Starting your career journey can feel overwhelming — especially when you don’t have much (or any) work experience to include on your resume. That’s exactly why finding and using high-quality entry level resume samples is so important. Whether you’re a recent graduate, switching industries, or applying for your very first job, the way you present your skills, education, and potential can make all the difference.
In this article, you’ll find a professionally written entry level resume sample designed to help you stand out, plus actionable advice and answers to common questions about entry-level resumes. Let’s jump in!
REALISTIC ENTRY LEVEL RESUME SAMPLE
DAVID TAYLOR
456 Maple Lane, Denver, CO 80205
Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: david.taylor@email.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Motivated and detail-oriented recent college graduate with a strong foundation in communication, teamwork, and time management. Adept at balancing multiple tasks while maintaining professionalism and a strong work ethic. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and grow within a forward-thinking company.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Graduation: May 2024
GPA: 3.6/4.0
KEY SKILLS
Verbal and Written Communication
Customer Service
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Team Collaboration
Time Management
Problem Solving
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Event Planning Committee Volunteer
University of Colorado Student Association — Boulder, CO
Jan 2023 – May 2024
Coordinated logistics for university events with up to 200 attendees
Managed vendor communications and on-site setup
Designed and distributed promotional materials, increasing turnout by 30%
PART-TIME WORK EXPERIENCE
Barista
Bean & Brew Coffeehouse — Boulder, CO
Sept 2022 – April 2024
Delivered fast, friendly service while handling high customer volume
Trained two new team members on POS system and customer service protocols
Maintained cleanliness and safety standards in line with company policy
CERTIFICATIONS
Google Career Certificate: Foundations of Project Management
CPR and First Aid Certified
ACTIVITIES & LEADERSHIP
Member, Public Speaking Club
Volunteer, Local Food Bank
TIPS FOR WRITING A STRONG ENTRY LEVEL RESUME
Focus on transferable skills – Even without full-time work experience, you likely have skills from school projects, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Highlight communication, time management, leadership, and teamwork.
Use a strong summary – A clear and concise summary at the top helps recruiters quickly see your enthusiasm and potential.
Tailor for the role – Don’t send the same resume everywhere. Customize it for each job by including relevant keywords and aligning with the job description.
Don’t ignore non-traditional experience – Internships, campus involvement, freelance gigs, and even personal projects show initiative and are valuable additions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What should I put on my resume if I have no work experience?
Focus on your education, skills, volunteer work, internships, and any school projects. Highlight your enthusiasm, ability to learn quickly, and relevant soft skills.
2. How long should an entry level resume be?
One page is ideal for an entry-level candidate. Keep it clean, concise, and focused on your most important qualifications.
3. Can I apply to jobs that require experience?
Yes! Many job listings overstate requirements. If you meet 70-80% of the qualifications and can demonstrate your ability to learn quickly, it’s worth applying.
4. Should I include a cover letter with an entry level resume?
Absolutely. A cover letter allows you to explain why you're a great fit and shows you’re serious about the position.
Final Thoughts
Creating a powerful resume when you’re just starting out is entirely possible — you just need the right guidance. Use the entry level resume samples above as a foundation, personalize it to reflect your own story, and apply confidently. Employers aren’t just looking for experience — they’re looking for potential, passion, and a willingness to grow. You’ve got this!
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.