What do I put on a resume for my first job if I've never worked?

Put your education, any extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, personal projects, and informal paid work like babysitting or lawn care. Include your skills and an objective stating what kind of job you're looking for.

How old do you have to be to have a resume?

There's no minimum age — many 14 and 15 year olds apply for their first job with a resume. A simple one-page document is appropriate at any age when you're applying for paid work.

What's the best first job to put on a resume?

Any job you hold is valuable resume experience. Retail, food service, lawn care, babysitting, and warehouse work all teach time management, customer service, and reliability — skills that benefit every future career.

Do I need a cover letter for my first job?

For many entry-level first jobs (retail, food service), a cover letter isn't required. But if you're applying for an office, internship, or professional role, a short cover letter expressing enthusiasm goes a long way.

First Job Resume Examples

Real examples of resumes that got candidates hired at top tech companies. Use these as inspiration for your own.

Senior First Job Resume

Experience-focused resume for senior-level First Job positions.

Jordan Smith

San Francisco, USA

(555) 012-3456

jordan.smith@example.com

Summary

Senior-level First Job with 5+ years of experience. Proven track record of leveraging Basic Computer Skills and Microsoft Word & Excel to drive operational efficiency and business growth.

Experience

Senior First Job

Global Tech Solutions

Mar 2021 – Present

New York, NY, USA

• Maintained excellent school attendance and a 3.5 GPA while managing a 10-hour weekly volunteer commitment. • Completed 60 volunteer hours at a local animal shelter, assisting with care, events, and community adoption drives. • Organized a school fundraiser that raised $800 for a local charity, coordinating 8 volunteers and managing ticket sales. • Developed strong customer interaction skills through 2 years of regular babysitting for 4 neighborhood families.

Intern

Creative Ventures Inc.

Jun 2018 – Feb 2021

Boston, MA, USA

• Completed a structured internship program, gaining hands-on experience in core business functions. • Collaborated with team members on research projects and data analysis tasks. • Demonstrated strong work ethic and eagerness to learn new skills.

Education

Bachelor of Arts

State University

Boston, MA, USA

Sep 2014 – May 2018

Skills

Technical

Basic Computer SkillsMicrosoft Word & ExcelCash Handling (if applicable)Customer Service BasicsWritten & Verbal CommunicationScheduling & Time ManagementReliabilityPositive AttitudeWillingness to LearnTeamworkPunctuality

Languages

English:Native Speaker

Spanish:Intermediate

Atlas

Aurora

BloomPremium

Why this resume works

Strong Results: highlights major achievements and leadership.
Strategic Focus: showcases high-level skills relevant to senior roles.
Professional Format: clean, professional layout suitable for executives.

Entry-Level First Job Resume

Skills-focused resume for junior or entry-level First Job roles.

Jordan Smith

San Francisco, USA

(555) 012-3456

jordan.smith@example.com

Summary

Result-oriented First Job with 0-2 years of experience. Proven track record of leveraging Basic Computer Skills and Microsoft Word & Excel to drive operational efficiency and business growth.

Experience

First Job

Global Tech Solutions

Mar 2021 – Present

New York, NY, USA

Education

Bachelor of Arts

State University

Boston, MA, USA

Sep 2014 – May 2018

Skills

Technical

Languages

English:Native Speaker

Spanish:Intermediate

Atlas

Aurora

BloomPremium

Why this resume works

Skills First: emphasizes training, education, and potential.
Modern Layout: vibrant, contemporary design that stands out.
Concise: perfect for those with 0-2 years of experience.

Career Changer First Job Resume

Hybrid-style resume for those transitioning into a First Job role.

Jordan Smith

San Francisco, USA

(555) 012-3456

jordan.smith@example.com

Summary

Adaptable professional with a strong background in my previous field, now transitioning into First Job. Leveraging Reliability and Positive Attitude to deliver results from day one. Quick learner committed to mastering Basic Computer Skills.

Experience

First Job

Global Tech Solutions

Mar 2021 – Present

New York, NY, USA

• Applying transferable skills from previous background to excel as a First Job. • Rapidly mastering Basic Computer Skills and applying it to core team projects. • Collaborating with the team to ensure all project goals are met efficiently.

Previous Field Professional

Creative Ventures Inc.

Jun 2018 – Feb 2021

Boston, MA, USA

• Successfully managed projects in a different industry, developing strong foundational skills. • Led cross-functional teams to achieve high-priority business outcomes.

Education

Bachelor of Arts

State University

Boston, MA, USA

Sep 2014 – May 2018

Skills

Technical

Languages

English:Native Speaker

Spanish:Intermediate

Atlas

Aurora

BloomPremium

Why this resume works

Transferable Skills: highlights experience from other fields that applies here.
Flexible Structure: balances diverse background with current goals.
Narrative Driven: tells a compelling story of career evolution.

Resume Guide

How to Write a First Job Resume

Writing a first job resume feels overwhelming when you believe you have nothing to put on it — but that's almost never true. School, sports, clubs, volunteering, babysitting, helping a family business, or even consistent household responsibilities all demonstrate skills employers value: reliability, teamwork, time management, and a willingness to work. Your first job resume is a starting point, not a masterpiece. The goal is to show a potential employer that you're responsible, available, and ready to learn.

1. Write a Simple, Honest Objective

For a first job, an objective statement at the top of your resume tells employers who you are and what you're looking for. Keep it to 2-3 sentences: state your age or grade level (optional), the type of job you're seeking, and one reason you'd be a good fit. Honesty about being a first-time worker is fine — employers who hire first-timers know what they're signing up for.

2. Treat Every Responsibility as Experience

Think broadly about what you've done: school clubs, sports, chores, volunteering, babysitting, helping a neighbor, participating in school projects. Any activity where you showed up consistently, worked with others, or completed a task responsibly is worth including. Write it as a brief experience entry with 1-2 sentences or bullet points describing what you did.

3. Ask a Teacher or Coach for a Reference

References are especially powerful for first-time job seekers because work history is limited. A teacher, coach, or community leader who can speak to your reliability and character carries significant weight with an employer. Ask them before listing them, explain the type of job you're applying for, and say thank you afterwards.

Top Skills for First Jobs

Hard Skills

Basic Computer SkillsMicrosoft Word & ExcelCash Handling (if applicable)Customer Service BasicsWritten & Verbal CommunicationScheduling & Time Management

Soft Skills

ReliabilityPositive AttitudeWillingness to LearnTeamworkPunctuality

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about writing a First Job resume.

Build a First Job Resume That Opens Doors

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Tailored for Entry-Level

Templates specifically designed to highlight the skills and certifications relevant to First Job positions.

ATS Optimized

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Start Your First Job Resume Check ATS score free

More Entry-Level Resume Examples

Part-Time Job

Win part-time roles with a focused resume that highlights your availability and relevant skills.

Scholarship Resume

Impress scholarship committees with a resume that showcases academic achievement and leadership.

Student Teacher

Showcase your practicum experience and teaching philosophy to land your first classroom position.

View All Entry-Level Examples

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