Starting your job search in 2025? Creating your first job resume can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have much experience yet. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Our step-by-step guide will help you choose the right template, highlight your academic achievements, internships, and extracurricular activities, and tailor your skills to match the job you’re applying for.
While you learn how to write a resume for a first job, you can also explore Harmont’s executive resume writing service. Through this service, we can help you build a resume that shows your potential and sets you on a successful career!
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a short but detailed document that highlights your skills, qualifications, and experiences. It is tailored to show why you’re an excellent fit for a specific job. Think of it as your marketing tool, offering a quick overview of your education, achievements, and potential.
Creating a strong resume takes careful planning if you’re applying for your first job in 2025. Start with a clean, modern design that looks professional and aligns with current trends. Ensure your contact information is accurate and easy to find so recruiters can reach you. Write a clear career objective that shows your goals and excitement for the role you’re applying for.
Focus on your education by listing your degrees, certifications, or relevant coursework. If you have little to no work experience, highlight internships, school projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities demonstrating valuable skills. These can show qualities like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
Even with limited professional experience, a well-written resume can leave a strong impression. By presenting your strengths clearly and matching them to the job’s requirements, you can stand out and capture the attention of recruiters in a competitive job market.
How to Write a Resume with No Experience
Forging a career without experience can feel like a catch-22, but don’t let it discourage you. When starting, it’s natural to lack professional experience, so focus on the skills and achievements you have gained through other activities.
Before you get started, a free resume review might help you evaluate your resume needs for each job, so it’s recommended that you get this professional service.
To learn how to make a resume for a first job, make sure to follow these steps:
Step 1: Starting to Build a Resume for a First Job
Before creating your first resume, take some time to organise your thoughts and gather the information you’ll need. Here’s how to get started:
Steps to Follow
- Write Down Your Experiences: Include internships, volunteer work, school projects, and extracurricular activities highlighting your skills and achievements
- Focus on Accomplishments: List any awards, certifications, or recognitions you’ve received. These can help make your resume stand out
- List Your Skills: Identify both technical (hard) and personal (soft) skills that fit the job you’re applying for
- Research the Job: Review the job description carefully and include relevant keywords and skills to tailor your resume for that specific role
What to Avoid
- Unrelated Experiences: Avoid adding jobs or projects that don’t connect to the role unless they show transferable skills
- Complicated Language: Keep your writing clear and professional so your resume is easily read
- False Information: Be honest about your skills and experiences, as exaggerations can hurt your hiring chances
Need Some Help?
If you’re unsure where to begin, our resume writing company can help you create a polished and professional resume tailored to your first job.
Step 2: Resume Format
The next step in learning how to make your first resume is choosing the correct resume format. Format is key to making a great first impression. Here are the three most common formats explained in simple terms:
- Reverse-Chronological:
- Lists your most recent experiences first.
- Best for students or professionals with internships, volunteer work, or projects related to the job.
- Functional:
- Focuses on your skills and strengths instead of work history.
- Perfect for first-time job seekers or those with little job experience.
- Combination:
- Combines both skills and work experience.
- It is ideal for showing off specific achievements alongside relevant job experience.
Keeping in mind the difference between CV vs resume, choose the format that best highlights your strengths and fits your career goals.
Step 3: Resume Objective
A resume objective is a short statement at the top of your resume that explains your career goals and shows how your skills match the job you’re applying for. It’s beneficial for first-time job seekers to highlight their enthusiasm, transferable skills, and willingness to contribute.
Tips for Writing a Good Resume Objective
- Make It Relevant: Use keywords from the job description to show you fit well
- Be Clear and Concise: Write 1–3 sentences about what you can bring to the role
- Show Your Strengths: Mention teamwork, communication, or technical abilities
- Express Enthusiasm: Let your excitement for the job and eagerness to learn shine through
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Be Too General: Avoid vague phrases like “Looking for an exciting opportunity”
- Don’t Overpromise: Be honest about your skills and experience—don’t exaggerate
- Avoid Clichés: Skip tired phrases like “hard-working professional” or “results-driven individual”
Keep it personal, clear, and job-focused to make your resume objective stand out.
Step 4: Education
Your education section should highlight your academic background.
What to Include
- Your degree or diploma (or the one you’re currently pursuing)
- The name of your school or institution
- Your graduation date (or expected graduation date)
- Relevant honors, a strong GPA (if notable), or coursework related to the job
What to Avoid
- Listing every course you’ve taken unless it directly applies to the role
- Adding too many unnecessary details
- Forgetting to include certifications or online courses that are relevant to the job
Step 5: Experience
If you don’t have traditional work experience, you can focus on other valuable experiences to showcase your skills and potential.
Volunteering
What to Do:
- Share volunteer roles where you developed transferable skills like teamwork or leadership
- Include specific responsibilities and measurable outcomes (e.g., “Led a team of 5 to organise a fundraiser that raised $5,000”)
What Not to Do:
- Don’t list volunteer roles that have no connection to the job
- Avoid leaving out details about what you did or the results you achieved
Internships
What to Do:
- Highlight internships related to the job or industry you’re applying for
- Explain what skills you learned and the tasks you handled
What Not to Do:
- Don’t include internships that don’t demonstrate relevant skills
- Avoid exaggerating your role or achievements
Projects
What to Do:
- Include school or personal projects that show creativity, problem-solving, or technical skills
- Clearly describe the goals, methods, and results of the project
What Not to Do:
- Don’t include projects without context or results
- Avoid using overly technical language that doesn’t relate to the job
Extracurricular Activities
What to Do:
- Mention activities like sports, clubs, or leadership roles that helped you develop interpersonal or organisational skills
What Not to Do:
- Don’t list hobbies or activities that have no relevance to the job
- Avoid writing generic details that don’t show how the experience helped you grow
Publications and Awards
What to Do:
- Include relevant publications, awards, or competitions
- Provide details like the significance of the achievement (e.g., “Won 1st Place in National Coding Competition”) or publication titles and journals
What Not to Do:
- Don’t include outdated or irrelevant accomplishments
- Avoid forgetting important publication details like titles or where it was published
Focusing on these experiences can make your application stand out and demonstrate your potential, even without traditional work experience.
Skills
Include a mix of hard and soft skills that match the job you’re applying for.
Example of Skills:
- Hard Skills: Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, Photoshop, programming languages (like Python or Java), data analysis, and social media management
- Soft Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, time management, adaptability, and creativity
Tip: Present your skills clearly and in an organised way, such as using a table or grouping them into categories.
Step 6: Licenses and Certifications
What to Include
- Relevant professional certifications, like a Certified Digital Marketing Associate
- Necessary licenses, such as a driver’s license (if the job requires it)
- Completed online courses from platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning
What to Avoid
- Adding certifications that don’t relate to the job
- Listing certifications without naming who issued them
Step 7: Optional Sections
Optional sections can help showcase more about who you are.
What to Include
- Hobbies or interests that highlight valuable skills (e.g., blogging for a marketing role)
- Languages you speak fluently
What to Avoid
- Hobbies are irrelevant to the job (e.g., video gaming for a finance role)
- Adding too many unnecessary details
Step 8: Proofread and Save Your Resume
Tips for Polishing Your Resume
- Proofread thoroughly for spelling and grammar errors
- Use consistent formatting (fonts, headings, spacing)
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve its layout
Need Professional Assistance?
Transform your resume with Harmont’s professional resume services. Let experts craft a resume that captures your unique strengths and positions you for success. Click here to get started!
How to Write A Resume for Specific Jobs
Resume writing for a first job can feel challenging, especially if you have little experience. The key is to tailor your resume to the specific industry you’re applying to.
Every job is different, and employers look for unique skills and qualities. Here’s a simple guide to help you create a strong, effective resume for various industries, even if you’re just starting.
Customer Service No Experience Resume
If you’re creating a customer service resume for your first job, focus on transferable skills like communication, patience, and problem-solving. Include examples from volunteer work, school projects, or part-time jobs that show you can work with people and solve problems. Use a resume format highlighting your skills, such as a functional or combination style.
Food Service No Experience Resume
When applying for food service jobs, focus on teamwork, attention to detail, and time management skills. Share examples from your activities, such as helping organise events or volunteering at food drives. If you have any certifications, like food safety training, include them to show you’re prepared for the job.
Retail No Experience Template Resume
Strong retail resumes showcase your ability to handle customer interactions, manage tasks, and work in fast-paced environments. Mention any volunteer work, school club involvement, or personal projects where you demonstrated organisational or interpersonal skills. Keep the format clean and easy to read.
Flight Attendant No Experience Resume
A good flight attendant resume should focus on your customer service skills, flexibility, and cultural understanding. Highlight experiences that show you can stay calm in stressful situations, like playing team sports or planning events. If you have traveled or can speak multiple languages, include that too.
Security Guard No Experience Resume
When writing a security guard resume, focus on key qualities like reliability, alertness, and physical fitness. Be sure to include any safety training you’ve completed or activities that show discipline, such as sports or participation in military cadet programs. Also, highlight any past roles where you showed responsibility and trustworthiness.
Nurse No Experience Resume
Nursing resumes should clearly show your education, certifications, and clinical training. Include any essential courses you’ve taken, like anatomy or first aid, along with volunteer work or internships in healthcare. Don’t forget to highlight soft skills such as compassion, attention to detail, and teamwork. These skills show your ability to deliver excellent care to patients.
Accountant No Experience Resume
If you’re applying for accounting roles, focus on showcasing your finance, math, or economics coursework. Highlight any projects or internships where you worked with budgets or analysed data. Be sure to mention technical skills like Excel or accounting software. Use a clean, professional format to show your attention to detail and analytical skills on accountant resumes.
Bartender No Experience Resume
A bartender’s resume should highlight interpersonal skills, multitasking, and adaptability. Mention any customer-facing roles, event planning, or team-based activities in this or any hospitality resumes. If you’ve completed bartending or alcohol service training, include it to show your preparedness for the role.
IT No Experience Resume
IT resumes should highlight your technical skills, such as programming languages, troubleshooting, and software expertise. Include relevant details like coursework, personal tech projects, and CompTIA or Google IT Support certifications. Use clear examples to show how you’ve solved problems in the past. This helps employers see your abilities and understand the value you bring.
Marketing No Experience Resume
When applying for a marketing role, focus on creativity, communication, and analytical skills. Share examples like school projects, internships, or personal experiences such as managing a social media account or organising events on marketing resumes. Use clear, action-based language to show how you achieved results and solved problems.
Sales No Experience Resume
Sales resumes should highlight communication, persuasion, and goal-setting skills. Include experiences such as fundraising, debate clubs, or volunteer work where you successfully convinced others or achieved specific goals. Use numbers to show your accomplishments whenever possible, even if they come from school activities.
Remember, every industry looks for different skills, so tailor your resume to match the role you’re applying for. Focus on the skills and experiences that best fit the job requirements.
Next Steps to Land Your First Job
Once your resume is ready, it’s time to move forward in the job application process. Each step is essential, from writing a great cover letter to preparing for interviews. Here’s how to approach it.
Write a Strong Cover Letter
A good cover letter works alongside your resume to give employers a personal introduction. Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for, and use it to highlight your achievements and explain why you’re an excellent fit for the role.
It’s also a chance to share details your resume might not fully cover, like your passion for the field or unique experiences.
Quick Tips:
- Address the letter to the hiring manager whenever possible
- Mention one key achievement that matches the job requirements
- Keep it short—one page is enough
Need more help? Check out our detailed guide on writing cover letters.
Send Your Resume the Right Way
Emailing your resume is often your first direct interaction with a company, so learning how to write an email when sending a resume is crucial.
Keep your email professional and to the point. Include a short introduction, mention the job you’re applying for, and attach your resume and cover letter in PDF format.
Quick Tips:
- Use a professional email address
- Add a clear subject line (e.g., “Application for Marketing Assistant – [Your Name]”)
- Double-check your attachments before hitting send
For more tips, read our guide on emailing resumes.
Prepare for Your Interview
Once your resume lands you an interview, it’s time to prepare. Consider your resume your starting point—be prepared to discuss the skills and experiences you listed in more detail.
Practice answering common interview questions and showing how your abilities match the job and company.
Quick Tips:
- Research the company and role in advance
- Use examples from your resume to back up your answers
- Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to move from submitting your application to nailing the interview and landing your first job.
Make a Great Impression
Writing your first resume can feel challenging, but it’s also your chance to showcase your skills and land your dream job. With the right approach, you can make a great first impression.
Key Tips for Building Your Resume
Advice from Harmont’s Resume Experts:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to match the job you’re applying for
- To make your achievements stand out, use action words (like “managed” or “created”) and include measurable results
- Keep your resume short and simple—one page is ideal, and it should be easy to read
Insights from Top Australian Employers:
- Highlight transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and adaptability
- Make sure your contact details are complete, up-to-date, and professional
- Show genuine interest in the job and a willingness to learn—these are qualities employers value in entry-level candidates
Remember, your first resume is more than just a document. It’s your chance to show employers why you’re the right fit for the role. By following these tips and putting in some effort, you’ll create a resume that helps you take the first step in your career. Also, getting professional help can give you the edge you need.
Choosing the right resume writing services will open the door to exciting opportunities! At Harmont, we help tailor your resume to match your career goals across various industries. Here’s how we can help:
- Trade Services: Our trade service resumes highlight your technical skills, certifications, and hands-on experience to stand out in industries like construction, plumbing, or electrical work
- Administration: Showcase your organisation, communication, and time-management skills to succeed in administrative roles with our administration resumes
- Education: To land your ideal role in the education sector, our teacher resumes focus on your teaching experience, subject knowledge, and passion for education
With Harmont, you’ll get a professional resume designed to make a great first impression and boost your confidence in any industry.
FAQs
What resume format is best for someone with no experience?
If you lack work experience, the functional resume format is your best option. This format focuses on your skills and strengths instead of your work history, making it perfect for first-time job seekers. You can also try a combination format, which highlights your skills while including relevant experiences like internships or volunteering.
How do I write a resume with no experience in Australia?
When writing a resume without experience, focus on your transferable skills, education, and extracurricular activities. Highlight things like volunteering, school projects, or certifications that are relevant to the job. Use a clear structure that includes the following:
- Contact information
- Career objective
- Key skills
- Education
- Relevant experience (e.g., volunteering or projects)
Keep the layout simple, professional, and easy to read.
What should a 14-year-old include on a resume?
A resume for a 14-year-old with no experience in Australia should focus on the basics. Include your:
- Contact information
- Education
- Skills
You can also add extracurricular activities, school projects, or volunteering that show responsibility and teamwork. Keep the formatting simple and avoid unnecessary details to make it easy to follow.
What goes in a resume summary if you have no experience?
A resume summary for a resume with no experience is a short statement that highlights your enthusiasm, skills, and goals. If you don’t have work experience, focus on achievements from school, volunteering, or personal projects. For example:
“Motivated high school graduate with strong organisational skills and a passion for customer service, seeking an opportunity to build professional experience.”
What is a beginner profile summary for a resume?
A beginner profile summary introduces who you are, your skills, and your willingness to learn. For example:
“Dedicated student with excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic. Seeking an entry-level role to apply my abilities and contribute to a dynamic team.”
Adjust your summary to match the specific job you’re applying for.
How do high school students write resumes in Australia?
High school students who are learning how to write a resume for a first job should include:
- Contact information
- A short career objective
- Education and academic achievements
- Skills
- Activities like volunteering, part-time jobs, or school projects
Focus on highlighting your potential, keep the resume to one page, and use a clean, professional format that’s easy to read.
