Write a great resume even if youve never had a job

Write a great resume even if youve never had a jobLooking for a job can feel like a catch-22 to get a job I need experience, but to get experience I need a job. And if youre a student with no work experience or otherwise entering the workforce for the first time, how do you deal with that on a resume? You cant just pfote in a blank sheet with your name and address at the top. But dont panicyouve got mora than you think you do. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Find experience in other places.You dont have much full-time work experience yet, but you likely have experience in other areas. Have you volunteered? Are you a member of any clubs? Do you have any unpaid internships or other experience thats close, but notlage quite, paid working experience? Any part-time jobs?Those may not be direct lines to the job for which youre applying now, but you can talk about the skills and experiences youve had that have prepared you. Even hobbies may hav e a place here, as long as theyre relevant to the job you wantand, more importantly, appropriate. (Think playing the violin and not crushing it on Xbox Live.)For example if you babysit on weekends, that shows responsibility. If you volunteer at the senior center sometimes, play up responsibilities and the skills youve learned and used there (like people skills or patient care skills). If you get to use your ninja math and organization skills as the treasurer of a club, definitely include that on your resume.Use academic experience.If youre just starting out, whoevers reading your resume likely understands that youre light on experience. Academic courses and experience can come in handy here, especially if youve taken classes or become certified in the field where youre trying to get a job. Dont list every class youve ever taken, but a targeted list of relevant academic experience can help fill out your resume.Play up your skills.Heres where you texas tea on personal qualities instea d of personal experience. Bilingual? List it. Can do a vlookup like nobodys business? Thats Excel expertiselist it.And if youre feeling light on skills as well as experience, dont sweat it. Skills are something you can build with time and effort, not just prior experience. You dont need work experience to take a class on coding or public speaking. And those are skills that look great on a resumeones you can highlight.Build your brand.It can be hard to develop a professional brand if you dont yet have a job, but there are some things within your control here. If youre interested in getting a job in graphic design, build a site where you can showcase your work. If youre interested in social media, build up your presence and focus your energies on developing a professional network in the field in which you want to work.Bottom line you have more experience than you think you do. When youre building a resume without the luxury of having work experience, look at all aspects of your life f or skills and bullet points that you can use to show youre an awesome entry-level candidate.