How to write a no-experience resume

Look for career-related experiences in your college activities as you create your post-graduation resume.

Many new college graduates have this problem: How do you get hired if all the jobs require experience?

You probably do have experience, it’s just a different kind of experience. Volunteering, internships and part-time jobs helped you gain skills you can use to show potential employers what you can do for them as an employee.

You probably volunteered on campus, in a social organization or in the community. Chances are, put in a lot of time and gained hands-on experience.

If you had internships or part-time jobs, those are skill-building activities that should be on your resume.

As you relate the skills you’ve gained to after-graduation jobs, you’ll be surprised how much experience you do have — it’s just nontraditional experience.

Here are some ideas for re-examining your resume to keep it from minimizing this experience:

  1. Make sure you list all your volunteer experience, especially that with community involvement.
  2. Keep in mind employers look for leadership experience and your ability to successfully communicate. Highlight examples that demonstrate these skills.
  3. A one-page resume probably will be sufficient to market your skills and experience. Show the results of your efforts, and quantify or qualify accomplishments.
  4. Be concise and relate how your coursework can bring value to the employer.
  5. Keep in mind employers want to know what you can do for them not what they can do to help you reach your goals.
  6. Including your GPA helps develop credibility and demonstrates discipline.
  7. List honors and awards. In some cases you may need to explain them.
  8. Refrain from exaggerating, keep your achievements realistic.
  9. Be prepared to customize your resume to an employers needs.
  10. References will back up your resume, so make sure the content is accurate.
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