Whether you’re looking for an internship, starting your first job, or changing jobs for the first time, creating a resume is the essential first step toward getting an offer. And as with many things, the first time is often the hardest.
In this article, we aim to make the process easier for you by providing a complete guide to writing your first resume, even if you have little to no experience.
Create a list of your skills
Skills are the keywords of your resume and are essential for applicant tracking systems and other software that scan your application. If your resume lacks these keywords, you might not make it onto the shortlist, even if you’re a perfect fit for the position.
Skills vary depending on the field, level of expertise, and even the specific company. To ensure you don’t overlook the most important ones, start by reviewing a few job openings you’re interested in. After examining three to five listings, you’ll begin to see patterns and understand what companies are looking for.
To save time and make your skills list more accurate, create your resume with uhired. Based on the position you select, it will generate a comprehensive list of the most suitable skills and even compare the ones you’ve added to the requirements of job vacancies.
Don’t ignore work experience
The work history section typically makes up more than half of a standard resume and is the second most important part after skills. Leaving it blank means completing only half the task and is unlikely to satisfy the hiring team. Simply put, a resume without work experience isn’t a resume.
“What do I do if I don’t have any experience?” is a common question among young job seekers—and it’s a valid one. However, nearly all entry-level jobs still require some prior experience. Fortunately, there are ways to fill this section on your resume effectively.
If you’re a student or recent graduate, include all internships and projects in your resume. Focus on describing your achievements and results in detail, rather than simply listing tasks. Use numbers and dates to make your accomplishments stand out and draw attention.
If you’re not a student and are seeking your first job, consider anything that could qualify as project work or self-employment. For example, if you’re pursuing a role in construction, you might have experience helping family or friends with renovations. Or, if you’re looking for a babysitting job and have younger siblings, you could highlight your involvement in helping raise them. Any relevant experience counts, as long as you present it as a step toward your professional field.
Emphasize your education
When your work experience is limited, your educational background becomes your biggest asset. Treat it as part of your professional experience.
List your major achievements, awards, and any publications in detail. Include relevant coursework or extracurricular activities that align with the position. Don’t forget to add your GPA if it’s 3.0 or higher.
Understand your strengths and growth areas
It’s a myth that talent acquisition professionals expect you to meet every single requirement in a job description. If you fit at least 50% of the qualifications, you’re already qualified enough to be considered.
However, it’s important to recognize and accept the areas where you fall short. Understanding your weaknesses helps you identify opportunities for growth. Even acknowledging these in an interview can demonstrate that you’re thoughtful, self-aware, and responsible.
Tailor your resume
Last but not least, always personalize your resume and adjust it to the specific job and company. Simply applying with the same resume and changing details in your cover letter won’t be enough to demonstrate your dedication.
There is significant competition for entry-level positions in today’s job market. To stand out, you need something extra—going the extra mile. Personalizing your resume for each company is a great way to do just that.
On uhired, tailoring your resume is quick and easy. All you need is a job opening and your uhired resume. The AI model, trained on a comprehensive dataset, will identify any gaps and highlight missing information, such as required skills or degree level.
Taking the first step in your career is both stressful and exciting. The good news is, the further you go, the easier it becomes. So, don’t be afraid—take that first step with confidence and passion. uhired will be there to support you every step of the way, offering full guidance to ensure your success.