Resume for beginners
Contrary to what one might think, it is quite possible to write a resume without having the previous professional experience to assert.
Don't have a summer job, internship, or other experience to include in your resume and you don't know where to start to write it? Read our informative guide carefully and find our tips and examples to help you with this task.
How to make a resume without experience?
The challenge of those looking for a first job is well known: all they want is to be able to gain experience even though they have no reference to prove their qualification.
However, how to write a resume without professional experience in a context where the majority of recruiters remain convinced that a professional background is the best way to determine and anticipate the performance of candidates for a job?
Make a good impression
Whatever your case, it's important to write your resume with a clear goal. This step is all the more essential when you have no professional experience to provide. Explain the reasons that motivate you to apply to this company.
Another tip for any beginner is to state their qualifications. List your know-how, your greatest skills, and your strengths that make you the best candidate for the job. Emphasizing your qualifications will distract the recruiter from your inexperience.
Showcase your personal experiences
Not having work experience does not mean you have no experience whatsoever. Describe your academic background, your study plans, any volunteer activities, and even your hobbies if they correspond to the position in question.
These personal experiences and activities will help you cite the skills you have acquired and which may make you eligible for the position.
A necessity: get your bearings quickly
The recruiter has neither the time nor the inclination to play a treasure hunt. Insist on the essential points: name and size of the company, name of your function, your profession, your mission, “size” of the position (number of people in the team, possibly under your responsibility), results… You can also indicate in front of each experience the positive points that it brought you (sense of organization, autonomy in work, etc.) but do not overdo it.
Always keep in mind the need for the recruiter to quickly find their way around your RESUME and to know exactly where you want to go. In this case, he will more easily want to offer you a position related to your experience.
It doesn't necessarily take a lot to arouse the curiosity of recruiters. Do not hesitate to highlight your skills related to the position for which you are applying: babysitting, sport, hobbies and passions, association, volunteering, etc.
Insist on your training
Failing to showcase professional experience, your training, and academic background may attract the attention of recruiters. The training section of your resume must be complete: diplomas, certifications, patents, etc.
Always mention the most recent diploma first and indicate the following information: mention, grade, specialty, subject of the thesis (if you have written one).
Add your practical skills
The recruiter will favor the candidate who can highlight practical or less common skills than those found in the majority of applications. If you speak one or more languages, for example, mention it on your RESUME, specifying your level of knowledge.
Also be sure to mention your computer skills: proficiency in SAARI, social networks, Excel, PowerPoint, WordPress, Photoshop, etc.
Detail the internships performed
Regardless of the length of your internship, it is essential to mention it in your resume. Indicate the missions accomplished as well as the qualities and skills they have developed.
The experiences which will have enabled you to have contact with the professional world must be repeated if they are consistent with the position to be filled.
Follow a determined structure
Your first RESUME should generally have some essential sections:
- Contact details on the top of the RESUME
- Skills and your know-how
- Professional experiences
- The academic background and training
- Areas of interest
Avoid the superfluous
When writing a resume for a first job, the important thing is to demonstrate your worth for the position in question. So leave out any information that is unrelated to the requirements for this position.