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Without work experience, how can I polish up my resume?

I am Senior next coming Fall, but I realize that I do not have any work experience. I am trying to look for a job, but most of them require to submit a resume. Because my resume is too brief, and I always hesitate to submit one to the employer. #finance #accounting #economics

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Sabrina’s Answer

Hi Carmen! Think of other activities, volunteer work, or leadership experiences you have from home or school. Do you volunteer anywhere? Have you helped your neighbors by walking their dogs or house sitting? Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities such as sports or clubs, music or arts? Think outside the box in presenting the types of experiences that you do have as a benefit to the prospective employer. Even class projects where you took on a leadership role can help you. Mention honor roll or any similar academic awards you may have earned.
Also, don't be discouraged. Go ahead and jump in and send out that first resume. You'll feel more confident once you do. Even if you don't get a response to the first resumes you submit, keep trying. Employers don't expect a long or extensive resume for someone applying for entry-level jobs. Your resume can simply should show that even though you may not have been working, you were doing productive things with your time and applying yourself to your school work.
Good luck in your job search!
Thank you comment icon Thanks, Sabrina. With your encouragement, I will try to mention different types of experience on my resume and send out the first resume I have to the employers. Carmen
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Anthony’s Answer

Hello, If no prior work experience, look to other areas that you are involved in such as clubs, sports, special projects etc. Non-profits are always looking for reliable volunteers. This is a great way to bridge the gap with lack of experience while giving back to the community. Prospective employers will view this favorably and in the end they are looking for reliable, enthusiastic, hard working people to support their organization.


Stay positive and Good luck.
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Amanda’s Answer

I agree with both Sabrina and Anthony. Volunteer work and student organization experience looks great on your resume. Also consider adding relevant Academic Projects. Projects not only show knowledge of the subject area, but can show communication and teamwork.

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Claudia’s Answer

Hi Carmen,

Good question! In my opinion, the best way to polish your resume is to find something you are passionate about and become as involved as possible. For example, joining clubs/playing sports are great additions to a resume but I would suggest finding your niche and joining 2-3 things you can really devote time to, rather than being involved in too many things just to have them on your resume.

I would also highly recommend seeking internship opportunities for experience in your field, which will not only help your resume but will help you gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities that will be required for your job.

Hope this helps!
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Sophie’s Answer

You should still submit a resume! Make sure your resume is aesthetically pleasing and matches your LinkedIn. Get involved with clubs, on campus activities, fundraising, and volunteering opportunities. There are so many amazing places to volunteer and it would be a good place to start. I would try and find a volunteer activities that are as similar to your future work goals as possible. Good luck!!
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Lauren’s Answer

Great question as many people struggle with this, especially for your first job! In school, it was recommended to me to put relevant or interesting course work you have done on top of any other volunteer work or groups you participated in. Any leadership roles, even in a class project, is also great to include!
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Yueming’s Answer

It's not the end of the road for you if you don't have work experience - look at your personal life and all the experiences you've had. If you're interested in accounting/finance, did you participate in any activities (e.g. math club) that speak to your passion? Character references from teachers/professors can go a long way.

Good luck and stay positive!
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Erin’s Answer

Don't hesitate to throw a resume out there , even though you might feel underqualified. You never know what exactly people are looking for and everyone has to start somewhere.

To beef up your resume, instead of having a section called "Work Experience", consider adding a "Leadership Experience" section. This can give you a space to add different items that demonstrate your ability and drive to lead, even if they fall outside of the workplace. Be thoughtful here in considering volunteer experiences, school projects, and even personal opportunities that you sought out to be a leader (maybe you mentored someone younger than you, for example).

Best of luck with your job search! Remember that your resume is not the only factor that employers look at when considering applicants. If you come in confident in your abilities and potential, that will speak louder than anything on paper.

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Simeon’s Answer

In general, as long as you have a clean and organized resume with the important items at the beginning, improving your resume isn't going to improve your chances of getting hired. You might need to apply for jobs you will be more likely to get hired for. I would also recommend socializing and networking. See if any of your friends or connections know of an opening you'd be qualified for.
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Amanda’s Answer

Hi Carmen,

Great question!! Even with no work experience you can still have an amazing resume.

You can focus on attributes such as:
1) Education and academic achievements (GPA, Dean's List)
2) Classes, trainings, and certifications
3) Academic projects relevant to the job
4) Awards and accomplishments
5) Community service and volunteer work

Not sure if this is true for every school, but my college had a career center where an individual could help you with your resume. Could be something worth looking into.

Goodluck on your journey!
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Andrea’s Answer

Don't think about just work experience. What other experiences do you have? Are you in clubs, volunteer, hold leadership positions in school/campus groups? Have you won any awards for academics or social activities? Think about what makes you a well rounded candidate beyond your work experience.

There are tons of templates online and in Microsoft Word for resumes. Some designs will take up more space to tactically make the page look a little fuller which will help make it look polished as well.

Furthermore, think about if you can get an internship. Even if it is virtual/unpaid, if you can dedicate the time, that is a great way to gain work experience and gain references/contacts as you get closer to finding a job. Hope this helps!
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