How to Write a Resume With No Jobs

Even if you have not had a job, other experiences, such as internships and clubs, can teach skills valued by an employer. Plenty of applicants do not have previous job experience, but many employers are looking for someone to fill an entry level position.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer

1. List contact information at the top of the resume. Include your email address and phone number. Use a professional-looking email address, not an email with a funny name, gaming character, hobby reference or other overly personal aspect.

2. List your education experience at the top of your resume. If you have been to college, include the name and location of the school, the dates you attended, your major and minor and GPA. If you have not been to college, list your high school, but do not list both.

3. List all internships under work experience. Highlight all skills developed at the internship as well as duties performed. Internships give you experience in the career field you want to enter, even if you did not get paid or work full time. Internships give you professional work experience valued by employers.

4. List work experience even if it does not correlate with the job you are applying for, such as working at a restaurant. Employers do not expect you to have a lot of work experience when applying for an entry level job. Working at a restaurant, for example, shows customer service skills and the ability to take direction.

5. List any volunteer experience or club membership. You can learn many leadership skills in clubs and volunteering. This experience also shows you have a life outside work and school. Highlight any official positions held in the club, such as president or treasurer. Describe your duties as if they were a job.

6. List teams you have been on. Employers also look for the ability to work well with others. Being on an athletic teams or debate team is similar to working on a team in the career world.

7. Make a section called "Skills" and list your computer experience, such as how fast you can type, if you have done Internet research, and if you know how to use Microsoft Office, Photoshop or web design software. List any foreign languages you know and your level of proficiency. Use words like "conversant," "fluent," and "proficient."

8. Note any awards or achievements from work, school, or other activities.

Tips & Warnings

• Limit your resume to one page in length. Don't exaggerate your accomplishments. Present yourself as a professional. List your experience in chronological order. List 2 to 3 bullet points explaining what you did and learned at each job or activity.

Resources

• Types of Resume Formats

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[tiffanycole]

on 9/2/2009 You covered all the bases here. Good article.