If this is your first time on the job market, you might wonder how to write a resume with no work experience. Of course, some experience is helpful, but if you are a recent graduate or about to graduate, chances are you do not have relevant work experience to include in your resume.
No worries! Here are some tips from the top employment agencies Toronto on how to vamp up your resume without prior work experience.
How to Write a Resume With No Work Experience
- Summary Statement
Your resume summary statement should consist of 3 to 4 sentences. It should highlight your objective, the highest level of education, and skills. The summary statement is the first thing a potential employer looks at when sifting through dozens of resumes. So, make sure that yours stands out. Some colleges and high schools offer courses on how to write a resume for students and you should take advantage of these.
- Education
List your most relevant level of education in your resume. Grad school, college, and high school should suffice, as well as any relevant training or vocational courses. You do not need to include elementary school or junior high as this is not something employers look at. If your GPA or class rank is outstanding, you can include this as well, in addition to any courses that may pertain to the job for which you are applying.
- Internships
You should list any paid or unpaid internships that apply to the position for which you are applying. Internships often make up for a lack of job experience as they show that you have some hands-on experience in that given area.
- Skills
Be sure to list any skills you may have acquired such as computer experience, filing, leadership skills, and so forth. Also, include any languages in which you are fluent.
- Achievements and Awards
Always highlight any achievements and/or awards such as scholarships, honor roll, or other awards that you have achieved in your school career.
- Volunteer Work
Employers look at volunteer experience as this shows your altruistic nature. Include any volunteer activities that are especially relevant to the job.
- Extracurricular Activities
Don’t forget to include your extracurricular activities in your resume. Both volunteer and extracurricular activities show that you have time management skills, which is something that employers look for in potential job candidates.
- References
Ask your coach, principal, dean, or favorite teacher if you can list them as a reference and then list their contact information with their permission, of course.
Always keep your resume current. Add any new information as soon as you can to keep your resume accurate and up-to-date. And it doesn’t hurt to tailor your resume to each job for which you are applying. Always have a hard copy of your resume handy, as well as having it saved online or on your computer. Use a professional email address for your resume. Employers will pass over a resume with an email address such as “FratBoy18” or “PartyGal4Ever!”
It doesn’t hurt to write a cover letter for each job, as well. They do not have to belong. However, they are a great way to show off your skills and emphasize why you are the ideal candidate for the job. You can find templates for both cover letters and resumes online.
If you need help on how to write a resume with no work experience or need general help with your job search, contact Team Global / MSM. We can help you improve your resume and find your dream job. Call us today to get started!