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What do you put on your resume when you've never had a job before?

I want to apply for jobs, but I don't know how to market myself since I don't have any previous job experience. I'm just looking for a part-time job since I'm in college. #jobs #resume #part-time

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Subject: Career question for you

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Sabrina’s Answer

Hi Sydney! 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.
Employers don't expect a long or extensive resume for someone applying for entry-level part-time 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, all of which helped prepare you for your first job.
Good luck in your job search!

Thank you comment icon Thank you, Sabrina! That's very helpful! Sydney
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Cristian’s Answer

For starters, don't worry too much about not having prior work experience. We all have to start somewhere. I recommend you start by asking yourself "what have I done in the past five years?" This can include organizations you have participated in, activities you have done inside/outside of school, any anything really that you have donated your time to. Then ask yourself "what honors or special mentions have I received in the past five years?" These honors can be as simple as receiving honor roll in school. Finally ask yourself "what are other features of myself that make me marketable/unique?" Answering these three questions will help you amass a great resume that illustrates all of your great qualities even if you don't have any prior work experience.

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Evi’s Answer

Hi,


This is a good one.
The most important I think on your first job is to show them the person you are by giving them your history in growing up. Did you actively involve in social events, books study, sports programs, ....? Did you do any voluntary work? Or even start by doing that, it helps you understand for your self what you like to do and become in life (and what you really don't want to become, not to be neglected either :-)) and it helps you develop new skills.


Grts

Thank you comment icon Thanks, Evi! Sydney
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Robert G’s Answer

As many have already stated, think of the activities you have participated in, any achievements earned through school, or volunteer or family support you provide to others. Anything that demonstrates a particular set of skills or a general commitment to start and follow through is very helpful at this stage of part-time job searching.


Also, there are many examples that you can research and figure the best combination that works for your situation with little to no experience, just a few are noted below:
https://www.livecareer.com/career-tips/resumes/no-experience-resume
http://work.chron.com/write-resume-teenager-job-experience-8635.html
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumetemplates/fl/resume-sample-high-school-no-experience.htm

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Anthony’s Answer

Focus on activities or organizations that you may have participated in. Cite examples where you obtained a favorable result that emphasize basic skills i.e. organization, motivational, communication, ability to move a project or task forward and obtain support of the group. These are basic skills any potential employer is looking for. More than likely an interviewer will recognize limited experience and is looking for someone willing to learn with a good attitude that is reliable.

Thank you comment icon Anthony, fantastic answer. I would follow up by responding that although you may not have any work experience, your volunteer and after-school activities will go a long way in demonstrating your abilities. If you haven't been involved in any after-school groups, sports, or volunteer activities, now is a great time to get involved. Not only can you learn more about yourself, your interests and working with other people, but it will show employers that you have a passion for different activities and work hard at achieving certain goals. Best of luck! Michael C
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Ken’s Answer

Hi Sydney!


Good question!


Here are some suggestions:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/what-to-put-on-your-resume-when-you-have-no-relevant-work-experience

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Simeon’s Answer

The best you can do with no experience is to list any classes or clubs that you've been in and put bullet points under your education and club experience to explain some of the specific skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. If you're looking for consistent summer work, I'd recommend summer camp work. You don't need experience to get one of those jobs and often they can license you in lifeguarding or ropes course work.
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Simeon’s Answer

The best you can do with no experience is to list any classes or clubs that you've been in and put bullet points under your education and club experience to explain some of the specific skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. If you're looking for consistent summer work, I'd recommend summer camp work. You don't need experience to get one of those jobs and often they can license you in lifeguarding or ropes course work. Also, look at work-study programs for great job opportunities on campus that usually come with a few perks, such as being able to study while working a library or dorm desk or being able to take food home from the cafeteria.
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