How to Write a Resume for the First Time

Writing your first resume might feel a bit like learning to ride a bike. You know what the final result should look like, but getting there can seem tricky. No worries, though! Together, we'll break down the process into manageable steps, and soon you'll have a resume that represents you at your best.

Getting Started: Knowing What a Resume Is

Before you start writing, it's helpful to know what a resume actually is. Think of it as your personal marketing document. It's a snapshot of your skills, education, and experiences tailored to the job you're applying for. Employers use resumes to get a quick sense of who you are and what you can bring to the table. Your goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to see that you’re a great fit.

Formatting Your Resume

The format of your resume can say just as much about you as the content. A clean, well-organized resume tells employers that you're detail-oriented and professional. Here's how to set it up:

• Choose a simple font: Stick with classic fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. These are easy to read and look professional.
• Keep it to one page: Especially for your first resume, one page is usually enough. You want to be concise and to the point.
• Use consistent formatting: Whether you use bullet points or paragraphs, keep the style uniform throughout. This consistency helps your document look polished.
• Include clear section headings: Use headings like "Education," "Experience," "Skills," and so on to organize your content. This makes it easy for employers to find the information they’re looking for.

Crafting a Strong Header

Your resume header is like a business card—it's where the employer first learns your name and how to contact you. Here's what to include:

• Your full name: Use the name you prefer to be called in a professional setting.
• Contact information: Include your phone number and a professional email address. If you're still using that fun email you created in middle school, now’s the time for an upgrade.
• Optional extras: Depending on the job, it might be relevant to add your LinkedIn profile or a personal website.

Jane Doe
(123) 456-7890
jane.doe@email.com
linkedin.com/in/janedoe

Crafting a Compelling Objective or Summary

This section is optional but can be a great way to give employers a quick sense of who you are. Think of it as a mini-elevator pitch.

• Objective: Use this if you’re entering the job market for the first time. It should be a brief statement about your career goals and how they align with the job.

  Example:

  Recent graduate with a degree in Marketing seeking to leverage skills in social media management at XYZ Company.
  

• Summary: If you have some experience, you might opt for a summary. This is a few sentences highlighting your key achievements and skills relevant to the job.

  Example:

  Creative marketing professional with over two years of experience in digital marketing and brand development. Proven track record of increasing engagement and brand visibility through innovative campaigns.
  

Highlighting Your Education

For first-time resume writers, your education section can be a strong selling point. Be sure to include:

• School name and location
• Degree and major: If you're still in school, include your expected graduation date.
• Relevant coursework or honors: If applicable, list courses or awards that are relevant to the job.

Example:

Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
University of Anywhere, Anytown, USA
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior

Showcasing Your Experience

Even if you haven’t held a formal job, there are plenty of ways to show you have the skills necessary for the position.

• Internships and part-time work: Include any work that’s relevant to the job, even if it wasn’t full-time.
• Volunteer work: This can be especially useful if it’s related to the job you’re applying for.
• Projects or relevant coursework: If you've worked on a significant project in school, include it here.
• Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to describe your responsibilities and achievements.

Example:

Social Media Intern
ABC Company, Anytown, USA
June 2023 - August 2023
- Developed and scheduled social media content, increasing engagement by 15%
- Assisted with the creation of marketing materials for a new product launch
- Conducted market research to support campaign development

Highlighting Your Skills

Your skills section gives you the chance to show off what you’re good at. Think about both hard skills (like computer programming) and soft skills (like communication).

• Tailor this section to the job: Look at the job description and include the skills that are most relevant.
• Be specific: Instead of "good with computers," say "proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop."

Example:

Technical Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Familiar with Adobe Creative Suite

Soft Skills:
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Excellent time management and organizational skills

Adding Extras: Certifications, Languages, and More

While these aren't essential, they can give you an edge if they're relevant:

• Certifications: If you’ve earned any professional certifications, list them here.
• Languages: Being bilingual or multilingual can be a significant advantage.
• Professional memberships: If you’re a member of a relevant professional organization, include it.

Example:

Certifications:
- Google Analytics Certified

Languages:
- Fluent in Spanish and English

Proofreading and Getting Feedback

Typos and grammatical errors can be a dealbreaker. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Proofread: Read through your resume multiple times. It’s amazing how easy it is to overlook simple mistakes.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a friend, mentor, or family member to review your resume. They might catch errors you missed or suggest more effective wording.

Using Technology to Help

Writing a resume for the first time can be challenging, but technology can lend a hand. Spell, for example, can help you generate personalized resumes and cover letters that sound professional. It’s like having a resume coach right in your computer.

Final Thoughts

Writing your first resume is a big step, but with some thoughtful planning and attention to detail, you’ll create a document that showcases your strengths and potential. And if you ever feel stuck, tools like Spell can help you draft and polish your resume, making sure you present yourself in the best light possible.