Building Your First Resume: What You Need to Know
4/10/2026
By Serena M.
Building your first resume is a daunting task to undertake, especially if you don’t have much work experience. I have great news for you: everyone starts somewhere, and you have more to offer than you think if you present it well.
You’ve Got More Experience Than You Think. Make Your Experiences Work For You
If you’ve never had a “real job,” this is okay! Think about other applicable things you’ve done: volunteer work, babysitting, mowing the neighbor’s lawn, sports, school clubs, and class projects all count as experience. Make a list of everything you’ve done and the skills you’ve gained from each experience. You’ll be surprised by how much you can use on your resume.
Keep It Simple and Clean
You want to keep your resume readable and no longer than one page. Stick to a simple template, clearly label sections, and include keywords from the job description for the position you’re applying to. Steer clear of Comic Sans and stick to professional fonts like Arial or Calibri.
Include your contact information, education, extracurriculars, work, volunteer experience, and relevant skills. Overall, my biggest tip for you is to keep your resume clean, simple, and straightforward. Avoid fancy graphics or images.
Focus on What You Can Do
Even if you don’t have much work experience, your skills section can shine! Include hard skills like social media, languages, and Microsoft Office, as well as soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Be honest, while still aligning your skills with what employers actually want.
Mention classes, certifications, or relevant online coursework you have completed. These show you're eager to learn.
Every Word Counts
When you’re writing your resume, use action verbs and specific details. Instead of "worked at summer camp," write "supervised 23 children during daily activities and managed outdoor recreation programs." There are lots of helpful tools, like Claude AI, that can help you with writing and formatting these types of action items.
Keep your item descriptions short and action-focused. Employers will spend less than 30 seconds scanning resumes, so it is your job to make your strengths jump off the page at them.
Create a Master Resume First
Here's a tip that is a serious game-changer. Create a master resume documenting everything you've ever done: every job, volunteer position, club, skill, project, and accomplishment. Don't worry about the length of your master resume. This resume will become a reference document.
When it comes time for you to apply for jobs, think about the job description for each position and pull the most relevant experiences from your master resume to create a tailored one-page version of your resume that is perfectly customized to the specific job position. If you start this habit early, you’ll never forget important accomplishments and experiences.
Tailor Your Resume to Each Job
Customize your resume to fit each job description. If a retail job mentions customer service, highlight people skills. Some employers use AI to scan resumes, and when you’ve included keywords directly from the job description, this will allow you to be chosen over other candidates by the software.
Proofread, Then Proofread Again
Spelling and grammar on your resume can sometimes make or break your application. Read your resume aloud, use spellcheck, and have someone you trust review it. Having even one typo can make you look careless.
As you build your first resume, remember, it doesn't need to be perfect, but it should be honest, clean, and show why you'd be a great addition to your target company’s team. You've got this!
About the Author: My name is Serena. I am a transition-aged youth in Northeast Ohio who is learning how to navigate adulthood one step at a time alongside all of you. I have faced my fair share of challenges, but I have learned from each experience. I want to share how I see the world, advocate for myself, and keep moving forward. My story is still being written, and it’s rooted in growth, resilience, and figuring things out as I go.