How to Create a “No Experience” Resume

Staring at a blank document that needs to be a resume can be a DAUNTING! A flood of questions make you doubt yourself: What counts as “experience”? What if I have never worked? Am I good enough?

Here are quick steps to begin writing a resume with little to no experience.

Step 1: Reflect on the Career

Consider the career/job/internship you want to apply for. What skills are needed?
Add a check mark next to the skills you know you can do and an “x” to those you are unsure of or need to grow in.

Step 2: Brainstorm on You

What are some non-traditional experiences that you have participated in:
- Did you help your family in their business?
- Did you take care of relatives during the summer?
- Do you sell artwork on Instagram?
- Do you participate in citywide gaming contest?
- Do you help your religious affiliation during services?
- Did you participate or help in clubs/events in high school?
- Do you have projects you are proud of inside or outside of the classroom?
- Do you have a YouTube channel, personal blog or social media business profile?
- Have you participated in Hackathons?
- Did you volunteer to help teachers/coaches after school in high school?
- Do you babysit?
- Have you helped tutor friends on subjects?

Step 3: Blank Document to a Resume

Download our recommended resume template
Update the contact information, education section, and if you have relevant technical skills, add them in!
There are TWO resume approaches with minimal experience:

Functional Resume Format: This resume formatting focuses on the key skills instead of experiences. You can find these “key skills” in the job description. When you select the skills, you will list HOW you showcased that skill from your non-traditional experiences. Example:

Skills layout example that shows three skills (communication, organization and technical/language) with bullet points on where these skills were used

2. Project-Based Resume Format: Similar to a general resume, you will change the “Work Experience” section to “Projects” and share in-class projects.

Project experience with bullet points of accomplishments in that project.

Step 4: Chat with a Career Coach

To schedule an appointment, log in to Handshake.

Once logged in, click on the ‘Career Center’ menu option on the left side of the page.
Click on the “Appointments” tile or the blue “Schedule Appointment” button.
When choosing the Appointment Type, choose the main topic you wish to discuss.
You will only be able to schedule one upcoming appointment at a time (regardless of the appointment type).
Remember to choose your preferred appointment medium (in-person or virtual) when scheduling.
Please arrive to your scheduled appointment on time. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, your appointment will be cancelled, and you will need to reschedule.