How to Write a Resume With No Experience: 10+ Examples

To write a good resume with little to no work experience, highlight your education first, listing relevant courses and impressive GPA if you’ve got it. Include part-time jobs, volunteer work, internships, and school projects in the experience section to show you’ve been building skills. Add a skills section, focusing on the hard and soft skills you’ve picked up from education, hobbies, or work. Tailor your resume to each job by weaving in keywords from the job description. And don’t forget to proofread — typos are a no-go. With these steps, you’ll show employers you’re proactive, capable, and ready to dive into the professional world.

Whether fresh out of college, switching careers, or returning from a long break, getting your foot in the door can be tough. You’re up against candidates with more experience, and your resume currently looks pretty sparse in comparison.

You have the drive and potential for the job, but how do you show that to recruiters in the seconds they spend scanning your resume?

The good news is, you likely have more skills and experiences than you realize. Have you got an education, joined clubs, or played sports? With the right wording and a few smart tricks, you can highlight these and catch recruiters’ attention — even without a packed professional history.

This guide will show you: 

• How to make a resume with no experience good enough to compete with experienced candidates.
• No experience resume examples and templates. 
• Why you’re struggling to get a job and how to find solutions. 

How to Write a Resume With No Experience From Start to Finish

Ah, the age-old paradox: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to gain experience. Sure, experience helps get better employment, but employers do realize you have to start somewhere, sometime. 

Having no work experience isn’t a dealbreaker — far from it. Jumping into the workforce or a new field shows you’re flexible and ready to adapt to new situations, responsibilities, and environments. You’re also bringing new skills and fresh perspectives, which can lead to innovative solutions and fresh ideas.

But you already know this, and you know you have the potential to succeed. You just need to make a solid first impression, starting with your resume. 

Here’s an overview of all the steps to writing a resume with no experience: 

1. Use the reverse chronological resume 
2. Add your contact details
3. Provide a tailored resume objective statement
4. Add your academic background in the education section
5. Complete your “Experience” section
6. Create additional resume sections
7. List key skills in the “Skills” section (+ Fields of Interests) 
8. Include relevant keywords from the target job description 
9. Get resume feedback
10. Double-check your resume

Let’s dig deeper into those all-important details. 

1. Use the Reverse Chronological Resume 

Many ‘experts’ advocate for a functional resume format if you have no experience, placing your skills at the top — they are wrong. 

In most cases, sticking with the classic reverse-chronological format makes the most sense. This setup highlights your work history at the top of the page, starting with your most recent role and moving backward.

So, why go with reverse chronological if you’re light on work experience? It’s simple: this format is most familiar to employers and therefore preferred over other styles. Recruiters know where to pinpoint key details, and applicant tracking systems (ATS) find it easier to scan your resume.

For a jobseeker with no experience, a “modified” reverse chronological resume can have the same effect. Here’s what that could look like: 

• Contact information 
• Objective statement 
• Education (degrees, GPA, coursework, and projects). 
• Experience (volunteer work, internships, and part-time jobs) 
• Additional sections (awards, extracurricular activities, and certifications)
• Skills (hard and soft skills) 

If you have more work experience, such as freelancing, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, you should place these at the top, followed by your education section. Just keep everything relevant and demonstrate your skills through successes or positive outcomes. 

In short: opt for the reverse-chronological format. But if you’re curious, here’s a roundup of the other resume structures: 

• Functional (skills-based) format. This structure prioritizes your skills by placing them front and center. However, recruiters may misinterpret this and question the intent behind hiding your work history. Plus, this older format doesn’t fare well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• ​​Hybrid (combination) format. Combining elements of chronological and functional formats, this approach emphasizes your skill set alongside substantial work experience. It can work if you have extensive professional achievements or a broad range of technical skills to highlight — for a no-experience resume, it likely won’t work.

In some cases, if you’ve only done odd jobs and have no college degree, a combination resume could help take attention away from flaws in your work history by focusing primarily on your skills — but it will only work if you’ve had some work history, even if not in your desired field. 

That said, a reverse chronological format still succeeds in showcasing your skills and academic achievements. 

Learn more about the importance of choosing the right structure: How to Format a Resume & What Standard Resume Format to Use

2. Add Your Contact Details

Perhaps the easiest part of resume writing — but if you make a careless mistake here, you’re not getting any callbacks.

Here’s what you need to include:

• Name. Make it big and bold at the top.
• Phone number. Always double-check — you don’t want to miss a call because of a typo.
• Email address. Include a professional email like: [email protected] (your old [email protected] will do nothing but raise a few eyebrows). 
• Location. You don’t need to put your full address; just your city and state will do. 
• LinkedIn or personal website. Check your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional while matching the details on your resume. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, now’s the time to create one. A personal website or portfolio is a great addition to show off any projects. 

Here’s an example of how to display your contact details: 

3. Provide a Tailored Resume Objective Statement

A common myth: a resume summary always beats the “old-fashioned” objective statement. Not quite. An objective statement can be beneficial if you’re new to the workforce. It shifts the focus away from your work history to your future aspirations.

A resume objective is a brief statement, right under your contact details, where you outline your career goals and what you bring to the table. It’s your chance to explain to employers why you’re a perfect fit for the role. 

Keep it short and sweet, about 3 to 4 sentences. Start by introducing yourself, with your field of study and any skills relevant to the job. Wrap up by sharing why you’re interested in the position and what you hope to achieve. 

Choosing a resume objective over a summary makes sense with a lack of work experience because it looks forward. A resume summary typically focuses on past accomplishments, which can be tricky if you haven’t worked much. While an objective is all about where you’re heading and why you’re excited about the role.

Check out these objective examples: Best Resume Objective Examples for 100+ Jobs

Here’s how to write a compelling resume objective section: 

• Mention your education or background. For example, “Recent Marketing Graduate” or “Aspiring Software Developer.”
• Point out key skills relevant to the job. Think about what you learned in college or through extracurricular activities.
• State your professional goals and explain how you see your future career.
• Let them know why you’re excited about this particular job or company. 
• Write your objective last, so you can review your entire resume and pick out the best parts for your opening statement. 

Examples of top-tier resume objective statements from candidates with little experience

Here are three different resume objective sections for those with no professional experience:

Resume objective with no experience, example 1:

Motivated high school graduate, passionate about digital marketing and social media management. Eager to leverage coursework in digital communication and hands-on experience with content creation to contribute to a dynamic marketing team. Proven ability to adapt quickly, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to learning and growth. Looking to join XYZ Corp’s marketing team to help drive impactful marketing campaigns and contribute to customer acquisition.

Resume objective with no experience, example 2:

College graduate with a degree in Computer Science. Technically proficient with a solid foundation in programming languages Java, Python, and SQL. Demonstrated problem-solving skills through academic projects and internships. Eager to launch a career in software development to develop my skills in web development and contribute to innovative projects. Excited to bring my technical skills and enthusiasm to ABC Tech’s software development team to create cutting-edge solutions.

Resume objective with no experience, example 3:

Dedicated and detail-oriented student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Strong academic background in finance and accounting, with coursework focused on financial analysis and budgeting. Seeking an entry-level role in financial services to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios. Proven ability to work collaboratively in team settings, excellent time management skills, and a passion for delivering high-quality results. Enthusiastic about the opportunity to join DEF Finance’s team and contribute to their financial analysis and budgeting efforts.

Note: Name-dropping the company takes around ten seconds but will make each resume feel and read so much more tailored and meaningful.

How to make your resume objective section stand out 

DO:

✅ Clearly state your career goals and how they align with your future position. 

✅ Highlight what makes you a strong candidate by focusing on abilities that match the role. 

✅ Convey your eagerness to contribute and grow within the company.

DON’T:

❌ Give generic statements that could apply to any job — be specific. 

❌ Write a novel. A concise, 2-3 sentence objective is more effective than a lengthy paragraph.

❌ Focus solely on what you want out of the job. They know you need a job. Tell them what you have to offer.

❌ List skills and experiences that aren’t relevant to the job. 

4. Add Your Academic Background in the Education Section

Without much work experience, your education takes center stage as the first section of your resume. Sure, it doesn’t have as much professional standing, but you can easily use this section to show your potential. 

List your highest degree first, including the name of the degree, your major, the institution you attended, and your graduation date. You can also mention your GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher. 

Your education section is where you can show off the skills and knowledge you gained during your studies. Include relevant coursework, academic projects, honors, and extracurricular activities to show recruiters you have a strong foundation of skills. 

For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role and took courses in digital marketing and social media strategy, include those with concrete examples. Or if you completed a significant project, like developing a marketing plan for a class, mention that too. 

Make sure your education section leaves a lasting impression: How to List Your Education Section On a Resume

Follow these steps to show your skills and knowledge in the education section:

• List your most recent or highest level of education first. Include the degree name, major, school name, and graduation date.
• Include coursework directly related to the job you’re applying for to show you’ve got the necessary knowledge.
• Outline any major projects where you applied your skills with positive results. 
• Include honors and awards to demonstrate your achievements and dedication.
• Mention any clubs, societies, or extracurricular activities where you held a key position or made significant contributions. 

Examples of the resume education section when you have no professional experience

Check out these examples of how to list your education and accomplishments: 

Education section for a resume with no experience, example 1:

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
University of California (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: June 2024
GPA: 3.7/4.0

Relevant Coursework: American Literature, Narrative and Storytelling, Literary Theory and Criticism, and Creative Writing.
Honors: Dean’s List (4 semesters). 
Activities: Editor of the university newspaper and member of the debate team.

Education section for a resume with no experience, example 2:

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
University of Texas 
Austin, TX
Graduated: May 2024
GPA: 3.8/4.0

Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Principles of Marketing, Operations Management, Business Ethics
Certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Projects: Developed a marketing plan for a local nonprofit and conducted a business operations analysis for a startup. 

Education section for a resume with no experience, example 3:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
Graduated: December 2023
GPA: 3.9/4.0

Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development, Database Systems
Projects: Developed a personal finance management app and created a dynamic website for a local business. 
Activities: President of the Coding Club and volunteer tutor for Introduction to Programming students. 

Here’s what your education section could look like on your resume:

How to make your resume education section stand out 

DO:

✅ Include projects and extracurriculars that demonstrate your practical skills and interests.

✅ Mention any internships or training programs to show hands-on experience. 

✅ List certifications to back up your skills and specialized knowledge. 

DON’T:

❌ List irrelevant courses that will only clutter your resume.

❌ Skip key details, such as degree name, major, institution, and graduation date.

❌ Forget formatting — keep it clean and professional with bullet points. 

5. Complete Your “Experience” Section

You might feel tempted to skip your work experience section if you don’t have a strong professional background, but this could backfire. Recruiters might think you’re hiding something or just forgot to include it — not a good look.

It’s not just about paid work. You can include volunteering, internships, freelancing, part-time jobs, or even significant school projects. The goal is to show you’ve been actively developing skills and have the right work ethic for a professional setting.

For example, volunteering at an animal shelter demonstrates empathy, knowledge of animal care, and organizational skills. Part-time tutoring shows you have great communication, time management, and leadership abilities. Any part-time jobs where you had to handle cash or interact with customers will make your resume stronger.

But just listing job titles, tasks and responsibilities isn’t enough — try to turn your experiences into a compelling story about your readiness for the job.

Use bullet points to describe your duties and focus on outcomes that matter for the job you want. For example, if a job requires strong customer service skills, and you worked part-time in retail, emphasize how you boosted satisfaction scores by interacting with customers.

Even limited work experience can make an impression. Find out more: How to Describe Your Work Experience on a Resume.

Here’s a breakdown of how to write the experience section of a resume: 

• Remember that any job is better than no job. Include internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, or freelance gigs — ideally, ones relating to the job you’re after, but if you’ve only held “odd” jobs so far, include those anyway. 
• Instead of just listing your duties, emphasize what you accomplished. Even the small wins count, such as getting positive feedback from your boss or helping your colleagues when under pressure. 
• Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to make your experiences sound more dynamic and engaging. Verbs like “organized,” “created,” or “led,” can make an impact. 
• Highlight transferable skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

Simple formulas for writing powerful bullet points with no work experience

Do you some the experience, but aren’t sure how to present it on paper? To highlight your achievements and skills, use these formulas to structure your experience section: 

Examples of the best experience sections from candidates without professional experience

Here are examples of “Experience” sections for someone with no professional experience using the tried-and-tested formulas: 

Work experience entry on a resume with limited experience, example 1: 

Vice President, Student Government Association, XYZ College
• Managed budgets to ensure efficient allocation of resources for various student activities.

Volunteer, Local Animal Shelter
• Organized adoption events with the goal of increasing animal adoptions and community engagement.

Software Development Project
• Collaborated with a team to create a mobile app prototype for finding pet sitters, showcasing proficiency in coding and problem-solving.

Work experience entry on a resume with limited experience, example 2: 

Freelance Graphic Designer
• Designed logos and marketing materials to ensure brand consistency and client satisfaction, demonstrating creativity and attention to detail.

Event Photographer
• Captured and edited photos for local events, providing high-quality visual storytelling that met client expectations.

Personal Blog Writer
• Published weekly articles on technology and digital trends, engaging over 500 monthly readers with insightful content, and showcasing strong writing and research skills.

Work experience entry on a resume with limited experience, example 3:

Team Leader, Community Outreach Program
• Coordinated volunteer efforts for local charities to demonstrate leadership and organizational skills, resulting in increased community engagement.

Research Assistant, XYZ University
• Assisted in data collection and analysis for a public health research project, contributing to academic knowledge and project success by applying analytical skills.

Peer Tutor, XYZ High School
• Helped students with coursework in mathematics and science to improve understanding and grades, showing strong communication and teaching abilities.

6. Create Additional Resume Sections

These sections are super useful because they serve as concrete, verifiable proof of your professional development and skills. 

Good “extra” sections to add to a resume with no experience include:

• Awards
• Certifications
• Extracurricular activities
• Projects
• Publications
• Relevant coursework
• Volunteering
• Custom (e.g., licenses, specialized training)

Awards 

Use this section to showcase any recognitions, honors, or achievements. Employers appreciate candidates who go the extra mile, plus awards are solid proof of your capabilities.

Keep it simple with a short explanation of how you earned the award.

Sample awards and honors sections for a no-experience resume:

Awards and Honors

Student Leadership Award 2020, XYZ University, Charleston, IL
• Honored for leading the student council to organize successful campus events, increasing student participation by 50%. 

Hackathon Winner 2021, Tech City, California
• Won first place in a 48-hour hackathon for developing an app that helps students effectively manage their time. 

Extracurricular activities 

Extracurricular activities tell recruiters what type of person you are and the skills you could transfer to the company. Think about roles you’ve had in clubs, sports, or organizations. Did you lead a team, contribute to events, or manage projects? Great, it shows you’ve got communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. 

Adding extracurricular activities alongside positive outcomes shows you’re proactive and always looking to grow. Employers are keen to hire candidates who are self-driven and eager to learn. 

Extracurricular activities for a resume with no experience example:

Extracurricular Activities

President, University Debate Club 
XYZ University, Detroit, MI
September 2021–May 2023

• Led a team of 20 members and organized weekly practice sessions.
• Coordinated and participated in regional and national debate competitions.
• Developed strong public speaking and argumentation skills.

‍

Captain, High School Soccer Team
ZYX High School, Delaware, OH
September 2021–May 2023

• Managed team practices and led strategy meetings
• Encouraged teamwork and sportsmanship among teammates
• Achieved regional championship title in 2020

Projects 

Your projects section is where you can highlight any major tasks or assignments that took a lot of time and skills. And no, I’m not talking about that middle school volcano experiment. Think about real, meaningful work you’ve done, whether it was part of your coursework, during an internship, or on your own time.

Let’s say you’re applying for a role in software development. You could talk about when you built a website or an app as a class project to demonstrate you have practical experience and can apply your skills in real-world scenarios. 

Sample projects section for a resume with little experience:

Project: E-commerce Website Development

ABC University, Austin, TX
January 2023 – March 2023

• Designed and developed a fully functional e-commerce website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as part of a web development course.
• Implemented shopping cart, user authentication, and payment gateway integration features.
• Collaborated with a team of four classmates, using project management tools to ensure smooth workflow and timely delivery.
• Received an A for the project and positive feedback from the professor for innovative design and user-friendly interface.

Relevant coursework 

Including practical or written work assignments in your coursework section provides a closer look at your specialized knowledge. Focus on the classes that tie into the skills in the job description, and mention any noteworthy grades or feedback you received. 

Remember, course names can sometimes be a mouthful, so simplify them to make it easier for recruiters. For example, instead of “Computational and Artificial Intelligence II,” you could simply say “Computers and AI.”

Here’s an example of how to include relevant coursework on your resume:

Relevant coursework

Course: Digital Marketing 
AABB University, Honolulu, HI
January 2022 – April 2023

• Developed comprehensive marketing campaigns leveraging social media platforms and SEO techniques.
• Created and executed a digital marketing plan for a local business, resulting in a 20% increase in online engagement.
• Received positive feedback from the instructor on creativity and strategic thinking.

You can list relevant coursework in your education section, but if you've taken courses that are super relevant to the job you're after, go ahead and create a separate section to really highlight those skills and how you applied them.

Volunteering

Adding volunteer experience to your resume is more than just padding — it’s a way to show off your skills and values. Whether you integrate it into your work experience or give it a dedicated section, volunteering says a lot about your character and dedication. 

Highlight how you’ve contributed to your community, worked with others, and developed relevant skills. Even if your volunteer work isn’t directly related to the job description, it still shows valuable qualities like reliability, teamwork, and empathy. 

Sample volunteer work section for a resume with no experience: 

Volunteer Experience 

Youth Mentorship Program, San Diego, CA
Mentor
June 2023 – September 2023

• Mentored at-risk youth in academic achievement and personal development.
• Helped organize weekly workshops on leadership and communication skills. 
• Recognized for dedication and positive influence on academic performance and personal growth.

7. List Key Skills in the “Skills” Section (+ Fields of Interests) 

Your skills section is where you can summarize the abilities you’ve developed through school, part-time work, or other jobs. Don’t feel the need to list every skill under the sun — focus on quality over quantity, with those most relevant to the job.

Use short phrases with bullet points to describe your skills — keep it concise, your abilities should speak for themselves in your education and work experience sections. You can also categorize them into hard and soft skills to keep everything clear and organized. 

Hard skills are your technical abilities, usually developed through education or work, including software proficiency, coding languages, or technical tools. These are the skills recruiters look out for, so be specific and think about how these abilities align with the job description.

Soft skills are the interpersonal qualities that make you effective in any workplace — things like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These are typically implied in your other sections, so you don’t need to emphasize them as much in the skills section. 

Here are some in-demand hard and soft skills that will look good on a resume with no experience: 

It’s also smart to create a category for “Fields of Interest” if you have skills related to specific industries or areas you’re passionate about. For example, if you’re aiming for a career in digital marketing, you might list skills like social media management, content creation, and SEO. This helps employers see where your interests lie and how your skills align with their needs.

Learn how to highlight your strengths with our AI Skill Explorer. 

Follow these steps to create an organized skills section:

• Think about skills you’ve developed through education or transferable skills from other roles. These can include hard skills (like technical abilities) and soft skills (like communication or teamwork).
• Read the job description and pick skills relating to your own experiences when including them in your resume.
• Give examples or brief descriptions of how you’ve used each skill. This could be from coursework, projects, or any practical experience.
• Group skills into categories if it helps to organize them. For example, technical skills, interpersonal skills, and language proficiency.

Examples of the skills section for resumes with no experience

Here are some skill sections from people with different areas of expertise and knowledge: 

Skills to put on a resume with no experience, example 1: 

• Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
• Content management systems (CMS) like WordPress
• Google Analytics for basic website traffic analysis

Skills to put on a resume with no experience, example 2: 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and spoken)
• Conversational proficiency in French and German
• Experience translating documents and interpreting for community events
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding gained through language study
• Ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences

Skills to put on a resume with no experience, example 3: 

• Excellent time management and prioritization abilities
• Experience coordinating schedules and managing calendars
• Proficient in data entry and maintaining accurate records
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks efficiently

How to make your resume skills section stand out 

DO:

✅ Customize your skills section by identifying abilities most essential in the job ad. 

✅ Add transferable skills if you’re coming from another field and adapt them to the new role. 

✅ Give further details of your skills with measurable outcomes in other resume sections. 

DON’T:

❌ List skills that do not apply to the job you’re targeting.

❌ Include generic terms like “team player” or “detail-oriented” without specific examples.

❌ Forget to update your skills section as you gain more experience or acquire new skills. 

8. Include Relevant Keywords From the Target Job Description 

While other candidates might have more work experience, you can still get ahead with some savvy resume-writing tricks. One key strategy is using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to your advantage.

ATS is software that scans resumes for specific keywords to see if candidates match the job description. Your resume likely won’t reach a human recruiter if you don’t make it through this first round. And this is a common practice. In 2023, Fortune 500 found that 97.4% of their companies used ATS.

Luckily, you don’t have to guess the keywords, the job ad spells them out for you. Read through it carefully and highlight the keywords — often skills or attributes like “customer service,” “project management,” or “data analysis.”

When using these keywords, integrate them naturally into your resume. For example, if the job description emphasizes Excel proficiency, mention any relevant coursework or completed projects using Excel. Give concrete examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in your academic projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. 

Discover more tips to get around the system: How to Use Resume Keywords to Beat the ATS

Here’s how to add relevant keywords and ensure your resume is ready for ATS:

• Study the job description carefully to identify key skills, qualifications, and requirements.
• Highlight important keywords and phrases that appear multiple times in the job description. These are typically skills, specific technologies, or responsibilities. 
• Integrate these keywords throughout your resume in the skills section, work experience descriptions, and resume objective. 
• Don’t just repeat the exact keywords. Use synonyms or related terms to cover all variations the ATS might be programmed to recognize.
• Proofread your resume thoroughly to ensure there are no spelling mistakes or formatting issues to trip up the ATS.

Or, you can use Rezi AI Keyword Targeting to find keywords automatically, here’s how to do it: 

• Enter your job title, job description, and company name into Rezi’s AI Keyword Targeting tool by copying and pasting from the job listing.
• Let the tool analyze the job details and provide a list of suggested keywords to enhance your ATS success.
• Review the suggested keywords and identify the most relevant ones for your skills and experiences.
• Integrate the keywords and synonyms naturally into your resume’s bullet points and skills section.

Tailor your resume by aligning it with the job description

In addition to using keywords, you can align your skills and experiences with the duties and expectations in the job ad. It shows employers you’re not just sending out generic resumes but are genuinely interested in the specific role. 

Look for keywords and phrases that keep popping up, as these are the skills and qualifications the employer values most. By mirroring this language in your resume, you increase the chances of your resume getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catching the recruiter’s eye.

For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design role and the description emphasizes creating content, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or volunteer work where you used Adobe or developed professional logos. 

Find out more: How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job to Any Job Description

How to customize a resume with no work experience 

DO:

✅ Write a targeted objective that aligns with the job, emphasizing your career goals. 

✅ Add keywords to your resume to get past ATS scanners and catch the recruiter’s attention.

✅ Decide which experiences and skills to focus on by identifying the key company values. 

DON’T:

❌ Lie or embellish skills or experiences to align better with the job description. 

❌ Add the exact same phrases as the job ad — it’s better to stay authentic and unique. 

❌ Use a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor each resume to the role and company culture. 

Try our AI Bullet Point Writer to get tailored bullet points to help describe your experiences. Just enter your field, experience level, and paste the job description. Mention the job title, then press “Generate Bullet” for instant suggestions. 

9. Get Resume Feedback

Don’t be shy about asking for feedback — having someone else look at your resume with fresh eyes can catch mistakes or unclear messages. Reach out to friends, family, or mentors with hiring experience or strong writing skills. They can give honest feedback on your resume’s layout, content, and how well it shows your capabilities and potential.

If you’re still in school, visit your career services office. They usually offer resume workshops or one-on-one appointments where you can get personalized advice from experts who know what employers want. These advisors can help you tailor your resume to specific job opportunities to make sure it leaves a lasting impression. 

10. Double-Check Your Resume

We’ve all heard the horror stories (or maybe even lived them) about forgetting to double-check important work. Reddit is a goldmine for embarrassing emails, terrible typos, and wrong recipients. Exhibit A: 

Different situation, but the same rule applies — always double-check. Take the time to go through your resume at least two to three times before sending it out. Look for any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies in formatting. Reading it out loud can be surprisingly helpful for catching things you might miss if reading silently. 

Double-checking isn’t just about fixing mistakes. It’s also about ensuring your resume clearly reveals your skills and experiences. Employers usually only spend seconds scanning a resume, so it needs to be impactful and easy to understand at a glance.

For a final check, get your unique Rezi AI Score. The tool analyses five major categories (Content, Format, Optimization, Best Practices, and Application Ready) to give you a score out of 100.

Here’s how to effectively double-check and finalize your resume: 

• Go through your resume multiple times to catch any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or typos. 
• Ensure consistent formatting throughout your resume. Pay attention to font styles, bullet points, and margins to maintain a polished look.
• Double-check that your resume aligns with the specific requirements of the job description. 
• Try reading aloud to spot any overlooked issues.

How to double-check your resume

DO:

✅ Proofread to catch any spelling mistakes, grammar errors, typos, or bad formatting.

✅ Remove any irrelevant details that don’t showcase your skills or qualifications.

✅ Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to review your resume and give feedback. 

DON’T:

❌ Rely only on spell check, as it won’t always pick up on errors. 

❌ Use jargon or acronyms that not everyone will understand.

❌ Overdo design elements like excessive colors or graphics that may be distracting. 

Employers Want Even Inexperienced Candidates to Meet Job Requirements

Writing a resume with no experience might feel like a tough sell, but don’t worry — employers have requirements beyond professional experience. They’re interested in your potential, attitude, and how you’ll fit into their company culture. 

We spoke to Ciara Spencer, a talent development manager for a blue chip brand, to find out what she looks for when considering those with no work experience: 

“When recruiting people with no experience, we look out for motivation. Where do they want to go in their career, and what do they want to get out of the role? Someone motivated is much more likely to get involved in the company, be willing to learn and adapt to the new position. 

We also look for learning agility. We want to know about your previous experiences adapting to new and different situations. For example, how were you able to learn, and how did you adapt to difficult situations? This is relevant to most fields and gives us insight into your career path and potential.” 

Here are more unsaid requirements that can go a long way: 

• Passion and initiative. Employers love candidates who go the extra mile. Show how you’ve taken on additional responsibilities, started projects, or engaged in extracurricular activities.
• Cultural fit. Your personality and attitude matter. Employers want to know you’ll mesh well with their team and company culture. Be genuine — trying to fake it can backfire.
• Educational achievements. Having a strong academic record above a 3.5 GPA can be essential for graduate roles. You could also include positive recommendations from professors or teachers to give you an edge. 
• Transferable skills. Skills gained through part-time jobs, volunteer work, or working in another field are highly valuable. Look at the job ad to see what skills apply to your own experiences, then come up with examples of how you delivered those skills. 
• Technical skills. Highlight any relevant technical skills, even if you haven’t used them in a job. Pick a couple from the job description that you can confidently discuss, and be as specific as possible. 
• General work experience. Even if it’s not in the same field, having some work experience shows you understand workplace dynamics and are ready to transition into a corporate environment.
• Cover letter. This is your chance to explain why you’re excited about the job and how you’re a great fit for the company. It’s your forward-looking pitch to complement your resume.

Why graduates and new professionals fail to land an interview 

You’re fresh out of college with a shiny resume and lots of determination — you’re finally entering the workforce. But finding the right job can be a bumpy process. 

In a survey by Intelligent.com involving 800 US managers, 58% said recent college graduates are unprepared, with 38% saying they’d avoid new graduates in favor of older candidates. 

So, what’s stopping them? Here are the main hurdles and what you can do to get around them: 

Summary: How to Write a Resume With No Work Experience

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about writing a resume with no experience:

• Write a strong objective with clear, concise statements about your goals, and what you can bring to the table to make a positive difference in the company. 
• Highlight your education by focusing on your achievements, relevant coursework, awards, and projects that show your skills and specialized knowledge. 
• In your work experience section, include internships or volunteer work if you’ve never had a traditional job. Even unpaid work counts as experience, showing a solid work ethic and a willingness to learn.
• List relevant technical abilities like computer literacy, and soft skills like communication and adaptability. Keep these skills relevant to the job description, and prove them with concrete examples in other sections. 
• Include extracurricular activities, such as clubs and sports, to give evidence of soft skills like leadership and teamwork.
• Use action verbs like “organized,” “led,” and “managed” to add more weight to your contributions and boost your chances with ATS scanners. 
• Tailor your resume to the job by adjusting your skills and experiences to reflect the key qualities your future employers are looking for and the duties they want you to fulfill. 
• Double-check your resume to ensure it’s easy to read, free of typos, and formatted neatly.
• Get a second opinion by asking a friend, mentor, or expert to review your resume, catch any mistakes, and provide feedback.

FAQ

What to put for the work experience section when I have no professional work experience?

If you don’t have a strong professional background, focus on other relevant experiences such as internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, or significant academic projects. Describe these experiences alongside skills gained, responsibilities handled, and positive outcomes. 

For example, if you volunteered at a local organization, emphasize skills like teamwork, organization, and communication. If you worked on a notable project during your studies, detail your role, your achievements, and skills developed. 

How do you describe a lack of experience on a resume?

Approach your lack of experience by emphasizing your potential and willingness to learn. In your resume objective or summary statement, express your enthusiasm for the role and eagerness to contribute. 

Highlight transferable skills gained through education, extracurricular activities, or personal projects that align with the job requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service role, emphasize your communication skills and ability to work in a team. Frame your lack of experience as an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and energy to the role.

What sections of a resume should first-time and entry-level job-seekers include?

For those new to the job market, you can include these key sections: 

• Objective or summary statement. A brief introduction highlighting your career goals and your potential. 
• Education. Details of your educational background, including your degree, institution, and relevant coursework or academic achievements.
• Experience. Leadership roles or involvement in clubs, sports, or volunteer work that showcase your knowledge and skills. 
• Skills. Both technical skills (like software proficiency) and soft skills (like communication and problem-solving).
• Relevant courses or projects: Highlight specific academic projects or coursework to demonstrate your abilities and interest in the field.

Do you need a resume for your first job?

Yes, having a resume is essential even for your first job. It’s a professional introduction to potential employers, letting them quickly assess your qualifications and fit for the role. A well-crafted resume helps you stand out from other candidates by highlighting your strengths, skills, and enthusiasm. 

What to put on a resume for a high school student with no experience?

If you’re still in high school and have limited work experience, your resume must show your transferable skills and potential. Begin with your high school education, notable achievements or successful projects.

Include any volunteer experiences, such as community events, to show your willingness to contribute outside academic settings. Mention any achievements or honors you’ve received, both academic and extracurricular, to back up your dedication and potential.