- Hubspot Blog
- HubSpot.com
Oh no! We couldn't find anything like that.
Try another search, and we'll give it our best shot.
6 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Entry-Level Sales Job
Updated: February 01, 2017
Published: July 27, 2016
Congratulations -- you finally did it. You’ve graduated college and received a formal job offer. You’re moving to San Francisco, New York, Chicago, or Boston to work in sales for a leading technology company as a sales development rep. Or an inbound call specialist. An associate inside sales rep, an emerging technology specialist, or an associate account manager.
Whatever your company calls its sales roles, get ready for the ride. You’ll tell your friends you’re in sales, but when you first hit the floor you’ll feel a little like a lab rat. You’ll be tested and put through the fire time and time again.
But entry level sales roles are incredibly valuable if you approach the job correctly, and if you make the most of them they can be a springboard for bigger and better roles in the future. Here are six ways to build a strong foundation for long-term success.
1) Your ego has no place in sales.
Accept this early on. The sooner you lose the ego, the sooner you’ll be able to start learning. This is the greatest opportunity you’ll ever have to fully understand the process of a sales role. The “lights-on” moment when you realize that sales is actually hard and the satisfaction of success won’t happen if you don’t understand that you’ll need to be humble to do well.
You may be charming, personable, and relatable but it takes hard work (and a little bit of luck) to do well.
2) Take training seriously.
As a sales rep, there are plenty of times each week where you’ll think to yourself, “I wish I wouldn’t have thrown away those notes from training!” or “Damn, that executive that came into our class actually gave tips that I know I could benefit from right now. Where are those notes?"
Stay organized. Whatever company you work for has developed a program designed by successful sales reps to help make you successful. They wouldn’t have created the program if it didn’t have value.
Quick tip: Do not accept an offer at a company that doesn’t have a training program, or at least some type of program that promotes your professional development. These are signs that the company isn’t equipped to provide training or doesn’t care about it, and you’ll never learn as much here as you will at a business that will invest in you.
3) Be a sponge.
Your two-week, three-week, or even seven-week training program is finally complete. You’ve passed with flying colors, and now you’re on the floor.
You’ll think to yourself, “I'm four days in. This isn’t anything like training -- it’s all moving so fast. What the heck am I supposed to do now?"
Take a deep breath. It’s time to put your training to use. Leverage as much of the material as is applicable. There was a method to the madness, and taking a step back to put the pieces together will help you.
Then, meet with your peers who have been doing the job a little bit longer than you. Ask them what they wish they had known in their first week. Introduce yourself to the seasoned rockstars and let them know you want to learn.
Make sure you’re prepared -- why would you want to waste the time of someone you respect and want to have as a mentor? Have an agenda, and organize how you want to spend your time. Be honest and tell them what’s on your mind. You'll soon realize that you can relax and be yourself. Everyone you interact with has the same goal of wanting to help the company, in turn progressing their own careers.
Quick tip: Truly successful people will always be willing to help. What you learn from your colleagues will stick with you forever. They have mentors and will enjoy the opportunity to pay it forward, and one day you will too.
4) Listen and take action on feedback you receive.
If your manager tells you to stop taking call notes by hand, stop. Put them in your CRM where they need to be.
If your manager gives you advice on the soundbites you’re messing up on the phones, work on them. Practice or role play until you’ve got your message down cold.
If your manager suggests improvements to your prospecting process, make them.
Don’t be the one who rebels against some new policy because you don’t see the point. You simply don’t have the context to rewrite the playbook, and the value of your sales process will become more apparent as you gain more experience. Buy into the program and commit to hitting your goals.
5) Manage your time well.
Organizing your time well is the single best thing you can do in an entry-level sales role. During your one-on-one sessions with your manager and mentors, figure out how to best manage your time. Ask them their best strategies, then test out which ones work for you. This will be fun -- take one approach for a few weeks, then move to another and keep testing until you figure out the routine that works best for you.
6) Know that this isn’t forever.
Entry-level sales roles may not seem sexy, but they’re important. You’ll build friendships and professional relationships you’ll maintain for your entire career. It’s the only opportunity you’ll have to focus on developing your activity, attitude, skill, and networking abilities without being directly responsible for carrying a quota.
In these roles, most managers look for high activity and the ability to be coachable (capable of taking feedback and applying it on the spot). Know this and focus on doing well in both areas to help you move through the ranks.
Have fun, and good luck.
Don't forget to share this post!
Related articles.
The Guide to Becoming a Sales Director
How to Become a Consultant: 11 Steps to Doing it Right
Career Ladders: The First Step to Stopping Sales Team Turnover
Sales Cover Letter Tips, Templates, & Examples to Land Your Ideal Role
Why Sales Is the Best First Job, According to HubSpot Sales Reps
Which Type of Sales Job Is Right for You?
What Is a Sales Engineer & How Do You Become One?
How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome in Sales
The 8 Skills Salespeople Will Need to Be Successful in 2020
Social Media for Business: 3 Reasons Salespeople Need an Online Presence
Outline your sales strategy in a simple, coherent plan.
You control your data
We use cookies to tailor the experience of creating resumes and cover letters. For these reasons, we may share your usage data with third parties. You can find more information about how we use cookies on our Cookies Policy . If you would like to set your cookies preferences, click the Settings button below. To accept all cookies, click Accept.
Cookie settings
Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .
Choose type of cookies to accept
These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.
These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.
These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.
These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.
To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .
This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy
- Resume Examples
- 20+ Entry Level Resume Examples, Templates & Tips
20+ Entry Level Resume Examples, Templates & Tips
As seen in:
Writing an entry-level resume is a tough nut to crack. You might feel intimidated while reading job offers that ask for 5+ years of experience minimum. But even when you find entry-level job offers, you might start thinking: what if other candidates are better? What if their entry level resumes look more professional?
You need to start believing in yourself. And also boost your chances of getting the job you want. How? By following our advice and writing an entry-level resume that actually works.
This guide will show you:
- An entry-level resume example better than 9 out of 10 others.
- How to write an entry-level resume that lands more interviews.
- Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on an entry-level resume.
- How to describe your experience on a resume for entry-level jobs.
Here's a sample resume for an entry level job made using our resume builder.
Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .
Sample Entry Level Resume— See more resume examples here .
Similar guides:
- Entry Level Software Engineer Resume
- Entry Level Information Technology (IT) Resume
- Entry Level Administrative Assistant Resume
- Entry Level Business Analyst Resume
- Entry Level Accounting Resume
- Entry Level Teacher Resume
- Resume With No Experience
- Resume for a Part Time Job
- Nursing Student Resume
- New Grad Nursing Resume
- Internship Resume
- Computer Science Internship Resume
- Engineering Internship Resume
- Tax Intern Resume
- College Graduate Resume
- Walmart Resume
- Student Resume and Resume Templates for Students
- High School Grad Resume
- College Athlete Resume
- Cashier Resume
- Data Entry Resume
- Uber Driver Resume
- Sample Resumes for 500+ Professions
What's the Best Format for a Entry-Level Resume?
Congratulations!
Out of 350 entry-level resumes, the hiring manager put yours in the "read again" pile.
Your secret isn't earth-shaking.
You just picked the right format for your entry-level resume.
Here's why format matters:
A bad college resume format buries your best qualities.
In most cases, use a reverse-chronological layout. It shows your best achievements first.
Use big headings, simple fonts, and white space to give the eyes a rest.
Keep it to one page. A resume for entry-level applicants is an elevator speech , not a Russian novel.
Finally, spell check. Nothing says, "needy employee" like a bunch of resume mistakes.
Pro Tip: Save your great entry-level resume as a PDF, since those preserve their format. Just make sure the job offer doesn't prohibit PDF resumes. Some do.
Feel like trying out other resume formats? See the college/high school student resume template up top. Then see this guide: 3 Resume Formats: How to Choose the Best One [Examples]
How to Write a Resume Summary or Resume Objective
Meet Kate, the inexperienced job candidate.
She's tossing and turning, and it's 3 am. How come?
Because she knows the average recruiter spends just seven seconds with each resume, as our HR statistics report shows.
Now the good news.
The right entry-level resume introduction can turn that time into a job.
A resume summary lists experience if you have lots of it. You shouldn't use it as an entry-level candidate.
A resume objective shows your goal. It's good for beginner resumes, but some experts say to shun it.
Here's the trick: merge the two, and you'll blow the other applicants out of the water.
Look at these two computer science entry-level resume objective examples:
Two Entry-Level Resume Objective Samples
First, a traditional college student resume objective:
What's wrong with it? It's needy but doesn't offer much. It'll sink like an X-Wing in the swamps of Dagoba.
But look at this next entry-level resume example:
In a first-time resume with no experience , the second of those samples really does the job. The hiring manager just stopped playing with her Fitbit.
But the real magic is, it didn't take a lot of time to build up that experience. Just a few side projects.
Now look at two entry-level business analyst resume objective examples.
Two Functional Entry-Level Resume Objective Samples
Once again, we'll start the old-fashioned way.
Look at the second of those basic resume samples. It'll get the recruiter to put down her Shake Weight.
Why? Because it's really a resume summary for an entry-level job. It adds experience where normally you wouldn't see it.
Now the $64,000 question:
How did a complete noob get experience like that?
I'll show that next.
Pro Tip: A great entry-level resume objective should be an eye-catching resume profile . It should read like an experience-stuffed resume summary, even though it isn't one. So include a couple attention-getting tidbits to whet the manager's appetite.
When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .
When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.
Want more tips for a resume for a first job? Dig into the free entry-level resume template up top. Then see these guides: First Resume with No Work Experience Samples (A Step-by-Step Guide) , How To Write A Resume Summary: 21 Best Examples You Will See ; and +20 Resume Objective Examples - Use Them on Your Resume (Tips)
How to Write an Entry-Level Resume with No Experience
"Nobody hires a noob."
Said people who get jealous when new employees get a job.
First rule: positions that insist on 1-2 years experience are often flexible.
Plus, it's easy to get experience fast for almost any job.
When writing entry-level resumes for students with no experience:
First , scour jobs you've had in unrelated fields. If you're aiming for an IT job, did you upgrade a computer in a waitressing job once? Or install some software in a construction position?
Second , get experience from little projects. Freelance. Volunteer. Take side-jobs. Look online for one-off gigs.
Even a task that takes a couple hours can look great on a resume for entry-level positions.
Check out these two data analyst entry-level resume examples:
Examples for Entry-Level Resumes with No Experience
Here are two resume examples for students with no work experience.
That first sample for an entry-level resume will make the hiring manager stop daydreaming about Sharknado .
It's still a resume for a first job. It still doesn't list 2+ years of experience. In fact, most of the experience it shows comes from summer jobs in college, freelance gigs, and volunteering .
Let's see that again, this time with a sample for an entry-level resume for a computer science job.
Entry-Level Resume Examples for Computer Science
Look at these two college student resume examples with little experience:
You probably gained some relevant experience from working on projects. Don't underplay that like the candidate above.
Do it more like this:
That second entry-level resume example will alter the recruiter's galvanic skin response.
And all it took was looking at past projects, and a little volunteering. Presto. Instant experience on a resume for a college student with no work experience until last week. Plus, action verbs give those bullet points a polished look.
See the example resume at the top of this guide for more. It also works as a resume template for teens .
Pro Tip: Looking for quick experience for a resume for entry-level jobs? Google your industry's name + "Reddit" + "how to get experience."
See How to Describe Your Work Experience on a Resume for more.
Is Your Education Section Wet Behind the Ears? It Might Be
"We've got to hire this one."
The education section of your entry-level resume can make the hiring manager say the words above.
It works even if you didn't graduate from MIT.
Just pick education bullet points that fit the job offer like spray-on pants.
It doesn't even matter if you've only been to high school.
Start with:
- School Name and Location.
- Years in School.
Then custom-fit those bullet points:
Two Entry-Level Resume Examples – Education
Look at these two college student resume examples:
Okay, so you went to school. You studied some, but not enough to ace it.
Now let's show a different side of you:
Poof. Suddenly the frog has turned into a prince, and he's got dental coverage.
To work this trick, just sit down with a pen, some paper, and the job offer. Find the lures in your past that speak to the recruiter's heart.
For more help, use the sample college student resume template at the top of this article.
Pro Tip: Should you add a GPA to a professional entry-level resume? If it's impressive, yes. Otherwise, it's a waste of the hiring manager's precious time.
Give your college student resume's education section the old college try. See this guide: How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples] and How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Resume
How to Put Skills on a Resume for an Entry-Level Job
There's the earnest hiring manager. Her hair's a cyclone. Her eye-veins look like a map of greater Cleveland.
The culprit? A zillion entry-level resumes, all with the same skills list.
Listing skills is fine. But to get attention like a fireworks display, you need to walk the talk.
First , focus on the skills shown in the job offer.
Then demonstrate those skills, like this:
Entry-Level IT Resume Sample Skills and Experience Section
Let's say Karen's job description is in the IT field. It lists these skills: hardware installation , security , and software installation .
So, you add those to your basic entry-level resume, plus training for extra flair.
Here's the real secret:
Tie them to your experience, like this:
- Installed new retail computer system in a busy flower shop. Trained 5 staff members to use new payment processing system.
- Performed risk analysis for fast-paced doctor's office. Closed security holes in network, reducing breach and HIPAA risk by 95%.
- Installed new inventory tracking software for high-end bakery. Reduced inventory costs by 35%.
Wow, right? The hiring manager just forgot that awesome hipster meme she saw this morning.
Now, what skills should you add?
List of Skills to Put on a Entry-Level Resume
Of course the hard skills in a resume for entry-level jobs depend on your field.
If you're in data entry, you'll need 10-key typing skills. In customer service? Maybe Zendesk and MS Office.
But there are certain soft skills that look good on any entry-level resume.
Best Entry-Level Resume Skills ("Soft" Skills)
If you use the trick above, recruiters will notice you like you've been dipped in neon feathers.
Pro Tip: Don't lie about skills on your college student resume. If you do, you'll get tripped up in the interview.
Want to get your entry-level marketing resume skills section out of the beginner zone? See this guide: " +30 Best Examples of What Skills to Put on a Resume (Proven Tips) "
How to Add Certifications to Entry-Level Resumes
"OK. This young woman knows her stuff."
Certifications on an entry-level resume can make the hiring manager say just that. They can put you way ahead of other applicants.
But how should you display them?
If they're central to the job offer, put them in a special certification section, like this:
Accounting Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
If a certification is important enough, you can also show it after your name. You can even add it to first-time resume job descriptions.
You won't see high school student resume examples with certifications like CPA or CFA. But relevant certs like CPR or CDL are fair game in a high school resume.
Pro Tip: Display certifications central to the job offer first. Consider leaving unrelated certifications off a resume for an entry-level position.
Need more general entry-level resume tips? See these guides: Resume Dos and Don'ts: 50+ Tips & Advice on Building Great Resumes and What To Put On A Resume To Make It Perfect [Tips & Examples]
How to Add Other Sections for an Effective College Student Resume
"He doesn't have 10 years experience. But..."
What can you do to stand out when you're an entry-level applicant?
You can show you're a good fit with the right "other" sections.
I'm not talking about, "I watched every episode of Buffy 12 times."
I'm talking about facts that stick you to the job like an electromagnet.
That could mean testimonials, awards, test results, articles you've published, or anything else that gets attention.
Best Entry-Level Resume Sample "Other" Sections
Programming languages.
- Java, C++, C#, PHP, MySQL
- HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, JQuery
Conferences
- QCon New York
- Velocity Conference
- 3rd Place, SpOJ.com CodeWar
Additional Activities
- Attended Code For Princeton Hackathon 2016.
- President, TrogdorPenn gaming group. Increased attendance 250%.
- See my professional portfolio at mikeveres.com.
What "other" items will look good on an entry-level resume for your profession? Search for awards in your field, conferences, meetups, associations, and online competitions.
Don't discount writing articles or making videos about your industry. Even regularly listening to an instructional podcast can give a boost.
Pro Tip: In a job that calls for calm, even yoga classes can make a good entry-level resume addition. Take some time to think what activities will fit the job description.
Need help with the "other" sections in your high school student resume? See this guide: " +20 Best Examples of Hobbies & Interests To Put on a Resume (5 Tips) "
Here's the Most Common Myth About Cover Letters
"Nobody reads cover letters."
That's a bigger fib than Santa eating a free lunch with a minotaur..
Half the hiring managers don't read cover letters. To the others, they're essential.
That's why your great entry-level resume deserves an equally good entry-level cover letter.
The good news is, they're easy.
Keep your cover letter short and sweet. Use the hiring manager's name to make it personal.
Show you understand the problem. Then suggest how you can help.
You can add a fact you like about the company as well.
Then end it with a call to action. "I'd welcome the chance to talk about your needs" works great.
Pro Tip: Didn't get a call right away? Follow up to give your best entry-level resume and cover letter another chance.
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Need a template for your entry-level cover letter? Want more tips? See this guide: Entry-Level Cover Letter with No Experience Example & Writing Guide
Or get general tips from this article: How to Write a Cover Letter for any Job
How to Add Contact Info to Your First Time Resume
Did you botch your contact info?
If you're like most, you probably did.
Of course you listed:
- Updated Phone Number
- Professional Email Address
Michael Veres, [email protected] - 215-290-8372
But did you add a LinkedIn profile? Turns out 87% of all recruiters say they look at LinkedIn before they interview.
Pro Tip: Need a great LinkedIn profile for your professional entry-level resume? Check out our LinkedIn builder guide here .
Want more great tips to make an entry-level resume that works? See our guide: " Entry-Level Cover Letter with No Experience Example & Writing Guide "
Key Takeaway
Even with great entry-level templates to follow, writing your own is hard. Follow these tips to write the best resume for an entry-level job:
- Fit your entry-level resume to the job like spandex. To do it, read the job offer, then customize your bullet points.
- Put resume objective just below your contact info.
- The education section of even a high school student resume should pull its weight. Use it to show your schooling prepped you for the job.
- Add "other" sections that show you've got the chops. Anything that proves your job-related skills is fair game in an entry-level resume.
Do you have questions on how to write a resume ? Not sure how to describe your skills or achievements? Give us a shout in the comments! We love to help!
Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!
Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox
Similar articles
30 Best Jobs for Teens Near Me (First, Part Time, Summer)
30 jobs for teens you can apply for today. See lists of the best teen jobs, including online jobs for teens and summer jobs for teens. Even better? You’ll learn a quick trick to unlock teen jobs on powerful job search sites to serve up real openings near you in seconds. Get that first job and start cashing real paychecks now!
College Resume Template for High School Students (2023)
How to write a high school resume for college application that kicks open the doors to a bright future? See our college admissions resume example, follow our tips, and get enrolled.
Consulting Resume Examples for a Consultant in Any Industry
A complete guide to creating a consultant resume with examples. Get resume writing tips on how to showcase your experience, education and achievements. Learn tricks to write a professional consultant cover letter.
Cookie settings
This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy
Entry Level & Beginner Resume Examples, Templates and Tips
I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George
Entry-Level Resume Example
Objective statement, work experience, certifications, 1. choose the best entry-level resume format, 2. write a compelling beginner resume objective statement, entry-level resume objective examples, 3. highlight your hireability in the entry-level resume education section, entry-level resume example—education, 4. expand your entry-level resume with some experience that’s relevant, entry-level resume example—work experience, 5. add a relevant skills section to your entry-level resume, what are relevant skills to put on a resume, 6. stand out with additional entry-level resume sections, entry-level resume example—extra sections, 7. amp up your entry-level resume with a great cover letter, was it interesting here are similar articles.
50+ Best Resume Tips, Advice, Dos & Don'ts, and Mistakes to Avoid
Resume Layouts: Best Examples for 2023 (+Writing Tips)
15+ LaTeX Resume Templates and CV Templates for 2023
- Skip to main content
- Skip to primary sidebar
- Resume Templates: Entry Level
- Resume Templates: Experienced
- Resume Templates: Hotel & Hospitality
- Resume Templates: Management
- Resume Templates: Media & Entertainment
- Resume Templates: Real Estate
- Create a Great Resume in a Matter of Minutes
- Get expert advice on your resume
- How to Choose the Right Resume Format
- Professional Resume-Writing Services
- Resume Check
An entry-level resume template can help you accomplish two goals. Firstly, it can demonstrate that you know what you’re doing, and you know how to navigate the marketplace. Also, your efforts can draw employer attention toward your academic credentials rather than your professional workplace experience since you may have plenty of the first and little of the second. If you’ve never held a professional job before and you’re embarking on the very first steps of your career, don’t worry. These templates can highlight your ambition and potential since they encourage employers to focus on your future, not your past.
Entry Level Advice
These resume templates are perfect for entry-level job-seekers looking to submit a polished, professional resume to potential employers. Click on any of the entry-level resume samples below to see an example of an entry-level resume you can customize with LiveCareer’s Resume Builder.
Create My Resume
Resume Tips for Entry-Level Workers
Your search for jobs as an entry-level employee will take some attention to detail and a positive mentality. Use the following tips to guide your efforts at job-hunting in this thriving environment. 1. Stay positive while you hunt for a new job. Whether you still have a job or are unemployed, the search can quickly become frustrating. 2. Create your plan of action. This might involve getting help at a job center or visiting career fairs. It should also include a review of your resume and some research into potential employers. 3. Prepare to think creatively. You may have some newly acquired skills, or your past experience might have prepared you to look for jobs in a new direction. Open yourself up to those possibilities. 4. Learn how to network productively. Talking to family, friends, and associates can open more new resources and leads than you might expect. 5. Take advantage of the many available resources for job leads. Check out job banks, review the websites of potential employers, and contact job centers for any contact information that might be valuable.
Entry-Level Job Seeking Tips
Your resume is one of your most valuable tools when it comes to hunting down jobs as an entry-level worker. Put a little extra effort and time into making sure that your resume is at its very best. Use the following tips to make your resume really stand out. 1. Identify the purpose of your resume. Keep your goal firmly in mind and compare the rest of your decisions to that goal to be sure that your resume is focused. 2. Consider the addition of a branding statement that lets potential employers know right away what you have to offer them. This statement should tell how you’re different or what makes you unique from other candidates. 3. Plan to include your name, address, phone number, email address, education, and experience on your resume. You might consider adding a resume focal point to quickly grab the hiring manager’s eye. This section should usually appear in the top third of your resume. 4. Add a bulleted qualifications summary that highlights keywords relevant to each position to which you are applying. Make sure that your pertinent accomplishments and skills really stand out. 5. Learn to use keywords effectively. Many employers today rely on digital methods of locating candidates for their open positions. Look for a list of “power” keyword phrases and choose those that are relevant.
Ready to build a strong resume?
*As seen in :
7 Entry-Level Resume Examples That Landed Jobs in 2023
Getting your first full-time job can feel like the classic chicken or egg problem.
Companies want to hire professionals with years of experience, but then how in the world are you supposed to get that experience?!
Rest assured that it gets much easier to land new jobs throughout your career once you have your first experience under your belt.
To help you secure that first job, we've reviewed countless entry-level resumes to learn what works and what doesn't when building your own resume so you can line up more interviews.
We've created seven stellar entry-level resume samples and some superb resume-writing tips that have helped candidates across industries get their first break in 2023 .
Table of Contents
Entry-Level Data Analyst Resume Example
Entry-level marketing resume, entry-level recruiter resume, entry-level sales resume.
- Entry-Level Software Resume
Entry-Level Engineer Resume
Entry-level healthcare resume.
- Your Entry-Level Resume Template
- Resume Summary or Objective?
- Any Experience Is Good Experience
- Skills for Your Resume
Use this template
Why this resume works
- These projects don't have to be huge open-source types with thousands of users. Did you ever build a project to scratch your own itch? Then talk about it!
- With your projects, be sure to discuss the goal of what you were working on, what technology you used, and the outcome of the project.
- If you've had the chance to have an internship experience, then be sure to quantify the impact of that work on your entry-level data analyst resume. Did you save time? Increase revenue? Improve customer satisfaction? Any way to quantify your results will improve the quality of your resume .
- As a marketer, you know that the most important metric you ultimately need to drive is revenue. If you've had a marketing internship when applying for your first full-time role, you should focus on how your marketing efforts impacted the bottom line.
- Volunteering for a local business or charity to help them with marketing is a great way to get some preliminary marketing experience under your belt. You can then leverage this experience into landing your first full-time marketing role.
- In the resume skills section of your entry-level marketing analyst resume be sure to state all of the channels (both paid and organic) that you're comfortable with. Since you're looking for an entry-level role, this list doesn't need to be exhaustive! It's okay if that's one to two channels when you start your career.
- Lead with your strengths on your entry-level recruiter resume. More often than not, this will be your education.
- As you progress in your career, your education section will take up less and less space on your resume, but right now, it'll consume a sizable amount of real estate. Starting with a resume outline can help you fill in some of these important details.
- Great objectives (for entry-level) and summaries (for 10+ years of experience) mention the business by name, use power-packed, concise language, and sprinkle some metrics describing previous job achievements.
- Having a job, regardless of what it is, demonstrates responsibility — one of the most in-demand skills for entry-level candidates.
- With that said, you should still try to make your experience as relevant as possible to the sales role you're applying for. For example, to be successful in sales, you need effective time management skills. Thankfully, almost all jobs require the ability to manage time, so it's an inherently universal and valuable skill!
Entry-Level Software Developer Resume
- Listing one to two programming languages you know really well is much wiser than mentioning four to five languages you have novice familiarity with. You'll end up looking foolish — or worse, dishonest during the interview!
- If you include a skill on your resume , you should be comfortable answering interview questions about it.
- Starting your engineering career is a classic catch-22. When you’re trying to get your first engineering job, employers say you need experience. But to get engineering experience, you have to get your first engineering job. Cue endless cycle.
- But although employers “require” you to have experience, what they really want is for you to have the skills to complete the job. More often than not, all you need is a degree and some soft skills like organization and project management in your resume’s skills section .
- Tailor it to match the job description's keywords, including them in a few of your work experience bullet points and your resume objective (if you decide to use an objective).
- Lastly, if you’re freshly out of school, you can leverage any projects you worked on that apply to the listed requirements. They're an excellent way to show your skills and initiative in place of work history.
- Starting off with the right resume template and formatting your resume properly can save you oodles of time and set you in the right direction as you begin writing your entry-level healthcare resume.
- Work in the form of internships, v olunteering, p rojects, and surprisingly, even relevant i nterests and hobbies can be included on your resume .
Related Resume Guides
- Entry-Level Business Analyst
- Entry-Level Recruiter
- Entry-Level Data Scientist
- Entry-Level Software Engineer
- Entry-Level Digital Marketing
- Entry-Level Sales
- Entry-Level Medical Assistant
- Entry-Level HR
- Entry-Level Product Manager
- Entry-Level Scrum Master
- Entry-Level Project Manager
- Entry-Level Brand Ambassador
- Entry-Level Accountant
- Entry-Level Nursing Assistant
- Entry-Level Computer Science
- Entry-Level Data Engineer
- Entry-Level Data Analyst
- Entry-Level Research Assistant
- Entry-Level Customer Service
- Entry-Level Social Worker
- Resume Examples for 2023
The Perfect Entry-Level Resume Template
There's no silver bullet when it comes to resume templates . You can use nearly any template and make an effective entry-level resume. Just be sure to follow a few rules:
- Make sure your resume is readable. Make the job of the person reviewing your resume as easy as possible.
- Keep your resume to one page. Your resume should only stretch to two pages when you have five or more years of experience.
- The resume sections you need: work experience, skills, education, and contact info. The rest are optional.
- Please, please, avoid spelling and grammar errors . Triple-check your resume; then, have a friend read it.
All of these rules are in service of one goal: make it as easy as possible for the person reviewing your resume to come away convinced that you deserve an interview for the role you're applying to.
Stretching your resume to two pages or inserting big blocks of text goes directly against this goal.
Insert plenty of white space, avoid really small font, and use big headings.
Resume Summary or Resume Objective?
Have you ever opened a book or article because the title was compelling just to read the introduction to be disappointed?
Think of the resume summary or resume objective as the introduction paragraph to your resume.
Before we dive into how to make an effective summary or objective, let's get some definitions out of the way:
- Resume summary: Used for experienced professionals to recap some of their career highlights.
- Resume objective: A short statement of a candidate's key skills or qualifications as well as why they're a good fit for a specific job.
As you can imagine, a resume objective is more suitable for an entry-level candidate.
Keep in mind that, unlike an introduction for a book, a resume objective is not required for your resume.
In fact, 95 percent of entry-level resumes should omit a resume objective!
Why? Because most resume objectives don't increase a candidate's chances of getting an interview.
To ensure you write a resume objective in the top five percent of applicants, follow these rules:
- Customize it for each job you apply to.
- Don't be afraid to be personal about why you're interested in the role or career you're applying to.
- Keep it to two to three sentences. Any more and it will be ignored by the hiring manager.
- State your top one to two qualifications for the role you're applying for.
I know, this seems like a lot to fit in two to three sentences. To help give you some inspiration, here are a few examples of effective entry-level resume objectives.
Entry-Level Resume Objective Examples
- "Prospective data analyst who strives to pose and answer questions with quantitative-driven insights. Through the development of personal projects I've learned the importance of having an iterative, hypothesis-oriented approach to analysis and I'm excited to leverage that approach at Acme Corp as a data analyst."
- "Recent computer science graduate with a passion for developing scalable web applications and working across the full stack. I’ve built two web apps from the ground up using React, Node, and PostgreSQL."
- "Retail sales associate with experience working directly with customers to ensure their satisfaction. Looking for an opportunity to work for a KPI-focused organization where I can grow like Acme Corp."
- "Recent marketing graduate with a passion for developing scale-able acquisition strategies through paid acquisition and SEO. I have experience creating and improving campaigns in the context of a big team and I worked independently to help local organizations start and grow their user acquisition."
Make Any Experience Relevant
What on earth are you supposed to include on your entry-level resume when you don't yet have relevant experience?
The answer, frankly, is anything that you can make seem relevant to the role you're applying for.
I'm a firm believer that any work experience has skills that are transferable to other jobs.
Hiring managers understand that early in your career you may not have a ton of relevant industry experience to draw on.
That's okay! Having a job, whether that's a part-time summer job or an entirely unrelated full-time position demonstrates responsibility.
So don't be hesitant to include any employment you've had in the past. Own it!
Still, there is another way to demonstrate to prospective employers that you're qualified to do the entry-level job you're applying to: projects.
These can be projects you did as part of a class or projects you undertook to satiate your own curiosity. Projects demonstrate a few things to employers:
- You have a real interest in the industry you're seeking employment in.
- You take initiative (a very desirable trait for entry-level candidates).
- A level of expertise in your field.
Projects can truly be anything. To give you a better sense of that, here are some project ideas for different entry-level positions:
Project ideas for entry-level resumes
Entry-level digital marketer
- Did you build a social media following for a club or organization you were part of or implement a successful SEO initiative?
Entry-level recruiter
- As part of a class, did you build out a comprehensive case study or hiring process for a real or fictional company? Talk about it.
Entry-level software developer
- Did you build a web app to help your friends decide on which movie to watch next? What kind of programs have you developed in class?
Entry-level business analyst
- Can you do a deep dive on a company you're interested in and build a presentation around a new market they can expand into or a new product offering they can develop?
Entry-level product manager
- Can you try to join a hackathon and shape the vision of a product to build? Can you choose your favorite consumer web app and detail any changes you'd make?
Entry-level data analyst
- Pose a question you've always wanted to answer; then collect and analyze data to answer that question and put it in a blog post.
Which Skills Should You Include?
When it comes to the skills to include on your entry-level resume, it's better to include a few skills you know very well than a laundry list of skills you kind of know.
Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. Isn't it a little suspicious for an entry-level candidate to be an expert in 10+ skills?
You should include your relevant skills in a dedicated "skills" section on your resume and also include the context in which you used those skills in a work experience or project.
How do you know what skills to list for a given job?
- If you're looking for a technical role, be sure to include programming languages or relevant technologies.
- Read the job description of the job you're applying to.
- If so, list those skills!
- If not, are there skills mentioned in the job description you have that weren't on your list?
It's important to customize the skills that you include on your resume for each job you're applying to because before a human reads your resume, an automated system called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) will read it.
The ATS is checking whether or not your resume contains certain keywords mentioned in the job description. So it's worth the time to customize your skills section for each entry-level role you're applying to!
Ready to build your resume?
Our free online tool will walk you through creating a resume that stands out and gets you hired at a top tech company.
- Beautiful templates with eye-catching designs
- Data-driven tips to help you make the most of your experience
- Step-by-step walkthrough so you know what to focus on
- Built by Google engineers with years of hiring experience
12 Tips for Writing an Entry-Level Resume That’ll Get Your Career Started Right (Plus an Example)
Hot jobs on the muse.
Getting an “entry-level job” sounds like it should be easy, but when you pull up job descriptions and see the lists of skills and experiences companies are looking for, the prospect can be overwhelming. You know you’re ready to start a great career, but how do you convince someone to give you an entry-level job? That’s where an entry-level resume comes in. You may already have a resume you created to get a job while in high school or college , or to land an internship , but making a resume for an entry-level job can be a little different.
A resume is a document that showcases to potential employers why they should hire you. Generally, past work experience makes up the bulk of it. So what do you do when you’re just getting started and don’t have much (or any) past work experience to put on a resume? Or what if you do have past jobs, but you’re not sure if they apply to the entry-level job you’re looking at?
Read on to find out what recruiters are looking for in an entry-level resume and get tips for making your own—and skip to the end to get an example.
What Are Recruiters Looking for in an Entry-Level Resume?
Despite any horror stories you may have heard about entry-level jobs that require five or more years experience, most companies consider people with zero to three years of work experience to be candidates for entry-level jobs. And recruiters looking at these resumes adjust their expectations accordingly.
With “entry-level resumes, you go in with the assumption that someone isn’t going to have a lot of experience,” says Muse career coach Yolanda Owens , founder of Career Sensei and college corporate recruiter for over twenty years. So what are they looking for in an entry-level resume? How are they making judgements about entry-level candidates?
When recruiters look at an entry-level (or any) resume, they want to know why you’re applying for the job. If you majored in accounting and everything on your resume focuses on that, but you applied for a job in marketing, recruiters aren’t going to understand why and they’ll probably move you to the rejection pile. But if you show that you had a marketing internship you excelled in or took a lot of communications and marketing classes, that makes your motivations a whole lot clearer.
Your resume is a single page that is supposed to convince the person who reads it to call you for an interview. So it has to be relevant to the job they’re hiring for. That’s why you shouldn’t send out the exact same resume to every company with an entry-level opening. You’re unlikely to ever get a response that way. Instead, make sure you know why you’re applying for each role and tailor every section on your resume accordingly.
Personality
There are two major components to every single hiring decision: qualifications and personality. When you join a company, you’re joining a team, and hiring managers want to know that you’ll be a great addition. So where you can, you want to make sure your resume shows who you are as a person and how you’re unique among all the other applicants in the pile.
As a recruiter, Owens would often reject resumes where she could tell that the candidate “sprinkled in a bunch of buzzwords” and didn’t attempt to show the individual beyond the piece of paper. That’s because she couldn’t picture who they’d be as an employee and as a colleague. And don’t think that there’s a “correct” personality for every workplace. Every company (or even team within a company) has its own environment and group dynamics, and there’s definitely somewhere where you’ll be at home, just as you are.
Your resume summary (more on that below) is a great place to show your personality, as are your accomplishments and choices of activities.
Transferable Skills
When you’re first joining the workforce, you’re going to be lighter on skills that come directly from a past job in your field. That’s inevitable, and recruiters know it. Instead, they’re looking for your transferable skills . These are skills that you’ve used and developed through past experiences—including part-time jobs, internships, classes, and extracurricular activities—that can be applied to a number of different career paths. These might be things like communication, organization, time management, customer service, teamwork, and general office skills. For example, if you’ve worked in a fast food position, you likely have customer service experience that will translate to a sales position.
As you look back on all of your experiences, think about what you learned that could serve you well in the workplace. Did you have to figure out how to communicate with a group that disagreed? Did you have to plan a lot of small pieces of a large project in order to get everything done by a deadline? Did you have to work within a budget or convince local businesses to donate something or a charity event? These types of things are transferable skills. Just make sure they’re related to the description of the job you’re applying for before you put them on your resume, says Muse career coach Jennifer Smith , founder of Flourish Careers and former college recruiter.
Leadership Experience
Recruiters love to see leadership experience on a resume. Not because they expect you to fill a management role (obviously!), but because it signals to recruiters that you have some teamwork skills, know how to make decisions, and may have experience working with budget among other things—all in a somewhat professional capacity, Owens says.
“College provides a lot of opportunities for folks to be leaders,” Smith says, whether that’s through clubs and professional groups, fraternities and sororities, volunteer organizations, or sports teams, and leaders of these groups are often required to do things that often come up in a professional work environment. So look for opportunities to call attention to leadership experience on your resume. Even if you didn’t hold an official position, if you took the lead on organizing something that still counts.
If you held a leadership role in a past job, whether that’s as a store manager, assistant manager, shift lead, new employee trainer, or even a senior team member with additional responsibilities, definitely highlight that as well. Even if it’s not exactly on your current career path, it’s very valuable experience that proves you have a number of transferable skills.
So now that you know what recruiters are looking for on an entry-level resume, how do you go about putting one together?
1. Put Your Contact Information Front and Center
Your name and contact information should always be at the top of your resume. This includes your phone number, your email address (make sure it’s a professional-sounding one), and your LinkedIn URL (you do have a LinkedIn profile , right?). If it’s applicable to the field you’re trying to enter, you might also consider a link to your personal website or online portfolio .
As an entry-level candidate, you might be wondering whether or not to include a location—especially if you just finished school and intend to move somewhere new. The answer depends. If you’re applying to jobs where you currently live, go ahead and include your city and state—full mailing address not needed. If you’re applying to jobs in an area where you’re definitely planning to move, you can leave off your current location and write “Relocating to [City, State]” at the top of your resume or mention your plans to move in your cover letter.
If you’re not sure where you’re headed, Smith recommends leaving your location off your resume. If you list an out-of-area location, you risk getting disqualified by a recruiter who has no relocation budget. But if you leave it off entirely, you could land an interview and allow the company to learn more about you before discussing location. This isn’t likely to create a relocation budget where none exists, but it will get you considered for a role if you’re able to move without financial support from the company.
2. Use a Resume Summary to Help You Stand Out (Optional)
Below your name and contact info, consider adding a resume summary (not an outdated resume objective ). A resume summary consists of a few short sentences describing who you are as a candidate and as a person. For later-career candidates, a summary often talks about past full-time roles and key career achievements, but as an entry-level candidate you can use this space to get a bit more in-depth about who you are. Resume summaries are completely optional, but this is a place where you can really make a connection with a recruiter and have them think of you as a person, and not just words on a page.
In a resume summary you can (briefly) describe your key skills, what you’re passionate about, and what you have to offer this organization that’s going to set you apart. Candidates just entering a field often have fresh ideas and a lot of energy and enthusiasm, Smith says. And a resume summary is a great place to show that off.
Perhaps most importantly, your summary should also look to the future. After you describe who you are, spend a sentence or two talking about where you want to go and what you hope to bring to this specific job.
Here’s one example of what a resume summary might look like for an entry-level candidate:
Enthusiastic and creative recent grad with passion for communications, design, and the environment. Created graphics and written copy as part of social media strategies to grow personal, business, student group, and cute dog social media accounts by a combined 2 million followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Active in Rutgers’ chapter of the Sierra Club for 4 years and dedicated to helping educate people about climate change.
3. Emphasize Your Education
If you’ve ever looked at the resume of someone several years into their career, you may have noticed that their “Education” section was at the bottom of the page. But this isn’t the case for entry-level resumes. Putting your education right below your contact information or summary (along with your graduation date or expected graduation date) immediately lets the reader know that you’re in the very early stages of your career, Owens says. This adjusts their expectations of what sort of experience you’re likely to have, so they won’t go in looking for several past jobs in your field when you’re about to showcase mostly internships, coursework, extracurricular activities, part-time or temporary jobs, and unrelated jobs.
Beyond your graduation date, you should list the name of each school you’ve attended after high school, its location, your degree (bachelor’s, associates, master’s, etc.), your major, and any minors or concentrations. If you don’t have a college degree, you should list the name of your high school, its location, and your graduation date. If you did any study abroad programs, list those as their own schools, but make it explicit that they were study abroad programs. This is also the section to list any relevant certificate, training programs, or online classes that you’ve completed along with the school or organization you completed them through and the date (or anticipated date) of completion.
Under the applicable school, you should also list any honors, scholarships, and awards you received along with a short description of what each accolade is or why you were given it. You should list your GPA if the job description asks for it. Otherwise it’s optional, but only list it if it’s above a 3.5.
From there, you want to consider the job you’re applying to when deciding what else to share. If you completed a capstone project, thesis, or another major project, you should list that, but tailor your description to the specific job. For example, let’s say you did a capstone project that involved coming up with a business plan. If you’re applying for software development positions, emphasize the part of the project where you coded a website from scratch. But if you’re pursuing a marketing role, you might want to call attention to the way you planned to advertise your business to potential customers.
You can also list relevant coursework, but make sure it’s obvious why it’s relevant. For example, say you have a business degree and took five finance classes without a formal concentration. When you apply to finance roles, listing those courses will show that you have background knowledge. If you have a general biology degree and are applying to work in a neuroscience lab, you can list the neuroscience and anatomy courses you took. A “relevant coursework” bullet point can also show how you obtained a key skill for the job you want. But don’t just list classes you think sound impressive unless they’re directly relevant to the job you’re applying to.
4. Show That You Have the Right Experience for the Job
On a resume for somebody further along in their career, “experience” almost always focuses primarily on current and past paid jobs. For an entry-level candidate, experience can come from many places:
- Relevant internships, apprenticeships, or co-ops are the first thing that many recruiters will look for on an entry-level resume. But they’re far from the only thing that counts as experience. Most recruiters and hiring managers recognize that not everyone can afford to do an internship—particularly in fields where they often pay little or nothing.
- Part-time or full-time jobs are still professional experience even when they’re not directly related to your future career path. They’re a great place to look for those transferable skills, and they show hiring managers that as a baseline, you have experience showing up, completing tasks, and getting along in a workplace environment. Further, “if someone worked and went to college they’re obviously juggling a lot,” Smith says, and that speaks to a candidate’s work ethic and time management skills.
- Volunteer work also counts as experience especially if you led the effort or played a big part in it, Smith says. Volunteer work can show a wealth of transferable skills whether or not it’s directly relevant to your field—but definitely emphasize it if it is.
- Activities, organizations, and affiliations show your interests and personality, but they can also show transferable skills and leadership experience. If you were in a leadership or officer position, you likely had to organize well, communicate effectively, manage your time, and motivate other members of your group. You may have also had to deal with money or show good customer service. Even if you didn’t lead the group but consistently participated, you likely showed these skills and can list what you did as part of the organization.
- Relevant projects can be things that you did on your own or as part of your coursework. If you took classes in school that were not part of your major, but are relevant to the jobs you want to pursue, highlighting a project is a great way to showcase your interests and skills outside of your major. The same goes for if you pursued something non-academic like starting an online business. Even if the project doesn’t directly map onto the job you want, you can still demonstrate transferable skills.
Once you know what experience you want to talk about, you should decide how you’ll split it up into sections. You can use the bullets above that apply to you and make each its own section—labeled “Internship Experience,” “Volunteer Work,” “Activities,” and more—or you might want to have “Related Experience” and “Other Experience” sections if the experiences that are most directly relevant to your job search span across several of the above categories. You can also do things like combine internships and paid jobs into a single section called “Professional Experience” or list relevant projects in the education section. What’s most important is presenting your story in a way that’s easy to read and makes it clear why you’re the right person for the job.
5. Craft Strong Bullet Points
When it comes to listing your experience, just stating your past positions or the activities you were part of isn’t enough. Under every entry, you need to include bullet points describing what you did and what you achieved. These bullet points might be the most important part of your resume with the most real estate devoted to them, so they deserve time and attention.
“Don’t focus on the mundane daily duties, talk about your accomplishments,” Owens says. If you were a salesperson in a retail store, recruiters know the basic job duties that entails. But they won’t know that you made more sales than anyone else in the month of December—unless you tell them. If you had an internship with a major company in your field, it’s likely that you assisted the staff with daily tasks, but it’s unique to you that you were part of a team that conceived of a new marketing campaign that boosted sales by 50% in a month and wrote the copy for the campaign’s social media posts. In your bullet points, write about “what you did that made the project, company, or job better and what you did that moved the needle,” Owens says.
Whenever possible, you want to quantify your bullet points in order to be more specific and memorable and to call attention to the results you got. Which sounds better? “Led tutoring sessions,” or, “Led tutoring sessions for up to 30 students twice a week, leading to an average 10% test score increase”?
These bullet points are also where you can work in your transferable skills. If these skills are things like software or techniques, be sure to name them. If they’re softer skills like organization, communication, or collaboration, you can use action verbs to insert them into your bullet points seamlessly. Anyone can list out skills in a skills section (and you should), but putting them into context shows the person reading your resume how you’ve actually used your skills in real-life situations and how you’ll use them to help their company.
6. Show Off Your Skills (Again)
Your resume should also have a skills section where you list out all of the skills you have that match what a job description asks for. Don’t list skills you don’t have just because you think they sound good. If someone asks (and they will), you should be able to explain how you obtained this skill or how you’ve used it.
This section is often the place to focus on software and technical skills, Smith says. Technology changes so rapidly that new grads and other entry-level folks are often more up to date in this area than later-career professionals, so you definitely want to use that to your advantage.
Make sure to be specific, Owens says. Don’t list “coding” in your skills section, list out the programming languages you know. Don’t say “project management software,” say “Asana” or “Trello.” You also want to keep it modern. Unless the job description specifies it, “typing” doesn’t need to go in your skills section. The same goes for general “Microsoft Office,” though listing specific programs or skills like “Excel” or “pivot tables” is still fair game.
7. Include Relevant Keywords
As you’re preparing your resume for a specific job, take a close look at the job description and note the language they use. You want to match this language as closely as possible when it comes to the specific keywords. For example, if they’re looking for someone who has experience with Final Cut Pro, don’t just put “video editing” on your resume—make sure to include “Final Cut Pro” in your skills section (assuming you actually know how to use it!).
Why? Many companies use applicant tracking systems (or ATSs) —programs that scan your resume looking for keywords found in the job description and forward the resumes with the most matches to a hiring manager or recruiter. While this software is getting more advanced and adept at recognizing synonyms and different phrasing, it’s always best to be cautious and list keywords exactly as they appear in the job description.
8. Format Your Resume So It’s Easy to Read (by Computers and Humans!)
You may have seen those fancy, flashy resumes with graphics and tables to show your skills. You may even be tempted to shell out some money for a heavily designed template. Don’t.
If you’re applying online, you should assume your resume will have to pass through an ATS. The software parses text only, so not only will much of your formatting be lost, your text could even get left out or jumbled if the ATS can’t “read” it.
ATS aside, actual human recruiters often only have a few seconds to take a first look at a resume, and you want to make sure they can find what they’re looking for quickly. This means your resume should be highly skimmable with easy-to-read formatting, clear section headings, and lots of white space. Smith looks for resumes that are “smart, succinct, and professional looking” and, to be clear, “professional looking” doesn’t mean highly stylized.
So keep your formatting consistent and use bold, italics, and underlining when you want text to stand out. You can also make headings and your name a larger font size and use color in a way that emphasizes but doesn't distract. Stick to the classic fonts as well—no Comic Sans, handwriting fonts, or anything that doesn’t come preinstalled on most word processors.
As an entry-level candidate, your resume should never be more than one page, but don’t feel the need to add fluff to stretch it. Recruiters understand that you’re just starting out and they’d rather see strong, relevant experience than filler.
9. Tailor Your Resume for Every Job Posting
Throughout this article, you’ve seen that the content of a section or bullet point depends on what the job description says. That means that you should be changing your resume for every job posting. Yes, it’s more work than just submitting the same doc every time. But recruiters want to look at your resume and quickly see why you’re the right person for this job, and if you don’t take the time to make your case for this job, you’re likely to be overlooked.
If you want to make a base resume to pass to people in your network who aren’t hiring for specific jobs or for you to start with to get your formatting right, you should do this by pulling up several job descriptions in your field to get a feel for what companies are generally looking for. You can also create a resume outline that lists all of your experiences and skills in one place so you have a document to draw from to make tailoring easier.
10. Proofread!
Proofread your resume to check for any typos or grammar mistakes—then step away for a few hours or days and come back to proofread it again. You can even start reading from the bottom section to help you see the text a bit differently and make it less likely you’ll skim absentmindedly.
Once you’re sure your resume is completely error-free, ask someone else to read it, too. A new set of eyes will often catch things you overlooked.
An Example Entry-Level Resume
So what does all this advice look like in action? Take a look at this example entry-level resume for a recent college grad applying to a social media job with an environmental nonprofit. You’ll see the emphasis on experience that directly relates to a role like this.
Download sample entry-level resume here
As you begin your first big job search, you might feel overwhelmed or like you’ll never get a job. And yes, some companies do post listings with unrealistic standards for entry-level hires, but that doesn’t mean there are no companies out there looking for true entry-level candidates .
Believing in yourself is a big part of job hunting when you first start out, Smith says. Know that you do have something to offer companies and be confident in your capabilities. And if trying to fit a job description has you feeling like you can't be yourself on your resume or in your interview, it might be a sign that this role or company isn’t right for you, Owens says. But don’t worry, there’s another position out there that is.
- Introduction
First, choose the right format
Second, tout your accomplishments, third, get inspired with resume-now’s resume examples, fourth, pick a template, 3 tips to make your resume stand out, 3 resume mistakes to avoid, entry-level examples by industry.
Applying for your first job is exciting, but writing your first resume to get that job can feel overwhelming. You might be unsure where to begin and have a lot of questions, such as “Do I have the necessary skills?” “How can I get a job when I have no experience?” “Should I include an Experience section if I don’t have any jobs to list?”
Don’t fret! It’s definitely possible to write an eye-catching and interview-winning resume without work experience. You might be surprised to find you’re more qualified than you think. You most likely have the experience, skills and knowledge to get the entry-level job you want.
On this page, we’ll help you choose and leverage entry-level resume examples to use as guides when writing your resume. Our professional resume examples show you how to highlight your education, extracurricular activities, soft skills, volunteer work and community activities to create a stand-out entry-level resume.
Your resume format influences the resume example you choose and ultimately how you write your resume.
Once you’ve picked your resume format and example, it’s time to flesh it out with all the relevant information. No matter which format you use, know that there are basic elements every resume should have:
Contact information: Make sure employers can easily reach you for an interview! Always include your full name, email address and phone number. There are pros and cons to adding your mailing address , but we suggest you add it to cover all your bases.
Objective statement: Take a moment to introduce yourself. An objective statement is a great way to give employers an overview of why you are interested in the position and what you bring to the table.
Skills: An entry-level resume needs a strong skills section , especially when you lack work experience. Do your best to showcase skills that match the requirements in the job description. As our resume examples demonstrate, you should be specific and provide context for your skills.
Education: This section works hand-in-hand with your skills section to make up for a lack of work experience, so it’s important to emphasize it. List any degrees, job-related coursework and online classes, certifications and licenses.
Experience: As an entry-level job applicant, you might have to be a bit creative when filling out the experience section of your resume. List all internships, externships, or part-time jobs that match the job description or industry you’re applying for. Volunteer activities count, too — just label those experiences as such.
Awards or accomplishments: You should weave accomplishments into your experience section, but also adding a separate section on an entry-level resume can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Some examples include: Volunteer of the Month; first prize in an art competition; captain of your community sports team; and scholarships, academic honors, and even the raising of funds for charity.
Examples are a great source of inspiration when you’re not sure how or where to start. When it comes to writing resumes, professionally created resume examples can help new job seekers kick-start the process and finish with a polished, eye-catching resume hiring managers will want to read.
When used as guides, resume examples can help you:
Organize your resume
Choose the best words to showcase your qualifications
Pick a design template to match your industry and experience
Decide which information to include
An expertly designed resume template is the perfect tool for creating a successful entry-level resume. Templates help ensure your resume is polished, well-organized and professionally designed. They can save you time by providing optimal keyword CTA examples, editing tools and multiple file formats to choose from. Let your resume example of choice help you pick the best template for your entry-level resume.
Select a Resume Template Carousel
Show — don’t tell
We all make mistakes, sure. But there are times when a mistake — even a seemingly small one — can have big consequences. Don’t pay the price (the job!) when it comes to your resume. Here are three mistakes to avoid.
Don’t lie or exaggerate
Don’t focus on you, don’t give away too much, what is considered entry-level experience, how do you write achievements on an entry-level resume, what is a good summary for an entry-level resume.
A good entry-level resume summary should be written in the form of an objective statement because candidates seeking entry-level work do not have the experience required for a professional summary statement . A good objective statement is 3-5 sentences long. It includes keywords from the job description; is focused on the employer and not the candidate; expresses interest in the job; and promotes the candidate with action words.
Advertisement
- Skip to main content
- Skip to footer
Resume Genius
The World's Smartest Resume Builder
Home Resume Help Entry Level Resume
Entry Level Resume: Examples, Template, & How to Write
January 2, 2023 | By Sebastian Morgan | Reviewed by Samuel Johns, CPRW
If you’re writing an entry level resume with or without experience, our template, examples, and writing tips will help you get hired.
Whether you’re applying for your first job, have just graduated, or are switching careers, you need to write an impressive entry level resume to compete with other applicants.
Even if you don’t have much relevant experience, employers are much more likely to take a professional interest in you if you send them a resume that:
- highlights the right skills and knowledge
- shows a thorough understanding of the job
- demonstrates your passion for the specific industry or position
This guide will show you how to write an entry level resume to help you land your first part-time, full-time, or graduate job.
To help you write yours, we’ve also included four entry level resume examples , an entry level resume template you can edit, and detailed writing tips on putting together an excellent application for your first job.
Entry level resume examples
Effective entry level resumes convince employers that an applicant is ready for work in their industry by emphasizing the right skills and relevant knowledge.
Convincing an employer that you have the right skillset can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to find work in a field that requires lots of technical knowledge (like medicine or engineering).
But a great entry level resume will side-step that problem by highlighting your transferable skills , education, and passion for the job. These qualities can show that you understand the job you’re applying for and are ready to grow in your potential role.
This entry level job resume is a great example to follow because it uses a resume format that focuses on the applicant’s industry knowledge rather than their years of experience.
Download This Free Example
And here are three more entry level resume examples with varying levels of experience:
Entry Level Data Analyst Resume
Entry Level IT Resume
Entry Level Nurse Resume
Download These Free Examples
Here’s a list of even more entry level resume examples to give you an idea of how to write your first resume for specific jobs and positions.
Entry-level resume examples for specific jobs
- Entry Level Cyber Security Resume
- Entry Level Financial Analyst Resume
- Entry Level HR Resume
- Entry Level Marketing Resume
- Entry Level Sales Resume
- Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume
The applicants who wrote these beginner resumes obtained basic industry knowledge and skills by completing internships or getting work experience in other industries. It’s also possible to write a great entry level resume when you apply for your first job — for example, by focusing on your education section and choosing the right skills for your resume .
Entry level resume template
Replace the information on this entry level resume template with your information to make a resume that gets you hired:
1. Resume Heading
FIRST AND LAST NAME
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 895 555 555 | Address: 4397 Aaron Smith Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17101 | Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile
2. Resume Title
[Job Title] With [# Years of Experience / Best Skills]
3. Resume Summary or Objective
Expand on your resume title by listing more relevant skills, the name of the position you want, and how you plan to help your target company in 3–5 sentences or bullet points.
4. Relevant Skills
First Skill
- Include a bulleted list of accomplishments related to this skill
- Quantify (add numbers to) these bullet points whenever possible
Second Skill
- List any accomplishments or responsibilities that demonstrate this skill
- If you no longer perform a task, use past tense verbs to describe the experience
- Be as specific as possible — mention the names of software or tools you’ve used
5. Work History
Most Recent Job Title
Employer Name / Location / Start Year – End Year
Earlier Job Title
6. Education
Degree / Diploma Name / Major
University / High School Name, Location | Start Date – End Date
7. Additional Resume Section
- Here’s where you can add other relevant information
- For example, this section could be any of the following: publications, languages, volunteer experience, or relevant hobbies
How to write an entry level resume
First, here’s an overview of how you should structure your entry level resume and what you should write for each section:
This entry level resume is highly effective because it highlights skills and experience that are relevant to the position.
The applicant has expanded their education section and included a section highlighting their marketing experience in place of a traditional work history section.
Organizing the resume in this encourages the employer to focus on the applicant’s skills instead of their years of experience, which is great for an applicant with little or no formal work experience.
Here are five more steps you can take to make your entry level resume just as effective:
1. Use a professional entry level resume title
Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes for entry level jobs. Make your application stand out by writing an attention-grabbing resume title that includes your:
- most impressive skill or accomplishment
Below are three good resume title examples for entry level applicants like you. Note how these headlines use title capitalization, don’t have periods, and fit on one line:
- Accomplished Graphic Designer Upskilling in UI/UX Design
- Recent Graduate With a BSc in Economics and a US Treasury Internship
- Volunteer Fundraiser Seeking to Apply Sales Skills in the Private Sector
2. Write your resume objective around the job you want
A resume objective is a 2–3 sentence professional introduction that:
- outlines your experience
- highlights your key skills
- sets out your career goals
Your resume objective is the first section employers will look at after your resume header. As it’s longer than your resume header, it’s also a crucial opportunity to explain why you’re a good fit for the specific role.
Here’s an entry level resume objective example aimed at a specific position:
3. Choose the right resume format
Because you’re applying for an entry level job, you probably don’t have much formal relevant experience. That’s okay if you use the right resume format for your situation.
The functional resume format features an expanded skills section with headers and bullet points detailing relevant achievements and experiences for each skill you include. This layout is perfect for showing the hiring manager that your relevant skills make up for your lack of work history.
Here’s an example of how to use a functional resume format to showcase your skills if you’re writing an entry level resume with no experience :
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS Technical Expertise Comfortable using industry-standard security software, like McAfee SIEM and FireEye CMS Practice debugging with OllyDbg and WinDbg Fluent in SQL, able to manage large datasets with Microsoft SQL Customer Service Resolve student tech issues in person and via phone, email, and text message Outgoing and friendly, regularly hosting meet & greet parties for incoming freshmen Part-time cashier experience at various fast-food restaurants
Download This Functional Resume Example
4. Emphasize your relevant entry level skills
When hiring for an entry level position, most employers assume you have little-to-no formal work experience in their industry.
But most employers do want you to have the knowledge to successfully handle your new responsibilities and quickly grow in your new role.
As a result, putting the right beginner skills on your resume often determines the success of your job application.
Best beginner skills to include on an entry level resume
The entry level skills that are most popular with employers tend to be transferable between industries and allow you to think critically and work well with others.
Consider both industry-specific skills and personality-related traits relevant to the job you are applying for.
Here are some entry level skills that you’re likely to see on a job ad in 2023:
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Computer skills
- Adaptability
- Conceptual skills
- Language skills
- Decision making
- Teamwork skills
- Time management skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Customer service skills
- Organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Basic graphic design (e.g., Canva, Figma)
- Photo editing software (e.g., Photoshop)
- Data skills
- Social media skills
Choosing the right beginner skills for your resume
Employers clearly state what kind of applicants they are looking for in the job ad. Read the job description, requirements, and responsibilities carefully and make a list of the skills they mention and the skills you think are necessary to perform well in the role. Use this list of skills as a guide when planning what to put on your resume.
5. Show your relevant experience
Employers have a strange understanding of the term “entry level job.” In a recent analysis of 3.8 million entry level positions on LinkedIn, 38.4% asked for at least three years of relevant work experience — with even greater demand in technical industries like software and IT services (60.3%) and manufacturing (50%).
But don’t worry, those figures don’t mean you’re locked out of your desired industry.
To write an entry level resume with no experience, fill your entry level resume with:
- volunteer work
- internships
- part-time jobs
- self-employed work (freelancing, contract gigs, and side businesses)
- extracurricular activities (clubs, sports teams, and student government)
- relevant coursework
- hobbies and interests
Here’s how to format part-time jobs and freelancing work as entries in your resume’s work experience section:
Video Editor (Freelance) Various Vendors, August 2021–Present Combine original, stock, and found footage to create videos for internet and television ads Accrued 100,000+ views on YouTube across 8 videos Reached Level 2 selling status on Fiverr within 4 months Cashier (Part-Time) Jack’s Grocery, June 2021–July 2022 Rang up and bagged groceries for 50+ customers daily, promoting weekly sales specials during each transaction Managed an average of $2,000 per shift Led all cashiers with a 99.7% customer satisfaction rating
Frequently asked questions about entry level resumes
Here are answers to three of the most common questions asked about entry level resumes:
- What is a good summary for an entry level resume?
- How do I professionally say I have no experience?
- What are entry level skills?
1. What is a good summary for an entry level resume?
If you’re writing an entry level resume, it’s best to write a resume objective, not a resume summary.
Great resume objectives are 2–4 sentences long and highlight your knowledge, skills, and any relevant experience you have, as well as outline your career goals for the employer.
2. How do I professionally say I have no experience?
Never say you have no experience on your resume. Employers are interested in what you can offer them, not what you lack.
If you have no formal work experience, focus on the hard skills you’ve obtained through study or other life experiences. It’s also a good idea to highlight your soft skills (also known as personal skills), as everyone develops soft skills throughout their lives.
If you can show the employer that you’re a well-rounded, hard-working individual with knowledge of their field or industry, they’re much more likely to consider you for an entry level position.
3. What are entry level skills?
Entry level skills are the skills and abilities you need for an entry level position. Naturally, entry level skills differ from job to job and can be hard or soft skills.
Some examples of entry level skills include:
- knowledge of a specific programming language
- strong writing skills
- attention to detail
- graphic design skills
More resources to help you get an entry level job
Here are more resources to assist you as you seek a rewarding new career:
- How long should a resume be?
- Best font for a resume
- How to size resume margins
- How to write a cover letter
- How to format a cover letter
- Interview tips
Click to rate this article
Related Articles
54+ Resume Objective Examples & Writing Help
October 20, 2022 | By Aaron Case, CPRW
How to Make a Resume for a Job in 2023
February 3, 2023 | By Conrad Benz
45+ Resume Summary Examples (& How to Write)
January 27, 2022 | By Conrad Benz
30+ Best Resume Tips to Help You Land a Job
August 18, 2022 | By Conrad Benz
112+ Job Skills for Your Resume: List & Examples
December 21, 2022 | By Corissa Peterson
The Best Resume Format in 2023
February 3, 2023 | By Ida Pettersson
- Resume Templates
February 4, 2023 | By Geoffrey Scott, CPRW
Resume Paper: 5+ Best Resume Paper Types
February 16, 2022 | By Nick Herschel
Resume Tools
- Resume Builder
- Resume Examples
- How to Make a Resume
- Resume Format
- Resume Summary Generator
- Resume Help
Cover Letter Tools
- Cover Letter Builder
- Cover Letter Templates
- Cover Letter Examples
- How to Write a Cover Letter
- Cover Letter Format
- Cover Letter Help
- What Is a CV?
- How to Write a CV
- CV Templates
- CV Examples
Career Tools
- Thank You Note Samples & Templates
- Resignation Letter Samples
- Letter of Recommendation Templates
- Business Letter Formats
- Career Advice
- Forgot Password
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- Accessibility
© 2023, Sonaga Tech Limited. All rights reserved
ResumeGenius.com is owned and operated by Sonaga Tech Limited, Hamilton, Zweigniederlassung Luzern with offices in Luzern Switzerland.
Resume Worded
- Resume Examples
50+ Entry Level Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2023
Writing your resume is the first step to landing your first job in a new industry. this guide will cover several examples of real resumes that helped people break into a new industry, whether it was their first job or if they changed careers..
Choose a category to browse Entry Level resumes
We've put together a number of free Entry Level resume templates that you can use. Choose a category depending on your field, or just scroll down to see all templates.
Entry Level Resumes
Entry level data analyst.
Entry Level Project Manager
Entry-Level Program Manager
Entry Level Business Analyst
Entry Level Product Manager
Entry Level Data Engineer
Entry Level Social Media Manager
Entry Level Software Engineer
Operations Associate (Entry Level Operations Manager)
Entry Level Scrum Master
Entry Level Web Developer
Entry Level Human Resources (HR)
Entry Level Bookkeeper
Entry Level Customer Service Representative
Entry Level Data Scientist
Entry Level Front End Developer
Entry Level Administrative Assistant
Entry Level Data Entry Analyst
Entry Level/Junior Financial Analyst
Entry-Level Business Development Manager
Entry Level Digital Marketing
Entry Level UX Designer
Entry Level Account Manager
Junior Graphic Designer
Entry Level Accountant
Junior Python Developer
Junior Full Stack Developer
Entry Level Full Stack Developer
Entry-Level Sales Associate
Entry Level Cyber Security Analyst
Entry Level Supply Chain Analyst
Entry Level Financial Advisor
Entry Level Electrical Engineer
Junior System Administrator
Entry Level Interior Designer
Entry Level Civil Engineer
Entry-Level Civil Engineer
Entry Level Legal Assistant
Entry Level QA (Quality Assurance) Tester
Junior Network Administrator
Entry Level Network Administrator
Junior Mechanical Engineer
Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer
Entry Level Network Engineer
Junior SQL Developer
Junior Data Scientist
Modern Two-Column
Entry-Level (Free)
Entry Level Communications
Junior Policy Analyst
Entry-Level Journalist
Junior Data Modeler
Entry-Level Copywriter
Junior Copywriter
Entry-Level Virtual Assistant
Entry-Level Recruiter
Junior Recruiter
Junior Data Analyst
Junior Project Manager
Junior C# Developer
Entry-Level Programmer
Junior Salesforce Administrator
Junior Business Analyst
Entry-Level IT Support Specialist
Regulatory Affairs Associate (Entry Level)
Junior Software Engineer
Entry-Level Loan Processor
Junior Scrum Master
Junior Web Developer
Junior ETL Developer
Junior Sharepoint Developer
Junior Art Director
Junior Software Developer
Entry Level Software Developer
Entry Level Industrial Engineer
Junior Hadoop Developer
Junior Front End Developer
Entry Level Audio Engineer
IT Help Desk (Entry Level)
Entry-Level Executive Assistant
Entry-Level Occupational Therapist
Entry-Level Product Owner
Junior Accountant
Junior Finance Executive
Entry-Level Technical Writer
Entry Level Biomedical Engineer
Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist
Entry-Level Attorney
Entry-Level Project Coordinator
Entry Level Environmental Science
Junior Cyber Security Analyst
Entry Level Research Assistant
Junior Lawyer
Entry-Level System Administrator
Junior Java Developer
Entry-Level Java Developer
Entry Level Brand Ambassador
Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer
Entry Level Real Estate Agent
Entry Level Dental Assistant
Entry Level Production Assistant
Entry Level Intelligence Analyst
Entry Level IT Auditor
Entry-Level Case Manager
Entry-Level SQL Developer
Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician
Entry Level Medical Coder
Architectural Intern/ Entry Level Architect
Entry Level Environmental Engineer
Entry Level Claims Adjuster
Entry-Level UX Researcher
Action Verbs For Entry Level Resumes
- Collaborated
- Established
How to use these action verbs?
When writing your resume, you should be using action verbs which effectively tell recruiters your role in specific accomplishments. As an entry-level or junior job seeker, you should focus on using action verbs that highlight your core soft skills like teamwork, communication, or initiative. Use action verbs like "Teamed", "Presented" or "Developed" to stress these skills. Additionally, refer to the resumes above for examples of how to put these skills into practice.
Entry Level Resume Guide
- Entry Level Action Verbs
- All Resume Examples
Download this template for free
Download this ats-compatible resume template in word or google docs format. edit it directly in google docs., access samples from top resumes, get inspired by real resume samples that helped candidates get into top companies., get a free resume review, get actionable steps to revamp your resume and land more interviews using our free ai-powered tool..
- Have an account? Sign in
E-mail Please enter a valid email address This email address hasn't been signed up yet, or it has already been signed up with Facebook or Google login.
Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number. It looks like your password is incorrect.
Remember me
Forgot your password?
Sign up to get access to Resume Worded's Career Coaching platform in less than 2 minutes
Name Please enter your name correctly
E-mail Remember to use a real email address that you have access to. You will need to confirm your email address before you get access to our features, so please enter it correctly. Please enter a valid email address, or another email address to sign up. We unfortunately can't accept that email domain right now. This email address has already been taken, or you've already signed up via Google or Facebook login. We currently are experiencing a very high server load so Email signup is currently disabled for the next 24 hours. Please sign up with Google or Facebook to continue! We apologize for the inconvenience!
Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number.
Receive resume templates, real resume samples, and updates monthly via email
By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Lost your password? Please enter the email address you used when you signed up. We'll send you a link to create a new password.
E-mail This email address either hasn't been signed up yet, or you signed up with Facebook or Google. This email address doesn't look valid.
Back to log-in
Impactful resources, insightful articles, personal reflections and ideas on the topics you care about
Featured Articles
Type your search here
Free Entry-Level Resume Templates: Complete Guide for 2023
- Featured In:
Table of Contents
Premium Entry-Level Resume Templates
Free entry-level resume templates.
- Entry-Level Resume-Writing Guide
- Build Your Resume with Our Online Tool
Here are more resources that can help you
- Chronological Resume Format
- Functional Resume Format
- Combination Resume Format
- Resume Styles
- Best Resume Template
- Professional Resume Template
- Basic Resume Template
- Simple Resume Template
- Creative Resume Template
- Portfolio Resume Template
- Infographic Resume Template
- Contemporary Resume Template
- Modern Resume Template
- ATS Resume Template
- One-Page Resume Template
- Google Docs Resume Template
- OpenOffice Resume Template
- CV Template
- Biodata Resume Template
- Pages Resume Template
- Writer Resume Template
- Student Resume Template
- High School Student Resume Template
- Internship Resume Template
- Entry Level Resume Template
- Massage Therapist Resume Template
- Medical Assistant Resume Template
- Cashier Resume Template
- BabySitter Resume Template
- Customer Service Template
- Attorney Resume Template
- Customer Service Representative Resume Template
- Teacher Resume Template
- Engineering Resume Template
- Nurse Resume Templates
- Personal Support Worker
- Federal Resume Template
- Latex Resume Template
- College Student Resume Template
- High School Graduate Resume Template
- Best Resume Builder
- How to Format a Resume
- How To Write A Resume
- Resume Skills
- Resume Objectives
- Resume Examples
- Resume with no Experience
Whether you have years of volunteer experience, are leaving an internship for your first full-time job, or are applying to your first job role, you’ll need a little advice to write the best entry-level resume. Here’s a detailed writing guide, downloadable templates, and a useful online tool to help you craft an interview-snagging resume.
Customer Service Representative Resume
Customer service manager resume, camp counselor resume, accounting assistant, internship resume sample 1, bare-bones minimalistic, shoe store cashier, entry-level customer representative, administrative assistan, dentist assistant entry level, recent college graduate, volunteer resume, how to write an entry-level resume.
You may have noticed that entry-level doesn’t always mean no experience: most entry-level job openings ask for three to five years of experience for openings. However, that experience can be pulled from both formal experience from previous jobs as well and practical experience pulled from schoolwork, volunteer work, internships, and extracurricular activities.
We’ll teach you how to format your resume to boost all of your experience, as well as how to tailor your personal experience to align with an open job position.
Choose the right format
Most resumes follow one of three common resume formats : chronological, functional and combination. These resumes differ because each showcase different aspects of your experience.
As an entry-level applicant, you’ll want to use a format that prioritizes your skills, training and certificates over your lack of formal experience. Your best options are one of the following two formats.
Functional resume: This is also known as a skills-based resume . This format features multiple sections dedicated to your general and specialized skills as well as your education, certifications, and job-related interests while reducing the amount of information related to your previous employment. This resume is best used for one-on-one opportunities from in-person job fairs or small businesses. Avoid using this format if you’re applying for online jobs. Each section will follow this page structure:
- Contact Information
- Professional summary
- Summary of qualifications
- General skills
- Technical/digital skills (Optional)
- Language skills (Optional)
- Work history
Combination resume: The combination resume is a marriage between functional and chronological resumes. Although this format only features one skills section, your skills sit above your formal experience section and are some of the first details employers learn about you. This format follows a traditional resume structure and is best for online applications that can scan and eliminate functional resumes. Each section will follow this page structure:
- Contact information
Alternate format:
Chronological resume: This format is the most used and recognized resume. Although it’s considered a resume standard, you should avoid using this for entry-level jobs. This format works best if you have over 10 years of experience and want to showcase promotions and steady career advancement. Its sections include:
Include the important sections
Contact information Thankfully, your contact information includes the same information regardless of what format or experience level for which you apply. This section will include the following mandatory and optional information:
- First and last name (mandatory): Mary Hloomsburg
- General location (mandatory): San Francisco Bay Area
- Phone number (mandatory): 555.555.1234
- Professional email (mandatory): [email protected]
- Professional website (optional): www.maryhloomsburgworks.com/portfolio)
- LinkedIn and/or professional social media handles (optional): www.linkedin.com/maryhloomsburgworks
Objective statement Although most resume writers recommend that you write a summary statement, where you explain how your former experience aligns with the open job needs and how you plan to utilize that experience and accomplishments to the potential employer’s benefit, an entry-level resume lets you use the traditional objective statement . An objective statement allows you to inform a potential employer what you hope to gain or accomplish if you are hired. As an entry-level applicant with minimal experience, you’re allowed to take this approach. For example, if you’re entering a marketing position after a few years of part-time retail experience, you can write:
“After years of retail customer service and offering localized fashion advice to frequent shoppers, I’m excited to learn how to expand and adapt my marketing experience for a national market. I hope to better understand global marketing trends and learn how to adapt my intimate understanding of our customer to a larger demographic.”
Experience Let’s continue with our retail associate looking for an entry-level marketing position. We’ll theorize that they have two years of store experience and three years of volunteer experience. Once you’re ready to write your work history section, you’ll format it in one of two ways, depending on the resume format you choose.
Work history for a functional resume: This section is simple and focuses on your job title, employer and place of employment, and general range of dates worked. Avoid talking about specific responsibilities related to each position –– you’ll dive into these details under your “Summary of Qualifications” section. Your work experience should follow this simple structure:
Cashier: Grain Goods Atlanta, GA. 2020 - Present
Fitting Room Attendant: Target Atlanta, GA 2020
Work history for a combination or chronological resume: This section follows the same structure for these two formats, but they’re placed in slightly different places. You’ll add your job title, employer and place of employment, dates of employment, daily responsibilities and accomplishments under each role. Follow this simple structure:
Cashier: Grain Goods Atlanta, GA May 2020 - Present
- Encourage customers to shop from our aisle add-ons during checkout
- Promoted store loyalty program and registered 12-15% of customers a day
- Rapidly learned the store’s POS program and increased average checkout time from 6 minutes a customer to 4 minutes.
- Sanitized station after every customer.
- Successfully added one or two items to every customer
Volunteer Salesperson: Kiwanis Club Atlanta, GA September 2018 - January 2020
- Supervise quarterly fundraiser
- Collect and manage cash payments
- Calculate and submit daily profits”
Education Your education follows the same structure across all three formats. Include your high school graduation information if that’s your highest degree, if you’re in the midst of pursuing an associate or bachelor degree, or if you’re pursuing work immediately after graduation.
Stonybrook High School May 2020, GPA 3.4
Skills Functional resumes differ from chronological and combination resumes by creating several skills sections based on the professional skills you want to highlight. As an entry-level applicant, you may want dedicated sections for “general skills,” “language skills” “digital skills,” or “social media skills.” Your skills section should feature about six to eight featured skills. If you add more than eight skills, you risk overcrowding this section and describing your strengths without the context of the work history or summary of qualifications. We researched and compiled a list of the most commonly requested skills in the job market to help you craft this section
- Strong communication skills
- Eager team player
- Process 20+ transactions per hour
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems training
- Positive mention on review sites
- Flexibility
- Positive attitude
Summary of qualifications This section is only found on functional resumes. A summary of qualifications is like a detailed skills report. You pick two or three skills most relevant to the open entry-level job for which you’re applying and lend credibility to them by listing relevant responsibilities and accomplishments related to those skills. For example:
Cash Handling
- Calculate and submit daily profitsRapidly learned the store’s POS program and increased average checkout time from 6 minutes per customer to 4 minutes.
- Sanitize station after every customer.
Customer Service
- Promote store loyalty program and registered 12-15% of customers a day
- Assist customers with finding the correct size and styles to boost self-confidence
- Quickly sort, fold, and process go-backs for return to the sales floor.
Add certifications to boost your resume
Although you may have limited practical experience, you can pursue specialized training and certifications that can strengthen an entry-level application. Here are some examples of additional training you can pursue to add to your entry-level resume:
First Aid Certificate: First Aid and CPR Certification via Red Cross Infant First and CPR Certification Emergency Medical Response Training via Red Cross State-Approved First Responder Course
Translation: Language certifications
Inventory: Forklift operator license Commercial Driver’s License, Class AB Commercial Driver’s License, Class C
Boost Your Resume With Our Online Tool
There’s no harm in finding additional help during the start of your career. If you have less than three years of experience, our Resume Builder can suggest specific resume templates to boost your skills and certifications along with pre-written experience suggestions to help you land your next job.
This simple layout features a traditional font and the clever use of section borders to help each section of your resume stand out.
This distinctive two-column resume template identifies your name and professional experience in a bold color and clean presentation.
A clever design that breaks each of your professional accomplishments into distinct sections while following a format that will pass applicant tracking systems.
The elegant initials, simple header and strategic use of bullet points in this template help keep your professional accomplishments well-organized.
The bold use of a colorblocked heading paired with an elegant resume layout helps your name and contact information stand out.
This structured design combines a two-column approach with bullet points to highlight your key accomplishments and professional history.
A traditional template uses a crisp combination of dark text and thin borders to radiate professionalism. Your name sits prominently above your professional history.
This template’s design features plenty of whitespace neatly divided by gray bars to make the information on your resume easy to read for employers.
This two-column resume conveys a very clear breakdown of its sections that allows a hiring manager to quickly scan your resume.
The subtle color accents in this template add visual pizzazz in a classy way, a great option for most traditional industries.
This resume’s modern design and bold use of color make it pop. Its uniqueness is well-suited to those seeking jobs in creative industries.
Everything about this template is assertive from the boxy layout to its all-caps heading text that gives the impression that you’re all about business.
The understated contact information at the top puts attention front and center on your professional summary, skills, work experience and education sections.
The subtle use of red alongside black gives this template a bold feel while still featuring plenty of white space to make it easy to read.
Entry-level FAQ
How should a teen make a resume for the first time.
If you’re a teen writing a resume for the first time, don’t worry. Most employers know that you may not have formal experience, but appreciate it if you can share practical experience related to time management, customer service, or leadership. Here are some examples of skills related to common job titles:
Babysitting siblings/neighbors
- Time management
- Food preparation
- Academic tutoring
After-school clubs
- Planned and managed fundraising events
- Cash handling
- Product delivery
- Leaderships skills developed as president/vp/secretary/treasurer
- Team-building skills
School sports
- Teamwork skills
- Collaborative skills
- Personal and academic balancing skills
How do you put skills on a resume if you haven’t graduated college yet?
Although you haven’t graduated from college yet, you have probably developed practical skills and experience that you can showcase on your resume. For example, you can feature all of the following high school coursework and extracurricular activities on your resume:
- Technical skill labs related to biology, chemistry or statistics
- Leadership role in clubs
- Resident advisor
- Part-time jobs
- Work study position
What is a good entry-level job?
A good entry-level job can vary depending on your interests and level of experience. If you’re looking for a white-collar job, you can identify an entry-level opening if it asks for three to five years of experience. This experience can include your college-era accomplishments.
If you’re looking for a blue-collar job, you can start with part-time and seasonal work that can extend to full-time work with enough experience and training. Here are some examples of entry-level jobs that you can pursue:
- Babysitting
- Camp counselor
Customer service
- Sales associate
Administration
- Receptionist
- Personal assistant
- Bank teller
Rate Our Templates
Gabriela Barcenas
Gaby is Hloom’s resident writer, a certified professional resume writer (CPRW), and a baking enthusiast. She likes to defend the use of the functional resume to her friends in HR. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a B.A. in English and Creative Writing and wrote about career growth, tech startups, education, fashion, travel and lifestyle culture throughout her career.
Similar Articles
Free Downloadable Resume Templates for 2023
At Hloom we offer 447 professional resume templates, resume writing help and our award-winning Re...
Modified Date: February 27, 2023
50+ Resume Examples to Speed Up Your 2023 Job Search
Six seconds. That’s the average amount of time that recruiters and hiring managers spend looking ...
100+ Free Cover Letter Templates
A great cover letter starts with an outstanding cover letter template. Hloom’s free cover letter ...
Modified Date: February 22, 2023
- Resume Examples
- Entry Level
Top Entry-Level Resume Examples for You to Use This Year
Just because you’re applying for an entry-level job doesn’t mean you should neglect your application. How can you write a strong entry-level resume?
OUR USERS HAVE BEEN HIRED BY
Table of Contents
Entry-Level Resume Examples
What should i highlight in an entry-level resume, the structure of an entry-level resume, do’s and don’ts for an entry-level resume, faq: entry-level resumes.
The term “entry-level” means any position where you typically don’t need a lot of work experience to get hired. However, that doesn’t mean an entry-level job will necessarily just accept anyone who applies. You still need to prove to a potential employer that you have what it takes to succeed. No matter what job you’re pursuing, if this is your first job, or you’re just changing careers, here’s what you should know about entry-level resumes.
- Look for keywords in the job description that spell out what the job is looking for. Resume keywords allow you to get through an applicant tracking system (ATS) and show off your professional resume.
- Use bullet points when you can, including for your skills list and details about past work experiences. It keeps things concise.
- Look at resume samples while writing your resume. It’s a great way to make sure your resume comes off as professional and effective.
- List your GPA. In general, hiring managers don’t care about your GPA, but if you received any honors for your academic work, you can list those.
- Have a resume longer than a single page. Especially for an entry-level job, there’s no reason to go overboard.
- List work history that’s completely irrelevant. If you’re planning to list a previous job, you need to connect it to the job that you’re applying for.
- Do I need to include a cover letter for an entry-level application?
- How do I proofread my entry-level resume?
- How do I change my entry-level resume to apply to different jobs?
Q: Do I need to include a cover letter for an entry-level application?
Yes. An entry-level cover letter gives you the chance to provide more details about all the talents you mention in your resume. Plus, it’s a good way to ask for a job interview, which makes the hiring manager more likely to give it to you.
Q: How do I proofread my entry-level resume?
Typos are the death of any resume, and this is even true in an entry-level resume. One option is to use ResumeHelp’s resume builder , which makes it easier for you to catch these problems before you send off the documents. Plus, the ResumeHelp resume builder offers expert tips that will improve your resume.
Q: How do I change my entry-level resume to apply to different jobs?
Resume keywords are important to keep in mind as you’re applying to different jobs. While you can use an entry-level resume example to generally understand how to structure your resume, you also need to highlight the specific skills a job description is looking for. This allows you to present the best side of yourself and get the interview.
Move your resume to the top of the yes pile!
We personalize your experience..
We use cookies in our website to ensure we give you the best experience, get to know our users and deliver better marketing. For this purpose, we may share the information collected with third parties. By clicking “Allow cookies” you give us your consent to use all cookies. If you prefer to manage your cookies click on the “Manage cookies” link below.
Manage Cookie Settings
Select which cookies you’d like to accept. Disabling cookies may negatively impact your experience on the site. For more information visit our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy .
Performance cookies allow us to gather statistical data on how the website is performing to make improvements. Web Analytics cookies allow us to gather information regarding how you access the Site, for how long you stay and what parts of the Site you have visited. These cookies don’t collect identifiable information from you, which means all the data is collected is anonymous and only used to improve the functionality of a website.
Marketing cookies allow us to gather information to display advertisements based on topics that are relevant to you, allowing us to send you tailored offers. They also allow our partners to display relevant advertisements based on your interests.
Functional cookies are essential for the Site to function properly. These cookies allow websites to remember the user’s site preferences and choices they make on the Site, including username, region, and language. They are anonymous and don’t track browsing activity across other websites. These cookies remember your preferences on our website.
Type above and press Enter to search.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
An entry-level position is a job that requires little or no experience and starts the employee out at an introductory level in the company. Although it is entry-level, that does not necessarily mean there are no prerequisites for the job. S...
Resume Format for Accountants. A resume that stands out from the crowd will help you land your next accounting job. Accountants' resumes should focus on professional experience and education and leave out hobbies and other personal informat...
If you fully invest yourself in your first sales job, it'll be a springboard for the rest of your career. All of HubSpot’s marketing, sales CRM, customer service, CMS, and operations software on one platform. Marketing automation software. ...
Best Entry-Level Resume Skills ("Soft" Skills). Leadership; Communication; Detail Oriented; Teamwork; Self Motivated; Honesty; Adaptability
How to write an entry-level resume · 1. Add a resume header · 2. Include a professional summary · 3. Discuss your educational qualifications · 4.
Use the reverse-chronological format on your first-time resume. Write a compelling beginner resume objective. Upgrade your entry-level resume by describing your
Entry-Level Job Seeking Tips · 1. Identify the purpose of your resume. · 2. Consider the addition of a branding statement that lets potential employers know right
Lead with your strengths on your entry-level recruiter resume. · Hiring managers understand that when you start your career, you won't have a ton
As an entry-level candidate, your resume should never be more than one page, but don't feel the need to add fluff to stretch it. Recruiters understand that you'
A good entry-level resume summary should be written in the form of an objective statement because candidates seeking entry-level work do not have the experience
Entry level resume template · 1. Resume Heading. FIRST AND LAST NAME · 2. Resume Title. [Job Title] With [# Years of Experience / Best Skills] · 3.
When writing your resume, you should be using action verbs which effectively tell recruiters your role in specific accomplishments. As an entry-level or junior
Most resumes follow one of three common resume formats: chronological, functional and combination. These resumes differ because each showcase different aspects
The structure of your resume will depend on which resume format you use. The three formats are chronological, which