If you are a high school student, or teenager looking to apply for your first job you have come to the right place! Writing your very first resume can be so confusing. A resume is a document of your work experience right? So what if you don’t have any? In this article we will help you craft a first job resume that highlights relevant skills and relevant experience without work history.
Encouragement for first time job seekers
If you are feeling overwhelmed or worried about your first resume, here are some helpful things to think about.
- Everyone started their career somewhere, and well done for taking the first step to start yours!
- Starting work as a high school student shows initiative, work ethic and personal drive – an excellent thing to have on your resume down the track.
- Companies that advertise entry level positions for teens such as Woolworths, Coles and McDonalds won’t be expecting you to have a lot of work experience, if any!
- Entry level positions are the most likely to provide on the job training.
- Jora has heaps of entry level jobs that you don’t need any experience to apply for!
First job resume template
Here is a template to get you started writing your first job resume. You can easily update our First Job Resume Template with your own information on Canva, which is a free online design tool.
Note: Please replace “[Your Name]”, “[Your Address]”, “[Your City, State, Postcode]”, “[Your Phone Number]”, “[Your Email Address]”, “[Company Name]”, “[School Name]”, “[School Location]”, and any other placeholders with your specific information. This resume template follows the guidelines outlined in the article and highlights your skills and qualities, even if you don’t have formal work experience.
What to include on your first resume
A good resume will convince your prospective employer that you have the right skills and attributes to consider you a good fit for the job. Here is what you should include on your resume when you have no job experience.
1. Contact Information
The first section of your resume should include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure your contact information is up to date and professional.
2. Objective Statement
Compose a brief objective statement that highlights your eagerness to start your career and your willingness to learn and contribute.
3. Personal Summary
In this section, provide a concise summary of your personal traits, such as being reliable, punctual, and a fast learner. Mention any relevant hobbies or interests.
4. Education
List your current school, its location, and your expected graduation date. Include any academic achievements or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your dedication and skills.
5. Skills
Even without formal work experience, you likely possess valuable skills. Include things like:
– Communication
Highlight your ability to effectively communicate, whether it’s with classmates, teachers, or through your babysitting experiences.
– Teamwork
Mention any group projects or team activities you’ve participated in, showcasing your collaboration skills.
– Time Management
Discuss how you managed your time while balancing school, chores, and other responsibilities.
– Customer Service
Emphasise your experience interacting with people, whether it’s helping with family friends’ needs or providing excellent service while mowing lawns or washing cars.
6. Awards and Achievements
If you’ve received any awards or recognition in school or within your community, this is the place to mention them. It shows your dedication and commitment.
7. References
Include character references, such as teachers, family friends, or mentors who can vouch for your character and work ethic.
Formatting Tips
The formatting and design of your resume play an important role in making a positive impression on potential employers. Here are some tips to ensure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read:
- Choose a clean and professional font: Opt for a font that is easy to read, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use a consistent font size throughout the document, typically between 10 and 12 points.
- Use headings and subheadings: Organise your resume using clear headings and subheadings. This makes it easier for employers to navigate through the document and find the information they need.
- Utilise white space: Leave enough white space between sections and paragraphs to make your resume visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid cramming too much information onto one page.
- Use bullet points: List your achievements, skills, and responsibilities using bullet points. This makes the information more scannable and allows employers to quickly identify your key qualifications.
- Keep it concise: Be mindful of the length of your resume. Aim for a one to two-page document, focusing on the most relevant information. Avoid including unnecessary details or irrelevant experiences.
- Use consistent formatting: Maintain consistency in your formatting throughout the document. Use the same font, font size, and formatting style for headings, subheadings, and body text.
By following these formatting and design tips, you can create a visually appealing and professional resume that stands out to potential employers.
Proofread and Edit
Once you have written your resume, it’s crucial to proofread and edit it for errors before sending it out to potential employers. Here are some steps to ensure your resume is error-free:
- Read it aloud: Reading your resume aloud can help you catch any grammatical or spelling errors that you might have missed. It also allows you to check the flow and clarity of your writing.
- Use spell-check and grammar-check tools: Utilise the spell-check and grammar-check tools in your word processing software to catch any obvious errors. However, be aware that these tools are not foolproof, so manual proofreading is still necessary.
- Get a second opinion: Ask a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to review your resume. They can provide valuable feedback and catch any errors or inconsistencies that you might have overlooked.
- Check for consistency: Ensure consistent formatting, font usage, and punctuation throughout your resume. Inconsistencies can make your resume look unprofessional.
- Review for clarity and conciseness: Make sure your resume is clear, concise, and easy to read. Remove any unnecessary jargon or technical language that might confuse potential employers.
By thoroughly proofreading and editing your resume, you can ensure that it is error-free and presents you in the best possible light.
How to find your first job using Jora
It’s easy to access thousands of first jobs, where you need no prior work experience using Jora. Jora is a job aggregator meaning you will find all the current available job listings in one website.
- To begin, visit Jora’s website or download the mobile app.
- To narrow down your search, use relevant keywords for the type of job you’re seeking and specify your location preferences. For a first job, words like “no experience”, or “entry level” can be helpful.
- Once you’ve found a promising job listing, read through the description carefully and tailor your application to match the employer’s requirements. Don’t forget to upload your updated resume and cover letter, if applicable.
- Finally, sign up for job alerts. There are new jobs added regularly on Jora, so stay informed of relevant opportunities by setting up a personalised job alert.
Popular first job opportunities in Australia
- Fast-Food Chains: Companies like McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, and Hungry Jack’s often hire teenagers for positions such as cashier, crew member, or kitchen staff. These roles provide customer service experience and teach valuable teamwork skills.
- Retail Stores: Popular retail chains like Woolworths, Coles, Target, and Kmart hire teenagers as sales associates or cashiers. Working in retail helps improve customer service and organizational skills.
- Supermarkets: In addition to Woolworths and Coles, other local supermarkets like IGA may offer part-time positions for teenagers. These jobs typically involve tasks like stocking shelves and assisting customers.
- Hospitality Industry: Restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops often hire teenagers as waitstaff, dishwashers, or kitchen assistants. These roles teach communication skills and how to work in a fast-paced environment.
Conclusion
Landing your first job can be an exciting journey filled with opportunities to learn and grow. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and your lack of formal work experience doesn’t diminish your potential. By following these resume guidelines and emphasising your skills and positive qualities, you can impress potential employers and kickstart your professional career.