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Crafting the Perfect Resume… When You’ve Never Had a Job

Published: Aug 08, 2012

There are plenty of resume-writing tips out there for those of us with experience in our fields—using action verbs, formatting in an attractive and easy to read manner, highlighting only relevant employment. But how do you go about creating a resume that doesn’t look empty when you’ve been a full-time student your whole life?

First, the bad news: even recent graduates are expected to fill up a page with relevant experience. But here’s the good news: “relevant experience” is a much broader category for an entry-level position than for a more senior role. Many of the activities you’ve participated in and interests you’ve developed—even while in school—are appropriate to include. Here are some of the things you can include on your resume when you’re just starting out:

Academic achievements.  List any academic recognition you’ve received in your education section, under the school to which it is relevant. This includes receiving honors and making the dean’s list, but it could also include receiving the highest grade in your English Literature class or getting all A’s within your major. If you’ve done an independent project with a teacher or professor, you should list that as well.

Relevant coursework. Don’t assume that the person reading your application package will be poring over your transcript. List out classes you’ve taken that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing job, include any communications, English and public speaking classes.

Clubs. If you were a member—or better yet, an officer—of your school’s photography club, fraternity or sorority, or French club, hiring managers want to know about it. Even if the subject matter of the club has nothing to do with the job in question, any kind of consistent involvement shows responsibility and commitment. Make sure to include any responsibilities you had as a member, such as organizing weekly meetings or maintaining the group’s website.

Sports and musical instruments. Similarly, playing a sport or instrument throughout school demonstrates hard work and dedication. It doesn’t matter whether you were team captain, All-American or first chair (although that certainly wouldn’t hurt)—simply keeping up with this kind of activity on top of your school work says a lot about your work ethic and personality.

Volunteer work. While it’s preferable to show a long-term commitment to a cause or organization, virtually any kind of volunteer work is appropriate to list on a resume. Did you pass out water at your city’s marathon or work at a food bank over Thanksgiving? Employers like to see a commitment to the community.

Languages. Proficiency in another language is always appropriate to include in your resume. Just don’t overstate your fluency—you never know what languages your interviewer might speak!

Computer skills. Awesome at Excel? Know HTML? Great with InDesign? You’d be surprised at how valuable these skills are to many employers.

Any kind of employment at all. Sure, you’ve never had a full-time job. But working while going to school—as a camp counselor, waiter, babysitter or grocery store stocker—is extremely impressive and can set you apart as a candidate with “real world” experience.

Activities and interests. What do you do in your free time? (Hopefully, the answer to this is not just “watch Law and Order reruns.”) If you take dance classes or have an affinity for foreign films, add these activities to your “Interests” section. Besides adding a little more bulk to your resume, this section helps individualize you among hundreds of candidates.

What else have you included in your resume? Let us know in the comments!

Articles to grow your career

How to Create Your Resume If You’ve Never Worked in IT Field Before

Think about the format before getting started, compose yourself before writing, understand the job description, create a summary statement section on the top of the resume, let the recruiters know you have the right skills for the job, think about relevant experiences, proofread your resume, final thoughts.

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, an immigrant, unhappy with your job, unemployed, or a student, you probably want to apply for your first job in a new field.

However, you will have to create a resume to show your worth to your potential employer. This is not easy, especially if you have never worked in IT before.

Luckily, it is still possible to land your first opportunity in IT if you highlight your skills on your resume. So, keep reading to discover what you should put on your resume if you have never worked in IT before.

When creating your resume, you can choose to use the chronological, functional, or combination format. The chronological format highlights your previous work experience and displays it in reverse order to your potential employers.

On the other hand, the functional format highlights your skills and abilities. In this case, the functional structure is perfect since it will highlight your worth to potential employers.

According to the Ladders Eyetracking Study , employers only spend about 7.4 seconds on one resume. Most of them focus on job titles and skills. The study also revealed that applicants who had well-structured resumes had a higher chance of landing the job.

With that in mind, you should always take the time to prepare before writing. Think about your skills and abilities and highlight them in your resume.

You should take the time to understand the job description before creating your resume. While you are at it, check what the employer is looking for, including required skills, education, and experience.

Now, think about your qualifications and highlight them on your resume. Keep in mind that you are likely to get the job if you let the employer know that you have what it takes to do the job.

Recruiters don’t spend so much time checking your resume. That is why you should strive to let them know that you are the right candidate for the job on the top of your resume.

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Writing a summary statement to describe your abilities and skills will go a long way towards convincing the recruiters that you are the perfect candidate for the job. Remember to keep it short and sweet.

Since you have never worked in that industry before, it is vital to highlight your skills. Check the type of skills the recruiter is looking for in the job description. Now, highlight the skills you have gained through school, hobbies, and extracurricular activities to prove to the recruiters that you have what it takes to succeed.

You might not have worked in that industry before, but the chances are that you have other relevant experiences. You could have gained such experiences through extracurricular activities, hobbies, internships, or volunteer work. Highlight these experiences in your resume.

Finally, go through your resume and correct grammar and spelling mistakes before dropping your application.

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How to Write a Resume when You Have No Work Experience

Last Updated: July 14, 2020 References

This article was co-authored by Kent Lee . Kent Lee is a Career and Executive Coach and the Founder of the Perfect Resume, a career development services company based in Phoenix, Arizona. Kent specializes in creating customized resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters, and thank you letters. Kent has over 15 years of career coaching and consulting experience. Previously, he has worked as a Career Consultant for Yahoo and has worked with thousands of clients including Fortune 500 executives from around the world. His work and career advice have been featured in ABC, NBC, CBS, Yahoo, Career Builder, and Monster.com. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 186,279 times.

In a tough job market it can be hard to find employment even with ample experience. Do not despair though, it is possible to write a strong resume without a long track record. Everyone has to start somewhere. Employers look for more than just work experience when reviewing resumes, and what you have on yours can land you that dream job.

Developing a Strategy

• Consider searching postings for similar jobs. These might have alternative qualifications and skills that would be useful and could be highlighted in your resume.
• Research the history and activities of the company to discern what unlisted skill sets might be important.
• Usually the job posting will include buzz words that can be hard to decipher. Think long and hard about what they mean and frame your resume to highlight these skills. If, for example, the ad asks for good communication skills, list experience writing, speaking, and coordinating activities with coworkers. If it calls for you to be "results oriented," focus on accomplishments and specific projects that you have completed. [3] X Research source

• In your cover letter you should try to show why not having work experience is an asset, not a liability. Maybe you are young and ambitious. Perhaps you are coming from a different perspective that would help you approach the subject in a creative way.

• Make sure that everything is in the same font, that you include clear headings and that items like dates are consistently located in the same place on the page. Employers spend thirty seconds on average reviewing each resume. You should clearly highlight relevant information so that it will be obvious even to someone making a quick survey. [5] X Research source
• You will also want to organize some parts of your resume differently than someone with experience would. The most important selling points should come at the beginning of your resume where they will be most noticeable. Normally, you would highlight your job experience. In your case, however, you will want to focus on skills or objectives, placing these ahead of experience.
• Monster.com posts sample resumes by field, so that you can see how people in similar fields have crafted their resumes. On the other hand, Business Insider has a superb example of what a resume for a new entry into the workforce should look like.

Rearranging the Resume

• Tailor your objective statement to the job you are applying for and use it to convey your qualifications even as you write about your goals: "Motivated and empathetic student of childhood development eager to enter the field of early childhood education. Interested in using communication skills and understanding of psychology to provide children with a firm foundation for their intellectual and emotional development in a fashion consistent with the reputation of a distinguished institution of learning." [7] X Research source

• Consider including sections like “Relevant College Coursework” and “Achievements and Awards.” In relevant college coursework, list only classes you took that have direct bearing on the job. You do not need to list individual grades for courses.

• In describing your skill you can discuss experience, including how you have exercised that skill in school, clubs, or your personal life. Or, if for example you are computer savvy and have experience with social media, discuss the media platforms you are familiar with or the computer programs you can use.
• The skills section allows you to discuss experience you’ve had that would look flimsy in a section like “Work Experience.” You can say that you know about databases because you used them for a particularly large school project or that you have experience advertising via social media from running your own blog.
• List languages that you are fluent in.

• Standard page margins of approximately one inch are typically best. If you do want to stand out and are struggling to fit all of your experience onto one page, you can consider 0.63 inch margins.
• Times New Roman, 11 point font, is a good standard.
• Use good, thick, white paper, 20-25 bond.
• The only acceptable symbols to put on a resume are line breaks and bullet points. Avoid emoticons, emoji, and other unprofessional symbols.

Expert Q&A

• Don't be afraid to try lots of places. Even if one doesn't hire you, you'll still have the rest. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Always stay upbeat. Even if you're nervous, employers like to see motivated, confident workers. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't get discouraged if you don't get the job. Just try some other places, and once you have more experience under your belt, come back and try again. Thanks Helpful 43 Not Helpful 2

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• ↑ Kent Lee. Career & Executive Coach. Expert Interview. 2 April 2020.
• ↑ http://www.inc.com/alison-green/why-don-t-job-ads-list-the-real-qualifications-the-employer-wants.html
• ↑ http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/03/15/8-job-posting-buzzwords-explained/
• ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2014/11/13/what-to-put-on-your-resume-when-you-have-no-relevant-work-experience/
• ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/resume-for-job-seeker-with-no-experience-2014-7
• ↑ http://www.livecareer.com/resume-tips/how-to/write-your-first-resume/how-to-write-a-resume-when-you-have-no-work-experience
• ↑ http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/resume-objective-statements-catch-managers-eyes
• ↑ http://www.livecareer.com/career-tips/resumes/no-experience-resume

About this article

To write a resume without any work experience, focus on your academic achievements instead, like any diplomas you've earned, relevant courses you've taken, or awards you've received. Put this information near the top of your resume so it's one of the first things people see. Then, add a skills section under it that emphasizes any relevant skills or expertise you have that would help you with the job. Remember to use a simple 12 point font and limit your resume to 1 page so it looks professional. To learn how to write a cover letter without work experience, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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What to Put on a Resume When You’ve Never Worked a Job in Your Life

A resume. That one piece of paper that everyone needs but dreads crafting. This becomes especially terrifying when you realize that you’ve never had an actual job . Thoughts such as, “my resume will look so blank” and “no one will ever hire me” begin filling your brain. But don’t start hyperventilating just yet.

This guide lays out the necessary steps to writing a kickass resume without any work experience.

Where do you even begin.

Throughout life, students’ heads have become filled with that one statement: “to get a job you must have work experience.” But what about the kids that have poured themselves into sports or schoolwork? Remember, work experience doesn ’ t always make you qualified , so try to find which experiences make you a good fit for the job. To get in the door, you have to start somewhere. Before you even begin typing up your resume, you need to take a few steps back and get to know yourself. Time to do a little self-discovery and get you that job.

1. Assess your strengths

Think back on the experiences and opportunities that have helped you develop certain strengths . Through volunteer work you might have displayed your leadership, organizational skills and quality of character. Just as beneficial, participating in clubs on campus shows time management. Really dig into how you have spent your time over the years. “Often students are aware of their weaknesses, shortcomings or challenges which may be a barrier to pursuing certain positions. We may delve into brainstorming ways to communicate these weaknesses or ways to overcome them,” said Linda Whited, career coach for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Wake Forest University. Figuring out these strengths can match you with many different career fields you may not have even considered.

2. Figure out your interests

Resumes can differ in information depending on the job that you want to apply for. To craft the perfect resume, explore whichever industry that you want to work in. Along with assessing your strengths, figuring out your skill sets narrows down which jobs to apply for. You can make a comparison analysis of your skills geared towards particular jobs. To start, just set up two columns. On one side, list the requirements and skills that the job asks for; on the other side, figure out and list any volunteering, course work or internships that match each area of the job. Think about what you enjoy and fit your resume to match that.

3. Try a starter resume

Containing your highlights and a four to five sentence profile, the starter establishes what makes you different from everyone else. To capture interest, make a basic layout of your strengths and interests. “It is very hard to create a resume when you don’t have anything to put on it. So for the people that you are about to go out and meet and network with, instead of handing them an inferior resume, hand them a resume of who you are, what goals you have and what you have done,” said Brooke Thomas, Wake Forest Assistant Director of Student Athlete Development. You don ’ t want to beat around the bush on your resume, so find a list of adjectives that describe you and highlight the ones that stand the best. Once you finish, use them to start your sentences. With these sentences, your future employer can’t say no.

You’re Ready to Start Writing

You have figured out your strengths and where you would like to apply, so now the resume must take shape. Even though resumes have some differences here and there as you get older, these core factors serve as a common structure. As difficult as bragging about yourself may seem, embrace this process and have fun crafting what makes you great.

• Layout the strengths that you can bring to their organization (three to five bullet points). This can include what makes you unique and separates you from the rest
• Build out your volunteer and or leadership activities to form your “experience” section with two to three activities that have two to four bullet points. These activities show that you can work as a team and that you want to take part in something bigger than yourself.
• Include your educational background or current schooling. You can include making the dean’s list, receiving other academic honors or relevant coursework.
• Include additional skills such as a second language and different software or technology proficiencies . Shoot for a list of six to eight things at the bottom.
• Still needing space to fill? Include a highlights section at the top. “Add a quick two to four sentences about who you are because that is the first thing the employer is going to see. Fill space with value , not just random stuff that will lose your reader,” said Ashley Wechter, Assistant AD, Student Athlete Development. This can take your resume to the next level.

Honest vs. Too Honest

Trying to get a job brings a lot of stress but, remember, you must not lie to yourself. You have to truly believe in what you put on your resume because employers can spot fluff words. “If you know the reason they shouldn’t employ you then you shouldn’t be applying to this company just as a matter of being honest to yourself,” Dr. George Lunsford, life and career coach said. You can save time and avoid rejection heartache by honestly looking at your flaws. Spend time working on the areas that you know must improve while continuing to move forward.

Now That You’re in the Door, What Happens Next?

Congratulations, you’ve crafted the perfect resume that showcases your strengths and got the interview. At the end of the day, that piece of paper serves as an access ticket into a job or internship . Now it comes down to how you present yourself and support what you wrote. Remember that a resume does not get you the job, so speak clearly on what you have written and bring the experiences to life. Believe in your strengths and what you have accomplished so that you can articulate these things with passion. The confidence you have in the words that you penned, makes your resume that much more powerful. And don’t forget: as you begin to take the corporate world by storm, continue to update your resume. The time has come to go out there, write that resume and get that job (and check out all you need to know about landing that internship here ).

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Do You Need a Resume for Your First Job?

How to write a resume with no experience: 5 steps, writing a resume with no work experience tips, writing a resume with no work experience: the bottom line, how to write a resume with no work experience.

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Table of Contents

Knowing how to write a resume when you don’t have any work experience can be confusing and even frustrating. How are you supposed to fill a whole page if you’ve never had a job to begin with? Why do you need work experience to get work experience? Luckily, not all hope is lost — even if you’ve never stepped foot in an office or had an official manager.

So, how do you write a resume with no work experience? Here’s a step-by-step guide that will showcase your skills and wow employers with your potential, without any work experience needed.

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Yes, generally you need a resume to apply for and get any job, including your first one. Your resume for your first job will look different from your resume once you’ve had multiple years of work experience, and that’s OK.

Your resume for your first job will include non-work experiences, such as internships, volunteering, and extracurriculars. It will likely also focus on your education and any courses you took or projects you worked on. This is because your education is a key indicator of your skills at this point in time.

Once you’ve worked for a few years, you’ll naturally start focusing your resume more on your work experiences and less on non-work experiences and your education. 

You know you need a resume for your first job — so how do you write one? You’ll need to write to the job description and highlight experiences that have bolstered your skills.

1. Pull From the Job Description

Every resume you submit should be tailored for the job description you’re applying to. This is especially important when you’re first starting out and may be applying to different types of roles. For example, you don’t want to have one resume that simply pulls every single experience, from your tech programming skills to your creative writing. Instead, you may have different versions of your resume depending on the type of role you’re applying for.

Before you even pull up your Google doc, resume template, or whatever program you’re using to write your resume , look at the job description. You’ll want to focus on three things:

• Relevant experience the employer’s looking for
• Hard and soft skills the employer’s looking for
• Any education or certification the employer’s looking for

These three elements will likely be sprinkled throughout the job description, both in the main description of the role and responsibilities, and in the “qualifications” section where the employer outlines what kind of experience they’re looking for.

Once you’ve identified these three things, you’ll better understand what types of experiences and skills you should prioritize on your resume. For example, suppose you’re applying for a software engineering position at a gaming company. The company might say it’s looking for someone with programming skills . In that case, you might want to prioritize adding the gaming project you worked on in class to your resume instead of the writing skills you picked up working for the school newspaper. 

The job description is a preliminary set of guidelines for how you should approach your resume. However, this doesn’t mean you need to have every single experience, skill, and education requirement they’re looking for. You can still apply for — and land — the job even if you only have most (not all) of the requirements. 

Use each job description as a starting point. Then, you can draft your resume by finding the overlaps between what the hiring manager is looking for and what experiences you have.

2. Include Your Education

When you don’t have any work experience, your education can be a helpful indicator of what skills you’ve built and where your knowledge lies. For example, if you want to be a software engineer , showing that you majored in computer science and sharing relevant coursework can help a hiring manager understand the technical skills you have.

In your education section, you should include:

• School details: Include the name of your school, your major, and your expected graduation date (or your graduation date if you’ve already graduated).
• GPA: You should include your GPA on your resume if the employer asks for it. If they don’t, you should still include it if you’re been out of school for fewer than three years and if your GPA is higher than a 3.5.
• Honors and awards: If you’re received any specific honors or awards, list them under this section. 
• Relevant coursework: Share the names of classes you’ve taken that relate to the job description, especially if they indicate that you’ve learned specific skills the hiring manager is looking for. For example, if the company is looking for someone with proficiency in another language and you took Spanish classes in college, add the name of the highest level course on your resume.
• School projects: School projects that relate to the job description can be a great way to show you’ve had hands-on experience. You can list this in your education section. If you have multiple projects you want to highlight, you can make a separate “projects” section.

3. Include Any Experience You Already Have

I know, but you’re reading this article because you don’t have any experience! Yet just because you don’t have professional work experience doesn’t mean you don’t have relevant experience. Other types of experience you can include on your resume include:

• Internships (both virtual and in-person): Internships are any short-term experiences where you’ve done entry-level work for a specific company. You should name the company you worked for, achievements you had in that role, and any skills you learned — especially workplace soft skills like teamwork , communication , and collaboration . 
• Externships : Externships are short programs where you shadow a professional in the workplace. While you may not have as direct an impact as you might in an internship, try to quantify what you learned and include any hard or soft skills you learned along the way.
• Job shadowing : Like an externship, job shadowing typically involves more following and observing a professional than completing work-based tasks. However, job shadowing still shows initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn — which is crucial to show on an entry-level resume!
• Extracurriculars, like school clubs and sports teams: Even though extracurricular activities are often fun things you participate in during your free time, they demonstrate a commitment to your interests and skills. They’re also a great way to show off your soft skills; for example, if you were the captain of your club basketball team, that shows leadership . 
• Volunteer positions: Volunteering not only shows potential hands-on experience you’ve had, but also your ability to engage with other people, help your community, and work for causes you care about.
• Part-time jobs: Jobs like babysitting, lifeguarding, and being a hostess are all incredibly valuable work experiences that can show your dedication and responsibility. Pull out transferable skills that relate to the job you’re applying for now. For example, you may have picked up great customer service skills while you were a hostess, which can translate well to client work in client-facing roles.
• Independent projects: If you’ve sought out projects on your own, whether that’s designing posters for a friend’s event or doing some independent coding work, you can add this to your resume, too. This shows dedication, drive, and commitment.

If the experience is relevant to what the employer’s looking for, it’s OK to include it, even if it’s not a traditional work experience.

How to Include Non-Professional Experience on Your Resume

Now you know that you can include non-professional experience on your resume — how do you actually write a resume with no work experience? For each experience, you’ll want to include your position, where you worked, and when you did it. 

Then, you’ll write a few clear bullet points that explain what you did in that position. For each section, aim to:

• Use strong action verbs that communicate how you contributed
• Show your quantifiable impact by using numbers
• Include any hard or soft skills you used (more on skills in the next section!)

For example, maybe you worked at a local ice cream shop over the summer and decided to revamp the business’ Instagram. Now, you’re applying for a marketing position that’s looking for candidates with a design background. You can include your social media experience and focus on the images you posted to market the business. 

• Increased brand awareness by 300% by refreshing and redesigning the business’ Instagram 
• Boosted likes and comment engagement by 200% by creating five unique graphics weekly 

In this example, we used strong action verbs like “increased” and “boosted,” showed quantifiable impact by including how much reach the Instagram posts got compared to before, and demonstrated social media and graphic design skills.

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4. Show Off Your Skills

Hard skills you’ve learned from college courses, certifications, and Forage job simulations are not only relevant but critical to a resume without work experience. You can list these skills in a separate “skills” section. You could also describe how you’ve used them in your “experience” section if you’ve done a project or worked in a position where you applied them.

Hard skills examples include:

• Data analytics
• Programming languages
• Copywriting
• Foreign languages
• Graphic design
• Social media marketing
• Project management

Rather than including them in a separate skills section, the best way to show off your soft skills is in the descriptions of your work experiences. For example, if you want to mention you have good collaboration skills, you might write:

Collaborated with team members to brainstorm, test, and implement new marketing strategies to drive 40% more students to the club’s homepage

Soft skills include:

• Time management
• Creative thinking
• Adaptability
• Public speaking
• Interpersonal skills
• Negotiation
• Conflict resolution

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5. Include Any Certifications

If you’ve taken any courses outside of school or gotten specific certifications, you should include these in a certifications section of your resume.

If you’ve done a Forage job simulation, this is the best place to detail your work. You can include Forage on your resume in this format:

[Insert Company Name] Job Simulation on Forage – [Month and Year of Completion] [Insert detail on what you did and the skills you learned]

Adding Forage to your resume shows recruiters you have experience with real-world work scenarios in the industry and that you’ve built key skills for that role. 

For example, if you completed the BCG Strategy Consulting Program , you could write:

BCG Strategy Consulting Job Simulation on Forage – March 2024 Conducted market research, consumer needs analysis, and data analysis to create a client recommendation. 

Haven’t taken a Forage job simulation yet but want to get experience to add to your resume? Try out top Forage programs across different industries:

Resume With No Work Experience: Sample and Template

Resume sample.

Here’s a sample resume for someone who is applying for a UX designer role. While this person doesn’t have any professional design experience, they’ve done some independent design projects and have learned about UX design at school. 

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Resume Template

So, how can you write a resume with no experience that looks like this? We talked to hiring employers to learn what they’re looking for from student resumes — and made a template that you can use to help you stand out.

View and download a free resume template that will help you stand out to the hiring manager.

Now that you know what to include on your first resume, what else should you remember as you start to work on your applications?

Show Your Initiative

When you don’t have any professional work experience, it’s crucial to show how you’ve demonstrated drive and passion without working in the industry. Have you done a project related to something in the field? Started a club that gave you transferable skills? The best resumes for people without professional experience show how you’ve built skills and cultivated interest even despite not having that experience.

“Showcase what you can do now and how you see it growing into something else with the help of the job or company you are looking to work for,” Elisa Pineda, recruiting and human resources professional, says. “I know a developer that created a mini-maze game for fun while learning and teaching himself to code. He had no actual work experience outside of his projects and self-initiative to see what he could do. He presented that maze to the interviewing team as a small two-minute tidbit and asked if they could solve it and how long it took them. It was a creative way to showcase what you can do.”

If you’ve done any side projects or have an online portfolio , your resume is a great place to showcase this self-initiative. You can include a separate “special projects” section of your resume to describe what you’ve worked on — and even include links if you’re sending the resume virtually.

Stay Relevant to the Role You’re Applying For

When you’re trying to write a resume with no experience, it can be tempting to try and fill up the page with everything you’ve ever done. Instead, it’s crucial to stay relevant only to the role you’re applying for. 

To help you tailor your resume for each role, you can come up with one giant “braindump” resume that includes every experience you’ve had, no matter how relevant it may be to one position or another. Include every project, extracurricular, or internship you might want to put on a resume.

Then, as you apply to roles, create a fresh resume doc and copy and paste the experiences that match that role from your “braindump” resume. This way, you’re only selecting experiences that matter to the role you’re applying for — and you don’t have to worry about forgetting your overall experience.

Focus on What You Do Have

It can be easy to stress about the work experience you don’t have when applying for your first job. However, it’s important to remember that employers aren’t looking for someone with years of experience to fill entry-level positions! 

Instead, focus on the experiences you do have, whether you participated in school projects, volunteering, or extracurricular activities, and how to best articulate your impact. 

Employers look for motivated, dedicated students who can learn quickly and have a growth mindset . They’re not looking for resumes with tons of expertise, but rather people who have  potential. 

Overall, the worst thing you can do when writing a job resume with no experience is show that you have no experience. 

“This is a huge red flag and does not demonstrate any effort that you at least tried to do something,” Pineda says. “You have little to showcase, do not make it seem so little. Get creative with your resume to showcase what you can already do.”

Just because you don’t have work experience doesn’t mean you don’t have valuable knowledge, experience, and skills to bring to the table. Consider how what you’ve already done fits into what the employer is looking for.

Looking to build more experience — without needing to get professional experience? Try a free Forage job simulation to build your skills and get job-ready.

If you don’t have any experience, you can include non-professional work like internships, extracurriculars, part-time jobs, volunteer work, and even school and personal projects on your resume.

To write your first resume with no experience, focus on experience and skills you’ve built from activities, school work, and even independent projects. Make sure you can demonstrate how your experience and skills are transferable or applicable to the job you’re applying for.

When writing a resume for your first job, be sure to look closely at the skills and experience the employer is looking for. Then, include skills and experience you’ve built that match that — whether they’re from internships, volunteer work, school projects, or other non-professional activities.

Yes, you should have a resume if you have no experience — because you do have skills and experience, even if it’s not professional! There are still ways to be creative and show off what you can do, whether you’ve built skills from a class, Forage job simulation, volunteer position, or a sports team.

Image credit: Pexels / Artem Podrez

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How to Write a Resume with No Experience

Writing a resume with no experience isn't impossible! Here's how to use internships, volunteer work, projects, and more to fill your resume.

By Katie Duncan Updated on June 20, 2023

Looking to create a compelling resume but don’t have a wealth of professional experience under your belt?

It’s a common dilemma faced by many, and we’re here to help you navigate it. Don’t let a lack of work history discourage you. There are several creative ways to demonstrate your potential to prospective employers.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• Organizing your resume without work experience
• What you can put on your resume in lieu of work experience
• General tips to keep in mind when writing your resume

How to fill the experience void on your resume

Your resume is a platform to highlight your abilities and potential, even if you don’t have traditional work experience.

If you have never held a job before, you can substitute the following things for work experience:

Internships or apprenticeships

• Self-employment experience

Volunteer or pro-bono work

Extracurricular clubs and activities.

• Projects that you’ve completed through school or other organizations

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Even if you weren’t paid, don’t leave out any internships or apprenticeships you’ve completed. Be sure you include the company name , your role or title , the duration of your work , and any relevant experience you gained.

Self-employed job experience 

Perhaps you feel like you don’t have any job experience because you’ve never worked in a traditional office setting. If you’re new to the workforce but have some experience with self-employment with jobs like babysitting or mowing lawns, it’s worth mentioning! 

Be sure to include the job , time period in which you did the job, and a brief description of the skills used while doing the job. Focus on the skills that are pertinent to the role that you are applying for. 

Volunteering or taking on pro-bono work can show employers that you are driven, passionate, and take initiative to make a difference in your community. 

To showcase your volunteer experience, write the name of the organization , location , and the time period of your service . You can also include relevant tasks that you completed during your time volunteering. 

Do you participate in activities or belong to any organizations outside of what you listed under the education section? You can describe those here. 

Similar to the other experience types, make sure to include the name of the organization , your role or title (if applicable), the dates that you were involved , and any relevant experience you gained from it. 

Notable projects for college, your extracurricular club, or internships can be included as work experience if it is relevant to the job you are applying for. 

Digital portfolios are a great way to showcase projects you’ve completed. If you plan on relying heavily on this type of experience, be sure to build a website or blog that spotlights your best work. Include a web address to the portfolio in your contact section.

How to organize your resume

Building a well-structured resume is key to success in your job search, no matter how much experience you have. This involves being clear about what you want to communicate and how you plan to do it. While there are countless free resume templates online that can serve as a guide for design and formatting, it’s your unique content that will make you stand out.

Essential resume categories

At a minimum, your resume should include the following categories.

Contact information

This is pretty straightforward. Ensure that employers have a way to reach you by including your phone number and email address. In today’s digital age, you don’t need to include your physical address unless specifically requested.

Be sure to add links to your professional social media accounts or portfolio, especially if they are relevant to the job you’re seeking.

Academic history

With no work experience, your academic history becomes even more important. Start by listing your most recent education first and work backward in reverse-chronological order.

Be sure to include:

• Degree earned
• Your major or concentration
• Years attended

If you’re still in school, mention your expected graduation date. Additionally, highlight any relevant activities, clubs, or honors you received during your academic journey.

Your skills can be divided up into two categories: hard skills and soft skills. 

Hard skills are specific skills that are measurable and easily defined. Examples of hard skills include computer and software skills, the ability to speak a foreign language, and writing skills. All of these can be judged by proficiency level. Many times, hard skills are industry or job-specific, and some employers will have hard skill requirements. (e.g. “ You must be proficient in Microsoft Excel. ”) 

Soft skills, on the other hand, are much harder to define or measure. They are often attributes that aren’t specific to a role or industry— but are important nonetheless. Examples of soft skills include good leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and adaptability. There’s no exact way to measure these, but employers will want to see what self-developed characteristics you hold.  

Other certifications

If you have any other relevant certifications or coursework done outside of school, you can highlight those in their own category.

Optional categories

These are some additional categories that you may choose to include if it is pertinent to the role you are applying for.

Awards and achievements

Any honors or awards you’ve received outside of school can be listed here. This might include community service awards, scholarships, or competition wins.

Hobbies and interests

Including your hobbies isn’t a requirement, but it can add a personal touch to your resume and show that your interests align with the company’s values. However, only include this section if your hobbies are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Some jobseekers choose to list their references on the front of their resumes. However, it is usually best to save valuable space and instead simply write “References available upon request” at the bottom of your resume.

Read more: How long should a resume be?

Tips for writing a resume

Before we go, we wanted to share a few general tips to keep in mind when writing your resume.

1. Be honest.

If you are having trouble filling up space on your resume, you may be tempted to stretch the truth about what you’ve done so far in your career. Don’t do this. 

Many hiring managers— especially ones hiring for entry-level positions— understand that many applicants won’t have a ton of work history. It’s always better to be truthful than to lie!

2. Cater your resume to the job you’re applying for.

While it’s easy to write one resume and send it in with every job you apply for, it’s important to craft your resume to match the job you’re applying for. 

The best way to do this is to read the job description carefully and make sure that you demonstrate that you meet those qualifications in your resume.

For example, if the employer has a list of requirements like software knowledge, make sure that you include that in your hard skills. If customer service skills are a must for the position, be sure to mention instances where you successfully interacted with customers during your internship, volunteer experience, etc. 

3. Keep it professional.

Remember, your resume is often an employer’s first impression of you. You can keep it professional by:

• Using a professional email address: If your email address is something like [email protected] or [email protected], consider creating a new account with a more professional name.
• Using a professional font : Your resume isn’t the place for a fun, crazy font. When in doubt, stick to classics like Times New Roman.
• Getting someone to proofread before you submit: Having an extra pair of eyes look over your resume can help you catch any mistakes or typos. 

4. Use resume buzzwords words.

When describing relevant experiences, projects, or tasks that you completed, use resume buzz words . These power words are vocabulary choices that help you stand out. 

For example, instead of saying that you “ did marketing tasks ”, you can say that you “ designed, developed, and executed large-scale marketing campaigns”. By using the words designed, developed, and executed, you paint a better picture of what exactly you did. 

Land the job you want

Your resume is a tool that can help you land the job you want. Remember to take your time when creating your resume. A well-thought-out resume with no job experience listed can stand out far above an applicant with job experience but a hastily written document.

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Many students may find themselves approaching graduation and about to enter the job market . Some students will have worked part-time jobs, likely during the summer, or had student internships. For these students, they will be able to fill out an employment history section on a resume. Some graduating students, though, find themselves with the prospect of writing a resume and having no job experience. You may be someone who has raised children, then finds herself divorced and looking for employment. Whatever the reason, you can write a resume that will help get you a job.

Begin writing your resume by placing your contact information on the top of the page. Many resumes have their names in larger print than the address, phone number and email address. Use a resume template such as those found in Microsoft Word or online if you feel more comfortable using a template.

Include a section titled “Objective” and write a sentence that describes your objective in finding employment. You can always write something such as “To find employment that utilizes my skills in a professional and productive work environment.”

Follow your objective with a section on education. Include the names of schools you attended and graduation dates. If you have an excellent GPA, list it.

Complete a section on qualifications. This is the section you need to highlight because you have no work experience. Instead of past employment, list any writing or communication skills, any organizational skills, the ability to work in a team environment (which can be a quality shown in school), skills with using tools or other machinery and any skills displayed through volunteer work.

Add a section on computer skills. List any computer applications, such as word processing applications, with which you are familiar.

Finish your resume with a section on “pre-employment experience.” You can list activities in this section that demonstrate the qualifications you listed in a previous section. You can also list any organizations with which you’ve had experience, any clubs that you’ve been a member of and volunteer work you’ve performed.

• Create a new email address that you will use specifically for your job hunting and to put on your resume. This way, you can select a professional-looking email address.
• Job hunting, even for those with work experience, can be a long and frustrating task.

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• Employment Spot: How to Make a Student Resume

Doug Hewitt has been writing for over 20 years and has a Master of Arts from University of North Carolina-Greensboro. He authored the book "The Practical Guide to Weekend Parenting," which includes health and fitness hints for parents. He and his wife, Robin, are coauthors of the "Free College Resource Book."

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How to Write a Résumé With Zero Work Experience

So you just graduated high school or college and you are ready to enter the workforce to become a productive member of society. You've chosen your career path and are excited to finally see those four long years of all-nighters pay off.

The only problem is that you have never worked a day in your life. Your résumé looks like a barren wasteland, and if it even makes it to the hiring manager's desk they will be sure to see tumbleweeds.

So the question is, "How can you write an effective résumé with ZERO work experience?"

A simple Google search will result in generic résumé tips like, "prove yourself" or "find the sweet spot." These tips are unspecific and provide little value when it comes to actually sitting down and writing out your résumé.

Instead, here are three actionable tips that will actually help you write a résumé without any professional experience.

1. Begin With a Career Objective

Let me begin by saying that the career objective receives a lot of criticism for being antiquated and damaging to your résumé. This is due to the fact that the purpose of the career objective is misunderstood. The purpose of the career objective is not to tell the hiring manger what you hope to get out of the company. Rather, the purpose of the career objective is to showcase your skills and abilities that will help you to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

With that being said, a career objective is great for résumés that lack professional experience because it emphasizes your character and personality traits that make you the right fit for the position. Starting your résumé off with the characteristics that make you valuable to the company will help to snag the attention of the hiring manager.

Here are two examples of how a recent high school or college graduate might compose their career objective:

High School Grad Career Objective:

"Hardworking high school student (3.6/4.0 GPA) with exceptional interpersonal and research skills. Seeking to use my abilities to successfully fulfill the [Position] at your company. My enthusiasm to learn new skills quickly will help your company meet its milestones."

This is a strong career objective because it showcases the applicant's traits that will be valued by the company. Also, if your GPA is above a 3.0, then be sure to include it in your objective, as it will help catch the eye of the hiring manager.

College Graduate Career Objective:

"Recent graduate (3.5/4.0 GPA) with a BA in [Field of Study]. Looking to leverage my experience in student government and the honors society to effectively meet the requirements of [Position] at your company. An enthusiastic worker aspiring to help achieve company goals and take on more responsibility."

If you are a college graduate, then you should add the degree you obtained and your GPA (if above 3.0) to your career objective. In addition, describe any provable traits or experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for. In the sample above, the applicant mentions their experience in student government where they are likely to have gained leadership and management skills.

Finally, when writing your career objective try to find skills or traits that the employer emphasizes in the job description. If you add these qualities in your career objective, your résumé will definitely catch the eye of the employer.

2. Expand Your Education Section

For the seasoned professional, the education of their résumé is often very compact and is a means to prove you have a degree. Most professional résumés will only include the name of the school, name of the major, graduation date, and GPA in the education section.

However for an applicant without professional experience, the education section of the résumé should be strengthened in order to make up for the lack of paid experience. To reinforce your education section consider adding:

• GPA (if above 3.0)
• Clubs you participated in
• Academic Awards/Honors
• Relevant coursework
• Publications

By expanding your education section, an applicant without professional experience is still able to effectively highlight their skills and qualities. Also, by adding your participation in clubs and athletics, you exhibit your potential to be an enthusiastic team player to the employer. Including your academic awards and relevant coursework conveys to the employer your work ethic and knowledge relevant to the position.

An issue for some applicants is that they have a hard time thinking of the activities they participated in or just weren't that active in school. In this case focus more on your relevant coursework. For more ideas on what to include, check out these education section tips . Although it may take some brainstorming, extending the education section is crucial to the success of a résumé without professional work experience.

3. Add a Major Achievements Section

While at school did you participate in student government, organize an event, present a project at a conference, volunteer, or write for the school paper? If so, then adding a major achievements section would greatly benefit your résumé.

A major achievements section can act as an extension of your educational experience and helps to fill space on your résumé. The structure of major achievements is similar to that of a professional experience section. In this section your activities are treated as professional jobs, but because they were unpaid and for school they fall under the heading "major achievements." For each activity, list a few points that detail the responsibilities you had within each organization.

Here are a few example points for someone who participated in student government:

• Organized 5 school dances within a budget over the course of one year.
• Raised student body complaints and issues with school administrators.
• Designed an anti-bullying campaign to raise awareness of the harmful effects of bullying on our peers.

The points above help to communicate the applicant's ability to organize, act as a leader, and resolve problems. Formatting your achievements like the sample above encourages the hiring manager to overlook the fact that the applicant lacks professional experience. For some more ideas on how to structure your major achievements section, take a look at this high school résumé sample and college graduate résumé sample .

There is no need to fear the lack of professional experience on your résumé. Follow the tips above, and you will have a résumé that compensates for the lack of experience and gets you the interview. As a final tip, writing a strong cover letter is also a great way to make up for the absence of professional experience and help to complement your résumé. Good luck on your job hunt!

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Activities That Look Good on Teacher Resumes

How to write a cv for a 16-year-old, tips for academic skill conversion for a resume.

• How to Address Not Having a Degree When Applying for a Job
• What Are the Two Most Important Positions in a Cover Letter?

Lack of work experience shouldn't keep you from getting a job. Everyone has applicable and marketable skills for almost any entry-level position. You develop them in almost everything you do. A work experience resume for students can include hobbies, education, self-study and multilingual speaking abilities, for example. It's how you showcase your skills on a resume that gets you in the door – for an interview, at least. The rest is up to you.

Highlight Practical Skills

The Indeed Career Guide website offers resume work experience samples for students who have never worked other than gigs like lawn mowing or babysitting. Instead of previous employers and job titles, you can highlight your skills, starting with those most relevant to the desired job.

Even without job experience, everyone has certain abilities in which they excel. List each skill such as leadership, organization, communication, problem-solving and customer service and give specifics of how you exemplify them through student leadership positions you've held, for example. Your education alone gives you research, organization and computer skills. Military.com suggests including participation in sports to illustrate discipline and team work skills.

Focus on Education

Emphasize your education and relevant courses taken in high school or college. If you just graduated from college, position education in such a way to demonstrate its relevancy to the job, stressing the accomplishments within your schooling. For example, if you worked on a research project, this is the perfect place to note it. If you're pursuing a retail sales job, list relevant classes such as sales, business communication, public relations and marketing.

Include apprenticeships, on-the-job training or internships. Like volunteering, most of these do not pay. And if they do, the wage is often minimal. However, you can get on-the-job experience and references in your desired industry that can be used on your resume.

Add Paid and Unpaid Activities

If you're thinking ahead to how you can write an impressive resume with a limited work history, create your own experiences, if there's time. This is especially fitting for "creative" people. Work experience examples for students include bloggers, freelance writers and graphic designers who create websites, logos and other marketing materials.

Consider volunteering for a local charity. Your best option is an organization with volunteer positions closely related to your career path and goals. For example, if you're looking for administrative work, volunteering in the office of a charity will provide you applicable skills.

Customize Resume

If you end up with a long list of skills, accomplishments and other information, create a master resume. From this, you can build a resume tailored to fit each job; choosing the skills applicable to the desired work experience listed on each job description. Review several job postings in your desired industry to get a feel for the ideal experience and requirements for the jobs out there.

You can then focus your resume to highlight the applicable strengths. Consider contacting a tempory job placement agency to increase skill proficiencies and overcome weaknesses. Most temp agencies will have something available for you, and you'll walk away with paid, on-the-job experience to beef up a thin resume.

• Indeed Career Guide: Sample Resume if You Have Never Had a Job (With Steps and Tips)
• Military.com: What Do You Put on Your Resume?
• If you end up with a long list of skills, accomplishments and other information, create a master resume. From this, you can build a resume to fit each job, choosing the skills applicable to the desired work experience listed on each job description.
• Review several job postings in your desired industry to get a feel for the ideal experience and requirements for the jobs out there. You can then focus your resume to highlight the applicable strengths.

Based in Minneapolis, Minn., Dana Severson has been writing marketing materials for small-to-mid-sized businesses since 2005. Prior to this, Severson worked as a manager of business development for a marketing company, developing targeted marketing campaigns for Big G, Betty Crocker and Pillsbury, among others.

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How To Make A Resume If You’ve Never Had A Job: 7 Tips

A functional resume, unlike a chronological or hybrid resume, emphasizes your skills, life experiences, and education in relation to a certain industry or career path. Here is a quick guide on how to make a resume if you’ve never had a job.

If you have no job experience, this type of resume is ideal for demonstrating how well you would fit the position while also showing why you’re the finest candidate for it with your special set of talents.

Table of Contents

A Detailed Guide On How to Make A Resume If You’ve Never Had A Job

It’s difficult enough to find a job and so is how to make a resume if you’ve never had a job! Landing a new position without prior employment experience may seem almost impossible. The good news is that it isn’t. Everyone who has ever worked had to be hired without prior work experience at some time. So, if you’ve never worked before, what should you include in your CV?

Prepare Before You Write

A generic, standard resume may be spotted from a mile away by recruiters and hiring managers, which is why it’s critical to select a specific job or firm and construct a custom CV. Everything should be relevant to the target position, from your introduction to the abilities you choose to highlight.

Take careful note of the job description’s keywords and requirements. Then, look up the firm on the internet to learn more about its aim, structure, and client base. Concentrate on expressing the abilities required to connect with the company’s target demographic, as well as how you would do it if you’re hired.

How To Make A Resume If You’ve Never Had A Job: Decide On A Format

With a guide on how to make a resume if you’ve never had a job, creating one will be a walk in the park for you. Chronological, functional, and hybrid resumes are the most popular today: a chronological resume features work experience in reverse chronology, while a functional resume highlights skills rather than dates of employment. A chronological resume arrangement puts a candidate’s work history in reverse chronological order.

A job resume format that focuses on showcasing abilities and accomplishments rather than work experience is referred to as a functional resume. While the functional resume style may be appealing to candidates with little expertise, most employers would prefer a chronological or hybrid CV structure. Whatever type of CV you choose, make sure it is consistent throughout the document.

Focus On Education And Skills

In place of a work experience section, you should expand and emphasize your education on your CV to show the abilities you’ve acquired.

What can you do well that this position needs? What will be beneficial to the company? What have you done in school and what have You learned from the course that will help you with this job?

This is typically simpler if you’re a college graduate with specialist training, but even a high school graduate may discuss their electives and curriculum-based learning.

Create A Powerful Professional Summary

Today’s job seekers are looking for ways to highlight their skills and experience in a tight timeframe. Objective statements have been replaced by concise summaries of your abilities and expertise in relation to the position you’re interested in. How to make a resume if you’ve never had a job may be a constant worry, however, What would you say if you had only 30 seconds to talk about why you deserved to interview for an open position alone in a room? This is what you should communicate in the summary portion of your resume .

Do you no longer need a cover letter because of this? Certainly not. Consider your summary as a shortened version of your cover letter in which you can explain what you have to offer and why you’re the ideal applicant. Use short phrases like “customer-focused” or “high work ethic” to quickly convey your strengths to the reader.

Highlight Core Qualifications

A functional resume focuses on your abilities rather than your work experience, so it should draw the reader’s attention to this part of your application. When researching how to make a resume if you’ve never had a job, it is safe to inquire from multiple professionals. Also when creating an ability section on the resume, consider separating it from the rest of the resume style in a table or sidebar for reference. Hard skills are measurable and should be regarded as a benefit to potential employers. The more detailed you can be, the better.

A newly minted information technology graduate may describe his or her strengths as fluent PHP, Java, and C++ programming skills, while the soft skills he or she possesses include a motivated team player, good organizational skills, and a performance-driven work ethic.

A candidate for a bakery job might describe exact abilities such as wedding cake design, commercial baking equipment knowledge, and high-volume baked product production. A baker’s soft skills may include the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and dedication to food safety.

Volunteer Work Or Extracurricular Activities

Wondering how to make a resume if you’ve never had a job? Only list extra-curricular activities and hobbies if they are relevant to the job, and if they have given you transferable skills that would be beneficial for the role. According to most companies, volunteer experience such as being a soup kitchen volunteer is taken into account with paid employment experience.

So any volunteer work that demonstrates your talents or teaches you a new skill should be listed on your CV. Only include extracurricular activities and hobbies if they are relevant to the position and help you demonstrate transferable skills useful for the job function.

Keywords Are Key

To scan and sort resumes, many organizations use an applicant tracking system (ATS). This may appear to be unfair, but it is the reality of today’s job market. To fight back against this, when applying for any position, you should include a list of keywords in your CV.

The best place to look for these terms is in job advertisements or similar employment ads. One warning: Avoid using meaningless, annoying “buzzwords,” such as “go-getter,” “team player,” and “detail-oriented.” Unfortunately, in some cases, the only keywords listed in an ad are meaningless buzzwords. If that’s the case, you’ll need to include them somewhere else in your CV.

How To Make A Resume If You’ve Never Had A Job: Never Include

How to make a resume if you’ve never had a job? Here are a few things you should never include on your resume because they take up unnecessary space, tell the employer nothing relevant, or could harm your personal brand.

Great employment references, writing samples, and photographs of yourself are all examples of what could be included on your resume. Do not include this information on your resume unless a prospective employer or recruiter requests it.

Make certain you’re not utilizing an unprofessional email address, and that it’s not a personal email address. When you were younger, “[email protected]” may have sounded fantastic, but it isn’t the correct message to send to potential employers. It is simple to create a free, attractive email address for your job-search activities using Gmail or other services.

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• Why Is It Important To Be Prepared For An Interview?
• What Is The Most Common Interview Style? Top 4

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Never Worked Before? Find Your First Job with These Tips

“What’s your advice for someone who has never worked before? How do I get job training?” – Marco from Claremont, CA

First, know that even if you haven’t “officially” worked, you still have valuable skills and experience!  Think about:

• School and internships
• Household responsibilities
• Volunteering and community involvement
• Informal self-employment (yard work, child care, etc.)
• Work done while incarcerated

The process for getting a job isn’t that different, whether your skills and experience are from paid work or not, though it can be a little harder to get that first job.

• First, figure out what kind of career you want. Assess your skills and interests online or with help from your local Goodwill or OneStop center to find careers that might be a good fit for you.
• Next, figure out if you have the qualifications for entry-level jobs in the field you are interested in. Compare the skills and experience you have with what is required for entry-level jobs in the career area you are interested in using a tool like MyNextMove or by looking at job ads.  Also check out this list of common entry-level jobs that require little or no prior training or work experience.
• Get training if you need it. If you need more training to get the kind of job you want, check with your local Goodwill, OneStop, or community college – and see this post for more info on getting into job training programs at community colleges .  Remember –almost everyone needs to start in an entry-level job, but you don’t have to stay there; look at jobs along the career path (PDF) you’re interested in and make plans to get there in the future.
• If you’re ready for an entry level job – or you need a “survival” job while you train for the career you really want – get your job search materials together and start applying for jobs. You should have a résumé with your skills and experience, a  list of references and a cover letter . You should also be sure you have an email address and a phone number with voicemail or an answering machine where employers can contact you. You should also know how to:

Search for job openings online at sites like Indeed and CraigsList , in newspaper, at job fairs, through your network of friends and family , and through social media . Fill out a job application on paper and online. Present yourself well and answer common interview questions .

If you need help, ask your local Goodwill, or your OneStop – or use online tools like GCFLearnFree , GoodProspects and the links above.  If you’re a teenager, check out these tips for teen job seekers .

5. And get “plugged in” while you search.

• It’s easier to get a job if you already have a job – whether it’s a paid one or not.  Find volunteer opportunities through VolunteerMatch – you’ll get experience, references and maybe even a job offer.
• Sign up with a staffing company – temporary work is experience you can put on your resume, it can turn into a permanent job, and it brings in income.

Treat searching for a job like a job – put in time every day.  Remember that everyone has to start somewhere.  And then get prepared to succeed in your first job !

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4 References You Can Nail Down—Even if You Don’t Have a Lot of Experience

Look at you! You’ve got the perfectly polished resume , a cover letter for every job you want to apply to, and a personal website outlining your creative pursuits. Your LinkedIn profile’s complete and you’ve cleaned up your social media accounts. You’ve read up on interviewing and have a list of questions to ask at the end.

What you don’t have is a solid list of references, not because there’s anything wrong with you, obviously not. You’re a delight: smart, talented, confident.

The problem is you don’t have a lot of experience. You had exactly one real job that came with a paycheck, and you wouldn’t know how to track down your former manager even if you thought he’d want to talk about how your sundae-making skills have prepared you for the real world . You’re feeling screwed. Your mother would, of course, love to sing your praises, but you doubt that’d go over well with a prospective employer.

What to do then?

First, understand that you’re hardly alone. Plenty of people are facing the same dilemma: They had one summer job but focused on their studies throughout the year and didn’t, gulp, have any internships . There aren’t any former colleagues to put on the list, let alone former bosses.

That’s OK. Any potential employer is going to recognize that you’ve just graduated and aren’t in a position to list a bevy of impressive names.

Here’s who to include instead:

1. Your Favorite Professor

Depending on how big your graduating class was, you may have a few professors you can think to ask, or you may have just one.

Good news, friends: One is all you need in this category.

Is there someone you worked particularly closely with? Did you write a senior thesis or complete a capstone project? Did you have regular meetings with an advisor who counseled you in career direction? Was there simply a professor whose office hours you attended regularly? What about someone you took more than one class with? Or one whose course you participated in without fail each and every week?

Of all the references for someone with not a ton of experience, this is the most obvious one for sure, so don’t overlook it. Professors are used to being references. It’s similar but easier and less time-consuming than writing a personalized letter of recommendation.

2. The Family Member or Friend You’ve Done Work For

This, too, is an easy, go-to reference—assuming you’re not thinking you can put your dad on here.

My brother used to help my uncle with yard work every summer. He could’ve done it himself or afforded to hire professional help, but he knew my brother could use the cash—and to stay out of trouble—so he enlisted his assistance annually.

The pay wasn’t guaranteed until the work was complete. My brother had to show up on time and not mess around. He got good at taking instructions, practicing reliability, and engaging in sometimes tedious tasks. All of these things can speak to how he’d be in a professional work setting .

Do you have someone in your life who could fits this description? Obviously, you don’t want to lie or stretch the truth, but if you can think a little bigger, you might come up with someone to add to your list.

3. An Older Student You Shared a Class With

When I was a sophomore in college, I had several seniors in my class. Because I was generally in awe of them anytime they spoke, I made a point to strike up conversation with them after class, complimenting them on the excerpt of the paper they’d shared in class.

Think about your own experience. Was there anyone older you connected with? Worked with on a group project? In fact, it’s not even necessary that the individual be older than you. So long as the person can speak to your intellect and capabilities and you’re confident that he’d make a good reference, count him in.

Before you ask the reference if he’s cool with it, consider sending him a sample of your work. He might remember you from Philosophy 101 and Logic with Professor Hayes, but you want to give him something to work with. Explain your career goals and the kinds of jobs you’re applying to, and, if it makes sense, send him a copy of the assignment you’re most proud of. Give him something to work with in the event that he’s unaccustomed to serving as a reference for a peer, which he probably is.

4. A Leader From Your Past

Were you in a youth group? A part of the church choir? A boy scout? President of the Environment Club in high school? If, at one point, you were close with a leader or group organizer of this sort, this person could be a great addition to your reference list.

Sure, this person may have been in your life a long time ago, but if you’re in touch in any way—Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram—consider re-establishing a relationship. All it takes is a few words about your time together and what you have your sights set on now. If the connection four or 10 years ago was genuine, it won’t come as a huge surprise that you’re reaching out now.

But keep in mind that if you do touch base and he or she is willing to give you a reference, you’ll want to loop her in on what you’ve been doing since your time as class secretary. Offer insight as to how that youthful experience has shaped your vision for your future. If you can do that sincerely, and if you made a mark, it shouldn’t matter that some time has gone by.

One of the key components to devising a list of job references is to be certain that the person you’re asking has not only good things to say about you, but sufficient items. That might mean providing background or offering gentle reminders about what you’ve done and how and why you came to ask that particular person ( we have the perfect email template right here ).

Set the stage well, and it’s unlikely that your list will be lacking.

What to Put on a CV If You Have Never Worked?

If you've recently graduated and are looking for your first job, you may be wondering what to put on your CV if you have never worked before.

While finding a job without experience may seem daunting, you may still leverage your personal and academic skills to make your CV more appealing to potential employers.

Here are 4 tips to help your potential employer recognise why you are the best candidate for the job, even without experience!

Have An Attention-Grabbing Personal Statement

A personal statement is the first thing a potential employer will read on your CV, so it needs to be compelling and stand out from the rest of the job applications.

Keep it short and sweet, around 150 words, and provide a high-level overview of why you'd be a good fit for the job. This will entice employers to read your CV further.

Make sure to emphasise personal achievements and skills relevant to the job you're applying for. Even if you don't have any work experience, you can still showcase your lovely personality!

Leverage Your Degree and The Skills Acquired As A Student

Your degree is an excellent source of transferable skills. For example, if you wrote a dissertation, you might use your CV to highlight your research abilities. You could also include any special skills you've acquired during your university years that are relevant to the position you're applying for.

Mention skills gained through group project work or extracurricular activities that show potential employers what you could bring to their company.

Show Your Personality

Regardless of whether or not you have any previous work experience, displaying your personality on your CV will help you stand out from the rest of the applicants. Employers are interested in more than just your work history; they are also keen to know about you as a person.

Don't forget to include a list of your unique attributes and skills and any other relevant personal experiences or accomplishments. Be enthusiastic about your achievements; this will shine through your CV and help you make a positive first impression.

Include Volunteer Work

Employers value volunteer experience on CVs because it demonstrates a person's eagerness to learn more about a particular field. If you've done a lot of volunteer work, only include experiences that showcase your talents or skills that apply to the job and have equipped you with transferrable skills.

For example, if you volunteered as a teacher's assistant, this experience would demonstrate your ability to manage and organise tasks, work with others, and communicate effectively.

A CV is typically the first document an employer will look at when assessing you for any job. However, CVs are more than just a list of your professional experiences; they can also list skills obtained in personal and academic settings and showcase your personality.

So, if you are unsure of what to put on a CV if you have never worked before, follow the advice provided above, and you will undoubtedly stand out!

If you want to build a network with local and national companies to discover new opportunities, you’ll want to attend our events! As the UK's number one platform for face-to-face recruitment, we at The UK Careers Fair promise several opportunities to meet with the best companies for you. Book a ticket today!

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How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume - Tips for ATS 2024

15 min read · Updated on May 21, 2024

Here's everything you need to know about applicant tracking systems

We've all been there: you find the perfect job opportunity, customize your resume and cover letter , submit your application to a job listing online, and then pray it will pass the infamous six-second resume review test. Unfortunately, more often than not, your job application is lost in the applicant tracking system - and you're left wondering why the employer or hiring manager wasn't that into you.

What many job seekers don't realize is that 75% of job applications don't get seen by human eyes. Before your resume reaches the hands of a live person, it must often pass muster with what's known as an applicant tracking system.

Below is everything you need to know about applicant tracking systems - and what best practices you can use to optimize your resume to ensure it gets selected.

What is an applicant tracking system?

An applicant tracking system - or ATS, for short - is a type of resume scanning software used by recruiters and employers during the hiring process to collect, sort, scan, and rank the job applications they receive for their open positions.

Why do companies use ATS?

There are some very good reasons why today's companies are so heavily reliant on ATS to narrow their job candidate search. The modern hiring process is more complex than ever before - and not just because there are so many more workers applying for a position. The reality is that most companies lack the resources and time needed to search through every resume submission they receive. By using automated systems, they can free up those resources to focus on their core company mission.

But there are also legal compliance issues that need to be considered. Employment law - and especially laws prohibiting various kinds of discrimination in hiring - need to be followed with care. Many employers understand that one of the best ways to reduce potential bias in the initial stages of any hiring process is to allow unbiased machines to handle some of the work.

The bottom line is that ATS resume scanners provide companies with an automated way to narrow any list of candidates to only those who meet the position's posted qualifications. And it does that in a way that avoids potential discrimination by ignoring characteristics like race, gender, and age. As a result, companies enjoy savings in both time and cost, while optimizing their compliance with existing employment laws.

How do applicant tracking systems work?

The ATS parses a resume's content into categories and then scans it for specific and relevant keywords to determine if the job application should be passed along to the recruiter. Its job is to essentially weed out unqualified applicants, so the recruiter can devote his or her time to evaluating the candidates who are more likely to be a match for the position. In other words, the ATS is apt to put the least-qualified candidates to the bottom of the pile, rather than identify the applicants who are the best fit.

Unfortunately, that means if a resume template is not written and formatted with the applicant tracking system in mind, a qualified candidate can be easily passed over.

How to write an ATS resume

To determine what makes an ATS-friendly resume, TopResume analyzed 1,000 resumes from professionals across the US with at least eight years of experience, to identify the most common resume mistakes that will cause an applicant tracking system to toss an application. The infographic below highlights some of the costliest mistakes that make a resume incompatible with an ATS scan.

If you want to make sure your resume is compliant with an ATS, follow the tips below to write and use an ATS-optimized resume.

Select the right file type for your resume

Contrary to popular belief, a PDF is not the most ATS-friendly file type. While PDF files are the best at preserving the design and format of your resume template, it's not compatible with all ATS software. If you're asked to upload your resume to an applicant tracking system and “PDF” is listed among the file formats you can use, feel free to send a PDF version of your resume. However, if the system does not specify which file types are compatible, play it safe and stick to a Word document in .doc or .docx. Plain-text files are also incredibly ATS-friendly for resumes, but they limit your formatting options and can look unprofessional. 

Since the best resume templates are written with two audiences in mind - the ATS pre-screening your application and the live human in HR who will review your resume content - we recommend using a Word document instead of a plain-text file for your resume file type. This will provide more creative freedom to write an ATS resume that will appeal to a recruiter or hiring manager.

Related: How to Avoid the Top 10 Resume Mistakes That Make Recruiters Cringe

Don't put important details in the header or footer

Not all applicant tracking systems are able to properly read and parse information stored in the header and footer sections of a Word document. In fact, our study confirmed the ATS was unable to identify a portion of the job seeker's contact information 25% of the time. Avoid this same fate by placing important contact details (such as your name, phone number, and email address) outside the header or footer of your resume. 

Optimize your resume with keywords

One of the best ways to ensure your resume is compatible with an ATS is to optimize your resume with the right keywords (also known as keyword optimization). Unlike a “buzzword,” which is typically considered to be a fluffy term such as “proactive” or “self-starter,” keywords represent the soft skills and hard skills you possess and the expertise you've acquired over the years that qualify you for your target job.

If you're unsure which resume keywords should be used, start by collecting three to five job descriptions that represent the type of position you're pursuing. Then, copy and paste the job description into a free word and phrase frequency tool like Online-Utility.org's Text Analyzer , to identify the terms that are regularly used throughout your desired positions. If you possess these skills or qualifications from the job posting, incorporate these terms into your resume.

You should also pay careful attention to the job posting and any description of the position contained in that post. Identify any listed skill requirements, as well as desired experience and educational qualifications. These are likely to be included in any ATS resume scan too, so you'll want to ensure that these keywords can be found within your resume.

When it comes to creating an ATS-optimized resume, you need to think about the frequency, as well as the placement of these relevant keywords throughout your resume. Some applicant tracking systems will determine the strength of your skills based on the number of times a term shows up in your resume (aim to add the term two to three times throughout your resume), whereas others assign an estimated amount of experience for a particular skill based on its placement within the resume. To make your resume truly compatible with any ATS, you'll want to optimize it with both systems in mind.

First, create a “Core Competencies” or “Areas of Expertise” section below your resume professional summary that lists your strongest hard skills and soft skills. If there's a common abbreviation for one of your proficiencies, such as “SEO” (for search engine optimization), include both versions in your resume. Then, pepper these same terms into your “ Work Experience ” or “ Education ” sections, where appropriate, to demonstrate when you leveraged that skill.

Related: Why Soft and Hard Skills Are So Important for Your Resume

Some applicant tracking systems will associate the length of experience for a skill, based on how long you held the job where that skill was leveraged. For instance, if you worked at your past job for five years and you mention that you handled SEO for the company, the ATS will assume you have five years' worth of SEO experience from that job. If a skill is listed on its own - such as within the professional summary or a core competencies section - then the ATS scan will assign a few months' experience for that skill. This is why it's incredibly important to reiterate your skills throughout your entire resume, rather than just in a skill section at the top.

Include a resume headline

Make sure that your resume also includes a headline . This one-line heading should be located right after your contact information and before your summary statement. Companies that use an ATS to screen resumes will typically include the job title in their ATS assessment criteria. To create an ATS-friendly headline, simply:

Identify the job title you're applying for. It should be in the job posting or job description. For example, let's say that you're applying for a position as a Marketing Director. Those two words are keywords that need to be included in your headline.

Identify other key requirements that you may be able to highlight in your headline. It could be something as simple as a requirement that candidates have at least five years of experience in managing marketing teams. Take note of that job qualification since you may want to incorporate it into your headline too.

Create a headline that includes the job title and some descriptive language that helps to immediately identify you as a qualified candidate. If you use our example keywords, your headline might look something like this:

Dynamic Marketing Director with over 5 years of experience in client success

Avoid images, charts, and other graphics

While these may look nice to the human eye, resumes with embedded images become a garbled mess after they pass through the applicant tracking system. For instance, if you insert an image or chart to showcase your key skills, the ATS resume scanner will be unable to read it. If you use a cool graphic to brand your name on your resume, this piece of information will be lost on the applicant tracking system.

Stick to simple bullet points

When used appropriately, bullet points are a great method for highlighting accomplishments and qualifications on a resume. However, if you choose an elaborate symbol for your bullets, your important selling points could get scrambled. Avoid using intricate characters when creating a bulleted list on your ATS-compliant resume. Stick to the simplest options, such as a solid circle, open circle, or square, to ensure your bullet points enhance your resume, rather than make it incompatible with an ATS.

Use a clean resume design with a clear hierarchy

When it comes to your ATS-friendly resume design, less is more. Not only do complex resume designs or unusual formats confuse most applicant tracking systems, but they also annoy recruiters who are accustomed to quickly scanning a resume for specific information that they expect to find in specific areas within the document.

Click on the following link for more tips on how to write a resume that will beat the ATS .

How to create an ATS-friendly resume format

If you want your resume to perform well in an ATS scan , stick to a standard resume format such as a reverse chronological or  hybrid resume . These resume formats use a professional summary section at the top of the document to outline your key skills and qualifications and combine it with a chronological “Work History” section that explains how you've leveraged these qualities to produce results for your employers.

Most applicant tracking systems do a better job at reading and interpreting a reverse chronological or hybrid format, because they rely on chronological data to parse your resume.

As a result, it's in your best interest to avoid a functional resume format at all costs - where the focus is placed on your abilities, rather than a chronological work history.

Make sure your resume sections are easily identifiable

You'll notice that we've mentioned different resume sections throughout this post. There's a good reason for that, of course. Resumes are not like typical prose documents. If your resume is just one long story with different kinds of information spread across one or two pages like an essay, it won't perform well. And, even if it did, no human hiring manager would bother to read it.

To ensure that key details can be found by both the ATS and a hiring manager, separate that information into distinct sections. This helps to provide structure to your ATS resume and makes it easier for machines and humans to quickly scan for the information they want to see. Are you wondering why we said “scan” instead of “ read?”  It's simple: even hiring managers don't bother to read your resume from the first word to the last. Instead, they scan it until they see what they're looking for - and then read that part.

Below is a simple structure that you can use to ensure that your resume satisfies the needs of both the ATS and any hiring manager who sees it:

Contact information : This section goes right at the top of your resume, but not in the header. Remember, ATS systems are not adept at reading information in that area of your resume. Include vital details like your name, location, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL. This section doesn't need a label.

Resume headline : We covered the resume headline earlier in the post, so you can find some tips on how to create this attention-grabbing section there. Like the contact section, this requires no label.

Summary statement : This section should be a three to five-sentence elevator pitch designed to capture any hiring manager's attention. You can include keywords in this paragraph that highlight your most vital skills, experiences, and measurable achievements that showcase your potential value to the employer. 

Core competencies: This is where you list the skills that show you're qualified for the position. Depending on the job you're seeking, your skill section may be weighted toward either soft or hard skills - but you should try to include some mix of both. You can label this section “Skills” or “Core Competencies” to ensure that both humans and machines can readily identify its content and importance.

Professional history : Otherwise known as work experience, this labeled section should include your relevant work history dating back 10-15 years. Make sure that you start by listing your most recent position and then list the others in reverse order. For each position you've held, include the company name, job title, dates of employment, and several bullet point examples that demonstrate your achievements in each role.

Education : This section also needs to be labeled and should include the name of the college you attended, the years of attendance, your course of study and degree, and any relevant coursework that you need to show to demonstrate your qualifications. You can also include listings for certifications, continuing education, and other relevant training.

How to run an ATS resume test for compliance

There are two easy ways to determine if your resume is compatible with an applicant tracking system during the job search.

Convert your resume to a plain-text file

Copy the entire content from your ATS-friendly resume, paste it into a plain-text document, and review the results. If the plain-text version is missing details from your original resume, has characters saved incorrectly, or looks disorganized (i.e., the heading for your “Education” section appears in the middle of your work experience), then assume your resume will require editing before it's ATS compliant.

Request a free ATS scan for your resume

Here at TopResume, we offer career advice and a free ATS resume scan as part of our free resume review. When you request a free resume review from TopResume, you'll receive feedback on your resume's content, as well as its ATS compatibility.

The first half of the review offers an objective look at what your resume is doing well and where it's falling short, from both an information and design perspective. The second half of the free resume review shows you exactly what information an ATS will pull from your resume, what information it will be unable to identify and retrieve (such as your name, contact information, most recent job title, and most recent employer), and what top skills and keywords your resume currently ranks for.

If the ATS is unable to identify this important information or thinks you're a fit for a job when you're not, then your ATS resume will need to be further optimized before it passes the ATS compatibility test. Fortunately, our experienced team of resume experts has the expertise you need to help with that optimization and ensure that your resume has what it takes to perform well in an ATS scan.

Click on the following link to watch our latest #OfficeHours video on how to write an ATS resume to beat the bots .

Don't let the ATS stop you from landing your dream job. Get an ATS-proof resume today . This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine and has been updated by Ken Chase. 

Recommended reading:

How to Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application

5 Signs It's Time to Hire a Professional Resume Writer

Words and Phrases to Remove from Your Resume Right Away

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JD Vance: Everything You Need To Know About Trump’s Running Mate

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Ohio Sen. JD Vance formally accepted the GOP’s nomination for vice president at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, after a winding career path through writing, law, technology and politics before being selected as former President Donald Trump’s 2024 running mate—despite the 39-year-old senator’s past criticisms of Trump.

Ohio Sen. JD Vance is slated to speak at the Republican National Convention—days after the writer ... [+] and onetime Trump critic became Trump’s running mate.

Trump announced Vance as his running mate on Monday in a post on Truth Social , saying Vance is “best suited to assume the position of Vice President,” citing Vance’s time in the Marine Corps, law degree from Yale University, his best-selling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” and successful careers in technology and finance.

Vance is relatively new to politics: He rose to fame after “Hillbilly Elegy” was released in 2016, was elected to the Senate in 2022—after Trump endorsed him, despite their prior disagreements—and has become known as a firebrand and staunch supporter of the former president and his ideas.

Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here .

What Did Jd Vance Say In His Speech?

Vance closed out the third day of the GOP convention by accepting the party’s nomination for vice president. In his speech, Vance spoke fondly about his running mate: “For the last eight years, President Trump has given everything he has to fight for his country. He didn’t need politics but the country needed him.” Vance then addressed his low-income Ohio upbringing and credited his “tough as nails” grandmother for his success. Vance then attacked Biden’s long political career in Washington, knocking him for pushing policies he argued have made “America weaker and poorer.”

What Is Vance Worth?

Earlier this week, Forbes estimated Vance is worth about $10 million, in large part due to the success of his best-selling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which reportedly sold millions of copies. He also has about $4 million in real estate holdings, spanning three houses—one in Washington, D.C., one in Cincinnati and one in Alexandria, Virginia. Though he attended Ohio State University and Yale Law School, his time in the Marines and financial aid helped Vance avoid massive student debt, and today he has none. The only debt the Vances appear to have on their balance sheet is an estimated $480,000 they still owe against the Washington, D.C. home they paid $590,000 for in 2014 (it is now worth about $850,000).

Who Is Usha Chilukuri Vance?

JD met Usha, his now-wife, when they were law classmates at Yale. Usha—who was raised by Indian immigrants in San Diego—attended the University of San Diego before Yale Law School, and also received a Gates Cambridge scholarship to earn a master of philosophy at the University of Cambridge. After getting their law degrees, the pair moved to Cincinnati to clerk for a year and married shortly after. When the pair moved to Washington, D.C., Usha began clerking for then-circuit court judge (now-Supreme Court justice) Brett Kavanaugh and then clerked for Chief Justice John Roberts. Usha became a trial lawyer in California and D.C. at the law firm Munger, Tolles and Olson—a job she kept until her husband was announced as Trump’s running mate, the Associated Press reported. In 2014, Usha was registered as a Democrat, the Washington Post reported , though more recent records show she has been a registered Republican since 2022. Vance and Usha have three children: Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

Who Are Vance’s Biggest Financial Backers?

Vance’s primary backer is GOP donor and Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel , who gave about $15 million—the largest amount of money donated in support of a single Senate candidate ever—to help him get elected. Thiel and Vance have had a long, collaborative relationship, starting from Vance’s time working in venture capital. Long before that, as a law student, Vance was inspired by Thiel to make a switch out of law when he saw him speak, and years later, when Vance joined the Thiel-co-founded Mithril Capital in 2015, Thiel became a “pretty good mentor” to Vance, he told The Washington Post. After Vance left Mithril, he founded his own venture capital firm in 2019 and received backing from Thiel and other billionaire investors. When Vance ultimately made the switch to politics, Thiel was important as more than a financial help: He reportedly took Vance to Mar-A-Lago to heal his relationship with Trump. In addition to Thiel, entrepreneur David Sacks donated $1 million to a PAC supporting Vance’s Senate run and advocated Trump select him as his running mate, the New York Times reported .

What Has Vance Said About Trump In The Past?

Prior to his own political career and being named Trump’s running mate, Vance was at one point a staunch critic of the former president. During Trump’s first presidential campaign, Vance reportedly compared Trump to Hitler and said he voted for independent Evan McMullin. Vance identified as a “never Trump guy” and published an article in The New York Times stating: “Mr. Trump is unfit for our nation’s highest office.” Vance’s tune changed, however, when he launched his own run for Senate—and sought Trump’s endorsement. In 2021, Vance said he regretted “being wrong about” Trump and asked “folks not to judge me based on what I said in 2016, because I’ve been very open that I did say those critical things and I regret them.”

What Are Vance’s Key Positions?

Vance is aligned with the right on major issues. On abortion, Vance has said he is “100% pro-life” but said in May he aligns with Trump’s view that states should make their own policies (though he had indicated in the past he is not opposed to nationwide restrictions on the procedure, like a 15-week ban). The senator has also opposed the U.S. supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia, publishing an opinion piece in April in which he said he “remain(s) opposed to virtually any proposal for the United States to continue funding this war.” On his old campaign website, which now links to Trump’s site, Vance listed some of his other priorities as tariffs and more hardline trade policies with China, boosting domestic oil and gas production, combating the drug and opioid epidemic and stricter immigration enforcement. Most recently, Vance blamed Biden for the assassination attempt on Trump, saying the rhetoric from Biden’s team that “Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs” led to the attempt. Vance has also echoed some of Trump’s false voter fraud claims , and said in a debate for his Senate seat: “I think the election was stolen from Trump.” He also said he would not have certified the 2020 election results were he in the position of then-Vice President Mike Pence, ABC News reported .

What Do His Critics Say?

Vance faces criticism from Democrats for a number of his policies, particularly his stance on abortion and track record on LGBTQ+ issues. Shortly after Vance was announced as Trump’s pick, the president of Reproductive Freedom for All said on a campaign call for Biden “a Trump-Vance administration will jeopardize reproductive freedom in all 50 states,” Politico reported . The left-leaning nonprofit Human Rights Campaign released a statement saying Trump’s pick of Vance made clear “a second Trump Administration would build on its legacy of being the most anti-LGBTQ+ in American history.” The HRC noted Vance introduced a bill that would restrict gender-affirming care for minors, and indicated on a survey he doesn’t support making sexual orientation and gender identity protected categories in non-discrimination laws

What Does Vance Think About Project 2025?

Trump has worked to distance himself from Project 2025, a controversial policy agenda being supported by some conservatives—but Vance has a number of close ties with the think tank behind it, the Heritage Foundation. Vance is close with the founder of the Heritage Foundation and has supported his efforts to turn the Heritage Foundation “into the de facto institutional home of Trumpism,” Politico reported in March. There is one component of Project 2025 Vance has been an advocate for: the proposal that the next GOP president—likely Trump—should overhaul the federal workforce to replace career civil servants with political appointees. Vance told ABC News in February he wants to “replace the mid-level bureaucrats with people who are responsive to the administration's agenda.” Meanwhile, Trump has said on Truth Social he has “no idea” who’s behind the agenda and some of the policies are “ridiculous and abysmal,” though more than 100 people who worked in his administration helped with it.

What Does Vance Say In His Memoir ‘hillbilly Elegy’?

Vance’s initial rise to fame stemmed from the publication of his 2016 memoir , “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis.” The book detailed his family’s struggles with poverty, drug addiction and abuse in Middleton, Ohio, and some considered the story and Vance’s observations to be a timely analysis of Trump’s appeal—though it doesn’t discuss Trump . In the book, Vance—who detailed his own abuses at the hands of his family— pleaded with Appalachians to “look ourselves in the mirror and admit that our conduct harms our children,” claiming there is “no government that can fix these problems for us.” While it was widely popular upon its release, the book wasn’t without criticism: Appalachian Studies chair at Berea College in Kentucky, Silas House, told Politico it is a “dangerous book,” saying Vance peddled the idea of “welfare queens” and suggested “people in Appalachia just don’t want to work.” In 2020, “Hillbilly Elegy” was adapted into a mostly panned film for Netflix, though it was No. 6 on Netflix in the United States as of Tuesday morning.

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Who is JD Vance? What to know about Donald Trump's VP pick

Former President Donald Trump  tapped JD Vance  to be his running mate at the Republican National Convention , catapulting the Ohio GOP senator even more into the national spotlight.

Here’s what you need to know about Vance.

More: Trump made MAGA happen. JD Vance represents those who will inherit it

Where is JD Vance from?

Vance grew up in Jackson, Kentucky and Middletown, Ohio. He described a childhood consumed by poverty and abuse in his best-selling 2016 memoir , "Hillbilly Elegy." Vance's mother struggled with drug addiction, so he spent many of his formative years with his grandmother – known to him as Mamaw.

How old is JD Vance?

Vance is 39. If elected, he would be the youngest vice president since Richard Nixon. His birthday is Aug. 2, 1984.

Did JD Vance serve in the military?

Vance joined the Marines Corps after high school and served as a public affairs marine in Iraq.

Is JD Vance married?

Vance had been working as a litigator Munger, Tolles & Olson, but a spokesperson said she chose to leave the firm in the wake of her husband’s vice presidential nomination.

The couple has three young children: Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

Where does JD Vance live?

Vance and his family live in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati. The senator also bought a $1.5 million home in Alexandria, Virginia, last year, Politico reported .

How long has JD Vance been in politics?

Vance was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022 after defeating former Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan for an open seat in Ohio.

What’s the history between Vance and Trump?

Vance openly criticized Trump in 2016 as pundits used his memoir to explain the former president's popularity with white, rural voters. He previously suggested Trump could be "America’s Hitler," called him noxious and compared him to an opioid.

But Vance changed his tune as he geared up for his 2022 Senate run, deleting controversial tweets and crediting Trump for the work he did in office. He secured Trump's endorsement in a chaotic Republican Senate primary and is now one of the former president's most loyal allies.

JD Vance didn't vote for Donald Trump in 2016

In one NPR interview , he joked that he would rather write his dog on the ballot than vote for Trump or Hillary Clinton.

"I think that I'm going to vote third party because I can't stomach Trump," the "Hillbilly Elegy" author said at the time. "I think that he's noxious and is leading the white working class to a very dark place."

What are Vance's policy positions?

Vance personifies what's known as the New Right , a populist conservatism that rejects many traditional Republican views. He supports tariffs on trade and opposes U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts, particularly the war between Russia and Ukraine. He's also spoken out against potential cuts to Social Security.

Some of Vance's work in the Senate has been bipartisan. He introduced a rail safety bill with Sen. Sherrod Brown after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. He also worked with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren on legislation to hold executives accountable for failed banks.

At the same time, many of his other bills reflect conservative views. For example, Vance introduced legislation to ban gender-affirming care for minors and a bill to eliminate diversity programs in the federal government.

Where does JD Vance stand on abortion?

Vance opposes abortion and often says the government should find ways to encourage people to have children.

Like other Republicans, however, Vance changed how he discusses the issue after Ohio and other states voted in favor of abortion access last year. In a December CNN interview , he said Republicans must "accept that people do not want blanket abortion bans."

More recently, he told Meet the Press that he supports access to the abortion drug mifepristone.

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.