How to Write a Strong Resume When You Don't Have Professional Work Experience
Finding and applying to suitable job roles can be incredibly time-consuming, particularly if the job you are applying for has a rigorous application process.
And nothing is more disheartening than repeatedly losing out to other candidates because you “lack experience.”
Although most employers prefer candidates that have experience in the industry or job role they are recruiting for, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a job without experience! We all have to start somewhere, right?
In this blog, we share our top 5 tips for getting a job with no experience.
1. Seek Help From A Resume Professional
Even if you don’t have the correct experience, a strong resume and cover letter can make a substantial difference when applying for jobs.
A candidate may have years of experience, but if their resume is sloppy, employers will not be impressed. Creating a truly stand-out resume can be challenging, which is why we recommend getting professional help.
Resume and cover letter experts will work closely with you to create a resume that perfectly highlights your key skills and attributes.
By focusing on exactly what the employer is asking for within the job description, resume writers can shine the light on elements of your application that align with the job role and the company that is hiring.
2. Use A Specialist Recruitment Agency
Specialist recruitment agencies are an excellent way to find the perfect job without the hassle.
A specialist recruitment agency will have valuable contacts within specific industries and can introduce you to suitable roles and employers.
They will often also guide you through the end-to-end job application process, from improving your CV and enhancing your interview skills to helping you secure and negotiate a contract.
3. Highlight Transferrable Skills
Experience is not the only factor that employers take into consideration when shortlisting potential candidates.
When writing your job application, be sure to focus on any transferrable skills that you have obtained in other roles or education.
For example, you may be excellent at communicating, managing time, prioriti\ing your workload and working as part of a team.
It is also a good idea to read the job description clearly and gain an understanding of what kind of skills they are looking for. This way, you can highlight any skills you have that match up with the job description.
4. Volunteer
Volunteering is one of the best ways to gain invaluable work experience in a job setting whilst simultaneously building your network of industry contacts and references.
Many businesses will accept volunteers but do not actively advertise opportunities, so if you come across a company that you believe you could learn a lot from, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask about any volunteering opportunities.
Volunteering can be one of the best ways to start building your resume, especially if you keep track of your contributions and incorporate metrics that demonstrate your achievements into your documents.
And you never know – an unpaid volunteer opportunity or internship can even turn into a full-time job offer!
5. Improve Your Skillset & Knowledge With Online Courses
There are online courses for almost anything these days – and many of them are free too!
Healthcare, marketing, beauty, IT, engineering, construction, management… you name it, there will be a course for it.
If you are applying for a specific type of job role in a particular industry, have a look for online courses that can be used to help you build on your knowledge and skill set.
In Summary
Good employers look for ways in which you demonstrate the drive and motivation that will enable you to add value to their organization.
Even if you don’t have any formal work experience, you can still create a strong resume that will help you land your first job by following the tips above.
About Resume Pilots
Resume Pilots is an award-winning executive resume writing firm and a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Our previous clients include CEOs and senior executives at the world's leading companies.
As a professional services firm, we take your reputation seriously. We are committed to delivering writing excellence and superior service while operating with integrity and discretion. Recruitment firms we partner with also trust us to consistently deliver quality documents for their clients.
Our writers have studied in the Ivy League and other top-tier universities and have strong writing backgrounds coupled with industry experience.
Here's how we can help you:
Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Writing Services: If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional resume writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up.
Executive Resume Template Downloads: If you plan to prepare your own resume, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly resume templates for Microsoft Word.
To learn more about our services, book an introductory call with our founder here or email team@resumepilots.com.
About the AuthorMatt Glodz
Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Resume Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer.
After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked within Fortune 500 companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents.
At Resume Pilots, Matt combines his business and writing background - which includes prior work for a Chicago Tribune publication - to craft resumes that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He works with clients ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing resumes for over 10 years.
He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, and Thrive Global.