First Job Resume Samples, Templates and Guidelines

Starting your first job can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when it comes to creating your resume.

You may not have much expertise to list, but don't worry—there are still plenty of ways to highlight your strengths. A well-crafted first job resume can make all the difference in catching an employer’s attention.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the main elements of a strong document and provide great resume samples to guide you in creating your own application.

How to make a resume for first job?

Creating a beginner resume can feel overwhelming, especially if you have little to no experience.

However, a well-structured and thoughtfully written paper can effectively showcase your potential. Employers understand that entry-level candidates may not have extensive backgrounds, so the key is to outline transferable abilities and enthusiasm for learning.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a compelling first job resume.

1. Select a format

Functional Resume

Focuses on knowledge instead of work history.
Organizes content by skill categories.
Experience (if any) is listed briefly at the bottom.

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Use template Download PDF

Use template Download PDF

Combination Resume

Balances skills and expertise.
Lists capacities first, followed by a short background section.
Good for job seekers with volunteering, internships, or extracurricular activities.

2. Start with a strong header

This is the first section of your first job resume and should present your contact information in a clear manner. This ensures potential employers can easily reach you.

What to Include:

Display your first and last name prominently. Avoid nicknames.
Provide a reliable number.
Steer clear of casual or outdated emails.
Write your city and state instead of a full home address.
If you have a LinkedIn profile, personal website, or online portfolio, attach the link.

3. Craft an opening statement

A well-crafted introduction sets the tone for your resume by highlighting your strengths and what you can offer an employer. You can pick between a summary or an objective, depending on what fits your situation.

Resume Summary

Best for: Candidates with some experience, skills, or accomplishments.
Focus: Centers on competencies, achievements, and what you bring to the role.
Tone: More confident and results-driven.

Example:

Detail-oriented and adaptable individual with problem-solving and teamwork. A quick learner with a passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Seeking to contribute to a dynamic team while gaining hands-on experience.

First Job Resume Objective

Best for: Recent graduates or those changing careers.
Focus: Emphasizes goals and enthusiasm for learning.
Tone: More aspirational and forward-looking.

Example:

Motivated high school graduate eager to apply communication and organizational skills in a professional setting. Enthusiastic about learning and contributing to a positive environment.

4. Highlight education

Since your academic background is one of your strongest assets at this stage, make sure to feature it prominently.

Key Elements to Include:

List the degree, full name of your institution along with the city and state.
Reveal graduation dates.
Add GPA (if 3.5 or higher).
Write classes that align with the job you’re pursuing.
Mention recognition, scholarships, or distinctions.
Note clubs, leadership positions, sports, or volunteer efforts.

Example:

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), CA

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Expected Graduation: May 2026

GPA: 3.7/4.0

Coursework: Research Methods, Organizational Behavior, Public Speaking

Leadership Roles: Psychology Club (Secretary), Peer Mentorship Program

Volunteer Experience: Academic Tutor for underserved students

5. Emphasize skills

This section is an essential part of your first job resume, allowing you to demonstrate what you bring to the role. Even without prior experience, you can showcase your transferable abilities.

Hard skills are teachable competencies or knowledge that you gain through education, training, or experience. They are usually measurable.
Soft skills are personal attributes and qualities that enable you to interact effectively with others. These are more about your behavior, attitude, and approach to tasks or challenges.

Hard skills:

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
Data Analysis
HTML/CSS
Python Programming
Graphic Design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
Social Media Management
Content Creation (Blogging, Video Editing)
Accounting/Bookkeeping
Foreign Languages (e.g., Spanish, French, German)
Database Management
Public Speaking
Project Management Tools (e.g., Trello, Asana)
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
Research Methods
Marketing (SEO, SEM)
Event Planning

Soft skills:

Communication (Verbal and Written)
Teamwork
Time Management
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Leadership
Conflict Resolution
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Organization
Active Listening
Multitasking
Attention to Detail
Collaboration
Emotional Intelligence
Customer Service
Work Ethic

6. Include experience

Even if you haven’t held a formal job, you likely have accomplishments that can be valuable to employers.

What to put on a resume for first job:

Internships – Any short-term training.
Volunteering – Community service, charity, or helping in school.
Extracurricular Activities – Clubs, teams, hobbies, or competitions.
Projects – Websites you’ve built, events you’ve organized, or leadership roles.

For each entry mention the role you performed, the name of the organization, its city and state. Specify the time period or duration. Use bullet points to highlight tasks.

Example:

Community Outreach Volunteer – Local Food Bank (June 2023 – Present)

Assist in organizing food donations for over 200 families weekly.

Manage inventory and ensured supplies were distributed efficiently.

Collaborate with a team to plan fundraising events, raising $5,000 for community aid.

7. Add certifications

If you have completed any courses or received awards, provide them in a separate section. Online classes, CPR certification, language proficiency, or any special recognition can set you apart.

Examples:

Google Digital Marketing Certificate (2024)

CPR & First Aid Certified (American Red Cross, 2023)

Winner of High School Business Pitch Competition (2022)

8. Keep first job resume well-formatted

Use clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
16-18 pt for your name, 12-14 pt for headings, and 10-12 pt for body text.
Set margins to 1 inch. Leave 0.5-1 inch space between sections.
Aim the resume to one page.
Start entries with action verbs like managed, created, led, organized.
Maintain consistent formatting, tense, and punctuation.
Utilize bullet points instead of paragraphs for readability.
Proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
Add keywords from the job description.
Omit “I” in the document. Write in third person without pronouns.

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Resume examples for first job

No experience resume template

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Sample resume for first job

Christine K. Caver
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: christine.k.caver@gmail.com

Objective

Motivated and reliable high school graduate seeking an entry-level position to gain hands-on experience and contribute to a growing company. Eager to apply strong communication, time management, and teamwork skills while learning new professional techniques.

Education

Bakersfield High School, CA

Graduated: June 2025

GPA: 3.8

Relevant Coursework: Business Management, Public Speaking, Computer Applications, Marketing

Honors: Dean's List (2022-2024), Excellence in Leadership Award (2024)

Activities: Member of Student Government, Volunteer Coordinator for School Charity Events

Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Basic experience in Social Media Management (Facebook, Instagram)

Data Entry & Record Keeping

Customer Service Fundamentals

Excellent Verbal & Written Communication

Team Collaboration

Strong Organizational Skills

Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments

Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

Experience

Customer Service Representative

Walmart, Bakersfield, CA

March 2024 – Present

Provide excellent customer service in-person and over the phone to meet customer needs.

Assist with the maintenance of store inventory and ensure shelves are stocked.

Resolve customer complaints and offer solutions to improve satisfaction.

Work in a fast-paced environment, maintaining a positive attitude during high-traffic hours.

Use POS system to process transactions and manage returns.

Volunteer Coordinator

Bakersfield Homeless Shelter

June – August 2023

Coordinated and managed volunteers for shelter events and outreach programs.

Organized donation drives and ensured all donations were logged accurately.

Assisted with the setup of community outreach programs to distribute food and supplies.

Fostered relationships with local businesses to gather donations for the shelter.

Event Coordinator (School Fundraiser)

Bakersfield High School, CA

January – May 2024

Organized a fundraising event that raised over $2,000 for local charities.

Led a team of 8 students to manage logistics, materials, and scheduling.

Worked directly with local businesses for event sponsorship and donation.

Managed event marketing through social media platforms and school newsletters.

Certifications

CPR and First Aid Certified, American Red Cross, April 2024

Customer Service Fundamentals Certification, Coursera, March 2024

Additional Information

Languages:

English (Fluent)

Spanish (Basic proficiency)

Awards & Achievements:

Excellence in Leadership Award, Bakersfield High School, 2024

Volunteer of the Year, Bakersfield Homeless Shelter, 2023

Technical Skills:

Basic HTML & CSS knowledge

Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides)

First job resume template

Environmental Engineer Graduate Student Resume

Use template Download PDF

Sample resume for teenager first job

Kristen Hernandez
Akron, OH 44308
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: kristen.hernandez@gmail.com

Objective

Enthusiastic and dedicated high school graduate eager to begin a professional career and gain hands-on experience. Passionate about providing excellent customer service, collaborating with teams, and learning new skills in a dynamic work environment.

Education

Akron High School, OH

Graduated: June 2025

Activities: Member of the Debate Team, Volunteer at Local Library, School Event Coordinator

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Basic Social Media Marketing (Instagram, Facebook)

Data Entry & File Organization

Cash Handling & Basic Math

Strong Communication (Written & Verbal)

Team Collaboration and Leadership

Time Management & Prioritization

Problem-Solving and Customer Service

Quick Learner and Adaptable to New Environments

Experience

Sales Associate

Target, Akron, OH

March 2024 – Present

Assist customers by providing information on products, store promotions, and sales.

Operate POS system to complete customer transactions accurately.

Maintain organized store shelves and ensure merchandise is stocked.

Handle customer returns, exchanges, and inquiries in a friendly and professional manner.

Contribute to store cleanliness and merchandising tasks, ensuring a positive shopping experience.

Volunteer Event Coordinator

Akron Public Library, Akron, OH

June – August 2023

Helped organize summer reading programs and community events for children and adults.

Assisted in setting up event spaces and ensuring a smooth operation during events.

Interacted with patrons to promote library resources and programs.

Managed registration for events and ensured proper documentation was completed.

Team Member – School Fundraiser

Akron High School, OH

September – November 2023

Assisted in organizing and promoting a school-wide fundraising event.

Coordinated communication between school staff, students, and local businesses.

Helped design promotional materials, including flyers and social media posts.

Managed event setup and supported sales of tickets and items during the event.

Certifications

CPR and First Aid Certified, American Heart Association, March 2024

Customer Service Training, Coursera, February 2024

Google Digital Garage – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, January 2024

Additional Information

Languages:

English (Fluent)

Spanish (Basic proficiency)

Hobbies & Interests:

Playing soccer and staying active through fitness

Reading books, especially mystery novels

Volunteering at local animal shelters

Photography and creating digital content