in your resume—especially if they’ve helped you develop skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. This not only shows your commitment to social causes but also highlights your ability to take initiative and work in diverse environments.

Link Social Work to Job Skills

For example, if you volunteered to manage social media for a non-profit, you could list this under your work experience or skills section, emphasizing your ability to create content, engage with audiences, and analyze engagement metrics.

Don’t: Make Your Resume Too Fancy

Avoid overly elaborate designs.

While it’s tempting to use elaborate fonts or graphics to make your resume stand out, this can often do more harm than good. Overly fancy designs can be distracting and may not translate well when viewed on different devices or printed out.

Prioritize Readability

The primary goal of your resume is to communicate your qualifications clearly. Stick to professional, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and use a simple layout that emphasizes content over style.

Don’t Include Irrelevant Information

Stay focused on the job at hand.

Your resume should be a targeted document that showcases why you’re the best fit for a specific job. Avoid including irrelevant information, such as outdated skills, jobs that have no bearing on the role you’re applying for, or personal details like your full address or marital status.

Align Content with the Job Description

Review the job description closely and ensure that every piece of information on your resume aligns with what the employer is seeking. If a particular job experience or skill isn’t relevant to the role, consider omitting it or placing it in a less prominent position.

Don’t Omit Key Skills and Achievements

Identify core competencies.

Before you start writing your resume, identify the key skills and competencies that are most important for the job. These might include technical skills, soft skills, or specific experiences that are critical to the role. Ensure these are highlighted prominently in your resume.

Don’t Underestimate Soft Skills

While technical skills are important, don’t overlook the value of soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Employers often look for these qualities, especially in roles that require collaboration and client interaction. Make sure to include examples that demonstrate these skills in action.

Do: Keep Your Resume Up to Date

Regularly refresh your resume.

Even if you’re not currently job hunting, it’s important to keep your resume up to date

You never know when an opportunity might arise, so having an updated resume ready to go can save you time and stress. Regularly updating your resume also ensures that your most recent and relevant experiences are highlighted, giving you a competitive edge.

Add New Skills and Experiences

As you acquire new skills, certifications, or job experiences, make sure to add them to your resume. This is especially important if you’ve taken on new responsibilities at your current job or completed professional development courses. Keeping your resume current will make it easier to tailor it to specific job opportunities when they arise.

Review and Edit for Accuracy

Regularly review your resume for accuracy, ensuring that all dates, job titles, and descriptions are correct. Also, check that your contact information is up to date, so potential employers can easily reach you. Errors or outdated information can make a poor impression, so it’s worth taking the time to get everything right.

Do: Include a Professional Summary

Create a strong opening statement.

Your professional summary is one of the first things recruiters will see, so make it count. This brief section should highlight your most important qualifications and career achievements, giving employers a snapshot of what you bring to the table.

Tailor Your Summary for Each Job

Customize your professional summary for each job application by aligning it with the key qualifications and requirements of the position. This not only makes your resume more relevant but also helps you stand out as a candidate who is specifically suited for the role.

For example, if you’re applying for a project management position, your summary might focus on your experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering projects on time and within budget.

Don’t Include Outdated Information

Remove old job roles and skills.

Your resume should focus on the most recent and relevant experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for the job you’re applying for. If you have more than 10-15 years of experience, consider removing older job roles that don’t add significant value to your current job search.

Update Your Education Section

If you’ve been in the workforce for several years, it’s often unnecessary to include details like your GPA or extracurricular activities from college. Instead, focus on your professional achievements and any continuing education or certifications that are relevant to the job.

Do: Include Keywords from Job Descriptions

Align your resume with job postings.

One of the best ways to optimize your resume for both ATS and human readers is to include keywords from the job descriptions you’re targeting. This helps ensure that your resume gets past the initial screening process and resonates with hiring managers.

Avoid Keyword Stuffing

While it’s important to include relevant keywords, avoid keyword stuffing, which can make your resume sound unnatural. Instead, integrate these keywords seamlessly into your descriptions of skills and experiences. This will make your resume more readable and more likely to pass through both ATS filters and human scrutiny.

Don’t Include Salary Information

Avoid discussing salary expectations.

Your resume is not the place to discuss salary expectations or your previous earnings. Including this information can limit your negotiating power later in the hiring process. Salary discussions should be reserved for the interview stage, or when an offer is made.

Focus on Your Qualifications

Instead of mentioning salary, use your resume to focus on your qualifications, experience, and the value you can bring to the company. This will set you up for a more favorable salary negotiation when the time comes.

Do: Proofread Multiple Times

Eliminate typos and grammatical errors.

Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression, suggesting that you lack attention to detail. Always proofread your resume multiple times before submitting it, and consider asking a trusted friend or mentor to review it as well. Fresh eyes can often catch mistakes that you might have overlooked.

Use Tools to Assist with Proofreading

Tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s spell check can help identify errors, but don’t rely solely on these tools. It’s still important to read through your resume carefully to ensure that it accurately reflects your professional skills and experience.

Do: Keep Your Resume Consistent

Maintain a uniform format.

Consistency is key when it comes to your resume. Use the same font style and size throughout, and ensure that your headings and bullet points are aligned. A consistent format not only looks more professional but also makes your resume easier to read.

Align Your Resume with Your Online Profiles

Make sure that the information on your resume matches what you have on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Inconsistencies between your resume and your online profiles can raise red flags for recruiters. Regularly update both to ensure that they are aligned.

Don’t Include Personal Pronouns

Use impersonal language.

Your resume should be written in an impersonal style, avoiding the use of personal pronouns like “I,” “me,” or “my.” Instead, start sentences with action verbs and keep descriptions focused on your achievements. This style is more professional and places emphasis on your skills and experiences rather than on you as an individual.

• Instead of: “I managed a team of five sales associates.”
• Use: “Managed a team of five sales associates.”

Do: Add a Skills Section

Highlight your core competencies.

Including a skills section in your resume allows you to highlight your core competencies in a concise format. This section should include both technical skills (such as software proficiency) and soft skills (such as communication and leadership).

Match Skills to Job Requirements

When filling out the skills section, make sure to align your skills with the requirements listed in the job description. This makes it easier for recruiters and ATS to quickly identify whether you possess the qualifications they’re looking for.

Don’t Forget to Include Contact Information

Provide updated contact details.

Always include your current phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile on your resume. This information should be easy to find, typically placed at the top of your resume. Make sure your email address is professional; avoid using personal or humorous email addresses.

Omit Personal Information

There’s no need to include personal information such as your age, marital status, or photograph (unless specifically requested by the employer). Focus on professional details that are relevant to the job application.

Do: Keep Your Resume to the Point

Use concise language.

Recruiters often have to sift through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes, so it’s important to keep yours concise and to the point. Use clear, direct language and avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences.

Prioritize Important Information

Make sure that the most important information, such as your most recent job experience and key skills, is easy to find. This increases the chances that a recruiter will notice your qualifications quickly.

Do: Follow Up After Submitting Your Resume

Send a follow-up email.

A few days after submitting your resume, consider sending a follow-up email to the employer or recruiter. This shows your continued interest in the position and can help keep your application at the top of their mind.

Be Professional and Courteous

In your follow-up email, be polite and express enthusiasm for the role. Keep the message brief and to the point, and avoid being pushy. A well-timed, courteous follow-up can make a positive impression and set you apart from other candidates.

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How to land your first 'real' job after school or uni

Working while studying can help you earn money, learn life skills and bulk up your resume. Jump in to explore how you can find your first proper job.

ANZ Financial Wellbeing Coach

2025-09-04 00:00

Estimated reading time  6  min

In this article

• Some of the essential life skills your first job can teach you
• The four important things you need before you start work (don’t worry – they’re easy to set up)
• How you can job hunt – from social media to walking into businesses

Whether you’re flipping burgers, starting a babysitting side hustle, or selling products in a department store, having your very first job is a huge deal.

Not only is it a great stepping-stone into the world of making money, but it can help you make meaningful connections and give you invaluable life and career experience. 

What do you need before your first job?

Aside from having a can-do attitude, there are four important things you need to organise before applying for work.

• You’ll likely need a Tax File Number (TFN) . Your TFN is a personal reference number that you give to your employer when you start work so they can pay you properly and withhold the right amount of tax from your pay. If you don’t give your employer your TFN, then you’ll pay more during tax time. You can apply for a TFN on the Australia Taxation Authority (ATO) website .
• You need a bank account so your employer can send you the goods. Ideally, your pay should go into a transaction account as you’ll use it for everyday purchases and payments. You can also open a savings account to put away a bit of money every time you get paid for a bigger money goal.
• Choosing your superannuation fund before working is something that requires a little bit of research, but it’s worth it to get the best fund with low costs and solid returns. But most workplaces have a default fund of their choosing, which is where your super will go if you don’t nominate your own account – do what works for you.
• Make a resume or CV where you can list your skills and any previous experience, even if it’s something like volunteering at a charity. There are plenty of resume and CV templates that you can find online, so all you need to do is add your information into the template (and proofread the document before applying). 

How can you find your first job?

Nowadays, there are plenty of ways you can search for, and get, your first job.

• Go to online job boards, like Seek , and have a snoop. They usually post a job description, location and the hourly rate or annual salary, so you can get a read on what to expect.
• It really can be about who you know. Chat with your contacts, like family, friends and school career counsellors, to see if they know someone in their social circles who is hiring.
• Lots of companies nowadays are posting job adverts on social media. Follow your favourite companies and keep your ear to the ground (or eye to the screen) for any job opportunities.
• You can do things the old-fashioned way and hand in your resume to a business in-person.
• And you can gain valuable skills by doing work experience or an internship.

3 things your first job can teach you

• Working can put you on a path towards good financial wellbeing . You’ll be earning your own money, so you’ll need to pick up a few money management skills they don’t teach you in high school – like budgeting and saving. As a starting point, check out the 50/30/20 budgeting method . This is when you put 50% of your income towards needs (like food), 30% to wants (those concert tickets) and 20% towards goals (a new car).
• A job can teach you some essential skills that you’ll use throughout your life, like communication and organisation. Your first role is also a great way to figure out what you like about work, and what you need to feel balanced and grounded. For example, do you prefer working solo or with others? Do you like working at home or in an office? Asking these questions (and others) can help you narrow down the career you want long-term.
• Earning an income = kick-starting your financial goals. You can divvy up your pay so you’re actively working towards a big financial goal, like saving for a home deposit or a holiday. There are also plenty of hacks out there to help you grow your savings while you keep on working ( compound interest for the win).

   Hot tip:

Every job is an opportunity to expand your skills in preparation for your next one. Just don’t get suckered in by the Dunning-Kruger effect (over-estimating your skills, talents and experience). Instead, be honest about your gaps in the interview process and reflect on when you showed a similar skill to bridge the gap. And if you don’t get the first or second job you applied for, then you’re walking away with valuable job-applying experience. The more resumes you write up and interviews you do, the better you’ll become at them – putting you one step closer to job-hunting success.

Once you’ve scored your first job, what happens next? 

Aside from working and earning a well-deserved income, you can start mapping out your budget. Just chuck in a few numbers into our handy calculator and watch your budget come to life.

Start your budget now

How to Start A Side Hustle

Ever dreamt of turning your side-hustle into a dream job that will go the distance? Read ANZ's handy tips to help you start your passion project.

The snowball effect of compound interest 

Compound interest is the helping hand your bank account and investments provide to help your savings snowball over time. Learn all about it today.

Super made simple: easy steps to boost your life savings

Superannuation can help set you up for a stress-free future, but it can also have big benefits for you now. Make superannuation simple with this easy guide.

Important information

The information set out above is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the information, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for you having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. By providing this information ANZ does not intend to provide any financial advice or other advice or recommendations. You should seek independent financial, legal, tax and other relevant advice having regard to your particular circumstances.

QuickSchools Blog

Powerfully simply school management, 5 tips for writing a resume as a first-year college student.

“The early bird catches the worm,” they say. And in the ripple of college and potential career success, your resume is your early bird special.

Think you don’t need one as a freshman? Think again. Even if you’re just starting out, a solid resume can open doors you never thought possible. Internships, part-time gigs, and scholarships—they all want to see what you’re made of. It’s like your personal highlight reel, showing all of your skills, experiences, and potential. 

So, let’s get started on what you need to know about crafting that perfect resume, shall we?

Resume for college freshman

Okay, so many of you’re looking at that blank resume template and feeling a bit…confused. After all, you haven’t exactly climbed the corporate ladder yet. But, even as a freshman, you’ve got more to offer than you might think. And before everything else, try to understand your own underwhelmed feeling, because this isn’t just another Succession episode. It’s about recognizing all the situations you’ve been in before you started thinking about: What can I add to my resume as a college freshman?

Those high school clubs you joined? Leadership potential. That summer volunteer gig? Community spirit. Even that tough AP class you aced? Academic dedication. It’s all about showcasing those transferable skills and showing the world what you’re capable of. 

Remember, making a resume for a college freshman isn’t just a list of past jobs. It’s a glimpse into your future potential. It’s about proving you’re adaptable, eager to learn, and ready to take on new challenges. So, let’s dig a little deeper and uncover all of those hidden gems that’ll make your resume shine.

1. Focus on relevant skills and experiences

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. There is no one-size-fits-all resume here. Every opportunity you apply for deserves a tailored approach. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t wear a swimsuit to a job interview, right? The same goes for your resume. Highlight those skills and experiences that show “I’m the perfect fit for THIS role!”

For example, if you volunteer at the local soup kitchen, you can demonstrate your compassion and teamwork. Or even if you ace that biology project, you can showcase your analytical and problem-solving thinking. The point is: don’t underestimate the power of your past experiences, and don’t be afraid. Even seemingly unrelated activities can exhibit valuable transferable skills that employers crave. Just dig into that memory bank and pull out those golden treasures.

Keep in mind that your resume is a living document, not a fusty relic. It should evolve as you do. As you gain new experiences and develop new skills, revamp your resume to reflect your growth. Keep it fresh, keep it relevant, and keep it focused on the opportunities you’re pursuing.

And the most important of all—don’t be afraid to get creative. If you have a unique skill or passion that sets you apart, find a way to showcase it. Maybe you’re a whiz at coding, a talented musician, or a blossoming entrepreneur. These are the talents that make you YOU, so let them shine through. 

So, take a deep breath, grab a pen and paper (or laptop), and let’s start designing a resume that’ll make possibilities come knocking. 

2. Academic accomplishments

Okay, let’s talk brains. You might be a freshman, but you’ve already put in the hard work to get to college. So let’s make sure those academic achievements get the spotlight they deserve.

If your GPA is looking good, flaunt it! It’s a quick and easy way to show potential employers or scholarship committees that you’re dedicated to your studies. But even if your GPA isn’t perfect, don’t worry. You can still highlight relevant coursework that showcases your skills and interests.

Did you ace that advanced math class ? Include it! Were you part of a science club that won a regional competition? That’s definitely worth mentioning. And don’t forget any academic awards or honors you’ve received, no matter how big or small.

Remember, it’s all about painting a picture of your academic potential. So show them what you’re made of.

3. Measure your achievements

Alright, let’s add some punch to those accomplishments. Numbers talk, and they can talk LOUD. So, instead of just saying you were a “dedicated member” of the student council, tell them you “organized four successful fundraising events, raising over $600 for the local food bank.” See the difference? 

Quantifying your achievements gives them weight and credibility. It shows you’re not just throwing around lingo words; you’re actually making a difference. 

Maybe you “tutored 5 struggling students in math, helping them improve their grades by an average of 15%.” Or perhaps you “increased club membership by 20% through targeted social media campaigns.” 

These concrete details make your accomplishments tangible and impressive. 

Here’s another example: If you were a volunteer at a local animal shelter, you could say, “I volunteered 20 hours per week at the local animal shelter, successfully socializing and finding homes for 8 dogs and 15 cats, resulting in a 25% increase in adoption rates during my tenure.” 

Numbers don’t lie, so use them to your advantage and show the world what you’re truly capable of. 

4. Keep it concise and professional

Now, let’s talk about the presentation. Your resume is your first impression, so make it a good one. Think clean, crisp, and professional. No fancy fonts or rainbow colors here. Stick to a classic format and easy-to-read fonts like Times New Roman or Arial.

Also, less is often more. Keep your resume focused and concise, highlighting only the most relevant information. There’s no need to include your childhood pet’s name or your favorite ice cream flavor. Stick to the facts, and make sure they’re presented in a clear and organized way. 

Think of it like a well-tailored suit; it should fit you perfectly, showcasing your best assets without any unnecessary frills. So, let’s ditch the clutter and create a resume that’s both impressive and professional. 

Use clear headings and bullet points to make your resume easy to scan. Employers often have stacks of resumes to review, so make it easy for them to find the information they need. Point out your most impressive accomplishments and skills at the top of each section. This will grab their attention and make them want to read more. The job market is competitive , so you must use every advantage you can.

5. Proofread and send

Now, let’s put some emphasis on the importance of proofreading. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look careless and unprofessional, so take the time to carefully review your resume before submitting it. Read it aloud, use spell check, and even consider printing it out to catch any errors you might have missed on screen.

And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Have a friend, family member, or even a career counselor review your resume for a fresh perspective. They might catch mistakes you overlooked or offer suggestions for improvement. Remember, two heads are better than one, especially when it comes to polishing your professional image. 

Think of it this way: your resume is like a first date. You want to give it a good impression, right? You wouldn’t show up with messy hair and wrinkled clothes, would you? The same goes for your resume. It should be polished, professional, and error-free.

A single typo can be the difference between landing an interview and getting tossed in the rejection pile. So, don’t let a silly mistake sabotage your changes. Take the time to proofread properly, and make sure your resume shines as brightly as you do.

Are you ready for future endeavors? 

So, there you have it. A strong resume isn’t just for seasoned professionals; it’s your golden ticket to unlocking exciting opportunities as a first-year college student. Combine the showcasing of your potential with the mix of your skills, to make a lasting impression.

Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in job applications to craft your resume. Start building it early, and keep it updated as you gain new experiences. It’s a long way, but the sooner you start with it, every time you update your resume, you’ll be faster and more professional.   

And if you need a little extra guidance, there are tons of resources available to help you along the way. Check out your college’s career center, online resume templates, or even consider attending a resume-writing workshop.

Remember, your resume is your personal brand. Make it shine, and watch those opportunities sliding down (and you use some of them, to freshen up your resume). You’ve got this!

Author : Mika Kankaras

Mika is a fabulous SaaS writer with a talent for creating interesting material and breaking down difficult ideas into readily digestible chunks. As an avid cat lover and cinephile, her vibrant personality and diverse interests shine through in her work.

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How to outline work experience in a resumé

You’ve got the job experience to back up your suitability for a role – but what’s the best way to add it to your resumé ? To stand out against other qualified applicants, it’s important that your work experience section highlights your strongest points. 

In this article, we explore how you can effectively display your professional journey, highlighting past positions, key responsibilities and relevant achievements. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, wording your resumé experience correctly can make all the difference in landing your next role.

How to include work experience in a resumé

How to format your resumé work experience section, resumé work experience examples, why is work experience in a resumé so important.

A well-written work experience section can be one of the most important elements of your resumé . It gives the hiring manager a quick look into your employment history, including previous employers, dates of employment, skills and responsibilities.

Detailing your work experience is important as it demonstrates how you use your qualifications, skills and level of experience handling various tasks. It can also help showcase your work ethic and commitment, and highlight your career progression. 

The work experience section should be the main focus of your resumé. Here are some quick steps on how to write experience in a resumé. 

Step 1. Identify your resumé format

The right resumé format depends on the job and what’s normal practice in your industry, so it’s worth taking time to decide which one best suits this application. Having a consistent format ensures your resumé looks professional and presents your information clearly,  while showcasing your attention to detail and organisation skills. 

The 3 most commonly used resumé formats for your work experience section are:

1. Reverse chronological format 

This is the most commonly used format, where you list your jobs in reverse date order. Start with your most recent job first, then the job before that second, and so on. It’s a great option if you’ve got at least a few years of job history in a related field.

2. Functional format

This format focuses on what you do rather than where you’ve worked. Your skills and abilities are grouped into categories (rather than spread out across different jobs) with quantitative examples of how you demonstrated these qualities in previous roles. The categories can be tailored to the role you’re applying for by using the keywords and skills listed in the job description. 

For example, categories could include:

• Complaint-resolution skills
• Management skills
• Leadership skills
• Sales skills

A skills-based resumé is a good format to consider if you have gaps in your work history, are changing careers, or have limited work experience. 

3. Combination format

A hybrid of chronological and functional formats, the combination format highlights both work history and relevant skills. Start with a summary of your most relevant skills first, before listing your work history. This format is useful for those who want to emphasise specific skills, while also showing a steady work history. 

Choose the format that best highlights your skills and experience for the job you’re applying for.

Step 2. Discuss achievements instead of responsibilities

To give insight into what makes you the best choice for an employer, highlight your achievements that had a positive impact on the business. This lets an employer know how well you performed your job, not just the mechanics of the role itself. When giving examples of your accomplishments, make sure to use action verbs and quantifiable achievements (backed by numbers) whenever possible.

Here are some examples of responsibility-based vs achievement-based sentences, so you can see the difference:

• Responsibility based : sales of travel products
• Achievement based: increased sales revenue by 20% in the first quarter
• Responsibility based:  managed customer enquiries and resolved issues in a timely manner
• Achievement based:  increased customer satisfaction by 20% through efficient issue resolution
• Responsibility based:  developed marketing campaigns for new product launches
• Achievement based:  lead marketing strategy, resulting in a 30% increase in product awareness year on year

Tip:  Don’t list every job duty you’ve had. Stick to transferable skills relevant to the role you want, and use bullet points to keep your resumé clear and concise.

Step 3. List relevant job titles 

When putting together an employment history , it’s common practice to start with the most recent position, following a reverse-chronological order. This puts your most recent experience upfront, while allowing your resumé to be easily read by ATS software used by hiring managers. 

You should also include:

• Specific job titles (especially ones relevant to the role you’re applying for)
• Company names
• Company locations (city and region)
• Dates of employment for each position

An example of this might look like:

01/2018–11/2023     Manager at ABC Company, Auckland

Always use the full name of each organisation, be as specific as you can regarding job title, and use the MM/YYYY format so the dates can be easily read by an ATS.

Step 4. Begin each bullet point with an action verb

Your accomplishments speak volumes about your work ethic, commitment and abilities. Make your accomplishments impactful by starting each bullet point with an action word. Use words like:

• Implemented
• Streamlined

Avoid industry jargon and overly complex terminology.

Instead of: Responsible for workplace safety  Say:  Implemented comprehensive safety protocols, reducing workplace incidents by 20%. 

The latter sounds more active and engaging, highlighting the impact you had on your company.

Step 5. Highlight quantifiable achievements 

Your resumé speaks on your behalf, so you want it to be as persuasive as possible. Using quantifiable achievements helps prove your successes by adding measurable results like numbers, percentages or other metrics. It’s a great way to clearly demonstrate your ability to deliver above and beyond the KPIs set. 

Instead of:   Video production and editing   Say:   Produced 25 x 2-minute videos per week

Here are more quantifiable achievements examples:

• Increased social media following by 30% by creating more engaging content.
• Decreased production costs by 15% by implementing new efficiency measures.
• Boosted sales revenue by 25% through a targeted marketing campaign.

Step 6. Tailor your bullet points to the job you want

Before submitting your resumé, read through the job description and make note of the specific skills and work experiences that are mentioned. With this in mind, tailor your work experience descriptions to highlight these same key skills and qualities, while choosing workplace achievements that demonstrate your ability to put these skills into action.

Here are some tips on how to format your work experience on your resumé.

1. Create a dedicated section for your professional experience

Create a clear section entitled Work Experience or Professional Experience underneath the Resumé Summary part of your resumé. This makes it easy for the hiring manager to quickly see where you’ve worked. You can also add a section called Additional Experience or Volunteer Experience if you have relevant knowledge or transferable skills from outside the workplace that you want to highlight.

2. List your most recent work experience first

While there are different ways you can format your resumé, most ATS and employers tend to prefer reverse chronological order. So list your most recent experience first, followed by your previous positions in descending order. This allows hiring managers to quickly see your most relevant and up-to-date experience.

3. Consistent formatting and clear concise points 

Maintain consistent formatting throughout your work experience section. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to read, while also making your resumé visually appealing. Use the same professional font , font size, spacing and bullet point style for each entry, and ensure your bullet points are clear and concise.

If you don’t know where to start, it can help to see how others in your line of work put together their work experience. To give you a head start, below are work experience resumé examples for a variety of different work backgrounds. Use this as a base to form your own work experience section in your resumé. 

Example resumé work experience for fresh graduates with no experience

As a graduate, you may not have any relevant work experience yet. If you’re applying for your first job, you can include things like volunteer roles or extracurricular roles you had at school. Below is an example of how you can list these roles on your resumé.

02/2023–present    Intern at The Bridge Company, Wellington

Organising events and meetings as assistant to the PR manager.

Analysing e-commerce data in the developer team.

07/2020–12/2022     Volunteer at Helping Hands Charity, Wellington

Managed social media accounts, boosting engagement by 20% on 6 months.

Organised fundraising events as assistant to team leader

Example resumé work experience for a mid-career switch 

If you’re making a career change from one industry to another, it’s important to focus on showing transferable skills. You can also highlight the parts of your previous experience that are relevant to the new role. For example moving from a career in sales to a role in human resources.

06/2021–present     Account Executive at Salesby Ltd, Christchurch

Develop marketing campaigns and promotions with ad sales team

Negotiate client contracts to consistently meet revenue targets

08/2017–03/2021     Business Development at Sei, Christchurch

Develop proposals and presentations to pitch products and services to potential clients.

Identify new business opportunities and partnerships, expanding the client base by 40%.

Example resumé work experience for professionals

If you’ve been working in your industry for awhile, you may have multiple relevant roles to add to your work experience section. Make sure you avoid adding too many previous roles , instead stick to the most relevant. 

02/2022–present     Marketing Manager, Biotech, Auckland

Develop and execute marketing campaigns to increase customer engagement by 25%.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to launch new products, driving a 15% increase in sales.

06/2019–02/2022      Communications Specialist, Treehill, Auckland

Managed internal communications, improving employee engagement by 20%.

Strategised content for the company website and newsletters, increased website traffic by 40%.

Example resumé work experience for managers 

Leadership and management roles will often require some level of management experience. It’s important to highlight your experience in similar roles, or skills that may be transferable from other roles. 

05/2023–present     Hotel Manager at Brydges Hotel, Wellington

Manage hotel budget and expenses, achieving a 15% cost reduction.

Implement training programs for staff, resulting in improved customer satisfaction scores by 20%.

08/2019–04/2023     Assistant Manager at Oaks Inn, Wellington

Co-managed day-to-day hotel operations, including guest check-in/check-out and room reservations.

Resolved guest complaints in a timely and professional manner.

Showcasing your work experience in your resumé is more than simply listing previous job titles. It’s highlighting your achievements, skills and career progression , relevant to the job you’re going for. Make a strong impression by using action verbs and including any quantifiable achievements, and choose a format that best highlights your skills and experience, keeping it consistent throughout. With the above in mind, you can create a work experience resumé that stands out and gets you to the next step in the hiring process.  

Can I just put years on my resumé?

Yes, you can just put years on your resumé. However, it’s best to also include the months, preferably in MM/YYYY format. This provides a clearer picture of your work history for the hiring manager, and matches the format that ATS software is programmed to read.

How long should a resumé be for a job?

Your resumé should be one page , or two pages at most, if you have a lot of relevant experience. If your resumé is in multi-page territory, consider whether you have gone for quantity over quality. Check if you’ve been clear and concise, removing experience not relevant to the role, and consider limiting quantified achievements to two to three bullet points per job or skill category.

What jobs should you put on a resumé?

Include relevant jobs and experience that showcase the skills and qualifications required for the position you’re applying for. Focus on roles that demonstrate your ability to perform the job you're wanting to get.

What order should work experience be listed on a resumé?

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backward. This format highlights your most recent and relevant experience first and is the most commonly used. Other format types include functional and combination formats.

Can you leave jobs off your resumé?

If they’re not relevant to the position you’re applying for, there’s no need to include every job you’ve ever had. If you have a long work history, only include the most relevant roles. If an employer wants an explanation about any employment gaps, then they may ask you this during the interview.

How to address maternity leave on your resumé?

Maternity leave can simply be included in the date range you worked for a company. If however you were not employed during your maternity leave, then the best approach is to list this in your work experience section as ‘Parental Leave’.  

How to overcome an employment gap in your work history?

Be upfront about gaps in your employment by including these as you would a jobs in the work experience section of your resumé. There can be many reasons for gaps in your work history, such as health problems, job loss, study, caring responsibilities, or taking time off to travel. You don’t need to give an explanation, but you can include any relevant skills or experience you gained during your employment break.

How many years of work experience should be on a resume?

You should include all work experience relevant to the job you’re applying for, but focus on the most recent 10–15 years unless earlier experience is highly relevant to the position. Highlight accomplishments and skills gained throughout your career, remembering to keep it clear and concise so your resumé is only a page or two long.

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