You’ve completed your education, crossed off the endless list of prerequisites your dream job calls for, and are over-the-top excited to step into the professional world.
But there’s one significant hurdle you must jump – crafting a resume that truly represents you, especially if it’s your very first job resume.
So, how do you design a resume that stands out when you barely have any job experience?
Fear not, we’re here with this comprehensive guide to help you create your first resume, including an illustrative resume template example.
The Resume Basics
Let’s start with understanding what a resume is and why it’s so important.
A resume is a succinct document, typically one to two pages long, offering a snapshot of your skills, achievements, educational background, and experiences.
Most importantly, for first-time job seekers, it showcases your potential.
Remember, your resume is your first impression on potential employers—it’s the golden ticket to securing an interview.
Structuring Your Resume
While resume structures may vary based on individual needs, the following represents a typical structure:
- Contact Information
- Career Objective/Summary
- Skills Section
- Education
- Certifications
- Extra Curriculum/Internship experience or Volunteer Work
- References (Optional)
Important Tips:
Keep in mind these key points:
- Length: Your resume should ideally be one to two pages long.
- Fonts and Format: Keep the font size between 10-12 and stick to professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Bullet your points for better readability.
- Language: Keep it simple & professional. Make sure your resume is free of jargon and grammatical errors.
“Every word on your resume should add value. Take the time to carefully curate and craft its content.”
Decoding the Resume Sections
Let’s delve into what each section in your resume should encompass.
Contact Information
Fairly straightforward, this section includes your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one).
Career Objective or Summary
This is a snapshot of what you bring to the table.
Keep it short and precise, focusing on what you seek to achieve in your career and how the role aligns with these goals.
Skills Section
Here’s where you list your abilities relevant to the job.
These could be hard skills (like proficiency in a foreign language, coding, or graphic design) or soft skills (like leadership, communication, or problem-solving).
Education
List your educational background in reverse-chronological order, beginning with the most recent degree or diploma.
Include the school name, course of study, graduation year, and any honors or awards.
Certifications
If you’ve completed any certifications that have enhanced your skills or knowledge relevant to the job, list them here.
Internship Experience, Volunteer Work, and Extracurricular
Highlight your internships or relevant volunteer work, along with the skills you’ve gained.
Don’t forget to include any extracurricular activities or leadership roles you’ve been a part of – they often demonstrate transferable skills.
Example Resume Template
Let’s bring the above theory to life with this example first job resume:
Maria Thompson
Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Email: mariathompson@example.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/mariathompson
Objective: Driven and enthusiastic recent graduate in Computer Science seeking a position as a Software Developer at XYZ Company to contribute to innovative software solutions. Proficient in various coding languages and known for detail orientation and creative problem-solving.
Skills:
- Proficient in JAVA, Python, and C++
- Strong logical reasoning and analytical skills
- Quick learner with good communication skills
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Some University, 2021
- Relevant coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Systems
- Dean’s List, 4 semesters
Certifications:
- Advanced Certification in Python, 2020
Internship/Experience:
- Intern, ABC Tech, Summer 2021; Assisted lead developer in managing back-end services and coding various modules.
Extracurricular Activities:
- Vice President, Computer Science Club, Some University
Conclusion: It’s More Than Just a Resume
Crafting your first resume may seem daunting, but remember – everyone starts from scratch.
The key is to communicate your potential and match your skills and experiences to the job requirements.
Remember, your resume is your personal brand, make it unique, authentic, and impactful.
Now it’s your turn to create a resume that opens the door to your dream job. Good luck!
Sources & Further Reading:
- The Balance Careers – Tips for Writing Your First Resume
- Indeed – Writing Your First Resume
- Illustrated Guide on How to Write a Resume with Little Experience
FAQs – How to Make a Resume for Your First Job?
What is a resume and why do I need one for my first job?
A resume is a document outlining your skills, experiences, and education relevant to the job you are applying for. As a first-time job seeker, a resume communicates your capabilities and potential value to prospective employers, which is crucial for getting an interview.
How do I start writing my resume for my first job?
Begin by noting down all your relevant academic achievements, skills, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. Then, categorize this information into different sections of a resume such as ‘Objective’, ‘Skills’, ‘Education’, and ‘Experience’. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for.
What should I include in the Objective section of my first resume?
As a first-time job applicant, your objective section should summarize who you are, your career goals, and why you would make a good fit for the position. It should paint a picture of you as a motivated and ambitious individual eager to contribute and learn.
I have no work experience, what should I put under the Experience section?
For your first job, focus on any informal work experiences like babysitting, pet sitting, or volunteer work. You can also include school projects, summer camps or internships. The goal is to show you have some experience in a work environment, even if it’s not traditionally paid full-time employment.
What type of format should I use for my first resume?
As a first-time job applicant, go for a chronological format highlighting your education, academic achievements, and extra-curricular activities at the top, followed by any informal work experience.
How to list my skills on my first resume?
Identify soft and hard skills relevant to the job listing and organize them in a dedicated ‘Skills’ section. Soft skills may include problem-solving and time-management, while hard skills could be proficiency in a foreign language or mastering a software.
What kind of references should I consider for my first resume?
References can be teachers, school counselors, coaches, club advisers, or anyone who’s observed your work ethic. Put your referees’ contact details in a separate reference section, or note that they’re available upon request.
How long should my first resume be?
As a first time job seeker, it’s acceptable for your resume to be a single page long, capturing all relevant skills, experiences, and education.
Should I use a resume template for creating my first resume?
Yes, using a resume template as a starting point can provide you with the right structure and layout. Make sure to customize it according to your personal details and the job you’re applying for.
Does the design of my resume matter for my first job?
Yes, your resume should look professional and easy to read. Stick to simple designs, clear headings, and bullet points. Avoid excessive use of graphics or intricate designs that could distract from the content.