No experience? No problem!
If you are a student or recent graduate without any work experience, you may be drawing a blank when it comes to writing your resume. You need to give yourself more credit! Don’t miss out on applying for the job you want because of lack of experience.
Here are 8 things you can add to your resume aside from work experience:
1. Summary
Start by writing a short 2-4 sentence summary that pitches yourself as the best candidate for the job. You can highlight your objective, skills and personality in a nice little ‘elevator pitch’.
2. Education
List your level of education and completion/graduation date. If you have an impressive GPA, you can highlight it here as well. You can even add classes that you have taken outside of school if they are relevant to the position. For example, successfully completing a babysitting course could show that you are responsible and trustworthy.
3. Acquired Skills
Just because you don’t have experience, doesn’t mean you don’t have any relevant skills. List transferable skills you may have learned from household jobs like cleaning the garage (organization) or from playing sports (teamwork).
4. Volunteer Work
Volunteering within your school or community shows employers that you are a motivated person who likes taking on projects and can balance a busier schedule. Bonus points if your volunteer work is in the same industry as the job you are applying for!
5. Awards and Achievements
Highlight your accolades such as being on the honor roll, receiving a scholarship or being recognized in school.
6. Extracurricular Involvement
Being the lead in your school play or being a valued member on a sports team can give an employer a good idea of how you work with others.
7. References
Ask your favorite teacher or coach to give your resume the edge by providing a recommendation and contact information.
8. Languages
Do you speak more than one language? This could be a huge benefit to your future employer!
Remember – your resume is your personal marketing tool and your first impression to a potential employer. Don’t be modest and show them why you are the best person for the job.
Source: https://www.resume.com/careers/resume-writing/8-things-put-resume-no-experience-teens/