How to Make a Resume With No Experience | Tips & Templates

Job hunting can be a daunting experience for even the most qualified candidates. So when you spot your dream role, but admittedly lack experience, it can leave you feeling out of luck.

The good news is that resume writing is a skillset in itself, and you can master it to stand out—without needing to make anything up. If you’ve been staring at that blank document and feeling stumped on where to start on how to make a resume with no experience, this guide is for you.

If you’re struggling with the task of writing a resume with no experience, Quillbot’s AI Chat can help you brainstorm how to frame the information you include for optimal effect.

How to make a resume with no experience: Six simple steps

The best way to make it through the task of writing a resume with no experience is to break it down step-by-step. You’ll soon realize that you’re much better off than you thought. Below is a process you can follow for resume writing, along with tips and tools that will help make the hardest parts a lot easier.

Before you begin, watch this video for lots of practical tips to make your resume stand out from the crowd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe09Rabbtlw

1. Select a resume template

Before you even worry about what to write in your resume, start by selecting a resume template. Choose a template that is clear and easy to scan because it includes subheadings and a sensible layout. No need for anything overly flashy or fancy.

You’ll want a template that lists information in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent positions and experiences. Ideally, the resume template will also include sections for education, skills and certifications, along with a place at the top for contact information and a professional summary.

2. Add your name and contact information

Next, it’s time for an easy win. After you’ve selected your resume template, add your full name and contact information. This can include your email address, phone number, and a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one.

For location specific roles, it’s also useful to add your city, state, and country in this section—though no need to add your entire home address.

3. Take a wider approach to professional experience

Coming up with professional experience is likely the most intimidating part of this process, particularly because it will make up the bulk of the text on your resume. Thankfully, there is a simple mindset shift that will likely unlock a lot of viable experience you can include in this section: consider your professional experience in broader terms.

School clubs, internships, volunteering, relevant coursework, and hobbies can all count here. The key is framing them to fit the job description you’re applying for. Opt for 3–4 entries in this section. The example below shows how to frame coursework as relevant experience.

Where possible, include numbers that show impact, rather than just describing what you did.

4. Highlight your education

Include your highest level of education, the school you went to, and the year you graduated. State your degree title and add your thesis or dissertation title if it’s relevant to the job description. If you graduated with honors or maintained a high GPA, you can also add that here.

5. Include any certifications and skills

This is another place where you may be able to give your resume a boost. Include any concrete skills or certifications you might have that are relevant to the role.

6. Write your resume summary

Once you’ve finished the previous sections and carefully considered the job description you’re applying for, it’s time to write your resume summary.

This is a 2–3 sentence elevator pitch highlighting what makes you a great fit for the role. Be sure to tweak it to the specific job you’re applying for and to highlight the biggest impacts you’ve made in your professional experiences section. Remember, recruiters are busy and reviewing hundreds of other resumes, so the resume summary is your chance to stand out.

What recruiters are actually looking for: Quick Summary

Part of the art of writing a strong resume is understanding the hiring process. When done well, your resume is a quick snapshot that helps get your foot in the door for an interview. Recruiters are busy, and there are some concrete ways you can cut through the noise by optimizing all the information you gathered in the previous steps.

Here’s what recruiters are really looking for:

• Include keywords to crack the ATS: Recruiters typically run resumes through “applicant tracking systems” (ATS) before they even lay eyes on them. Be sure to include keywords from the job description that correspond to your own experience.
• Make your resume easy to scan at a glance: Recruiters only have a few seconds for their initial resume screening process. Make sure your resume is clear, and key information is visible by using subheadings, optimizing your resume summary, and not overcrowding.
• Highlight transferrable skills: Even if you lack direct experience for the role you’re applying to, you can include key transferable skills that indicate to recruiters you could still be a good fit. Include skills like strong communication, administrative experience, organizational skills, and problem solving.
• Numbers that prove impact: Take your resume entries to the next level by including numbers where possible—even if you don’t have fancy data reports or metrics to pull from. Saying how many people you led or revenue you generated is always better than generic descriptions.

Resume examples

Review the following resume examples to get a sense of how to format yours and leverage the experiences, education, and skills you already have.

Social media marketing resume example

This example illustrates how you can clearly showcase social media marketing experience, despite not having held a professional position in this industry. It draws on coursework, personal projects, and education instead.

NGO assistant resume example

The following resume is applicable to NGO and non-profit sectors. It highlights previous coursework and volunteer experiences in lieu of having past professional work to draw from.

IT professional resume example

For those looking to enter the IT sector, your technical skills section will be key. This is a great area to pull relevant keywords from the job description so you rank well in the ATS for your dream role.

Frequently asked questions about how to make a resume with no experience

How do you make a good resume with no job experience?

The secret to making a good resume with no job experience is broadening what you’d consider to be legitimate work experience.

Rather than confining job experience to conventional terms, consider relevant school projects, volunteer work, clubs, internships, and hobbies.

For example, a thesis project on solar panel infrastructure could absolutely count as relevant experience to include on your resume when applying for a position at an NGO focused on environmental sustainability.

You can also emphasize transferable skills gained through part-time jobs or internships in other fields. These include things like administrative experience, communication skills, or demonstrating that you are well organized.

Use Quillbot’s free Resume Templates to make creating a professional resume much easier—no design skills needed.

Should a resume be one page?

A resume can be one page when you’re in the beginning or early stages of your career. A resume can also be up to two pages when you have a lot of experience (e.g., 5 or more years) or when the role requires a wide range of projects, achievements, and/or skills.

If the job posting is asking for a lot of specific information, you may need to send a CV instead. One of the main differences between a CV and resume is the length.

Have you tried Quillbot’s free Paraphraser for your career writing materials? It can help you achieve a concise resume length.

Can AI detectors accurately identify AI-generated resumes?

AI Detectors provide estimates, not certainty.

For better results:

• Use Quillbot’s AI Detector to flag suspicious content
• Cross-check writing consistency with the Grammar Checker
• Look for unnatural phrasing patterns

Other interesting articles