11 answers
Amy
Student
Hollywood, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I boost my resume?
How do I boost my resume as a person who does not have a lot of experience so that employers will hire me? What are the best tips to improve in this area?
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11 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Keep in mind Amy, employers are searching for a combination of soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills are abilities you can apply to almost any position, such as team leadership, verbal communication or time-management. Hard or technical skills are practices you learn through specialized education or on-the-job training like proficiency in industry-related software or fluency in a foreign language. If you have training or certifications, you can include these on your resume also, which can show your employer you're motivated and want the role.
One important detail is to be truthful on your resume. It can be tempting to stretch the details in hopes of gaining the hiring manager's attention, but it's better to be upfront about your lack of work experience. Honesty truly is the best policy.
When hiring for entry-level jobs, most employers value soft skills over hard skills because soft skills are harder to teach. It's acceptable if you haven't yet cultivated all the hard skills you need for a position, by sharing you're capable of building new skills and learning new processes, employers determine your value as a potential new employee.
Good luck Amy
One important detail is to be truthful on your resume. It can be tempting to stretch the details in hopes of gaining the hiring manager's attention, but it's better to be upfront about your lack of work experience. Honesty truly is the best policy.
When hiring for entry-level jobs, most employers value soft skills over hard skills because soft skills are harder to teach. It's acceptable if you haven't yet cultivated all the hard skills you need for a position, by sharing you're capable of building new skills and learning new processes, employers determine your value as a potential new employee.
Good luck Amy
Your advice was so helpful!
Amy
Amanda Lee
Tax professional
12
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Amy,
When you’re applying for your first or second job, it is important to highlight transferable skills from all sorts of activities, not just traditional employment. For example, you could include participation/leadership in high school or college clubs. When including these, you can discuss transferable skills such as project management, team leadership, skills with technology tools, etc. Your experience may have more transferable skills than you expect! One thing I like to do is use chat gpt and say: I have experience in “XX” and am trying to get an “XX” job— what are some transferable skills?
When you’re applying for your first or second job, it is important to highlight transferable skills from all sorts of activities, not just traditional employment. For example, you could include participation/leadership in high school or college clubs. When including these, you can discuss transferable skills such as project management, team leadership, skills with technology tools, etc. Your experience may have more transferable skills than you expect! One thing I like to do is use chat gpt and say: I have experience in “XX” and am trying to get an “XX” job— what are some transferable skills?
Thank you so much for the advice.
Amy
Sarah Cockrell, MBA, MSCM
Organizational Development (Learning & Development and HR Learning Technology)
11
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
If you’re lacking work experience, consider volunteering at a local community center and listing it on your resume. Include the skills you learned from volunteering, like communication and teamwork.
Also, if you’re involved in sports teams or clubs at school, mention that too. Highlight the skills you’ve gained, such as leadership and creative thinking. If you have any technical skills, like programming, be sure to list those as well.
Employers understand that high school students may not have lots of work experience. So, think about your other activities and include any achievements or skills that relate to the job you’re applying for.
Also, if you’re involved in sports teams or clubs at school, mention that too. Highlight the skills you’ve gained, such as leadership and creative thinking. If you have any technical skills, like programming, be sure to list those as well.
Employers understand that high school students may not have lots of work experience. So, think about your other activities and include any achievements or skills that relate to the job you’re applying for.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Amy
Amy Lloyd
Contract Management
30
Answers
Woodbine, Maryland
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hello Amy,
It's a pleasure to share a name with you! There's a wealth of valuable advice in this thread, and I don't want to reiterate what's already been said. However, I'd like to propose an additional strategy: dissect your existing experiences and identify their individual elements.
For instance, if your previous role was as a "Cashier at X," consider the skills that this job required. You needed to excel in customer service, demonstrate proficiency in math, and possess technical skills. Rather than merely stating your position as a cashier at X, you could elaborate by saying, "My role entailed delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring absolute accuracy in every transaction. I was also tasked with mastering all systems, keystrokes, and memorizing inventory codes."
By providing this level of detail, potential employers gain a clearer understanding of the soft and hard skills that your experience comprises. This approach helps employers see beyond your job title and appreciate the skills you've already developed. If you haven't had any job experience yet, don't worry! Reflect on tasks you've undertaken, such as babysitting or pet sitting. These activities also equip you with skills that can be applied to a job.
Best of luck!
It's a pleasure to share a name with you! There's a wealth of valuable advice in this thread, and I don't want to reiterate what's already been said. However, I'd like to propose an additional strategy: dissect your existing experiences and identify their individual elements.
For instance, if your previous role was as a "Cashier at X," consider the skills that this job required. You needed to excel in customer service, demonstrate proficiency in math, and possess technical skills. Rather than merely stating your position as a cashier at X, you could elaborate by saying, "My role entailed delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring absolute accuracy in every transaction. I was also tasked with mastering all systems, keystrokes, and memorizing inventory codes."
By providing this level of detail, potential employers gain a clearer understanding of the soft and hard skills that your experience comprises. This approach helps employers see beyond your job title and appreciate the skills you've already developed. If you haven't had any job experience yet, don't worry! Reflect on tasks you've undertaken, such as babysitting or pet sitting. These activities also equip you with skills that can be applied to a job.
Best of luck!
Lalia Rodriguez
12
Answers
Norwalk, Connecticut
Updated
Lalia’s Answer
Hi Amy,
It's great that you're thinking ahead about your resume! Even with limited experience, there are several ways to make your resume stand out and persuade an employer to take a chance on you:
Focus on your education: Highlight your education, including any relevant coursework, projects, or academic achievements. If you've taken any classes that are relevant to the job you're applying for, make sure to mention them.
Extracurricular activities: Include any clubs, sports teams, or organizations you’ve been part of. Emphasize any leadership roles or significant contributions you’ve made.
Volunteer work: List any volunteer experiences, even if they’re not directly related to the job. Volunteering shows that you’re responsible, community-minded, and willing to learn.
Skills and certifications: Mention any skills that are relevant to the job, such as computer skills, languages, or certifications. Even skills gained from personal projects or hobbies can be valuable.
Personal projects: If you’ve done any personal projects related to the field you’re interested in, such as building a website, writing a blog, or creating a portfolio, include these.
Summer jobs or internships: If you’ve had any part-time jobs or internships, describe your responsibilities and what you learned from them, even if they’re not directly related to the job you’re applying for.
References: Include references from teachers, coaches, or volunteer supervisors who can speak to your work ethic and character.
Here’s an idea of how you can set that up:
- Contact Information: Your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one).
- Objective: A brief statement about your career goals and what you’re looking to achieve in your next job.
- Education: Your current school, your expected graduation date, and any relevant coursework or academic achievements.
- Experience: Any jobs, internships, or volunteer work you’ve done. Focus on what you accomplished and what skills you developed.
- Skills: A list of relevant skills and any certifications.
- Extracurricular Activities: Clubs, sports, or organizations you’re involved in.
- References: Names and contact information of people who can vouch for you.
Remember, employers understand that students might not have a lot of professional experience yet. Focus on demonstrating your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills you’ve developed through other activities.
Good luck!
It's great that you're thinking ahead about your resume! Even with limited experience, there are several ways to make your resume stand out and persuade an employer to take a chance on you:
Focus on your education: Highlight your education, including any relevant coursework, projects, or academic achievements. If you've taken any classes that are relevant to the job you're applying for, make sure to mention them.
Extracurricular activities: Include any clubs, sports teams, or organizations you’ve been part of. Emphasize any leadership roles or significant contributions you’ve made.
Volunteer work: List any volunteer experiences, even if they’re not directly related to the job. Volunteering shows that you’re responsible, community-minded, and willing to learn.
Skills and certifications: Mention any skills that are relevant to the job, such as computer skills, languages, or certifications. Even skills gained from personal projects or hobbies can be valuable.
Personal projects: If you’ve done any personal projects related to the field you’re interested in, such as building a website, writing a blog, or creating a portfolio, include these.
Summer jobs or internships: If you’ve had any part-time jobs or internships, describe your responsibilities and what you learned from them, even if they’re not directly related to the job you’re applying for.
References: Include references from teachers, coaches, or volunteer supervisors who can speak to your work ethic and character.
Here’s an idea of how you can set that up:
- Contact Information: Your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one).
- Objective: A brief statement about your career goals and what you’re looking to achieve in your next job.
- Education: Your current school, your expected graduation date, and any relevant coursework or academic achievements.
- Experience: Any jobs, internships, or volunteer work you’ve done. Focus on what you accomplished and what skills you developed.
- Skills: A list of relevant skills and any certifications.
- Extracurricular Activities: Clubs, sports, or organizations you’re involved in.
- References: Names and contact information of people who can vouch for you.
Remember, employers understand that students might not have a lot of professional experience yet. Focus on demonstrating your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills you’ve developed through other activities.
Good luck!
Morgan Cobb, CPA
Audit Senior
2
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
Hi Amy! When it comes to resumes, the wording is the most important part. Although you may not have a lot of direct experience in the field you are applying to, your other experiences have taught you soft skills that are very valuable to employers. Focus on your dedication, team work, and willingness to learn, which you can express through most previous jobs/clubs. If you helped organize an event for a club, you can highlight the role you took in that and how you helped lead the team. If you worked as a hostess, you can describe how you maybe helped change the process of making reservations to be more efficient. Make sure to use action verbs to start each bullet on the resume (ex: generated, developed, analyzed, lead). When it comes to applying for jobs, most technical knowledge can be taught on the job. Employers are looking for candidates who are passionate and want to be there. Good luck and keep applying!
Synopsys Volunteers
Volunteer
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Synopsys’s Answer
Hi Amy! Finding more volunteer opportunities to participate in and including them on your resume is a great way to boost your resume. Best of luck!
I recommend including keywords on your resume that recruiters look out for. Examples of some generally applicable key words include "problem-solving" or "leadership". You can also tailor keywords in your resume to the job posting that you're applying for.
Completing Github or other technical projects online in your free is a great way to demonstrate experience and skills on your resume.
If you haven't already, include a section of your resume for "skills," "strengths," and/or "acknowledgements". Here, you can list skills, strengths, or accomplishments that make you a good candidate for the job, even if you gained them from school or another non-professional setting.
I recommend including keywords on your resume that recruiters look out for. Examples of some generally applicable key words include "problem-solving" or "leadership". You can also tailor keywords in your resume to the job posting that you're applying for.
Completing Github or other technical projects online in your free is a great way to demonstrate experience and skills on your resume.
If you haven't already, include a section of your resume for "skills," "strengths," and/or "acknowledgements". Here, you can list skills, strengths, or accomplishments that make you a good candidate for the job, even if you gained them from school or another non-professional setting.
Hi! I noticed you wrote multiple pieces of advice so I condensed it down into one post.
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Sam Idele
Information Security
9
Answers
Cypress, Texas
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Hello Amy,
Every accomplished professional was once a beginner, so don't let your lack of experience discourage you - it's a hurdle that can certainly be overcome! When you're just starting out, focus on the strengths you already possess. Consider your academic accomplishments, such as school projects where you showcased your leadership abilities, or the relevant courses you've completed. Don't forget about that summer internship, either.
Did you participate in a club or engage in volunteer work? Be sure to include these experiences. The goal is to highlight the skills and determination you possess. In essence, you want to showcase any activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or other valuable soft skills.
When crafting your resume, ensure it aligns with the job you're targeting by emphasizing the parts of your story that are most relevant. Remember, it's not solely about what you've accomplished, but also about how ready and well-positioned you are for learning and growth.
Stay authentic, radiate enthusiasm, and let potential employers see your eagerness to learn and advance in your career.
Every accomplished professional was once a beginner, so don't let your lack of experience discourage you - it's a hurdle that can certainly be overcome! When you're just starting out, focus on the strengths you already possess. Consider your academic accomplishments, such as school projects where you showcased your leadership abilities, or the relevant courses you've completed. Don't forget about that summer internship, either.
Did you participate in a club or engage in volunteer work? Be sure to include these experiences. The goal is to highlight the skills and determination you possess. In essence, you want to showcase any activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or other valuable soft skills.
When crafting your resume, ensure it aligns with the job you're targeting by emphasizing the parts of your story that are most relevant. Remember, it's not solely about what you've accomplished, but also about how ready and well-positioned you are for learning and growth.
Stay authentic, radiate enthusiasm, and let potential employers see your eagerness to learn and advance in your career.
Sam, thank you!
Amy
Jazmine Brownlow
Human Resources Profressional
4
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Jazmine’s Answer
- Showcase your volunteer work proudly, it's a reflection of your core values
- Review the job requirements closely, and match them with your existing skills. Make sure to include these relevant abilities in your resume
- Remember any major school projects you were part of? Consider including them in your resume. Just be clear about your role and the skills you developed during the process.
- Consider exploring some beginner level roles. They can provide you with valuable experience and new skills to enrich your resume.
- Review the job requirements closely, and match them with your existing skills. Make sure to include these relevant abilities in your resume
- Remember any major school projects you were part of? Consider including them in your resume. Just be clear about your role and the skills you developed during the process.
- Consider exploring some beginner level roles. They can provide you with valuable experience and new skills to enrich your resume.
Avirup Ray
Student
39
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Avirup’s Answer
Focus more on other skills you have from Microsoft Word, PowerPoint etc to Photoshop. Tailor the experiences you do have to fit the key points on the job description. Add your hobbies and other interests.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Amy
Mandar Chitale
Manager
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mandar’s Answer
- Customize your resume to match the specific job you're applying for.
- Ensure it's brief and simple to read.
- Research and incorporate pertinent keywords.
- Emphasize your achievements to make it compelling.
- Adapt it to meet the needs of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Steer clear of using acronyms without proper explanation.
- Include your skills, areas of expertise, and any relevant certifications.
- Ensure it's brief and simple to read.
- Research and incorporate pertinent keywords.
- Emphasize your achievements to make it compelling.
- Adapt it to meet the needs of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Steer clear of using acronyms without proper explanation.
- Include your skills, areas of expertise, and any relevant certifications.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Amy