
Get exclusive money-saving offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
Updated
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
It's easy to get discouraged when writing your first resume. A lot of jobs require at least some degree of experience, but to get experience you need to first get a job. It can be a frustrating catch-22 situation.
However, crafting a solid resume involves showing that you have relevant skills and that you can bring value to the company. Use this guide to learn how to do just that.
A first time resume is a formal record of your education, experience, skills and interests. It's a document you use to sell yourself and your expertise, so that a potential employer can determine whether you might be a good fit for an opening.
The problem? When you're applying for your first job, you probably don't have a lot of work experience. Consequently, you need to highlight other attributes that can make you appealing to hiring managers – mainly your skills and education.
Especially when you're starting out, your resume needs to be:
Every resume is unique, but they do share a similar structure. Even if you go with a creative resume – like a video resume or an infographic – you still need to make sure that you include all the information required by a hiring manager or recruiter.
On this note, your first time resume should incorporate:
Once you're done with the basics, think about including any other relevant sections. For instance, you can list the languages you're fluent in, any certificates or courses, hobbies and interests.
That being said, you need to make sure that these add value to your resume and help you stand out from the crowd. Read the job description carefully and incorporate pertinent keywords all throughout your resume that proves you pay attention and are actually interested in the position at hand.
The good news is that you can build your resume completely free – which is a good thing, especially since you're just starting your career and probably don't have a lot of exposable income to invest in hiring a professional resume writer. If you're having trouble, you can use a resume builder or a free first time resume template to help you get started.
On the other hand, if your budget is more generous, hiring a professional resume writer to do all the heavy lifting for you will help you put your best professional foot forward. Professional resume writers can charge anywhere from around $100 to many hundreds of dollars. Prices tend to vary depending on how complex you want the resume to be and how fast you need it.
Everyone has to write a first resume at one point or the other. But while having little work experience to back up your claims isn't ideal, you can still do a great job if you're dedicated to constantly improving your resume writing abilities along the way.
Writing a first time resume doesn't come without challenges. However, if you're willing to put in the time to get it right it can help you immensely in the long run. Make it a point to research the industry carefully and look up plenty of resume examples. Before you know it, you'll find yourself one step closer to landing your dream job.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a different resume for every job I apply to?
Yes. Tailoring your resume to the job description proves that you're willing to go the extra mile to get the gig. Your main objective is to build a resume that is a very tight fit to the wording used in each job description.
How can I improve the formatting of my resume?
If you're just starting out, you can rely on a first job resume template to help you highlight all the important sections. They generally feature modern design elements, complementary colors and bullet points to make your resume easy to scan.
What advice can you offer to make my resume stand out?
If you apply for a job in a creative industry, you might want to embrace a less traditional format, like a video resume. Otherwise, make sure you showcase your accomplishments (with quantifiable metrics where possible) and write a bold summary.
Back to topThese are the best PS4 headsets you can get your hands on right now in Australia.
These are the 6 best Ukuleles you can buy right now in Australia.
From costs and finance options to what materials you’ll need, learn about bathroom renovations in this comprehensive guide.
Find out what to include in a web developer resume and how a customisable template could help you land your dream job.
Google has fixed almost everything it got wrong with its first-generation Pixel Buds, with improved comfort, fit and Google Assistant integration, but increased competition in the true wireless space leaves them as headphones for the Google faithful.
These are the best gaming monitors you can buy right now in Australia.
Ignite your passion with exclusive training from your favourite celebrity experts with MasterClass.
Read the key points of starting a YouTube channel, including the equipment you'll need and the legal considerations to keep in mind.
Compare soon-to-launch electric and hybrid cars.
Here’s how you can ensure your treadmill is moved safely and at a convenient time.