Chances are, if you’re writing your first resume, you’ve never had a “real job.” But that’s ok. Everybody has to start somewhere. So where do you even start if you have no real work experience?
Fortunately, there is a way to craft your resume to showcase all of the experience, accomplishments and characteristics it takes to land your very first job. Take a look at some key pieces of advice for how to make a resume for your first job.
Like many documents and forms, the resume has a particular format. Many word publishing applications come with different resume templates. You can choose from one of these formats – or you can do a search online and find resume examples that you like.
Whatever the case, it needs to look a certain way. A resume without any formatting will immediately get thrown in the trash by a potential employer. And if your formatting is unorganized or sloppy looking, it won’t bode well for your chances of landing your first job either. So do your research and take resume formatting seriously.
Besides your name and contact information, your resume should first feature a brief summary about you and what you’re looking for. This is called an objective. State what year you are in school as well as any adjectives that you would use to describe yourself. For instance, if you’re a team captain or serve in student council, you could mention your experience in leadership. Also, mention what it is you’re looking for: part-time work, a summer internship or job shadow.
To date, your greatest experience has been your education. Under education, you can highlight your school, GPA as well as any academic achievements you may have received so far in your high school or college career. Academic achievements can be awards or recognitions that you may have received in class, during a school ceremony or through standardized testing.
Follow up your school information with extracurricular, volunteer and leadership experience. While your education gives a picture of how you perform academically, your extracurriculars help to define you as a person. They show your interests, passions and hobbies in addition to defining your ambition and motivation. Finally, list any skills that you have that would help to make you appear more employable. These include leadership, communication and teamwork skills and qualities.
Formatting Matters on Your First Resume
The Order of Your Resume
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