First Job Resume Resume Example & Writing Guide

Build your first resume with no work experience. Includes entry-level examples, skills to highlight, and tips for landing your first job as a student or graduate.

ATS-Optimized Expert-Written Updated 2026

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First Job Resume Resume Example

Here's a professional first job resume resume example that you can use as a reference. This example highlights the key sections and content that hiring managers look for.

Alex Johnson

First Job Resume

New York, NY | alex.johnson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson

Professional Summary

Enthusiastic and dependable recent high school graduate seeking a first professional position. Strong academic record with a 3.5 GPA, active in student government and volunteer organizations. Quick learner with excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, and availability for flexible scheduling.

Work Experience

Senior First Job Resume

2022 – Present

ABC Corporation, New York, NY

•Served as Student Government Treasurer, managing a $5,000 annual budget for school events and activities
•Volunteered 200+ hours at local food bank, organizing donation drives and assisting 50+ families weekly
•Completed a school-based entrepreneurship project generating $800 in revenue through product sales

First Job Resume

2019 – 2022

XYZ Company, Chicago, IL

•Maintained a 3.5 GPA while participating in 3 extracurricular activities and volunteer commitments
•Led a 5-person team in a business competition, earning second place among 20 regional teams

Skills

Communication Skills • Teamwork • Customer Service • Microsoft Office • Time Management • Problem Solving • Organization • Adaptability • Cash Handling (if applicable) • Social Media • Basic Math • Reliability • Attention to Detail • Positive Attitude • Willingness to Learn

Education

High School Diploma

GED

Some College Coursework

Use This Template in Resume Builder

First Job Resume Resume Summary Examples

Your resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read. Here's a strong example for afirst job resume with 0 years of experience:

Good Example

“Enthusiastic and dependable recent high school graduate seeking a first professional position. Strong academic record with a 3.5 GPA, active in student government and volunteer organizations. Quick learner with excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, and availability for flexible scheduling.”

Avoid This

“Hardworking first job resume looking for a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience. I am a team player with excellent communication skills.”

Why the first example works: It includes specific years of experience, quantified achievements, technical skills, and certifications — all things ATS systems and hiring managers look for.

Work Experience Bullet Points

Here are powerful, metrics-driven bullet points for a first job resume resume. Notice how each one starts with an action verb and includes specific numbers:

Served as Student Government Treasurer, managing a $5,000 annual budget for school events and activities
Volunteered 200+ hours at local food bank, organizing donation drives and assisting 50+ families weekly
Completed a school-based entrepreneurship project generating $800 in revenue through product sales
Maintained a 3.5 GPA while participating in 3 extracurricular activities and volunteer commitments
Led a 5-person team in a business competition, earning second place among 20 regional teams

Pro Tip: Use the formula: Action Verb + Task + Quantified Result. For example: “Managed” + “team of 12 engineers” + “delivering project 20% under budget.”

Key Skills for a First Job Resume Resume

Include these skills on your first job resume resume to pass ATS screening and impress hiring managers:

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Customer Service

Microsoft Office

Time Management

Problem Solving

Organization

Adaptability

Cash Handling (if applicable)

Social Media

Basic Math

Reliability

Attention to Detail

Positive Attitude

Willingness to Learn

ATS Keywords for First Job Resume Resume

These are the most important keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems scan for in first job resume resumes. Include them naturally throughout your resume:

entry levelfirst jobno experiencestudentvolunteerteamworkcustomer servicereliablequick learnerflexible schedulecommunicationorganized

Important: Don't stuff keywords. Use them naturally in your summary, experience, and skills sections. ATS systems can detect keyword stuffing and may flag your resume.

Education & Certifications

Education

High School Diploma
GED
Some College Coursework

Certifications

CPR/First Aid
Food Handler's Certificate
Google Digital Garage Fundamentals
Microsoft Office Specialist

Expert Tips for Your First Job Resume Resume

Include volunteer work, school projects, and extracurricular leadership

Focus on transferable soft skills like teamwork, communication, and reliability

List any certifications, even basic ones (CPR, Food Handler's)

Keep it to one page — quality over quantity

Write a strong objective statement explaining what you bring and what you seek

First Job Resume Salary & Job Outlook

Entry Level

$25K

Median Salary

$32K

Experienced

$45K

Job Outlook

Entry-level positions available across all industries

Source: BLS 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write a resume with no work experience?

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Focus on education, volunteer work, school projects, extracurriculars, and transferable skills. Any responsibility — babysitting, tutoring, lawn care — counts as experience.

How long should a first job resume be?

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One page maximum. Use clean formatting, clear sections, and focus on quality over quantity. Employers expect brief resumes from entry-level candidates.