Many college graduates have a difficult time drafting their first resume out of college. Simply put: if you’re a college graduate, you don’t have much work experience. Perhaps you spent your free time with extra-curricular activities or clubs. Or you might have been devoting more time to your studies than anything else.
Nowadays, employers are looking for potential employees who have a 4-year degree and an additional 2+ years of relevant work experience. If you don’t have a master’s degree, this work experience is not optional. However, there are ways to market yourself if you don’t have work experience.
Below are some tips on how to market yourself when you have no relevant work experience. There’s an employer for every job seeker, but properly marketing yourself will better help you find the right fit.
Focus on Education
Since you might not have any significant work experience, focus on your grades and extra-curricular activities during college. Highlight class projects and studies that showcase your writing and presentation skills. Include any and all rewards or recognitions you received through the years.
If your GPA in college was ever above 3.0, include it. Even if it was for a few semesters, it’s important to emphasize this because you either made the Dean’s List or received some recognition for it.
Volunteer Work
Volunteering absolutely qualifies as work, and can be added to the “Work Experience” section of your resume. Employers see community service as a sign of maturity. By choosing to work with your community, you are demonstrating that you are self-motivated. If you have no volunteer experience, consider trying it while you are looking for work.
Treat volunteer positions just like previous work experience. Include a title, job description, training, and your personal contribution to the organization. Add quantifiable results: the amount of money you raised, number of people you assisted, etc. In a text resume, numbers temporarily stop the eye and emphasizes the value of experience.
Change Your Resume Format
If your resume still looks thin after you expand your education and volunteer experience, consider changing the format. For example, if a functional or chronological format doesn’t give you enough substance, try a hybrid format: it combines elements from both styles. Many employers find the functional resume a bit unclear because the relationship between skills and experience is sometimes absent.
A page-long resume is perfectly acceptable as long as you fill it with relevant information. If you’re still displeased with your CV, a quick search for resume tips should help you solve any problems. The Internet has a wealth of information about resume writing.
Take a Professional Headshot
This is a piece of advice I received from an instructor in college who worked for CNN. She recommended using a professional headshot as opposed to a webcam shot or a Facebook photo from a night out. This way, employers see that you took the extra step to look professional. You can usually save money by finding coupons and deals on photo packages at your local department store.
Start a Website
Once you have your professional headshot, get a domain name. Having a website is a more professional complement to your standard social media accounts. Not only does this show employers that you have initiative, it shows that you are tech-savvy, something that is becoming more critical in the job market.
Starting your personal website won’t run you very much per year. Most hosting sites offer tutorials and support if you get confused. The front page should have your photo along with an objective statement that will be relevant to any job you apply for. A separate page should be dedicated to your resume and qualifications. If you have any work published online, include these links. Also include recommendations.
Marie Ortiz is a social media manager by day and blogger by night. She uses her writing and marketing talents to help small businesses grow their brand. She is currently a staff writer for DIYMother.org. When she’s not hanging out with her two daughters, you can find Marie volunteering at the local food bank.
