Job Resumes for Entry & Student Levels

by Lisa McQuerrey

Developing a resume early in your career is a good way to start building a professional image. Even if you’re just starting with part-time and volunteer jobs, you can still position yourself as a career-minded individual who takes her job search seriously. Once you have a resume format established, you can continue to build on it and update it as your career progresses.

Professional Header

The top center of your resume should include your name, address, phone numbers and e-mail address. If you have a “cute” e-mail address, change it to a more professional one to begin establishing yourself as an adult. Don’t include your social media accounts in your contact info, as this can appear juvenile. Once you start your job search, be careful about the things you post and share on social media sites, as potential employers often check these venues.


List each of your past employers, including the name of the company and the dates you were employed. Below the employer name, write a brief description of your responsibilities, or use bullet points to outline your duties. Include volunteer roles, internships or work-study opportunities in this category, but be sure to denote whether the job was paid or unpaid.

Education and Training

List your educational credentials, including the name of the institution, dates attended and the degree or certification earned. Include your high school only if it is your highest level of education. If you are currently enrolled in a post-secondary educational program, include it in your education category, but rather than list a degree earned, write “pursuing a degree in X” and describe your course of study. Also include certificate programs and specialized or vocational training.


The skills section of an entry-level or student resume is important because it allows you to elaborate on the types of work you are capable of performing. Include your knowledge of different forms of office equipment, computers, software and programs. Also describe specialized skills related to the industry you’re applying for.


While you will eventually have enough information on your resume that you can note “references are available upon request,” for an entry-level resume, include the names and contact information of two or three people who can speak to your experience and reliability. Appropriate references include previous employers, educators, coaches and youth group directors. Always ask people if you can use them as a reference before including their names. Avoid using family members or friends as references if you have more suitable candidates you can approach.

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