Resume for First Job — How to Write One That Gets You Hired

Applying for your first job can feel overwhelming — especially if you have little or no professional experience.

The good news? Employers don’t expect years of work history from someone new to the workforce. What they do expect is a resume that clearly shows your potential, skills, and motivation.

Here’s how to write a winning resume for your first job, even if you think you have ‘nothing to put on it.’

1. Focus on Projects

If you’re a recent graduate, your biggest asset is often the projects you’ve completed during your studies.

Instead of filling your resume with unrelated part-time work, highlight projects relevant to the job you’re applying for. This shows you can solve problems using technical skills and knowledge — exactly what employers want.

When writing about a project, include three parts:
- Objective: What problem or goal was the project addressing?
- Key Tasks: What specific tasks did you perform?
- Achievements: What results or outcomes did you achieve?

For example, instead of 'Completed final-year project on renewable energy,' write 'Designed and implemented a solar energy model that reduced estimated household costs by 25%.'

2. Maximise Internships

From an employer’s perspective, real work experience is more valuable than academic knowledge alone.

If you’ve done an internship, treat it like any other job on your resume. Focus on results and achievements, not just tasks. For example:
- Conducted market research for a new product launch, leading to a 15% increase in target market engagement.
- Developed social media content that boosted follower growth by 20%.

If you haven’t done an internship yet, consider finding one. Not only will it give you practical experience, but it can also lead to a full-time job offer.

3. Highlight Relevant Extracurricular Activities

Not all extracurricular activities belong on your resume — only include those that are relevant to the job.

Look for activities that show leadership, teamwork, or technical expertise. Examples include:
- Volunteering in community projects related to your field.
- Participating in industry competitions or hackathons.
- Serving as president or coordinator for a relevant student club.

If you’ve achieved measurable results, include them. For example: 'Led a student design team to win 1st place in a national architecture competition.'

4. Use an ATS-Friendly Format

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. If your resume isn’t formatted correctly, it may never be seen by a human.

Keep it clean and simple:
- Use a single-column format with clear headings.
- Avoid graphics, tables, and unusual fonts.
- Save as a Word document (.docx) unless the job posting says otherwise.

5. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

Even for your first job, tailoring matters. Use the exact keywords from the job description and highlight experiences that match the employer’s needs.

A tailored resume instantly shows that you’ve put in the effort — and makes it easier for both the ATS and the hiring manager to see you as a fit.

Create a Winning Resume for Your First Job

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FAQs

What should I put on my resume if I have no work experience?

Focus on projects, internships, relevant coursework, and extracurricular activities that show your skills.

Should I include part-time jobs that aren’t related to my career?

Only if they demonstrate transferable skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.

How long should my resume be for my first job?

Keep it to one page — concise and focused on what’s most relevant to the role.