Are you recently out of college and seeking work? You have many opportunities ahead of you, but how to make a resume for your first job is the first problem you need to solve! But we know you feel the amount of data you gathered is insufficient to fill even a single page. Well, there's no need to panic about making a resume for the first job and remember that while creating a resume for your first job, everyone in the world experiences the same feelings. You will have many questions as you start to write your resume for your first job. How should I make my introduction? Even though I have no prior work experience, what should I put on my resume? AND WHAT IS A COVER LETTER, EXACTLY? Do not worry, though, as we have provided an A-Z guide on how to create a resume that will help you stand out from the competition.
What is a resume?
Before learning about how to make a resume for your first job, let's brush a little on your concept of a resume A formal resume highlights your professional qualifications, including your pertinent work experience, abilities, education, and notable accomplishments. Outside of the US, a resume is frequently referred to as a "CV." Your initial resume, which is often accompanied by a cover letter, aids you in showcasing your talents and convincing employers that you are qualified and employable. “Resume” implies the French word for "summary". Even today, the primary goal of a resume is to quickly summarise your pertinent qualifications for the attention of potential employers.
Submitting at least a resume to be considered for a post.
Why your first resume is important?
Writing a great resume for the first job can unlock many doors for you in the future. It catches the eye of potential employers and gives you a chance to promote your best abilities and achievements. You may also include the volunteer programme you participated in at the 2016 summer camp. (but only if it is relevant).
A strong resume for your first job is crucial since it aids in creating a positive first impression before speaking with the interviewer face-to-face. A CV gives a clear indication of your career. It showcases and displays your prior professional accomplishments. It also depicts your current condition and your goals for the future. Simply put, a resume for the first job affirms the milestones you have reached and your successes and potential.
How to write your first resume?
In job postings, relevant work experience is frequently demanded. But that doesn't mean you lack experience just because you haven't held a job in the past. It happens that your experience comes from other than a place of employment. Your resume for the first job should showcase any unpaid labour you've done, volunteer work you've done, or extracurricular activities you've participated in.
This step-by-step guide is listed below on how to write a resume for the first job.

Introduce yourself with grace
The first important step in writing a resume for the first job is to make a thorough introduction and provide the appropriate contact information. Write your introduction, so it doesn't come out as stiff and forced. The employee should be able to clearly comprehend who you are and what you do in a few short sentences. It must contain the following:
- First and last name
- E-Mail Address
- Contact number
- Location. In addition to this, you can additionally offer
- Linkedin: This is a useful addition to your initial resume. Additionally, since recruiters typically skim through your LinkedIn page, it makes their job easier. Ensure all the details are true and in line with your résumé.
- Social media profile (relevant): Almost often, your initial resume should mention any social media accounts that are relevant to the job posting and positively represent you (like Behance or Instagram). It may be Behance or Dribble projects if you're a designer. Writer? A personal blog website will be really helpful.
Pick a relevant template.
For writing the resume for the first job, there are 3 formats available. They all highlight different facets of your first resume.
- Reverse-Chronological Resume - Your educational background and professional experiences are listed in reverse chronological order.
- Functional Resume - This strategy emphasises your skills and accomplishments more than your previous employment.
- Combination or hybrid resumes - These give equal weight to your professional history and skills.
For 99.9% of job seekers, we suggest using the reverse-chronological format while writing a resume for the first job. A functional resume may occasionally be advantageous for fresh grads or career transitions, although it is still much less common than the reverse chronological one. The reverse-chronological format is also a safer bet because recruiters worldwide are accustomed to it.
Include a purpose statement
Another important pointer for writing a resume for the first job is before determining whether to read a resume further, recruiters give each one an average of 7 seconds of their time. That means you have just 7 seconds to make a good first impression on the recruiter and convince them that you are the prospect they are looking for with your resume for the first job. A one- to two-sentence description of your credentials, accomplishments, and career goals constitutes a purpose statement. Your enthusiasm for this particular job and your motivation for entering the area should come out in it.
Research resume keywords
Due to the overwhelming volume of resumes they get, employers may not always have much time to review each one. Many organisations utilise an applicant tracking system to track and sort applications (ATS). To highlight resumes that most closely match the position's requirements, an ATS will typically use keywords to rank applications. In other words, you might increase your chances of being found by using the same keywords from the job description in your resume for the first job.
To select the ideal language to use in your first resume, start by reading the job descriptions of positions that interest you attentively. Parts with headings like "Key Qualifications," "Minimum Requirements," or "Job Responsibilities" should receive special attention.
Take note of these to put down in your resume for the first job, then think about your demonstrated skills and qualities that could satisfy these requirements. These could include things like leadership roles you've held, educational achievements, projects you've completed, or participation in clubs.
Focus on your education
It would be helpful to start with the education section of your resume for the first job. If you lack any prior work experience, don't worry. Include your school's name, the times you attended, and the following:
- Relevant Coursework - Have you attended any classes that fulfil the requirements for your work or are relevant to the position you're seeking? List each one of them.
GPA: Employers may be convinced that you have the skills and work ethic necessary to succeed in the profession if you have a high GPA (usually 3.5 or higher).
Also, if you have a gap year in between, don’t panic and check out this article explaining how to go with your gap year.
- Academic accomplishments - Fell free to add anything that displays your capacity for academic success.
- Extracurricular Activities - Concentrate on extracurricular activities that relate to your job description. For instance, involvement in the student council can demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Even team sports can make a place in your resume for the first job as they are examples of how to manage your time and work as a team.
- Online courses or certifications - Whether you are writing an experienced resume or writing a resume for the first job, list any courses, boot camps, certification programmes, or training you've taken outside of class here. In the "in process" section, indicate any programmes you're still enrolled in and the day you hope to complete them.
Highlight extracurricular volunteer participation
Another important thing to remember while writing a resume for your first job is to include a section about the experience. Even if you don't have any prior experience, you should still include any volunteer work, community service, internships, or unpaid labour that is relevant to the position. Blogging, instructing, or assisting with a family company are a few examples of this.
While writing your resume for the first job, do not list every experience you have; instead, focus on those that relate to phrases that are more prominently mentioned in the job description or those that are listed as required rather than preferred.
Talk about your human and technical skills.
Another important thing to remember while writing a resume for the first job is to list your capabilities in a list format on your resume, emphasising both your technical and soft skills. The skills part of your CV should align with the job description. Mention your level of competence as well if you have any technical skills. For instance, if you're still acquiring talent, you might write "Familiar with Excel spreadsheets." Your human skillset includes creativity, managing ambiguity, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Include a cover letter
A COVER LETTER! This is one of the important parts of writing a resume for the first job people hate the most. Let's dissect it. While not usually required, a cover letter can provide hiring managers with crucial background information when you're looking for your first job. A strong cover letter can demonstrate that you made a great effort in preparing your application and gives you more space to discuss your qualifications for the job.
- Who you are
- Relevant skills and experiences to the job
- Your interest in the position
- Knowledge of what the job entails and how you effectively fill the role
- Proof that you’ve researched the company and understand their mission
No more than 300 words should be used in your cover letter, and it should be one page. In your cover letter, describe how your experiences—such as volunteer work or extracurricular activities—have helped you develop the technical and soft talents the employer seeks. Less self-promotion and more discussion of the value you can bring to the organisation in ways that complement its goals and missions should be the key topics of the cover letter.
Tips to remember to include in your resume

Conclusion
Making a resume for the first job is the most important stage for getting a job and working towards achieving your future goals. And now that we have guided you step-by-step through your first resume-making experience, we hope you kill it at the next interview process and dazzle them with your skills! Also, while writing a resume for your first job, you should also know about what skills interviewers are actually looking for and some amazing tips that will help you prepare for your job interview.