How to write a beginner resumé: Examples and tips
Entering the working world? A well-written resumé can make a big difference in your job-seeker journey. Even if you don’t have any work experience, there are ways you can make your first resumé stand out.
A beginner resumé can be tailored to showcase your strengths, even if you’re just entering the workforce. It focuses on things like your skills, education, strengths and goals to show your suitability for entry-level jobs. A beginner resumé should show your potential, rather than your work experience.
In this article, we cover what makes a good beginner resumé and guide you through the process of writing one. You’ll also find templates, including simple resumé layouts, to help you get started.
What is a beginner resumé?
A beginner resumé is for anyone starting their career, whether you’re a recent graduate, exploring a new industry, or someone returning to work after a break, like parents or caregivers.
Instead of focusing on work history, a beginner resumé highlights strengths such as academic achievements, relevant skills, internships, volunteer work and other activities that demonstrate potential and readiness for entry-level roles. It aims to show your capabilities and enthusiasm for learning, and why you're a great fit for the job.
Your resumé is often the first thing a potential employer sees, so writing a stand-out beginner resumé can go a long way in making a positive first impression and increasing your chances of landing a role.
How to write beginner resumé
The main thing when writing a resumé from scratch is to break down the process into smaller steps. Here’s how to structure and complete your beginner resumé, so it captures the attention of potential employers.
1. Choose a resumé format
Your resumé format is the layout: how information is organised and presented. For a beginner resumé, opt for a clear and easy-to-read format. Common resumé formats like chronological or combination styles are ideal as they are clear and simple, structuring information in a way that’s easy for hiring managers to absorb.
A chronological format organises study and jobs by recency, with the most recent at the top. This is appropriate for anyone who already has some prior work experience or relevant activities like internships or volunteering.
A combination format integrates both your chronological work history and key skills into distinct sections (recommended for beginner resumés).
2. Begin with your contact information
Start your resumé with essential details: your name, phone number, address, email address and professional social media profile (if applicable). Ensure this information is prominently displayed at the top of the page for easy access.
3. Include a resumé summary
Write a short professional summary or objective that outlines your career aspirations and main skills. A resumé summary serves as your pitch to spark an employer’s interest, highlighting how you can contribute to the organisation.
4. List your relevant work experience
If you’re applying for your first job, you may still have relevant work experience to display on your resumé. Include internships, part-time positions, volunteer work, freelance projects or any other experience that shows the kind of skills and responsibilities that relate to the job you’re applying for. Talk about what you achieved and the skills you gained as this helps show hiring managers your capabilities.
5. Add your education
Include your educational background, listing any degrees, where you studied and when you graduated (or when you expect to graduate). If you’re a recent graduate, this part of your resumé can be especially important to highlight.
6. List your relevant skills
Emphasise skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This can include technical skills (things like software proficiency or languages), as well as soft skills (such as communication and teamwork). Highlight abilities that show you’re eager to make a positive impact.
7. Consider including additional sections
Depending on what you’ve achieved, you might want to think about adding more sections. Some ideas include:
Projects: show off important school or personal projects that highlight skills you can use in the job.
Certifications: list any certifications or courses that make you more qualified for the job.
Extracurricular activities: talk about your participation in clubs or groups or doing things in your community that show you have well-rounded pastimes.
Hobbies and interests: talk about hobbies and interests you’re passionate about, to give an insight into your personality and values.
Achievements and awards: list any academic achievements or awards, explaining why you received them.
Beginner resumé template
If you’re looking for your first job, whether you’re still in high school, recently graduated or somewhere further down the track, a resumé template is a good springboard to get you started. It’s fine if you don’t have much or any work experience at this stage, and to add sections like personal projects or hobbies to give your resumé more depth and show additional skills.
_______
Your Name
[Address]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
[Write one or two sentences that outline your career aspirations and key skills. Tailor this section to the job you’re applying for as this is your initial pitch to your employer.]
Work experience
[Job title]
[Company name, city]
[Dates employed]
[List responsibilities and achievements in dot points and describe using action verbs, like ‘lead, create, identify, etc.’]
Remember, this section can include volunteering, internships or any other work experience.
Education
[Name of university or institution]
[Name of course/ degree and major]
[Graduation date or expected graduation date: month, year]
[Name of high school]
[City, state]
[Graduation date or expected graduation date: month, year]
Relevant Skills
- [Technical skills: list any relevant technical skills eg. ability to use Photoshop, proficiency in French etc.]
- [Soft skills: highlight your soft skills eg. communication, teamwork, problem solving, etc.]
Projects
[Academic project title]
[Brief description and relevance to the desired role]
Extracurricular activities
[Role/Activity title]
[Organisation name, city, state]
[Highlight leadership roles or significant contributions]
[Hobby description]
[Highlight any skills or values gained]
Achievements and awards
[Award name]
[Description of the award and why you received it]
Example resumé for an entry-level role
Applying the format above, here’s an example of what a beginner resume might look like filled out with someone’s personal details and tailored to a job ad.
_____
Markesh Singha
123 Smith Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
0412 345 678
[email protected]
Motivated, top-performing university student with strong communication skills and keen interest in environmental engineering. Eager to contribute to sustainability innovations and grow my career in a global firm.
Work Experience
Intern
XYZ Civil Works, Sydney
May 2023 – August 2023
Assisted in technical work tasks and projects
Collaborated in surveying projects
Supported team members in executing research for civil works
Participated in client meetings to discuss project deadlines and status
Barista
Welcome Cafe, Sydney
June 2022 – Present
Prepare and serve beverages including coffee, tea and specialty drinks according to customer preferences.
Ensure cleanliness and organisation of the cafe, including maintaining stock levels and cleanliness of work areas.
Provide exceptional customer service by greeting customers, taking orders and addressing inquiries.
Operate POS systems and handle transactions accurately.
Education
Sydney University
Bachelor of Environmental Science
Expected Graduation: 2025
Sydney High School
HSC
Graduated 2021
Relevant Skills
Technical skills:
CAD 3D design software
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Communication
Problem solving
Teamwork
Extracurricular activities
Student Representative Council
Sydney High School, Sydney, NSW
Led campaigns to enhance the school’s sustainability footprint and student welfare.
Achievements and awards
Academic Excellence Award at Sydney High School
Recognised for consistent academic performance and dedication to learning.
Tips to consider when writing your beginner resumé
When putting together a beginner resumé, remember these tips and tricks to create a strong summary of what you can offer that stands out to potential employers.
Keep it concise and relevant: focus on the most relevant information and avoid including unnecessary details.
Tailor your resumé to the job description: customise your resumé to line up with the specific requirements of each job you apply for. This can be the difference between a resumé that feels generic and one that conveys your genuine interest in the position.
Use 'action verbs' to describe your experiences: start bullet points with strong verbs to show your accomplishments.
Proofread and edit for errors: ensure your resumé is error-free and polished before submitting it.
Consider using a professional resumé template: use a clean and professional layout to enhance readability and visual appeal.
Highlight transferable skills from non-professional experiences: showcase transferable skills gained from volunteer work, internships or extracurricular activities.
Include relevant coursework, projects, or internships: detail academic projects or internships that demonstrate relevant skills.
Emphasise your education and academic achievements: Highlight your degrees, academic achievements and relevant coursework to showcase your qualifications.
Use keywords from the job description: incorporate relevant keywords to ensure your resumé gets noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
Quantify your achievements when possible: use numbers or percentages to illustrate and quantify the impact of your accomplishments whenever possible.
Remember: employers are looking for more than just a list of qualifications – they want to see your personality and potential. Don’t be afraid to write your resumé to reflect your passions and ambitions. A great resumé should paint a picture of what you bring to the table in a professional setting, and provide a glimpse of who you are as a person. Use our tips and templates above as a starting point to creating your beginner resumé.
Tailoring your resumé to resonate with a specific role and company culture can also go a long way. Start by researching to find out what the company you’re applying to is all about. By presenting a genuine and compelling story of who you are and what you can offer that particular employer, your resumé will stand out and make a lasting impression, regardless of your work experience
FAQs
What should I include in my resumé if I have no work experience?
If you haven't worked before, chances are you still have plenty to discuss in your resumé. Instead, focus on:
Academic achievements
Skills from school projects
Activities you’ve participated in or led
Internships
Volunteer work
Hobbies
You should also express your aspirations, goals and what you think you’re capable of achieving. Highlight skills like communication, teamwork and problem solving.
How long should a beginner resumé be?
Your beginner resumé should typically be one page. Keeping it concise ensures that you highlight your most relevant skills and experiences without overwhelming potential employers with unnecessary details. Focus on quality over quantity to make a strong impression.
Should I include a photo on my beginner resumé?
It’s not normal practice in Australia to include a photo on a beginner resumé – or any resumé, for that matter – and could be seen as unprofessional. Only your skills, qualifications and experience are relevant to the job.
How can I make my beginner resumé stand out?
To make your beginner resumé stand out:
Focus on what makes you unique.
Highlight achievements and skills that relate to the job you're applying for and tailor your resumé to each job description.
Keep your language clear and straightforward (there’s no need for jargon), making sure it’s easy to read and free from mistakes.
Don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn – this can make a strong impression on employers.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a beginner resumé?
When writing your first resumé, steer clear of:
Adding irrelevant details or using overly complicated language
Missing mistakes, by thoroughly proofreading your resumé for each job application
Including unnecessary personal information, like photos or unrelated hobbies.
Can I use the same resumé for all job applications?
Using the same resumé for every job application may not be ideal. It’s better to tailor your resumé to match each job’s requirements. Customise it by highlighting skills and experiences relevant to the specific position. This approach gives you the best chances of being shortlisted for an interview.
