One of the biggest career challenges in a person’s career path is starting it. The professional world still seems unfamiliar, and one has to land a job without many professional experiences. The biggest problem with the lack of experience is that it lowers one’s chances of landing an interview in the first place. Usually, employers and hiring managers do go for more experienced candidates. However, there is always a way to impress the talent acquisition managers with your resume, even when this is your very first job application.
What’s important in a resume besides experience?
It is believed among job seekers that the most important thing about a resume is one’s experience. It does have a significant influence on the hiring decisions, yet, it is not the only such factor. It is important to connect the experience section with one’s skills, education, and career goals. If it all works well together, the resume makes the right impressions, and the hiring process progresses towards an interface or other next steps.
The key to a good resume with no experience is to make the right accents on one’s professional story. So, keep in mind the following tips while applying for a job for the first time or you can also get an ats-proof resume right now.
How to make the right accents in the first application
There are other sections in the resume that will prove to the recruiter that you are a relevant person when you want to get hired. Highlight your strengths to get more interviews.
#1 Elaborate on your education
As a person looking for a job with minimal experience is probably a fresh graduate, it is important to tell in detail about their education on the resume. If you want to give a good picture of what you know and can do, do not simply go for the name of the University and your major. Be sure to describe what knowledge you gained throughout the university years and what skills you carry out there. If you do not have particular job experience, it does not mean you don’t have experience at all. Don’t forget to incorporate certifications into your CV if you have any. These certifications act as tangible proof of your expertise and commitment. For instance, if you’re seeking a position in the finance field, earning the Series 7 certification can be a valuable asset. Utilising resources like five full-length free Series 7 practice exams will enable you to excel in the certification exam and showcase your readiness to tackle the challenges of the financial industry.
#2 Mention volunteering or other extracurricular activities
People gain practical experience regardless of whether they get paid for it or not. If you did not happen to have a job, but you have a history of volunteering or participating in self-organized clubs, it will look good on your resume. Include what kind of activities you were engaged in, what your responsibilities were, and what skills this volunteering, internship, or club gave you. Mention your achievements and accomplishments in such roles.
#3 Make a powerful summary statement
In one’s very first job search, a person can go too far with the resume length. Try to keep it within the limit of one page. However, it is important to make a strong summary statement for the resume, as it is one of the first things that catches the eye in one’s application. A summary statement is usually two to three sentences. This space is for you to introduce yourself, so try to communicate the most important thing about your professional self.
#4 Use keywords in your resume
A lot of companies use applicant tracking systems to hire humans. For that reason, it is important to use the common keywords that describe your qualification, soft skills, and leadership qualities. It may be challenging without the work experience, but you can always focus on your aspirations and personal qualities to make it work. Compile a bot-beating resume for higher chances of being invited for an interview.
#5 Elaborate on your goals in a position
If you are a young professional with no substantial career achievement, you can always focus on what you plan to achieve in the position you apply for. It is important to customize each resume that you send out by making clear what you want to achieve if you get the profession. If possible, add the skills and the knowledge that will get you closer to your goals. Such a perspective will demonstrate your strategic thinking and ambitions.
#6 Make the resume look professional
Even if it is your first ever job, you can send a resume that looks like a business card by designing it that way. The lack of career experience must not undermine the impression that a good design can add up to an application. If you want your resume to not look DIY, look for some resume builders online. Add your information and put it in the design of your liking. When you use specified instruments to make an application, it looks significantly more professional and impressive than a text document with information on you.
#7 Add an impactful cover letter
We did mention that the resume must be concise and up to a point. Yet, the applications with little experience section must provide more information on motivation. For this purpose, write a cover letter for your resume. It is a great space to draw a brighter picture of your professional qualities, interests, and aspirations as a young professional. Plus, it will still keep your resume brief.
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Landing the very first job seems difficult. But it is not impossible. One way or another, a person gains the professional experience they want and eventually finds what to write on their resume. Try to get more info at monster resume writing services. If you want to make your first job easier, follow the tips above and don’t be afraid to apply for attractive positions even if you don’t have a lot of professional experience.
