How to Make a Resume With No Experience [Examples + Tips]

How to write a resume with no work experience

Now that you know the correct format to use, let’s look at how to write a no experience resume, step by step.

STEP 1 Read the job description closely.

The best way to write a no job experience resume is to customize it for your target job. That means you must read the job description and highlight all the skills and experiences that apply to you. Take special note of keywords because you will want to use them throughout your resume to make it past applicant tracking systems (ATS) — which scan resumes for keyword relevance — and the discerning eyes of recruiters and hiring managers.

STEP 2 Write your header.

The resume header is where you put your contact information. Your contact information must include:

• Your full name
• Your city, state and ZIP code
• Your phone number
• A professional email address, such as YourName@email.com
• Your LinkedIn account, professional website or portfolio (if you have them)

STEP 3 Write a resume objective statement.

While a professional summary works well for experienced job seekers, a resume objective statement is useful for first-time job applicants because it communicates your goals and top credentials.

To create a resume objective for a resume with no work experience, write three to four compelling sentences that tell potential employers:

• Your subject area or field of expertise (introduction).
• Your most job-relevant skills (what you offer).
• Your most job-relevant skills (what you offer).

Here’s an example of a compelling resume objective statement for a no work experience resume:

Why does the above example work? Because it tells the hiring manager that they meet the requirements for teaching, provides an overview of the job seeker’s motivation for applying and emphasizes relevant hard skills (Montessori teaching methodologies) and soft skills (listening, speaking, critical and imaginative thinking).

STEP 4 Add your skills.

Since you don’t have work experience, you have to rely heavily on relevant skills when applying for a job, so put them directly below your resume objective where they will be prominent.

Your skills section can be called something like Skills, Skills Summary, Core Skills Highlights, Competencies or Relevant Skills. Under the section heading create up to three categories for your skills to make them stand out. Select three to five of your strongest skills for each category and display them in a bulleted list.

For example:

STEP 5 Add experience.

Think you don’t have the experience to add to a resume? Think again.

Here’s what to put on a resume with no experience.

• Internships
• Student teaching
• Coaching or mentoring
• A role in a student organization
• Community service
• Volunteer experience
• A personal project

Remember: Your resume should be tailored to the job, so only add relevant experiences.

Here are a few examples to get you started:

Student Teacher Experience

Relevent Project

STEP 6 Emphasize your education.

The education section on an entry-level resume with no experience is important because it’s another opportunity to show employers you are qualified for the job, especially if you’re a recent graduate.

It should look like this:

STEP 7 How to include certifications, licenses and training

Some jobs, like nursing, accounting and teaching, require candidates to have certifications and licenses. Some job seekers go the extra mile and get additional training or certificates to establish their expertise in their chosen fields.

When you make a resume with no job experience, create a separate resume section for certifications, licenses or professional training if you have them.

Here’s how to make a no experience resume certifications section.

Directly below your education section, list:

• The title of the certification, course or license
• The name of certifying agency or body
• The date you obtained each certificate
• The expiration date of your certificate (if applicable). If you have not yet finished the course, write “In progress” and the expected date of completion.

Here’s an example:

STEP 8 Optional sections for a resume with no experience

While it’s optional, creating a section for awards, honors and relevant coursework (if you have them) can help you secure a job.

Below the education section (or certifications section if you have one), write the type of qualification followed by three bullet points listing the titles, certificates, and the dates earned.

Here’s a no experience resume sample for an optional award:

If you can tie awards, honors and courses into your education or experience sections, then do so because it helps to put them in context.

For example: