university student resume with no work experience

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5 College Student No Experience Resume Examples & Templates [Edit Free]

College Student No Experience Resume

• College Student No Experience 2
• College Student No Experience 3
• College Student No Experience 4
• College Student No Experience 5
• Resume Writing 101

Sometimes, ambitious college students can’t wait to start working. Janee considered how to show value on her resume as a grad: Dreaming of working as a business analyst at Resource Data fueled her to research the company and think of relevant college achievements.

Janee recalled real projects from her degree in math and economics that saved a local manufacturer thousands. Even her stint as basketball captain highlighted her ability to organize, boost morale, and drive positive results.

Referencing her class movie recommendation project and the time her random forest model outperformed projections by 19 percent, Janee topped off her college student no experience resume with a career objective . Bam—hired. Try our resume templates for yourself; we can’t wait to applaud your success, too!

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Follow Janee’s college student no experience resume and make the most out of your project work to showcase your abilities in programming, modeling, data visualization, and teamwork. Finally, celebrate your victory lap with a well-crafted career objective.

College Student No Experience 2 Resume

College Student No Experience 3 Resume

College Student No Experience 4 Resume

College Student No Experience 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• Current College Student
• College Student Internship
• College Graduate
• Grad School
• College Student

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Background Experience

When you lack experience, your skills become more important than ever! As a college student, you now have a nice, clear understanding of what you can do, and recruiters want to know all about it.

Make sure you list skills that are relevant to your field. For example: If you’re eager to step into the world of business analysis, then prioritize technical skills and highly relevant abilities.

And make sure those skills are worded in a deliberate and specific way, too! The last thing you want is to sound too apathetic about your future role to dig deeper than the usual generic terms on your resume.

Here are some examples of more specific skills you can use to show off your potential:

9 Best College Student No Experience Skills

• scikit-learn
• Linear Regressions
• Logistic Regressions
• Data Reporting
• Google Sheets

Sample College Student No Experience Work Experience Bullet Points

Now we’re on to the fun part! No really: It’s time to get creative and look for some nifty spins to put on your past projects and internships. Class groups, teams, clubs, and volunteer initiatives can all be used to demonstrate your ability to make the most of your skills, too.

Just make sure that anything you include is highly relevant to the field you want to work in! Use those sharp, specific skills you honed earlier to recall examples of experiences when you used them.

And always measure the impact you had when you reached those milestones! Use quantifiable data to back up your achievements and make them look way more credible:

• Reported to executives during business analytics class and initiated re-evaluation of resource allocation, saving $47K in vendor costs
• Aggregated data from Rotten Tomatoes and used k-nearest-neighbors in scikit-learn to improve recommendation system for personal tastes, boosting positive feedback by 12%
• Organized a community outreach for the university basketball team to train at-risk high school students and boost morale, leading high school teams to win 92% of total games
• Compiled and prepped 4 years of fantasy football projection data from 8 independent sources into a MySQL database, boosting positive ratings by 14%

Top 5 Tips for Your College Student No Experience Resume

• I know, I know, we just talked about it, but this really is a crucial aspect of your resume! When you don’t have any job experience yet, you’ll really need to hand-pick the most relevant bits and pieces of as many projects and college teams as you can.
• Many people hear “one page” and assume that filling their resume page is as important as limiting themselves to one page only. But this isn’t the case: Just focus on your best relevant achievements and allow some white space for things to breathe.
• Get strategic about your skill placement. Group similar types of skills together, such as everything related to Python, followed by everything related to data analytics, and so on.
• By all means, try out as many of our resume templates as you can! But while you compare them, keep a deliberate eye out for which one makes your college and project history look the fullest and most impressive.
• Keeping your experience examples sleek and to-the-point demonstrates your ability to get things done and convey info efficiently. You don’t have time to ramble since recruiters have to read things quickly!

Honestly, this isn’t something to worry much about: As long as it’s all together in one place and easy for recruiters to spot at a glance, you’re fine.

Customize it for each job description . It’s easy: All you need to do is reference the job description again and grab some key phrases and buzzwords to switch out in your resume, and boom: You’re now delivering a hand-tailored resume that’s designed to impress!

In our honest opinion, writing a cover letter is better. You get the best of both worlds: Your project and educational history will be able to take center stage while you use your cover letter to detail your qualifications in greater depth than you’d be able to with an objective statement.

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How to Write a Résumé With No Work Experience, With Tips and Examples

You’re ready to apply for your first job . . . but you don’t know how to write your résumé because you don’t have any experience yet.

In a job market that often emphasizes previous work, how you present yourself becomes crucial. When you don’t have experience, a standout résumé makes the most of your education, showcases relevant skills, and plays up your unpaid experiences.

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Writing a résumé with no experience doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are five steps for filling out your résumé:

• Use an objective, not a summary, to convey your value and show your career goals.
• Play up your education by making it the first section.
• Instead of work experience, share internships, volunteer roles, projects, and extracurriculars in your relevant experience section.
• Make your skills stand out by including both soft and technical skills.
• Tailor your résumé to each specific job with keywords.

That’s just the overview. Let’s go through it step by step to create a winning résumé that’ll get noticed. We’ll start with the top of the résumé, your objective.

Write a résumé summary or objective

As someone with no experience, you’ll want to write a résumé objective rather than a summary . This is a concise five to seven sentences at the beginning of your résumé. It highlights qualifications, skills, goals, and experience that grab the attention of hiring managers. Quickly convey your value as a candidate and showcase why you’re the best fit for the job by focusing on your qualifications and career goals and aligning them with job requirements.

Your résumé objective should include the following:

• Areas of expertise
• Quantifiable accomplishments
• Relevant skill set
• Résumé keywords

Résumé objective example:

I’m a results-driven communications graduate seeking a social media manager position to leverage my academic background and project experience in creating impactful online campaigns. With a degree from Keene State College and a proven track record in executing four successful social media projects during my academic journey, I’m eager to apply my content creation, audience engagement, and analytics skills to contribute to your team. Committed to staying on top of the latest social media trends and platforms, I’m poised to bring fresh and innovative strategies to elevate your brand’s digital presence.

Include your education

Normally, your experience section would come first on your résumé, but because you don’t have a professional background yet, the next section moves up to fill the space: education. It’s one of your strong attributes, so let’s play it up!

Here’s what to add to your education section, in this order:

• Institution
• Years attended

If you attended a prestigious university, your institution should go before your degree on this list. It’s a trick résumé writers have been using for decades to catch recruiters’ attention.

Now, if you want to make it a highlight of your résumé, you can include the following optional points:

• Relevant course or courses
• International programs

Résumé education example:

Bachelor of Arts in Communications Antioch University

2019–2023 Keene, New Hampshire

High School Diploma Moultonborough Academy 2014–2018 Moultonborough, New Hampshire

4 types of nonprofessional experience

For your first résumé, you don’t need a job to have experience. You can replace it with one or more of these options instead. Rather than putting a header that says “Work Experience” like a traditional résumé, we’ve included header recommendations for each of these options.

1 Internships

The most common replacement for job experience is internships. Use the header “Internship Experience” for this section. You can list your internships in this section the same way you would a traditional job.

For each internship you held, list the following:

• Internship title and role
• Company name, location, and duration of internship
• Responsibilities and accomplishments in bullet points

2 Volunteer work

While volunteering isn’t always as formal as an internship, it proves your work ethic to your future employer. Anyone who volunteers their time for something bigger than themselves will make a good employee. For volunteer positions, you can use that same header format, “Volunteer Experience.”

For each relevant volunteer role, list the following:

• Name of the organization
• Location, duration of commitment
• Relevant accomplishments or activities as a bulleted list

Projects can help round out your résumé, especially if your skills include coding, community-oriented work, or social media marketing. If you went to college, you probably have a project you can include on your résumé. This section should be titled “Projects.”

Here’s what to list for each project:

• The name of your project
• A few words describing the type of project
• The association, if you did the project for something specific
• When you did the project
• Achievements, results, and responsibilities

3 Extracurriculars

If those three categories aren’t enough to fill your résumé, extracurriculars can pitch in. They show that you’re self-motivated. For this section, you can use the header “Extracurricular Activities.”

For each extracurricular, write the following:

• Team or organization name
• When you were involved
• Accomplishments, awards, or skills

Résumé nonwork experience example:

Extracurricular Activities

Antioch Bird Club (ABC)

Keen, NH | 2021–2023

• Created a social media presence on TikTok and grew from zero to 600 followers in the first year.
• Grew TikTok to over 10K followers in years two and three, expanding beyond the university.
• Raised $20,000 for our Big Year, allowing student members to travel around North America.
• Raised attendance for public events from 30 students to over 75 general public attendees.

Include your skills

Skills should simply be brief bullet points of 2–3 résumé keywords that showcase a technical skill, ability, special knowledge, or strength. Only include skills directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. The résumé skills section is a fantastic place to include keywords.

Résumé skills example:

• TikTok marketing and strategy
• Content management and creation
• CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro
• Video script writing
• Analytics and metrics
• Community engagement
• Public speaking
• Collaboration

On any résumé, you can include hard skills and soft skills. It’s especially important to include both if you have no experience. There are two ways you can format this section. Let’s take a look at each.

Core competencies

You may want to use this header at the top of your résumé directly under your objective, above education, to show the things you’re best at. Make a strong first impression quickly with this trick. Hiring managers will only look at your résumé briefly unless something catches their eye. This section can do just that.

Whether you use the core competency method or not, you should have a section beneath your experience that showcases your technical skills. This section can be titled “Skills.” Here’s where you should include all of your technical skills. If you didn’t use the “Core Competency” section, have your soft skills here, too.

No experience résumé FAQs

What is a no-experience résumé.

A no-experience résumé is a professional document that highlights other skills, background, and experiences outside of professional work.

What can I put in a no-experience résumé?

• Start with a résumé objective to convey your value.
• Prioritize your education by making it the first section.
• Share internships, volunteer roles, projects, and extracurriculars in your relevant experience section.
• Include both soft and technical skills.

What else can I do to stand out to hiring managers?

Make sure your cover letter is well written and professional. Your cover letter can convey your experience outside of work and highlight projects you’ve overseen and other skills and history you think are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Additionally, make sure your LinkedIn summary and profile shine: they should be mistake-free (so proofread everything) and reaffirm your education, skill set, and background.

Student Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Whether you just graduated college or you’re taking a gap year before continuing your studies, one thing is for sure.

You’re looking for a job.

All that’s standing between you and your next position is a great resume.

But how can you write a resume that stands out from the crowd if all your experience so far is studying?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Creating a compelling resume to help you stand out from the crowd is easy, even if you’re just starting on your career journey.

And in this guide, we’re going to teach you how. 

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• What Makes a Great Student Resume Example
• 9 Steps to Writing an Amazing Student Resume
• What to Include In Your Student Resume

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Student Resume Example

That’s a great example of a student resume.

Let’s get into the ins and outs of what it does right:

• Keeps everything on one page. Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes daily, so it’s important to stick to a one-page resume so they don’t discard your application straight away.
• Uses a reverse-chronological resume format. This is the favorite resume format for hiring managers worldwide since it puts your most recent achievements and experiences first.
• Includes professional contact details. This section should always contain your full name, a professional email address, phone number, location, and any relevant links to professional websites or social media profiles that might boost your application.
• Starts with an eye-catching resume objective. To grab the hiring manager’s attention, this student resume example starts with a strong resume objective to convey their top skills and their professional goal.
• Lists education first. Since this candidate is a recent graduate, their student resume places their education section at the very top and provides details on the relevant courses they’ve taken.
• Focuses on skills. The student resume example pictured above includes a tailored skills section that aligns with the job and shows what they can do for the employer.
• Organizes text in bullet points. This resume uses bullet points instead of large paragraphs, so the content of the resume is organized and easy to read.
• Includes optional sections. The candidate leverages optional sections such as languages and personal projects to add more value to their resume and stand out from other applicants with similar skills and qualifications.

9 Steps Toward the Perfect Student Resume

Now you know what an excellent student resume looks like.

It’s time to create your own.

First things first, let’s go over all the sections your resume should include .

The essential sections of a student resume are:

• Contact Information
• Resume Headline
• Work Experience

If you have leftover space on your resume, you can also use some of the following sections to make your application stand out:

Extracurricular Activities

• Personal Projects

Hobbies and Interests

• Volunteering
• Certificates

Awards and Recognitions

Publications.

As a student or recent graduate, don’t expect to include all of these sections in your resume. Instead, use them to your advantage. 

For example, you might not have any work experience, in which case you can replace that section with something else, such as an internship that helped you hone some essential skills for the job you're applying to.

We’ve split the process of creating your student resume into easy-to-follow steps, starting with:

#1. Pick the Right Format

Before you can fill out your resume, you need to decide on the best format for your job application.

There are three resume formats you can choose from:

• Reverse-chronological (also known as the chronological format)
• Functional (also known as the skill-based format)
• Combination (a mix of the reverse-chronological and functional formats)

For 99% of cases, we recommend that you choose the reverse-chronological resume format when making your student resume.

The reverse-chronological format is the most practical, since it lists your most recent experience and achievements first, making it the perfect format when you’re applying for a job.

It’s also hiring managers’ favorite format worldwide, so it’s what they expect to see in your application.

Here’s an example of what the reverse-chronological resume format looks like:

#2. Pay Attention to the Layout

Now that you have the formatting out of the way, it’s time to consider your resume’s layout .

Before the hiring manager reads your resume, they’re going to look at it. And if they see a messy, unorganized document, they aren’t going to be impressed.

Follow these tips to make sure your student resume makes a good first impression:

• Keep it on one page. A good resume should never exceed one page, especially if you’re a student with limited experience. Hiring managers only want the most important details about why you’re the right person for the job.
• Set the line spacing. Make sure your text is easy to read by setting appropriate line spacing. Use 1.0 between text and 1.15 between double lines and after subheadings.
• Adjust the page margins. To make your resume look neat, set your resume’s margins to one inch on all sides of the page. Otherwise, you might end up with a stretched-out or empty-looking document.
• Choose a professional font. Another important aspect of your resume is the font. Pick something professional but not overused. Instead of Times New Roman, go for something understated like Roboto, Lora, or Ubuntu.
• Save it to the right file format. Unless the hiring manager asks for another format, your resume should always be saved as a PDF file . This way, your student resume’s layout is going to look the same across any device or software that the hiring manager uses to open it.

Use a Professional Resume Template Instead

Getting the format and layout of your resume just right can sure get tricky. 

You’ll have to spend hours tweaking the margins, adjusting font sizes, and fixing the line spacing – all the while having to make sure nothing spills over to page two. 

What if you could skip all the hassle?

Just use one of our free resume templates and create your student resume in minutes.

Each of our professional templates is designed in cooperation with HR professionals from around the world to make sure your application is ATS-friendly, easy to read, and beautiful to look at.

Not to mention, you can choose a resume template that shows off a bit of your personality while adhering to industry standards. 

Just look at how one of our templates compares to a standard text editor resume:

#3. Add Your Contact Information

Once you’re ready to fill in the contents of your student resume, it’s time to start with your contact information.

This usually goes in a designated resume header , so it’s easy for the hiring manager to find it at a glance.

Here’s what to include:

• Full Name. (E.g.: John Smith )
• Professional Title. We recommend matching the title to the job you’re targeting (E.g.: Paralegal) or specifying your education. (E.g.: Graphic Design Graduate )
• Email Address. Use a professional email address, not a quirky handle from your World of Warcraft days. (E.g.: write down [email protected] , not [email protected] )
• Phone Number. If you’re applying abroad, always include the dialing code in front of your phone number.
• Location. The city and state/country are enough information.
• Relevant Links. Any other information, such as a link to your LinkedIn profile, GitHub, or a portfolio website, is optional and depends on the job you’re applying for.

Ultimately, your contact information section is the easiest, yet most crucial, section of your student resume.

If you make a single typo in your email or phone number, the hiring manager won’t be able to reach you, and you’ll miss out on an opportunity.

So, before submitting your resume, make sure to double-check, and even triple-check that everything in this section is up-to-date and accurate.

John Smith - Graphic Design Graduate

+1 907 446 1234

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/john.smith

Fairbanks, Alaska

90744461234

[email protected]

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

Hiring managers have to look at countless resumes daily.

So, they won’t spend more than six seconds on each before deciding if it’s worth reading in detail.

This is where a snappy resume summary or objective can make a difference.

Your resume summary or objective is a brief paragraph at the start of your resume that tells hiring managers who you are and what you bring to the table, in just 2-4 sentences.

Depending on your experience, you can take one of two routes:

• Resume summary. If you've got a bit of professional experience under your belt, write a resume summary. It's your chance to give a quick snapshot of your experience, skills, and what you've accomplished so far.
• Resume objective. If you're just starting, a resume objective is the right choice for you. It outlines your skills, any relevant experiences, and your professional goals.

To paint a clearer picture, here’s what a student’s resume summary with more experience might look like:

Recent college graduate with a B.A. in English from University X seeking an entry-level job as a content writer. Previous experience includes working as an English tutor for 2 years at University X, where I worked with 100+ students, helping them improve their essays. Additionally, I managed a personal blog about tech, publishing over 40 articles in the last 3 years.

But if you’re still a student, you probably don’t have a lot of work experience to rely on for your resume summary.

Don’t worry! You can still write a fantastic resume objective, like so:

Enthusiastic recent graduate with a degree in Environmental Science, aiming to secure an entry-level position at Green Solutions Ltd. Experienced in conducting field research and using GIS software through university projects and internships. With a strong passion for sustainability and environmental advocacy, I’m looking to apply academic knowledge in a practical, impactful way.

This goes to show that even without any work experience to leverage, you can still write a job-winning resume .

#5. List Your Education First

While the work experience section is what your resume would usually start with, the rule is reversed when you’re a student or a recent graduate .

If you’re applying for a job in the same field as your education, you want to emphasize the knowledge and skills you’ve gained so far.

So, the less work experience you have, the more detailed your education section should be.

Here’s the most important information that you should include when listing your education :

• Degree Name. (E.g.: BSc in Business Administration )
• University Name. (E.g.: Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania )
• Location. (E.g.: Philadelphia, PA, USA )
• Years Attended. (E.g.: 09/2018 - 06/2022 )

You should always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your newest degree (such as a Ph.D. or MBA) and ending with your oldest.

Next, there are a ton of optional details that can look great on your student resume. These include:

• Honors and Awards. Your resume is a great place to show off a little. List any awards or acknowledgments you received during your education. (E.g.: Summa Cum Laude )
• Relevant Coursework. List a few courses that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. (E.g.: Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Surgical Nursing )
• Thesis or Dissertation. We recommend that graduate and post-graduate students include this, especially if applying to research-heavy fields like data science .
• Minor. If you minored in another field and it’s relevant to the job, include it. (E.g.: BA in Political Science, Minor in Economics )
• Grade Point Average. Include your GPA on your resume if it’s impressive. Anything below 3.5 isn’t worth listing.

Here’s an example of what this looks like on a resume:

There’s no need to list your high school education unless it’s the only degree you have.

#6. Expand on Your Work Experience

The first thing hiring managers usually want to see is your work experience section .

It’s probably the most important section of your whole resume, and it’s where you need to wow the hiring manager. Here’s how to format it correctly:

• List jobs in reverse chronological order. Start with your latest work experience and work your way back to older roles. Just don’t go too far back – your part-time job over summer break probably doesn’t belong on your resume.
• Add your exact job title. Be accurate when describing your previous job, and avoid buzzwords . If you were a babysitter , say that instead of trying to be witty and going with ‘toddler whisperer.’
• Include the company details. All you need to add are the most important details, such as the company’s name and location. If it’s not a well-known business, you can describe what it does.
• Specify the employment period. Use the mm/yyyy format throughout your student resume instead of specifying the exact dates you started and quit.
• Mention your responsibilities and achievements. Use several bullet points, no more than 5-6 for your most recent work experience and 2-3 for older roles.

Here’s an example of what that looks like in practice:

What If My Work Experience Isn’t Relevant?

If you’re applying for a job in the field you’ve been studying for, you might have picked up a part-time job while you were a student.

So, you’re probably wondering - is that summer gig you did worth mentioning in your resume?

The answer is yes.

Even if your only work experience so far seemingly has nothing to do with the job you’re applying for, it’s probably better for you to include it.

For example, if you worked as a cashier at your local supermarket and now you’re applying for a job as an accountant , there are enough similarities between the two jobs for you to make a great resume.

Just focus on the transferable skills from your time as a cashier. Both jobs require working with numbers, being good at mathematics, and attention to detail.

Usually, showing you have some work experience is better than presenting a resume with zero work experience.

What If I Don’t Have Any Work Experience?

If you’re still a student or you just graduated, you probably don’t have any work experience to leverage.

Don’t worry - most college students don’t.

But that doesn’t have to stop you from writing a great resume!

Hiring managers know that most candidates applying for entry-level jobs aren’t super experienced, and that’s okay.

So, instead of work experience, you can focus on any of the following sections:

• Internships. If your program included any internships or hands-on experiences, mention them. Internships can be super useful on your resume, especially if they help you develop skills for the position you’re applying for, and they can look better on your resume than any part-time job in an unrelated field.
• Volunteering. Having a cause that you care about and are willing to work for shows hiring managers that you’d be a dedicated employee, and that’s why volunteer work looks great on a resume. Whether you spent some time at a local soup kitchen or just helped collect trash in the parks, you can always mention it in your application.
• Projects. Any project you’ve participated in can go here, so long as it’s relevant to the job. Your graduation thesis, coursework, or personal projects can all make a difference. For example, if you’re an aspiring animator and you make funny flash animations that you upload on YouTube for your friends, that’s always a great addition to a first-time job application .

Here’s an example of a student resume that focuses on volunteer experience and personal projects instead of work experience:

Do you want to join a cause you’re passionate about? Learn how to write a volunteer resume here.

#7. Emphasize Your Relevant Skills

The skills section of your resume should tell the hiring manager what your expertise is and why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

There are two types of essential skills you can mention:

• Soft skills. These are a mix of social skills, characteristics, and other personal traits. For example, leadership, critical thinking, time management, and so on.
• Hard skills. These are your measurable abilities. So, anything from baking cupcakes to complex coding skills.

Your resume should aim for a mix of both soft and hard skills.

If written correctly, the skill section can look something like this:

Now, when listing skills on your resume, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:

• List hard skills with experience levels. For each skill you list, you can mention your proficiency, from beginner to expert. This tells the hiring manager how much training you might need if they hire you.
• Keep it relevant and tailored to the job. You might have some awesome and rare skills, but they’re not always going to be useful. Your Photoshop skills won’t make a difference in an application for a job as a writer .
• Include some universal skills. Some skills can be useful anywhere. These include both soft skills (like communication ) and hard skills (like using Microsoft Office or Google Office Suite).
• Back up your skills. Instead of just listing skills as buzzwords (like “critical thinker” or “problem-solving-master”), make sure you prove what you’re saying. Give examples of when you’ve put those skills to good use, such as in your work experience section.

And for a student resume, here are a few of the top skills almost every single employer will value:

• Verbal and Written Communication
• Adaptability
• Punctuality
• Organizational skills
• Flexibility
• Conflict resolution
• Problem-solving abilities
• Time-management

#8. Leverage Optional Sections

So far, we’ve covered the essential information for your student resume.

But if you have any leftover space, there are a few other sections you can add.

Imagine this: the hiring manager has to decide between you and another candidate, but your resumes are nearly identical. You have very similar experiences, backgrounds, and credentials.

This is where some less essential resume sections can tip the scales in your favor.

Optional sections can help you backup your skills and experience and set you apart from candidates with the same professional background as yours.

These sections include:

Are you fluent in more than one language?

If you’re bilingual or even trilingual, you should always mention that in your resume!

Even if the position you’re applying for doesn’t require any specific language skills, it can still come in handy at some point.

Companies are becoming increasingly international, and you never know when you might end up working on a project or a client where you can put your knowledge to good use.

To list languages in your resume , simply write them down and include your proficiency level:

• Intermediate

Optionally, 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.

And remember - you should never lie about your language skills. You never know when the interviewer might turn out to be fluent in the language you claim to know!

As you might remember from your college application , extracurricular activities look great on a resume.

Different after-school projects and clubs can help you gain practical skills and increase your chances of landing a good job right after college. For example, if you were part of a debate team and you’re applying for a job as a lawyer , that could give your resume a boost.

Some activities, like student council responsibilities, show maturity and leadership skills that would translate well to a work environment. 

Here’s an example of how to list extracurricular activities on your resume :

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

Public Speaking Club

Founder and President

09/2018 - 09/2019

• Founded a club to help fellow students improve at public speaking and promote discussion-based events.
• Organized 5+ public speaking lectures.
• Brought in professors from the university and organized 2 speaking workshops.

But regardless of whether they’re related to the job or not, extracurricular activities still show the hiring manager that you’re hard-working and committed.

If you want the hiring manager to get a more well-rounded idea of you as a person, you can include hobbies and interests on your resume .

While this section isn’t going to get you hired, it could tip the scales in your favor.

When the hiring manager is looking at two near-identical resumes from two equally qualified candidates, the deciding factor might come down to something as minor as your personality and interests.

For example, imagine that the company you’re applying to values teamwork and promotes health amongst its employees. If your resume says your hobbies include team sports like basketball, that could convince the hiring manager that you’d be a good cultural fit for their team.

Certifications

The best investment is always in your future, and hiring managers love candidates who do just that.

If you have any extra qualifications or certificates , add them to your resume.

For example, if you graduated with a BA in Marketing, and you’re applying for a Digital Marketing role, that’s great. But it’s even better if the hiring manager sees that you completed an advanced SEO course and that you’re ready to roll!

Do you have a piece of paper with your name on it that says why you’re so smart and qualified? If so, add it to your resume.

It could be an award from a competition or some other recognition of your excellence - academic or otherwise.

For example, you might have been selected for a very rare scholarship , or your hard work as an illustrator won your project a nomination.

You don’t need to be modest on your resume - if you earned something cool, show it off. Any awards can back up your expertise and show the hiring manager that you’re worth a chance.

Have you worked on your university’s student paper? Maybe you’re a freelance writer or a distinguished academic .

Whatever the case is, publications are always impressive on a resume.

Include them under a designated “Publications” section and provide a URL so the hiring manager can check out your work.

#9. Include a Cover Letter

Cover letters are essential for a successful job search , and your student resume won’t be complete without one.

Forbes reports that 56% of hiring managers prefer that applicants include a cover letter with their resume.

Crafting a great cover letter tells the hiring manager that you have an eye for detail and that you’re ready to go the extra mile to join the team. You’re not just randomly sending out the same resume to every job listing you find.

So, to learn how to write your own , let's explore what makes an effective cover letter:

Here are some straightforward tips to make your cover letter great:

• Check your contact information. The information in your cover letter’s header should be the same as what’s on your resume, so double-check for any mistakes.
• Use the hiring manager’s name. A little research can help you find it, and it helps establish a more personal connection than just writing “To Whom It May Concern.”
• Start with a strong opening. Mention a couple of your best skills or achievements right at the start to grab the hiring manager’s attention.
• Go into more detail in the body. Talk about your accomplishments or skills in more detail, and mention anything you couldn’t fit on your resume, like explaining why you want to work remotely .
• Conclude by asking them to reach out. A good closing paragraph includes a call to action that asks the hiring manager to do something, like contact you or arrange an interview.
• Sing it like a professional. Choose an appropriate closing line, like “Best regards” or “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Here’s a great example of a student cover letter :

5 Student Resume Examples

Looking for more resume inspiration?

Check out the different student resume examples below to see what a job-winning resume might look like.

#1. Recent Graduate Resume

#2. Experienced Student Resume

#3. Internship Student Resume

#4. College Freshman Resume

#5. High School Student Resume

Key Takeaways

And there you go!

That’s how you create a powerful student resume from scratch.

Now, let’s quickly summarize what we’ve learned so far:

• Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, so you want yours to grab their attention immediately. Write a brief paragraph in your resume header to tell them who you are and why you’re perfect for the job.
• Unlike in most resumes, where work experience goes first, if you’re a student, your education should be at the top of your resume.
• Don’t worry if you don’t have any work experience yet - when you’re applying for an entry-level job, hiring managers don’t expect you to.
• Instead of work experience, you can focus on internships, volunteering, personal projects, or extracurricular activities to show off your skills and fill in your resume.
• Your skills could make or break your job application. Research the most in-demand skills for the job you want and list the ones you have in your resume.
• Always add a matching cover letter to your student resume to show the hiring manager you’re ready to go the extra mile for the job.

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• Resume Examples

How to Write a Resume With No Experience + Examples

Is it possible to write a great resume with no experience? Absolutely! And this guide will use no-experience resume examples for first jobs to show you how.

So, you’re browsing job postings on the Internet, and all you see are entry-level jobs that require candidates to have 2 years of experience. And to get experience, you need a job. It’s a never-ending cycle.

Not necessarily. I’ll show you how to escape this cycle and get your first job with a head-turning resume with no experience.

In this article, you’ll find:

• Two examples: one for a resume with no experience, and the other with some volunteering experience.
• How to make a resume with no experience for your first job.
• What to put in a no-experience resume for first jobs, so it’s full of relevant info instead of blank spaces.

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

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Want some other first-time resume without experience? See our guides:

• College Student Resume
• Graduate School Resume
• High School Graduate Resume
• High School Resume
• Recent College Graduate Resume
• Resume for College Application
• Resume for Grad School Application
• Student Resume
• Teen Resume
• Undergraduate College Resume

Sample Resume With No Experience

Alexandra B. Thompson

Graphic Designer

Personal Info

Phone: (555) 123-4567

Email: [email protected]

Portfolio: www.thompsondesign.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrathompson_design

Creative, recent Graphic Design graduate with a passion for visual storytelling and a strong foundation in design principles. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and experienced in creating compelling graphics, logos, and layouts. Participated in a project, creating a logo, website, and promotional materials, improving engagement by 30%. Eager to contribute innovative design solutions to Turnover Marketing.

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

University of Art and Design, Artville, CA

2019–2023

GPA: 3.8/4.0

• Honors and Awards: Dean’s List (all semesters)

Typography and Branding

• Created comprehensive branding projects, including logo design, business cards, and style guides.
• Developed a brand identity for a fictional company as part of a semester-long project.

Web and Interactive Design

• Designed and developed 5 interactive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Created responsive layouts, ensuring accessibility on various devices.

Print and Digital Media

• Produced high-quality print materials such as brochures, posters, and magazine layouts for a marketing campaign.
• Utilized Adobe InDesign for layout design and Adobe Photoshop for photo editing.

UX/UI Design

• Conducted user research and developed wireframes and prototypes for mobile and web applications.
• Collaborated on a team project to design a user-friendly mobile app interface.

Senior Capstone Project: Brand Redesign for Local Non-Profit

• Led a team of four students to redesign the visual identity of a local non-profit organization.
• Created a new logo, website layout, and promotional materials, resulting in a 30% increase in community engagement.
• Presented the project to a panel of industry professionals and received the Outstanding Senior Project Award.

Interactive Website Design for University Event

• Designed and developed an interactive website for the university’s annual art and design event.
• Incorporated responsive design principles to ensure accessibility on all devices.
• Increased event registration by 20% through effective use of visual elements and user-friendly navigation.
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Logo Design
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management

Additional Activities

• Vice President, University Art Club with 25 members
• Participant, Global Design Conference 2022
• Avid Photographer, with a focus on urban and landscape photography
• 2023—Outstanding Senior Project Award, University of Art and Design
• 2022—Best Design Concept, State Design Competition

Sample Resume With Personal & Volunteer Experience

Avery Waters

High-School Graduate

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/avery.waters

Instagram: instagram.com/avery.loves.beauty

Personable high-school graduate with a passion for the beauty industry seeking a retail assistant position. Knowledgeable about leading makeup brands and a keen tester of new cosmetic products. Eager to educate customers at Lovely Organic about the product selection, plant-based ingredients, and benefits of organic skincare. Gained cashier experience while volunteering at a bake sale in 2021. Runs an Instagram account dedicated to cosmetology since 2019.

High School Diploma

Salem High School, Salem, MA

September 2018–June 2022

Academic Accomplishments:

• Participated in the Massachusetts State Science Exhibition in 2021 with a demonstration focused on harmful substances in everyday cosmetics.
• Selected as the sole participant in the 2022 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad.
• President of the Applied Chemistry Club in 2021–2022.

Personal Projects

Makeup Artist

June 2019–Present

• Applied makeup for 20+ customers for a variety of events, including birthdays, prom, and weddings.
• Designed wedding makeup for the bride, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom that matched the color palette of wedding decorations.
• Educated clients about proper makeup application, skincare, and makeup brush selection.

Volunteer Experience

Salvation Army, Salem, MA

August 2020–Present

• Performed cashier duties at a holiday bake sale in December 2021.
• Helped sort donated items to select goods for the thrift store displays.
• Positive attitude
• Verbal communication
• Time management
• Interpersonal skills
• English—Native
• Spanish—Full Professional Proficiency
• French—Minimum Professional Proficiency
• Testing new cosmetic products and recording product reviews as stories for Instagram and TikTok accounts.
• Learning about cosmetology and plant-based cosmetic ingredients from books and independent blogs.

Ready to write a resume that’s as compelling as the above examples? Read on, I’ll walk you through each step of writing a resume with no experience.

To help you write your resume for your first job, you can click these links to read about certain steps of the process, with examples:

• Apply the Best Format for a Resume With No Experience
• Start With a Resume Header
• Write a Compelling Resume Profile
• Supercharge Your Education
• Mention Relevant Experience
• Highlight In-Demand Skills
• Add More Value to Your No Experience Resume

Let’s start:

1. Apply the Best Format for a Resume With No Experience

You might’ve heard about various resume formats . Which one should you choose for your resume with no experience? 

Go with the reverse-chronological resume . It’s preferred by recruiters and easily adjustable for any candidate, no matter their level of experience. It's also what career experts like me suggest most of the time.

Then, keep in mind these rules:

• Make a professional resume layout that’s scannable. I recommend you see this list of simple resume templates or browse through free resume templates to find the one you like most.
• Select a good resume font , such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Georgia, and set the font size to 10–12 pts for the contents and 13–14 pts for the headings.
• Set resume margins to 1 inch on all sides to maintain the balance between the text and white space. Also, ensure you have enough spacing between lines of text.
• Create a resume outline with the sections you’ll use. These are the resume profile, education, experience, skills, and a few extra sections like languages or volunteer work.
• Limit the length of your resume to just one page—there’s no need to go beyond that in a resume with no experience.
• Save your resume in DOC and PDF files : first, check if the job ad mentions the preferred format. If not, go with a PDF, as this format best preserves the formatting the way you want.

If formatting documents in Word or Google Docs is not your strong suit, go with pre-made resume templates instead. You can easily find them online, or you can save some time and try our collection of Word resume templates or Google Docs resume templates to see if they match your taste.

2. Start With a Resume Header

The hiring manager’s gaze will first land at the top of your resume, where your resume header must appear. It’s not only a space to put your name in—it’s also the best section to display your contact information on a resume with no job experience.

Here’s what you should put in a resume header:

• Your full name 
• Job title of the job you’re applying for or your university major
• Phone number
• Email address
• Professional social media links

What does the term professional social media mean, exactly? From my experience, LinkedIn is your best choice, as it’s a network designed specifically for business purposes. But if you run an Instagram or Facebook account related to your profession, that’s a good option, too. For example, if you’re an aspiring graphic designer, an Instagram page showcasing your work is perfect.

But the header isn’t just the first section that gets noticed, it’s also the last. When the recruiter decides to contact you, they will need to use one of the contact options you provided. That’s why you need to quadruple-check that the contact information on your resume with no experience is correct and up to date.

Expert Hint: Make sure your email address sounds serious. An unprofessional email address is one of the most popular mistakes made on resumes when applying for jobs. Consider creating a new account for work and keep it separate from your personal email.

3. Write a Compelling Resume Profile

One of the things preventing your resume with no experience from securing you an interview might be the lack of a strong resume profile .

For a resume with no experience, the best type of profile you can use is a resume objective , which highlights skills and knowledge and specifies what you can do for the employer and the company. 

Use it to mention relevant skills and knowledge to help you succeed professionally. You might also say a few words about your relevant experience from part-time jobs, volunteer work, or university if you have it.

Here’s how to write the perfect introduction for a resume with no experience:

• Start with a personality trait that says you’re a great employee, such as “dedicated,” “goal-oriented,” “efficient,” etc.
• Follow with the desired job title, field of study, or education level, e.g., “third-year BBA student,” “recent university graduate with a Bachelor’s degree,” or “personal assistant.”
• Mention some skills you have and the company wants. You can do it this way: “...specializing in microbiology”, “proficient in Java and Python,” or “...with strong interpersonal and communication skills”.
• If you have any form of experience, be it internships, personal projects, academic awards, or others, mention one that’s the most relevant and impressive. Like that: “Developed interpersonal and organizational skills while volunteering at the student community center in 2022–2023.”
• Say how you can help. For example: “Eager to contribute innovative design solutions to [ Company Name ].”

The other profile type is a resume summary and is typically reserved for experienced professionals. However, if you have a lot of experience gained through personal projects, freelancing, academia, and volunteering, you can still go for it. If you do, focus purely on your achievements, proving your fit for the role.

Now, enough theory. I'll show you some examples:

Resume Example With No Work Experience—Objective

Hard-working student looking for a cashier job. I hope to gain customer service experience while working at Blue Fan Groceries. I’m a friendly person, and I easily get along with everyone.

The first example includes all the elements I’ve mentioned: the candidate’s knowledge, the goal they want to achieve for the business, useful skills, and relevant experience. It also expresses their keen interest in the job.

The second candidate could be a good fit for the job, but they don’t know how to express it. Statements like “I’m friendly” don’t sound professional. Also, the employer doesn’t care much about what the applicants want to gain from the job—they want to know what the business will gain.

And this is what a resume summary could look like on a resume with no experience:

Summary for a Resume With No Experience—Example

Detail-oriented software engineering student specializing in machine learning. Eager to join CodApply as a junior data analyst and use my knowledge of Python to assist with developing computer vision models. Completed a 3-month data engineering internship in 2022. Created a fake news detection application in Python as part of my bachelor’s thesis project.

This fresher resume summary includes all the important elements: applicable education and skills, a specific goal, and a relevant achievement. Even though this person has no work experience, their academic background, internship, and gained knowledge make them a valuable candidate.

Remember that you don’t have to write your resume profile immediately. In fact, it’s better to complete the other sections of your resume and then combine the best bits into your resume objective or summary!

Expert hint: Since you’re writing a resume with no experience, every bit of help is worth its weight in gold. See how ChatGPT can help you write a resume .

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

4. Supercharge Your Education

Even though not all well-paid jobs require a college degree , having one can significantly improve your career prospects . And since you don’t have work experience yet, your education section needs to do a lot of the heavy lifting to impress recruiters.

Here’s how to make a strong education section in your first-job resume:

• List your highest degree first. If you’re still in college or university, mention your current credits and include your high school education.
• Include the school name and years of study.
• Add your GPA if it’s above 3.5 . A good GPA can set you apart, so include it if it’s impressive.
• Mention relevant courses that fit the job you’re applying for. This shows you have the necessary background knowledge.
• Show off academic achievements. Include scholarships, awards, and honors to demonstrate your dedication and success.
• Throw in extracurricular activities. Participation in student organizations, conferences, charity events, sports, and other activities can highlight your leadership, teamwork, and time-management skills.

Doing more than just studying while at school can be really beneficial. Your time at college can not only get you a degree but also provide a chance to start networking as a student .

Here are examples of how your education section on a resume with no experience might look:

Resume Example for the First Job: Education

Brooklyn High School, New York City, NY

Graduated in 2021

• Joined the track and field team

In order to make the education section of your resume worth reading, add details showing achievements and actions on your part. A good way to do that is to use active verbs in your resume , such as “organized,” “demonstrated,” “completed,” etc. Give it a try—you’ll see an immediate difference in how your resume presents itself.

You can also see it in the examples above, especially the first one. You can tell that this candidate is very confident in his knowledge and can back it up as proof.

5. Mention Relevant Experience

Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten that this is a guide for a resume with no work experience . But work experience commonly refers to paid employment or contract work. But that’s not the only kind of work in the world.

Here are the types of experiences you can talk about in your no experience resume:

• Internships: Even unpaid internships provide valuable work experience. Mention the skills you learned and the tasks you excelled at.
• Volunteering experience : It not only shows that you care about others but also allows you to prove your professionalism. Helping in a pet shelter, supporting a community organization, participating in fundraisers, and doing other volunteer activities can teach you skills to transfer between careers.
• Freelancing and odd jobs: Doing tasks like babysitting, lawn mowing, or grocery delivery teaches responsibility, time management, and customer service. For instance, "Provided babysitting services for multiple families, managing schedules, and ensuring a safe environment for children."
• Personal projects: They can demonstrate your passion and skills. If you’re applying for a job in a restaurant, mention your food blog where you share recipes and restaurant reviews. For example, "Maintained a food blog with over 100 posts, showcasing my culinary skills and ability to engage with an audience."

Check the no-experience resume sample below to put the theory into practice:

Resume Example for the First Job: Relevant Experience

Freelance Work

• Designing business cards
• Creating website graphics
• Retouching photos for the school basketball team

The first candidate knows how to show they’re not green behind the ears. They started each statement with power words to make a good impression. They also provided specific information about their skill set.

The second candidate may be promising, but they fail to show it. Generic statements like the ones you see in the second sample won’t inspire recruiters to choose their resumes above others.

When describing your experience, use resume keywords that match the job advertisement. They are individual words and phrases that signal that your qualifications match the job requirements. For example, if the job ad says: “Looking for a people person with strong interpersonal skills,” your resume needs to include the phrase interpersonal skills.

Expert Hint: Using keywords in a resume with no experience will help you create an ATS-friendly resume that will pass through ATS screening systems and has a better chance of getting noticed.

6. Highlight In-Demand Skills

The job of your resume with no experience is to convince the hiring manager of your potential. Even without previous jobs, you’ve gained valuable skills throughout your life, especially if you’re a student or recent graduate. Here’s how to showcase them effectively on your resume.

First, make a list of your skills in two columns: soft skills and hard skills:

• Soft Skills : These are interpersonal traits that help you interact with others and handle various situations. Common soft skills include teamwork, communication, time management, and problem-solving.
• Hard Skills : These are job-specific abilities you’ve gained through education, courses, or training. For example, if you studied software engineering, your hard skills might include programming and software testing.

Next, compare your skill list with the job ad. Highlight the skills the employer is looking for and ensure they appear in different sections of your resume. For instance, if the job requires excellent time management, mention how you met all the team project deadlines in college.

But don’t cram every single skill you can think of into the skills section. Select 6–10 skills that match the job requirements and include them in a dedicated skills section on your resume.

Check the list below to see the most popular skills for a resume with no experience:

Skills for a First-Job Resume—Examples

• Time management skills
• Organizational skills
• Creative thinking
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving skills
• Effective communication
• Presentation skills
• Teamwork skills
• Leadership skills
• Computer skills
• Research skills
• Analytical skills
• Adaptability
• Attention to detail
• Customer service skills
• Communication skills
• Public speaking
• Conflict resolution
• Collaboration
• Project management
• Multitasking abilities
• Data analysis
• Social media skills

The list above can inspire you for the skill section of your first-job resume. But don’t copy-paste it onto your application! The point of the skill list in a resume is to show the most relevant skills for the job, so you have to be selective.

7. Add More Value to Your No Experience Resume

You’ve done a lot of work, but it’s not the end yet. There’s still more information you can add to a resume with no experience to make it more attractive and effective. Additional sections are great for highlighting achievements, qualifications, and skills that couldn’t be mentioned in any of the previous sections. 

Choose from the following resume sections :

• Certifications and licenses : Doing certification courses is a great way to gain new skills and later prove your knowledge to recruiters. You can find lots of online courses, and many are free of charge!
• Language skills : Learning a language not only improves your brainpower and makes international travel easier, but it can also bring more work opportunities. Many overseas companies prefer hiring candidates who can communicate in several languages.
• Hobbies and interests : This section can give employers insight into your personality and help you connect on a personal level. Relevant hobbies can also demonstrate applicable skills or passions related to the job. For example, if you want to apply for an entry-level graphic designer job, mention your interest in visual arts.
• Memberships and associations: Want a job at your local library? Why not say being a member of a book club? Membership in professional organizations shows you are engaged in your field and committed to professional development.

Other less popular sections may include publications, conference speeches, or awards. If you have these wins, you can absolutely show them as well.

For now, see these examples for a resume with no experience:

Additional Sections Examples on a No-Experience Resume

• Languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese
• Certification: Project Management certificate
• Interests: Basketball, coding, travel

The second example shows how not to write a resume with no experience. To be effective, you must provide specific information, just like the first candidate.

For example, when you mention your language skills on a no-experience resume, add information about your proficiency level. And when listing certifications, mention the organization that awarded them and when you received them.

Expert Hint: After completing your resume, take a well-deserved break and start writing a cover letter. Yes—you can write a professional cover letter with no experience , and it can really boost your chances of landing a job.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Here’s how to make a resume with no experience: 

• Use the no-experience resume templates that you saw up top. They can help stop the “can’t get a job without experience” cycle.
• Focus on relevant life experiences and accomplishments. Put them in your objective, education, and additional resume sections.
• Add the skills they need, not the ones you have. They’re your best keywords, and you can easily find them in the online job ad.
• Include a cover letter. Give evidence you’re a good fit despite a lack of work experience. You’d be surprised how big of a role “culture fit” plays in hiring.

Got questions on how to write a resume with no work experience? Maybe you don’t know where to start writing your resume for the first job? Leave a comment. I’ll be happy to reply!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Roma Konczak is a career expert and a Certified Professional Resume Writer with a background in education and humanities. She’s passionate about personal development and helping others advance in their careers. She writes guides that simplify complex HR terminology based on thorough research and factual information.

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How to Write a Resume With No Work Experience

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How to Write a Resume With No Work Experience was originally published on Forage .

Writing a resume when you don’t have any work experience can be daunting. How are you supposed to fill a blank page if you’ve never had a job to begin with? Luckily, not all hope is lost — even if you’ve never stepped foot in an office or had an official manager.

So, how do you write a resume with no work experience? Here’s a step-by-step guide that will showcase your skills and wow employers with your potential.

>>MORE: Forage Resume Writing Masterclass

Writing a Resume for a Job With No Experience

1. pull from the job description.

Before you even pull up your Word document, resume template, or whatever program you’re using to write your resume, look at the job description. You’ll want to focus on three things:

• Relevant experience the employer’s looking for
• Hard and soft skills the employer’s looking for
• Any education or certification the employer’s looking for

Once you’ve identified these three things, you’ll better understand what types of experiences and skills you should prioritize on your resume. For example, suppose you’re applying for a software engineering position at a gaming company. In that case, you might want to prioritize the gaming project you worked on in class instead of the writing skills you picked up working for the school newspaper. 

The job description is a preliminary set of guidelines for how you should approach your resume. However, this doesn’t mean you need to have every single experience, skill, and education requirement they’re looking for. You can still apply for — and land — the job even if you only have most (not all) of the requirements. 

Use each job description as a starting point. Then, you can draft your resume by finding the overlaps between what the hiring manager is looking for and what experiences you have.

2. Consider Experiences You Already Have

Just because you don’t have professional work experience doesn’t mean you don’t have relevant experience. For example, consider internships (both virtual and in-person), school projects, extracurriculars, and volunteer positions. If the experience is relevant to what the employer’s looking for, it’s OK to include it, even if it’s not a traditional work experience.

For example, maybe you ran social media for your college’s newspaper and now are applying for a marketing position that’s looking for candidates with a design background. You can include your social media experience and focus on the images you created to market the newspaper like so:

Increased Instagram followers by 25% by creating five unique graphics weekly

For many entry-level positions, it’s less about where you got your experience and more about the skills and potential you bring to the table.

3. Show Off Your Skills

Hard skills you’ve learned from college courses, certifications, and Forage virtual experience programs are not only relevant but critical to a resume without work experience. You can list these skills in a separate “skills” section. You could also describe how you’ve used them in your “experience” section if you’ve done a project or worked in a position where you applied them.

Hard skills examples include:

• Data analytics
• Programming languages
• Copywriting
• Foreign languages
• Graphic design

The best way to show off your soft skills is in the descriptions of your work experiences. For example, if you want to mention you have good collaboration skills, you might write:

Collaborated with team members to brainstorm, test, and implement new marketing strategies to drive 40% more students to the club’s homepage

Soft skills include:

• Time management
• Creative thinking
• Adaptability
• Public speaking
• Interpersonal skills

Showcase new skills

Build the confidence and practical skills that employers are looking for with Forage virtual work experiences.

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4. Include Your Education

Your education, especially if your degree is relevant to the job you’re applying for, counts, too. At the minimum, you should include the name of your college or university, degree type (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D.), and major(s). You can also include:

• Relevant coursework: courses you might have taken that taught you relevant workplace skills (e.g., Software Engineering II for a software engineer position)
• GPA: if above a 3.5, or if the employer requests it
• Accolades or certificates: e.g., Dean’s list, honors, graduating summa cum laude
• Study abroad: the name of the college or university you studied at and where

5. Show Your Self-Initiative

“Showcase what you can do now and how you see it growing into something else with the help of the job or company you are looking to work for,” Elisa Pineda, senior recruiter at Forage, says. “I know a developer that created a mini-maze game for fun while learning and teaching himself to code. He had no actual work experience outside of his projects and self-initiative to see what he could do. He presented that maze to the interviewing team as a small two-minute tidbit and asked if they could solve it and how long it took them. It was a creative way to showcase what you can do.”

If you’ve done any side projects or have a portfolio, your resume is a great place to showcase this self-initiative. You can include a separate “special projects” section of your resume to describe what you’ve worked on — and even include links if you’re sending the resume virtually.

Sample Resume With No Work Experience

Writing a resume with no work experience: the bottom line.

Overall, the worst thing you can do when writing a job resume with no experience is show that you have no experience. 

“This is a huge red flag and does not demonstrate any effort that you at least tried to do something,” Pineda says. “You have little to showcase, do not make it seem so little. Get creative with your resume to showcase what you can already do.”

Just because you don’t have work experience doesn’t mean you don’t have valuable knowledge, experience, and skills to bring to the table. Consider how what you’ve already done fits into what the employer is looking for.

Now that you have a resume, what about landing the job? Learn how to get a job with no work experience .

Image credit: Pexels / Artem Podrez: 

The post How to Write a Resume With No Work Experience appeared first on Forage .

How to Write a Resume With No Experience: Template, Example, and Expert Tips

By Kimberli Lowe-MacAuley

Are you launching a job search for the first time? Maybe you’re considering a new career , or it’s your first job search after college . Or, perhaps you have experience in an employee role, but you’re starting a freelance business and need a resume to land your first freelance client .

Even if you’re focusing on entry-level jobs that don’t require experience , you need to write your “first job resume” without a formal job history . To do so, you’ll rely on your transferable skills , education, and experience you’ve built on your own .

Below, we’ve outlined tips on writing a resume without experience, including a resume template and an example resume, as well as common resume questions posed by entry-level job seekers .

FlexJobs is the longtime leader in helping job seekers find the highest-quality remote, work-from-home, hybrid, and flexible jobs . You can sign up for premium-level access to our database of hand-screened job listings, as well as job search and career webinars, and many other great resources! Learn today how FlexJobs can empower your job search !

10 Tips for Writing a Resume With No Experience

We’ve gathered a few tips on how to write a resume with no experience to help you jump that first hurdle.

1. Highlight Transferable Skills

Just because you weren’t on the payroll doesn’t mean your skills are less valuable. Consider times you’ve demonstrated transferable skills , such as organization, communication , or problem-solving . For example, say you led a group project at school or volunteered to plan an event. These are excellent experiences to add to your resume.

Also, consider that many hard skills employers look for are skills you can learn before you land the job. Suppose you’re pursuing a career in graphic design. You’re likely proficient with design programs, like the Adobe suite, and listing it on your resume will help you catch the hiring manager’s notice.

2. Focus on Your Education

Your education is relevant if you’ve just graduated, completed certifications, or are learning online . Look closely at the job description and point out any courses, projects, or achievements that match the job’s requirements.

Did you win any awards or participate in a club related to the job? Remember to mention it on your resume. Also, if you had a high GPA or made it to the Dean’s list, those speak volumes about your focus and work ethic.

3. Include Volunteer Experience

Organizations are becoming more conscious of their company culture and look for team members who will fit in and represent the company’s values effectively. Communicate your passion for a cause or that you actively volunteer with a community group. It says a lot about your values and interests and can help you land a job with no experience .

Volunteering during your job search can also help you get work experience for your resume . For example, if you want to pursue a career as a social media specialist, volunteering to run social media accounts for a nonprofit organization will give you real-world experience.

4. Mention Extracurricular Activities

Did you play sports, join a debate team, or participate in the school newspaper? These extracurricular activities are more than just hobbies . They highlight your teamwork skills, leadership abilities , and time management skills .

You’ll lean more heavily on your work history when you’re further along in your career. But when writing a resume without experience, you’ll need to rely on your personality and interests to snag the hiring manager’s attention.

5. Write a Powerful Summary

Your resume summary is the first thing a hiring manager sees when they review your resume. Make sure it stands out and entices them to keep reading.

In two or three lines, highlight your skills, achievements, and career goals . Emphasize how you can bring value to the company and why you are a strong candidate. Keep it concise, but ensure it captures your unique qualities and positions you as the top job candidate .

6. Structure Your Resume for Readability

A hiring manager glances at your resume quickly. You’ll write a better resume if you keep it clean and straightforward.

Opt for a ready-made template or use a resume builder . Ensure it has proper margins and spacing, a professional font , and consistent formatting. List accomplishments in bullet points to avoid big text blocks. Aim to be clear, rather than clever, to optimize your resume for the applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many companies.

7. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job

It might sound like extra work, but it’s vital to tailor your resume for each job you apply for. However, that doesn’t mean starting from scratch each time. Instead, carefully review the job description , noting the required skills and experience. Then, tweak your resume to align with what the hiring manager is looking for , emphasizing relevant skills.

Tailoring your resume can be as simple as adjusting your phrasing to fit the role better. For example, if the job description uses the phrase “team player,” ensure you include that similar phrase in your skills or experience section. However, you can go deeper by reprioritizing the skills you share and the tone you set to match the company branding.

8. Show, Don’t Tell

Make your achievements specific. For example, mention the exact budget if you managed a club’s finances. If you led fundraising, specify how much money you raised. Employers want evidence that you can make a real difference in their organization and might need help understanding your impact. Share specific examples of your accomplishments to show how valuable you can be.

Also, choose strong action verbs to describe what you’ve done. Instead of saying, “Responsible for organizing nonprofit events,” say, “Organized and executed annual Walk For Life events with 200 students and community members.” Those extra details can help you land a high-paying entry-level job despite lacking formal work experience .

9. Proofread and Check for Grammar Errors

Don’t let a misplaced comma or the wrong “their” stand in the way of a solid career fit. Ensure you proofread your resume and have someone else review it for grammar or spelling errors . Although they seem minor, hiring managers often see those as a signal that you need more attention to detail.

It’s good practice to update your resume and then walk away from your computer for a few minutes. With a fresh mind, read it out loud to ensure it flows.

10. Keep It Concise

Realistically, your first resume shouldn’t be more than a single page and never more than two . Use enough detail to explain your achievements, but not so much that your bullet points become wordy or complicated to read. Don’t use overly flowery language or buzzwords that don’t add real value.

Hiring managers have limited time to scan resumes, so make sure yours highlights your accomplishments concisely. Use bold headings and clear formatting to make it visually appealing.

Resume Template With Little to No Experience

Now that you know how to make a resume with no experience , you can use this resume template as a starting point. Fill in the blanks with your information and adjust as needed to match the job you’re applying for.

The header will have your basic information formatted to stand out from the rest of your content. Keep it to essential information only so it’s not cluttered. If you’re applying for jobs in the United States, the current advice is not to include a photo. However, if you have a LinkedIn profile or personal website , include those links.

[Your Name] [Your City/State] [Your Phone Number] [Your Professional Email Address]

Professional Summary

A [new graduate/student] with a passion for [industry or field] aiming to utilize my [skills] and [education details] to contribute to a [positive characteristic of the company/mission of the position you’re applying for].

[Volunteer/Work experience, Organization/Company Name, Date Range] [Up to five bullet points]

[Extracurricular activity, Organization Name, Date Range] [Up to five bullet points]

[Skill #1] [Skill #2] [Skill #3]

[Degree Name, Institution Name, Graduation Date] Relevant coursework: [Course Name 1, Course Name 2] GPA: [Your GPA, if high and you choose to add it]

Certifications

[Certification Name, Issuing Body, Date Earned]

Additional Sections (optional, as needed)

[Awards and Honors] [Leadership roles in organizations]

Example Resume for a First Job

Want to see how to put all those tips into practice? Look at this resume example for first jobs from our fictional new graduate, Samantha Young, who is hoping to land a nearby entry-level job .

Samantha Young Anytown, Anystate 555-555-5555 [email protected]

A newly graduated high school student, I bring a robust work ethic and a passion for culinary arts. I am keen to become part of a vibrant team at a local restaurant where I can acquire hands-on experience and contribute to creating an incredible dining experience for guests.

Volunteer Dishwasher , Anytown Soup Kitchen, Summers 2021 – 2023

• Worked with the culinary team to ensure a clean and efficient kitchen, serving over 500 meals a week

Secretary , Culinary Club, September 2020 – May 2022

• Managed club emails, organized club events, and led presentations on culinary topics
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Basic food preparation knowledge
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment

High School Diploma , Anytown High School, 2019 Relevant coursework:

• Culinary Skills, Nutrition Foundations
• Attended a food safety and hygiene workshop

Food Handlers Certificate , Anytown Health Department, 2021

Common Questions About Writing a Resume With No Experience

Whether you’re looking for a side gig to make money from home , pursuing a freelance career for the first time, changing careers to a new industry, or looking for your very first professional job, these are common questions job seekers have about writing resumes without work experience .

1. Is it worth making a resume when you have no job experience?

Definitely! A resume is a marketing tool that showcases your skills , education, and potential to employers. It also demonstrates your initiative and dedication to starting a career. If you’re struggling, consider hiring a resume writer.

2.  How do you say you have no experience on a job resume?

Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, emphasize what you do . For example, suppose you’re applying for your first remote job but don’t have remote work experience . Ensure that you tailor your resume to the role and highlight skills relevant to remote work so that the hiring manager sees your lack of remote experience as a minor issue.

3. How long should a resume be with no work experience?

A resume should be long enough to provide a comprehensive view of your skills and qualifications but not so long that it becomes difficult to read. Generally, one page is sufficient for writing a resume with no experience .

Find a Job With No Experience

Keep in mind that a resume isn’t just a list of your past jobs and skills; it’s meant to communicate your unique talents and potential to employers. Even if you lack conventional work experience , emphasize your strengths on your resume and show your passion and motivation for the job.

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University Student Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Write an eye-catching resume as a university student

Writing a resume while still attending university can feel immensely difficult, as you may not have an extensive work history to showcase just yet. However, with a few quick tricks, you can optimize your resume as a university student to be compelling and eye-catching in no time.

In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil essential tips for crafting an impactful resume while you're still a university student. Keep reading to learn all about:

• Choosing the correct resume format for your experience level
• Writing a resume summary that showcases your best attributes
• Including a variety of technical and interpersonal skills on your resume
• Describing your relevant work experience with concise details
• Listing your educational credentials accurately on a resume
• Including relevant extra sections in your university student resume

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. Choose the correct resume format for your university student resume

Resume formats vary in purpose depending on how much work experience a person has. For current university students, it is often preferable to choose a format that prioritizes academic experience over work experience, as they are more likely to have a greater amount of this type of experience.

In general, there are 3 main types of resume format for an applicant to choose between:

• Reverse-Chronological: The reverse-chronological resume focuses almost entirely on work experience, listing your most recent job first and working backward from there. Although this format is the standard expected by most employers, it is not always the most ideal for current students without an extensive work history.
• Functional: The functional resume format shifts the focus of the document away from work experience and onto education, skills, and unpaid experience. This is often the best choice for students, as it provides the most opportunity to showcase academic experience and achievements.
• Hybrid: The hybrid resume is a combination of the above two formats, spreading out the focus of the document more evenly between all sections rather than having one main focal point. This format works well for current students who have a mix of both academic and professional experience.

Choose your preferred template and make your resume shine.

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

2. write a university student resume summary that showcases your best attributes.

A resume summary is a brief statement at the beginning of a resume that introduces you to the reader.

Including a well-written summary on your resume that details your best professional or academic attributes is a great way to not only catch an employer’s attention but also make your resume more memorable overall.

To help illustrate how to write an effective resume summary, check out the following weak example, followed by a correction and explanation:

Incorrect university student resume summary example

Current University Student studying computer science. Experienced in coding and programming, with a portfolio of development projects available upon request. Recipient of the University’s Academic Excellence Award for 3 consecutive years.

Why is this Incorrect?

In this example, the applicant covers key details about their academic career but fails to provide the necessary context to make this information compelling to readers. To improve this summary, they should use more engaging language and exact facts.

Corrected university student resume summary

Senior University Student with a major in Computer Science. Specialized in software development and programming, with 10+ mobile app projects completed between 2021 to 2022. Three-time recipient (2020-2022) of the Academic Excellence Award given by the university’s Computer Science Department.

Why is this Correct?

This corrected example provides more specific information, such as the amount and type of programming projects the applicant has worked on and the department that gives out the award they earned. As a result, the summary reads more coherently and is more attention-grabbing.

3. Include a variety of technical and interpersonal skills on your university student resume

Skills are an essential part of any resume – they help to show employers more of your talents that may have been overlooked in the other sections of your resume. Plus, the skills you choose to include can be used throughout various sections of your resume as well.

The key to including skills on your resume is to choose an array of both technical and interpersonal skills .

Technical skills — also called hard skills — are learned abilities gained through education and training. These are highly quantifiable and measurable skills, such as knowing how to code or speaking a foreign language.

Interpersonal skills — also called soft skills — can be both inherent and learned. These abilities deal with how well you interact with and understand the people and world around you.

Here are 10 technical and 10 interpersonal skills that look great on a University Student’s resume:

Effective technical skills for your university student resume

• Productivity software (Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, etc.)
• Graphic design
• Programming languages (Python, Java, Ruby, etc.)
• Software development
• Project management
• Data collection & analytics
• Literary analysis
• Social media management
• Bookkeeping & accounting
• Foreign languages

The best interpersonal skills to put on your university student resume

• Verbal & written communication
• Collaboration & teamwork
• Adaptability
• Self-confidence
• Time management
• Organization
• Critical thinking

Find out your resume score!

4. Describe your relevant work experience with concise details

Depending on which resume format you have decided to use, your work experience section may vary in length and detail. Regardless of what type of resume you opt for, however, the work experience you do include should offer concise details that provide good insight into your transferrable skills and work ethic.

If you lack any formal work experience, you may be able to substitute a work experience for a simplified “Hands-On Experience” section that includes unpaid work such as internships, volunteering, or extracurricular leadership roles.

Here's an example of a work experience entry from a university student’s resume

Duke University, Durham, N.C. Outdoor Programs Leader August 2021 to Present

• Trained intensively for 10 weeks, earning First Aid, CPR, and Wilderness First Aid certifications.
• Led monthly weekend backpacking trips with 10 undergraduate participants, supervising daily activities and ensuring the safety of students.
• Maintained the office work schedule and performed morning and nightime inventory checks when on duty.

5. List your university student educational credentials accurately on a resume

When creating an education section for your resume while still attending university, it is crucial to indicate that your degree is ongoing and when you expect to complete it. You should also include previous degrees or diplomas earned as well to give a better overview of your academic history.

Additionally, you can also use your education section to detail any key academic accomplishments, such as membership in an honor society or leadership roles.

Here's an example of a well-crafted education section on a university student’s resume

The University of North Carolina at Asheville, Asheville, N.C. B.A. in Communications

• In Progress, Expected Graduation: May 2022
• Dean’s List 2020, 2021

Charles D. Owen High School, Black Mountain, N.C. High School Diploma

• Graduated: 2018, Salutatorian

6. Include relevant extra sections in your university student resume

Adding relevant extra sections to your university student resume is of paramount importance. While your education and academic achievements are crucial, extra sections can provide a more comprehensive picture of your skills, experiences, and interests.

These sections offer an opportunity to showcase your diverse abilities and demonstrate your well-roundedness as a candidate. Including sections such as projects, internships, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteering, and certifications can significantly enhance your resume.

Here's an example of listing research experience on your university student resume

Research Experience

• Collaborated with a team of researchers to investigate the effects of environmental factors on plant growth and development.
• Assisted in experimental design, data collection, and analysis using laboratory techniques and statistical software.
• Presented research findings at departmental seminars and contributed to the development of research publications.
• Developed a strong understanding of research methodologies, critical thinking, and data interpretation.

Nikoleta Kuhejda

A journalist by trade, a writer by fate. Nikoleta went from writing for media outlets to exploring the world of content creation with Kickresume and helping people get closer to the job of their dreams. Her insights and career guides have been published by The Female Lead , College Recruiter , and ISIC, among others. When she’s not writing or (enthusiastically) pestering people with questions, you can find her traveling or sipping on a cup of coffee.

All student resume examples

• Formal Sciences Student
• High School Student
• Humanities Student
• Student Internship
• Natural Sciences Student
• Professions And Applied Sciences Student
• Social Sciences Student

All university student resume examples

Related university student cover letter examples

Resume guides

How to write a professional resume summary [+examples], how to put your education on a resume [+examples], how to describe your work experience on a resume [+examples], let your resume do the work..

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4 Examples: Impressive Resume with No Work Experience for Students

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 8, 2023 — 8 minutes to read

• Key Components of a Professional Resume Part 1
• Resume Formatting Tips and Tricks Part 2
• Example Resume for High School Students Part 3
• Example Resume for College Students Part 4
• Tailoring Your Resume Part 5

Part 1 Key Components of a Professional Resume

Contact details.

Start your resume by providing your full name, phone number, and email address. This ensures potential employers can easily contact you. A professional email address (for example, [email protected] ) is recommended. Keep your address and other personal details out of your resume.

Career Objective

As someone with no work experience, your career objective should focus on your abilities and motivation to succeed in the position you’re applying for. State your goal and highlight relevant skills you possess. Be genuine about your enthusiasm and commitment to work hard and learn.

Here, you’ll showcase your transferable skills, demonstrating how they’re applicable even without formal work experience. Group your skills into categories (such as communication, technical, and project management) and provide examples of how you acquired and applied those skills in school, extracurricular activities, or personal projects.

Education Details

Outline your educational background, including the school name, degree or diploma obtained, and graduation date. If your GPA is impressive, consider listing it. Describe relevant coursework, projects, and achievements that demonstrate your competence and abilities related to the job you’re applying for.

Volunteer Work

Showcase any volunteer work you’ve done, describing your role, the organization, and the dates when you volunteered. Focus on the tasks you performed and the skills you gained during this time. Volunteering demonstrates your willingness to learn, commitment, and eagerness to contribute to a cause.

Certifications and Training

Lastly, list any relevant certifications, training, or workshops you’ve attended. These demonstrate your dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Public speaking workshops, leadership programs, or certificates in technical skills, for example, can be valuable additions to your resume.

Related: How to Email a Resume to an Employer (Examples)

Part 2 Resume Formatting Tips and Tricks

The importance of consistency.

Consistency is key when formatting your resume. Choose one font and stick with it throughout the entire document. Make sure your headings, subheadings, and body text are all the same size and style. This will give your resume a polished and professional look.

Making Use of Bullet Points

Bullet points are a great way to break up your text and highlight important information. When listing your skills, education, or other relevant information, consider using bullet points to make the content easier to digest. Not only do they help add structure to your resume, but they also draw the reader’s attention to essential details.

Including Action Verbs

Start each bullet point or description in your resume with a strong action verb. This will show potential employers that you are proactive and capable of achieving results. Examples of powerful action verbs include “managed,” “created,” “implemented,” and “optimized.” Using these types of verbs will give your resume a more dynamic and engaging feel.

Limiting Resume to One Page

Keep your resume concise and limit it to one page. This ensures all your relevant information can be easily scanned by hiring managers. Be selective about the information you include, focusing on your most significant achievements and skills that relate to the position you’re applying for. A well-organized, one-page resume is often more impactful than a long, detailed document.

Resume with No Work Experience: Templates and Examples

When creating your resume with no work experience, templates can save you time and help you focus on showcasing your strengths.

Part 3 Example Resume for High School Students

[Your Name] [Contact Information]

Objective : Motivated high school student aiming to apply strong work ethic and teamwork abilities to a part-time retail position.

Education : [High School Name], [City, State] (Expected) Graduation Date: [Month, Year] GPA: [Number]

Skills: – Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – Detail-oriented and organized – Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Experience:

Volunteer, [Local Organization], [City, State], [Duration] – Assisted with organizing and executing community events – Collaborated with other volunteers to improve team efficiency

Participated in the [School Club/Project], [High School Name] – Contributed to successful projects and events – Enhanced leadership and teamwork abilities

Activities:

– [High School Club], Member – [Sport], Varsity team – [Volunteer Organization], Regular participant

Objective: Motivated high school student seeking a part-time [position] role at [Company Name] where I can apply my strong work ethic and dedication to learning new skills.

• Expected graduation: [Month Year]
• GPA: [X.XX/4.0]
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Able to work independently or in a team

Activities & Honors:

• [Student Club/Organization], [Position/Role], [Year]-[Year]
• [Community Service/Volunteer Experience], [Organization], [Hours/Date Range]

Remember to fill in your information and customize the template for the job you’re applying for. This example puts emphasis on education and focuses on the skills and activities that showcase your abilities as a high school student with no work experience.

Part 4 Example Resume for College Students

Objective : Driven college student with strong analytical skills seeking a data analysis internship to apply coursework and gain hands-on experience.

Education : [University Name], [City, State] (Expected) Graduation Date: [Month, Year] Degree : [Bachelor’s or Associate’s] in [Major] GPA: [Number] Relevant Coursework: [List relevant courses]

– Proficient in Python, R, and SQL – Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities – Excellent written and verbal communication – Familiarity with basic statistical concepts

Experience :

Research Assistant, [University Name], [City, State], [Semester, Year] – Collaborated with a faculty member on a research project – Gathered, organized, and analyzed data using statistical software

Title: [Project name] – Developed a [project description] using [tools or programming languages] – Presented findings at [relevant event or conference]

Extracurricular Activities:

– [University Club], Member – [Volunteer Organization], Regular participant

Objective: Driven college student pursuing a [Major] degree at [University Name] seeking an internship in the [Industry] field to expand my knowledge and gain real-world experience.

• [Major], Expected graduation: [Month Year]

Relevant Coursework:

• Proficient in [Programming Language/Software]
• Strong research and analytical abilities
• Effective time management skills

Projects & Volunteer Work:

• Brief description of the project and your role.
• [Volunteer Opportunity], [Organization], [Hours/Date Range]

Make sure to customize this template, focusing on skills and experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Part 5 Tailoring Your Resume

• When applying for a specific job, be sure to demonstrate how your strengths, abilities, and past experiences, even if they are not directly related to the job, can benefit the company. Read the job description and requirements thoroughly; carefully study which skills, keywords, or requirements stand out. Then, make sure to integrate them into your resume.
• For example, suppose the job description emphasizes good communication skills. In that case, you can mention any relevant experience that contributes to your communication skills, such as group projects, being part of a club, or participating in volunteer work where you had to interact with others. Don’t forget to highlight interpersonal skills like teamwork and leadership, as they are often essential in every workplace.
• When it comes to organizing your resume, consider using functional or combination formats, as these tend to place more emphasis on your skills rather than work experience. At the top of your resume, include a strong objective statement or a summary that highlights your career aspirations and the applicable abilities you possess. Use this statement to communicate your enthusiasm and dedication to potential employers.
• Using action verbs or phrases can also help bring your resume to life. As you describe your skills, achievements, or educational experiences, consider using words like “achieved,” “managed,” “created,” or “implemented.” These verbs convey a sense of accomplishment and initiative, which will surely impress your potential employer.
• Lastly, don’t be afraid to showcase your accomplishments outside of traditional work settings. Include any accomplishments that demonstrate your resourcefulness and skills, such as completed projects, awards, or certifications. Make sure to highlight any volunteer work or internships, as these can showcase your dedication and willingness to learn in real-world situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i create an impressive resume without work experience.

To create an impressive resume without work experience, focus on your relevant skills, education, projects, volunteer activities, and personal interests. You can also emphasize your achievements in these areas, showing how they make you a good candidate. Use a clean and professional template that highlights your strengths and keeps the reader engaged.

What should I include in my first resume as a college or high school student?

As a college or high school student, your first resume should include the following sections:

• Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address.
• Resume Objective: Write a brief statement about your goals and the value you can bring to a potential employer.
• Education: List your most recent educational experiences and degrees, and any relevant coursework.
• Skills: List relevant hard and soft skills you possess, such as computer programming, public speaking, or leadership.
• Experience: Include any unpaid experiences like internships, volunteer work, or school projects.
• Extracurricular Activities: Mention clubs, sports, or organizations you participate in and any leadership roles you’ve held.

What skills and achievements can I highlight on my resume without any job history?

To highlight skills and achievements without job history, consider the following:

• Academic achievements: Include high GPA, academic awards, or being on the honor roll.
• Volunteer work: List any relevant community service and the impact you had.
• Projects: Mention school or personal projects that demonstrate your skills and abilities.
• Certifications: Add any certifications you’ve earned, such as first aid, coding, or foreign languages.
• Skills: Showcase both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for

What are some tips for writing a resume summary when I don’t have any work experience?

When writing a resume summary without work experience, focus on your skills, education, and other experiences that highlight your strengths and potential to excel in the position. Emphasize your professional attributes like dedication, adaptability, or problem-solving abilities. Tailor your summary to the specific job you’re applying for, incorporating keywords from the job posting. Keep it concise (2-3 sentences) and focused on what you can offer to the employer.

• 2 Examples - How to Write a Resume With No Experience
• List of 21 Important Technical Skills (with Examples)
• 50 Example Phrases: Technical Skills Examples for Resume
• 15 Smart Examples: Resume Summary
• Communication Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• Can a Resume Be 2 Pages? Common Practices

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Resume Examples Student Resume

14 Student Resume Examples, Template, & Writing Guide

Our resume examples for students were made by experts and are free to download. Use these samples as a reference when writing your own student resume and use our writing guide to create a resume that impresses employers.

Not the template you want? Check out more free resume templates for college students in our template library.

Student Resume Template (Text Format)

College student resume, college freshman resume, graduate assistant resume, law school student resume, resident assistant resume, sorority resume, college applicant resume, recent college graduate resume, grad school resume, mba student resume, phd student resume, scholarship applicant resume, undergraduate student resume, how to write a student resume, copy-paste student resume template.

FIRST AND LAST NAME

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (123) 456-7891

Address: Street, City, State

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/your-profile

RESUME OBJECTIVE

Dedicated [field of study] student seeking to leverage my experience in [relevant abilities] to fill the [Job Title] position. Pursuing a [degree/diploma/certification] in [Degree/Diploma/Certification Title]. Skilled at [2–3 relevant skills]. A [adjective #1] and [adjective #2] worker aiming to contribute to the success of [Company Name].

GPA: 3.X/4.0 (optional) Latin honors (if applicable)

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

• Include a bulleted list of your achievements in this job or internship
• Start each bullet point with an action verb (like “collaborate” or “conceptualize”) to grab attention
• Use the present tense for your current job or internship, unless describing a completed project or initiative
• Use hard numbers when possible to quantify your accomplishments in the job or internship
• Mention how you’ve used some of the job-relevant skills listed in your skills section to demonstrate your mastery of these abilities
• List relevant accomplishments from your previous role, internship, or volunteer position
• Use past tense verbs to describe your work (assuming you no longer hold this position)
• Include 3–6 bullet points for each role, both your current one and previous ones
• Skip the pronoun “I” and begin directly with a verb
• Although you’ll usually list work experience, feel free to include relevant internships, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work if you don’t have formal work experience yet

SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• List skills and certifications relevant to the job or internship you’re applying for
• Look at the job description for ideas of the skills the employer wants and that are common in the industry you’re trying to break into
• Emphasize job-specific hard skills and technical skills in this section
• Be as specific as possible by including names of tools, equipment, and software you’ve mastered that are used in your target industry

Whether you’re applying for a summer job, internship, or your first job after graduation, our student resume examples will give you ideas for writing an effective resume.

Check out our college student resume example below to use as a guide when writing your resume:

College student resume highlights

• Strong introduction: The candidate starts with a clear resume objective that outlines their ambition, academic excellence, research expertise, and specific role they are seeking.
• Emphasis on education: The education section specifies the expected graduation date, GPA, and relevant honors and awards, giving concrete details about their academic achievements and timeline.

A strong college freshman resume improves your chances of getting internships, volunteer opportunities, and part-time work. Take a look at our college freshman resume example to help you put together a competitive application.

College freshman resume highlights

• Lists relevant coursework: Mentioning relevant coursework like “Political Power in American Cities” and “History of the United States Since the Civil War” showcases the student’s academic background in their major.
• Includes academic honors: Noting National Honors Society membership demonstrates the candidate’s academic achievement.

Our graduate assistant resume sample and writing tips will help you land a position in academia.

Graduate assistant resume highlights

• Additional skills section: This section highlights key professional and technical skills that are relevant for graduate assistantships, such as Microsoft Office, organization, communication, research, and data analysis.
• Clean, skimmable design: The resume has a clean, modern design with clear section headings, ample white space, and an appropriate font size. This makes it visually appealing and easy to scan.

Perfect your law school resume and improve your chances of getting into your top school by referencing our downloadable sample.

Law school resume highlights

• Relevant professional experience: The candidate includes two legal internships that demonstrate their experience in administrative tasks, legal research, drafting documents, and client interactions.
• Varied legal skills: The experience section showcases a range of relevant skills, including legal research, drafting documents, client interviews, and assisting lawyers.

Use our downloadable resident assistant resume to help you improve your own:

Resident assistant resume highlights

• Conflict resolution skills: The candidate’s work experience bullet points highlight their ability to address student issues, highlighting valuable advocacy and communication skills that employers are looking for.
• Administrative duties: Managing building duties, room transfers, incident reports, and maintenance reports shows the candidate’s administrative capabilities .

Following the examples set in our sorority resume sample will maximize your chances of receiving a bid from your top choice.

Sorority resume highlights

• Includes a professional headshot: The headshot adds a personal touch and allows potential sororities to put a face to the name.
• Extensive community involvement: The candidate includes volunteer work at Food for Families, Humane Society, and as an elementary school tutor that underscores her altruism and community engagement.

Use our college application resume example as a reference for your own resume to help you get accepted into your dream school.

College application resume highlights

• Excellent academic record: The education section prominently features the candidate’s high SAT score and GPA, demonstrating strong academic performance and readiness for an elite university.
• Well-rounded activities: Extracurricular activities like swim team, debate participation and mentoring show the applicant is dynamic and engaged both in and out of the classroom.

Use our recent college graduate resume sample as a guide to help you land that critical first job after graduation.

Recent college graduate resume highlights

• Diverse skill set: Abilities spanning data analysis, critical thinking, languages, and problem-solving suggest the candidate is well-rounded and adaptable.
• Research experience: The senior seminar project shows the candidate’s ability to conduct in-depth research, analyze data, and present findings persuasively, all directly applicable skills for a political research assistant role.

A convincing grad school resume improves your chances of getting into your ideal master’s program. For example:

Grad school applicant resume highlights

• Relevant volunteer experience: Roles in political campaigning, campus get-out-the-vote efforts, and collaborating with a local Political Science department show strong engagement with the field outside the classroom.
• Prominent education section: The education section highlights the candidate’s Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with an expected graduation date that aligns with typical grad school application timelines.

Check out our MBA resume example to get ideas for your own resume:

MBA candidate resume highlights

• Sales acumen: Consistently exceeding sales goals, strategically placing merchandise, and maximizing customer purchases underscore the candidate’s sales abilities and business savvy.
• Quantified achievements: The candidate quantifies achievements on their resume , providing concrete evidence of their ability to drive business results.

Use our PhD resume sample as a guide to help you land your first job outside of academia.

PhD student resume highlights

• Includes varied experience: The resume includes relevant non-academic work experience like the urban studies fellowship and volunteer leadership roles, demonstrating transferable skills.
• Effective summary: The introduction concisely highlights key qualifications like grant writing experience, research expertise, and communication skills relevant to roles outside academia.

Our scholarship resume example will help you put together a resume that’s sure to impress any scholarship committee.

Scholarship application resume highlights

• Relevant academic experience: The coursework listed, such as music theory, composition, production, and digital media, demonstrates the candidate’s dedication to their field of interest.
• Relevant skills: The highlighted skills are valuable assets for a music student and scholarship recipient.

This undergraduate resume example demonstrates how to effectively showcase your unique strengths, accomplishments, and potential as a motivated and capable recent graduate.

Undergraduate resume highlights

• In-depth descriptions of projects: The candidate includes detailed descriptions of relevant coursework projects, showcasing practical experience and academic achievements.
• Unique accomplishments: The candidate includes unique accomplishments like launching an Instagram page and recruiting new employees, highlighting initiative and leadership skills.

We’ve put together five tips to help you write a compelling student resume that makes you come across as competent, professional, and well-equipped to handle the duties of your target role.

1. Emphasize your education

Experienced applicants usually place more emphasis on their work history than their education. But as a student, you’re likely to benefit from having a more comprehensive education section on your resume.

Besides the name and location of your school or college, degree title, and date of graduation, consider adding the following information:

• Relevant coursework
• Extracurriculars
• GPA (if above 3.5)
• Scholarships

Not sure what your education section should look like? Here’s an example:

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science University of California, Los Angeles Expected graduation date: May 20XX GPA: 3.7

Thesis: Urban Heat Island Effect in Los Angeles: Characterization, Causes, and Mitigation Strategies

Relevant coursework: Environmental Policy and Management, Ecological Principles, Sustainable Energy and Resources, Climate Change and Global Sustainability

If your education is your best selling point and you want to downplay your lack of experience, place your education section toward the top of your resume (but below your resume introduction).

2. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction

Because of its placement at the top of the page, the resume introduction is one of the most important parts of a student resume. So start your resume by introducing yourself in a way that captures hiring managers’ attention.

If this is your first time applying for a job and you’re writing a resume with no experience, a resume objective is the best choice. This type of introduction emphasizes your potential, which is perfect when you don’t have any work-related accomplishments.

Here’s one example:

Driven Computer Science major with a passion for technology. Seeking to apply my technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking to real-world projects. Looking to work in a dynamic and challenging environment where I can learn and grow as a developer while making a meaningful contribution to the organization.

On the other hand, if you have some work experience already, go for a resume summary . Resume summaries are written to showcase professional achievements.

This example shows you how to write a student resume summary the right way:

Dedicated Marketing and Communications student with 1 year of experience in marketing and social media management. Possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities and a passion for the marketing industry. Seeking to leverage my skills to contribute to the success of your company.

With a captivating resume introduction, you ensure that hiring managers will read your resume from top to bottom.

3 additional student resume objective examples

Here are some additional examples of well-written resume objectives for students:

Enthusiastic marketing student, currently pursuing a degree in marketing with a solid academic background and a passion for creative branding and digital marketing. Eager to secure an internship where I can apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, gain hands-on experience in campaign development, social media management, and analytics, and contribute to the success of a dynamic marketing team.

Computer science student with proficiency in programming languages, algorithms, and software development. Seeking a challenging internship or entry-level position where I can apply my technical skills, collaborate with experienced professionals, and contribute to innovative projects in a dynamic IT environment. I am passionate about coding, problem-solving, and staying abreast of emerging technologies.

Engineering student with a focus on project management, problem-solving, and innovation. Actively seeking internships or entry-level positions where I can apply my engineering skills, collaborate on projects, and contribute to the successful execution of engineering initiatives. Adept at managing project timelines and resources, I am eager to apply my technical skills in a professional setting and contribute to innovative solutions.

3. Focus on your transferable skills

As a student, you’ve likely developed many transferable skills that hiring managers value. Transferable skills are skills that are useful in a wide range of professional settings.

Here are 20 examples of transferable skills that you’ve probably picked up during your studies:

• Collaboration
• Time management
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Basic IT skills
• Conflict resolution
• Argumentation skills
• Cultural awareness
• Public speaking
• Organizational skills
• Active listening
• People skills
• Stress management

One way to demonstrate your transferable skills on your student resume is by focusing on specific accomplishments instead of just listing tasks you performed.

For example, instead of writing that you volunteered at a charity organization, write something like:

Organized and led a fundraising event that raised $5,000 for a local NGO

This example not only shows that you have transferable skills, such as leadership and event planning, but also demonstrates your effectiveness in using them.

4. Add additional sections to your resume

Including additional sections on your resume can help you showcase your strengths and differentiate you from other applicants.

Adding additional sections is especially helpful if you lack previous work experience, because these sections can provide a fuller picture of your abilities and highlight areas that aren’t covered in your education section, work experience section, or skills section.

Here are some examples of sections you can add:

• Hobbies & interests
• Volunteer experience
• Internships
• Fraternities or sororities

If you’re applying for a job in fields like IT, design, or photography, consider adding a projects section in addition to a link to your website or portfolio (if you have one).

5. Choose the best format for a student resume

Most students should use a chronological resume format .

On a chronological resume, work experience is listed with the most recent job at the top and the least recent job at the bottom. This format allows employers to quickly see how you’ve developed your skills and gained experience over time and whether your abilities match the job they’re hiring for.

And don’t worry if you don’t have any professional experience. In that case, simply list volunteer work or internships you’ve done instead, like in this example:

Student Newspaper Editor October 20XX–Present The Emerald, Portland, OR

• Conduct research and write 3 articles/week covering local news, arts, and campus events for the University of Oregon’s student newspaper
• Produce multimedia content, including photos and videos, to enhance the visual impact of stories
• Participate in 2 editorial meetings/month, contributing story ideas and brainstorming ways to increase readership
• Interview faculty, staff, and students to gather information for articles
• Collaborate with the design team regarding layout and to proofread the weekly publication

Intern July 20XX–January 20XX Pineapple Daily, Portland, OR

• Updated social media accounts, increasing engagement by 12% through the use of multimedia content and real-time reporting
• Assisted reporters with research and fact-checking for daily news broadcasts and online articles
• Participated in news meetings, contributed to story ideas, and offered new perspectives to discussions
• Worked with reporters and editors to produce 5 in-depth articles on local social issues

Resume examples for different industries

Not sure what your resume should look like? The best way to learn is by taking inspiration from resume examples written by other candidates in your industry.

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Resume Summary with No Experience: Examples for Students and Fresh Graduates

By Biron Clark

Published: December 18, 2023

Recent Grads | Resume/CV

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

If you’re looking for how to write a summary for your resume with no work experience , you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through exactly what to do, and then we’ll look at resume summary examples for entry-level job seekers, students and fresh graduates. 

How to Write a Summary For Your Resume With No Experience:

First, a resume summary is different than an objective . And it’s much better. Putting an objective on your resume is outdated and unnecessary. Resume objectives are useless because they don’t share anything the hiring manager doesn’t already know (such as “my goal is to obtain a position in the ___ industry”). So what we’re doing here is better and will help your resume stand out from people who simply put an objective. Whereas, the resume summary gives a quick highlight reel of your qualifications, education, and more. If you’re not sure what a resume summary actually is, check out this article on 10 resume summary examples . And while it’s easier to figure out what to put if you’ve built up some work experience, you can still write an effective resume summary with no work experience whatsoever.

So in this article, I’m going to show you how. What should go into your summary when you don’t have any work experience? 

1. Put academic accomplishments and leadership

What did you study? Did you just graduate with a degree? Mention that. If you took a leadership role in your class projects, or clubs/groups at your school, you can mention that too. Leadership doesn’t need to be in a job to get the hiring manager’s attention! Taking a leadership role in a sports environment is impressive as well. You’re not going to mention specific accomplishments in your resume summary usually (you can do that later in your resume), but you can say things like “proven leadership” or “natural leader”, etc.

2. Put your interests and passions

Are you passionate about startups and technology? Great, put that. Want to make a difference in the world, and focus your career on social impact? Mention that. This can include the grades you received, but also leadership positions you led, and clubs/groups you participated in.

3. Put “hard” skills

If you’re proficient in any tools, technologies, etc… you can include that in your resume summary. Don’t list 20 things. That’s what your “Skills” section is for. But pick the three or four things that are most relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Coming up in this article, we’re going to look at two resume summary examples for people with no experience. .. and in the second example, you’ll see how this would look.

4. Include soft skills

Are you great at analytical thinking? Do you love working as a part of a team? Are you great at multi-tasking and handling a fast-paced team environment? While these shouldn’t be the main focus of your resume summary section, they can be worth mentioning. It’s especially good to include soft skills that you see mentioned in the job description.

For example, if you see they mention wanting someone who’s great at multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, and you feel that describes you well, then your resume summary is the perfect place to include this.

5. Put statements that will grab the employer’s interest and make them want to ask you questions!

If you mention leadership they’ll want to ask you more about your leadership experiences. That’s a good thing. Remember, whatever you put, they’ll probably ask you about. So as you write your summary for your resume, try to think about what you want them to discuss with you, and what you want a chance to talk about. And try to “tailor” your resume to fit the companies you’re applying to. If you’re applying to large corporations don’t start your summary by saying “Startup enthusiast”.

3 Resume Summary Example for Students, Fresh Graduates and Entry-Level Job Seekers:

In this section, I’m going to share three examples of how to write a summary for your resume with no experience. You can use these resume summary examples as a student, entry-level job seeker, or any job search where you don’t have experience:

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #1: Economics Student

Enthusiastic, highly-motivated Economics student with proven leadership capabilities, who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges.

In this example above, you’re showing that you completed your Economics degree and have an interest in the subject, and you’re mentioning leadership and making the reader want to learn more about this. You’re also making yourself sound ambitious and motivated at the end, which is always a good thing (I’m referring to the part that says “who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges). Notice the format too. This is how I recommend phrasing it. Don’t say “I am a ___”. Just start with the descriptive words.

This is a simple yet effective resume summary example for students OR recent graduates.

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #2: Fresh Graduate in Computer Science

Computer Science graduate passionate about data engineering and machine learning. Highly-capable leader, having led multiple Senior class projects to completion. Proficient in a range of modern technologies including Python, Java and Scala.

This is another good example of a student or fresh graduate resume summary that still shows your skills and academic focus, even if you have no formal work experience.  In this entry-level resume summary example, you’re highlighting accomplishments and leadership as a student and you’re also showing that you’re passionate about your work. Saying you’re passionate about data engineering is much better than just saying, “Looking for a job in data engineering.” They’ll know you’re looking for jobs because you applied. Taking up space to say it is a bad use of this area of your resume, and is why I never recommend having a resume “Objective” section. The summary exists instead of an “Objective” and is much better.

The example above also included some great programming keywords (Python, Java, Scala) to help get past any automated application systems and grab the hiring manager’s attention very quickly when they first look at your resume. If you work with any tools or technologies that have names like these, you can include it in your entry-level resume summary if you’d like. Other examples of tools/technologies: Photoshop, MS Excel, etc.

If you decide not to include these on your resume summary, make sure to include them elsewhere such as your Education or Skills section .

Resume Summary Example with No Experience #3: Math Student Graduating Soon

4th year mathematics student passionate about statistics and data analysis. Proven project leader. Active member of Boston University’s Mathematics Club. Speaker at 2018 “New York Young Mathematicians Conference.”

This resume summary example for students shows how you can list accomplishments even if you’ve never formally worked before. Did you participate in any clubs at school? Have you led any class projects? These are impressive pieces you can add to your resume summary with no experience formally working. 

How to Write a Resume Summary For Students/Fresh Graduates – Quick Recap

• Skip buzzwords like “hard-working” and put real academic accomplishments instead, like projects you produced and tasks you led
• Include what you’re interested in and passionate about to show them why you are applying for this position
• Mention hard skills like “Java Programming” or “Excel,”  especially if they’re listed on the job description
• Include soft skills as well like, “excellent at multi-tasking”, especially if you saw these keywords anywhere on the job description
• Include statements in your resume summary that will catch the employer’s interest and make them want to talk with you and ask you more. Remember – the entire goal of your resume is to get invited to interview. So if you did anything unique like giving presentations, working in an internship , participating in a school club, etc., you can include this in your entry-level resume summary.

If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great entry-level resume summary that will stand out and catch a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s attention so you can get more interviews.

After you write your entry-level resume summary, here are two more articles that may be helpful when job searching with no experience:

• The best times of year to job search
• How to create a great elevator pitch for job hunting

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

More Resume Tips & Guides

Crafting the perfect resume for teens (template & expert advice), are resume writers worth it, don’t say you’re a quick learner on your resume, what do recruiters look for in a resume, chronological resume: the best format (and how to write it), the 3 best colors for a resume, career change resume: examples and tips from experts, what makes a good resume 9 ways to know, how long should a resume be, walk me through your resume: answer examples, 7 thoughts on “resume summary with no experience: examples for students and fresh graduates”.

This site was pretty helpful in guiding me throughout my school resume, would love other tips would do well.

This is a great guide. If only schools were actually interested in teaching children real life skills like this.

Hi, I am a student who has been finding it very difficult to make resumes due to the lack of working experience. I am currently trying to find a job while studying at the same time. I am in University completing a certificate and will soon be applying for a BA in Psychology and Criminolgy. However, I wish to apply for a part time job in the fashion industry. Can you please leave me some tips about what I can do to ensure that I can find a job without needing experience.

Your page has really helped, Thank you.

Hi, I’m a job seeker with 2 years experience working as a cart collector at grocery store and an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, is this a good professional summary?: “Reliable team member with a keen interest in information technology and other applications. Capable of handling multiple projects within deadlines. Eager to apply my professional and academic background as an Administrative Assistant at Bogdan Contracting.”

I’ve been job seeking since October 2018, I’m hoping I can start a career in tech support as soon as possible.

Hi Marcais,

I think it sounds pretty good. My least favorite part is the first word, though. “Reliable” sounds pretty average/boring. Sure, you show up, do your job, etc. That’s what I think when I hear “reliable”. But not much more.

I’d look for a better word to lead off with.

I would like to say thank you for making this article about writing a summary for a resume. For the past couple of months, I have been struggling to find someone who can help me with that because I don’t have a lot of experience in my field (i.e. engineering). I do have one question though. Is it appropriate to use first-person nouns in the summary section? I have seen people do that, but I find it quite odd.

Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you.

Hi Frances,

I’d avoid saying, “I” if that’s what you’re asking.

Just say “Led team of 7 people to accomplish ___”

Just start without a pronoun.

Another example: “Highly-accomplished accounting professional who has ____”

Comments are closed.

Нow to Write a Resume Without Work Experience

I need a job to get experience, but I need experience to get a job. This vicious circle often scares students and graduates. How do I start the job search? Start with the best resume possible! 

This guide will show you:

• How to create a perfect resume without work experience?
• How to decide which information to include in your resume
• Great samples to use if you are a student or just are looking for your first job and have no work experience
• Magic tips to succeed at this task
• Learn how to format that resume with no work experience

Dozens of people apply for the job you want to get. They have professional skills and achievements. 65% of employers are looking for experienced candidates.

What if you are a student? You may have an empty space in the section on experience. We don’t want empty white space so keep reading! You may find out you do have experience after all.

If you are a college graduate and/or have an advanced degree, your resume for a college graduate with no official work experience can still look very impressive!

How to Structure Your Resume?

Your first resume with no work experience may include the following sections:

• Title: contact information and desired position.
• Brief information: career goals or objective.
• Education: degrees and academic achievements ( academic projects, publications, practical experience such as internships, volunteer work, personal accomplishments).
• Trainings and certificates
• About myself

You will not only need this resume; You will need a cover letter as well. See our small guide on how to write one .

Stand out from your competitors.  Read each section of this guide and start writing.  Just because you are a student, do not be discouraged!  The resume for your first job as a student will look very professional!

Contact Information

Everything is simple here. You must indicate your full name, phone number, email address, city of residence.

Tip: Do not use unprofessional email addresses like littlesausage19@. Such applicants are simply not taken seriously or become the object of ridicule. Use a professional looking email; for example john.johnson@.

The same goes for social networks. Many serious companies search accounts to learn more about the identity of applicants. Make sure that your account, as well as other sources on the Internet, do not contain compromising photos or information.

How many recruiters use social networks to find candidates?

Career Objectives

There is no need to write here: “I will work for food”, “I am a student and agree to everything.” It’s better to indicate the position you are applying for. For example: trainee, assistant, sales assistant, operator, waiter, junior office manager.

Modern resumes include a summary section instead of career goals. This section goes after your name and contact information and includes one or two sentences about you, your interests, and achievements.

If you do not have experience yet, write about your level of education, relevant skills, professional interests, and work ethic. This section must be adapted according to the requirements of the job you want to have (see the vacancy description).  Even if you are a high school or college student with no work experience, this is a great chance to showcase your teambuilding, writing, computer, or other special skills.

Example No. 1:

“Beginner in the restaurant business, currently getting a bachelor’s degree at the Food Academy. I am a team player who firmly believes that the client is always right. Delighted with Italian food and very interested in working in a fast-food restaurant.”

Example No. 2:

“Author of coursework in mathematics and statistics. I have an effective data analysis and a mathematical mindset. Pay great attention to details. Interested in getting the position of Junior Analyst.”

Resume sample for the student:

Follow the link to use this resume

Education and Academic Achievements

After writing your Career Objective or Summary, you need to add a section with Education. Write here:

• High School and/or University at which you studied
• Your Degree Specialty(ies)
• Academic Degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or Certificate
• The year you graduated
• Awards, published papers, special projects related to that particular job, special relevant term papers or dissertations

Tip: You should add your GPA only if you graduated in the last three years, and if your GPA is above average.

For example:

University of Delaware MS. Computer Science September 2014 – May 2016 

Ohio State University B.S. Information Technology Area of Concentration: Software Engineering September 2010-May 2014

Tip: It is not recommended to use name abbreviations in the resume, because their meanings may not be clear to the employer. Write the names in full.

Extracurricular Activities, Sports and Clubs

Imagine that you are a HR-manager, and you need to choose between these two candidates:

Josh Nerder. Studied at University of Arizona, grades are excellent. But that’s all he did in college — no extracurricular activities, internships, or anything else.

Alex  Activeson. He also studied at University of Arizona, good. Vice President of the business club. He worked in the student parliament. He organized several marketing club events.

Of course, Josh probably has a solid theoretical base, but we don’t know anything about him, except that he studied a lot.

Alex, on the other hand, can manage a team (vice-president of a business club), organize events (marketing club) and bring in new proposals (student parliament).

So, which one would you choose?

And here is how Alex’s activity will look on the resume:

Extracurricular activity: Public speaking club Vice President 09/2018 – 09/2019

• Over 10 public lectures organized
• Speakers from all over the state are involved.
• Public speaking event held

Volunteering

Finally, you can mention volunteering. This can be formal or informal volunteering; for example, serving food at a local homeless shelter or organizing a charity auction. For each volunteer event, indicate who you volunteered for, what your role was, the dates and hours you volunteered, and a brief description.

Awards and achievements

After section of experience (or alternative sections) create a section for awards and achievements. You can list academic or school achievements, such as “Best Presentation” in the classroom or “Highest Grade”. You can also list personal achievements, such as medals in sports. (if they reinforce your profile or illustrate personal qualities).

An example of how to list awards and achievements No. 1:

“Tourism in Broward County”,” Economics and Law”, August 2018. “Basics of Hospitality” – the best group presentation (analysis of McDonalds restaurant).

An example of how to list awards and achievements No. 2:

“Data Analysis of College Majors with the Highest Salaries”, group project for MBA degree.

Trainings, Courses, and Certificates

The ideal option is when you have higher education and want to work in your specialty. But life makes its own adjustments, and such ideal scenarios are far from real life. You may have realized that you are not interested in that profession, and you want to do something completely different

There are professions in which it is impossible to work without higher education – for example, doctors or chemical engineers. But for the rest (say, marketing and PR) there are online courses, distance learning, which may be quite reasonable and teach very specific skills. You can learn from the best professionals in the field at EdX, Udemy, or Coursera. Pass at least one course in the desired profession, get a certificate and indicate it on your resume.

Include the courses you completed at the University, if they are relevant to the position you are applying for. It is enough to indicate the name of the course, as well as add a brief description of what you have learned, and what skills you have acquired. Add a start and end date for the course.

Write about attending seminars, conferences, master classes only if they are related to the work you want to get.

An example of how to write about a course in a resume:

Hospitality Basics Course: Introducing the hospitality industry, including various career paths. In-depth lessons on food and drink, including categories of restaurants and various types of catering.

An example of how to list a certificate:

University of Phoenix, Certificate in Medical Coding, 2019. First Aid and CPR Certificate, 2018

Skills are divided into Hard Skills (professional skills) and Soft Skills (flexible skills of the applicant).

Hard Skills previously were critical, but priorities have changed over time. Employers more and more value Applicant’s Soft Skills, partly because it’s almost impossible to learn them, unlike professional skills that are achieved by practice.

Before filling out the section “Personal Qualities”, think about what is important in the profession that you have chosen. It can be an analytical mindset, determination, punctuality. Indicate these qualities, if you have them. Don’t lie! 🙂

Skill Types for Graduates and High School Students

Your resume may include skills that you have acquired in school, in extracurricular activities, in sports and volunteering. For example, if you played soccer, basketball, or other sports, you have teamwork skills. You were captain? You have leadership qualities.

Did you attend a computer class or learn programs? You have computer skills. Almost everyone has some level of communication skills. If you can keep up the conversation, speak in front of the class, or defend an essay at school, you have written/verbal communication skills.

When you successfully maneuver between personal demands and study, you are flexible. Have you worked on a group project? You have collaboration skills. Did you look after small children? You are reliable.

Top High School Skills

The following are examples of skills that almost every high school student has and almost all employers are looking for:

Communication skills (written and oral) Reliability / Responsibility Following instructions Industriousness Multitasking Organization Fast learner Energy Enthusiasm Initiative Thirst for research Teamwork Cooperation Leadership Positive attitude Digital Technology Technical Skills: Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop

Section “About Me”

We do not recommend indicating your hobbies; in fact, it is not very interesting for a recruiter (if he/she is interested, he/she will ask about them at the interview). It is better to use free space on your resume to talk about the types of tasks you would like to work on as well as areas of professional growth. This is much more interesting for the recruiter.

You can supplement the impression you give with personal qualities that correlate with the necessary skills. For example, for a lawyer, “attention to detail” and “handling stress well”.

You can also talk about your preferences at work.

For example: “I prefer work at a large international company” or “A flexible schedule is desirable.”

Tip: In fact, there is only one requirement: you should summarize your knowledge and skills in terms of the requirements of the vacancy to which you will respond.

Wrong (for the financier): “I like to travel and take pictures. I’m into running and skiing. Single, no children. Without bad habits”.

Right: “I have knowledge of banking products; I am familiar with the methodology of personal financial planning. I prefer to work alone with deep concentration on the task.”

Cover letter with Resume Without Work Experience

Do employers read cover letters?

45 out of 100 recruiters do not even bother to open a student’s resume if there is no cover letter attached to it. Therefore, writing a cover letter doubles your chances of getting into this interview.

Yes, that is correct. You can’t argue with statistics, can you?

Your task is to demonstrate how diligently and actively you want to gain experience. Therefore, the cover letter fulfills precisely this goal. Bet on energy, prospects, lack of family obligations, willingness to devote yourself to work in the name of acquiring the necessary skills. The decision making factor is completed higher education, additional courses, knowledge of foreign languages.

How to issue?

The fastest way is to use an already-prepared template for this purpose. Recommended size – 1 A4 page. You can edit sections, as well as add your own photo. Note that U.S. resumes and cover letters do not contain photos as a rule.

In CV2you, select the Smart or Simple template . It lacks white space for work experience, and correctly placed accents focus the employer’s attention on your education and personal qualities.

Takeaway Tips

• Try to convince the recruiter that you will offer such a level of return to the company that even candidates with 5 years cannot provide. Use the details from your research on the company to demonstrate that you already know something about it (look at the website / social networks, google the latest news, if it is a large company).
• Contact the recruiter by name: find out the name of the hiring manager. Personal appeal is captivating from the start.
• Demonstrate that you are already “included” (at least with one foot) in the required circle of knowledge/communication; you can mention which courses you have completed, literature you have read, or a fact from the latest industry news.
• Read our article on how to write a cover letter with examples .
• Give the text for verification to a competent person; perhaps there are errors in it.
• Highlight any relevant skills or experience you have that are unique or hard to find in other candidates. For example, if you speak multiple languages or have experience working in a particular industry or with a certain type of technology, emphasize how this could be an asset to the company.
• Provide specific examples of past achievements that demonstrate your potential value to the company. This could be something like a project you spearheaded that resulted in significant cost savings, or a successful marketing campaign you ran that generated a high ROI.

Use perfect verbs in your resume:

Wrong: performed, received.

Right: made, reached, read, received.

______________________________________________________________________________

Well, now you know how to create a resume without work experience, and the CV2you template will help you with this!  Whether you are a high school student, a college student, or a college graduate with no formal work experience, you can find the tools to create a professional resume that will give you the best chance to land your first job.

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Free resume template for students and new grads

Download this professional resume template and get started building your resume.

Creating your first professional resume can feel intimidating. So, we’re here to help make it easier! We’ve created this free resume template to get you started. Just follow the steps to download, and then plug in your information to create a resume that recruiters will notice. And check our guide to creating a student or new grad resume with tips on what to include, and some important do’s and don’ts.

Want personalized guidance on your resume? Don't forget to consult your school's career services center !

The resume template includes:

Contact information: Type your first and last name, city and state, phone number and email address. Additional links, like an online portfolio, that are relevant to the roles you’re applying for also go in this section.

Summary: While optional, this “highlight reel” can help grab the employer’s attention and show why you’re a great candidate.

Education: Include your school name, major, degree, and your graduation month and year (or expected date). You can also list academic honors or awards, and courses you’ve taken or major projects completed that are relevant to the job.

Experience: List your experience in reverse chronological order—meaning the most recent experience goes first. If you don’t have a lot of previous work or internship experience, emphasize your involvement with clubs and organizations, volunteering opportunities, and other ways you’ve taken on leadership positions.

Skills: Include technical skills and soft skills—employers are looking for both in potential job candidates.

To create your resume:

• View the free resume template document .
• Click File in the upper left-hand corner.
• You can Make a Copy in Google docs or Download as a Word document.

4. If you made a copy, create a name for it and click OK .

5. Fill in your information. 6. Save your resume as a PDF and upload it to your Handshake profile !

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

Related stories, most recent stories.

Writing a resumé with no experience

Getting your first full-time job is an exciting milestone. It’s the start of your independence and a big part of establishing life as an adult. But before you can take that first step there’s something you need to do: write your resumé.   

Writing an eye-catching resumé is one of the biggest challenges for first-time job seekers. It’s an essential part of applying for jobs , but if you don’t have any work history to share, your resumé can feel a little bare. This is especially the case when it comes to resumés for students with no experience.

In this article, we show you how to make a standout resumé with no experience, with resumé examples and a first-job beginner resumé sample that you can use as a guide when crafting your own.

Downloadable resumé template

If you’re not sure how to write a resumé with no job experience, you can start by downloading one of our free resumé templates . With no job history, you will have to tailor the template to only showcase skills, qualifications and extra-curricular experiences. You can refer to the template as you review the rest of this article, where we cover the content to include in each section. 

Resumé template sections

Even a resumé with no experience can include quite a bit of information, even if you’re removing the job history section. Here are the sections you should include:

• Contact information:  your phone number, email address and any social media links.
• Resumé summary (optional): a sentence or two about who you are and what you can offer.
• Objective statement (optional): a sentence or two about your goals and aspirations .
• Education: a summary of your academic achievements and qualifications.
• Skills:  a list of relevant skills you can bring to the role.
• Projects or special coursework: if you have any school or tertiary projects that are relevant to the role.
• Volunteer experience:  a summary of any charitable, non-paid work you’ve done.
• Extracurricular activities:  any sports clubs or hobby groups you’re in.
• Awards:  a list of any relevant awards you’ve received.
• References available on request: a note to say that references can be provided – or if the rest of your resumé is light, you might want to include your references on it.

As you can see, there’s plenty of information you can include on your resumé, even when you’ve never had a job before. You don’t have to include all of the above, though. Only include details on your resumé that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can put in each section.  

Contact information

The contact information section of your resumé with no experience is where you list the ways that any prospective employer can get in touch with you. This does not have to include your address, but should have your phone number and your email address. Here’s a simple beginner resumé example for contact info:

• Name: your first and last name – include your pronouns in parentheses after your name, if desired
• Email:  triple-check for accuracy and make sure it’s a professional-sounding address
• Phone: phone number with area code
• Social Media:  links to any social profiles you want to include

Resumé summary

A resumé summary can be a good way to start your resumé, because it gives the hiring manager a quick idea of who you are and the skill set you offer. This is a chance to make a good first impression, so keep it concise, highlighting your main goals, skills, aspirations and unique selling points.

For example:

“Bi-lingual media graduate with proficiency in video-editing apps and social media content creation. Excellent communication skills, with majors in scriptwriting, speech writing and journalism.” 

Objective statement  

The next (optional) part of your resumé for students with no experience is an objective statement . This is similar to a summary, and can be used instead of a summary, if you have some professional experience. The difference between a resumé summary and an objective statement is that the latter should demonstrate your key skills and sum up your main goals in applying for this particular role or job. It should show your ambitions and career aspirations.

“Finance honours graduate with a background in accounting, looking to launch a career in forecasting and budget planning as a financial analyst. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with proficiency in Oracle, Axiom and IMB financial planning software.”

The education section is one of the most important parts of a resumé with no experience. Here’s where you list the schools, colleges, universities and other establishments you’ve attended, alongside the qualifications you have. There’s no need to include any grades, unless they are particularly impressive or it’s required by your field. List the subjects you took and the projects you completed, if they’re relevant to the job.

2020–2023 Bachelor of Engineering Science, University of Technology Sydney Courses: Civil Engineering, Data Science Engineering, Chemical Process Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering 

2018-2019 Higher School Certificate, Sydney Science College Courses: Mathematics Extension 2, Science Extension 1 (Major Project: The Most Efficient Power Transmission Methods)

You may not have any experience, but you likely still have some of the skills employers look for . Here’s your chance to list them, tailoring them to the requirements of the job you’re applying for. On a resumé with no experience template, skills are listed in bullet-point form and in two columns. Include any languages you know, other than English. If you have mastered a few different software packages you can also list these out in a separate section called Software Proficiency.

• Excellent written communication 
• Typing (60 wpm)
• Basic bookkeeping
• Project management

Software Proficiency

• Microsoft Word (advanced)
• Microsoft Excel (advanced)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (advanced)
• Illustrator (intermediate) 

Projects or coursework 

Many resumé or CV examples for students with no experience list projects or coursework relevant to the job. This can showcase knowledge or abilities in a field, without having any professional history.

For example: 

2019 HSC Major Work

MYTHOLOGY (paper, clay, metal): A series of sculptures influenced by indigenous culture. Using traditional hand-building techniques, referencing dot paintings and incorporating mineral pigments. Work featured in ArtExpress 2022.

Volunteer experience 

Volunteer work always looks good on a resumé. It shows that you have empathy and the motivation to work outside of receiving a salary. Volunteer work is as valuable on a resumé as paid work and often teaches transferable skills that any employer would find valuable. List out any volunteer experiences you have had, highlighting skills you learned that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

Animal attendant, Adelaide Dogs’ Home Duties: cleaning dog crates and kennels, walking and socialising dogs, liaising with customers, administering medications, processing sales Skills:  Customer service, data entry, POS inventory management, maintenance and cleaning, dog-walking, data entry

Extracurricular activities

Your graduate resumé should include any extracurricular activities relevant to your field. In this section, list hobbies, sports or other interests, with particular focus on those that are relevant to the role. This section can be called Extracurricular or Hobbies and Interests and can include things like sports memberships, any instruments you play (and your level), any special-interest groups you belong to, like bird-watching, chess or salsa dancing. Even if your hobbies aren’t relevant to the job, it can be useful to list them, as they help make you more memorable to the hiring manager and paint a picture of a well-rounded person .  

Hobbies & Interests

• Tennis – member of Carlton Gardens Tennis Club since 2020
• Piano (grade 8)
• Member of the Carlton Community Choir
• Recording music 

Awards or honours 

In a resumé with no experience you should list any special awards or honours you’ve attained. This might include sports awards or academic prizes you won at school or university. It’s a chance to highlight unique achievements that are relevant to the role. If it’s not relevant, you don’t need to include it – just leave this section off your resumé. 

Awards & Accolades

• Alfred Deakin Medal 2019, Deakin University
• Nominated for 2017 AIS Emerging Athlete 

References available on request

At the bottom of your resumé, include a note that references are available on request. Most of the time, employers check references in the final stages of an interview, so they’re not required up front. However, if you have high-profile or well-respected referees you think will help you make a strong first impression, feel free to include them. For someone with no work experience, it’s okay to provide character references from former teachers, club leaders and even family friends. 

There are many ways you can make a resumé with no experience stand out from the rest. Even without official employment, there are skills, qualifications and experiences you can highlight to demonstrate that you’d be a great person for the job. Remember to tailor your resumé to the role and let your positive attitude shine through in your resumé summary. 

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Posted: 19-Aug-24

Location: North Andover, Massachusetts

Type: Full Time

Categories:

Required Education:

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS 

Job Description  

SYA Admissions is a high-energy, fast-paced and creative department that enrolls nearly 200 students every year to attend our schools in France, Italy and Spain. The Assistant Director of Admissions is a key member of the admissions team whose primary responsibility is student recruitment and enrollment management. The Assistant Director of Admissions is an entry-level position which reports to the Associate Director of Admissions and is based at SYA’s home office in North Andover, Massachusetts. This hybrid role requires staff to be in the office three days per week. The start date will be September 2024.

Key duties of student recruitment:  

• 8-10 weeks of domestic travel to promote SYA and recruit students. 
• Prioritize member schools, develop contacts, build itineraries of 8-10 school visits per week and deliver compelling and convincing presentations. 
• Plan logistics for travel including finding competitively priced airfare, hotels and rental cars. 
• Conduct thorough follow-up from school visits including sending thank you notes to school contacts and logging inquiries within 48 hours of the visit. 
• Manage admissions funnel and convert inquiries into enrolled students by proactively contacting inquiries and families by phone, email and in-person. 
• Plan and attend regional receptions and parent weekends at select member schools. 

Key duties of enrollment management:  

• Read applications and evaluate candidates for an assigned country and one additional country. 
• Coordinate Merit Scholarship program and select winners for your assigned country. 
• Yield admitted students to your assigned country. 
• Send enrollment/orientation communications to your assigned country.  
• Serve as department expert for your country’s visa process and assist families through this process. 
• Liaise with your country’s Resident Director to communicate the status of student enrollment. 
• Other duties as necessary to enhance the ability to recruit students or promote SYA’s mission. 

  Qualifications  

The ideal candidate is someone who has studied abroad, lived with a host family and has 0-3 years of relevant work experience. Bachelor’s degree (required). Other qualifications include:  

• Familiarity with U.S. independent school culture. 
• Admissions experience, marketing experience and/or sales experience (highly desirable). 
• Strong work ethic and creative problem-solving abilities. 
• Ability to establish rapport with, and command respect of, students, families, school admins and faculty. 
• Flexibility, good humor and high energy. 
• Willingness and ability to travel by air, sometimes with limited notice. 
• Ability to attend to detail with thoroughness and accuracy. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Comfortable with basic database management and reporting. 
• Proficient in MS Office, Google applications. 
• Valid driver’s license (required). 

Salary is commensurate with experience. SYA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks candidates who add to the diversity of our organization. SYA is committed to building a team that embraces and works toward equity, diversity and inclusion for our entire community, both in the United States and abroad.

To apply, please email a cover letter and résumé to Pam Eaton, Senior Admissions Operations Manager: [email protected]