Writing your first resume can feel like as big an obstacle as landing your first job. First time job applicants should remember that potential employers with entry-level openings won’t be expecting their applicants to have pages of experience. With that in mind, use your first resume as an opportunity to showcase your personality and professionalism, and avoid feeling the need to pad out the content.
We’ve collected some simple tips to help you build that first resume.
1. Use a Simple, Clean Format
- Stick to a one-page layout. Although advanced resumes shouldn’t feel the need to stick to one page, a starter resume should keep it brief.
- Use clear headings (e.g., Education, Skills, Experience).
- Choose a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
You don’t need to build your resume from scratch. There are many simple templates available online, including one we prepared that you can download here: First Resume Sample
2. Start with a Strong Summary or Objective
- Write 1–2 sentences explaining your goals and what you bring to the role.
- Example: “Motivated high school graduate seeking a customer service role where I can apply my communication and problem-solving skills to help clients and contribute to a positive team environment.”
3. Focus on Transferable Skills
If you don’t have job experience, draw from:
- School projects
- Volunteer work
- Leadership roles (clubs, teams)
- Internships or informal work (babysitting, tutoring, lawn maintenance, etc.)
Highlight skills like:
- Communication
- Time management
- Organization
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
4. List Education Clearly
Include:
- Your school name and location
- Expected or completed graduation date
- GPA (if 3.0 or higher)
- Relevant coursework (especially for technical or specialized roles)
5. Include a Skills Section
Tailor your skills to the job description. For example, if you’re applying for an office job, you would want to note your proficiency in common programs. That might not be so necessary in a warehouse setting where you would want to note equipment you’ve operated or licenses you’ve obtained.
Some samples skills could include:
- Microsoft Office, Google Suite
- Social media platforms
- Customer service
- Bilingual abilities
- Technical or software skills
6. Use Action Verbs for Experience
Describe your experience with impactful action verbs. Remember to use the past tense for experience you had in the past (like school clubs), but use the present tense for experience that’s ongoing (like present volunteering). Examples:
- “Organized weekly meetings for student council”
- “Assisted customers with purchases at school bookstore”
- “Led a team of five to complete a science fair project”
7. Avoid Common Mistakes
These may seem like obvious things to avoid, which is exactly why you should avoid them on your resume.
- Don’t use slang or casual language.
- Check for typos and grammar errors.
- Don’t exaggerate—be honest about what you’ve done.
8. Include Contact Information
This should be included at the top of the page:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email (not something like “gamerkid22”)
- LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)