How to Write a Resume for Entry-Level Jobs

Landing your first job? It can feel HUGE. You might be thinking, "How can I write a resume when I have no experience?" But guess what? Everyone starts somewhere! This guide shows you how to write a resume for those entry-level jobs. It will help you show off what you can do and get noticed.

Why is Your First Resume So Important?

Think of your resume as your first hello. It's like a flyer to get employers interested in you. In a tough job search, a good resume helps you stand out. Especially for those entry-level jobs. Recruiters might only look at your resume for a few seconds. So it needs to be clear and interesting. It's your ticket to an interview and your career!

Pick the Right Resume Style

How your resume looks is important. It helps people read it easily. For entry-level jobs, try these:

1. Chronological Resume: This lists your jobs starting with the newest. Use this if you have some job experience.
2. Functional Resume: This shows off your skills, not your job history. Good if you have job gaps or are changing careers. But be careful! Some employers don't like these.
3. Combination Resume: This mixes both! It shows your skills and jobs. Try this if you have some skills but not much job experience.

For most first jobs, try the first or last one. They help show off any experience you have. Remember to change your resume for each job.

What to Put in Your Resume

No matter which style you pick, include these:

1. Your Contact Info

Easy! But get it right!

• Your full name (make it a bit bigger)
• Your phone number
• Your email (use a normal one, not [email protected])
• Your LinkedIn (if you have one and it's up-to-date)

2. Resume Summary or Objective

This is a quick intro to you. For first jobs, an objective is best. Why? Because you probably don't have much work to talk about. Tell them what you want to do and how your skills fit.

Example Objective:

"I'm a recent grad with a marketing degree. I want an entry-level job at XYZ Company. I'm good at talking to people, using social media, and understanding data. I want to help the company's marketing!"

3. Your Education

This is important for first jobs. Add:

• The school's name
• Your degree
• What you studied
• When you graduated (or will graduate)
• Your grades (if they are good, like above 3.5)
• Classes, projects, or awards that matter

If you don't have much work experience, put this section first. Show off what you learned in school that fits the job search.

4. Your Work Experience (Even if it's Not "Normal")

Even if you didn't have full-time jobs, add anything that counts:

• Part-time jobs
• Internships
• Volunteer work
• Freelance work
• Jobs on campus

For each one, add:

• The place's name
• Your title
• When you worked there
• What you did (use strong words like "managed" or "helped")

Focus on skills you can use anywhere. Even if the job isn't related, show the skills you learned. Like talking to people, working in a team, or solving problems. Use numbers if you can. Instead of "Managed social media," say "Managed social media, getting 20% more followers in 3 months."

5. Your Skills

List what you're good at. Like using computers (hard skills) and getting along with people (soft skills).

Hard Skills Examples:

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Looking at data
• Coding (Python, Java, HTML)
• Social media
• Making graphics

Soft Skills Examples:

• Talking and writing well
• Working with others
• Solving problems
• Managing your time
• Changing to fit the situation
• Leading

Change this list for each job. Look at the job description and list the skills they want. Be honest! Only list what you're really good at. You can even have a section just for "Technical Skills" if you have a lot.

6. Projects (Good to Have)

If you did any projects that fit the job, add them! This shows your skills and passion, even if you don't have much work experience.

For each project:

• Name it
• Say what it was
• What you did
• What skills you used
• What you achieved

Project Example:

"I made a website for a local charity using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I designed the website, made it easy to use, and made it work well. Online donations went up 15% in the first month!"

7. Awards (Optional)

Did you win anything in school or for volunteering? Add it! This helps you stand out.

8. Volunteer Experience (Good to Have)

Volunteering shows you care and are willing to help. Add it like a job, saying what you did and achieved.

9. Interests (Optional, Be Careful)

This can make you seem more human. But keep it short and relevant. Don't just say "reading." Say "coding," "photography," or "hiking."

Make Sure Computers Can Read Your Resume

Many companies use computers to look at resumes. These are called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Here's how to make sure yours gets through:

• Use words from the job description. The computer looks for those words.
• Keep it simple. No fancy fonts or pictures. Just use a normal font and clear headings.
• Send it as a Word document (.doc or .docx). That's the safest bet.
• Don't use headers or footers. The computer might not read them.
• Check your spelling! Mistakes show you don't pay attention.

Tips for a Great Resume

• Change your resume for each job. Don't send the same one to everyone.
• Use strong words. Start each bullet point with a word like "Managed" or "Created."
• Use numbers. Show how you made a difference. "Increased sales by 15%."
• Get someone to read it. They can catch mistakes.
• Keep it short. One page is best, especially for first jobs.
• Sound professional. No slang!
• Be honest. Don't lie about your skills.

Resume Examples

Education:

[University Name], [City, State] | Bachelor of Science in Marketing | Expected Graduation: May 2024

• GPA: 3.8/4.0
• Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Analytics, Advertising
• Dean's List: Fall 2022, Spring 2023

Work Experience:

[Company Name], [City, State] | Marketing Intern | June 2023 – August 2023

• Assisted with the development and implementation of social media marketing campaigns.
• Created engaging content for social media platforms, resulting in a 10% increase in follower engagement.
• Conducted market research and analyzed data to identify trends and opportunities.

Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social Media Marketing (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
• Data Analysis
• Communication (Written and Verbal)
• Teamwork

Common Mistakes

• Typos: Check it again!
• Generic objective: Change it for each job.
• Irrelevant skills: Only list what matters.
• No numbers: Show your impact!
• Lying: Don't do it!
• Bad email address: Get a normal one.
• No keywords: Use words from the job description.

Don't Forget a Cover Letter!

This guide is about resumes, but cover letters matter too! A cover letter lets you say more than your resume. It shows your personality and why you fit the job. Change it for each job and show your skills and excitement!

You Can Do This!

Making a good entry-level resume is the first step to your career. Follow these tips and you can make a resume that shows your skills, even if you don't have much work history. Change it for each job, use the right words, and check for mistakes. With a good resume and a good job search, you're on your way to your dream job and a great career! Good luck!