Starting your job search without any work experience can feel overwhelming. You may be asking yourself: What do I even put on my resume? If you're fresh out of school or making a career switch, this guide will help you build a resume that highlights your potential—even if your professional experience is limited.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to write a beginner sample resume, provide a fully written realistic example, and share expert tips to help you stand out among other entry-level candidates.
Whether you're applying for retail jobs, internships, administrative positions, or customer service roles, this guide is tailored to help you make a strong first impression.
REALISTIC BEGINNER SAMPLE RESUME
Emma R. Taylor
123 Main Street, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: emma.taylor@email.com
Objective
Motivated and detail-oriented high school graduate seeking an entry-level administrative or customer service role. Eager to apply strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills in a team-oriented workplace. Quick learner with a positive attitude and a passion for delivering great customer experiences.
Education
Springfield High School, Springfield, IL
High School Diploma, May 2024
• GPA: 3.6/4.0
• Relevant Courses: Computer Applications, Business Communication, Office Technology
• Class Secretary – Student Council, 2023–2024
Skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Typing speed: 60 WPM
• Time management and organization
• Team collaboration and customer service mindset
Volunteer Experience
Springfield Community Library, Springfield, IL
Library Assistant Volunteer (January 2024 – May 2024)
• Assisted patrons with finding books and using public computers
• Helped organize events and workshops
• Maintained and shelved returned materials
Food Bank of Central Illinois, Springfield, IL
Volunteer Team Member (Summer 2023)
• Packed food boxes for families in need
• Assisted with inventory and deliveries
• Worked collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Achievements
• Completed a certified online course in “Customer Service Basics” – Coursera (March 2024)
• Won “Best Team Player” award at school volunteer program (2023)
References
Available upon request
RESUME WRITING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Lead with your strengths – Even if you don’t have job experience, highlight your academic achievements, volunteer work, and relevant skills.
Use an objective statement – Tailor it to show your enthusiasm and what you bring to the table.
Keep it simple and professional – Stick to a clean format and avoid over-designing your resume.
Include transferable skills – Soft skills like communication, organization, and reliability are valuable to any employer.
Volunteer work counts – Don’t underestimate the value of unpaid experiences. They show initiative and teamwork.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What should a beginner include on a resume with no experience?
Focus on education, skills, volunteer work, coursework, achievements, and a strong objective. Employers want to see your potential, not just past jobs.
2. How long should a beginner resume be?
Ideally one page. Keep it concise, relevant, and easy to read.
3. Should I include an objective or a summary?
For beginners, an objective works better. It shows your career goals and how you plan to contribute to the company.
4. Can I list online courses or certifications?
Absolutely! Relevant certifications (even free ones) show your initiative and help build credibility, especially when experience is limited.
Whether you’re applying for your first job out of high school or trying to land a part-time gig, a well-written beginner resume can help you get noticed. With the right structure, clear language, and a focus on your strengths, you can make a great first impression—even without formal work experience.
New grad nursing resume examples to help you land your first nursing job. Learn expert tips, see a realistic sample, and build a strong resume for healthcare roles.
New grad nurse resume examples that showcase skills, education, and clinical experience to impress healthcare employers and secure your first nursing position.
Mba resume format with expert tips and real sample for freshers and experienced candidates to showcase skills, education, and achievements effectively.
Certified nursing assistant resume examples with expert tips, tailored sample, and guidance to help you stand out and secure your dream CNA position easily.
Information technology resume template designed to help IT professionals stand out with expert tips, detailed examples, and formatting advice for job-winning results
Administration resume sample with expert tips to help you highlight organizational skills, office management expertise, and administrative achievements effectively.
Example of web developer resume with expert writing advice, realistic sample, and tips to help you stand out and land your dream web developer job
Example of resume executive summary that showcases your skills, achievements, and value to employers. Learn how to craft one with a realistic sample and expert tips.
Example of resume executive summary to help job seekers craft strong, concise profiles highlighting skills, achievements, and career goals effectively.
Government resume samples to help you create a strong, detailed, and targeted application for public sector jobs. Includes expert tips and a realistic sample resume.
Customer care representative resume sample with practical guidance, proven formats, and tailored examples to help you create a winning customer service resume.
Sample resume portfolio ideas to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements with impact. Learn how to design and structure a portfolio that gets noticed.
Job application format with resume that highlights skills, experience, and qualifications. Learn how to structure your resume for better hiring chances.
Resume format for lab technician in india with key sections, layout tips, and examples to create an ATS-friendly, professional resume tailored for Indian recruiters.
Web programmer resume example with detailed sample, tips, and expert advice to help you create a strong, interview-winning resume for programming roles.