Ask the Experts:
Even Entry Level Candidates Have Experience

Question:

Many resume experts advise you to include information on your resume to prove to a potential employer that you can do the work for which they're hiring, but what if you're an entry level candidate and don't have any experience?

First Answer:

Part of convincing an employer that you're worth hiring is to show creativity, confidence, and initiative. If you have NEVER done any paid work and haven't any experience in the field you're trying to enter, think harder about what kinds of life experience you've had, and play those up. A functional resume where you show skill sets instead of specific job duties will work best for you.

Not sure how to start? Have you ever taken the lead on a school project (shows coordination and management ability)? Have you done babysitting or taken care of a younger sibling (shows you can handle responsibility)? Do you volunteer in your community (shows responsibility and the ability to reach out and work with others)? Are you into sports? Hobbies? Crafts?

Think about all the skills you have used in THOSE areas that might relate, if only peripherally, to the job duties you might be taking on. If you can't find out where your own strengths are, who will?

-- Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column

Second Answer:

If you have no actual job experience, you need to think in terms of what else you've done that will prove to a prospective employer that you can do the work for which they employer is hiring. Determine the skills needed for the job you seek (usually by studying an ad or job description for the job), and identify everything you've done to demonstrate those skills. The skills you've used that match the skills the employer seeks are called transferable or applicable skills, and they do not have to come from work experience. Experience is experience; it doesn't matter if it's unpaid experience. Consider experience and skills gained from:

• Internships
• Summer jobs
• Campus jobs (work-study)
• Entrepreneurial/self-employed jobs
• Temporary work
• Volunteer Work: school, church, club, not-for-profit organizations
• Research papers/projects
• Certification courses
• Campus activity positions
• Fraternity/sorority/social club positions
• Extracurricular or sports leadership positions

Classroom projects and sports can be especially good fodder for portraying transferable skills.

Among the skills most valued by employers are the ability to learn quickly, teamwork skills, problem-solving talents, leadership, drive, initiative, ambition, and communication skills. How have you demonstrated these skills throughout your college activities?

For more about transferable skills, see the Transferable Skills section of Quintessential Careers. Also check out a section of a cover letter tutorial that can also apply to resumes.

-- Katharine Hansen, former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for the Web site, Quintessential Careers, edits QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for jobseekers, and prepares job-search correspondence as chief writer for Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters

Third Answer:

You have received some sound resume writing advice. Since the only way to decide whether to proceed with a candidate is the information provided on the resume, you really do need to use this as the tool to "prove your worth."

For entry level candidates, it is appropriate to list relevant classes, research, and projects that you feel qualify you for the position you are applying. What about your extra curricular activities - these can but don't have to be relevant to your field. Did you have any part-time work, any volunteer work, belong to any community organizations? All of these are avenues for you to demonstrate to a potential employer your character, determination, willingness to be involved, level of commitment and responsibility. For example, holding down a paper route for an extended period of time shows on a daily basis you were able to get a job done regardless of weather, illness or any other obstacles - all great qualities that a future employee should have.

The career placement office in my alma mater had samples of entry level resumes as well as an advisor to provide guidance - have you tapped into this resource yet? Remember that your resume, cover letter and objective statement are all part of your entry ticket to the interview. Focus on your strengths, knowledge and what you have to offer the company and you'll do great!

If you are still wondering, work with a professional coach who can guide you through the process easier and faster. I am offering a 20% discount on one month of coaching to anyone who mentions this article.

-- Janine A. Schindler, Professional Coach and owner of the Jas Coaching Company

Career Videos

Featured Employers