Creating your very first resume can feel like a challenging task, especially if you have never worked in a formal job before. Many students worry that they “don’t have enough experience” to fill a resume, but the truth is, everyone has valuable skills, knowledge, and personal strengths that employers look for. The purpose of your resume is to present yourself in the best light possible and to show potential employers that you are capable, motivated, and ready to learn. Below are some practical tips to help you get started on writing a resume that stands out.
Layout and Presentation
Start by choosing a layout or template that suits your needs. You can find free templates online, through Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or career websites. The most important thing is to keep your resume clean, simple, and easy to read. Avoid using fancy fonts or too many colours, as this can make your resume look cluttered or unprofessional. Stick to clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting.
Information under each section should usually be listed in reverse chronological order, meaning you list your most recent education or experience first. This helps employers quickly see your latest and most relevant achievements. A well-structured layout not only looks professional but also makes it easier for employers to find the information they need.
Contact Information
Place your name at the very top in bold, slightly larger text so it is easy to spot. Directly underneath, include your phone number, email address, and, if you have one, your LinkedIn profile link.
Make sure your contact details are professional. If your current email address is something like soccerqueen95@hotmail.com, it’s a good idea to create a new, professional email address that simply includes your name. This small step makes a big difference in how employers perceive you.
Objective or Summary Statement
Even if you have little to no work experience, an objective statement is a chance to briefly introduce yourself. In one or two sentences, explain who you are, what kind of work you are looking for, and what skills or qualities you bring.
For example: “Enthusiastic high school graduate seeking a part-time retail role where I can apply my strong communication skills, teamwork experience, and passion for customer service.” This shows motivation and helps employers quickly understand what you are aiming for.
Education
Education is often the strongest section of a first resume. List your high school, along with the year you graduated or are expected to graduate. If you have taken any TAFE, university, or online courses, include these as well. You can also highlight academic achievements such as awards, high grades in specific subjects, or participation in special programs. This section demonstrates that you are committed to learning and have a solid foundation of knowledge.
Work and Volunteer Experience
If you have part-time jobs, internships, or even short-term volunteer roles, list them here. Include the organisation’s name, your role, and the dates you worked there. Under each, add a few bullet points describing what you did and the skills you used. For example:
Team Member – Local Café (2023 – Present)
- Served customers and handled cash transactions
- Worked in a fast-paced team environment
- Maintained a clean and welcoming space
Even if your experience is not directly related to the job you are applying for, it still shows responsibility, commitment, and transferable skills.
Extracurricular Activities
Employers value well-rounded individuals. Include involvement in sports teams, school clubs, music, drama, or community activities. These experiences highlight teamwork, leadership, dedication, and time management. For example, being a captain of a sports team shows leadership, while participating in a school band shows discipline and teamwork.
Transferable Skills
This section is especially helpful if you don’t have much formal experience. Transferable skills are abilities you’ve gained from school, hobbies, or activities that can apply to the workplace. Examples include:
- Communication Skills – built through class presentations, writing assignments, or group projects.
- Teamwork – gained from playing sports, working in groups, or collaborating on school projects.
- Time Management – developed by meeting assignment deadlines and balancing school, hobbies, and personal commitments.
- Problem-Solving – practiced when tackling challenging assignments or adapting to unexpected changes.
By highlighting these, you show employers you already have a strong foundation of workplace-ready skills.
Achievements and Awards
Don’t forget to list any personal or academic achievements. These could include school awards, sports medals, leadership roles, or recognition for volunteering. Achievements show initiative and determination, which are qualities employers always value.
Proofreading and Feedback
Before submitting your resume, check carefully for spelling and grammar mistakes. A single error can make your application look rushed. It’s a good idea to ask a parent, teacher, or friend to review your resume as well. They can often point out strengths you may have overlooked and suggest improvements.
Tailoring for Each Job
One of the biggest mistakes first-time job seekers make is sending the same resume to every job. Instead, tailor your resume to match each position. Look at the job description and highlight the skills and experiences that best match what the employer is asking for. Even small adjustments – like changing the wording of your objective can make a big impact.
Using Action Verbs
When writing bullet points, start each one with a strong action verb. Words like assisted, created, organised, delivered, supported, managed, contributed, and developed are much more impactful than passive descriptions. They make your contributions sound active and valuable.
Availability and References
At the end of your resume, it is helpful to mention your availability (e.g., evenings, weekends, or school holidays). This shows employers you have thought about how the job will fit into your schedule. When it comes to references, you do not need to list them directly.
Simply write “References available upon request.” Employers will ask if they need them later.
Final Thoughts
Remember, your first resume is just a starting point. It doesn’t need to be perfect or packed with years of experience. Instead, it should reflect who you are right now – your skills, your potential, and your willingness to grow.
As you gain more experience through jobs, volunteering, or further education, you can update and expand your resume. Every opportunity you take on will give you new examples to showcase, helping you build a stronger application each time.
Ready to put your new resume writing skills to good use? Check out Leidos’ guide to Starting Your Career After School or explore early career opportunities with Leidos today!
