How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience

You're a new graduate, but you wonder if you can make the first step up the career ladder. You don't have any work experience, and recruiters wouldn't take a risk. They may not have the time (and budget) to train a newbie. They want the best candidate, such that they will reach out to employees from companies within the same industry. And they want to make the job application process as short as possible. It shouldn't discourage you, as this would be a déjà vu moment. You were a college applicant, and you wanted to prove to the admissions tutor that you deserved a place (in your department of choice). It took you days before you came up with a persuasive personal statement. You proofread your (admissions) essay several times before you let your English teacher (from high school) read it.

This task, which is daunting as it seems, will prompt you to use your creativity, resourcefulness, and time management into good use. The first step wouldn't be looking for the right resume template. You'll get there later. Open your notebook, if not turn on your computer (and open a document). Recall your college years. And then assess your current standing. You have a good chance (like other applicants) or you must do something.

5 Ways to Show Your Potential

Do your research. You've decided on your chosen field during the (college) application period. You should have made a short list of the companies that you want to work with. It doesn't matter if you're uncertain of it, as you have all the time to look in it. You can find all the information in the company website. If it's not enough, then ask anyone (about it). You'll get a lead sooner or later. Your task doesn't end when you're satisfied with the data you have gathered from different sources. Assess your grades. Will the recruiters take a chance on you? If you have doubts, then you must proceed to the next item.

Highlight your achievements. Recruiters aren't interested in what you have achieved during your tertiary years, but they're looking for traits that align with the values that companies want from their employees. High grades may impress them, even suspect you as someone who might be more than a competent employee. Burnout does happen (and they have seen it many times). You must be part of a (college) organization, where you have taken part in several activities. Teamwork is one of the workplace skills that they look for. If you have participated in a marathon, then don't forget to include it (in your resume). Some recruiters might see you as an ambitious person. It will be another asset.

Learn how to communicate. It's imperative to be eloquent in your thoughts, but there's more to this task. You should show that you're the best prospect out there. Start your resume with a brief statement, a summary of non-work related experience that recruiters like to read (in that piece of paper). The short list (of experience) must be presented with details, where it would be preferable to use numbers. If you can't do it, then do a proactive approach. Recruiters like to see your motivation, as well as your enthusiasm in completing task deadlines. You have been in that position not long ago. (If you're at a loss, then recall how you procrastinate to beat the deadline of some of your assignments.) You must not be satisfied, as the next one can give you the edge.

Look for volunteer work. It doesn't matter if you end up with unpaid work, as the skills you'll learn (during your tenure) will strengthen your resume. You must be able to describe your impact in the organization, as your perspective can persuade recruiters immediately. You can ask your professors for volunteering opportunities. You can inquirer the Career Planner as well. Your parents (and their network) can give you a lead. You don't need to do it for a few months, as one month can make a huge difference.

Write down your hobbies. Recruiters may have second thoughts about applicants who are showing signs of being workaholic at an early stage. Hobbies won't indicate someone who is capable of work-life balance, as your description can reveal your ability to manage your time. What you've been doing during your spare time can have a positive effect on your performance in the workplace, so recruiters will take note of it. Don't make it long, though.

3 Questions to Answer

When you have listed down all the information that you want to present to recruiters, you should proceed to the next step.

Does your resume look professional enough? If it's not, then seek an expert's advice.

Do you have transferable skills? College may be different from the office, but some skills you learned (during your college years) can be put to good use once more. If your resume doesn't send that message (to recruiters), then look at it again. Make the necessary revisions. The same thing applies to your traits.

Have you composed an impressive resume? The most senior professionals have started with a blank resume, which should give you something to hope for.