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How would you submit a resume if you are applying for your first job?
I wanna apply for jobs but when they give me a resume to fill out and ask about previous jobs I do not know how to say this is my first job.
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7 answers
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Maciej’s Answer
Hiya!
I'm Maciej, a Career Expert and a Certified Professional Resume Writer at Zety. Please, let me answer this question!
Submitting your first resume can feel scary, but it's a crucial step in starting your career journey. Here's a simple guide of how to do it right!
1. Find a good resume builder: With many online resume builders online, creating your first resume will be super easy!
2. Make your resume: Write down your education, skills, and any experiences or achievements, keeping it clear and short.
3. Pick a simple format : Use a basic layout with sections for your contact info, education, skills, and any extra things like volunteer work.
4. Match it to the job: Look at what the job needs and adjust your resume to fit. Highlight skills or experiences that match.
5. Check it: Read through your resume carefully for mistakes, or ask someone else to help.
6. Send it online: Most jobs take applications online. Follow the instructions on the job listing to apply. If required, write a short, professional cover letter.
7. Check back: After a week or two, you can ask the employer about your application. This shows you're interested.
I hope my answer helps you. Good luck with submitting your resume! If you have any more questions about writing your first resume, don't hesitate to reach out to me or visit this guide: How to Write a Resume With No Experience
I'm Maciej, a Career Expert and a Certified Professional Resume Writer at Zety. Please, let me answer this question!
Submitting your first resume can feel scary, but it's a crucial step in starting your career journey. Here's a simple guide of how to do it right!
1. Find a good resume builder: With many online resume builders online, creating your first resume will be super easy!
2. Make your resume: Write down your education, skills, and any experiences or achievements, keeping it clear and short.
3. Pick a simple format : Use a basic layout with sections for your contact info, education, skills, and any extra things like volunteer work.
4. Match it to the job: Look at what the job needs and adjust your resume to fit. Highlight skills or experiences that match.
5. Check it: Read through your resume carefully for mistakes, or ask someone else to help.
6. Send it online: Most jobs take applications online. Follow the instructions on the job listing to apply. If required, write a short, professional cover letter.
7. Check back: After a week or two, you can ask the employer about your application. This shows you're interested.
I hope my answer helps you. Good luck with submitting your resume! If you have any more questions about writing your first resume, don't hesitate to reach out to me or visit this guide: How to Write a Resume With No Experience
Updated
Valentina’s Answer
Since you are new to your first job, it's okay to not answer any of these questions. If you are in a job interview, and they ask about your experience, you would say this is your first time applying to them. O
Updated
Nina’s Answer
Employers understand that this may be your first job. I agree with Brandon that if you have any experience (volunteering, babysitting, doing chores at home), I would mention those in your interview. Something along the lines of "although I may not have had a previous job, my work ethic in doing XXX, taught me the value of responsibility." I would just say, this is the first position that I apply at a company then list any other experience.
My other humble advice would be to apply for a job that you think you'd enjoy for a company you respect. It's amazing how many first time applicants don't take the time to learn about the company. If you can quote something unique that interested you to apply for the company, that will go a long way than you having previous experience. Employers want to know that you picked them and the reason. Good luck!
Research the companies that interest you and be ready to say why you applied at an interview.
If you don't have any work experience, consider volunteering for a nonprofit organization and at least you can list them as previous experience
My other humble advice would be to apply for a job that you think you'd enjoy for a company you respect. It's amazing how many first time applicants don't take the time to learn about the company. If you can quote something unique that interested you to apply for the company, that will go a long way than you having previous experience. Employers want to know that you picked them and the reason. Good luck!
Nina recommends the following next steps:
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Brandon’s Answer
If this is the first time you are applying to a job, I would say it is fine to leave the previous job experience blank, but if you have relevant volunteer experience that might be applicable then put that. It is always better to put some form of experience then not.
Updated
Karen’s Answer
If you're embarking on your first job application and potentially your first job, don't worry about having a blank 'previous job' section on your resume. It's perfectly fine to indicate 'none' and instead, highlight your most recent academic achievements. Remember, any extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs you've had can be incredibly valuable. They can showcase transferable skills that employers are often on the lookout for, so don't hesitate to include them in your resume's accomplishments section.
Take the time to thoroughly understand the job description and the company you're applying to. Tailor your application to meet the role's requirements, drawing from your skills and competencies gained during school or co-curricular activities. This approach will help you stand out and increase your chances of landing that job. You've got this!
Take the time to thoroughly understand the job description and the company you're applying to. Tailor your application to meet the role's requirements, drawing from your skills and competencies gained during school or co-curricular activities. This approach will help you stand out and increase your chances of landing that job. You've got this!
Updated
Mark’s Answer
So, you have never been hired before and not sure how to get around it. Best answer is "don't shy away from it; face it head on!"
Here is the thing that most people applying for their first job almost never think of - EVERYONE has a first job at some point. The only difference is this is you and not them. That's it.
Do not stress over the fact that whichever job you apply for would be your first "job"... or is it? Have you ever done a chore for someone other than your immediate family that you have gotten something in return (be it money, a physical object you requested, or just the satisfaction of helping someone out)? Chances are you have and in getting something in return. you were in an employer/employee relationship!
PRO-TIP: Doing work for someone where you did it for the internal satisfaction (aka "intrinsic value") is professionally known as volunteer work. It's still a job and can give your potential employer insight into how you would approach the job you are applying for.
When filling out an application, it is fine to put N/A for employment history (there are employers who will take a chance on someone - a number of them actually like the idea of molding a person's work and learning themselves because it can be easier than retraining someone on how they want it done). If you have done odd jobs for someone, you can put that info down, including their contact info (it is wise to let the person(s) know you will be doing this so they are prepared to receive a call, text or email from the potential employer).
If the employer specifically requests a resume, do some research on the industry and talk to friends who have/have had similar jobs to find out what kinds of skills they used on the job and figure out which of those you already have. Put those down; list out school clubs/activities where you have worked as part of a team as well as projects you have done on your own. Include community work (can be at church, for a shelter, an outreach program (such as a food bank or ministry); anything that shows an area of responsibility and an outcome. Just keep it factual, no embellishments!
Bottom line is be yourself and be proud of either going after your first job or making it your first paying gig. EVERYONE has attempted getting their first job at some point. If all of us have done it, there is no reason why you can't be successful either.
Here is the thing that most people applying for their first job almost never think of - EVERYONE has a first job at some point. The only difference is this is you and not them. That's it.
Do not stress over the fact that whichever job you apply for would be your first "job"... or is it? Have you ever done a chore for someone other than your immediate family that you have gotten something in return (be it money, a physical object you requested, or just the satisfaction of helping someone out)? Chances are you have and in getting something in return. you were in an employer/employee relationship!
PRO-TIP: Doing work for someone where you did it for the internal satisfaction (aka "intrinsic value") is professionally known as volunteer work. It's still a job and can give your potential employer insight into how you would approach the job you are applying for.
When filling out an application, it is fine to put N/A for employment history (there are employers who will take a chance on someone - a number of them actually like the idea of molding a person's work and learning themselves because it can be easier than retraining someone on how they want it done). If you have done odd jobs for someone, you can put that info down, including their contact info (it is wise to let the person(s) know you will be doing this so they are prepared to receive a call, text or email from the potential employer).
If the employer specifically requests a resume, do some research on the industry and talk to friends who have/have had similar jobs to find out what kinds of skills they used on the job and figure out which of those you already have. Put those down; list out school clubs/activities where you have worked as part of a team as well as projects you have done on your own. Include community work (can be at church, for a shelter, an outreach program (such as a food bank or ministry); anything that shows an area of responsibility and an outcome. Just keep it factual, no embellishments!
Bottom line is be yourself and be proud of either going after your first job or making it your first paying gig. EVERYONE has attempted getting their first job at some point. If all of us have done it, there is no reason why you can't be successful either.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Zuleyka,
Crafting a Winning Resume for Your Initial Job Hunt
Applying for your first job requires a carefully constructed resume that showcases your abilities, education, and any pertinent experiences. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you submit an impressive resume for your first job:
## Selecting the Appropriate Resume Layout
For those venturing into the job market for the first time, a chronological or functional resume layout is suggested. A chronological resume presents your work history in reverse order, starting with your most recent role. A functional resume, conversely, emphasizes your skills and achievements over work history. This layout is beneficial if you have limited work experience or gaps in your employment record.
## Emphasizing Your Education
For first-time job hunters, it's vital to spotlight your educational background on your resume. Be sure to include:
- The name(s) of the institution(s) you attended
- Degree(s) you've obtained
- GPA (if it’s 3.0 or above)
- Any coursework or projects relevant to the job you're applying for
## Incorporating Applicable Experiences
If you lack formal work experience, consider adding:
- Volunteer roles or internships
- Extracurricular activities or clubs related to the job you're applying for
- Summer or part-time jobs that showcase your skills and capabilities
When detailing these experiences, concentrate on the skills you've acquired and how they relate to the job you're pursuing. Use action words and quantify your achievements whenever feasible.
## Crafting a Concise Professional Summary or Objective Statement
A succinct professional summary or objective statement can effectively introduce you to prospective employers and underscore your qualifications. Keep it short (2-3 sentences) and focus on what you can contribute to the company, rather than what you expect from the job. Highlight any relevant skills, experiences, or achievements that make you an ideal candidate for the role.
## Reviewing and Formatting Your Resume
Before sending off your resume, thoroughly review it for any mistakes or typos. Maintain a uniform font style and size throughout the document, and ensure there's sufficient white space between sections for easy reading. Also, save your resume as a PDF file to keep its format consistent across various devices and platforms.
Authoritative Reference Titles (Sourced from various platforms): “Crafting a Resume for Your First Job” by Indeed Editorial Team | Indeed Career Guide | [Date] “Penning a Resume for Your First Job” by Alison Doyle | The Balance Careers | [Date] “Creating a Resume for Your First Job in 10 Easy Steps” by Rachel Gillett | Fast Company | [Date]
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Crafting a Winning Resume for Your Initial Job Hunt
Applying for your first job requires a carefully constructed resume that showcases your abilities, education, and any pertinent experiences. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you submit an impressive resume for your first job:
## Selecting the Appropriate Resume Layout
For those venturing into the job market for the first time, a chronological or functional resume layout is suggested. A chronological resume presents your work history in reverse order, starting with your most recent role. A functional resume, conversely, emphasizes your skills and achievements over work history. This layout is beneficial if you have limited work experience or gaps in your employment record.
## Emphasizing Your Education
For first-time job hunters, it's vital to spotlight your educational background on your resume. Be sure to include:
- The name(s) of the institution(s) you attended
- Degree(s) you've obtained
- GPA (if it’s 3.0 or above)
- Any coursework or projects relevant to the job you're applying for
## Incorporating Applicable Experiences
If you lack formal work experience, consider adding:
- Volunteer roles or internships
- Extracurricular activities or clubs related to the job you're applying for
- Summer or part-time jobs that showcase your skills and capabilities
When detailing these experiences, concentrate on the skills you've acquired and how they relate to the job you're pursuing. Use action words and quantify your achievements whenever feasible.
## Crafting a Concise Professional Summary or Objective Statement
A succinct professional summary or objective statement can effectively introduce you to prospective employers and underscore your qualifications. Keep it short (2-3 sentences) and focus on what you can contribute to the company, rather than what you expect from the job. Highlight any relevant skills, experiences, or achievements that make you an ideal candidate for the role.
## Reviewing and Formatting Your Resume
Before sending off your resume, thoroughly review it for any mistakes or typos. Maintain a uniform font style and size throughout the document, and ensure there's sufficient white space between sections for easy reading. Also, save your resume as a PDF file to keep its format consistent across various devices and platforms.
Authoritative Reference Titles (Sourced from various platforms): “Crafting a Resume for Your First Job” by Indeed Editorial Team | Indeed Career Guide | [Date] “Penning a Resume for Your First Job” by Alison Doyle | The Balance Careers | [Date] “Creating a Resume for Your First Job in 10 Easy Steps” by Rachel Gillett | Fast Company | [Date]
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.