How to Make a Resume for First Job
A beginner’s roadmap to creating a standout first resume
Updated on:
September 25, 2025
September 25, 2025
September 25, 2025
Overview:
Why a First Resume Matters More Than You Think
Why a First Resume Matters More Than You Think
Why a First Resume Matters More Than You Think
A resume is often treated as a formality, but in reality it is the single most important tool for landing an interview. Recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing each resume according to Ladders research. That means every line on your resume should carry weight.
For those entering the workforce for the first time, a resume is more than just a job application. It is proof of potential. A Harvard Career Services resource emphasizes that resumes should tell a coherent story, even if professional experience is limited. Education, activities, and projects become the backbone of the narrative.
A resume is often treated as a formality, but in reality it is the single most important tool for landing an interview. Recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing each resume according to Ladders research. That means every line on your resume should carry weight.
For those entering the workforce for the first time, a resume is more than just a job application. It is proof of potential. A Harvard Career Services resource emphasizes that resumes should tell a coherent story, even if professional experience is limited. Education, activities, and projects become the backbone of the narrative.
A resume is often treated as a formality, but in reality it is the single most important tool for landing an interview. Recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing each resume according to Ladders research. That means every line on your resume should carry weight.
For those entering the workforce for the first time, a resume is more than just a job application. It is proof of potential. A Harvard Career Services resource emphasizes that resumes should tell a coherent story, even if professional experience is limited. Education, activities, and projects become the backbone of the narrative.
Starting Strong: The Header and Contact Information
Starting Strong: The Header and Contact Information
Starting Strong: The Header and Contact Information
The top of the resume is often overlooked, but clarity here sets the tone. Your name should be in bold, slightly larger than the rest of the text, followed by professional contact information:
A professional email address (avoid nicknames)
Phone number
City and state (full addresses are outdated)
A LinkedIn profile or online portfolio
Indeed’s career guide highlights that resumes with updated LinkedIn links see higher recruiter engagement. If you don’t yet have a LinkedIn profile, creating one alongside your resume ensures employers can see more depth in your background.
The top of the resume is often overlooked, but clarity here sets the tone. Your name should be in bold, slightly larger than the rest of the text, followed by professional contact information:
A professional email address (avoid nicknames)
Phone number
City and state (full addresses are outdated)
A LinkedIn profile or online portfolio
Indeed’s career guide highlights that resumes with updated LinkedIn links see higher recruiter engagement. If you don’t yet have a LinkedIn profile, creating one alongside your resume ensures employers can see more depth in your background.
The top of the resume is often overlooked, but clarity here sets the tone. Your name should be in bold, slightly larger than the rest of the text, followed by professional contact information:
A professional email address (avoid nicknames)
Phone number
City and state (full addresses are outdated)
A LinkedIn profile or online portfolio
Indeed’s career guide highlights that resumes with updated LinkedIn links see higher recruiter engagement. If you don’t yet have a LinkedIn profile, creating one alongside your resume ensures employers can see more depth in your background.
Education as the Foundation
Education as the Foundation
Education as the Foundation
With no formal work history, education often takes center stage. This section should do more than list where you studied; it should showcase relevant coursework, honors, and projects. For example:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication, University of Arizona (Expected May 2025)
Relevant coursework: Public Speaking, Digital Media, Organizational Communication
Achievements: Dean’s List (3 semesters), Student Media Contributor
Novoresume stresses that including specific projects can demonstrate critical thinking and initiative. A senior project, thesis, or class assignment that resembles professional work can help bridge the gap between school and the workplace.
For those still in high school, extracurricular achievements matter. Participation in debate clubs, coding bootcamps, or student organizations shows initiative and discipline, traits recruiters value.
With no formal work history, education often takes center stage. This section should do more than list where you studied; it should showcase relevant coursework, honors, and projects. For example:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication, University of Arizona (Expected May 2025)
Relevant coursework: Public Speaking, Digital Media, Organizational Communication
Achievements: Dean’s List (3 semesters), Student Media Contributor
Novoresume stresses that including specific projects can demonstrate critical thinking and initiative. A senior project, thesis, or class assignment that resembles professional work can help bridge the gap between school and the workplace.
For those still in high school, extracurricular achievements matter. Participation in debate clubs, coding bootcamps, or student organizations shows initiative and discipline, traits recruiters value.
With no formal work history, education often takes center stage. This section should do more than list where you studied; it should showcase relevant coursework, honors, and projects. For example:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication, University of Arizona (Expected May 2025)
Relevant coursework: Public Speaking, Digital Media, Organizational Communication
Achievements: Dean’s List (3 semesters), Student Media Contributor
Novoresume stresses that including specific projects can demonstrate critical thinking and initiative. A senior project, thesis, or class assignment that resembles professional work can help bridge the gap between school and the workplace.
For those still in high school, extracurricular achievements matter. Participation in debate clubs, coding bootcamps, or student organizations shows initiative and discipline, traits recruiters value.
💡
Stand out instantly: AutoApplier’s Chrome Extension automatically applies with your resume to the most relevant jobs on LinkedIn in seconds.
Stand out instantly: AutoApplier’s Chrome Extension automatically applies with your resume to the most relevant jobs on LinkedIn in seconds.
💡
Stand out instantly: AutoApplier’s Chrome Extension automatically applies with your resume to the most relevant jobs on LinkedIn in seconds.
Volunteer Work, Internships, and Side Projects
Volunteer Work, Internships, and Side Projects
Volunteer Work, Internships, and Side Projects
Employers understand that first-time candidates lack years of experience. What they want to see is initiative. Reddit discussions in r/Resume reveal that applicants who showcase volunteer activities often stand out from peers with blank resumes.
Examples might include:
Volunteering at a local nonprofit, which demonstrates teamwork and empathy.
Running a personal blog or YouTube channel, which reflects consistency and digital skills.
Freelance projects, even if unpaid, that show applied knowledge.
Employers understand that first-time candidates lack years of experience. What they want to see is initiative. Reddit discussions in r/Resume reveal that applicants who showcase volunteer activities often stand out from peers with blank resumes.
Examples might include:
Volunteering at a local nonprofit, which demonstrates teamwork and empathy.
Running a personal blog or YouTube channel, which reflects consistency and digital skills.
Freelance projects, even if unpaid, that show applied knowledge.
Employers understand that first-time candidates lack years of experience. What they want to see is initiative. Reddit discussions in r/Resume reveal that applicants who showcase volunteer activities often stand out from peers with blank resumes.
Examples might include:
Volunteering at a local nonprofit, which demonstrates teamwork and empathy.
Running a personal blog or YouTube channel, which reflects consistency and digital skills.
Freelance projects, even if unpaid, that show applied knowledge.
The Skills Section: Turning Soft Skills Into Hard Proof
The Skills Section: Turning Soft Skills Into Hard Proof
The Skills Section: Turning Soft Skills Into Hard Proof
Skills are the bridge between no experience and employability. Instead of filler phrases like “hardworking,” focus on transferable abilities. Employers often filter resumes with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so including job-relevant skills boosts your chances of getting noticed.
Examples of concrete skills include:
Technical: Microsoft Office, Canva, social media scheduling tools, data entry
Communication: Public speaking, presentation design, report writing
Organizational: Event planning, scheduling, project coordination
The University of Arizona Career Center advises aligning skills with the job posting. If the listing emphasizes “customer service” or “attention to detail,” those exact phrases should appear in your resume assuming they reflect your abilities.
Skills are the bridge between no experience and employability. Instead of filler phrases like “hardworking,” focus on transferable abilities. Employers often filter resumes with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so including job-relevant skills boosts your chances of getting noticed.
Examples of concrete skills include:
Technical: Microsoft Office, Canva, social media scheduling tools, data entry
Communication: Public speaking, presentation design, report writing
Organizational: Event planning, scheduling, project coordination
The University of Arizona Career Center advises aligning skills with the job posting. If the listing emphasizes “customer service” or “attention to detail,” those exact phrases should appear in your resume assuming they reflect your abilities.
Skills are the bridge between no experience and employability. Instead of filler phrases like “hardworking,” focus on transferable abilities. Employers often filter resumes with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so including job-relevant skills boosts your chances of getting noticed.
Examples of concrete skills include:
Technical: Microsoft Office, Canva, social media scheduling tools, data entry
Communication: Public speaking, presentation design, report writing
Organizational: Event planning, scheduling, project coordination
The University of Arizona Career Center advises aligning skills with the job posting. If the listing emphasizes “customer service” or “attention to detail,” those exact phrases should appear in your resume assuming they reflect your abilities.
Work Experience Without a Job: Creative Approaches
Work Experience Without a Job: Creative Approaches
Work Experience Without a Job: Creative Approaches
Not having a paid job doesn’t mean you lack experience. Many applicants list internships, part-time gigs, or academic projects under “Experience.” Even babysitting, tutoring, or working in a family business counts. The key is framing these roles in professional language.
For example:
Tutor, Freelance | 2023–2024
Assisted three high school students in math and science, improving their grades by an average of 20%
Developed weekly study guides and practice tests
This reframing shifts focus from the informality of the job to the measurable impact you had. According to CareerVillage.org, applicants who include such roles are often viewed as resourceful and proactive.
Not having a paid job doesn’t mean you lack experience. Many applicants list internships, part-time gigs, or academic projects under “Experience.” Even babysitting, tutoring, or working in a family business counts. The key is framing these roles in professional language.
For example:
Tutor, Freelance | 2023–2024
Assisted three high school students in math and science, improving their grades by an average of 20%
Developed weekly study guides and practice tests
This reframing shifts focus from the informality of the job to the measurable impact you had. According to CareerVillage.org, applicants who include such roles are often viewed as resourceful and proactive.
Not having a paid job doesn’t mean you lack experience. Many applicants list internships, part-time gigs, or academic projects under “Experience.” Even babysitting, tutoring, or working in a family business counts. The key is framing these roles in professional language.
For example:
Tutor, Freelance | 2023–2024
Assisted three high school students in math and science, improving their grades by an average of 20%
Developed weekly study guides and practice tests
This reframing shifts focus from the informality of the job to the measurable impact you had. According to CareerVillage.org, applicants who include such roles are often viewed as resourceful and proactive.
Achievements and Extracurricular Activities
Achievements and Extracurricular Activities
Achievements and Extracurricular Activities
Resumes should highlight more than academics. Sports, clubs, and competitions all reveal qualities employers value: leadership, discipline, and collaboration. A debate championship shows communication skills, while captaining a sports team reflects leadership and teamwork.
MyPerfectResume recommends framing achievements with action verbs. Instead of “Member of school soccer team,” write “Led soccer team as captain, motivating peers to regional championship victory.”
Resumes should highlight more than academics. Sports, clubs, and competitions all reveal qualities employers value: leadership, discipline, and collaboration. A debate championship shows communication skills, while captaining a sports team reflects leadership and teamwork.
MyPerfectResume recommends framing achievements with action verbs. Instead of “Member of school soccer team,” write “Led soccer team as captain, motivating peers to regional championship victory.”
Resumes should highlight more than academics. Sports, clubs, and competitions all reveal qualities employers value: leadership, discipline, and collaboration. A debate championship shows communication skills, while captaining a sports team reflects leadership and teamwork.
MyPerfectResume recommends framing achievements with action verbs. Instead of “Member of school soccer team,” write “Led soccer team as captain, motivating peers to regional championship victory.”
Differentiating Yourself in a Sea of Similar Resumes
Differentiating Yourself in a Sea of Similar Resumes
Differentiating Yourself in a Sea of Similar Resumes
Most first-job applicants share similar qualifications. To stand out, focus on storytelling and results. Instead of writing “Managed social media,” expand with details: “Created Instagram content for student club, increasing followers by 40% in six months.”
Employers, according to MyPerfectResume’s guidance, prefer measurable results over vague claims. This approach demonstrates value even without formal job titles
Most first-job applicants share similar qualifications. To stand out, focus on storytelling and results. Instead of writing “Managed social media,” expand with details: “Created Instagram content for student club, increasing followers by 40% in six months.”
Employers, according to MyPerfectResume’s guidance, prefer measurable results over vague claims. This approach demonstrates value even without formal job titles
Most first-job applicants share similar qualifications. To stand out, focus on storytelling and results. Instead of writing “Managed social media,” expand with details: “Created Instagram content for student club, increasing followers by 40% in six months.”
Employers, according to MyPerfectResume’s guidance, prefer measurable results over vague claims. This approach demonstrates value even without formal job titles
Beyond the Resume: Turning Applications Into Interviews
Beyond the Resume: Turning Applications Into Interviews
Beyond the Resume: Turning Applications Into Interviews
A resume is the starting line, not the finish. Even the strongest resumes need consistent distribution. Submitting manually to dozens of job postings is draining and often leads to burnout.
That’s where automation matters. AutoApplier’s Chrome Extension takes the resume you’ve worked hard to craft and automatically applies it to relevant LinkedIn jobs. This ensures you never miss new opportunities and frees up your time to focus on preparing for interviews. Instead of spending hours clicking “apply,” you can dedicate energy to researching companies and practicing interview skills.
A resume is the starting line, not the finish. Even the strongest resumes need consistent distribution. Submitting manually to dozens of job postings is draining and often leads to burnout.
That’s where automation matters. AutoApplier’s Chrome Extension takes the resume you’ve worked hard to craft and automatically applies it to relevant LinkedIn jobs. This ensures you never miss new opportunities and frees up your time to focus on preparing for interviews. Instead of spending hours clicking “apply,” you can dedicate energy to researching companies and practicing interview skills.
A resume is the starting line, not the finish. Even the strongest resumes need consistent distribution. Submitting manually to dozens of job postings is draining and often leads to burnout.
That’s where automation matters. AutoApplier’s Chrome Extension takes the resume you’ve worked hard to craft and automatically applies it to relevant LinkedIn jobs. This ensures you never miss new opportunities and frees up your time to focus on preparing for interviews. Instead of spending hours clicking “apply,” you can dedicate energy to researching companies and practicing interview skills.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make a resume for the first job is about more than listing credentials. It’s about crafting a story of potential one that emphasizes skills, education, projects, and achievements in a way that resonates with employers. With clear formatting, tailored applications, and the support of automation tools, even a first-time job seeker can break into the workforce with confidence.
A resume is not just a document; it is your personal marketing brochure. And when paired with smart application strategies, it becomes the ticket to your first paycheck, your first workplace, and the start of your professional journey.
Learning how to make a resume for the first job is about more than listing credentials. It’s about crafting a story of potential one that emphasizes skills, education, projects, and achievements in a way that resonates with employers. With clear formatting, tailored applications, and the support of automation tools, even a first-time job seeker can break into the workforce with confidence.
A resume is not just a document; it is your personal marketing brochure. And when paired with smart application strategies, it becomes the ticket to your first paycheck, your first workplace, and the start of your professional journey.
Learning how to make a resume for the first job is about more than listing credentials. It’s about crafting a story of potential one that emphasizes skills, education, projects, and achievements in a way that resonates with employers. With clear formatting, tailored applications, and the support of automation tools, even a first-time job seeker can break into the workforce with confidence.
A resume is not just a document; it is your personal marketing brochure. And when paired with smart application strategies, it becomes the ticket to your first paycheck, your first workplace, and the start of your professional journey.
Latest posts
Discover other pieces of writing in our blog
Want to apply to 1000+ jobs while watching Netflix?
Join 10,000+ job seekers who automated their way to better opportunities
Want to apply to 1000+ jobs while watching Netflix?
Join 10,000+ job seekers who automated their way to better opportunities
Want to apply to 1000+ jobs while watching Netflix?
Join 10,000+ job seekers who automated their way to better opportunities