How to Make a Resume for First Job

So, you're looking for your first job? It can feel like a huge challenge. Like climbing a mountain. You're excited, ready to work hard, but you might not have a lot of work experience. That's okay! A good resume can help you. It shows off what you can do, even without a long job history. I'm here to show you how to make a resume that gets noticed. This guide will cover everything.

Understanding Resumes for Beginners

What do employers really want when hiring someone for their first job? They know you're just starting. They'll look for these things:

• Your Potential: Can you learn and grow?
• Your Skills: What skills do you have, even from school or projects?
• Your Enthusiasm: Are you actually interested in the job and company?
• Your People Skills: Are you good at teamwork, communication, and solving problems?

Your resume should show all of this off. It's not just a list of what you've done. It's about showing what you can do for the company.

Pick the Best Resume Style

How you lay out your resume matters. For your first job, think about these:

1. The "Timeline" Resume

This style lists your jobs starting with the newest. It's good if you have some work history. Even internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs can work. Make sure to highlight your skills and what you achieved.

2. The "Skills First" Resume

This style puts your skills front and center. It's useful if you have skills from classes or projects but not much work experience. But be warned: some employers are suspicious of this format, thinking you might be hiding something.

3. The "Best of Both Worlds" Resume

This one mixes both styles. It shows off your skills and any relevant work experience. It's a good choice for most first-time job seekers. Start with a section on your skills, then a brief section on work experience.

My advice? Go with the "Best of Both Worlds" or a well-organized "Timeline" resume that emphasizes your skills.

What Must Be On Your Resume

No matter which style you pick, these sections are a must:

1. Your Contact Info

The basics. Include:

• Your Full Name
• Phone Number
• A Professional Email (no funny names!)
• A LinkedIn Profile URL (if you have one, and you should get one)

For Example:

Jane Doe
(123) 456-7890br/>[email protected]<br/linkedin.com/in/janedoe

2. Your Goal or Summary

This is a quick look at your skills and career goals. You can either write an "Objective" or a "Summary." For a first job, an Objective is often better. It tells them what you want to do.

Objective Statement: Say what you want to do and how your skills fit the job.

For Example: "A hard-working person with a degree in Marketing looking for an entry-level job at a marketing company. I want to use my communication and analysis skills to help the company succeed."

Summary Statement: Briefly tell them about your skills and what you offer.

For Example: "A motivated and detailed recent graduate with customer service and data entry experience. I am a fast learner and can adjust to new situations. I am seeking an entry-level administrative assistant job where I can use my skills and help the team."

My advice? If you don't have much experience, use an objective statement. It shows what you're aiming for.

3. Your Education

This is really important when you're starting out. Include:

• School Name
• Degree (or when you expect to graduate)
• Major and Minor (if you have one)
• GPA (if it's good – over 3.5)
• Classes that are related to the job
• Any awards or honors

For Example:

University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science | Expected Graduation: May 2024
GPA: 3.8
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Management, Software Engineering
Dean's List: Fall 2022, Spring 2023

4. Your Skills

Show what you can do! Break it down into:

• Hard Skills: Skills specific to the job (like programming or software)
• Soft Skills: Skills that are good in any job (like teamwork or communication)

For Example:

Skills:

• Hard Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Python, Java, HTML, CSS, Data Analysis, Social Media Marketing
• Soft Skills: Communication (written & verbal), Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Time Management, Adaptability, Leadership

Some tips for your skills section:

• Match the Job: Look at the job posting and list the skills they mention.
• Be Clear: Don't just say "communication." Say "written and verbal communication."
• Show, Don't Just Tell: If you can, prove your skill level (like "Proficient in Python").

5. Your Experience (Even If You Don't Have "Jobs")

Don't worry if you haven't had a "real" job. Include:

• Internships: What did you do? What did you achieve?
• Volunteer Work: What skills did you use?
• Projects: School projects, personal projects, anything that shows your skills.
• Part-Time Jobs: Even if it seems unrelated, it shows you can work with customers, be a team player and be responsible.

For Example (Internship):

Marketing Intern | ABC Company | Summer 2023
Helped with social media campaigns.
Created content that increased follower engagement by 15%.
Researched the market and found new trends.
Assisted the team with office tasks and events.

For Example (Volunteer Work):

Volunteer Tutor | XYZ Organization | 2022 - Present
Tutored kids in math and reading.
Made lessons to fit each student's needs.
Helped students improve their grades.
Communicated well and was patient with students.

For Example (Project):

Personal Website Project | 2023
Designed a website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Made it work on phones and computers.
Added a blog and a contact form.
Showed web development skills and attention to detail.

6. Awards You've Won

List any school awards or scholarships. It shows you're a high achiever.

For Example:

Awards and Recognition:

• Dean's List (Fall 2022, Spring 2023)
• Presidential Scholarship
• Outstanding Student Award

7. Hobbies (Maybe)

This is optional. But it can show your personality. List hobbies that are relevant to the job or show positive traits (like teamwork or creativity).

For Example:

Interests: Photography, hiking, playing guitar, volunteering at a local animal shelter.

Write a Great Cover Letter

A cover letter goes with your resume. It lets you explain your skills and why you want that job at that company. It also shows you can write well. Here's how:

1. Header: Your contact info and the date.
2. Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name, if you can find it. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine.
3. Opening: Say what job you want and why you're interested.
4. Body: Explain your skills and experience and how they fit the job. Give specific examples.
5. Closing: Say you're still interested and thank them for their time. Ask for an interview.
6. Signature: Sign your name or type it.

Cover Letter Example:

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am excited to apply for the Marketing Assistant job at [Company Name], which I saw on [Platform]. I recently graduated with a Marketing degree. I am confident I have the skills to do well and help your team succeed.

During my internship at ABC Company, I developed social media campaigns and increased follower engagement by 15%. I also researched market trends, which helped the company make good marketing choices.

Tips to Make Your Resume Shine

• Customize Each Resume: Don't use the same resume for every job. Tailor it!
• Use Keywords: Look for keywords in the job posting and use them in your resume.
• Show Results: Use numbers to show what you've achieved (like "increased sales by 20%").
• Proofread: Check for typos! Have a friend read it over too.
• Use a Simple Font: Choose a professional font like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Save as a PDF: This makes sure it looks the same on every computer.
• Network: Talk to people! Go to career fairs. Connect on LinkedIn.

Don't Forget to Follow Up

After you apply, follow up! Send a thank-you email after the interview. If you don't hear back, send another email asking about your application. It shows you're really interested.

In Conclusion

Making your first resume can be tough. But if you follow these tips, you can make a resume that shows your skills and potential. Remember to customize it, use keywords, and prove what you've done. Good luck with your job search!