So, you’re trying to land your first job—but your resume is staring back at you... empty.

No work history? No problem. Everyone has to start somewhere—and you have more experience than you think.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what to put on your resume when you’ve never had a job, how to make the most of your skills and achievements, and how to create a resume that makes employers want to meet you.

First Things First: What Employers Actually Want

Here’s the secret: employers hiring for entry-level roles aren’t just looking for job history—they’re looking for:

• Potential

• Work ethic

• Communication skills

• Willingness to learn

So instead of worrying about the jobs you haven’t had, focus on the strengths and experience you do have.

What to Include on Your First Resume

1. Contact Information

At the very top, include:

• Full name

• Phone number

• Professional email address

• LinkedIn profile or personal website (if you have one)

2. Professional Summary (Optional but Powerful)

A short 2–3 sentence intro that highlights your enthusiasm and top skills.

Example:

Motivated high school graduate with strong communication skills and a passion for customer service. Known for being reliable, eager to learn, and a team player. Seeking an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment.

3. Education

Include your most recent or relevant education:

• School name

• Degree or program (or “High School Diploma”)

• Expected graduation date or year completed

• Relevant coursework, GPA (if 3.5+), or academic achievements

Example:
Springfield High School
High School Diploma — Graduated 2024

• GPA: 3.8

• Relevant courses: Business Studies, Computer Applications

• Honor Roll (2 years)

4. Projects or Coursework

School or personal projects can show real skills—especially if they involved problem-solving, teamwork, or leadership.

Example:
Senior Project – “Budget Smart” App Concept

• Created a concept for a mobile budgeting app using Canva and Google Slides

• Worked with a team of 4 to present to teachers and classmates

• Developed presentation, did market research, and led the pitch

5. Volunteer Experience

Volunteering counts as real experience. Highlight any roles where you helped others, worked on a team, or showed responsibility.

Example:
Food Bank Volunteer – Local Community Center
Jan–Mar 2024

• Sorted donations, stocked shelves, and assisted visitors

• Helped serve over 100 families weekly with efficiency and care

6. Extracurricular Activities

Sports, clubs, student government, or creative hobbies show dedication and transferable skills like time management, leadership, and collaboration.

Example:
School Newspaper – Student Writer

• Wrote 10+ articles for school publication

• Interviewed staff and peers, met deadlines, and collaborated with editors

7. Skills

List both technical and soft skills. Keep them relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Examples:

• Customer service

• Microsoft Office / Google Workspace

• Time management

• Teamwork

• Basic social media

• Problem solving

8. Certifications or Online Learning (Optional)

Free online courses or certifications show initiative.

Example:

• Google Digital Garage – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing (2024)

• CPR & First Aid Certified

Bonus Tips for First-Time Job Seekers

• Tailor your resume for each job (use keywords from the job post)

• Keep it to one page—short and focused is best

• Use action verbs like "created," "organized," "led," or "assisted"

• Proofread! Typos are one of the top reasons resumes get rejected

Sample Resume Layout (No Job Experience)

[Your Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn]

Professional Summary
Motivated and detail-oriented high school graduate eager to contribute to a dynamic team. Strong communication skills, reliable work ethic, and a passion for learning.

Education
Springfield High School – Graduated 2024

• GPA: 3.8 | Business & Technology Track

• Honor Roll (2 years)

Projects
Budget Smart – Senior Project

• Led the development and presentation of a budgeting app concept

• Conducted market research and presented to class

Volunteer Experience
Food Bank Assistant – Local Community Center

• Helped serve food and organize donations for community families

Skills
Customer Service • Google Docs & Slides • Teamwork • Time Management • Public Speaking

Ready to Start?

Remember: everyone starts somewhere. Employers don’t expect perfection—they want someone who’s dependable, curious, and ready to learn.

You’ve got what it takes. Start building your resume today, and take the first step toward your first job.

Need help? Use our resume builder!