How do I write a resume with no experience?

Lead with education, then include internships, volunteer work, projects, and skills. Use the same format as paid roles for each. Emphasize what you did and learned.

What do I put on a resume if I have no job experience?

Education, internships, volunteer work, projects, and skills. Treat internships and volunteer work like experience with bullets and outcomes.

Should I put education first with no experience?

Yes. For recent grads with little experience, education near the top is standard. Follow with experience (internships, volunteer, projects) and skills.

How do I make my resume stand out with no experience?

Highlight relevant coursework, projects, volunteer work, and skills. Use strong bullets and tailor to the job. Show initiative and learning.

How to Write a Resume with Little or No experience

Writing a resume with little or no experience is about emphasizing education, projects, volunteer work, and skills. Structure and clarity matter.

Education First

If you are a recent graduate, put Education near the top. Include degree, school, year, relevant coursework, and any honors. Add GPA if it is strong (e.g., 3.5+); otherwise omit.

Experience Section

Include internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, and relevant projects. Use the same format as paid roles: organization, role, dates, bullets. Emphasize what you did and what you achieved.

Projects

List class projects, side projects, or open-source work. For each, give the name, technologies or skills used, and one or two lines on what it does or what you learned.

Skills

Include a skills section with relevant technical and soft skills. List skills from coursework, projects, and volunteer work. Match the job description where you can.

Summary

Write a short summary that states your target role and 2–3 strengths (e.g., education, projects, skills). Avoid a generic objective; focus on what you bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write a resume with no experience?

Lead with education, then include internships, volunteer work, projects, and skills. Use the same format as paid roles for each. Emphasize what you did and learned.
What do I put on a resume if I have no job experience?

Education, internships, volunteer work, projects, and skills. Treat internships and volunteer work like experience with bullets and outcomes.
Should I put education first with no experience?

Yes. For recent grads with little experience, education near the top is standard. Follow with experience (internships, volunteer, projects) and skills.
How do I make my resume stand out with no experience?

Highlight relevant coursework, projects, volunteer work, and skills. Use strong bullets and tailor to the job. Show initiative and learning.