3 answers
amanda
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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How do I position my resume to make it stand out when I do not have much job experience?
I am a senior in college, and I am expected to graduate this spring. I am not currently applying for jobs, but I will soon.
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3 answers
Ewa Mazurek
Director, Solutions Engineering
2
Answers
Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Ewa’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
I know exactly how it is to sit at the blank resume and struggle with job experience references when you are that early in your career! It's certainly a challenge.
I suggest reviewing all the activities you had a chance to do at school or outside and finding out what skills you learned there and what kind of experience you gained. That might be a good starting point to showcase a recruiter and hiring manager. For example, imagine that your hobby is sailing and that you organized or supported the organization of a sailing trip during the summer holidays. What does it tell your future employer about you? You've got organizational skills, and you can plan, follow the plan, and encourage others to engage. You are responsible, and one can count on you! At a ship, you are a team player as well!
This is just an example, but I'm sure you have something similar to share on your resume that will help you get a job. Just make sure you pick examples that are the most relevant to the role you are applying for.
Good luck!
I know exactly how it is to sit at the blank resume and struggle with job experience references when you are that early in your career! It's certainly a challenge.
I suggest reviewing all the activities you had a chance to do at school or outside and finding out what skills you learned there and what kind of experience you gained. That might be a good starting point to showcase a recruiter and hiring manager. For example, imagine that your hobby is sailing and that you organized or supported the organization of a sailing trip during the summer holidays. What does it tell your future employer about you? You've got organizational skills, and you can plan, follow the plan, and encourage others to engage. You are responsible, and one can count on you! At a ship, you are a team player as well!
This is just an example, but I'm sure you have something similar to share on your resume that will help you get a job. Just make sure you pick examples that are the most relevant to the role you are applying for.
Good luck!
Suresh JV
HR / Talent Acquisition
1
Answer
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Suresh’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
Limited job experience doesn’t have to be a barrier if you position yourself well. Many organizations are eager to bring on young, talented professionals, even those fresh out of college or with minimal experience.
To stand out, focus on showcasing the skills and competencies most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Tailor your resume to highlight these strengths prominently.
While a well-organized resume is essential, consider including a thoughtfully crafted cover letter. This is your chance to emphasize how your skills align with the position, making your application stand out and increasing your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
Best of luck with your job search!
Limited job experience doesn’t have to be a barrier if you position yourself well. Many organizations are eager to bring on young, talented professionals, even those fresh out of college or with minimal experience.
To stand out, focus on showcasing the skills and competencies most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Tailor your resume to highlight these strengths prominently.
While a well-organized resume is essential, consider including a thoughtfully crafted cover letter. This is your chance to emphasize how your skills align with the position, making your application stand out and increasing your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
Best of luck with your job search!
Milena Offredo
Campus Recruitment Analyst
9
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Milena’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
I see a lot of great advice here and as someone who works with a hiring team who focuses on hiring early career students, I whole heartedly agree. A few key pieces of advice I have are to treat your college career as your job experience. Add school/class projects, relevant course work, volunteer or club experience and finally, your skills and strengths. Showcase your contributions, results and any leadership roles for each of those items as well to stand out from the rest of the resumes. And don't forget about your soft skills such as team work/collaboration, communication, organization and integrity. All of those skills go a long way with many hiring managers.
Overall many companies understand that traditional work experience will be limited for graduating students and are open to new talent with a fresh and bright perspective so don't stress about not having a long list of work experience and instead focus on what unique insights and skills you can bring to the position.
Best of luck!
I see a lot of great advice here and as someone who works with a hiring team who focuses on hiring early career students, I whole heartedly agree. A few key pieces of advice I have are to treat your college career as your job experience. Add school/class projects, relevant course work, volunteer or club experience and finally, your skills and strengths. Showcase your contributions, results and any leadership roles for each of those items as well to stand out from the rest of the resumes. And don't forget about your soft skills such as team work/collaboration, communication, organization and integrity. All of those skills go a long way with many hiring managers.
Overall many companies understand that traditional work experience will be limited for graduating students and are open to new talent with a fresh and bright perspective so don't stress about not having a long list of work experience and instead focus on what unique insights and skills you can bring to the position.
Best of luck!