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Writing Summary for Resume with No Experience (+50 Examples)

It's very important to lead your resume with a strong summary statement to highlight your key skills, strengths, and career goals. In this guide, we will tell you some tips for creating a summary for a resume. Moreover, you can find 50 resume summary examples here that you can take into your resume.

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Writing Summary for Resume with No Experience (+50 Examples)

It's hard for us to write a resume if we have no experience. It's very important to lead your resume with a strong summary statement to highlight your key skills, strengths and career goals.

So, how to write an effective summary for your resume with no experience? In this guide, we will tell you some tips for creating a summary for a resume. Moreover, you can find 50 resume summary examples here that you can take into your resume.

Tips to Write a Resume with No Experience

Writing a resume when you have little or no professional experience can be challenging, but it's definitely possible to create an effective one. Here are some tips:

Lead with a strong summary statement

Begin your resume with a compelling summary that highlights your key skills, strengths, and career goals. Emphasize transferable skills you've gained from academic projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work.

Emphasize your education

Since you don't have extensive work experience, dedicate a prominent section to your educational background. Include your degree(s), major(s), minor(s), relevant coursework, academic achievements, and any honors or awards you've received.

Highlight relevant skills

Create a skills section that showcases the abilities you've developed through your education, personal projects, or hobbies. Include both hard skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving).

Include extracurricular activities and volunteer experience

If you've been involved in clubs, organizations, or volunteer work, include these experiences on your resume. Describe your roles, responsibilities, and any notable achievements or projects you've worked on.

Consider adding coursework or academic projects

If you've completed relevant coursework or academic projects that demonstrate your knowledge and skills, include them on your resume. Describe the project, your role, and any significant outcomes or learnings.

Tailor your resume to the job

Carefully review the job description and tweak your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you're applying for.

Use a clean and professional format

Even without extensive experience, a well-formatted resume can make a positive impression. Choose a clear and easy-to-read layout, and ensure that your resume is free of errors.

Remember, the goal is to showcase your potential and highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the role. With careful crafting and a focus on your strengths, you can create an effective resume that will help you stand out to potential employers.

Summary for Resume with No Experience

When you have little or no professional work experience, the summary section of your resume becomes particularly important. This section serves as a powerful introduction that captures the reader's attention and highlights your relevant skills, qualities, and potential contributions.

Also Read This Article:

what to put in a resume summary with no experience

How to Write a Summary for a Resume with No Experience

To write an effective summary for a resume with no experience, you can follow these tips:

  • Start with a strong opening statement: Craft a compelling opening line that captures your core strengths, qualifications, or career goals. For example, "Motivated and detail-oriented recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, seeking to leverage strong analytical and communication skills in an entry-level marketing role."
  • Highlight relevant skills and achievements: Identify and emphasize the key skills, knowledge, and achievements that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. These could include technical skills, academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, or personal projects.
  • Demonstrate your passion and motivation: Express your enthusiasm and motivation for the role or industry you're pursuing. Highlight your eagerness to learn, grow, and contribute to the organization's success.
  • Quantify your accomplishments: If possible, include quantifiable achievements or metrics that demonstrate your abilities and potential impact. For example, "Achieved a 3.8 GPA while actively participating in the Marketing Club, leading a team of 5 to develop a successful campus awareness campaign."
  • Tailor the summary: Customize the summary for each job application to align with the specific requirements and keywords used in the job description. This will increase the chances of your resume being selected by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and resonating with the hiring manager.

By crafting a compelling and well-tailored summary, you can effectively showcase your potential, transferable skills, and fit for the role, even with minimal professional experience. This can help you stand out and make a strong case for why you're the ideal candidate.

50 Summary for Resume Examples with No Experience

Here are 50 summary examples for a resume with no professional experience, each over 50 words in length:

  • A highly motivated and ambitious recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Equipped with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills gained through academic projects and extracurricular activities. Seeking an entry-level position in the field of marketing to leverage my passion for consumer insights and strategic thinking.
  • A dedicated and resourceful individual with a proven ability to adapt quickly to new environments. Skilled in time management, teamwork, and attention to detail. Eager to contribute to an organization that values personal growth and continuous learning. Open to opportunities across various industries to develop practical experience and build a rewarding career.
  • A creative and results-driven recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, skilled in digital and print media design. Possess strong problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail. Seeking an opportunity to unleash my creativity and contribute to innovative design solutions as a Junior Graphic Designer.
  • An enthusiastic and diligent individual with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Possessing strong programming skills in Java, Python, and C++, as well as experience in database management and web development. Committed to staying updated with emerging technologies and eager to apply my knowledge in a challenging and growth-oriented environment.
  • A proactive and detail-oriented recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Adept in financial analysis, data entry, and spreadsheet proficiency. Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Seeking an entry-level position in the finance or accounting sector to contribute my expertise and grow professionally.
  • A highly adaptable and quick learner with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management. Skilled in conflict resolution, employee relations, and training facilitation. Possessing strong interpersonal and multitasking abilities. Eager to join an organization that values diversity and employee development, where I can apply my knowledge and grow within the field.
  • A passionate and driven individual with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science. Knowledgeable about sustainability practices, environmental regulations, and conservation efforts. Experienced in conducting field research, data analysis, and report writing. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to environmental preservation and promote eco-friendly initiatives.
  • A motivated and tech-savvy recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology. Proficient in various programming languages, database management, and network administration. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a keen interest in cybersecurity. Eager to join a dynamic organization where I can apply my technical expertise and continue learning.
  • A detail-oriented and organized individual with a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management. Skilled in inventory control, logistics coordination, and data analysis. Possess excellent time management and communication abilities. Seeking a challenging role in the supply chain or logistics sector to optimize processes and contribute to operational efficiency.
  • A creative thinker and strategic planner with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. Skilled in market research, social media marketing, and data analysis. Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, with a passion for developing compelling campaigns. Eager to join a dynamic marketing team and contribute innovative ideas to drive brand growth.
  • A highly motivated and driven individual with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Skilled in computer-aided design (CAD), project management, and problem-solving. Possess strong analytical and critical thinking abilities. Seeking an entry-level position in the engineering industry to apply my technical knowledge and contribute to innovative solutions.
  • A detail-oriented and organized individual with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Proficient in writing, editing, and research. Experienced in social media management and content creation. Possess strong communication and multitasking skills. Eager to join a media organization and contribute to compelling storytelling and journalism.
  • A passionate and creative recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design. Skilled in space planning, color theory, and 3D rendering software. Possess a keen eye for aesthetics and a strong understanding of design principles. Seeking an opportunity to contribute my design expertise and create functional and visually appealing spaces.
  • A detail-oriented and analytical individual with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. Proficient in financial modeling, risk analysis, and data interpretation. Skilled in Microsoft Excel and Bloomberg Terminal. Seeking an entry-level position in the financial services industry to apply my quantitative skills and contribute to investment strategies.
  • A dedicated and resourceful individual with a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management. Skilled in customer service, event planning, and operations management. Possess strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities. Eager to join a dynamic hospitality organization and contribute to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
  • A highly motivated and ambitious recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Skilled in research, data analysis, and report writing. Possess strong communication and active listening abilities. Seeking an opportunity to apply my knowledge and contribute to improving mental health and well-being.
  • A creative and innovative thinker with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design. Skilled in product design, prototyping, and user experience (UX) principles. Proficient in CAD software and 3D printing. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative and user-friendly products.
  • A detail-oriented and organized individual with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources. Skilled in employee relations, recruitment, and training facilitation. Possess strong communication and conflict resolution abilities. Eager to join an organization that values employee development and contribute to fostering a positive workplace culture.
  • A passionate and driven individual with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations. Skilled in media relations, event planning, and social media management. Possess strong written and verbal communication abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to strategic communication efforts and enhance brand reputation.
  • A motivated and results-driven recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. Skilled in data analysis, market research, and financial modeling. Possess strong analytical and critical thinking abilities. Seeking an entry-level position in the financial or consulting sector to apply my knowledge and contribute to data-driven decision-making.
  • A creative and detail-oriented individual with a Bachelor's degree in Advertising. Skilled in copywriting, visual design, and campaign development. Possess strong problem-solving and time management abilities. Eager to join an agency or marketing team and contribute to innovative and impactful advertising campaigns.
  • A highly motivated and ambitious individual with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. Skilled in project management, construction site operations, and computer-aided design (CAD). Possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to infrastructure development and sustainable construction practices.
  • A passionate and driven individual with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations. Skilled in research, policy analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Possess strong critical thinking and writing abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to global affairs and promote understanding between nations.
  • A detail-oriented and organized individual with a Bachelor's degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Skilled in inventory control, transportation coordination, and data analysis. Possess strong time management and problem-solving abilities. Eager to join an organization and contribute to streamlining logistics operations.
  • A creative and innovative thinker with a Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship. Skilled in business planning, market analysis, and financial projections. Possess strong leadership and communication abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of a startup or small business.
  • A highly motivated and ambitious individual with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. Skilled in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing. Possess strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. Seeking an entry-level position in the pharmaceutical or research industry to apply my scientific knowledge.
  • A dedicated and resourceful individual with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Skilled in case management, counseling, and community outreach. Possess strong empathy, active listening, and communication abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to improving the lives of individuals and communities in need.
  • A creative and innovative thinker with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Skilled in programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++. Proficient in database management and web development. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge software solutions and expand my technical expertise.
  • A detail-oriented and organized individual with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Skilled in financial reporting, auditing, and tax preparation. Proficient in accounting software and Microsoft Excel. Seeking an entry-level position in the accounting or finance sector to apply my analytical skills and contribute to accurate financial reporting.
  • A passionate and driven individual with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Skilled in research, writing, and critical analysis. Possess strong communication and editing abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to content creation, copywriting, or editorial projects.
  • A highly motivated and ambitious recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. Skilled in market research, social media marketing, and data analysis. Possess strong creative thinking and presentation abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to innovative marketing strategies and brand promotion efforts.
  • A detail-oriented and organized individual with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management. Skilled in recruitment, employee relations, and training facilitation. Proficient in human resources information systems (HRIS). Seeking an opportunity to contribute to talent acquisition and employee development initiatives.
  • A passionate and driven individual with a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Skilled in meal planning, nutrition counseling, and community education. Possess strong communication and interpersonal abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to promoting healthy eating habits and improving overall well-being.
  • A creative and innovative thinker with a Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Design. Skilled in graphic design, video editing, and web development. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and various multimedia software. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to engaging multimedia content creation and digital storytelling.
  • A motivated and results-driven recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Business Analytics. Skilled in data mining, statistical modeling, and data visualization. Proficient in programming languages such as Python and R. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to data-driven decision-making and business intelligence initiatives.
  • A detail-oriented and organized individual with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Skilled in legal research, report writing, and investigative techniques. Possess strong analytical and critical thinking abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to law enforcement or legal compliance efforts.
  • A passionate and driven individual with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering. Skilled in environmental impact assessment, waste management, and sustainability practices. Possess strong problem-solving and analytical abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives.
  • A creative and innovative thinker with a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. Skilled in pattern making, garment construction, and trend forecasting. Possess strong attention to detail and aesthetic sensibilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the design and development of stylish and innovative fashion collections.
  • A highly motivated and ambitious individual with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. Skilled in circuit design, programming, and project management. Possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to innovative electrical systems and technology development.
  • A dedicated and resourceful individual with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. Skilled in exercise physiology, fitness assessment, and injury prevention. Possess strong interpersonal and coaching abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to promoting physical activity and overall wellness.
  • A detail-oriented and organized individual with a Bachelor's degree in Event Management. Skilled in event planning, vendor coordination, and project management. Possess strong communication and multitasking abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the successful execution of memorable and impactful events.
  • A creative and innovative thinker with a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning. Skilled in community development, zoning regulations, and sustainable design principles. Possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the creation of livable and environmentally conscious urban spaces.
  • A passionate and driven individual with a Bachelor's degree in Music Production. Skilled in audio engineering, music composition, and sound design. Proficient in digital audio workstations (DAWs) and recording software. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the creation of captivating musical experiences.
  • A highly motivated and ambitious recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Information Systems. Skilled in database management, network administration, and cybersecurity principles. Possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the development and maintenance of robust information technology systems.
  • A detail-oriented and organized individual with a Bachelor's degree in Library Science. Skilled in cataloging, reference services, and information literacy instruction. Possess strong research and communication abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge in a library or information management setting.
  • A creative and innovative thinker with a Bachelor's degree in Game Design. Skilled in game mechanics, level design, and user experience (UX) principles. Proficient in game development engines and programming languages. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the creation of engaging and immersive gaming experiences.
  • A passionate and driven individual with a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology. Skilled in ethnographic research, data analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Possess strong critical thinking and writing abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to understanding diverse cultures and promoting cultural awareness.
  • A motivated and results-driven recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management. Skilled in event planning, marketing, and financial analysis. Possess strong leadership and organizational abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the business operations and promotion of sports organizations.
  • A detail-oriented and organized individual with a Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies. Skilled in legal research, document preparation, and case management. Possess strong attention to detail and communication abilities. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of a law firm or legal department.
  • A creative and innovative thinker with a Bachelor's degree in Film and Television Production. Skilled in scriptwriting, directing, and video editing. Proficient in various film and video production software. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to the creation of captivating visual stories and cinematic experiences.

Easily Build Your Resume with TalenCat CV Maker

Even if you have no experience, you can still build your resume with TalenCat CV Maker with ease. TalenCat CV Maker has an intuitive resume editor that allows you to create your CV by just filling in the content.

Within TalenCat CV Maker, there are a lot of resume templates available, and you can easily change your resume design to make it look better. Moreover, you can use its AI generator to build your new resume and generate professional content.

For a job seeker with no experience, TalenCat CV Maker can always be the best resume solution.

Step 1. Log in to TalenCat CV Maker, and click the " + Create Resume " button in the top right corner to create a new resume.

create resume with talencat

Step 2. Then you need to name this resume and click the " Create " or " Create with Example " button.

name resume

  • Create: You can start your creation with a completely blank resume, you need to fill in everything for your resume.
  • Create with Example: You can start resume creating with a ready-to-use resume, you can change any content if it doesn't match you.

Step 3. You will get into a reactive CV editor, you can fill in your detailed information, and any content you enter will be immediately displayed in the right panel to let you have an overview of your resume.

edit resume

Once you get your resume creation or editing done, you can easily export it as a PDF file or picture.

Also, you can turn on the "online share" feature to get an online link of your resume, then you can easily share your resume with others using this link.

online share resume with talencat

This article provides tips and examples for writing an effective resume summary when you have little or no professional work experience. The key points are:

  • The resume summary is crucial for job seekers with no experience as it highlights your relevant skills, achievements, and potential.
  • Focus on transferable skills gained from academics, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, personal projects, etc.
  • Highlight your education, coursework, and academic projects that demonstrate applicable knowledge and abilities.
  • Convey your passion, motivation, and fit for the role/industry you are pursuing.
  • Quantify accomplishments like GPA, leadership roles, and team projects where possible.
  • Tailor the summary to the specific job requirements and use relevant keywords.
  • The document provides 50 detailed examples of well-crafted resume summaries for varied fields.
  • It also promotes TalenCat CV Maker as an easy tool to create professional resumes and leverage AI content generation, even with no prior experience.

Hope this can be a helpful guide for recent graduates or entry-level job seekers to craft an impactful resume summary that highlights their potential value to employers despite lacking traditional work experience.

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Resume Summary with No Experience: Examples for Students and Fresh Graduates

By Biron Clark

Published: December 18, 2023

Recent Grads | Resume/CV

Biron Clark

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

If you’re looking for how to write a summary for your resume with no work experience , you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through exactly what to do, and then we’ll look at resume summary examples for entry-level job seekers, students and fresh graduates. 

How to Write a Summary For Your Resume With No Experience:

First, a resume summary is different than an objective . And it’s much better. Putting an objective on your resume is outdated and unnecessary. Resume objectives are useless because they don’t share anything the hiring manager doesn’t already know (such as “my goal is to obtain a position in the ___ industry”). So what we’re doing here is better and will help your resume stand out from people who simply put an objective. Whereas, the resume summary gives a quick highlight reel of your qualifications, education, and more. If you’re not sure what a resume summary actually is, check out this article on 10 resume summary examples . And while it’s easier to figure out what to put if you’ve built up some work experience, you can still write an effective resume summary with no work experience whatsoever.

So in this article, I’m going to show you how. What should go into your summary when you don’t have any work experience? 

1. Put academic accomplishments and leadership

What did you study? Did you just graduate with a degree? Mention that. If you took a leadership role in your class projects, or clubs/groups at your school, you can mention that too. Leadership doesn’t need to be in a job to get the hiring manager’s attention! Taking a leadership role in a sports environment is impressive as well. You’re not going to mention specific accomplishments in your resume summary usually (you can do that later in your resume), but you can say things like “proven leadership” or “natural leader”, etc.

2. Put your interests and passions

Are you passionate about startups and technology? Great, put that. Want to make a difference in the world, and focus your career on social impact? Mention that. This can include the grades you received, but also leadership positions you led, and clubs/groups you participated in.

3. Put “hard” skills

If you’re proficient in any tools, technologies, etc… you can include that in your resume summary. Don’t list 20 things. That’s what your “Skills” section is for. But pick the three or four things that are most relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Coming up in this article, we’re going to look at two resume summary examples for people with no experience. .. and in the second example, you’ll see how this would look.

4. Include soft skills

Are you great at analytical thinking? Do you love working as a part of a team? Are you great at multi-tasking and handling a fast-paced team environment? While these shouldn’t be the main focus of your resume summary section, they can be worth mentioning. It’s especially good to include soft skills that you see mentioned in the job description.

For example, if you see they mention wanting someone who’s great at multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, and you feel that describes you well, then your resume summary is the perfect place to include this.

5. Put statements that will grab the employer’s interest and make them want to ask you questions!

If you mention leadership they’ll want to ask you more about your leadership experiences. That’s a good thing. Remember, whatever you put, they’ll probably ask you about. So as you write your summary for your resume, try to think about what you want them to discuss with you, and what you want a chance to talk about. And try to “tailor” your resume to fit the companies you’re applying to. If you’re applying to large corporations don’t start your summary by saying “Startup enthusiast”.

3 Resume Summary Example for Students, Fresh Graduates and Entry-Level Job Seekers:

In this section, I’m going to share three examples of how to write a summary for your resume with no experience. You can use these resume summary examples as a student, entry-level job seeker, or any job search where you don’t have experience:

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #1: Economics Student

Enthusiastic, highly-motivated Economics student with proven leadership capabilities, who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges.

In this example above, you’re showing that you completed your Economics degree and have an interest in the subject, and you’re mentioning leadership and making the reader want to learn more about this. You’re also making yourself sound ambitious and motivated at the end, which is always a good thing (I’m referring to the part that says “who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges). Notice the format too. This is how I recommend phrasing it. Don’t say “I am a ___”. Just start with the descriptive words.

This is a simple yet effective resume summary example for students OR recent graduates.

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #2: Fresh Graduate in Computer Science

Computer Science graduate passionate about data engineering and machine learning. Highly-capable leader, having led multiple Senior class projects to completion. Proficient in a range of modern technologies including Python, Java and Scala.

This is another good example of a student or fresh graduate resume summary that still shows your skills and academic focus, even if you have no formal work experience.  In this entry-level resume summary example, you’re highlighting accomplishments and leadership as a student and you’re also showing that you’re passionate about your work. Saying you’re passionate about data engineering is much better than just saying, “Looking for a job in data engineering.” They’ll know you’re looking for jobs because you applied. Taking up space to say it is a bad use of this area of your resume, and is why I never recommend having a resume “Objective” section. The summary exists instead of an “Objective” and is much better.

The example above also included some great programming keywords (Python, Java, Scala) to help get past any automated application systems and grab the hiring manager’s attention very quickly when they first look at your resume. If you work with any tools or technologies that have names like these, you can include it in your entry-level resume summary if you’d like. Other examples of tools/technologies: Photoshop, MS Excel, etc.

If you decide not to include these on your resume summary, make sure to include them elsewhere such as your Education or Skills section .

Resume Summary Example with No Experience #3: Math Student Graduating Soon

4th year mathematics student passionate about statistics and data analysis. Proven project leader. Active member of Boston University’s Mathematics Club. Speaker at 2018 “New York Young Mathematicians Conference.”

This resume summary example for students shows how you can list accomplishments even if you’ve never formally worked before. Did you participate in any clubs at school? Have you led any class projects? These are impressive pieces you can add to your resume summary with no experience formally working. 

How to Write a Resume Summary For Students/Fresh Graduates – Quick Recap

  • Skip buzzwords like “hard-working” and put real academic accomplishments instead, like projects you produced and tasks you led
  • Include what you’re interested in and passionate about to show them why you are applying for this position
  • Mention hard skills like “Java Programming” or “Excel,”  especially if they’re listed on the job description
  • Include soft skills as well like, “excellent at multi-tasking”, especially if you saw these keywords anywhere on the job description
  • Include statements in your resume summary that will catch the employer’s interest and make them want to talk with you and ask you more. Remember – the entire goal of your resume is to get invited to interview. So if you did anything unique like giving presentations, working in an internship , participating in a school club, etc., you can include this in your entry-level resume summary.

If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great entry-level resume summary that will stand out and catch a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s attention so you can get more interviews.

After you write your entry-level resume summary, here are two more articles that may be helpful when job searching with no experience:

  • The best times of year to job search
  • How to create a great elevator pitch for job hunting

Biron Clark

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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This site was pretty helpful in guiding me throughout my school resume, would love other tips would do well.

This is a great guide. If only schools were actually interested in teaching children real life skills like this.

Hi, I am a student who has been finding it very difficult to make resumes due to the lack of working experience. I am currently trying to find a job while studying at the same time. I am in University completing a certificate and will soon be applying for a BA in Psychology and Criminolgy. However, I wish to apply for a part time job in the fashion industry. Can you please leave me some tips about what I can do to ensure that I can find a job without needing experience.

Your page has really helped, Thank you.

Hi, I’m a job seeker with 2 years experience working as a cart collector at grocery store and an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, is this a good professional summary?: “Reliable team member with a keen interest in information technology and other applications. Capable of handling multiple projects within deadlines. Eager to apply my professional and academic background as an Administrative Assistant at Bogdan Contracting.”

I’ve been job seeking since October 2018, I’m hoping I can start a career in tech support as soon as possible.

Hi Marcais,

I think it sounds pretty good. My least favorite part is the first word, though. “Reliable” sounds pretty average/boring. Sure, you show up, do your job, etc. That’s what I think when I hear “reliable”. But not much more.

I’d look for a better word to lead off with.

I would like to say thank you for making this article about writing a summary for a resume. For the past couple of months, I have been struggling to find someone who can help me with that because I don’t have a lot of experience in my field (i.e. engineering). I do have one question though. Is it appropriate to use first-person nouns in the summary section? I have seen people do that, but I find it quite odd.

Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you.

Hi Frances,

I’d avoid saying, “I” if that’s what you’re asking.

Just say “Led team of 7 people to accomplish ___”

Just start without a pronoun.

Another example: “Highly-accomplished accounting professional who has ____”

Comments are closed.

How to Write a Resume with No Experience [21+ Examples]

Background Image

It’s time for your first job hunt !

You need to write a resume , which can be nerve-wracking if you don’t have any real-life work experience.  

You don’t know where to start, what to include, or which resume format to choose.

On top of that, most advice you find online isn’t relevant because it focuses on emphasizing professional background.

Chances are, you’re straight out of college with no experience to speak of. 

Or maybe you're a high-school student applying for a part-time job.

Whichever the case may be, you’re probably having trouble filling in the blank space on your resume that’s supposed to be the work experience section.

Worry not, though. In this guide, we’re going to help you create an AMAZING resume, no work experience is needed.

  • How to format your resume with no work experience
  • 4 sections to replace work experience (that help you stand out)
  • 2 no-work experience resume samples (guaranteed to land you the job)

How to Format Your Resume [with No Work Experience + Examples] 

A resume format is the layout of your resume .

The ideal resume format usually depends on how much work experience you have. 

But what happens when you have none?

For a no-experience resume, we recommend that you use the reverse-chronological format . 

no experience resume format

It’s the most popular format amongst applicants and a recruiter favorite.  

The sections in your reverse-chronological resume will be: 

  • Header : Contact Information and Resume Statement
  • Internships, extracurricular activities, projects, volunteer work  (These sections will replace your work experience)

In this article, we’ll walk you through each of these sections, and explain how to write them in a way that you stand out from the crowd.

Let’s dive in.

Start With Your Resume Header

resume header example

Your resume header includes your contact information and your resume statement.  

Below, we’ll show you how to write both of these elements and how to include them in your header section.

Put Down Your Contact Information

Just like the name suggests, the first thing you add to your header is your personal and contact information.

It’s the easiest part to get right, just keep it short and to the point.

In your contact information section, mention the following:

  • First and Last Name
  • Phone Number
  • E-mail Address
  • A link to a professional profile (e.g. LinkedIn ) or personal webpage (if you have one)

Make sure to use a professional-sounding E-mail.

I.e. something along the lines of “[email protected].” 

You’re sure to leave a wrong impression if you use an email you created back in preschool ( “[email protected]” ).

Make sure to double-check, triple-check your contact information. After all, the recruiter can’t contact you if you have a typo in your phone number.

(Optional) Write Your Resume Objective

A resume objective is a short heading statement in your resume, where you describe your professional goals and aspirations.

Fun fact - hiring managers look at your resume for 5-6 seconds max .

Yep, that’s right. In most cases, the hiring manager is literally drowning in resumes. So, they have a couple of seconds to skim each one.

Well, this section is your chance to catch their attention (and let them know you’ve got what it takes).

A resume objective is usually 3-4 sentences max and includes information on:

  • What your field of study is;
  • What your skills and experiences are (ones that are relevant to the job );
  • Why you’re applying for this position and/or this company.

As with contact information, you don’t need to label your resume objective with a title. Just write it underneath your contact information section.

Here’s an example of what a resume objective looks like:

“ Recent Communications graduate looking to apply for the role of Secretary at XYZ inc. Extremely organized with good writing and multitasking skills. Practical experience in management gained through several university projects, which involved coordinating tasks between different team members and ensuring that everyone was in sync with the latest information. ”

Emphasize Your Education

education section on resume no experience

In your average resume, the first section would be work experience.

Since you don’t have any, though, you’ll want to omit that and replace it with the education section.

This way, you bring a lot more attention to your education, which is one of your main selling points. 

What should you include in the Education section? 

List the following features in this order:

  • Name of the degree
  • Name of the institution
  • Years attended
  • Location of the institution (optional)
  • GPA (optional)
  • Honors (optional)
  • Relevant coursework (optional)
  • Exchange programs (optional) 

As a general rule, if you studied in a prestigious university, you can add the name of the institution before the degree . This way, you will catch the recruiter’s attention faster.

Now, let’s go through some real-life examples:

BA in Computer Science

Tufts University

Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts

10/2015 - 06/2018

Magna Cum Laude

  • Exchange Program in Greenville, NY

University of the Arts London

BA in Interior Design 

10/2017 - Ongoing

Westwood High

Boston, Massachusetts

Class of 2018 

Education Section Q&A

Still have some questions about the education section? Worry not, we’re about to give you all the answers!

Do I include my GPA?

  • The answer here is a “maybe.” We’d recommend including a GPA if it’s higher than 3.5. Anything lower than that, and you might be underselling yourself. Keep in mind, though, that most employers don’t care about your grades.

Should I include my coursework?

  • Yep, but just as long as it’s relevant. If you have no work experience, including courses can help establish your expertise in a field. Feel free to skip out on any basic courses, though. No one cares about your Maths 101 course.

Do I mention my degree if I dropped out?

  • If you studied for more than 2-3 years, yes. A half-finished degree is still better than no degree. If you dropped out after a semester, though, that doesn’t really mean much.

Do I mention my high school degree?

  • Only if it’s your only degree. If you have any higher education, your high school degree will only take up space.

4 Sections to Replace Work Experience [With Examples]

Now that you’ve listed your education, it’s time to fill that work experience gap in your resume.

You aren’t still worried about your lack of experience, right?

Because here are four sections you can use instead:

1) Internships

Have you done an internship that is relevant to the position you are applying for?

Now’s the time to mention it. 

Here is how you add an internship to your resume:

First , place the Internship section right after the education section. 

Title it: Internships

Second , write your internship title and role . Be specific.

If your internship was in the marketing department, instead of just “Intern”, say “Marketing Intern”. 

Third , put down the company name , location , and duration of the internship - in that order.

Marketing Intern

Full Picture

New York, NY

09/2019 - 12/2019

Easy and straightforward, right?

One more step:

Last , add a list of responsibilities you had as an intern in bullet point form. 

If you have any tangible achievements , even better! Write those in as well.

Finally, tailor both the responsibilities and achievements to the role you’re applying for.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

You used to be an Advertising Intern .

You’re applying for the position of Social Media Assistant . 

Here’s how you would put down your internship entry:

Internships

Full Picture Company

  • Analyzed various social media platforms for trending content
  • Managed company social media accounts
  • Posted interested content on company Facebook page, increasing engagement by 25%

The listed responsibilities and achievements are directly connected to the Social Media Assistant job requirements.

You’re applying for a Content Writer position. Take a look at the same entry now:

  • Assisted the Marketing Manager in writing press releases and new blog posts , which increased web traffic by 25%.

Notice how the internship title remains the same. 

But in this case you’re applying for a Content Writer position, so you are highlighting your writing experience instead.

For more examples, check out our full guides to an internship resume and how to write a cover letter for an internship .

2) Extracurricular activities

Still have a ton of empty space in your resume?

Extracurricular activities are always a great addition!

Whether they’re related to the job you’re applying for or not, they still show one thing:

You’re hard-working and motivated.

Imagine you’re the HR manager, and you can pick between these 2 candidates:

  • Josh Johnson. Studied at Massachusetts State. 4.0 GPA, but that’s all he did in college - no extracurricular activities, internships, or anything else.
  • Suzie Activeson. Also studied at Massachusetts state. 3.2 GPA. Vice-president of the business club. Served as a student government senator for 2 semesters. Organized several events as part of the marketing club.

Sure, Josh is probably qualified, but we don't know anything about him, other than that he studied a lot.

Suzie, on the other hand, can manage a team (business club VP), organize events (marketing club), and is passionate about making a change (student government).

So, which one would you pick?

Now, let’s explain how to list extracurricular activities on your resume:

  • Title of the section: Extracurricular Activities
  • Name of the organization and/or team 
  • Your role in the organization
  • Time period
  • Noteworthy awards or achievements

Extracurricular Activities

Public Speaking Club

Vice-President

09/2018 - 09/2019

  • Organized 10+ public speaking lectures
  • Brought in speakers from all over the state
  • Conducted public speaking workshops

3) Volunteering Experience

Volunteering shows dedication and passion to apply yourself. 

And there’s nothing recruiters love more than a committed employee.  

Whether you spend your free time in a soup kitchen, or you helped collect trash in the countryside, you can mention it in your resume!

But how do you list volunteering experience?

Well, it follows the same logic as your internship and extracurriculars:

  • Title of the section: Volunteering Experience
  • Name of the organization
  • Relevant tasks and achievements (bullet points)

Volunteering Experience

Grand Archive Library Volunteer

Washington, D.C

08/2017 - 02/2019

  • Performed secretarial activities, such as sorting mail, filing documents, answering phone calls, and taking messages. 
  • Led a poetry reading event twice a month. 

4) Projects

In this section, you can add any relevant projects you were part of during your time in school or at an internship.

Your capstone project, graduation thesis, or research project go here. 

No need for work experience!

You can also mention any other type of project you’ve worked on in school, including:

  • Business project for a real-life client
  • Mock website you created in Web Design 101
  • Fake magazine you created as a capstone project
  • Market research you did as part of your graduation thesis
  • Software you developed in Software Engineering class

...And so on!

Here’s how you put them down:

  • Title of the section: Projects
  • Project name
  • Project type
  • Related organization 
  • Relevant responsibilities and achievements (optional)

And now, for some practical examples. Here’s what a journalism student project could look like:

Online Privacy and Social Media: a Journalistic Study of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica

Journalism Capstone Project

Harvard University

09/2018 - 11/2018

And here’s a law school example:

In-House Pro Bono Project

Columbia Law School

11/2018 - 03/2019

  • Completed a full petition for U nonimmigrant status, interviewed legal persons and drafted affidavits.

If you have anything physical to back up your project with, feel free to include a link.

For example, if you’re a developer, you could include a link to your GitHub profile.

Stand out with your Skills 

skills section no work experience resume

There are two types of skills you can include on your no-experience resume: 

Soft skills and hard skills. 

What’s the difference? 

Soft skills are attributes or habits that describe how you work. They are not specific to a job, but indirectly help you adapt to the work environment. 

Here are some of the most popular ones: teamwork, responsibility, leadership, creativity, etc.  

Hard skills , on the other hand, refer to specific tools, technical knowledge and training and other work-specific skills. They apply directly to the job. 

Technical writing, C++, financial accounting, etc. are all examples of hard skills.

So, which of these skills should you include? 

That depends on a lot of factors, but as someone with no work experience, you should opt more for hard skills .

See, you could write all the cool buzzwords like “Critical Thinking” and “Leadership,” but the recruiter won’t believe you.

Fun fact - that’s what 90% of students do.

Instead, you should focus on skills that make you stand out , and in most cases, those are hard skills.

So, how do you decide which hard skills to mention? Easy! Just check the job ad you’re applying for.

Let’s say you’re applying for an entry-level creative internship, and you find these requirements in the job description: 

  • Video editing experience (Premiere, After Effects)
  • UI design experience
  • Photo editing experience (Photoshop)
  • Photography experience
  • Experience with Adobe Illustrator

You’d transfer this into your skills section:

  • Premiere & After Effects - Expert
  • Photoshop - Expert
  • UI Design - Intermediate
  • Adobe Illustrator - Intermediate
  • Photography - Intermediate

Not sure which skills to mention? Check out our article on 150+ must-have skills for all sorts of professions !

Other Sections You Could Include in a No-Experience Resume

A resume without experience does have one advantage: extra space . 

You can use this space to create other sections that highlight how awesome you are!

Here are some sections you could include:

  • Hobbies and Interests . Add flair to your resume by showing your genuine passion and interest in the industry.
  • Languages. Do you know a second language? Or even a third? Awesome! Most companies these days are pretty international and appreciate an extra language skill or two. Be mindful not to over-exaggerate your proficiency, though. Only knowing how to ask “¿Donde está la biblioteca?” doesn’t warrant a Spanish entry on your resume.
  • Awards & Certifications . Do you have any fancy pieces of paper that show you’re smart? Maybe it’s an award for a terrific essay in a competition, or a certificate from an online course . Whichever the case may be, awards and certifications show that you’re a winner, so definitely include them in their own respective section.

Need Inspiration? 2 No Work Experience Resume Samples

Do you still have questions or don’t know where to begin?

That’s when a resume sample comes in handy. 

It provides you with a predetermined format.

It also helps you picture how your no-experience resume is supposed to look like. 

As Picasso put it: Good artists copy; great artists steal! 

Here are 2 no work experience resume samples you can borrow ideas from:

Business Student Resume Sample

no experience resume sample

High-school Student Resume Sample

high school no experience resume sample

Create a Matching Cover Letter

All done with your resume?

It’s not over yet. You need to write a cover letter to go with it.

A cover letter is a single-page letter that accompanies your resume and is part of your job application.

Look at it this way: your resume describes your experiences, and your cover letter explains (in simple words) how they’re relevant to the job.

Now, here’s a quick infographic on what to include in a cover letter:

cover letter format for no experience resume

Finally, as with everything else in your resume, make sure to keep your cover letter relevant, short, and concise.

The hiring manager doesn’t have time to read an autobiography, they’ll only review your cover letter for a few minutes. 

There’s a lot more to creating a good cover letter than what we just explained.

For a complete, all-you-need-to-know walk-through, check out our Complete Guide on How to Write a Cover Letter !

Key Takeaways

...and that’s a wrap!

At this point, you should know everything there is to know about writing a killer no-experience resume.

Just to keep things fresh, though, let’s quickly go through everything we’ve learned so far:

  • When creating your no-experience resume, use the reverse-chronological format.
  • You can create a killer no-experience resume by emphasizing your education instead. Include relevant internships, soft & hard skills, and projects.
  • Other sections you can include on your resume are hobbies & interests, languages, certifications, or achievements.
  • Keep all the content on your resume clear, precise, and relevant. Use bullet points for all your descriptions.
  • After you’re done with your resume, you want to write an awesome cover letter that goes with it. The cover letter is a one-page letter that tells the story behind your resume content and reemphasizes why you’re a great fit for the job.

Related Resume Examples

  • Internship Resume
  • High School Resume
  • Research Assistant Resume
  • College Resume
  • Students and Graduates Resume
  • Teacher Resume

Recommended Readings:

  • 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2024
  • 20+ One-Page Resume Templates [Free Download]
  • 35+ Common Interview Questions and Answers [Complete List]

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How to Make a Resume With No Experience

You can lean on internships, class projects and extracurricular activities.

Jeff Rumage

Making a resume early in your career feels like a classic catch-22: A good resume highlights relevant work experience, which you don’t get until you land a job.

The truth is you don’t always need professional experience for entry-level jobs. By highlighting your existing skills, coursework and extracurricular activities, you can craft a resume that will impress employers — even without work experience.

Writing a Resume With No Experience

  • Start with a professional summary 
  • Emphasize your education 
  • Include relevant experience like internships and extracurriculars
  • Highlight your accomplishments
  • Showcase your skills 
  • Don’t include a headshot, hobbies and other unnecessary details

Even if you don’t meet all the requirements described in a job description , there are still ways to write a resume that catches a company’s eye. First, you may want to get your hands on a resume template (word processors like Google Docs and Microsoft Word have resume templates to guide you with a general structure). From there, you can fill in the details by following the tips below.

1. Start With a Professional Summary

Career coaches have mixed opinions on including a short professional summary at the top of your resume. Lesa Edwards, founder of  Exclusive Career Coaching and the former director of the career center at  Truman State University , is in favor of a professional summary because it can set the stage and contextualize the experiences that follow. It also allows you to set yourself apart in a large stack of resumes. 

If you decide to include a professional summary, ask yourself: What do I bring to the table? What soft skills could I transfer over to this role? What do I have that other candidates don’t have? If written well, this two-to-three-sentence summary could encourage recruiters and hiring managers to take a closer look at your resume and cover letter.

2. Emphasize Your Education

If you recently graduated from college, put your education experience as one of the first headers on your resume. You should list your major, any academic honors and your GPA (if it is 3.5 or higher). The education section of your resume can also include a subsection for industry-relevant certifications . As your career progresses, you can bump your education section further down the resume to make room for more relevant professional experiences.

3. Include Relevant Experience and Activities 

Instead of focusing on the requirements you don’t meet, think about any transferable skills or experiences you might have gained from internships , extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, volunteering or school projects.

Jill Silman Chapman, director of early talent programs at Insperity , said she favors candidates who have a well-rounded set of experiences. It shows they are able to multitask, work in different types of environments and adapt to changing circumstances.

“In today’s workplace, we’re changing all the time,” she said. “That ability to adapt is critical.”

Internships

Internships are the best way to gain relevant work experience before entering the professional world. They offer an opportunity to apply the lessons you’ve learned in the classroom in real-world situations.

Part-Time Jobs

If you worked in a service industry job and you are seeking your first professional job after college, you could highlight soft skills , like time management skills needed to juggle school and work responsibilities. Customer service is an especially underrated skill, Silman Chapman said, because it translates to customer-facing roles and  interpersonal skills within the workplace.

Extracurricular Activities

This could include student government, fraternities and sororities or any number of campus organizations or community activities. Athletics is also a resume-booster in some industries, especially sales and other professions that tap into a competitive spirit. You might also note if you were an Eagle Scout, helped out at a peer tutoring program or volunteered your time in other ways that show you are engaged in your community.

Class Projects

Projects you worked on as part of a class or online certification program can also be incorporated into your resume. This could include your marketing class working on a semester-long campaign that culminated in a big presentation. If your class partnered with a company on a large project, that could be a relevant real-world experience for your resume.

Online certification programs are also a good way to gain professional experience, and often provide a chance to apply your learnings to a project, which can then be highlighted on your resume, said Karen Scully-Clemmons, assistant director of career services and employer relations at the  University of Texas at Austin . You’ll want to detail what you accomplished, what technologies you used and what you learned . If possible, you should also link to your project on your resume.

Related Reading How to Use the STAR Interview Method to Land a Job

4. Highlight Your Accomplishments

For each experience you list, showcase the results in bullet point format, and look for ways to quantify your results. For example, don’t just rattle off what you did as president of a school organization, highlight how many new members joined during your tenure or how much money you raised while leading fundraising efforts.  

These accomplishments don’t need to be groundbreaking, but you might have to reflect deeply and think creatively to recognize and articulate the value you provided in each role. Just be sure to align these accomplishments with the responsibilities in the job description. 

“Sometimes I think the hardest thing for students is to think of an achievement, because they think it has to be a super big deal,” Edwards said. “So much of it is a shift in mindset of what constitutes an achievement.”

5. Showcase Your Skills

For a skills section, you can include your software proficiencies, as well as soft skills like organization, time management, communication, adaptability to change and the ability to work as part of a team . If you are going to highlight soft skills, though, you should also include evidence of a role or situation in which you demonstrated those skills.

“It may not be numbers, dollars or percentages,” Edwards said, “but maybe you could talk about how you took a leadership role in a class project that was presented to a community organization.”

Related Reading 5 Things New Grads Need to Know About the Job Market

6. Don’t Include These Elements

You only have so much space on your resume, so be sure to leave off these unnecessary details. 

Objective Statement 

Don’t include an “objective” statement that lays out what you are looking for in a job. Instead of talking about what you want, use that space to describe what value you can offer the employer. 

Hobbies and Interests

While you might think a job is related to your hobbies and interests, Edwards said these are of little practical interest to recruiters and hiring managers. Leave them out of your resume.  

A GPA below 3.5 is not likely to win over a company, and a GPA below 3.0 could only hurt your chances. Only include your GPA if it’s above 3.5.   

Headshot or Photo

Recruiters and hiring managers don’t need or want to see what you look like. Unless you are applying for an acting job, don’t attach a picture to your resume because it could be potentially used to discriminate against you. 

Your Full Address

In the electronic age, there is no need to put your address on your resume. Providing your city and state is typically enough, unless an online application requires your full address.  

Graphics  

Don’t employ resume templates with fancy graphics: most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) , which can’t read resumes that are decorated with graphics, special fonts, columns and other formatting tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i put on my resume if i have no experience.

In lieu of professional experience, you could highlight your education, skills, internships, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, volunteering experiences and school projects.

How to write a professional summary for a resume with no experience?

A well-written professional summary will draw upon the experience you’ve gained from school, internships and other extracurricular activities to demonstrate the impact you have made and the value you would bring to your desired role.

How do you say you have no experience but are willing to learn?

Employers are often willing to train entry-level candidates who have shown initiative and a hard work ethic in school, internships and extracurricular activities. You can emphasize your willingness to learn through your professional summary statement on the top of your resume or through the cover letter that accompanies the resume.

Do I need a resume if I don't have experience?

Yes, you need a resume when applying for a job, regardless of your experience. Most word processors, like Google Docs and Microsoft Word, offer free resume templates to get you started.

Recent Resumes Articles

5 Tips for Landing a Dream Tech Job

How to Write a Beginner Resume Summary with No Experience [Examples]

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Customers Interviewed by:

amazon

When you’re diving into the job market with limited experience, writing a strong resume is key to landing your dream job. A well-written resume starts with a resume summary —the elevator pitch that shows the reader your greatest accomplishments, skills, and passions. A beginner summary for your resume is the starting point to wow-ing the hiring team and proving you’re the best candidate for the job.

An entry-level or beginner resume isn’t about listing everything you’ve accomplished or can do. Instead, it’s a strategic dance of weaving together your enthusiasm, soft skills, and unique experience. Then, you connect it to the job description and what the hiring manager is looking for.

  • What a resume summary is.
  • The critical components of a resume summary.
  • Step-by-step instructions on how to write an entry-level or beginner summary for resumes.
  • Examples and templates of successful resume summaries.

Understanding the resume summary for beginners

Your resume summary is a snapshot of your professional life—only 3 to 5 sentences—curated with each job description in mind. Job seekers include their professional title, years of experience, skills , and measurable achievements to entice the recruiter to read the rest of the resume.

As you navigate the job search, you’ll see how your resume summary is one of the most valuable sections of your resume.

What is an entry-level resume summary?

When you’re an entry-level applicant, the snapshot summary likely isn’t full of accolades, impactful accomplishments, or advanced skills. Rather, an effective resume summary for a beginning job seeker highlights an eagerness to learn, adaptability, and growth potential.

For entry-level applicants, “It’s not just about bullet points and job titles; it’s about weaving together the threads of your journey, painting a picture of resilience, ambition, and growth,” says Harleny Vasquez , a visionary Career Coach and CEO of yourEVOLVEDmind. “It’s a chance to showcase not just what you’ve done, but who you are and where you’re headed. Each section is a story, each accomplishment a milestone on the path you’ve forged with passion and purpose.”

The purpose of an entry-level summary

A professional summary is the attention-grabbing highlight reel. A successful summary keeps the hiring team reading your resume to learn more about you. In a hot job market where standing out is critical, resume summaries can be a positive differentiator.

Resume summaries provide key context to your resume. It helps the hiring manager frame your candidacy in their mind—they learn why you’re applying, how your skill set translates to the job, and key accomplishments that show you off in the best light. Many other applicants are jumping from the resume headline into the work experience, losing out on the opportunity to capture the hiring team right away.

Want to see examples of resume summaries for any stage of your career? Read 86+ Resume Summary Examples to Inspire You

Resume summary vs. objective

Resume summary and resume objective are often used interchangeably, but the two are very different. They serve different purposes and are used to convey different types of information.

Resume objective

A resume objective states your career goals and the type of position you are seeking. It is forward-looking and focuses on what you want to achieve in your career.

Primarily, it includes your career aspirations and what you aim to contribute to the employer.

For example, a resume objective could say something like:

Seeking a position as a Marketing Coordinator to utilize my skills in digital marketing and content creation in a dynamic, growth-oriented company.

Recruiters and career coaches argue against the resume objective because it’s more focused on the applicant, rather than the company you’re applying to.

Kelli Hrivnak , Founder of the boutique recruitment firm, Knack Digital shares, “I never like to see a resume objective on a resume. An employer is seeking an employee who will solve their problem, as opposed to prioritizing the wants and needs of the applicant.”

Jazlyn Unbedacht , Resume Writer and LinkedIn Optimizer argues we should just get rid of resume objectives altogether. “I’m not sure why they ever were a thing to begin with. Harness expertise from other experiences in your life, like education, volunteer work, hobby pursuits, and more and use that to create a short summary of what you can bring to the table as an employee.”

Resume summary

A resume summary provides a brief overview of your professional background, highlighting your key achievements and skills. It is backward-looking, summarizing what you have already accomplished in your career.

The short paragraph includes your key qualifications, experience, and major achievements. A summary is designed to quickly give employers an idea of your expertise and the value you can bring to their organization.

Resume summary

Many entry-level applicants and those writing beginner summaries for their resumes tend to default to objectives. They worry they have nothing impressive to highlight in their summary.

But Kelli Hrivnak urges you to think outside the box. “For job seekers who don’t have relevant work experience, can you include other experience or skills acquired in your project work instead?”

For example, Kelli suggests writing something like:

Google-certified Marketing graduate with 4 months of experience as an Audience Development intern at a nationally recognized publication firm. Grew audience engagement on Facebook by 30% by developing social strategy and initiatives.

Key pieces of a beginner resume summary

Think of your resume summary like a formula. Just like a math equation has values that you need to solve the problem, your resume summary has critical components that make it impactful to the hiring team.

Follow the formula below to write a standout summary:

Versatile [Your Professional Title] with over [X Years] of experience in [Field/Role]. Skilled in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. Proven success in [Measurable Accomplishment 1] and [Measurable Accomplishment 2].

Tailor your resume summary

You can’t write your resume summary once and use it for every application. Your resume—including the summary—should be tailored to each job description.

To tailor your resume summary, you should read the job description closely and pick out keywords and skills to integrate into your resume. This process can take a few hours per job posting, but you can do it quickly with Jobscan’s resume optimization tools.

If you don’t have a resume and are starting from scratch, the Resume Builder tool can help you create a base resume, then you can move directly into Power Edit to tailor your resume to the job description.

tips on how to write a job description section on a resume that's tailored for a job

Quantify your achievements

Numbers and percentages showing time or money saved, revenue generated, or team members managed can show the hiring team how you help an organization thrive, rather than telling them what you’ve done.

For example, you can write:

Boosted sales by 30% through innovative product displays and promotions, and successfully managed inventory turnover, reducing excess stock by 20%.

Use Power Words and Action Verbs

Boring word choices make it easy for the hiring team to gloss over your resume. Inspire emotion and paint a picture with the words you use. Ditch common resume words and use more powerful words instead.

Discover the best power words and action verbs to integrate into your resume: 500 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume Today

Step-by-step guide to writing an entry-level resume summary

Even if you know the resume summary formula, how can you ensure you’re making a successful impact on the hiring team? There are a handful of steps you can follow to knock your resume summary out of the park every time.

Step 1: Do a self-assessment

Before you write your resume summary, you first have to have a firm understanding of your strengths, skill set, and achievements. Take time to think about a few dimensions of your professional journey.

Using education in your resume summary

Consider your degrees or certifications and any projects and coursework. If you’re short on hands-on experience, using experience from school or other learning can show off your experience and professional growth.

Draw on untraditional experience for your resume summary

When you’re writing a beginner summary for your resume, your experience is limited. But you can draw on volunteer work, part-time jobs, clubs, or even hobbies to link to skills the hiring manager is looking for.

Highlight your transferable skills in your summary

At the start of your career, highlight your transferable skills —or soft skills . These skills are interpersonal skills or behavioral traits you bring to every workplace. Unlike hard skills —job-specific technical skills—transferable skills are difficult to measure, but they’re still incredibly valuable at work.

Add metrics to your resume summary

Numbers and figures show concrete impact and quantify your contributions to an organization. You can use time-based metrics, efficiency metrics, growth comparisons, and more. If you’re a new grad or entering employment for the first time, draw on your other experiences of clubs, school, or volunteering to make an impact.

Increased readership by 15% during tenure as Editor-in-Chief of university magazine.

For more insights about adding metrics to your resume, read 67 Resume Accomplishments Examples to Show Your Value

Step 2: Conduct your research

To create an effectively optimized resume, you need to conduct research about the role, company, and industry.

  • Dive deep into the job description : The job description always has insights into the responsibilities and qualities of the role. Often, there are details about the company’s values.
  • Add the right keywords: By integrating keywords in your resume summary tailored to the company’s mission and values, you can make a powerful impression on the hiring team.
  • Familiarize yourself with industry keywords, skills, and tools : Stay up to date on evolving trends and tools in your field to position yourself as the strongest candidate.

Power Edit features AI technology that not only scans your resume for keywords and skills, but provides ideas you can use to integrate them into your resume seamlessly.

Step 3: Draft your entry-level resume summary

Writing your beginner resume summary for an entry-level role can feel daunting, but you have more to offer an employer beyond traditional work experience. Think beyond your past roles and draw on other experiences to show off your value as a candidate.

Remember, you can use the following template to guide your writing:

Start with a strong introduction sentence

The first sentence needs to capture attention, so choose strong power verbs and open with the information you need the hiring manager to know.

Some examples of powerful resume summary openers include:

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from XYZ University, where I maintained a 3.8 GPA. Proven leadership skills as the President of the Business Club, organizing events attended by over 200 students. Passionate about project management, I completed a capstone project that improved campus event efficiency by 25%. Seeking an entry-level role in business operations.

Enthusiastic computer science graduate with hands-on experience in developing mobile apps as a hobby, resulting in over 10,000 downloads on the Google Play Store. Skilled in Java, Python, and Swift, with a keen interest in UI/UX design. Looking to leverage my self-taught programming skills and creativity in an entry-level software development position.

Dedicated environmental science graduate with a strong background in community service, having volunteered over 300 hours with the Green Earth Initiative. Led a tree-planting campaign that resulted in 1,000 new trees being planted in urban areas. Highly organized and committed to sustainability, seeking to start a career in environmental consulting.

Diligent Marketing graduate with over two years of part-time retail experience at ABC Store, where I consistently exceeded sales targets by 15%. Recognized for excellent customer service and awarded ‘Employee of the Month’ twice. Eager to apply my sales and marketing skills in an entry-level marketing role.

Versatile communications graduate with a strong foundation in public speaking and writing, honed through coursework and as a volunteer tutor at the local literacy center. Part-time experience as a social media coordinator, where I increased engagement by 40% across platforms. Adept at content creation and community engagement, seeking a role in public relations.

Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology, combining academic excellence with leadership as the captain of the university soccer team. Coordinated training schedules and team-building activities, leading to a 30% improvement in team performance. Passionate about health and fitness, aiming to start a career in sports management.

Ambitious psychology graduate with hands-on research experience, having assisted in a faculty-led study on cognitive behavior that was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Strong analytical and statistical skills, with proficiency in SPSS. Seeking an entry-level research assistant role to further develop my expertise in psychological research.

Integrate keywords from the job description

A keyword-rich resume summary boosts your chances of showing up in ATS search results. The ATS , or applicant tracking system, houses every submitted resume for a job listing. When the hiring team looks for candidates to interview, the ATS helps them rank applicants based on keywords and skills from the job description.

“A professional summary is an amazing resource to optimize your resume with keywords and catch an employer’s attention,” claims Professional Resume Writer, Jazlyn Unbedacht .

Jobscan’s Power Edit can find keywords in the job description and help you find places to naturally integrate keywords. Below you can find an example of a keyword-rich resume summary example for inspiration.

Creative marketing graduate with strong skills in social media management and content creation . Successfully managed a university campaign that boosted social media engagement by 30%. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and familiar with SEO strategies . Seeking an entry-level marketing position to leverage creativity and analytical skills to support brand growth.

Avoid keyword stuffing. Adding keywords for the sake of having them can have a negative impact. If your summary isn’t authentic or personal and feels forced, your summary can be difficult to read. Strike a balance by finding other resume sections to integrate keywords.

Highlight your strengths

Your resume summary is the ideal place to humbly brag about your accomplishments . Stay honest and avoid embellishing, but put your best foot forward to make it impossible for the hiring manager not to invite you for an interview.

For example, include projects, assignments, or internships to make your beginner resume summary shine.

Natural leader and recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Management, achieving a 3.8 GPA. Led a student project team to complete a market analysis that was presented to local businesses, resulting in increased partnerships. Proficient in project management and team coordination. Seeking an entry-level management position to apply leadership and strategic planning skills to contribute to organizational success.

Use a resume summary generator

Include a resume summary, even when you have writer’s block. The resume summary generator in premium Power Edit can write the perfect resume summary, using content from your resume and keywords from the job description.

Here’s how it works.

If you don’t have a resume summary, you can go into the Editor and click “Generate Summary.” Using AI, the tool will write a customized resume summary highlighting all your key skills and accomplishments for the job. The AI draws on your education, skills, work experience, and certifications to create a tailored resume summary in seconds.

screenshot of the resume summary generator tool in Jobscan's Power Edit

You can use the generated summary, or rephrase the summary until you find the variation you like best.

screenshot of resume summary generator in jobscan's Power Edit

By the end, you’ll have an optimized resume to impress the hiring team and boost your chances of getting an interview invite.

Generate your resume summary in seconds with Power Edit and create a perfectly tailored resume for each job application.

Beginner summary for resume: Examples

Resume summary based on education

Recent high school graduate with a 3.8 GPA and a passion for technology. Completed a capstone project in computer science, developing an app that improved classroom attendance tracking by 20%. Seeking to apply technical skills and problem-solving abilities in a software development role.

Resume summaries based on volunteering

Enthusiastic volunteer with over 150 hours dedicated to community service at local food banks and shelters. Organized weekly meal distributions, aiding over 500 families. Passionate about social work and eager to contribute to a supportive team environment.

Multilingual individual fluent in English, Spanish, and French, with experience volunteering as a translator at community events. Assisted over 100 individuals in accessing services. Seeking to leverage language skills in a customer service or administrative role.

Community-focused graduate with a 3.9 GPA and extensive volunteer experience at local non-profits. Organized community clean-up events, improving local park conditions by 15%. Eager to bring organizational and community engagement skills to a professional setting.

Resume summaries based on certifications

Certified in Basic First Aid and CPR, with hands-on experience from part-time babysitting jobs. Known for reliability and excellent communication with parents. Managed schedules and provided educational activities for children, seeking to bring caregiving skills to a full-time position.

Certified in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through online courses. Developed a personal website showcasing photography projects, increasing online portfolio traffic by 40%. Seeking to apply web development skills in a tech-related role.

Resume summary focused on extracurricular activities

Team-oriented individual with leadership experience as captain of the high school soccer team. Led the team to two state championships and organized weekly training sessions. Seeking to leverage leadership and teamwork skills in a dynamic work environment.

Learn how to incorporate extracurricular activities into your resume and read: Top Extracurricular Activities to Add to Your Resume (Samples)

Resume summary based on a mix of experience

Motivated recent graduate with a 4.0 GPA and a strong foundation in customer service from part-time work at a retail store. Volunteered at local animal shelter, managing 2 adoption events per month, increasing adoption rate by 15%. Eager to apply multitasking abilities and customer service skills to a professional role.

Resume summaries based on creative projects

Creative content creator with experience in managing a personal blog, growing its readership to 1,000 monthly visitors. Developed strong writing and content creation skills. Seeking to bring creativity and attention to detail to a marketing or content creation role.

Artistic graduate with experience in graphic design, having completed online courses in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Designed promotional materials for school events, increasing attendance by 25%. Excited to bring artistic skills to a design or marketing team.

Resume summary based on sports activities

Dedicated and disciplined athlete with experience in competitive swimming. Managed rigorous training schedules while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Developed time management and resilience, aiming to apply these skills in a professional setting.

Resume summaries based on academics

Recent graduate with honors in Mathematics, achieving top marks in advanced calculus and statistics courses. Participated in math competitions, placing in the top 10 regionally. Seeking to apply analytical and quantitative skills in a data analysis role.

STEM enthusiast with a strong academic background in physics and chemistry. Completed a science fair project on renewable energy, earning first place at the district level. Seeking to apply analytical and research skills in a scientific or engineering role.

Resume summary based on part-time work

Passionate about fitness and health, with part-time experience as a gym assistant. Assisted with client schedules and maintained equipment, enhancing customer satisfaction survey results to a 4.7 star average rating. Looking to bring organizational skills and passion for health to a fitness-related role.

Resume summary based on leadership in clubs

Active member of the debate club with strong public speaking and research skills. Led the team to win regional championships and mentored new members. Looking to utilize leadership and communication skills in a challenging work environment.

A summary statement for a resume is a brief introduction that highlights your key skills, experiences, and what you aim to achieve in your career. For a beginner, this statement should focus on your education, any relevant skills, internships, volunteer work, and a clear career goal. It provides a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly see your potential. Example: “Recent Marketing graduate with a strong foundation in social media management, content creation, and data analysis. Proven ability to increase engagement and brand visibility through innovative strategies, increasing social media followers by 30% in six months. Seeking to leverage skills and knowledge to contribute to a dynamic marketing team.”

The beginning of your resume summary should immediately grab the reader’s attention. Start with a strong descriptor followed by your job title, relevant experience, or education. Mention a few key skills or achievements that align with the job you’re applying for. Example: “Highly motivated and results-oriented Computer Science graduate with hands-on experience in software development and database management. Skilled in Java, Python, and SQL, with a passion for developing efficient and scalable solutions. Developed a web application that improved process efficiency by 25%.”

A good resume profile summary is concise, focused, and tailored to the job description. It should clearly state your professional identity, highlight your key strengths and achievements, and convey your career aspirations. Use action words and quantify achievements whenever possible to make a stronger impact. Example: “Certified Project Manager with over 5 years of experience in leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget. Expert in Agile methodologies, risk management, and process optimization. Successfully managed a project portfolio worth $2 million, achieving a 95% on-time delivery rate.”

Introducing yourself in a resume summary involves providing a brief yet comprehensive overview of who you are professionally. Start with your current role or recent educational achievement, followed by your most relevant skills and a statement of your career goals. Example: “Enthusiastic and creative Graphic Designer with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and 2 years of experience in creating visually compelling digital and print media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, with a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality work. Designed marketing materials that boosted client sales by 15%. Looking to contribute my design expertise to a forward-thinking company.”

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Kelsey is a Content Writer with a background in content creation, bouncing between industries to educate readers everywhere.

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25 Things to Put on a Resume When You Have No Experience

what to put in a resume summary with no experience

Creating a resume with no experience can seem daunting, but it’s not impossible. Our goal with this article is to provide you with the information and guidance you need to create a compelling and effective entry-level resume that will get you noticed by hiring managers.

We understand that starting your career journey can be challenging, especially when it comes to highlighting your strengths and abilities without previous job experience. This article will cover various strategies and tips that will help you build a solid foundation for your resume and showcase yourself as a desirable candidate for your dream job.

We aim to provide you with practical insights on how to outline your skills, education, volunteer work, and other relevant experiences even if you don’t have direct job experience. This article will also dive into the importance of tailoring your resume to the position you’re applying for and optimizing it for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Our goal is to show you that a lack of experience does not have to hold you back from landing your dream job. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to create a top-notch resume that highlights your shining qualities and sets you apart from other applicants.

So, let’s get started!

Understand the Importance of a Strong Resume

The job market can be a competitive and challenging space, especially for those who are just starting out or have little to no experience. In such situations, having a strong resume is an essential tool for anyone to succeed in their job search. Understanding the importance of a well-written resume can mean the difference between landing your dream job and never getting past the application process.

what to put in a resume summary with no experience

Why a resume is important for a successful job search

A resume serves as your personal marketing tool; a document that introduces you to prospective employers and communicates your skills, experience, and achievements. It is your opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light, showcase your strengths, and convince employers that you are the right person for the job. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out from other candidates, create a positive impression, and get your foot in the door.

What employers look for in a resume

Employers have specific criteria when it comes to screening resumes. They want to see that you have the relevant skills, experience, and qualifications for the job; that you possess the qualities that match their company culture; and that you can contribute to the organization’s success. To make a good impression on employers, it is crucial to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

Employers typically look for the following things in a resume:

  • Clear and concise presentation of your skills and experience
  • Relevance to the job you are applying for
  • Consistency in all the information provided
  • Evidence of your achievements and contributions
  • Attention to detail in formatting and style

How a good resume can increase your chances of getting hired

A well-crafted resume can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. It can catch the employer’s attention by presenting a clear, concise, and compelling snapshot of your experience, skills, and qualifications. Additionally, a good resume can help you pass the initial screening process and make it to the next stage of the hiring process.

A good resume can help you:

  • Stand out from other applicants
  • Demonstrate your potential value to the employer
  • Highlight your most relevant experience and achievements
  • Show that you are a professional and take your career seriously

A strong resume is an essential tool for anyone searching for a job, especially those with little or no experience. A well-crafted resume can make all the difference in securing your dream job. Ensure that your resume highlights your most relevant skills and achievements, is tailored to each job application, and presents you in the best possible light to increase your chances of getting hired.

Identify Your Relevant Skills and Qualifications

One of the biggest challenges for individuals with no work experience is identifying their relevant skills and qualifications. However, it is important to note that prior work experience is not the only factor employers consider when evaluating candidates.

Here are some tips on how to determine your relevant skills and qualifications:

1. Consider Your Education

Your education can provide insight into the skills and knowledge you have acquired. Make sure to include any relevant coursework, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities. For example, if you are applying to a job in marketing, you may want to highlight any coursework in advertising, market research, or business strategy.

2. Assess Your Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are skills that can be applied to various settings and industries. Some examples of transferable skills include communication, leadership, problem-solving, and organization. Assess your own transferable skills by thinking about experiences in your personal life or volunteering activities. For example, if you have volunteered at a community organization, you may have developed leadership and communication skills that can be applied to the workforce.

3. Use Job Descriptions as Inspiration

Reading through job descriptions of positions you are interested in can provide insight into the skills and qualifications employers are looking for. Take note of any recurring requirements such as computer proficiency, attention to detail, or customer service.

How Soft Skills Can Play an Important Role in Your Resume

Soft skills, often referred to as people skills, can be a valuable asset in any professional setting. While technical skills such as coding or accounting are important, soft skills demonstrate personal qualities that can set you apart from other candidates. Here are some examples of soft skills to include on your resume:

what to put in a resume summary with no experience

1. Communication Skills

Communication skills are essential in almost any job. Being able to convey ideas and actively listen to feedback can lead to better collaboration and more successful projects. Highlight your communication skills by mentioning any public speaking or debate experience as well as any strong writing capabilities.

2. Leadership Skills

Leadership skills can also differentiate you from other candidates. Even if you haven’t held a formal leadership role, experiences such as leading a project or working in a team can demonstrate these skills.

3. Problem-Solving Skills

Being able to approach problems with creativity and adaptability is a sought-after trait. Showcase your problem-solving skills by mentioning any experiences where you had to troubleshoot a tricky situation or come up with an innovative solution.

While job experience is a valuable asset, it is not the only factor employers consider when evaluating potential candidates. Identifying your relevant skills and qualifications and highlighting your soft skills can make you a strong contender for a position.

Highlight your Education

One of the best ways to showcase your potential as an entry-level candidate when you don’t have work experience is to highlight your education. Your education section is prime real estate on your resume, as it gives employers insight into your capabilities, potential and desire to learn.

How to showcase your educational background

When it comes to highlighting your education on your resume, be sure to include the following information:

Name of the institution  – Start with the name of the institution where you received your degree. Be sure to spell it correctly and include the official name, as well as any commonly used abbreviations.

Degree name and level  – Include the name of your degree, such as Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Also, indicate the level of the degree, whether it’s an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.

Major/field of study  – Indicate your area of focus, such as marketing, psychology or computer science.

Graduation date  – Include the date you received your degree.

Relevant coursework  – If you don’t have any work experience, your coursework can help you showcase your abilities and qualifications. Include any relevant courses that you took in college that relate to the position you’re applying for.

GPA  – Including your GPA is optional, but can be helpful if you have a high GPA or if the employer asks for it.

Honors and awards  – If you received any academic honors or awards, such as Dean’s List, Phi Beta Kappa, or scholarships, be sure to include them.

Including relevant coursework and achievements in your education section

When it comes to highlighting your relevant coursework and achievements, be strategic about what you include. Only include coursework and achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Here are some tips:

Focus on skills and competencies  – Instead of listing individual courses, focus on the skills and competencies you developed in those courses. For example, if you took a course in project management, you can highlight your ability to manage timelines, budgets and resources.

Quantify your achievements  – If you received high grades in your coursework, mention your GPA or any academic awards you received. If you completed a project, mention the scope of the project and any measurable outcomes.

Speak to the job requirements  – Look at the job description and identify the key requirements. Then, tailor your education section to highlight the coursework and achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet those requirements.

By highlighting your education in your resume, you can demonstrate your potential and willingness to learn. Don’t shy away from showcasing your relevant coursework and achievements, as they can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

V. Emphasize Your Extracurricular Activities

One of the best ways to showcase your skills and potential when you have no professional experience is to highlight your extracurricular activities. From leadership roles to volunteer experiences, including these on your resume can demonstrate your commitment, passion, and ability to excel in various areas.

When featuring your extracurricular activities and involvement, be sure to include specific details about your role and responsibilities. For example, if you were a member of a club, mention the projects you worked on, the events you organized, and the skills you gained through your involvement. If you volunteered at a non-profit organization, highlight the impact you made, the challenges you faced, and the lessons you learned.

In addition, don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you held. Clearly state the position you held and the size of the team you managed, as well as any accomplishments or initiatives you spearheaded. This can demonstrate your ability to take charge, delegate tasks, and motivate others.

Finally, if you have received any awards or recognition for your extracurricular activities, make sure to mention them. This can add credibility to your accomplishments and prove your dedication and excellence in a particular area.

Including your extracurricular activities and involvement on your resume can help you stand out from other candidates and give potential employers a more well-rounded view of your skills and potential.

Highlight Any Relevant Internships or Work Experience

One way to compensate for a lack of direct experience in a particular field is to refer to relevant internships or work experience, even if they occurred in other industries or areas. Such experiences can still be valuable in terms of teaching transferable skills that can be applied to the job at hand.

For instance, highlighting that you interned as a sales associate in a retail store can illustrate key skills such as customer service, teamwork, and handling money. If you worked as a waitress, you might have developed communication skills, multitasking abilities, and attention to detail. You can then demonstrate how you can apply those acquired skills to a different role or industry.

Be sure to highlight any relevant work or internships in your resume by including detailed descriptions of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Use active verbs and quantify your achievements to give potential employers a clear understanding of your contributions. Additionally, you can showcase your transferable skills learned from previous experiences through your cover letter, emphasizing how they can translate into relevant tasks and requirements of the job you’re applying for.

Even if you don’t have direct experience related to the field you’re applying for, highlighting previous relevant work or internships and demonstrating transferable skills can still make you a strong candidate for the job.

Showcase Your Relevant Achievements and Accomplishments

When listing your achievements on your resume, it is important to do so in a clear and concise manner. Rather than simply listing your responsibilities, focus on highlighting the impact you had on previous projects or positions. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you can contribute to the success of their organization. Here are some tips to showcase your achievements effectively:

Highlight quantifiable successes

Using numbers and data to quantify your successes can be a powerful way to showcase your achievements. For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” you could say “increased sales by 20% within the first quarter.” This adds context to your achievement and demonstrates your ability to impact a business. Other examples might include reducing costs, increasing productivity, or improving customer satisfaction.

Be specific

When listing achievements, be specific about what you achieved and how. Simply saying you “improved a process” doesn’t give potential employers any real insight into your abilities. Instead, say something like “streamlined a process that reduced production time by 50%.” This provides a clear picture of your accomplishments and how they benefited the organization.

Focus on relevant achievements

When listing achievements, make sure they are relevant to the job you are applying for. If you are applying for a marketing position, list achievements related to marketing or advertising campaigns you have worked on. This will demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and experience for the job.

By following these tips, you can effectively showcase your achievements and make your resume stand out to potential employers. Remember, your accomplishments demonstrate your value as an employee and can make a big difference in landing your next job.

Utilize Resume Keywords

In today’s job market, it is crucial to have a resume that stands out. One way to achieve this is by utilizing keywords throughout your resume. Keywords are specific words or phrases that are relevant to the industry, job, or skills you possess. By incorporating these keywords your resume, it can help you stand out from the pack.

Understanding how to use keywords in your resume to stand out

To make the most of keywords, it’s important to understand how to use them. One way to do this is by reviewing the job posting to identify the keywords that the employer is looking for. You can then incorporate these keywords into your resume in the relevant sections to ensure that your resume matches the job requirements.

Another approach is to use keywords that reflect your skills and achievements. Think of words or phrases that describe your strengths and experience. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, some keywords might include design software, branding, layout, and typography.

When using keywords in your resume, it is important not to go overboard. Don’t just list a bunch of random words or phrases that are not relevant to your industry or experience. Instead, be strategic about where and how you use them. This may include integrating them into your professional summary, work experience, or skills sections.

Examples of relevant keywords for various industries

Here are some examples of relevant keywords that you might consider using in your resume based on the industry:

  • Social media
  • Advertising
  • Marketing campaigns
  • Brand management
  • Market research
  • Content creation
  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom management
  • Curriculum development
  • Student assessment
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Educational technology
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Programming languages
  • Database administration
  • Network security
  • Agile methodology
  • Cloud computing
  • Cybersecurity
  • Electronic health records
  • Patient care management
  • Medical terminology
  • Diagnostic procedures
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Healthcare regulations
  • Clinical trials

By using relevant keywords in your resume, you can demonstrate your skills and experience more effectively to potential employers. It helps you stand out and gets you noticed in the hiring process. Make sure to avoid overusing them and follow best practices to tailor them to each application you submit.

Structure and Design of a Strong Resume

When it comes to creating a strong resume, formatting and structure are essential for making sure that your document is easy to read and well-organized. Not only will a well-designed resume grab the attention of potential employers, but it will also make your experience and qualifications stand out.

Here are some tips for formatting and structuring your resume for maximum impact and readability:

How to Format and Structure Your Resume

  • Use a clear and consistent font throughout your document. Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman are all good options.
  • Limit your use of bold, italic, and underline to highlight important information like headings and job titles.
  • Break up large blocks of text with bullet points to make your resume more reader-friendly.
  • Use white space to separate different sections and make your resume easier to navigate.
  • Use a chronological format to showcase your work experience, with your most recent job listed first.

Tips on Choosing a Resume Template

When it comes to choosing a resume template, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose a template that fits your style and personality. If you’re applying for a more creative job, you might want to choose a template with a more design-focused layout. If you’re applying for a more traditional job, a clean and simple template might be a better choice.

Here are some additional tips for selecting a resume template:

  • Look for templates that match your industry or career level. You don’t want to choose a template that’s too casual or too formal for the job you’re applying for.
  • Use color sparingly. A pop of color can help your resume stand out, but too much color can be distracting.
  • Use a template that’s easy to edit and customize. You don’t want to spend hours tweaking a template that doesn’t quite fit your needs.

By following these tips for formatting and structuring your resume, as well as selecting a template that fits your style and needs, you’ll be well on your way to creating a strong and effective resume even if you have no prior experience.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective

When it comes to writing a resume, a common section that’s often included is a summary or objective statement. These statements serve as an introduction to your potential employer and give them an idea of your background and goals. However, it’s important to know the difference between a resume summary and objective.

Resume Summary vs. Objective

A resume summary is a brief paragraph or bullet points at the top of your resume that highlights your professional accomplishments and experience. It’s a great way to give a quick snapshot of who you are as a candidate and what you bring to the table.

On the other hand, a resume objective is a statement that outlines your career goals and what you hope to achieve. It’s typically used by job seekers who have little to no work experience or are transitioning into a new industry.

Tips on Crafting a Strong Statement

Whether you’re writing a resume summary or objective, there are certain things to keep in mind to make your statement compelling and memorable. Here are a few tips:

Keep it concise: Your statement should be no longer than 2-3 sentences or bullet points. You want to quickly capture the reader’s attention and not overwhelm them with unnecessary information.

Focus on your strengths: Highlight your most relevant skills and achievements that make you a standout candidate. Tailor your statement to the job you’re applying for and emphasize what you can bring to the role.

Use keywords: Make sure to include keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job description. This can help you get past applicant tracking systems and catch the attention of the hiring manager.

Show your personality: While it’s important to keep your statement professional, don’t be afraid to inject some personality and showcase your unique voice. This can make you more memorable and help you stand out from other applicants.

Your summary or objective statement should give a clear picture of who you are as a candidate and what you can bring to the table. With these tips and a little creativity, you can craft a compelling statement that will make a lasting impression.

Incorporating Relevant Examples in Your Resume

When it comes to resumes, listing your skills and qualifications is important, but it’s not enough. In today’s competitive job market, recruiters and employers are looking for candidates who can provide tangible evidence of their abilities. That’s where incorporating relevant examples in your resume becomes crucial.

Providing examples of your accomplishments, skills, and experience is an effective way to stand out amongst other job applicants. It allows you to showcase your strengths and capabilities, instead of simply stating them. Including examples in your resume can help to give recruiters and potential employers a better understanding of your abilities and achievements, making you a strong candidate for the job.

Here are some examples of relevant and resonant examples to include in your resume:

1. Academic Achievements

Include any academic achievements such as awards or scholarships you’ve received. If you were involved in any academic competitions, mention your achievements and your role in the team. For example, if you competed in a science fair and won an award, mention that in your resume.

2. Volunteer Work

Volunteering can give you valuable experience and skills that you can highlight in your resume. If you volunteered in a leadership role, be sure to mention that. If you volunteered for a non-profit organization and helped raise money, include the amount you raised and how you accomplished it.

3. Internships

Internships are a great way to gain work experience in your field of interest. Highlight your contributions to the company you interned at and any projects you worked on. Be sure to mention any new skills you learned while on the job.

4. Freelance Work

If you have done any freelance work, be sure to include it in your resume. This could include anything from designing a logo to writing an article. Mention the project you worked on, what you accomplished, and the impact it had on the client.

5. Personal Projects

If you recently completed a personal project, it’s worth mentioning in your resume. This could include a website you designed or a YouTube channel you started. Highlight your skills and the impact your project had.

Incorporating relevant examples in your resume is a powerful tool to showcase your abilities, accomplishments, and potential. By providing tangible evidence of your skills and experience, you can make yourself stand out from other job applicants and increase your chances of securing the job of your dreams.

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what to put in a resume summary with no experience

How to Write a Resume Summary Statement

This is a step-by-step resume writing article will walk you through how to write a resume summary. This article is intended for new job seekers, teens, students, and recent graduates.

Knowing how show off your skills and abilities in a professional summary is an advantage that will help you get hired faster.

This article will cover:

  • Where a resume summary belongs in a resume?
  • How long your professional summary should be
  • What job seekers should list in a summary
  • Resume summary FAQ

Where Does A Resume Summary Go In A Resume?

Your resume summary should be the first thing hiring managers read when looking at your resume.

To make your resume summary the center of attention, it needs to be placed directly below your name and contact information.

Try using the true red resume template which has a clearly defined resume summary section already in place.

How Long Should A Resume Summary Be?

There is no hard and fast rule for resume summary length. But most HR experts agree that it should be between one to four sentences.

What To List In A Professional Summary

Now that we know how long your resume summary should be and where to place it, let’s discuss the content your resume summary should contain.

If you need more summary inspiration, check out this list of 30 realistic resume summary examples if you have no experience or limited work experience here!

Sentence #1

The first sentence of your resume summary will include a strong adjective to describe yourself, the position you are applying for, and your level of education. Let’s check out these examples:

Personable entry-level restaurant hostess currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree in biology from EdgeWater University.
Passionate entry-level cashier possessing an associate of arts degree from EdgeWater Community College.
Hardworking entry-level landscaper who recently obtained a GED certification.

Sentence #2

The second sentence of your resume summary will dive into the hard and soft skills you possess. Here are some examples:

Strong verbal and written communication skills combined with a hardworking attitude.
Strong computer skills, including experience with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Adobe Creative Suite.
Strong time management and organization skills.

Sentences #3 & #4

After describing your skills, the next one or two sentences will focus on your achievements, volunteer work, certifications, or interests. Check out these examples:

Previous experience volunteering in local homeless shelters practicing food service and customer service.
Possesses a CPR and first aid certification.
Passionate about aeronautics, technology and science.

Resume Summary FAQ

Let’s answer the most common resume summary questions that job seekers ask.

Q: What is a resume summary?

A: A resume summary, also known as a professional summary, is the section of your resume that gives the hiring manager a brief overview of who you are professionally, what you have done in the past, and what your relevant skills are.

Q: How long should a resume summary be?

A: A resume summary is written in paragraph form and should be 1 to 4 sentences in length.

Q: Where does a resume summary go on a resume?

A: The resume summary should come directly after your name and contact information.

Q: Should a resume summary be written in first or third person?

A: Your entire resume, including the resume summary, should always be written in third person. Avoid writing ‘I’, ‘My’ or ‘We’.

Q: What should you include in your resume summary?

A: Your resume summary should include a descriptive adjective, your desired job title, and your level of education. Your achievements, certifications, and interests are also optional.

Q: Should you always use the same resume summary?

A: No! A resume summary should be tailored for each job application.

Q: Can I include my personal hobbies in my resume summary?

A: Avoid writing your personal hobbies in your resume summary unless they are relevant to the job you are applying for.

In most cases, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know that you love riding your bicycle or that you love playing video games…. unless you are applying for a video game tester or to the circus, of course.

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Don’t miss our related article on what to list on your resume when you have no work experience or limited work experience here !

Writing a resumé with no experience

Getting your first full-time job is an exciting milestone. It’s the start of your independence and a big part of establishing life as an adult. But before you can take that first step there’s something you need to do: write your resumé.   

Writing an eye-catching resumé is one of the biggest challenges for first-time job seekers. It’s an essential part of applying for jobs , but if you don’t have any work history to share, your resumé can feel a little bare. This is especially the case when it comes to resumés for students with no experience.

In this article, we show you how to make a standout resumé with no experience, with resumé examples and a first-job beginner resumé sample that you can use as a guide when crafting your own.

Downloadable resumé template

If you’re not sure how to write a resumé with no job experience, you can start by downloading one of our free resumé templates . With no job history, you will have to tailor the template to only showcase skills, qualifications and extra-curricular experiences. You can refer to the template as you review the rest of this article, where we cover the content to include in each section. 

Resumé template sections

Even a resumé with no experience can include quite a bit of information, even if you’re removing the job history section. Here are the sections you should include:

  • Contact information:  your phone number, email address and any social media links.
  • Resumé summary (optional): a sentence or two about who you are and what you can offer.
  • Objective statement (optional): a sentence or two about your goals and aspirations .
  • Education: a summary of your academic achievements and qualifications.
  • Skills:  a list of relevant skills you can bring to the role.
  • Projects or special coursework: if you have any school or tertiary projects that are relevant to the role.
  • Volunteer experience:  a summary of any charitable, non-paid work you’ve done.
  • Extracurricular activities:  any sports clubs or hobby groups you’re in.
  • Awards:  a list of any relevant awards you’ve received.
  • References available on request: a note to say that references can be provided – or if the rest of your resumé is light, you might want to include your references on it.

As you can see, there’s plenty of information you can include on your resumé, even when you’ve never had a job before. You don’t have to include all of the above, though. Only include details on your resumé that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can put in each section.  

Contact information

The contact information section of your resumé with no experience is where you list the ways that any prospective employer can get in touch with you. This does not have to include your address, but should have your phone number and your email address. Here’s a simple beginner resumé example for contact info:

  • Name: your first and last name – include your pronouns in parentheses after your name, if desired
  • Email:  triple-check for accuracy and make sure it’s a professional-sounding address
  • Phone: phone number with area code
  • Social Media:  links to any social profiles you want to include

Resumé summary

A resumé summary can be a good way to start your resumé, because it gives the hiring manager a quick idea of who you are and the skill set you offer. This is a chance to make a good first impression, so keep it concise, highlighting your main goals, skills, aspirations and unique selling points.

For example:

“Bi-lingual media graduate with proficiency in video-editing apps and social media content creation. Excellent communication skills, with majors in scriptwriting, speech writing and journalism.” 

Objective statement  

The next (optional) part of your resumé for students with no experience is an objective statement . This is similar to a summary, and can be used instead of a summary, if you have some professional experience. The difference between a resumé summary and an objective statement is that the latter should demonstrate your key skills and sum up your main goals in applying for this particular role or job. It should show your ambitions and career aspirations.

“Finance honours graduate with a background in accounting, looking to launch a career in forecasting and budget planning as a financial analyst. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with proficiency in Oracle, Axiom and IMB financial planning software.”

The education section is one of the most important parts of a resumé with no experience. Here’s where you list the schools, colleges, universities and other establishments you’ve attended, alongside the qualifications you have. There’s no need to include any grades, unless they are particularly impressive or it’s required by your field. List the subjects you took and the projects you completed, if they’re relevant to the job.

2020–2023 Bachelor of Engineering Science, University of Technology Sydney Courses: Civil Engineering, Data Science Engineering, Chemical Process Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering 

2018-2019 Higher School Certificate, Sydney Science College Courses: Mathematics Extension 2, Science Extension 1 (Major Project: The Most Efficient Power Transmission Methods)

You may not have any experience, but you likely still have some of the skills employers look for . Here’s your chance to list them, tailoring them to the requirements of the job you’re applying for. On a resumé with no experience template, skills are listed in bullet-point form and in two columns. Include any languages you know, other than English. If you have mastered a few different software packages you can also list these out in a separate section called Software Proficiency.

  • Excellent written communication 
  • Typing (60 wpm)
  • Basic bookkeeping
  • Project management

Software Proficiency

  • Microsoft Word (advanced)
  • Microsoft Excel (advanced)
  • Microsoft PowerPoint (advanced)
  • Illustrator (intermediate) 

Projects or coursework 

Many resumé or CV examples for students with no experience list projects or coursework relevant to the job. This can showcase knowledge or abilities in a field, without having any professional history.

For example: 

2019 HSC Major Work

MYTHOLOGY (paper, clay, metal): A series of sculptures influenced by indigenous culture. Using traditional hand-building techniques, referencing dot paintings and incorporating mineral pigments. Work featured in ArtExpress 2022.

Volunteer experience 

Volunteer work always looks good on a resumé. It shows that you have empathy and the motivation to work outside of receiving a salary. Volunteer work is as valuable on a resumé as paid work and often teaches transferable skills that any employer would find valuable. List out any volunteer experiences you have had, highlighting skills you learned that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

Animal attendant, Adelaide Dogs’ Home Duties: cleaning dog crates and kennels, walking and socialising dogs, liaising with customers, administering medications, processing sales Skills:  Customer service, data entry, POS inventory management, maintenance and cleaning, dog-walking, data entry

Extracurricular activities

Your graduate resumé should include any extracurricular activities relevant to your field. In this section, list hobbies, sports or other interests, with particular focus on those that are relevant to the role. This section can be called Extracurricular or Hobbies and Interests and can include things like sports memberships, any instruments you play (and your level), any special-interest groups you belong to, like bird-watching, chess or salsa dancing. Even if your hobbies aren’t relevant to the job, it can be useful to list them, as they help make you more memorable to the hiring manager and paint a picture of a well-rounded person .  

Hobbies & Interests

  • Tennis – member of Carlton Gardens Tennis Club since 2020
  • Piano (grade 8)
  • Member of the Carlton Community Choir
  • Recording music 

Awards or honours 

In a resumé with no experience you should list any special awards or honours you’ve attained. This might include sports awards or academic prizes you won at school or university. It’s a chance to highlight unique achievements that are relevant to the role. If it’s not relevant, you don’t need to include it – just leave this section off your resumé. 

Awards & Accolades

  • Alfred Deakin Medal 2019, Deakin University
  • Nominated for 2017 AIS Emerging Athlete 

References available on request

At the bottom of your resumé, include a note that references are available on request. Most of the time, employers check references in the final stages of an interview, so they’re not required up front. However, if you have high-profile or well-respected referees you think will help you make a strong first impression, feel free to include them. For someone with no work experience, it’s okay to provide character references from former teachers, club leaders and even family friends. 

There are many ways you can make a resumé with no experience stand out from the rest. Even without official employment, there are skills, qualifications and experiences you can highlight to demonstrate that you’d be a great person for the job. Remember to tailor your resumé to the role and let your positive attitude shine through in your resumé summary. 

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30+ Resume Objective Examples (Plus, Tips on How to Write Yours)

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Resume objectives are a bit controversial. Some career experts see them as outdated, while others believe job seekers can still use them to their advantage. Although resume objective statements have slowly been replaced by resume summaries, they remain useful in certain situations—and that's why you should know how to write one, just in case.

For instance, if you're changing careers and your previous work experience doesn't quite match the new role you're after, an objective statement could help communicate your professional goals to the hiring manager. Likewise, if you're a recent graduate or looking to relocate, you could use this section of your resume to highlight these intentions.

We've gathered 32 resume objective examples—plus, some tips on how to craft one that grabs the hiring manager's attention.

What is a resume objective

A resume objective is a brief statement outlining your short-term career goals, usually one to two sentences long. It should be tailored to the specific job or industry you're pursuing and is placed at the top of your resume, just below the header.

What is a good objective for a resume, and when are they welcomed? That's what we'll show you in a moment.

When you should use a resume objective

Resume objectives aren't quite the norm these days, so they should be only used when you need to clarify why you're applying for that particular role or company. Here are three situations where using an objective statement is a good idea:

  • If you're doing a career pivot: A resume objective can guide recruiters on your career goals and prevent you from being disqualified when transitioning to a new field.
  • If you're changing locations: Applying for jobs outside your current state or city can leave recruiters uncertain about your location; a resume objective can clearly express your willingness to relocate.
  • If you're a recent graduate: Since you likely have little to no work experience to show, a resume objective can give a glimpse into who you are and what you aim to achieve.
  • If you've worked in a variety of roles: When your work history is all over the place, a resume objective statement can be a helpful tool to highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and what you're looking for in your next role .

Resume objective vs. resume summary

A resume objective outlines your career goals and what you aim to achieve in a position, while a resume summary focuses on skills, accomplishments, education, and relevant experiences for the role.

“Think of the resume objective as your career aspiration and the summary as your professional snapshot,” says Angela Tait, People Operations Specialist and Founder of Tait Consulting . “The objective sets your sights forward, while the summary looks at your past and present achievements.”

How to write a resume objective

If you decide to write a resume objective, it'll be the first thing recruiters see on your resume, right after your name and contact information. This means their first impression will be based on how well-written your objective statement is. Here are key tips to do it right:

1. Mention your area of expertise

“Start by mentioning your area of expertise and the role you are applying for,” Tait says. This way, you let the employer know right away about your background and what you want to achieve professionally.

2. Show how you can add value to the company

Your objective statement—and your whole resume, actually—should be tailored to each job opening. “Personalize your resume objective by stating how you can add value to the company you're applying to,” Tait says. “For instance, ‘ Seeking to leverage my expertise in digital marketing to drive brand growth and engagement at XYZ Corp.’”

3. Highlight skills relevant to the role

Once again, to write an effective resume objective, keep in mind the role you're going for. “Focus on how your skills and interests align with that specific job opportunity,” says Conor Hughes, certified in Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) and HR Consultant at SMB Guide .

For example, for a software developer, skills in programming with languages like Java, C++, and Python are pretty important. Meanwhile, a graphic designer should highlight technical skills in creating and editing visual projects using tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma.

4. Optimize your statement for ATS machines

These days, most resumes get scanned by an ATS robot before reaching human recruiters. So, it's crucial to optimize your objective statement for these ATS machines. How? “Use keywords from the job description to show you have the relevant abilities they're looking for,” Hughes says.

If a job posting specifies “experience in copywriting” and “SEO optimization” as requirements, you should incorporate these exact keywords in your objective statement—and wherever else they fit on your resume. Using just “SEO” or only “copywriting” might not be enough; precision is key.

Need some help? Here's how to read the job description the right way —so you can stop sending resumes into the void.

5. Make it as concise as possible

Recruiters go through resumes really fast—that's one of the reasons two-page resumes aren't usually recommended. When writing your resume objective, keep it concise. “To one or two sentences max,” Hughes says. Remember, the goal is to give enough information about why you're applying for that role, not to share your whole life history.

32 resume objective examples to guide you

Now that we've covered the basics, here are 32 good examples of objectives for resumes categorized by job title and different professional situations, like career pivoting and entry-level positions. Use these examples as a guide, and don't forget to inject your own personality and core information.

General resume objectives examples

1. career change.

Copywriter with five years of experience, now transitioning into the UX Writing field, looking to leverage my writing and content creation skills to create digital experiences that drive business growth. Strong background in content strategy and data-driven decision making.

Find UX writer jobs on The Muse »

2. Relocation

Experienced customer service representative relocating to New York in July, seeking employment with an established customer support agency. I bring my strong communication skills , conflict resolution and customer retention ability developed in seven years working in the industry.

Find customer service jobs on The Muse »

3. Entry-level

Creative marketing graduate seeking a social media assistant entry-level position at a fast-growing marketing agency. My goal is to apply my strong storytelling and creative writing skills to create impactful content for clients and foster professional development.

Find marketing jobs on The Muse »

Compassionate and enthusiastic elementary school teacher with four years of experience teaching young students. Seeking to leverage my creative ideas, multitasking and organizational skills to create a safe and stimulating environment where children can play and learn.

Find teacher jobs on The Muse »

Registered nurse with three years of experience in patient care , currently specializing in pediatric nursing. Seeking to join the Grey Hospital nursing team and bring my knowledge of patient care and my critical thinking skills to foster a safe and empathic environment for patients.

Find registered nurse jobs on The Muse »

6. Journalist

Seasoned journalist seeking a News Reporter position at the USPN channel. I bring my five years of experience working on live television, interviewing sources, gathering and reporting information in fast-paced environments.

Find journalist jobs on The Muse »

Seeking a litigation paralegal position at The Law Group. I bring my three years of experience in conducting legal research, processing legal documents, and witness preparation for deposition and trial.

Find lawyer jobs on The Muse »

8. Architect

Experienced architect relocating to Houston, Texas in August. In my 10 years of experience in the architecture industry I was able to work both in industrial and residential projects, holding high proficiency in AutoCAD and Photoshop.

Find architect jobs on The Muse »

9. Real estate specialist

Passionate and proactive real estate specialist with solid experience in lease negotiation and facility management. Looking for a similar role to manage a real estate portfolio, implementing strategies to improve profitability and cost effectiveness.

Find real estate jobs on The Muse »

10. Waiter/Waitress

Seeking a waitress position at a local, family-led restaurant where my two years of experience in customer service and hospitality industry would contribute to create an exceptional experience to customers, guests, and clients.

Find waiter/waitress jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for tech professionals

11. software engineer.

Software engineer with 5 years of experience in the banking industry, pivoting to the customer service industry to foster professional growth. Deep knowledge of object oriented programming, experienced with Java, C++, C#, Ruby, Python, and relational database schema design.

Find software engineer jobs on The Muse »

12. Software developer

Computer science graduate seeking an entry-level position as software developer. I bring my experience with Git, Java, and Python, as well as strong documentation abilities and communication skills .

Find software developer jobs on The Muse »

13. Data scientist

Experienced data scientist, seeking a senior position in the e-commerce industry. My goal is to leverage my ability to write complex and efficient SQL queries to extract data and translate business needs into analytical frameworks.

Find data scientist jobs on The Muse »

14. SEO analyst

SEO analyst, passionate about SEO and digital audience growth. 7 years of experience with site migrations, SEO analytics tools (Google Search Console, Chartbeat, Google Analytics, and SEMRush), reporting and sharing data insights, and making data-driven decisions.

Find SEO analyst jobs on The Muse »

15. UI/UX Designer

Mid level UI/UX Designer, seeking employment in a fast-growing tech startup. Solid experience with user-centered design principles, knowledge of responsive design, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Find UI/UX Designer jobs on The Muse »

Examples of resume objectives for creative jobs

16. content writer.

Results-driven content writer with two years of experience writing for blogs and websites. Skilled in SEO, creative copywriting, and storytelling, looking forward to applying my skills and creative ideas to help XYZ build an engaged audience.

Find content writer jobs on The Muse »

17. Graphic designer

Creative graphic designer seeking an entry level-position in the education industry. Proficient with InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, and After Effects, quick learner with strong time management skills.

Find graphic designer jobs on The Muse »

18. Video editor

Outcome-oriented video editor, proficient with Final Cut, After Effects, Adobe Premiere, and Photoshop. Seeking employment in the entertainment industry where I intend to apply my extensive experience in storytelling and project management to create engaging stories.

Find video editor jobs on The Muse »

19. Social media manager

Experienced social media professional, seeking a manager position at a high-growth company. I bring my in-depth knowledge of social media strategy and five years of agency experience creating content that is engaging and exciting to the community.

Find social media manager jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for administrative roles

20. front desk.

Highly energetic tourism and hospitality graduate, looking for a front desk clerk position. 1.5 years of experience in customer service. Strong time management and organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to learn quick and adapt in fast paced environments.

Find front desk jobs on The Muse »

21. Receptionist

Looking for a receptionist position in the real estate industry. Three years experience in customer-facing roles, communication and leadership skills, ability to work with tight deadlines focusing on all aspects of a task or project.

Find receptionist jobs on The Muse »

22. Administrative assistant

Seeking an administrative assistant role in the healthcare industry. I bring five years of experience in customer service, advanced Excel skills, and ability to multitask to perform my duties in a timely and efficient manner.

Find administrative assistant jobs on The Muse »

23. Human resources

Human resources graduate, looking for an entry level human resources generalist position with ABC company to apply my strong verbal and written communication skills , analytical abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft applications to provide hands-on assistance to the HR team.

Find human resources jobs on The Muse »

24. Logistics

Logistics supervisor seeking a manager position at AABB company. I bring my extensive experience in global logistics operations and project management to enhance supply chain and logistics efficiency and achieve cost-effectiveness.

Find logistics jobs on The Muse »

25. Executive assistant

Seeking an executive assistant role at XYZ company. I'm an experienced professional with strong interpersonal skills, ability to multitask, and attention to detail to provide timely and high quality administrative office support to senior level leaders.

Find executive assistant jobs on The Muse »

26. Office manager

Experienced administrative assistant seeking an office manager position in a fast-paced work environment to apply my written communication skills, time management, prioritization, and planning abilities and provide exceptional service and foster professional growth.

Find office manager jobs on The Muse »

Resume objective examples for sales jobs

27. sales assistant.

Problem solver and team player sales professional, seeking a sales assistant position in a challenging work environment. I bring my experience supporting high acquisition organizations, willingness to learn, and winning team spirit to support sales teams.

Find sales assistant jobs on The Muse »

28. Sales manager

Dynamic sales manager seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry to develop strategic sales plans and achieve revenue and market share objectives. Two years of experience in pharmaceutical sales plus three years of experience in general sales, excellent communication and leadership skills.

Find sales manager jobs on The Muse »

29. Cashier

Recent high school graduate looking for a cashier position at a company with a culture of recognition and excellence. One year of experience in retail sales, strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills to represent the company in a professional manner.

Find cashier jobs on The Muse »

Examples of resume objectives for finance careers

30. banking.

Seasoned relationship banker looking to secure an investment banking analyst position at Bank of America. 15 years of experience in the banking industry, advanced knowledge of banking transactions, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to develop and expand relationships with stakeholders.

Find banking jobs on The Muse »

31. Accounting

B.S. graduate in accounting seeking an entry-level accounting associate position to use my growth mindset, desire to learn, and organizational skills to ensure financial goals are achieved and foster professional development.

Find accounting jobs on The Muse »

32. Financial analyst

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) looking to secure a senior position in a competitive and results-driven work environment. 10 years of experience in financial analysis in banking and technology industries, advanced Excel and SQL skills, and ability to articulate analysis outcomes and relevant insights.

Find financial analyst jobs on The Muse »

Key takeaways

Resume objectives aren't the favorite of most recruiters, but they still serve a purpose. If you're career pivoting, relocating, applying for your first job, or have a diverse professional background, an objective statement can help the hiring manager understand your career goals and how they align with the job opportunity.

However, in other circumstances, using a resume summary might be more appropriate. (Here are 20 resume summary examples to make writing your own easier .)

what to put in a resume summary with no experience

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How to Write a Resume With (Literally) No Experience

There are lots of articles out there on what to do in this situation. However almost all of them tell you to add on volunteer work which is in fact experience, thus defeating the point of the entire article. This is a ridiculously common mistake that a lot of these articles make. So I'd rather ask people what to do here. What goes on the resume when you have no (none, zeeeero) experience at all? I haven't been to 20 different colleges so I can't fill the page with that either by the way.

Also while I understand that people say that adding "soft skills" such as the ability to be a decent person or the ability to follow directions is a good idea, I don't know if employers really want to see that. I get the feeling that "excels in communication" is something that employers just gloss over. But maybe I'm wrong... I really don't know what to put on the thing. Any ideas?

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Judge scolds Karen Read as jurors close out 2nd day of deliberations without verdict in Boston trial

The day included a tense exchange between Read's attorney and Judge Beverly Cannone.

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BOSTON -- Day two of deliberations in the Karen Read trial ended without a verdict Wednesday.

Many are closely watching the murder case that has gripped the Boston area.

Read is accused of intentionally hitting her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe , with her SUV in 2022 leaving him to die in the snow. However, she claims to have never hit it and that it was all a police cover-up.

Her legal team argued that O'keefe was left for dead after a fight inside the home of another officer.

RELATED: Is she a murderer or was she framed? Things to know about the Boston-area trial of Karen Read

Then, in court Wednesday, there was a tense exchange between Read's attorney and the judge over the verdict slip, which is the document the jury will ultimately have to fill out when they reach a decision.

Lawyer: "How do they decide that she's not guilty of the first former charge of involuntary manslaughter?"

Judge: "Okay, anything else you'd like to say, Mr. Jackson?"

Lawyer: "I'd like an answer from the court. How do they decide that she's not guilty of involuntary manslaughter from the court?"

Judge: "That's their decision to make."

The judge then admonished Read, who was seen sitting next to her attorney appearing to shake her head.

RELATED: Karen Read doesn't take stand in trial accusing her of killing police officer boyfriend with SUV

Judge: "Excuse me, this is funny, Ms. Read? All right, we're done."

Later in the day, the judge eventually agreed to incorporate the proposed change.

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  5. How to Make a Resume With No Experience: Examples

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  1. What to say when you want a job you have no experience in?

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  6. What's The Point Of A Resume? Meaning, What it is about? Purpose #career #resume

COMMENTS

  1. Writing Summary for Resume with No Experience (+50 Examples)

    50 Summary for Resume Examples with No Experience. Here are 50 summary examples for a resume with no professional experience, each over 50 words in length: A highly motivated and ambitious recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Equipped with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills gained ...

  2. How to Make a Resume With No Experience (With Examples)

    Here's how to write a resume when you have no formal work experience, step-by-step: Build My Resume. Our free-to-use resume builder can make you a resume in as little as 5 minutes. Just pick the template you want, and our software will format everything for you. 1. Choose the best format and style for your resume.

  3. Resume Summary with No Experience: Examples for Students and Fresh

    3 Resume Summary Example for Students, Fresh Graduates and Entry-Level Job Seekers: In this section, I'm going to share three examples of how to write a summary for your resume with no experience. You can use these resume summary examples as a student, entry-level job seeker, or any job search where you don't have experience:

  4. How to Make a Resume With No Experience: Examples

    How to format a resume with no experience: Follow the reverse-chronological order (i.e. put the most recent info up top). Add section headings to make your first-job resume easier to navigate. Use professional-looking fonts that are easy on the recruiter's eyes. Stick to the 11-12pt size range for regular text.

  5. How to Write a Resume With No Experience (+Examples)

    Here's how to make a resume with no experience: Use the no-experience resume template that you saw up top. It can help to stop the "can't get a job without experience" cycle. Focus on relevant life experiences and accomplishments. Put them in your objective, education, and additional resume sections.

  6. How To Write a Great Resume With No Experience

    The goal of a first job resume is to demonstrate your value as an employee and show employers why hiring you would benefit their company: 1. Review the job description. Carefully review the job description and note any specific skills you have or requirements you can fulfill.

  7. How to Make a Resume With No Experience in 2024 [+ Examples]

    Select an appropriate template. 3. Add contact info to the header. When you write a resume without experience, your mission is to get an employer's attention and get called for an interview. That makes your contact info extremely important and something you should highlight at the top of your document in the header.

  8. How to Write Resume with No Experience [Examples & Tips]

    Pro tip: consider adding a resume headline under your name to boost your resume. STEP 5 Highlight your strengths in a no experience resume objective . Every resume needs a summary or objective statement.For a beginner resume, we recommend a resume objective to explain your goals for the job and highlight some of your job-relevant skills.

  9. How to Write a Resume with No Experience [21+ Examples]

    It's the easiest part to get right, just keep it short and to the point. In your contact information section, mention the following: First and Last Name. Phone Number. E-mail Address. A link to a professional profile (e.g. LinkedIn) or personal webpage (if you have one) Make sure to use a professional-sounding E-mail.

  10. How to Write a Resume With No Experience: Template & Example

    In two or three lines, highlight your skills, achievements, and career goals. Emphasize how you can bring value to the company and why you are a strong candidate. Keep it concise, but ensure it captures your unique qualities and positions you as the top job candidate. 6. Structure Your Resume for Readability.

  11. Best Things To Put on a Resume With No Experience

    Ability - aptitude to get up to speed quickly on the job. Keep these two traits in mind while writing your resume and add any relevant experiences that show that you have the attitude and aptitude for the job. 1. Professional summary (even if you have no experience)

  12. How to Write a Resume Summary with No Experience: 2024 Guide

    Here's a step-by-step guide to writing a resume summary if you don't have any experience: 1. Research the role for duties, skills and requirements. Research the job you're applying for to discover the requirements and skills necessary for completing its primary duties. As you have no experience, this allows you to assess an average day at work ...

  13. How to Make a Resume With No Experience

    Writing a Resume With No Experience. Start with a professional summary. Emphasize your education. Include relevant experience like internships and extracurriculars. Highlight your accomplishments. Showcase your skills. Don't include a headshot, hobbies and other unnecessary details.

  14. How to Write a Beginner Summary for Resume

    When you're diving into the job market with limited experience, writing a strong resume is key to landing your dream job. A well-written resume starts with a resume summary—the elevator pitch that shows the reader your greatest accomplishments, skills, and passions. A beginner summary for your resume is the starting point to wow-ing the hiring team and proving you're the best candidate ...

  15. How to Write a Resume With No Experience + Examples

    Use quantifiable metrics to highlight what you accomplished in your past utilizing these skills. If you have no previous work experience, use examples from your academic, sports, or volunteer work. Example: "Implemented new inventory processes that cut overhead costs by 23%.". Add another top transferable skill.

  16. How to Write a Resume with No Experience: 5 Tips

    If you have no experience you can point to in your resume, highlight your education, include relevant non-work experience, list your skills, and include a summary. Get started by using a template. 1. Highlight your education. If you have little work experience, emphasizing your education is a great way to showcase your strengths, interests, and ...

  17. How to Write a Resume Summary with No Experience (5 Steps)

    An effective resume summary with no experience can improve your chances of securing an entry-level role. You can use the following steps as a guide to creating your own resume summary: 1. List your academic achievements. While you may not have relevant work experience, you may have qualifications and training you can focus on instead.

  18. 25 Things to Put on a Resume When You Have No Experience

    Employers typically look for the following things in a resume: Clear and concise presentation of your skills and experience. Relevance to the job you are applying for. Consistency in all the information provided. Evidence of your achievements and contributions. Attention to detail in formatting and style.

  19. How To Write A Resume Summary With No Experience

    Sentence #2. The second sentence of your resume summary will dive into the hard and soft skills you possess. Here are some examples: Strong verbal and written communication skills combined with a hardworking attitude. Strong computer skills, including experience with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Adobe Creative Suite.

  20. Best Skills to Put on a Resume With No Experience

    Read more: 3 Ways You Can Deal With Change at Work. 8. Public speaking. Even if the job you're applying for doesn't involve much public interaction, public speaking is a great skill to put on a resume with no experience. It signals you're a confident person who can communicate effectively.

  21. Writing a Resume With No Experience (2024 Guide)

    To make the document easier to navigate, use section headings. Make use of professional-looking fonts that are easy to read for the recruiter. For ordinary text, use a font size of 11-12 pt. Increase the size of the headers by up to four points. Set the resume margins to one inch all the way around.

  22. Writing a resumé with no experience: template & examples

    Downloadable resumé template. If you're not sure how to write a resumé with no job experience, you can start by downloading one of our free resumé templates. With no job history, you will have to tailor the template to only showcase skills, qualifications and extra-curricular experiences. You can refer to the template as you review the ...

  23. Writing a Resume with No Experience (2024 Guide)

    Updated 17 April 2024. Writing your first resume is a major step in any new professional's career. This is your opportunity to showcase why you're an excellent candidate and how you've prepared yourself to succeed in your first job. When you're entering the job market for the first time and creating a resume with no work experience, you ...

  24. 30+ Resume Objective Examples for Multiple Jobs

    A resume objective outlines your career goals and what you aim to achieve in a position, while a resume summary focuses on skills, accomplishments, education, and relevant experiences for the role. "Think of the resume objective as your career aspiration and the summary as your professional snapshot," says Angela Tait, People Operations ...

  25. How to Write a Resume With (Literally) No Experience : r/jobs

    A project alone can easily account for 1/6 of the resume space. • While it seems contradictory to include volunteer experience in place of no experience, it's generally easier to pick up volunteer work and it requires fewer commitments than a job would have. If nothing else, it's a few bullet points you can add. 8.

  26. 251 Resume Skills that Score Interviews

    In a resume skills section, it's standard practice to list six to eight skills. However, it's also crucial that you include skills in other places in your resume! For a professional summary or objective statement, which sits near the top of your resume, highlight your top two to four skills. In your work experience, however, the sky's the ...

  27. Karen Read trial: Judge scolds woman accused of killing Boston police

    Judge scolds Karen Read as jurors close out 2nd day of deliberations without verdict in Boston trial. The day included a tense exchange between Read's attorney and Judge Beverly Cannone.