resume summary for entry level jobs

How to Nail an Impressive Beginner Resume Summary (With 20+ Examples)

3 key takeaways 

• What a summary for beginners is 
• Key components of a summary for an entry-level resume 
• A step-by-step guide for creating your summary and how to use the free Teal AI Resume Builder (+ Examples) 

Jumping into the job market with limited experience can feel overwhelming. But remember: everyone starts somewhere! And you have a unique blend of passion, potential, and skills.

Now, the challenge is showcasing these strengths effectively. Enter the beginner resume summary.

A good resume summary for beginners isn't just about listing anything and everything you've done to fill space; it's about turning your relevant skills, life experience, and enthusiasm into a narrative of ambition and potential.

Understanding a resume summary for beginners

As you start your job search and professional journey (whether this is your first entry-level job or you're transitioning careers into a new and exciting field), it's key to understand an entry-level summary.

While the essence remains the same as a traditional professional summary—offering a snapshot of who you are as a professional—the approach and emphasis differ.

What exactly is an entry-level resume summary? 

An entry-level summary is a concise overview of your budding professional potential. 

Unlike a seasoned professional's overview, which might be more of a vast track record of achievements, an entry-level summary shines a light on your potential, transferable skills, and enthusiasm to grow and adapt. 

Remember, it's not about the number of years you've spent in the industry but the value and fresh perspective you bring to the table.

(If you want to get an idea of what summaries look like when you're slightly more experienced, check out these 80+ resume summary examples for some insight and inspiration.)

The purpose of an entry-level summary 

At the heart of your summary lies one resume objective: capturing a recruiter or hiring manager's attention. 

In a market where top talent is everywhere, a well-crafted beginner summary can be your ticket to standing out. It serves as your voice, communicating your differentiated potential and ambition—even if you don't have a decade of work behind you.

This section of your resume also becomes a canvas to paint your transferable skills. Think about those group projects during college, that volunteer stint at a local shelter, or even a hobby where you sharpened a particular skill set. All these experiences, when articulated in a way applicable to the role you're applying to, become relevant.

Your summary also sets the stage for what's to come in the rest of your document. A compelling intro piques interest and gives context, especially using a tailored approach to align with specific roles. This attention to detail ensures that the subsequent sections of your resume—whether education, projects, or other experiences—become even more relatable and impactful.

Why a beginner needs a tailored resume summary

Everyone is eager to land a role in a dynamic and competitive job market. But standing out, especially when you're just beginning, is both a challenge and an opportunity.

Remember that unique blend of passion, potential, and skills that you bring to the table? This is where they're crucial. But to truly make them shine, they need the right context.

You need to tailor your resume to the role you're applying for. Every time.

Crafting a resume summary tailored to every role and job title you apply for isn't just a task; it's a strategy. You're letting prospective employers know, "I might be starting out, but I'm packed with potential."

Making a beginner's resume stand out

A beginner's resume isn't just about highlighting your “newbie” status. More importantly, it's about aligning your strengths and experiences to the specific roles you're targeting so you stand out. 

A beginner's tailored resume summary is your chance to grab attention and rise above the generic. It's your platform to communicate that while you may lack years of experience, you more than makeup for it with your other knowledge, skills, and adaptability.

Incorporating key language from the job description, hard skills (computer languages or tools you're familiar with), and soft skills (like collaboration or problem-solving) will help you stand out by telling a compelling story: "I understand the role and my skills—even with a lack of professional experience—perfectly complement your needs."

Key components of beginner resume summaries

Now, let's get into the actual summary itself. An entry-level position summary requires a strategy; part of that strategy is understanding the building blocks of effective resume content.

Keep it relevant

As a beginner or career transitioner, you might not have years of job-specific experience, but you do have transferable skills and life experiences that are equally valuable.

Highlight soft and hard skills for your resume to show that you're not just a fit but the right fit. (As long as those skills and any experience align with the job description.) 

For example, let's say one requirement of a job ad reads something like this:

"Create creative assets such as graphics, illustrations, technical explanations, templates, layouts, and visual standards for marketing activities across multiple channels, including the website, social media, team merch, email campaigns, blogs, and more." 

A beginner resume summary example could be: 

"As a recent college graduate with a BS in Graphic Design, I spearheaded a final class project designing a variety of creative assets, resulting in a 20% increase in online engagement for our mock brand campaign. I'm skilled in crafting graphics, illustrations, and templates using Adobe Suite. I'm also well-versed in tailoring content for channels like websites, social media, and email campaigns to relevant audiences. With a passion for visual storytelling, I'm eager to contribute to marketing initiatives and replicate my academic successes in a professional setting."

A narrative that resonates is concise. 

Think about it; just like the rest of us, a hiring manager has limited time. Your goal is to grab attention and draw them in while providing enough context to make the rest of your resume sections relatable and impactful. 

An effective beginner resume summary is brief but brimming with information and impact—think somewhere between 3-5 sentences, max.

Personalize by tailoring 

Your summary should echo the job ad of the role you're applying for. These details signal that you've done your homework and that your skills (and any experience) align. 

Use a professional tone

While being genuine (and true to your character) is essential, using a formal and polished tone ensures you're taken seriously right from the start.

Step-by-step guide to writing an entry-level resume summary

Whether you're creating a resume for a first job , a recent graduate, or transitioning careers—as an entry-level job candidate—you might not have a lot of professional experience achievements to pare down. 

And because of this, the steps you’re going to take to create your professional summary are slightly different than someone with 15 years of relevant work experience.

Step 1: Conduct a self-assessment

Start by considering your professional skills, certifications, and experiences relevant to the industry and type of role you're targeting. 

• Education : Reflect on the highest academic level you've reached. Were there specific courses or projects that stood out? Consider their scope and outcomes.
• Experience: If you have previous experience that doesn't align with the role you want, are there components of it that do? (For example, did you lead a team? Did you use a specific tool or software?) 
• Metrics : A good summary incorporates metrics. So think of elements in terms of numbers and data during your self-assessment. Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible. Did a significant project from your studies earn a good grade? If you collaborated across teams in any of your previous roles, how many?
• Transferable Skills : From personal projects and internships to volunteer work and part-time jobs, you likely used skills (like flexibility, active listening, communication, or storytelling).

Beyond traditional full-time work experience, consider the soft skills (or interpersonal skills) you've gained over time and how they apply to entry-level jobs. 

To do a little bit of introspection and self-awareness work, take Teal’s Work Style Assessment . This is a quick self assessment to unlock your tailored career insights and help you build your confidence in your career journey.

By the end of this step, you should have an inventory of your skills (and your relevant qualifications, too)

Step 2: Do your research

To tailor your resume summary effectively, you need a deep understanding of what an employer is looking for.

Deep dive into the job description : Consider what the employer truly values beyond the surface-level responsibilities. Is it innovation? Teamwork? Efficiency? What impact do they want to see? Identify the core themes.

Spot industry-specific keywords : These are the terms that recur frequently in job descriptions in your target field. They might pertain to specific tools, methodologies, or soft skills in high demand.

Pro Tip : Streamline the research process using the Teal Job Application Tracker . The Job Application Tracker highlights the hard and soft skills as well as other key language from the job description.

By the end of step 2, you'll have a clear map of what your prospective employer needs, helping you to craft a strong resume summary that resonates.

Step 3: Draft your entry-level resume professional summary

Creating the perfect beginner resume summary is kind of like writing a compelling story about your professional journey. Here's how you can shape that narrative.

Start with a strong opening 

Your first sentence sets the tone for your entire summary. Make it impactful and reflective of you. 

Some strong opening lines for an entry-level resume summary can look like this: 

"Recent Marketing graduate from the University of Texas with a passion for digital strategies, equipped with a strong foundation in data analytics and social media optimization, eager to contribute to a forward-thinking advertising agency."

"Current Computer Science sophomore at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with a keen interest in artificial intelligence and hands-on experience in Python programming, seeking an internship opportunity at TealHQ and contributing to tech startup growth."

"Seasoned English educator with 7 years of classroom experience, well-versed in modern teaching methodologies and a strong advocate for integrating e-learning platforms, ready to transition into the EdTech sector to drive innovative curriculum design."

"Recently completed a two-year apprenticeship in carpentry, where I honed skills in custom furniture design and installation, and am eager to apply this hands-on expertise in a dynamic interior design firm."

"Diligent high school junior with a strong work ethic and leadership experience as Student Body Treasurer, seeking an opportunity to contribute to and learn from The Rotary Club while balancing academic commitments."

Seamlessly integrate keywords 

Keyword stuffing—excessive, forced keyword repetition—is quickly evident to hiring managers and recruiters. 

Use the industry-specific keywords you've identified as long as they're applicable, but make sure they flow naturally within your summary. Forcing them can make your narrative sound fake and hard to read. 

For example, rather than saying something like:

"Digital marketing graduate, skilled in SEO, content marketing, social media marketing, digital campaigns, email marketing, and Google Analytics, seeking a digital marketing role to boost SEO and social media marketing with my content marketing and email marketing skills." 

Try something like:

"As a digital marketing graduate, I've honed my SEO and content creation skills while gaining hands-on experience with email campaigns and performance tracking via Google Analytics. I'm eager to join a dynamic team where I can enhance online visibility and engagement through innovative strategies."

The second version maintains the spirit of the original by emphasizing core competencies, but it does so without sounding redundant. 

Highlight your strengths with authenticity

While putting your best foot forward is crucial, it's also equally as important to be honest. 

Discuss your strengths confidently, but avoid embellishments. Remember, the best summaries are genuine and resonate with the reader because of their authenticity. 

In short? Don't risk compromising your professional integrity by exaggerating your capabilities. 

By the end of this step, you'll have crafted a tailored resume summary that showcases your potential as an entry-level candidate while aligning with your target job's requirements.

Step 5: Format, review, and refine

Creating a resume with no job experience requires careful attention to detail. And perfecting your beginner summary is probably going to take few revisions.

• Check format and length : Make sure your summary is easily readable and fits within a concise 3-5 short sentences.
• Proofread : Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors can leave an unintended negative impression. Always double-check for mistakes.
• Get feedback : A fresh pair of eyes, whether from peers, mentors, or professionals in your desired field, can offer valuable insight.
• Adapt and tailor : Remember, one size doesn't fit all. Adjust your summary to resonate with the specific role and company you're applying to.

And, just like that, you have a killer entry-level resume summary.

How to use Teal to write your beginner summary—faster

With the right tools and resources, creating a resume (and more specifically, the summary) for an entry-level role becomes more straightforward and the output more effective.  

With the Teal AI Resume Builder , you can consistently generate and refine your summary (and entire resume!) for every job application you submit.

With Teal, you can quickly and easily write a resume summary following the directions above. Or you can use the built-in AI resume summary generator and create one with the click of a button.

Teal's generative AI pulls keywords (like technical skills, soft skills, and other important language) from the job description and details from your own skills, certifications, education, and other professional experience to create an effective, tailored summary statement every time.

Beginner resume summary examples

Before you write your own resume summary, to get a feel for how some fantastic entry-level resumes start, take a look at these entry-level resume examples below.

High school student examples

"Dependable and enthusiastic high school junior with a passion for childcare seeking a role at a daycare. Proven track record of providing safe, nurturing care to children of all ages, with experience working as a babysitter for multiple families. Skilled in creating engaging activities and promoting positive social interactions to support children's growth and development. Certified in CPR and First Aid."

"Hardworking and reliable high school sophomore seeking a role in a restaurant or cafeteria setting. Strong communication skills, as evidenced by my role leading the student council team of 7, with the ability to engage effectively with customers and colleagues. Looking for an opportunity to develop skills and grow in the food service industry."

College student examples

"College student pursuing an Associate of Arts degree, eager to contribute analytical and critical-thinking skills within the non-profit sector. I orchestrated an impactful campus environmental sustainability project, driving a 15% reduction in waste and demonstrating a commitment to social and ecological causes. Proficient at conveying intricate concepts to diverse audiences, evident from a history of strong peer feedback. I've also volunteered over 200 hours for community-based organizations."

"Motivated biology student (expected graduation 2024) with a passion for science education seeking an opportunity to contribute to educational initiatives at Elliot Middle School. Proficient in designing and delivering engaging presentations on scientific topics and creating and implementing dynamic science curricula. I've also consistently improved student comprehension and interest, evidenced by a 25% increase in workshop participation and experienced informal and formal learning environments. I'm an Excellent communicator, adept at translating complex scientific concepts into accessible language for "learners of all ages.

Internship example

"Excited to secure a Social Media Manager internship at Stella; my academic projects showcase creative content skills. I'm proficient in social media tools, and my knack for engaging posts is amplified by teamwork. With my own personal engagement growth of 25% across platforms, I'm eager to deliver the same results at Stella."

Explore these example resumes for social media managers for even more summaries.

Recent college graduate examples

"Highly organized and dedicated paraprofessional with an associate's degree in education and a paraprofessional license. Skilled in providing academic and behavioral support to students with diverse needs, including those with disabilities and special needs. Experienced in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavioral plans to support student success. Able to work effectively with teachers, administrators, and parents to support student progress and growth."

"Recent psychology graduate with a strong passion for community-based mental health seeking to leverage academic training and volunteer experience in a challenging and fulfilling role. Skilled in crisis intervention, counseling, and group facilitation, with a proven track record of building rapport and fostering trust with clients. A compassionate and empathetic team player committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues."

Master's program application example

"Motivated and detail-oriented bachelor's degree holder in psychology seeking admission to a master's program in psychology. Strong academic background in psychology, with a solid understanding of theories, concepts, and research methods. Demonstrated ability to apply psychological principles in real-world settings through internships and research projects. Passionate about advancing my knowledge and skills in the field of psychology and dedicated to pursuing a career in research or clinical psychology."

Recent master's graduate example

"Highly motivated finance professional with a master's degree in finance and a strong background in financial analysis, forecasting, and modeling. Skilled in using quantitative methods and financial software to analyze data and make strategic recommendations. Proficient in financial reporting and compliance, with a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and standards."

Administrative summary example

"Highly organized and detail-oriented individual with a proven track record of providing administrative support in a fast-paced environment. Proficient in utilizing various office software, including MS Office and Google Suite, to manage calendars, schedule appointments, and organize documents. Skilled in handling a wide range of tasks, including data entry, file maintenance, and correspondence. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and clients."

Career transition example

"A driven and organized Marketing Generalist with a strong foundation in data analysis and KPI development, I'm looking to transition into an entry-level Customer Success role. I'm highly skilled in developing KPIs to monitor data, increasing customer engagement and satisfaction, and successfully onboarding customers. With a track record of achieving a 15% increase in customer retention through targeted marketing strategies, I am motivated to utilize my expertise to drive customer success and enhance the overall CX at SavTech."

See more examples of summaries in these customer success manager resumes .

Apprenticeship example

"Motivated and dedicated individual seeking an HVAC apprenticeship position to develop skills and gain experience in the field. Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, with experience in electrical wiring and troubleshooting. Familiar with HVAC systems, including installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. Experienced in reading and interpreting technical manuals and blueprints. Skilled in utilizing various hand and power tools to complete projects. Proficient in maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to safety protocols."

Digital assistant example

"Newly trained digital assistant with a recent certification in Virtual Assistance from Prestige Online Academy. I successfully managed a mock project during my training, coordinating tasks and communication for a virtual team of 15, using tools like Microsoft Office Suite, G Suite, and Asana. As a clear communicator, both written and verbal, with an attention to detail, I have a 95% accuracy rate in task management."

Bank teller example

"Motivated and customer-focused individual seeking an entry-level bank teller position. Excellent math skills with the ability to accurately count and manage large amounts of money. Skilled in providing exceptional customer service and resolving customer complaints in a timely and professional manner. Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced banking environment."

Frontend engineer example

"Energetic Frontend Engineer with expertise in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, I successfully designed and implemented a responsive web application during my capstone project, which garnered a 98% user approval rating for usability and responsiveness. My engineering skills are complemented by strong teamwork and problem-solving capabilities—highlighted in feedback from my professors as exceptionally collaborative and innovative."

For more entry level positions resume examples, check out these examples of frontend engineer resume samples .

Create your entire entry-level resume with Teal

A well-crafted beginner's resume summary serves as your introduction, giving potential employers a snapshot of everything you offer. It's your chance to tell a story and differentiate yourself from other candidates. And while constructing this summary might seem tricky, tools like Teal's AI Resume Builder can be invaluable. 

Use the AI technology integrated within Teal's AI Resume Builder to generate professional summaries (and bullet points, cover letters, and more!) directly within the Teal platform. Teal makes it easy to create and curate multiple versions of your resume, tailoring each one for the position you're applying to.

With the right emphasis on personalization, relevance, and a clear showcase of your unique blend of skills, you're setting the stage for a strong first impression. 

Dive into the professional world or a new industry confidently, knowing that your summary, with the help of Teal, offers a compelling introduction to your true potential. 

Get started with Teal today !

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to include in a beginner resume summary when you have no work experience, how can i tailor my entry-level resume summary to a specific job description, can i include soft skills in my beginner summary for a resume, and if so, which ones are most impactful.

Kayte Grady

Related articles.

What Is Professional Networking? How to Build Connections That Grow Your Career

16 Career Clusters: What They Are & How To Choose One

14 Best Free Online Certificates to Put on Your Resume in 2024

26 High-Earning Remote Job Certifications for 2024

We help you find the career dream..

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

13 Entry-Level Resume Examples That Landed Jobs in 2024

Entry-Level Accounting

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

• Entry-Level Resumes A-L
• Entry-Level Resumes M-Z
• Writing Your Resume

Writing a resume for an entry-level anything can be stressful—luckily, Michael had a pretty good idea of how to spin college and internship experiences in his favor. But how should he showcase his skills on paper and build a resume that would lead him toward a bright future?

A bit nervous, but excited to take on the challenge of landing an entry-level accounting job, Michael reviewed some resume tips while researching his next steps. He loved the idea of including a “Projects” section to really highlight his ambition and investment in learning more about his field. And boy, was he excited when he landed that start date!

If you’re eager to build your own success story, read on for more advice and entry-level resume examples to go with your AI cover letter !

Entry-Level Accounting Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Highlight your numeracy and research skills and familiarity with accounting tools, such as QuickBooks and Excel.

Learn how to land a job

Get the free 4-day email course for college students and recent grads.

Entry-Level Data Analyst Resume Example

• These projects don’t have to be huge open-source types with thousands of users. Did you ever build a project to scratch your own itch? Then talk about it!
• Need more room? These story-telling details are a perfect storm for an effective entry-level cover letter .
• If you’ve had the chance to have an internship experience, then be sure to quantify the impact of that work on your entry-level data analyst resume. Did you save time? Increase revenue? Improve customer satisfaction? Any way to quantify your results will  improve the quality of your resume .

Entry-Level Engineer Resume

• Starting your engineering career is a classic catch-22. When you’re trying to get your first engineering job, employers say you need experience. But to get engineering experience, you have to get your first engineering job. Cue endless cycle.
• But although employers “require” you to have experience, what they really want is for you to have the skills to complete the job.  More often than not, all you need is a degree and some soft skills  like organization and project management in your  resume’s skills section .
• Tailor it to match the  job description’s  keywords, including them in a few of your work experience bullet points and your  resume objective  (if you decide to use an objective).
• Lastly, if you’re freshly out of school, you can leverage any projects you worked on that apply to the listed requirements. They’re an excellent way to show your skills and initiative in place of work history. 

Entry-Level Healthcare Resume

• Starting off with the  right resume template  and  formatting your resume properly  can save you oodles of time and set you in the right direction as you begin writing your entry-level healthcare resume.
• Work in the form of internships, volunteering, projects, and surprisingly, even relevant  interests and hobbies can be included on your resume .

Entry-Level HR Resume

• Think about an internship, school project, or even coursework that polished a proficiency relevant to the role. See how James gives his entry level HR resume a clever twist by pointing to his successful “Navigating Workplace Harmony” project presentation and research for the “HR Trends in Modern Workplace” project.

Business Analyst Entry Level Resume

• That’s all you gotta do as well. If you can whip out impactful projects from university days like participating in a pitching contest or presenting market analysis reports, it can be more than enough to prove that you’re ready to test your expertise in a corporate setting.

Entry-Level Marketing Resume

• As a marketer, you know that the most important metric you ultimately need to drive is revenue. If you’ve had a marketing internship when applying for your first full-time role, you should focus on how your marketing efforts impacted the bottom line.
• Volunteering for a local business or charity to help them with marketing is a great way to get some preliminary marketing experience under your belt. You can then leverage this experience into landing your first full-time marketing role. 
• In the  resume skills section  of your entry-level marketing analyst resume be sure to state all of the channels (both paid and organic) that you’re comfortable with. Since you’re looking for an entry-level role, this list doesn’t need to be exhaustive! It’s okay if that’s one to two channels when you start your career.

Entry-Level Nurse Resume

• Vividly show your achievements in your entry-level nurse resume as an educator and highlight your voluntary roles to benefit disadvantaged groups.

Entry-Level Phlebotomy Resume

• When well-aligned with the hiring company’s needs and goals, a career objective does wonders. It parades your ambition and commitment—some real heavyweights that could set you apart from the competition, regardless of your low experience level.

Entry-Level Recruiter Resume

• Lead with your strengths on your entry-level recruiter resume. More often than not, this will be your education.
• As you progress in your career, your education section will take up less and less space on your resume, but right now, it’ll consume a sizable amount of real estate. Starting with a  resume outline  can help you fill in some of these important details. 
• These statements can, however, set your resume apart from the crowd when customized to the target job:
• Great objectives (for entry-level) and summaries (for 10+ years of experience) mention the business by name, use power-packed, concise language, and sprinkle some metrics describing previous job achievements.

Entry-Level Sales Resume

• Having a job, regardless of what it is, demonstrates responsibility—one of the most in-demand skills for entry-level candidates.
• With that said, you should still try to make your experience as relevant as possible to the sales role you’re applying for. For example, to be successful in sales, you need effective time management skills. Thankfully, almost all jobs require the ability to manage time, so it’s an inherently universal and valuable skill!

Entry-Level Software Developer Resume

• Listing one to two programming languages you know really well is much wiser than mentioning four to five languages you have novice familiarity with. You’ll end up looking foolish—or worse, dishonest during the interview!
• If you include a  skill on your resume , you should be comfortable answering interview questions about it.

Project Manager Entry Level Resume

• If you’re creating your project manager entry level resume and can’t find any reasonable past experience, then use the career objective to impress employers. Pick out key impacts from your projects. Were you part of a volunteering team? Don’t just say it, describe how you managed volunteers using project management tools like Toggle or Asana.

Related resume guides

• College Graduate
• Grad School
• Administrative Assistant

Writing Your Entry-Level Resume

There’s no silver bullet when it comes to  resume templates . You can use nearly any template and make an effective entry-level resume. Just be sure to follow a few rules:

• Make sure your resume is readable. Make the job of the person reviewing your resume as easy as possible.
• Keep your resume to one page. Your resume should only stretch to two pages when you have five or more years of experience.
• The resume sections you need: work experience, skills, education, and contact info. The rest are optional.
• Please, please, avoid spelling and grammar errors. Triple-check your resume; then, have a friend read it.

All of these rules are in service of one goal: make it as easy as possible for the person reviewing your resume to come away convinced that you deserve an interview for the role you’re applying to.

Stretching your resume to two pages or inserting big blocks of text goes directly against this goal.

Insert plenty of white space, avoid really small font, and use big headings.

Resume summary or sesume objective?

Have you ever opened a book or article because the title was compelling just to read the introduction to be disappointed?

Think of the  resume summary  or  resume objective  as the introduction paragraph to your resume.

Before we dive into how to make an effective summary or objective, let’s get some definitions out of the way:

• Resume summary: Used for experienced professionals to recap some of their career highlights.
• Resume objective: A short statement of a candidate’s key skills or qualifications as well as why they’re a good fit for a specific job.

As you can imagine, a resume objective is more suitable for an entry-level candidate.

Keep in mind that, unlike an introduction for a book, a resume objective is not required for your resume.

In fact, 95 percent of entry-level resumes should omit a resume objective!

Why? Because most resume objectives don’t increase a candidate’s chances of getting an interview.

To ensure you write a resume objective in the top five percent of applicants, follow these rules:

• Customize it for each job you apply to.
• Don’t be afraid to be personal about why you’re interested in the role or career you’re applying to.
• Keep it to two to three sentences. Any more and it will be ignored by the hiring manager.
• State your top one to two qualifications for the role you’re applying for.

I know, this seems like a lot to fit in two to three sentences. To help give you some inspiration, here are a few examples of effective entry-level resume objectives.

Entry-level resume objective examples

• “Prospective data analyst who strives to pose and answer questions with quantitative-driven insights. Through the development of personal projects I’ve learned the importance of having an iterative, hypothesis-oriented approach to analysis and I’m excited to leverage that approach at Acme Corp as a data analyst.”
• “Recent computer science graduate with a passion for developing scalable web applications and working across the full stack. I’ve built two web apps from the ground up using React, Node, and PostgreSQL.”
• “Retail sales associate with experience working directly with customers to ensure their satisfaction. Looking for an opportunity to work for a KPI-focused organization where I can grow like Acme Corp.”
• “Recent marketing graduate with a passion for developing scale-able acquisition strategies through paid acquisition and SEO. I have experience creating and improving campaigns in the context of a big team and I worked independently to help local organizations start and grow their user acquisition.”

Make any experience relevant

What on earth are you supposed to include on your entry-level resume when you don’t yet have relevant experience?

The answer, frankly, is anything that you can make seem relevant to the role you’re applying for.

I’m a firm believer that any work experience has skills that are transferable to other jobs.

Hiring managers understand that early in your career you may not have a ton of relevant industry experience to draw on.

That’s okay! Having a job, whether that’s a part-time summer job or an entirely unrelated full-time position demonstrates responsibility.

So don’t be hesitant to include any employment you’ve had in the past. Own it!

Still, there is another way to demonstrate to prospective employers that you’re qualified to do the entry-level job you’re applying to: projects.

These can be projects you did as part of a class or projects you undertook to satiate your own curiosity. Projects demonstrate a few things to employers:

• You have a real interest in the industry you’re seeking employment in.
• You take initiative (a very desirable trait for entry-level candidates).
• A level of expertise in your field.

Projects can truly be anything. To give you a better sense of that, here are some project ideas for different entry-level positions:

Project ideas for entry-level resumes

• Did you build a social media following for a club or organization you were part of or implement a successful SEO initiative?
• As part of a class, did you build out a comprehensive case study or hiring process for a real or fictional company? Talk about it.
• Did you build a web app to help your friends decide on which movie to watch next? What kind of programs have you developed in class?
• Can you do a deep dive on a company you’re interested in and build a presentation around a new market they can expand into or a new product offering they can develop?
• Can you try to join a hackathon and shape the vision of a product to build? Can you choose your favorite consumer web app and detail any changes you’d make?
• Pose a question you’ve always wanted to answer; then collect and analyze data to answer that question and put it in a blog post.

Which skills should you include?

When it comes to the skills to include on your entry-level resume, it’s better to include a few skills you know very well than a laundry list of skills you kind of know.

Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. Isn’t it a little suspicious for an entry-level candidate to be an expert in 10+ skills?

You should include your relevant skills in a dedicated  “skills” section on your resume  and also include the context in which you used those skills in a work experience or project.

How do you know what skills to list for a given job?

• If you’re looking for a technical role, be sure to include programming languages or relevant technologies.
• Read the job description of the job you’re applying to.
• If so, list those skills!
• If not, are there skills mentioned in the job description you have that weren’t on your list?

It’s important to customize the skills that you include on your resume for each job you’re applying to because before a human reads your resume, an automated system called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) will read it.

The ATS is checking whether or not your resume contains certain keywords mentioned in the job description. So it’s worth the time to customize your skills section for each entry-level role you’re applying to!

• We’ll show you how, step-by-step • Real, practical tips and tools • 100% free

• Career Blog

Entry Level Resume: Examples, Template & Tips for 2024

As a recent graduate or a young professional with little to no work experience, crafting an effective entry-level resume is crucial. It serves as the first impression you make on a potential employer and can determine whether you’ll move forward in the job application process or not.

This article will provide you with valuable insights on how to create an entry-level resume that stands out from the crowd. We’ll cover everything from the basics of resume writing to advanced strategies and tips. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to create a strong entry-level resume that captures the attention of hiring managers.

Why is an entry-level resume important?

An entry-level resume is essential because it’s your chance to showcase your skills, education, and achievements to potential employers. Whether you’re applying for an internship, a part-time job, or a full-time position, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference in getting hired.

Without solid work experience, graduates and young professionals need to rely on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and internships to showcase their potential to employers. An entry-level resume can help you highlight these accomplishments and differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Contents of the article

This article will cover the following topics:

• The importance of a strong opening statement or summary
• How to highlight your education and academic achievements
• How to showcase your relevant skills and experience
• Key sections that every entry-level resume should include
• Tips for formatting and organizing your resume to make it stand out from the competition
• Mistakes to avoid when writing an entry-level resume
• Entry-level resume examples and templates to guide you in crafting an effective resume

We’ll dive deep into each of these topics to ensure that you have all the knowledge and skills you need to create a strong entry-level resume.

Understanding the Basics of an Entry-Level Resume

When it comes to crafting an entry-level resume, it is important to understand the key components that make it an effective marketing tool. An entry-level resume is a document that highlights the skills, education, and work experience of an individual who is just starting in their career. The primary goal of an entry-level resume is to showcase the candidate’s potential for growth and ability to learn quickly.

Definition of an Entry-Level Resume

An entry-level resume is a one or two-page document that summarizes the educational background, work experience, and skills of an individual who is starting their career. This type of resume is typically used by recent graduates or individuals who have limited work experience in their field.

Key Components of an Entry-Level Resume

The key components of an entry-level resume include an objective or summary statement, work experience (if applicable), education section, and skills section. The aim is to highlight your transferable skills that make you a good candidate for the job.

Objective or Summary Statement

The objective or summary statement is a brief introduction that highlights your career goals and the skills that make you a good fit for the role. This section should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and should be kept clear and concise.

Work Experience Section (If Applicable)

The work experience section is designed to showcase any relevant work experience, internships, or volunteer work that you have completed in the past. This section should focus on the skills and achievements that you have developed from previous work experiences and how they can be used to benefit the new organization.

Education Section

The education section should highlight your academic achievements, including your degree, any relevant coursework, honors, and awards. This section should also include any professional development or training that you have completed.

Skills Section

The skills section is an essential component of an entry-level resume that focuses on the candidate’s transferable skills. This section should include any technical or soft skills that the candidate possesses and how they relate to the job they are applying for.

An entry-level resume should be tailored to the specific job description and showcase the candidate’s potential for growth and ability to learn quickly. With the right combination of education, experience, and skills, an entry-level resume can help a candidate stand out in a highly competitive job market.

Entry-Level Resume Template: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you starting your career journey and looking for guidance on how to create an impactful entry-level resume? Look no further! This step-by-step guide will take you through the entire process.

Step-by-step guide to creating an entry-level resume

First things first, let’s gather all the necessary information. Compile a list of your educational qualifications, work experience, and skills. Next, follow these steps:

• Choose the right resume format: chronological, functional, or combination. Consider which format aligns best with your experience and the job you are applying for.
• Tailor your resume to the job description. Highlight the required skills and match your experience accordingly.
• Write an engaging objective or summary statement that showcases your unique qualities and why you are the perfect fit for the job.
• Highlight your relevant work experience, starting with your most recent job. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
• Showcase your educational qualifications and highlight relevant coursework, scholarships, and honors.
• Include relevant skills, both technical and soft. Use keywords from the job description to further highlight your suitability for the role.

Tips for formatting and layout

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to craft an aesthetically-pleasing and easy-to-read resume. Follow these tips:

• Use a legible font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
• Set a standard font size of 10-12 points for the body text.
• Use bold and italic font styles sparingly to emphasize key sections.
• Add white space between sections to create a visually pleasing layout.
• Use bullet points to make your accomplishments and responsibilities stand out.

With this step-by-step guide and formatting tips, you are well-equipped to create an impressive entry-level resume that showcases your strengths and qualifications. Happy job hunting!

Entry-Level Resume Examples

As a job seeker entering the workforce or changing career paths, creating a standout entry-level resume can be a daunting task. However, by studying examples of well-written resumes, you can build a stronger understanding of what employers are looking for.

Examples of Well-Written Entry-Level Resumes

One example of a well-written entry-level resume is that of Jane Smith, a recent college graduate with a degree in marketing. Her resume features a clear objective statement at the top, followed by her relevant work experience and education. She also includes a section listing her relevant skills, such as proficiency in social media marketing and graphic design software.

Another standout entry-level resume is that of Michael Johnson, a candidate applying for a position in the finance industry. His resume features a strong summary statement at the top, highlighting his education and relevant coursework, as well as his attention to detail and strong analytical skills. His work experience section lists relevant internships and part-time jobs, showcasing his ability to apply his skills in a professional setting.

Analysis of What Makes Each Example Effective

Both Jane and Michael’s resumes are effective for several reasons. Firstly, they both feature strong opening statements that immediately catch the reader’s attention and highlight their relevant qualifications. They also each include a list of relevant skills that showcase their competencies and strengths.

Furthermore, both resumes are tailored to the specific industry and job they are targeting. They each include relevant work experience and education, highlighting their ability to apply their skills in a professional setting.

A strong objective or summary statement is a key component of any entry-level resume. This section should be concise and tailored to the specific job or industry you are targeting. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate your relevance and interest in the position.

While work experience is not always necessary for an entry-level resume, it can be useful to showcase relevant internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. This section should highlight your responsibilities and achievements in each position, demonstrating your ability to apply your skills in a professional setting.

The education section is often the most important section of an entry-level resume, particularly for recent graduates. Clearly list your degree(s), major(s), and any relevant coursework or academic achievements. Don’t forget to include any relevant certifications, awards, or publications.

The skills section is another important component of an entry-level resume. Use bullet points to showcase your relevant competencies and strengths, including technical skills, soft skills, and any languages you speak fluently. Don’t forget to tailor this section to the specific job or industry you are targeting.

By studying well-written entry-level resumes and tailoring your own resume to the specific job or industry you are targeting, you can create a standout application that highlights your relevant skills and competencies.

Entry-Level Resume Tips and Best Practices

When it comes to entry-level resumes, it’s crucial to create one that stands out from the rest. Here are some tips and best practices to help you create an exceptional resume:

Tips for creating an entry-level resume that stands out

• Customization: Tailor your resume to the job description and company you are applying for.
• Format: Choose a clean and easy-to-read format that is consistent throughout your resume.
• Content: Keep your content relevant, concise, and targeted towards the job you want.
• Visuals: Use visuals such as bullet points and white space to make your resume easier to read.

Utilizing keywords

Keywords are crucial for getting your resume noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers. Look for keywords in the job description and include them in your resume to improve your chances of getting through the initial screening process.

Keeping it concise

Your resume should be no longer than one page, with two pages being the absolute maximum. Keep your sentences short and to the point, and avoid using filler words.

Focusing on accomplishments rather than just duties

Focus on quantifiable accomplishments and specific achievements rather than just listing your job duties. Use numbers and data to demonstrate your impact and contributions to previous employers.

Proofreading for errors and consistency

Triple-check your resume for spelling and grammar errors. Also, ensure that the formatting and font are consistent throughout.

Highlighting leadership and teamwork skills

Employers want to know that you can work well with others and take on leadership roles. Highlight any relevant experience you have in these areas.

Including relevant personal interests

Including personal interests on your resume can help you stand out and show your personality. However, make sure that your interests are relevant to the job or industry.

By following these tips and best practices, you’ll be on your way to creating an exceptional entry-level resume. Remember to keep it relevant, concise, and visually appealing!

Common Entry-Level Resume Mistakes to Avoid

When crafting your entry-level resume, it’s important to steer clear of some common mistakes that candidates tend to make. Here are a few of the most important ones to avoid:

1. Writing a Generic Objective Statement

One of the major errors in entry-level resumes is writing a generic objective statement that could apply to any position or company. Instead, you should tailor your objective statement to the specific job you’re applying for and highlight why you are the best candidate for that role.

2. Including Irrelevant Work Experience

While it’s important to emphasize any relevant work experience you may have, it’s equally important to avoid including irrelevant work experience that doesn’t add value to your resume. This could include jobs that you held a long time ago or positions that are irrelevant to the career path you’re pursuing.

3. Failing to Quantify Accomplishments

When describing your previous work experiences on your resume, it’s crucial to quantify your accomplishments so that potential employers can see what you’re capable of achieving in a tangible way. This could involve including metrics, numbers, percentages, or any other concrete indicators of your success.

4. Being Inconsistent with Formatting or Style

Lastly, it’s important to avoid being inconsistent with formatting or style when creating your entry-level resume. This includes using a consistent font and point size throughout, ensuring that bullet points are all formatted in the same way, and ensuring that the overall design is visually appealing and easy to read.

By avoiding these common entry-level resume mistakes, you can improve your chances of standing out to potential employers and landing your dream job.

Entry-Level Resume Cover Letter Writing Tips

When it comes to applying for an entry-level job, your resume is often not enough to make you stand out from other candidates. A cover letter can be the key to making a lasting impression and landing you an interview. In this section, we will discuss the importance of a cover letter for your entry-level job application and provide tips for writing an effective one.

Importance of a Cover Letter for Your Entry-Level Job Application

A cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the employer and highlight why you are the best fit for the job. It allows you to expand on your qualifications, skills, and experience that you mentioned in your resume. Furthermore, it can demonstrate your written communication skills and show the employer that you pay attention to details.

An entry-level candidate needs to make a strong case for why they are the best person for the job, and a well-written cover letter can make all the difference. It shows the employer that you have put in the effort to research the company and tailor your application specifically to their needs.

Tips to Write an Effective Entry-Level Resume Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter may seem daunting, especially if you have no prior experience writing one. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective entry-level resume cover letter:

Research the company and the job: Before you start writing, make sure you research the company and the job you are applying for. This will help you tailor your cover letter to their needs and demonstrate that you are a good fit for the role.

Use a professional tone: Your cover letter should be written in a professional tone. Avoid using colloquial language or slang, and make sure your grammar and spelling are flawless.

Highlight your qualifications: Use your cover letter to expand on your qualifications and highlight why you are the best candidate for the job. Be specific about your skills and experience and how they relate to the job requirements.

Keep it concise: Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. Keep your sentences short and to the point, and make sure you are conveying the most important information.

Entry-Level Resume Dos and Don’ts

If you’re starting your career and looking to create your first entry-level resume, there are a few things you should be aware of. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

• Do focus on your achievements : If you’ve been involved in internships or extracurricular activities, don’t forget to highlight your achievements. Employers want to see what you’ve accomplished, not just what you’ve done.
• Do keep it short and sweet : Your resume should be no longer than one page, especially if you’re just starting out. Stick to the most relevant information and keep it concise.

Don’ts

• Don’t use fancy fonts or colors : While you may be tempted to use a unique font or a pop of color to make your resume stand out, it’s best to stick to a clean, professional look. Avoid anything that could distract from the content of your resume.
• Don’t include irrelevant information : Keep your resume focused on your skills, experiences, and achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Don’t include anything that doesn’t contribute to your qualifications for the position.

By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to creating an effective entry-level resume that catches the eyes of hiring managers.

Entry-Level Resume with No Work Experience

If you’re fresh out of school or have never held a job before, creating an entry-level resume can seem like an overwhelming task. However, with the right approach and attention to detail, you can craft a resume that impresses potential employers and shows off your skills and accomplishments. Here are some tips for crafting an effective entry-level resume with no work experience:

Highlight Relevant Coursework, Extracurricular Activities, and Volunteer Work

If you don’t have any work experience to showcase, don’t worry – there are other ways to demonstrate your capabilities. For example, you can highlight relevant coursework that you completed in school, such as classes that directly relate to the job you’re applying for. You can also showcase any extracurricular activities you participated in, such as clubs, sports teams, or leadership roles, that helped you develop skills relevant to the job. Additionally, if you’ve done volunteer work, highlight that as well – volunteering shows that you have initiative and a desire to help others, which can impress potential employers.

Emphasize Transferable Skills

Even if you don’t have direct work experience that relates to the job, you likely have transferable skills that you can showcase on your resume. These could include skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, or organization. Identify the skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for and focus on highlighting those in your resume.

Use a Professional Format and Tone

While it can be tempting to get creative with your resume design or language, it’s important to remember that your resume is a professional document that should reflect a professional tone. Stick to a traditional resume format with clear headings and bullet points, and avoid using overly casual language or slang. Don’t forget to proofread carefully before submitting your resume – typos and errors can make a bad impression.

Crafting an entry-level resume with no work experience can be challenging, but by following these tips, you can create a document that shows off your skills and potential to potential employers. Don’t underestimate the value of highlighting relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, and transferable skills – these can be just as impressive to employers as traditional work experience.

Related Articles

• Research Analyst Resume: Examples and Writing Tips
• Kitchen Manager Resume: Winning Examples for 2023
• The Camp Counselor Resume Sample & Writing Tips for 2023
• Plumber: Job Description, Salary, Skills, and Career Outlook
• Corporate Accounting: Crafting a Winning Resume in 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

11 Entry-Level Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Entry-Level Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Most popular entry-level resumes, medical assistant resume with no experience, data entry resume with no experience, flight attendant resume with no experience, it resume with no experience, entry-level financial analyst resume example, entry-level human resource administrator resume example, student resume example, internship resume example.

• Resume Text Examples
• How To Write a Entry-Level Resume
• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Entry-Level Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Jane Smith (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Athens, OH 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

• Recent internship experience supporting editorial operations of a popular magazine
• Completing Bachelor’s Degree in English and Creative Writing from Ohio University
• Co-curricular activities include helping write and publish the university’s main campus newspaper
• Committed to continually gaining and applying new skills
• Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish
• Efficiency improvement
• Fact-checking and proofreading
• Independent research
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Office administration
• Process streamlining
• Team collaboration
• Writing and editing

Internship Experience

Editorial Intern, Regional Floral Magazine, Lancaster, OH | May 2022 to August 2022

• Helped manage the magazine’s main email account, responding to feedback and providing subscription information as needed
• Answered and forwarded calls to the appropriate department
• Maintained and updated subscription rolls
• Organized meetings and verified sources for reporters
• Candidate: Bachelor of Arts (BA) – English, Creative Writing, Ohio University, Athens, OH | expected May 2023

Winner, Campus Award for Long-Form Fiction (2022) Runner-up, Campus Award for Excellence in Poetry (2021)

Select coursework :

• Children’s fiction
• Fiction workshopping
• Poetry and drama
• Prose and nonfiction
• Short story writing

Co-Curricular Activity

Staff Writer, OU News | 2021 to present   [Biweekly college newspaper]

• Provide copy for various sections, including arts, athletics, and editorial
• Work with photo editors to determine placement with accompanying text

Fluency in Spanish

Hideo Araki Boston, MA 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/example

Personable HR Administrator with recent work experience at two nonprofits. Confident supporting all leadership levels. Skilled communicator who builds positive, productive relationships with diverse employee groups. Committed to professional integrity and excellence in all endeavors.

• Cross-functional collaboration
• Leadership support
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Payroll disbursement and coordination
• Personnel recruiting
• Policy implementation
• Process improvement
• Reporting and documentation

Professional Experience

HR Administrator, SFE Association, Boston, MA | October 2022 to present

• Help process payroll efficiently and accurately
• Assist recruiting operations by updating job descriptions, posting new jobs, screening applicants, and flagging and organizing standout resumes

Highlight :

• Praised on formal review for high accuracy maintaining (paper and digital) records of all personnel changes and performance assessments

HR Intern, SCI Services, Boston, MA | August 2021 to September 2022

• Accurately implemented various HR policies and protocols
• Gained strong experience in standard Excel functions as well as advanced Word and PowerPoint formatting

Associate Degree – Psychology, Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, MA | 2021

Liam Greene (555) 789-1234 | [email protected] | Boston, MA 20138 | www.linkedin.com/example

Engineering graduate with strong knowledge base centered on robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Passionate about streamlining work processes and finding novel solutions to complex problems. Quickly adapt to new work challenges and conditions.

• Data modeling
• Human-technology interfaces
• Ruby on Rails
• Structural analysis

Bachelor of Science (BS) — Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA | December 2022 3.7 GPA | Dean’s List | cum laude

Co-Curricular Experience

Member, Robotics Club Competition Team | August 2020 to August 2022

• Helped design robot that won the intercollegiate competition in February 2021

Research Intern, Wallops NASA Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA | Summers 2021 and 2022

• Created a program to detect conductivity that may impact satellite launch times
• Studied under NASA flight engineers
• Designed prototype of Mars Mission with other research interns

Work Experience

Produce Clerk (part-time), Jumbo Grocery Stores, Boston, MA | June 2019 to May 2021

• Ensured store’s produce section was clean, organized, and well-stocked
• Praised for strong teamwork, high efficiency, and proactive equipment maintenance

How To Write an Entry-Level Resume

To write a good entry-level resume, show you can excel at the standard duties of your profession despite limited work experience. The tips and examples below will help you draft each section of your resume so it gets you interviews for a great entry-level opportunity.

1. Craft an outstanding profile with a summary of your entry-level qualifications

Your resume profile should catch hiring managers’ interest by displaying the top reasons you’d succeed as a junior employee.

It’s usually best to write this section last so you can look over all your career information and decide what those top reasons are. For instance, maybe you recently finished a relevant degree program with honors. Or perhaps you have hands-on experience as a result of several internships. You might also give details on your volunteer or extracurricular activities if they relate to your career path. Gathering these highlights at the top of your resume shows hiring managers you’re ready to advance their business goals.

Profile Example

Engineering graduate with a strong knowledge base centered on robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI). Passionate about streamlining work processes and finding novel solutions to complex problems. Quickly adapt to new work challenges and conditions.

2. Showcase your entry-level experience

View the Experience section(s) as a chance to give examples of your success in carrying out the basic duties of your profession.

To generate these examples, outline any work, internship, volunteer, or extracurricular experience you have so far. Under each experience or position, brainstorm and jot down your primary duties and achievements first. Then, review your writing to find details about your target entry-level job. Emphasize these details on your resume, and leave out any details that don’t have relevance.

For instance, say you recently worked as an HR administrator. If the entry-level jobs you’re targeting focus on recruitment, emphasize that aspect of your HR administrator job. Spell out the various things you did to source and screen talented candidates, and hiring managers will see your skill set can serve their HR needs.

Note: if you lack relevant experience, you can still write a good entry-level resume. Focus on your education details instead — see the following section.

Internship Experience Example

Professional experience example, 3. list any education and certifications relevant to entry-level work.

Use the Education and Certifications sections to show you have a solid knowledge base in your field.

For entry-level applicants, citing relevant awards, coursework, papers, or projects under each school degree is often a good idea. This helps hiring managers see you are capable even if your hands-on experience is limited (especially important if you recently finished a master’s or doctorate.) For the same reason, flesh out any relevant licenses or certifications with a description of the skills you learned and could apply at the entry level.

Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details. Note that optional template areas appear in [brackets].

• Degree Name — [Major, Minor], School Name, City, ST | [Year]
• [Academic honors or awards]
• [Relevant coursework]
• [Dissertation]
• [Key projects]
• Winner, Campus Award for Long-Form Fiction (2022)
• Runner-up, Campus Award for Excellence in Poetry (2021)
• Select Coursework:

Certification

• Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
• [Description of training]
• Service Excellence Certificate, VCU Advanced Solutions | 2023

4. List key entry-level skills and proficiencies

Add a Key Skills section to highlight the various ways you can apply yourself in your chosen profession.

This section is helpful for entry-level job seekers because it shows you have the core skills to work in your target job, even if you’ve never held that job before. The keywords you include will mostly depend on the role you’re after, but below are some broader work skills to consider adding.

How To Pick the Best Entry-Level Resume Template

A clear and straightforward resume template is usually best for entry-level job seekers. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your best career details. Select a traditional resume font , and avoid any template with a colorful or elaborate design. Also, make sure the template is compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) employers use to screen resumes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Entry-Level Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for entry-level resumes -.

One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. Dynamic verbs help you keep the hiring manager’s attention and show the impact of your experience. The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your entry-level resume.

How do you align your entry-level resume with a job posting? -

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts entry-level jobs will increase by about 5% between 2021 and 2031.

You can get more entry-level job interviews by tailoring your resume for each application. Start by looking at the job post and noting words or phrases that are repeated, emphasized, or otherwise seem important. Compare these phrases against the language you’re using in your resume, particularly the Profile and Key Skills sections. Then look for ways to align your resume language with the job post without copying text or misstating your background.

For example, if the company wants someone collaborative, you may want to call out that aspect of your experience in your Profile. Or say the company has many non-English speaking customers. Highlight your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each job opportunity.

What is the best entry-level resume format? -

In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s simplest for hiring managers to learn about your pertinent skills and experience. It’s also easiest for you to align with your job goals.

With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and background in your Experience or Work History section and an intro. (This combination of work history and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should include a Profile summary and Key Skills section, but you may also add a Career Highlights or Awards section. By carefully choosing the details for these intro sections, you can (a) position yourself for your target job and (b) give hiring managers a clear, quick view of what you offer.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

To increase your chances of an interview, write and submit a strong cover letter. The key to an effective letter is customizing it based on each job opening. Read our Cover Letter Guide to learn how. See our Entry-Level Nurse and Entry-Level Counseling cover letter guides for related examples.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

Entry-Level Financial Analyst Resume Examples and Templates

Entry-Level Human Resource Administrator Resume Examples and Templates

Student Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How To Include Extracurriculars on an Entry-Level Resume Learn More
• How To Include Personal and Academic Projects on Your Resume Learn More
• The Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resume Examples
• Entry-Level

Entry-Level resume examples & templates

Choosing the right resume format for entry-level jobs

Include your contact information, make use of a summary, outline your entry-level work experience, include the relevant key skills that make you a great entry-level candidate, pick the right resume layout and design for an entry-level resume, what type of salary you can expect in entry-level roles.

An entry-level job is the starting point of virtually any career. These positions allow you to transition into the workforce after you’ve completed a college degree or another form of education.

But here’s the truth about entry-level jobs: they’re becoming increasingly competitive. As employers look to hire candidates with the right blend of skills and culture fit, they often ask for a level of experience once thought to be above the typical entry-level position. 

So how do you stand out and win one of these coveted roles? By creating an exceptional resume that highlights the strengths you do have. 

This entry-level resume example and guide is designed to walk you through the process.

Resume guide for an entry-level resume

Accelerate success with Resume.io. Our guides and resume examples cover over 500 professions, and our resume builder makes creating a compelling resume easier than ever.

This resume guide and corresponding entry-level resume example will cover the following:

• How to write an entry-level resume
• How to add your contact information
• Using summaries
• Adding your experience
• Listing education and relevant experience
• Picking the right resume design/layout
• What the entry-level job market looks like, and what salary you can expect

How to write an entry-level job resume

The very first step in writing your entry-level resume is understanding what sections to include. Your resume should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Even if you have limited experience, your entry-level job resume should be crafted to highlight your unique traits and the fresh perspective you can bring to the workplace. 

If you’re a college graduate, your degree is no longer enough to get your foot in the door. You’ll also need to highlight a variety of internships , activities, and industry-related experiences that show you’re a motivated candidate ready to dive into your field. 

While writing your entry-level resume, consider this winning formula:

• Employers are now more interested in accomplishments than responsibilities. Whether it was a job, internship, or academic activity, make sure your resume mentions concrete achievements as opposed to simple duties.
• Your resume should be tailored to each employer you apply to. Customizing your resume means updating the skills and employment history bullet points to match the needs of the company, and also including the employer's name and the job title in your professional summary.
• Make sure your application sends a message of professionalism through the layout and formatting. When submitting online, optimize your resume with appropriate keywords so it won’t be filtered out by ATS screening software . Consider using an ATS resume template .

Optimize for the ATS

If you’re a recent grad, you may not be aware that a human hiring manager won’t be the first “person” to read your resume. Virtually all medium and large companies now use ATS recruitment software built into online hiring portals to screen and evaluate candidates. ATS stands for Applicant Tracking Systems. 

These algorithms scan resumes for keywords—usually programmed in from the job description. Only the highest-ranking resumes pass through to be reviewed by the hiring manager while the rest get filtered out.

Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of making it past this hurdle:

• Make sure to read the job description closely and highlight any duties or skills that are relevant to the employer.
• Place these “keywords” throughout your resume where appropriate for your skills and experience.
• Use the employer’s exact language to ensure that the ATS picks up the keywords you’ve included.
• Never try to cheat the ATS by adding excessive keywords or lying about your experience—the hiring manager will find out soon enough!

To learn more about conquering the ATS, check out our article on resume ATS optimization .

Choosing the right resume format for entry-level jobs can be tricky. You may not have a ton of experience to show, yet you still want to appear competitive and motivated in the eyes of the hiring manager.

If you’ve completed at least three internships, jobs, or other semi-professional experiences, we recommend that you stick with the reverse chronological resume format. This format is focused primarily on the employment history section, listed in reverse chronological order , and allows you to expand on your academic and professional experiences up to this point. 

This is the format you will find in our adaptable entry-level resume example because it’s the structure that most hiring managers expect to see from professional candidates.

If you’re still a student or have virtually no experience, you may opt for the functional format . This format focuses on skills right at the top of the page and may include a very short employment history section, or no employment history section at all. A combination, or hybrid resume format , allows you to emphasize your skills while still showing a bit of previous work experience.

Your contact information is an extremely important part of your resume, which is why it’s almost always placed at the top of the resume in an attractive and eye-catching header section. 

The hiring manager should be able to find your basic details in order to set up an interview. Here is some of the information to include:

• Full name & title . List your first and last name and include the name of the role from the job description.
• Professional email address . Use a clean format like [email protected] . Don’t use a quirky, unprofessional email address or an .edu even if you are a student.
• Phone number . List a number where you can be easily contacted and make sure to set up a professional voicemail greeting.
• Location . Nowadays it is only necessary to list your city and state . You can also add 'Willing to Relocate' here if applicable.
• LinkedIn . Even as a student, you should have a LinkedIn profile that is active , relevant, and shows your professional experience. Make sure to create a custom URL and add it to the top of your resume.

If applying in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K., don’t include:

• Date of birth : Not necessary and could potentially lead to age discrimination .
• Personal details : Marital status, social security number, passport number , etc.

You may want to adjust your header formatting based on the company you are applying to. Our adaptable entry-level resume sample can help you get started with creating an effective header.\

Jamie Brown

Research Assistant

090-080-0000

[email protected]

Entry-level jobseeker

Your resume summary is like the written version of your elevator pitch. These 3-4 lines at the top of the page are meant to catch the hiring manager’s attention and give them just enough information about your skills and experience to make them want to read the rest of your resume. 

Here’s how to craft a great summary:

• Start with a few adjectives that describe your most impressive personality traits or amount of experience.
• Use action verbs in the simple past or present tense to talk about your accomplishments.
• Add numbers and statistics to quantify your successes and provide concrete details where possible.
• Mention key skills or educational requirements listed in the job description.
• Include the company name and the job title you’re applying for to add a personal touch.

Remember, your summary (also sometimes called a profile) should be concise and should allow the hiring manager to draw an overarching conclusion about why you might be a better choice than other entry-level candidates with the same degree. 

Make sure to match the tone with that of your industry, and show off a bit of professional personality if appropriate.

Need inspiration for your summary? Check out our related resumes: 

• Entry-level software engineer resume sample
• Accounting entry-level resume example
• Entry-level project management resume sample

You can find adaptable entry-level resume example summaries below:

Tech-savvy recent graduate with a degree in computer science and a passion for problem-solving and innovation. Proficient in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++, with hands-on experience in software development and debugging. Won first place in 2024 Bay Area Hackathon. Strong analytical skills combined with a collaborative mindset, eager to contribute to the dynamic team environment as a software developer at Google.

Recent marketing graduate with a passion for leveraging social media platforms and digital marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and engagement. Skilled in market research, content creation, and campaign management. Achieved 30% follower growth for Instagram account of previous internship. A creative thinker with a strong analytical mindset, seeking an opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the HarperCollins team in a junior marketing specialist role.

Energetic and results-driven sales enthusiast with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Recent graduate with a background in business administration and a proven ability to build rapport with clients and prospects. Thrives in fast-paced environments and eager to learn and grow within a sales role. Committed to exceeding sales targets and delivering exceptional customer service to drive revenue growth.

Even for entry-level positions, your work experience section will be a major focal point for hiring managers. Start this section by listing your current (or most recent) job or internship and working your way back to your first job. 

As a general rule, stick with experience from your college years (or high school if you’re a recent high school grad). Make sure to list the job title (or internship title), employer name, dates worked, and location (add “remote” if applicable).

Under each subheading, aim to add 3-5 bullet points that describe your key duties and accomplishments in concise statements, omitting “I.”  Be specific and use dynamic action verbs like led, initiated, orchestrated, developed, managed, or collaborated. We always recommend listing tangible outcomes as opposed to generic responsibilities. 

Take a look at these bland bullet points:

• “Wrote blog articles for weekly student magazine”
• “Posted to social media accounts”
• “Worked with magazine staff to organize fundraising events”

Now check out these results-based points :

• “Pitched, reported, and edited 5+ weekly blogs for leading campus magazine”
• “Crafted and launched social media strategy resulting in 60% increase in followers”
• “Collaborated with magazine staff to fundraise 4K+ at monthly raffle events”

Take a look at the entry-level employment history resume sample below:

Business Analytics Intern at Google, New York  May 2023 - August 2023 

• Built interactive Tableau dashboards to track and visualize campaign performance data
• Identified trends in customer behavior, gaining actionable insights that led to a 5% increase in campaign clickthrough rate
• Spearheaded documentation project to catalogue processes for accessing and analyzing data

Barista & Shift Supervisor at Starbucks, San Francisco  September 2021 - December 2022 

• Promoted to supervisor within 6 months, quickly mastering inventory and staff management
• Improved inventory loss tracking with new processes, reducing waste by 8% per quarter

How to write an entry-level resume with no experience

Theoretically, you should be able to land an entry-level job even with no experience on your resume. However, the reality is a bit more complicated. Companies now ask for advanced degrees, years of experience, or proof of skills when hiring for entry-level roles .

The secret to writing an entry-level resume with no experience is to focus on the limited accomplishments you do have and show the hiring manager why you’re a motivated candidate who is eager to learn and contribute. 

While landing an entry-level position without prior experience may require extra effort and persistence, it's certainly achievable with the right combination of skills, determination, and strategic job search tactics . Here are a few steps to take: 

• Highlight transferable skills . Emphasize skills gained through education, extracurricular activities , volunteer work , or personal projects that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Transferable skills such as communication , problem-solving , teamwork , and time management are valued by employers because they are hard to teach but can be applied across a wide variety of positions.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter . Customize your resume and cover letter for each application, highlighting how your background, skills, and interests align with the requirements of the position. Your cover letter is especially useful in showcasing why you’re the right fit for the organization—even if your experience is limited.
• Networking . Here’s a secret: networking is the best way to land an entry-level job with no experience. Build relationships with professionals in your desired field through networking events, informational interviews, and online platforms like LinkedIn.
• Gain relevant certifications or training . Consider pursuing certifications, online courses, or workshops that enhance your skills and knowledge in your chosen field. Many online courses are free and give you valuable experience to place on your resume.

Your skills section might seem like just a simple list, but this section serves a key purpose in getting you past the ATS we mentioned earlier and also showing the hiring manager your interests and expertise at a glance. 

Make sure to combine hard and soft skills to show that you’re a well-rounded candidate. Hard skills are technical proficiencies that are often industry-specific and are learned in courses or on the job.

However, soft skills are personal traits like motivation, communication, collaboration, and adaptability that are necessary across roles and industries. Depending on your field, employers may be more interested in hard skills than soft skills, or vice versa. Refer to the job description for an idea of what the hiring manager is looking for. 

Here’s what the skills box looks like in our entry-level resume template. 

• Documentation
• Excellent communication
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Data collection and analysis
• Understanding of business objectives
• Strong research ability
• Time management
• Organization Presentation

Detail your education & relevant certifications

The education section is an essential component of any entry-level resume. If you’re a recent grad, you may want to place this section above your employment history, while more experienced professionals should do the opposite. 

List your degrees from most recent to oldest as you did for your work history. If you’ve completed a college degree , there’s no need to include your high school diploma . Add the degree name, school, dates attended, and location. 

You can also offer 1-2 bullet points that showcase academic achievements like leadership positions, relevant coursework , or impressive grades.

Beyond formal education, this section is a great opportunity to list certifications or training relevant to your industry including training and certifications, publications , awards , or organizations. If you have multiple entries for any specific sub-category, you can consider making it a separate category.

Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, University of San Francisco, San Francisco  September 2020 - May 2023

As an entry-level candidate, your layout and design help you be taken seriously by employers and make a positive first impression. 

A good layout doesn’t need to be overly colorful or flashy, but can include one or two accent colors if appropriate for your job title or industry. Above all, make sure to focus on clean lines for separating sections, clear section titles, and an eye-catching and attractive header .

Just as we recommend tailoring the content of your resume for each application, you should do the same with your layout. Reformatting your whole resume can be tedious, which is why expertly designed resume templates are a great way to test out different styles while ensuring a professional look.

It likely comes as no surprise that the salary for entry-level jobs varies widely based on industry, location, and employer. 

Here are a few examples of annual salary information for some of the most common entry-level jobs in the U.S.:

• Entry-level software engineer: $72,679 to $87,153 via Salary.com
• Entry-level sales representative: $54,419 to $74,131 via Salary.com
• Entry-level customer service associate: $35,150 to $43,814 via Salary.com
• Entry-level HR coordinator: approximately $62,000 via Salary.com
• Entry-level graphic designer: approximately $60,000 via Salary.com

Entry-level resume text only example

Detail-oriented recent graduate with Bachelor’s in Business Analytics. Seeking to utilize strong analytical abilities, technical expertise in Tableau and SQL, and problem-solving skills to gain business insights as an Entry Level Business Analyst.

Employment history

Key takeaways for building an entry-level resume

While entry-level candidates may not have extensive professional experience, crafting a resume that showcases motivation along with relevant internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities is the key to demonstrating your capabilities and landing an entry-level job. 

Make sure to focus on accomplishments and responsibilities that showcase your ability to contribute effectively in a professional setting.

A strong layout and presentation is also an important part of showing a hiring manager that you take the opportunity seriously. Our online resume builder allows you to quickly create an impressive application free from costly mistakes.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

How to Write an Entry-Level Resume

Customers Interviewed by:

An entry-level resume outlines your skills , accomplishments , and past work experience (if applicable) at the beginning of your career. Early career professionals and recent graduates use this type of resume when applying to entry-level jobs. 

Creating an entry-level resume can feel like a daunting task. How are you supposed to recap your work experience if you have no work experience (or no relevant experience)? Or maybe you held down a job for several years, but it’s different from the path you’re working toward now. 

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of writing your entry-level resume, we’ve constructed this guide to help you. In this article, we share suggestions on writing a resume for your first job, including advice on resume formats , templates , keywords , and more. 

What to Put on Your Entry-Level Resume

You’ve probably heard the adage, “You need a job to get experience and experience to get a job.” Securing that first job—or pursuing a new career—feels overwhelming and frustrating for many, but it just requires a bit of creativity. 

Focus on your expertise outside of the workforce. Think about your internships and class projects. Even internships solely for school credit provide valuable experience that can translate into a job.

Here are important elements and tips for what to include on your entry-level resume.

Full Name and Contact Information

It doesn’t matter how far you are in your professional career, there are a few basics that should be in every resume. As you can see below, that includes the following information:

• Address: city, state, and zip code
• Email address
• LinkedIn profile link

This information might seem obvious to include, but it is worth mentioning because of its importance. How will recruiters contact you, otherwise?

Resume Headline

When securing that entry-level position, you’re competing with everyone else attempting the same feat.  That’s why it’s so important to stand out, immediately. Your resume headline will help you accomplish this.

A resume headline is the opening statement to, well, you. As you can see below, it’s a one-line introduction to who you are and what you have to offer your future employer.

Entry-Level Resume Headline Examples

• A recent graduate experienced in writing efficient code, implementing test strategy to reduce maintenance, and working in a diverse list of object-oriented programming languages.
• Detail-oriented, award-winning journalism student seeking broadcasting internship opportunities.
• A former teacher experienced in fostering open learning environments, strategic communication, and helping students achieve their goals seeking opportunities in business.

Resume Summary Statement

A resume summary statement is similar to a resume headline but is more in-depth. This short paragraph comes after the headline and highlights your professional skills and experience.

Sample Entry-Level Resume Summary Statements

• Highly motivated communications student seeking career opportunities in advertising or public relations. Interested in leveraging social media experience and writing skills to positively contribute to an organization’s corporate or departmental objectives, while gaining valuable industry experience.
• Passionate former teacher with experience in project management, instruction, and creating detailed syllabi and lesson plans to map out several month’s worth of work. Seeking opportunity to bring my skills, passion, and a fresh perspective to the business world.
• High school student with proven organizational, communication, and people skills. Looking for an opportunity to use my positive attitude and strong work ethic to help an organization reach their goals.

Your education is the most important part of your entry-level resume. It’s often your biggest accomplishment so far, so make sure to treat it as such. Include the following information in this section:

• Graduation year
• College name
• College location

At this point, think about your past experience and how you’d like to format your resume around it. Do you have work experience you’d like to include? If so, we recommend adding a bit more (brief) information in your education section to highlight your accomplishments from college. That includes your course titles that are relevant to the position, or even projects, academic accomplishments, awards, clubs, volunteering activities, and any other information you think recruiters will find important.

If you don’t have work experience you’d like to highlight in your entry-level resume, then you can keep the education section a bit more direct and highlight things such as awards and volunteering more in-depth in other sections of your resume.

Past Work Experience

If writing your first resume as a recent graduate, include any past work experience you have. The same advice goes to those changing career fields. While the positions you’ve previously held might not seem directly relevant to the position you’re applying to, the hard and soft skills can translate well to your resume with a bit of creativity.

Your previous jobs might not have given you the needed certifications for your desired position. However, they most likely did teach you skills such as communication , strategizing, project management, problem-solving, outreach, and multitasking. These hard and soft skills are all extremely important for a job, no matter where you work. Explain how your past positions taught you these skills, like in the example below.

Also make sure to include the name of the company you worked for, its location, your job title, and how long you worked there. 

Internships, Volunteering, and Clubs

If you lack previous work experience, then you can share more detail with activities you took part in throughout your college years. 

Many colleges require internships to graduate. Even if your internship was unpaid, you still performed a job while there. Elaborate on what you learned while you were at your internship—hard and soft skills. Did you secure any certifications? Work on a special project? Help one of your mentors reach a goal? Tailor your experience at your internship to match the job description for the position you want. 

Volunteering and clubs are similar. Explain what you accomplished, the role you played, how it benefited the greater organization or community, and how it makes you a solid fit for the desired position. 

Relevant Keywords and Hard Skills

The most important step to writing any kind of resume is tailoring it to the job description . Recruiters and hiring managers are looking to see that you possess the required skills to do the job. Many hiring professionals even use applicant tracking systems to search by keywords in order to quickly identify qualified candidates. So, you’ll want to create a custom, keyword-rich resume for each job. 

Where should you include these skills? Here are some ideas: 

• In coursework descriptions 
• In a bulleted skills section  
• In your resume headline (Hint: Try to include the job title in your headline. This is the most important keyword.) 
• In your work experience section
• In your volunteer experience 

You can see how well your resume is tailored to any job using the tool below: 

Entry-Level Resume Template

Blank white pages are scary. There’s just so much space! How do you even begin?

If you are still intimidated by the idea of writing an entry-level resume, we have good news! Jobscan has several resume templates you can use, so you don’t have to start from scratch. Our ATS-friendly templates include the formatting and sections you need, as you can see below.

Just download the one you feel best fits your experience, fill it in, and submit!

Want to Write Your Entry-Level Resume the Easy Way?

Make sure your resume is accomplishing all that you need it to with Jobscan’s Resume Builder . Simply choose one of our ATS-friendly resume templates, fill in the required fields, and we’ll do all the formatting for you. 

More expert insights on this topic:

75+ Free Certifications to Help You Land Your Dream Job

How to Format Your Resume Education Section

6 Common Mistakes Job Seekers Make When Using ChatGPT To Generate Cover Letters

Related Articles

September 10, 2024

September 9, 2024

August 28, 2024

August 27, 2024

August 22, 2024

August 16, 2024

Join 2 million job seekers who get bi-weekly job search tips

Get insider knowledge and ready-to-use job-seeking tips and hacks delivered to your inbox.

10 Tips for Writing an Entry-Level Resume That’ll Get Your Career Started Right (Plus an Example)

Getting an “entry-level job” sounds like it should be easy, but when you pull up job descriptions and see the lists of skills and experiences companies are looking for, the prospect can be overwhelming. You know you’re ready to start a great career, but how do you convince someone to give you an entry-level job? That’s where an entry-level resume comes in. You may already have a resume you created to get a job while in high school or college , or to land an internship , but making a resume for an entry-level job can be a little different.

A resume is a document that showcases to potential employers why they should hire you. Generally, past work experience makes up the bulk of it. So what do you do when you’re just getting started and don’t have much (or any) past work experience to put on a resume? Or what if you do have past jobs, but you’re not sure if they apply to the entry-level job you’re looking at?

Read on to find out what recruiters are looking for in an entry-level resume and get tips for making your own—and skip to the end to get an example.

What Are Recruiters Looking for in an Entry-Level Resume?

Despite any horror stories you may have heard about entry-level jobs that require five or more years experience, most companies consider people with zero to three years of work experience to be candidates for entry-level jobs. And recruiters looking at these resumes adjust their expectations accordingly.

With “entry-level resumes, you go in with the assumption that someone isn’t going to have a lot of experience,” says Muse career coach Yolanda Owens , founder of Career Sensei and college corporate recruiter for over twenty years. So what are they looking for in an entry-level resume? How are they making judgements about entry-level candidates? 

When recruiters look at an entry-level (or any) resume, they want to know why you’re applying for the job. If you majored in accounting and everything on your resume focuses on that, but you applied for a job in marketing, recruiters aren’t going to understand why and they’ll probably move you to the rejection pile. But if you show that you had a marketing internship you excelled in or took a lot of communications and marketing classes, that makes your motivations a whole lot clearer.

Your resume is a single page that is supposed to convince the person who reads it to call you for an interview. So it has to be relevant to the job they’re hiring for. That’s why you shouldn’t send out the exact same resume to every company with an entry-level opening. You’re unlikely to ever get a response that way. Instead, make sure you know why you’re applying for each role and tailor every section on your resume accordingly.

Personality

There are two major components to every single hiring decision: qualifications and personality. When you join a company, you’re joining a team, and hiring managers want to know that you’ll be a great addition. So where you can, you want to make sure your resume shows who you are as a person and how you’re unique among all the other applicants in the pile.

As a recruiter, Owens would often reject resumes where she could tell that the candidate “sprinkled in a bunch of buzzwords” and didn’t attempt to show the individual beyond the piece of paper. That’s because she couldn’t picture who they’d be as an employee and as a colleague. And don’t think that there’s a “correct” personality for every workplace. Every company (or even team within a company) has its own environment and group dynamics, and there’s definitely somewhere where you’ll be at home, just as you are.

Your resume summary (more on that below) is a great place to show your personality, as are your accomplishments and choices of activities.

Transferable Skills

When you’re first joining the workforce, you’re going to be lighter on skills that come directly from a past job in your field. That’s inevitable, and recruiters know it. Instead, they’re looking for your transferable skills . These are skills that you’ve used and developed through past experiences—including part-time jobs, internships, classes, and extracurricular activities—that can be applied to a number of different career paths. These might be things like communication, organization, time management, customer service, teamwork, and general office skills. For example, if you’ve worked in a fast food position, you likely have customer service experience that will translate to a sales position.

As you look back on all of your experiences, think about what you learned that could serve you well in the workplace. Did you have to figure out how to communicate with a group that disagreed? Did you have to plan a lot of small pieces of a large project in order to get everything done by a deadline? Did you have to work within a budget or convince local businesses to donate something or a charity event? These types of things are transferable skills. Just make sure they’re related to the description of the job you’re applying for before you put them on your resume, says Muse career coach Jennifer Smith , founder of Flourish Careers and former college recruiter.

Leadership Experience

Recruiters love to see leadership experience on a resume. Not because they expect you to fill a management role (obviously!), but because it signals to recruiters that you have some teamwork skills, know how to make decisions, and may have experience working with budget among other things—all in a somewhat professional capacity, Owens says.

“College provides a lot of opportunities for folks to be leaders,” Smith says, whether that’s through clubs and professional groups, fraternities and sororities, volunteer organizations, or sports teams, and leaders of these groups are often required to do things that often come up in a professional work environment. So look for opportunities to call attention to leadership experience on your resume. Even if you didn’t hold an official position, if you took the lead on organizing something that still counts.

If you held a leadership role in a past job, whether that’s as a store manager, assistant manager, shift lead, new employee trainer, or even a senior team member with additional responsibilities, definitely highlight that as well. Even if it’s not exactly on your current career path, it’s very valuable experience that proves you have a number of transferable skills.

So now that you know what recruiters are looking for on an entry-level resume, how do you go about putting one together?

1. Put Your Contact Information Front and Center

Your name and contact information should always be at the top of your resume. This includes your phone number, your email address (make sure it’s a professional-sounding one), and your LinkedIn URL (you do have a LinkedIn profile , right?). If it’s applicable to the field you’re trying to enter, you might also consider a link to your personal website or online portfolio .

As an entry-level candidate, you might be wondering whether or not to include a location—especially if you just finished school and intend to move somewhere new. The answer depends. If you’re applying to jobs where you currently live, go ahead and include your city and state—full mailing address not needed. If you’re applying to jobs in an area where you’re definitely planning to move, you can leave off your current location and write “Relocating to [City, State]” at the top of your resume or mention your plans to move in your cover letter.

If you’re not sure where you’re headed, Smith recommends leaving your location off your resume. If you list an out-of-area location, you risk getting disqualified by a recruiter who has no relocation budget. But if you leave it off entirely, you could land an interview and allow the company to learn more about you before discussing location. This isn’t likely to create a relocation budget where none exists, but it will get you considered for a role if you’re able to move without financial support from the company.

2. Use a Resume Summary to Help You Stand Out (Optional)

Below your name and contact info, consider adding a resume summary (not an outdated resume objective ). A resume summary consists of a few short sentences describing who you are as a candidate and as a person. For later-career candidates, a summary often talks about past full-time roles and key career achievements, but as an entry-level candidate you can use this space to get a bit more in-depth about who you are. Resume summaries are completely optional, but this is a place where you can really make a connection with a recruiter and have them think of you as a person, and not just words on a page.

In a resume summary you can (briefly) describe your key skills, what you’re passionate about, and what you have to offer this organization that’s going to set you apart. Candidates just entering a field often have fresh ideas and a lot of energy and enthusiasm, Smith says. And a resume summary is a great place to show that off.

Perhaps most importantly, your summary should also look to the future. After you describe who you are, spend a sentence or two talking about where you want to go and what you hope to bring to this specific job.

Here’s one example of what a resume summary might look like for an entry-level candidate:

Enthusiastic and creative recent grad with passion for communications, design, and the environment. Created graphics and written copy as part of social media strategies to grow personal, business, student group, and cute dog social media accounts by a combined 2 million followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Active in Rutgers’ chapter of the Sierra Club for 4 years and dedicated to helping educate people about climate change.

3. Emphasize Your Education

If you’ve ever looked at the resume of someone several years into their career, you may have noticed that their “Education” section was at the bottom of the page. But this isn’t the case for entry-level resumes. Putting your education right below your contact information or summary (along with your graduation date or expected graduation date) immediately lets the reader know that you’re in the very early stages of your career, Owens says. This adjusts their expectations of what sort of experience you’re likely to have, so they won’t go in looking for several past jobs in your field when you’re about to showcase mostly internships, coursework, extracurricular activities, part-time or temporary jobs, and unrelated jobs.

Beyond your graduation date, you should list the name of each school you’ve attended after high school, its location, your degree (bachelor’s, associates, master’s, etc.), your major, and any minors or concentrations. If you don’t have a college degree, you should list the name of your high school, its location, and your graduation date. If you did any study abroad programs, list those as their own schools, but make it explicit that they were study abroad programs. This is also the section to list any relevant certificate, training programs, or online classes that you’ve completed along with the school or organization you completed them through and the date (or anticipated date) of completion.

Under the applicable school, you should also list any honors, scholarships, and awards you received along with a short description of what each accolade is or why you were given it. You should list your GPA if the job description asks for it. Otherwise it’s optional, but only list it if it’s above a 3.5.

From there, you want to consider the job you’re applying to when deciding what else to share. If you completed a capstone project, thesis, or another major project, you should list that, but tailor your description to the specific job. For example, let’s say you did a capstone project that involved coming up with a business plan. If you’re applying for software development positions, emphasize the part of the project where you coded a website from scratch. But if you’re pursuing a marketing role, you might want to call attention to the way you planned to advertise your business to potential customers.

You can also list relevant coursework, but make sure it’s obvious  why it’s relevant. For example, say you have a business degree and took five finance classes without a formal concentration. When you apply to finance roles, listing those courses will show that you have background knowledge. If you have a general biology degree and are applying to work in a neuroscience lab, you can list the neuroscience and anatomy courses you took. A “relevant coursework” bullet point can also show how you obtained a key skill for the job you want. But don’t just list classes you think sound impressive unless they’re directly relevant to the job you’re applying to.

4. Show That You Have the Right Experience for the Job

On a resume for somebody further along in their career, “experience” almost always focuses primarily on current and past paid jobs. For an entry-level candidate, experience can come from many places:

• Relevant internships, apprenticeships, or co-ops are the first thing that many recruiters will look for on an entry-level resume. But they’re far from the only thing that counts as experience. Most recruiters and hiring managers recognize that not everyone can afford to do an internship—particularly in fields where they often pay little or nothing.
• Part-time or full-time jobs are still professional experience even when they’re not directly related to your future career path. They’re a great place to look for those transferable skills, and they show hiring managers that as a baseline, you have experience showing up, completing tasks, and getting along in a workplace environment. Further, “if someone worked and went to college they’re obviously juggling a lot,” Smith says, and that speaks to a candidate’s work ethic and time management skills.
• Volunteer work also counts as experience especially if you led the effort or played a big part in it, Smith says. Volunteer work can show a wealth of transferable skills whether or not it’s directly relevant to your field—but definitely emphasize it if it is.
• Activities, organizations, and affiliations show your interests and personality, but they can also show transferable skills and leadership experience. If you were in a leadership or officer position, you likely had to organize well, communicate effectively, manage your time, and motivate other members of your group. You may have also had to deal with money or show good customer service. Even if you didn’t lead the group but consistently participated, you likely showed these skills and can list what you did as part of the organization.
• Relevant projects can be things that you did on your own or as part of your coursework. If you took classes in school that were not part of your major, but are relevant to the jobs you want to pursue, highlighting a project is a great way to showcase your interests and skills outside of your major. The same goes for if you pursued something non-academic like starting an online business. Even if the project doesn’t directly map onto the job you want, you can still demonstrate transferable skills.

Once you know what experience you want to talk about, you should decide how you’ll split it up into sections. You can use the bullets above that apply to you and make each its own section—labeled “Internship Experience,” “Volunteer Work,” “Activities,” and more—or you might want to have “Related Experience” and “Other Experience” sections if the experiences that are most directly relevant to your job search span across several of the above categories. You can also do things like combine internships and paid jobs into a single section called “Professional Experience” or list relevant projects in the education section. What’s most important is presenting your story in a way that’s easy to read and makes it clear why you’re the right person for the job.

5. Craft Strong Bullet Points

When it comes to listing your experience, just stating your past positions or the activities you were part of isn’t enough. Under every entry, you need to include bullet points describing what you did and what you achieved. These bullet points might be the most important part of your resume with the most real estate devoted to them, so they deserve time and attention.

“Don’t focus on the mundane daily duties, talk about your accomplishments,” Owens says. If you were a salesperson in a retail store, recruiters know the basic job duties that entails. But they won’t know that you made more sales than anyone else in the month of December—unless you tell them. If you had an internship with a major company in your field, it’s likely that you assisted the staff with daily tasks, but it’s unique to you that you were part of a team that conceived of a new marketing campaign that boosted sales by 50% in a month and wrote the copy for the campaign’s social media posts. In your bullet points, write about “what you did that made the project, company, or job better and what you did that moved the needle,” Owens says.

Whenever possible, you want to quantify your bullet points in order to be more specific and memorable and to call attention to the results you got. Which sounds better? “Led tutoring sessions,” or, “Led tutoring sessions for up to 30 students twice a week, leading to an average 10% test score increase”?

These bullet points are also where you can work in your transferable skills. If these skills are things like software or techniques, be sure to name them. If they’re softer skills like organization, communication, or collaboration, you can use action verbs to insert them into your bullet points seamlessly. Anyone can list out skills in a skills section (and you should), but putting them into context shows the person reading your resume how you’ve actually used your skills in real-life situations and how you’ll use them to help their company.

6. Show Off Your Skills (Again)

Your resume should also have a skills section where you list out all of the skills you have that match what a job description asks for. Don’t list skills you don’t have just because you think they sound good. If someone asks (and they will), you should be able to explain how you obtained this skill or how you’ve used it.

This section is often the place to focus on software and technical skills, Smith says. Technology changes so rapidly that new grads and other entry-level folks are often more up to date in this area than later-career professionals, so you definitely want to use that to your advantage.

Make sure to be specific, Owens says. Don’t list “coding” in your skills section, list out the programming languages you know. Don’t say “project management software,” say “Asana” or “Trello.” You also want to keep it modern. Unless the job description specifies it, “typing” doesn’t need to go in your skills section. The same goes for general “Microsoft Office,” though listing specific programs or skills like “Excel” or “pivot tables” is still fair game.

7. Include Relevant Keywords

As you’re preparing your resume for a specific job, take a close look at the job description and note the language they use. You want to match this language as closely as possible when it comes to the specific keywords. For example, if they’re looking for someone who has experience with Final Cut Pro, don’t just put “video editing” on your resume—make sure to include “Final Cut Pro” in your skills section (assuming you actually know how to use it!).

Why? Many companies use applicant tracking systems (or ATSs) —programs that scan your resume looking for keywords found in the job description and forward the resumes with the most matches to a hiring manager or recruiter. While this software is getting more advanced and adept at recognizing synonyms and different phrasing, it’s always best to be cautious and list keywords exactly as they appear in the job description.

8. Format Your Resume So It’s Easy to Read (by Computers and Humans!)

You may have seen those fancy, flashy resumes with graphics and tables to show your skills. You may even be tempted to shell out some money for a heavily designed template. Don’t.

If you’re applying online, you should assume your resume will have to pass through an ATS. The software parses text only, so not only will much of your formatting be lost, your text could even get left out or jumbled if the ATS can’t “read” it.

ATS aside, actual human recruiters often only have a few seconds to take a first look at a resume, and you want to make sure they can find what they’re looking for quickly. This means your resume should be highly skimmable with easy-to-read formatting, clear section headings, and lots of white space. Smith looks for resumes that are “smart, succinct, and professional looking” and, to be clear, “professional looking” doesn’t mean highly stylized.

So keep your formatting consistent and use bold, italics, and underlining when you want text to stand out. You can also make headings and your name a larger font size and use color in a way that emphasizes but doesn't distract. Stick to the classic fonts as well—no Comic Sans, handwriting fonts, or anything that doesn’t come preinstalled on most word processors.

As an entry-level candidate, your resume should never be more than one page, but don’t feel the need to add fluff to stretch it. Recruiters understand that you’re just starting out and they’d rather see strong, relevant experience than filler.

9. Tailor Your Resume for Every Job Posting

Throughout this article, you’ve seen that the content of a section or bullet point depends on what the job description says. That means that you should be changing your resume for every job posting. Yes, it’s more work than just submitting the same doc every time. But recruiters want to look at your resume and quickly see why you’re the right person for this job, and if you don’t take the time to make your case for this job, you’re likely to be overlooked.

If you want to make a base resume to pass to people in your network who aren’t hiring for specific jobs or for you to start with to get your formatting right, you should do this by pulling up several job descriptions in your field to get a feel for what companies are generally looking for. You can also create a resume outline that lists all of your experiences and skills in one place so you have a document to draw from to make tailoring easier.

10. Proofread!

Proofread your resume to check for any typos or grammar mistakes—then step away for a few hours or days and come back to proofread it again. You can even start reading from the bottom section to help you see the text a bit differently and make it less likely you’ll skim absentmindedly.

Once you’re sure your resume is completely error-free, ask someone else to read it, too. A new set of eyes will often catch things you overlooked.

An Example Entry-Level Resume

So what does all this advice look like in action? Take a look at this example entry-level resume for a recent college grad applying to a social media job with an environmental nonprofit. You’ll see the emphasis on experience that directly relates to a role like this.

Download sample entry-level resume here

As you begin your first big job search, you might feel overwhelmed or like you’ll never get a job. And yes, some companies do post listings with unrealistic standards for entry-level hires, but that doesn’t mean there are no companies out there looking for true entry-level candidates .

Believing in yourself is a big part of job hunting when you first start out, Smith says. Know that you do have something to offer companies and be confident in your capabilities. And if trying to fit a job description has you feeling like you can't be yourself on your resume or in your interview, it might be a sign that this role or company isn’t right for you, Owens says. But don’t worry, there’s another position out there that is.

Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

• Resume Examples

50+ Entry Level Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Writing your resume is the first step to landing your first job in a new industry. this guide will cover several examples of real resumes that helped people break into a new industry, whether it was their first job or if they changed careers..

Choose a category to browse Entry Level resumes

We've put together a number of free Entry Level resume templates that you can use. Choose a category depending on your field, or just scroll down to see all templates.

Entry Level Resumes

Entry level data analyst.

Entry Level Project Manager

Entry-Level Program Manager

Entry Level Business Analyst

Entry Level Product Manager

Entry Level Data Engineer

Entry Level Social Media Manager

Entry Level Software Engineer

Operations Associate (Entry Level Operations Manager)

Entry Level Scrum Master

Entry Level Web Developer

Entry Level Human Resources (HR)

Entry Level Bookkeeper

Entry Level Customer Service Representative

Entry Level Data Scientist

Entry Level Front End Developer

Entry Level Administrative Assistant

Entry Level Data Entry Analyst

Entry Level/Junior Financial Analyst

Entry-Level Business Development Manager

Entry Level Digital Marketing

Entry Level UX Designer

Entry Level Account Manager

Junior Graphic Designer

Entry Level Accountant

Junior Python Developer

Junior Full Stack Developer

Entry Level Full Stack Developer

Entry-Level Sales Associate

Entry Level Cyber Security Analyst

Entry Level Supply Chain Analyst

Entry Level Financial Advisor

Entry Level Electrical Engineer

Junior System Administrator

Entry Level Interior Designer

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Entry-Level Civil Engineer

Entry Level Legal Assistant

Entry Level QA (Quality Assurance) Tester

Junior Network Administrator

Entry Level Network Administrator

Junior Mechanical Engineer

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Entry Level Network Engineer

Junior SQL Developer

Junior Data Scientist

Modern Two-Column

Entry-Level (Free)

Entry Level Communications

Junior Policy Analyst

Entry-Level Journalist

Junior Data Modeler

Entry-Level Copywriter

Junior Copywriter

Entry-Level Virtual Assistant

Entry-Level Recruiter

Junior Recruiter

Junior Data Analyst

Junior Project Manager

Junior C# Developer

Entry-Level Programmer

Junior Salesforce Administrator

Junior Business Analyst

Entry-Level IT Support Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Associate (Entry Level)

Junior Software Engineer

Entry-Level Loan Processor

Junior Scrum Master

Junior Web Developer

Junior ETL Developer

Junior Sharepoint Developer

Junior Art Director

Junior Software Developer

Entry Level Software Developer

Entry Level Industrial Engineer

Junior Hadoop Developer

Junior Front End Developer

Entry Level Audio Engineer

IT Help Desk (Entry Level)

Entry-Level Executive Assistant

Entry-Level Occupational Therapist

Entry-Level Product Owner

Junior Accountant

Junior Finance Executive

Entry-Level Technical Writer

Entry Level Biomedical Engineer

Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist

Entry-Level Attorney

Entry-Level Project Coordinator

Entry Level Environmental Science

Junior Cyber Security Analyst

Entry Level Research Assistant

Junior Lawyer

Entry-Level System Administrator

Junior Java Developer

Entry-Level Java Developer

Entry Level Brand Ambassador

Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer

Entry Level Real Estate Agent

Entry Level Dental Assistant

Entry Level Production Assistant

Entry Level Intelligence Analyst

Entry Level IT Auditor

Entry-Level Case Manager

Entry-Level SQL Developer

Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician

Entry Level Medical Coder

Architectural Intern/ Entry Level Architect

Entry Level Environmental Engineer

Entry Level Claims Adjuster

Entry-Level UX Researcher

Entry Level Business Development Manager

Entry Level (Two Column)

Action Verbs For Entry Level Resumes

• Collaborated
• Established

How to use these action verbs?

When writing your resume, you should be using action verbs which effectively tell recruiters your role in specific accomplishments. As an entry-level or junior job seeker, you should focus on using action verbs that highlight your core soft skills like teamwork, communication, or initiative. Use action verbs like "Teamed", "Presented" or "Developed" to stress these skills. Additionally, refer to the resumes above for examples of how to put these skills into practice.

Entry Level Resume Guide

• Entry Level Action Verbs
• All Resume Examples

Download this template for free

Download this ats-compatible resume template in word or google docs format. edit it directly in google docs.,    access samples from top resumes, get inspired by real resume samples that helped candidates get into top companies.,    get a free resume review, get actionable steps to revamp your resume and land more interviews using our free ai-powered tool..

• Have an account? Sign in

E-mail Please enter a valid email address This email address hasn't been signed up yet, or it has already been signed up with Facebook or Google login.

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number. It looks like your password is incorrect.

Remember me

Forgot your password?

Sign up to get access to Resume Worded's Career Coaching platform in less than 2 minutes

Name Please enter your name correctly

E-mail Remember to use a real email address that you have access to. You will need to confirm your email address before you get access to our features, so please enter it correctly. Please enter a valid email address, or another email address to sign up. We unfortunately can't accept that email domain right now. This email address has already been taken, or you've already signed up via Google or Facebook login. We currently are experiencing a very high server load so Email signup is currently disabled for the next 24 hours. Please sign up with Google or Facebook to continue! We apologize for the inconvenience!

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number.

Receive resume templates, real resume samples, and updates monthly via email

By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Lost your password? Please enter the email address you used when you signed up. We'll send you a link to create a new password.

E-mail This email address either hasn't been signed up yet, or you signed up with Facebook or Google. This email address doesn't look valid.

Back to log-in

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

Resume Templates

Resume samples

Create and edit your resume online

Generate compelling resumes with our AI resume builder and secure employment quickly.

Write a cover letter

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Samples

Create and edit your cover letter

Use our user-friendly tool to create the perfect cover letter.

Featured articles

• How to Write a Motivation Letter With Examples
• How to Write a Resume in 2024 That Gets Results
• Teamwork Skills on Your Resume: List and Examples
• What Are the Best Colors for Your Resume?

Latests articles

• How To Put Promotions on a Resume (With Examples)
• How To Add a Promotion on LinkedIn: Steps and Example
• The Highest Paying Blue-Collar Jobs Offer Stability, While Nearly 300,000 Layoffs Are Blamed on AI
• How To Prepare Your Resume for a Promotion in 2024

Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Entry-level resume writing: the ultimate guide to launch your career.

Get a headstart with an entry-level resume format

Launching your career can feel like stepping into a vast, uncharted territory—especially when you’re drafting your first resume with minimal work experience . 

Fear not! This guide is here to navigate you through creating an entry-level resume that not only stands out but also positions you perfectly on the first rung of your professional ladder. 

You’ll learn how to articulate your potential loudly and clearly, ensuring that recruiters see your value right from the start.

Craft your ideal resume with our intuitive editor

Increase the possibility of getting the job you want with our professional resume templates

What is an Entry-Level Resume?

Think of your first job resume as your personal ambassador—it presents your skills, education, and the potential you bring to every prospective employer. 

Designed specifically for those stepping into the job market or pivoting to a new field, this resume acts as your initial handshake, offering a snapshot of who you are professionally.

Why is it important?

A robust entry-level resume does more than list your experiences —it narrates your story in a way that compels hiring managers to take notice. It’s your opportunity to make a memorable first impression , potentially paving the way to that all-important interview .

Your entry-level resume should tell recruiters that you understand the role and are prepared to add value , despite having less experience than others might.

Entry-level resume example

Examining a resume example for a first job can be incredibly useful as it provides a tangible model to reference and draw inspiration from when writing your own personalized document .

[John Smith]

[123 Main Street | Anytown, USA | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected]]

[Marketing Professional]

Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from State University. Skilled in social media marketing, content creation, and data analysis. Completed internships with a local marketing agency and a volunteer position with a nonprofit organization, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a passion for driving results. Proven ability to leverage tools such as Google Analytics and Hootsuite to optimize marketing campaigns and enhance brand visibility.

Social Media Marketing | Content Creation | Data Analysis | Email Marketing

SEO Optimization | Google Analytics | Hootsuite | Microsoft Office Suite

Bachelor of Science in Marketing

State University, Anytown, USA

• GPA: 3.7/4.0
• Graduation: May 2023

Marketing Intern

ABC Marketing Agency, Anytown, USA

June 2022 – August 2022

• Assisted in developing social media marketing strategies for clients, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement on average.
• Created engaging content for various social media platforms, driving brand awareness and customer engagement.
• Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities for client campaigns.

Marketing Assistant (Volunteer)

XYZ Nonprofit Organization, Anytown, USA

September 2021 – May 2022

• Managed organization’s social media accounts, increasing followers by 30% within six months.
• Designed and implemented email marketing campaigns to promote fundraising events, resulting in a 25% increase in donations.
• Coordinated with internal teams to develop promotional materials and digital content to support organizational initiatives.

Marketing Campaign Analysis Project

January 2023 – May 2023

• Led a team in analyzing the effectiveness of various marketing campaigns, utilizing Google Analytics to track key metrics such as website traffic and conversion rates.
• Presented findings to faculty and industry professionals, demonstrating the ability to communicate complex data clearly and concisely.

Certification s

• Google Analytics Certification, 2024
• Hootsuite Platform Certification, 2023

Need inspiration to write your resume? Try our AI-powered resume builder and get tailored suggestions and guidance!

The Most Effective Resume Format for Entry-Level Candidates

For an entry-level candidate, the best resume format is typically a combination format . This format allows you to highlight your relevant skills and achievements, even if you have limited work experience. 

There are several reasons for this:

• Skills section : With this format, you can place a prominent section near the top of your resume. This allows you to present the abilities you’ve gained through education, internships, volunteer work, and other experiences.
• Work experience : While you may have limited professional experience, you can still include internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work under the Work Experience section. Focus on your achievements and transferable skills . make sure you list them in reverse chronological order.
• Education : Since education is often the most relevant section for entry-level candidates, it’s typically placed near the top of the resume. Include details about your degree, GPA (if it’s strong), coursework, and any academic achievements or honors.
• Optional sections : Depending on your experiences, you may also include additional sections such as projects, certifications, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. These can help round out your resume and provide additional context for your abilities.

Overall, a combination format allows you to display your abilities, education, and relevant experiences in a way that shows your potential and suitability for the position.

Enrich your content with AI assistance and expert guidance

Enter your profession in the search bar and choose from AI-recommended results .

Powered by ChatGPT, it provides instant, natural language suggestions tailored for applicant tracking systems.

How to Write Your First Resume When You Don’t Have Experience

When tackling your first resume, it’s essential to spotlight elements beyond the typical sections like contact information and education. 

Focus on the tasks you performed, any achievements or recognition you received , and how these experiences have prepared you for your future career endeavors.

By strategically listing   these aspects of your background, you can create a compelling entry-level resume that presents your potential and positions you as a promising candidate, even without extensive professional experience.

Resume Summaries vs. Resume Objectives: Which To Use

Deciding between a resume summary and an objective can shape how recruiters view your application. While both elements aim to introduce your credentials, they serve slightly different purposes and are perceived differently by hiring managers.

Resume Objectives

Traditionally, resume objectives have been used to outline your career goals and what you seek to gain from the job. 

However, objectives are increasingly seen as outdated and self-focused, as they often emphasize the applicant’s desires more than their contributions to a potential employer.

Example of a Resume Objective

Seeking a challenging position in graphic design where I can leverage my coursework and freelance experience to grow and develop my skills.

Resume Summaries

On the other hand, resume summaries are gaining favor because they focus on what you can offer the employer. They provide a brief overview of your key accomplishments and abilities, which can immediately show your value to the hiring team.

Example of a Resume Summar y

Detail-oriented graduate with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and digital illustration. Completed more than 15 freelance projects, demonstrating creative flair and a strong commitment to delivering client-focused solutions.

Why Choose a Resume Summary?

Given the shift in preference towards candidates who can articulate what they bring to the table, a resume summary is more effective , especially for entry-level candidates. 

It allows you to succinctly display your skills and potential contributions, meeting more directly employers’ needs.

Consider opting for a summary over an objective. This approach positions you as a proactive candidate while aligning with modern hiring practices.

4 Key Sections of an Entry-Level Resume Plus Examples

From emphasizing your educational achievements and coursework to displaying your extracurricular involvement and valuable work experiences, each section plays a key role in presenting a comprehensive picture of your qualifications. 

Let’s explore how to maximize these sections with examples and insights tailored to entry-level candidates.

Education Section

In the Education section of your resume, list your academic achievements and any relevant coursework or projects. This is particularly important if you have limited work experience. 

Provide details such as your degree, graduation year, and any honors or awards you received.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

XYZ University, Anytown, USA

Graduated May 2023

• GPA: 3.8/4.0
• Honors: Dean’s List, Fall 2022

Relevant Coursework:

• Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
• Web Development
• Database Management Systems
• Software Engineering Project
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Mobile Application Development

Work Experience Section

In this section, include both formal work experience like internships and volunteer work , as well as shorter-term experiences like micro-internships and job shadowing . 

Treat these experiences similarly to full-time jobs , detailing your responsibilities and achievements. Frame non-traditional experiences such as volunteer work or projects as formal work experience.

Ex perience

Volunteer Coordinator

Quantify your accomplishments with numbers when possible, or include KPIs . This helps provide context and scale to your contributions.

Include Your Extracurricular Activities

List any extracurricular activities where you held leadership positions or were actively involved in a team setting. 

These experiences demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively , manage responsibilities, and contribute to group success.

Ex tracurricular Activities

President, Marketing Club

September 2021 – May 2023

• Led weekly meetings to plan club events and discuss marketing trends.
• Organized guest speaker events and workshops to enhance members’ skills and industry knowledge.
• Collaborated with other club officers to develop marketing campaigns to increase membership and engagement.

Team Captain, Intramural Soccer Team

September 2020 – May 2022

• Organized team practices and coordinated game schedules.
• Fostered teamwork and camaraderie among team members to achieve common goals.
• Represented the team in league meetings and served as a liaison with university officials.

Using Power Words to Enhance Your Entry-Level Resume

Power words are action verbs that can make your resume more compelling and memorable. 

By using these dynamic words, you display your contributions and show active participation in your experiences. 

Here are some effective power words tailored for entry-level resumes, along with examples of how to use them:

Assisted : Demonstrates your ability to work cooperatively in a professional setting.

Assisted in managing a team of five in a university project, coordinating logistics and schedules.

Created : Shows initiative and the ability to develop something new.

Created a customer feedback system as part of a school project, which enhanced the group’s final project submission.

Resolved : Emphasizes problem-solving skills.

Resolved user issues as a volunteer at a tech fair, improving visitor satisfaction.

Organized : Points to your capability to arrange resources or events effectively.

Organized a local charity event, resulting in over 100 participants and raising $5,000.

Implemented : Indicates you can put plans or ideas into action.

Implemented a new inventory system during an internship, which reduced waste by 20%.

Enhanced : Suggests improvement of a project or task.

Enhanced the company newsletter as an intern by incorporating interactive content, increasing engagement by 30%.

Coordinated : Shows leadership and management skills , even in informal roles.

Coordinated the schedule for a college workshop series, improving attendee rates.

Designed : Reflects creativity and the ability to conceive and execute designs.

Designed a new layout for the student organization’s website, improving user experience and accessibility.

Achieved : Used to describe an accomplishment.

Achieved ‘Top Salesperson of the Month’ as a part-time retail worker through enhanced product knowledge and customer engagement strategies.

Tailoring Your Resume for Different Entry-Level Roles

Tailoring your resume for each job application is essential to increase your chances of standing out among other candidates.

Begin by thoroughly analyzing the job description provided by the employer. Identify key abilities, qualifications, and experiences they are seeking in an ideal candidate. 

Pay close attention to keywords and phrases used throughout the job description , as these are often the criteria against which your application will be evaluated.

For example, let’s consider a job description for a marketing assistant position that emphasizes skills in social media management, content creation, and data analysis. 

A candidate should incorporate these keywords into their resume summary to demonstrate how they meet the job requirements .

Example Job Description

Marketing Assistant responsibilities

• Manage social media accounts and develop content calendars to drive engagement and brand awareness.
• Conduct market research and analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for marketing campaigns.
• Assist in the creation of marketing materials, including blog posts, email newsletters, and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute marketing initiatives and support overall business objectives.

Now take a look at how a candidate has added the keywords from the job description to their resume summary:

Resume Summary

Results-driven marketing graduate with proficiency in social media management, content creation, and data analysis. Experienced in developing engaging content calendars and conducting market research to drive brand awareness and customer engagement. Skilled in collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute marketing initiatives and achieve business goals. Excited to leverage my skills and passion for marketing to contribute to the success of [Company Name].

In addition, take the time to research the company’s culture and values . This insight can help you tailor your resume to underscore experiences and accomplishments that resonate with the company’s priorities, further increasing your chances of making a meaningful connection with the employer.

Customize your resume for each application based on the job description and company culture. This way you’ll demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and show how your skills and experiences match with the needs of the employer.

Embark on Your Journey: First Resume for a Teenager

Diving into resume writing while you’re still hitting the books can seem pretty intimidating. However, with the right approach and guidance, it’s entirely manageable. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your first resume:

• First things first, as you probably have little to no paid work experience to detail, it is recommended that you use a combination or functional (skills-based) resume format to present a blend of abilities and activities that benefit you.
• Secondly, as extra support, there are hundreds of specific first-job or teenage resume templates to use which are hugely advantageous in providing structure, advice, and examples for first-time resume writers.
• The next step is to consider the content of a teenager resume, including the headings and texts . Social and athletic groups allow you to develop skills and experiences that are crucial to mention on a first resume.
• Finally, when the content is compiled, you must ALWAYS edit and review the resume. You can ask a teacher, coach, or parent to take a look for you to ensure there are no errors or irrelevant information that could put a hiring manager off contacting you.

See an example in action:

[1234 High School Avenue, Anytown, USA | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected]]

Motivated high school student eager to gain valuable work experience and contribute to [Company/Organization] in a [desired role]. Skilled in [list relevant skills or areas of interest], with a strong work ethic and a passion for learning.

High School Diploma

Anytown High School, Anytown, USA

Expected Graduation: May 2024

Relevant Coursework

• Advanced Mathematics
• English Literature
• Computer Science
• Social Studies
• Science & Biology
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Team player with the ability to collaborate effectively
• Quick learner with a proactive approach to tasks

Extracurricular Activities

President, High School Debate Club (September 2022 – Present)

• Led weekly meetings to discuss debate topics and practice argumentation skills.
• Organized and participated in inter-school debate competitions, earning [list any awards or achievements].

Member, Anytown High School Soccer Team (September 2020 – May 2023)

• Developed teamwork and leadership skills through regular practice sessions and competitive matches.
• Represented the school in district-level tournaments, contributing to team success and sportsmanship.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Tutor, Anytown Community Center (June 2022 – August 2023)

• Provided academic support to elementary and middle school students in math and English.
• Assisted with organizing and facilitating educational workshops and activities.

>> Additional Information <<

• Strong work ethic and willingness to take on new challenges.
• Excellent time management skills, balancing academic studies with extracurricular activities and part-time work.
• Seeking opportunities to gain hands-on experience and make a positive impact in a professional environment.

Empower Your Search: Entry-Level Resume Templates

Are you in a hurry or need extra assistance? Try our resume templates for quick, expert help . 

Choose from a variety of samples tailored for entry-level positions , providing a solid foundation for your resume. Customize them to fit your needs and stand out to potential employers.

Our templates provide a proven structure to kickstart your resume creation . They also offer valuable advice on completing each resume section, guiding you on what to include and what to avoid to catch the attention of the right employers.

Key Takeaways for Writing an Outstanding Entry-Level Resume

Writing your first resume can feel overwhelming at times, but worry not! With the expert guidance offered in this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the tools you need to create a standout resume that sets you on the path to success in your career:

Here’s a quick recap of the most valuable advice shared in this article:

• Tailor your resume : Customize each resume for the specific job and company by adding relevant skills and experiences.
• Use power words : Incorporate dynamic action verbs to make your contributions more appealing.
• Choose the right format : Opt for a combination resume format to effectively present your abilities, education, and achievements.
• Write a compelling summary : Use a resume summary to list key accomplishments and skills, focusing on what you can offer the employer.

May your career aspirations take flight and lead you to remarkable achievements!

An entry-level resume should include essential sections like contact information, education, abilities, work experience (including internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs), and relevant projects or coursework. Underscore transferable skills, achievements, and any certifications . Tailor each resume to the specific job you’re applying for, focusing on showcasing how your experiences align with the requirements of the position. Additionally, consider adding a summary or objective statement to emphasize your career goals and what you bring to the table as a candidate.

Including a summary in an entry-level resume is optional but can be beneficial . A well-written summary provides a concise overview of your skills, experiences, and career goals, helping recruiters quickly understand your qualifications. It’s particularly useful if you’re transitioning to a new industry or highlighting transferable skills. 

If you’re a student with no work experience, focus on transferable skills , relevant coursework, volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your capabilities and enthusiasm. Show your willingness to learn, adaptability, and passion for the role or industry. Additionally, express your eagerness to contribute, grow, and make a positive impact within the organization. Writing a compelling cover letter that displays your potential and matches the job requirements can also help compensate for the lack of professional experience.

Our online Resume Builder comes with extra capabilities

• Editor available in 13 languages
• Create s everal resumes and cover letters
• Secure permanent storage
• Usable on a variety of devices

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

• • Analyzed and mitigated 50+ cyber threats weekly, improving system security by 30%.
• • Implemented new firewall configurations that decreased breach attempts by 40%.
• • Led a team project to develop an intrusion detection system, which was adopted across the company.
• • Managed security protocols for sensitive information, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
• • Streamlined vulnerability assessment processes, reducing detection time by 25%.
• • Conducted comprehensive network surveillance that decreased unauthorized access incidents by 20%.
• • Supported daily IT security operations, enhancing overall network security.
• • Assisted in the management of endpoint security, effectively reducing malware incidents by 50%.
• • Participated in the rollout of new security software updates across 500+ company computers.
• • Helped conduct weekly security audits, identifying critical vulnerabilities.
• • Contributed to the development of security policies, resulting in improved data protection protocols.
• • Provided IT support and improved network setups for local youth centers.
• • Educated over 300 individuals, enhancing community knowledge and security awareness.

5 Entry-Level Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Entry Level positions focus on supporting various tasks and learning the fundamentals of the industry. Highlight relevant coursework, internships, and any volunteer experiences on your resume to illustrate your background. Consider adding communication, problem-solving, and time management as key abilities that demonstrate your potential. Additionally, mentioning any successful projects or teamwork experiences can effectively illustrate how you can contribute to the organization.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

How to format an entry-level resume

How to write your entry-level resume experience

How to list your hard and soft skills on your resume, how to list certifications and education on your resume, how to write a successful entry-level objective, additional sections for an entry-level resume, key takeaways.

Stepping into the job market for the first time can feel like setting sail on uncharted waters—it’s exciting but a little bit daunting. Crafting an entry-level resume is your first port of call, and believe it or not, it's your secret weapon to navigating these waters successfully.

Did you know that recruiters spend an average of just 7 seconds looking at a resume ? That's hardly enough time to sip your coffee! This means your resume needs to hook their attention fast and hold it tight.

Writing a great entry-level resume is much like telling a good story. It should have a clear beginning, a compelling middle, and a strong end. Your job is to make sure that this story not only captures who you are but also resonates with what hiring managers are seeking. Remember, it’s not just about listing your qualifications—it’s about showcasing your potential.

Let’s dive in and discover how to plant the seeds of your career with a resume that grows interest and garners opportunities. Keep your chin up—every big career has to start somewhere, and yours starts with crafting a resume that stands out from the stack.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• The best way to format your entry-level resume as well as the top sections to focus on and several things that recruiters are looking out for.
• How to effectively target and craft your work experience entries to make a meaningful impact.
• Why it’s crucial to list a variety of relevant hard and soft skills throughout your resume.
• The most successful ways to detail your education and certifications on an entry-level resume.
• How to create a compelling and attractive personal statement to act as a magnet to the recruiter’s eyes.
• Some very beneficial, although additional, sections to top off your resume and give you that extra appeal.

Here are some great guides for career-specific entry-level resumes:

• Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Resume Guide
• Entry-Level Programmer Resume Guide
• Entry-Level Software Developer Resume Guide
• Entry-Level Financial Analyst Resume Guide
• Entry-Level Business Analyst Resume Guide
• Entry-Level Customer Service Resume Guide
• Entry-Level Digital Marketing Resume Guide
• Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Guide
• Entry-Level System Administrator Resume Guide
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Guide

According to a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) , nearly 80% of employers expressed intentions to hire recent college graduates. This indicates a strong market for entry-level positions as companies continue to value fresh talent with up-to-date education and new perspectives.

How to format an entry-level resume

When you're ready to launch your career, crafting the right entry-level resume is like picking the perfect outfit for a first date—it needs to make a good impression quickly. Here are the main resume formats  you can choose from, each tailored to different types of job seekers:

• Reverse chronological format :  This format lists your most recent job experiences or achievements first and works backward. It's great for those who have a straightforward career path in the field they're applying to, showing a clear progression in roles, which isn’t usually possible for an entry-level applicant.
• Functional format :  Focuses more on your skills and less on your job history. This is ideal for candidates who may have gaps in their employment, are changing careers, or have skills that are strong but not necessarily gained through traditional employment.
• Hybrid format :  Combines elements of both chronological and functional formats. It lists skills and qualifications first, followed by employment history. This format is useful for entry-level applicants who want to highlight relevant skills up front, while still providing a timeline of their work history.

For entry-level resumes, the hybrid format is often best.  It allows you to showcase the skills and education relevant to the job upfront, while still outlining your professional and personal development over time.

Further considerations for crafting your resume:

Resume designs:

• Margins:  Stick to 1-inch margins  to keep the layout clean and uncluttered.
• Colors:  Use subtle colors on your resume  if any (like blues or greys) to maintain professionalism.
• Fonts:  Choose easy-to-read resume fonts  like Arial, Times New Roman, Rubik, or Calibri, and keep the size between 10 and 12 points.
• Columns:  Single-column formats are generally best for ATS compatibility.
• Length:  Keep your resume length  to one page, especially for entry-level positions.

Contact information  ( resume header ):

• Address:  Generally, your city and state suffice; no need for a full address .
• Links:  Include professional links like your  LinkedIn profile  or digital portfolio.
• Photo presence:  Typically, it's advisable to leave resume photos  off to avoid any unconscious biases.

ATS compatibility:

• Keywords:   Use keywords from the job description  throughout your resume.
• Simple formatting:  Avoid headers, footers, tables, or other complex formatting that might confuse the ATS.

File formatting, naming convention, etc.:

• File format: Save your resume as a PDF  to preserve the formatting unless otherwise specified.
• Naming convention:  Use a professional format for naming your file, such as ‘FirstName LastName Resume’.

By keeping these points in mind, you can create a resume that not only looks good but also passes through ATS systems  smoothly, ensuring it gets into the hands of a human recruiter. Remember, your resume is your stepping stone into the professional world, so make it count!

Have you already got a resume? See how it holds up with Enhacv’s ATS Resume Scanner !

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Here are the essential elements every entry-level resume needs to contain.

The top sections on an entry-level resume:

• Contact information:  Essential for the recruiter to reach you.  
• Education:  Shows your formal training and qualifications.  
• Skills section: Highlights relevant abilities and expertise.
• Work experience:  Demonstrates practical application of skills.
• Certifications:  Validates specialized knowledge and skills.

When you apply for an entry-level position, be sure to mention the following aspects.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Relevant educational background:  Indicates foundational knowledge necessary for the role.
• Internships or part-time experience:  Shows practical experience and application of skills.
• Technical skills:  Highlights specific capabilities required for the job.
• Soft skills:  Demonstrates interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
• Project involvement:  Reflects hands-on experience and contributions to relevant projects.

The work experience section is usually the first thing you would work on. Applying for an entry-level position often means that the candidate won’t have any directly relevant experience, so choosing what to list as work history is essential as it needs to align with the job description.

Listing work experience  on an entry-level resume is crucial as it showcases your practical application of skills, adaptability, and commitment to the workforce, even if the roles are part-time, internships, or in unrelated fields.

Unlike regular resumes that focus on career progression and achievements, entry-level resumes often highlight learning experiences, growth, and potential.

Each work experience entry should include the job title, company name, location, dates of employment, and bullet points of responsibilities and achievements.  These elements show your role's relevance and your impact, helping employers gauge your skills and how they might translate to the job at hand.

Each entry should be concise, using action verbs  to vividly describe your roles and professional accomplishments , making your experience compelling and relevant to potential employers.

Applying for your first job is a lot like making pancakes. The first one is always a bit rough, but you have to throw one out to get to the good stuff.

Let’s use this posting for an entry-level job opportunity in the field of software development for future reference and to illustrate proper resume targeting :

Job Title:  Entry Level Software Developer—Mentorship program and option to work remotely.

Company Introduction:  Join BestTech, a fast-growing company that values emerging technology talent. We’re committed to providing you with the necessary skills to succeed and offer a flexible schedule along with the opportunity to work alongside some of the industry's leading software developers.

Job Description:  We’re looking for a full-time, entry-level software developer eager to start their career. Ideal candidates are recent graduates seeking substantial career experience.

Salary:  $35,000 per year with opportunities for advancement and bonuses.

Top Benefits or Perks:

• Comprehensive mentoring from top industry professionals.
• Full benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Remote work options to accommodate your lifestyle.

Location:  BestTech is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, known for its vibrant tech scene and stunning natural surroundings, offering an excellent quality of life and ample outdoor activities.

Application Process:  To apply, please send your resume to [email protected] by June 18, 2024. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Using the above job posting, let’s craft a couple of work history entries and see how to properly target them to the position you’re applying for and other best practices.

First, here’s an entry that most likely needs some improving:

• • Did stuff with computers.
• • Helped people sometimes.
• • Made things work better.

What they did wrong:

• Vague descriptions:  Terms like "Did stuff with computers" and "Helped people sometimes" are extremely vague and don’t provide any specifics about what the tasks entailed or how they relate to the software development role being applied for.
• Lack of relevance:  The work tasks listed don’t clearly connect to the skills or experiences valuable to a software development position. Even if the job wasn’t directly related, the candidate should highlight transferable skills or specific accomplishments.
• No measurable results:  The listing doesn’t quantify any achievements or explain how "Made things work better" was accomplished or measured.
• Improper use of terminology:  Casual language ("Did stuff", "things work better") lacks professionalism and fails to convey a serious attitude towards career development.
• Missed opportunity to highlight skills:  Even in unrelated jobs, there are often opportunities to discuss relevant soft skills or technical competencies gained, such as problem-solving or teamwork, which are completely missing here.

For an entry-level software developer position at a company like BestTech, it's crucial to tailor even unrelated job experiences in a way that highlights applicable skills and professional growth.

If you need more clarity, let Enhancv help! Check out our article on targeting your resume  and see how well your current resume performs.

Now that we know what’s wrong, let’s fix it!

• • Utilized software tools to manage customer orders efficiently, enhancing order accuracy by 15%.
• • Collaborated with a team of 5 to handle high-volume customer service scenarios, developing strong teamwork and communication skills.
• • Implemented a new method for tracking inventory that reduced waste by 10%, demonstrating problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

What was improved:

• Specificity in tasks: Descriptions are now clear and detailed, explaining exactly what was done and how it relates to skills relevant to software development, such as using software tools and implementing solutions.
• Relevance to the job:  Each point ties back to skills that are transferable to a software development role, such as problem-solving, efficiency improvement, and teamwork.
• Quantifiable achievements:  Achievements are quantified (e.g., "enhancing order accuracy by 15%", "reduced waste by 10%"), providing concrete evidence of the candidate's impact in previous roles.
• Professional terminology:  The language used is professional and appropriate for a resume, reflecting a serious approach to career development.
• Highlighted applicable skills:  The entry now highlights skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and the use of technology, which are crucial for the role at BestTech and show the candidate's potential beyond the specifics of their previous job environment.

This revised work history entry demonstrates how even seemingly unrelated experience can be framed in a way that showcases relevant skills and qualities for the target job.

Quantifying impact on an entry-level resume

Creating an impact on an entry-level resume by making it more number-oriented involves quantifying your experiences and accomplishments . Here's how and why this approach is beneficial:

How to create a number-oriented impact:

• Quantify achievements:  Whenever possible, add numbers to illustrate your achievements. For instance, if you completed a significant project, mention the scale (e.g., "Led a team of 5 in a project that resulted in a 10% increase in efficiency").
• Include metrics:  Use metrics to describe the impact of your internships, part-time jobs, or school projects. Examples include "Improved customer satisfaction by 15% through a new software implementation" or "Reduced data processing time by 30% through optimized code."

Why it's important:

• Demonstrates measurable impact:  Numbers provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and show that you understand the value of outcomes, not just tasks.
• Increases resume clarity:  Numbers break down your contributions into clear, digestible facts that are easy for hiring managers to understand at a glance.
• Enhances ATS performance: Many automated systems (ATS) that companies use to screen resumes are set to pick up on quantifiable data as indicators of a candidate’s potential impact.
• Sets you apart: In entry-level roles, where many candidates may lack extensive work experience, showing quantifiable achievements can differentiate you from others who only list duties.

Overall, incorporating numbers into your resume helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, demonstrating your ability to contribute tangibly to potential employers. It makes your document more compelling and can often be the deciding factor in securing an interview.

More on ATS

Listing skills can significantly enhance the applicant tracking system (ATS) compatibility of a resume. Many companies use ATS software to scan resumes for keywords related to the skills required for the job. Including relevant skills not only tailors your resume specifically to the job you’re applying for but also increases the likelihood that your resume will pass through these digital filters and reach human eyes. This makes listing the right skills a strategic move for gaining visibility in a competitive job market, particularly when you may not have extensive work experience to stand out.

Having a skills section  on an entry-level resume is crucial, much like having the right bait on a fishing line when you're aiming to catch a big fish. At the start of your career, you may not have a lot of work experience or many professional accomplishments to showcase. However, your skills are key indicators of your potential to thrive in a job. They highlight what you’re capable of and how you can contribute to a company, making your resume more appealing to recruiters.

Essentially, they help you "hook" the interest of potential employers, demonstrating that you have what it takes to succeed in the role, even if you're just starting out.

When selecting skills for your resume, start by analyzing the job description to identify key skills the employer values. This is particularly important for an entry-level position.

Hard skills

Choosing the right hard skills to list on your resume  involves several strategic steps. Let’s consider the job posting from above for an entry-level software developer but they more or less are consistent for any position:

• Analyze the job description:  Carefully read the job posting to identify specific skills mentioned. For example, if the posting emphasizes proficiency in certain programming languages, software development methodologies, or tools, these should be prominently listed on your resume.
• Match your skills with job requirements : Align your actual skills with those requested in the job description. List those skills first that are directly mentioned in the job posting, as these are likely what the recruiters are prioritizing.
• Consider the company’s tech stack and culture:  Research BestTech’s technology stack and any specific tools or platforms they use, which can often be found on their website, in news articles, or tech blogs. If you have experience with any of these technologies, make sure to include them on your resume.
• Include relevant technical certifications:  If you have certifications that validate your proficiency in key skills required for the job (e.g., Oracle Certified Java Programmer, Certified ScrumMaster), include these as they provide official proof of your capabilities.
• List tools specific to the role:  Since this is a software development role, listing programming languages (like Java, Python, C++), development frameworks (like React or Angular), and other development tools (like Git, and Docker) that you’re proficient in is crucial.
• Prioritize modern and in-demand skills:  Given that BestTech is described as a fast-growing company valuing emerging technology talent, emphasize skills that are current and in high demand within the tech industry, such as cloud services (AWS, Azure), and continuous integration/continuous deployment processes.
• Showcase project management and development tools:  Since software development is often collaborative and iterative, showing familiarity with agile methodologies, project management tools (like JIRA or Trello), and version control systems (such as Git) can be particularly appealing.
• Tailor each application:  Customize the skills on your resume for each job application based on the job description and company profile. What works for one job application at one company might not be as effective at another.

By carefully selecting and prioritizing hard skills that align with the specific requirements and context of the job posting at BestTech or whatever Tech, you can create a targeted resume that stands out to recruiters and demonstrates your capability and fit for the role.

Below we’ve aligned our skillset with the previous job posting to better illustrate the technique. Have a look.

Targeted hard skills for your entry-level resume

• Java programming
• Python programming
• C++ development
• Git version control
• RESTful APIs
• React skills
• Agile methodology
• Docker containers
• Unit testing
• Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) processes
• Cloud services  (AWS, Azure)
• Linux operating system
• XML and JSON data formats
• Software debugging
• Angular framework
• TypeScript programming

Soft skills

Much like with hard skills, choosing the right soft skills , especially for a specific job posting like the Entry Level Software Developer, involves a strategic approach to match your qualifications with the employer’s expectations and the job’s requirements.

Here’s how you can determine the best soft skills to include:

• Analyze the job description:  Carefully read the job posting to identify key attributes or competencies the employer emphasizes. Look for any soft skills mentioned directly or implied through responsibilities and expectations. For instance, terms like "team collaboration," "flexible schedule," and "remote work" suggest valuing communication, adaptability, and self-management.
• Understand the company culture:  Research the company’s culture and values, often outlined in the job posting or on the company’s website. For BestTech, their commitment to mentoring and fostering emerging talent suggests they value continuous learning, receptiveness to feedback, and a collaborative nature.
• Reflect on role-specific needs:  Consider the daily responsibilities and overall goals of the role. Software development, especially at the entry level with mentoring, requires problem-solving, attention to detail, and creativity in technical solutions.
• Consider the work environment: Since the position offers options for remote work, skills like time management, self-motivation, and effective communication are crucial to perform tasks independently and stay connected with the team.
• Match your skills with requirements:  From your list of soft skills, choose those that best align with the job description and your understanding of the role and company culture. Ensure these skills are not only mentioned but are also substantiated by specific examples in the experience or achievements sections of your resume.
• Prioritize based on impact:  Select skills that can make the most significant impact on your application. For example, in a mentoring-rich and remote work environment, emphasize your ability to learn quickly, manage your time efficiently, and collaborate across digital platforms.
• Tailor and refine:  Tailor your resume for the specific job by focusing on the most relevant soft skills. It's better to provide a few highly relevant skills with concrete examples than to list many generic skills.

Below is a list of soft skills aligned with the BestTech job offer. Have a look and you’ll see the connections as well as some generally good skills to possess in a job hunt.

Targeted soft skills for your entry-level resume

• Effective communication
• Team collaboration
• Adaptability to change
• Problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Creativity thinking
• Proactive learning attitude
• Empathy with team members
• Willingness to learn
• Leadership potential
• Conflict resolution
• Capacity to work under pressure
• Strong work ethic
• Organizational skills
• Client-oriented approach
• Initiative in project involvement
• Self-motivation

Now, let’s consider the other essential element of your application—your education.

Listing these elements on an entry-level resume is highly important, especially when work experience might be limited. This section of the resume provides a clear indication of your formal knowledge and training, which reassures employers of your foundational qualifications and readiness for the role.

An education section  shows your academic background and understanding of the field, while certifications and licensures are proof of specialized knowledge and skills that have been validated through standardized processes.

For jobs that require specific technical skills  or adherence to industry standards, these qualifications can be critical. They not only enhance your credibility but also set you apart from other candidates who may not have similar credentials. This is particularly essential in fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, and others where up-to-date knowledge and compliance with legal requirements are crucial for the position.

Let’s examine them a bit closer.

Education entry

An education listing on an entry-level resume should provide clear and concise information that highlights your academic achievements and relevancy to the job you’re applying for. Here's what it should typically include:

• Name of the degree:  Including the type of degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts) shows the level of education attained.
• University or college name:  This offers credibility and recognition; prestigious or well-known institutions can particularly strengthen a resume.
• Graduation date:  Listing whether you have graduated or the expected graduation date helps employers understand your timeline.
• Grade point average  (if applicable): This is only a good idea if your GPA is 3.5 or above.
• Major and minor  (if applicable):  This shows your area of specialization which is especially important if it directly relates to the job.
• Relevant coursework , honors, and achievements (optional):  These can be included to show specific skills or academic excellence.

Here’s an excellent example based on the job offer above.

• • Relevant Coursework: Data Structures and Algorithms, Web Development, Machine Learning
• • Honors: Dean’s List 2021-2023, Recipient of the Tech Innovator Scholarship

This example is effective because it provides a clear snapshot of the candidate’s academic background, emphasizing areas that are relevant to potential employers in tech. It includes a high GPA and honors to underscore a commitment to excellence, and the relevant coursework directly aligns with the skills needed for the targeted job offer.

Such entries help to paint a comprehensive picture of the candidate as a capable and driven individual who’s prepared to transition successfully into the professional world.

Certification and licensure

A certification section  or licensure on an entry-level resume should clearly outline the qualification, issuing organization, and the date of acquisition or expiry if relevant. This information highlights specialized skills and compliance with industry standards, which can be crucial for certain positions.

Here’s what an entry should look like.

• • Java SE 8 Programmer
• • Issued: June 2023

This example is effective because it provides all essential details in a clear and concise manner. Mentioning a well-known certifying body like Oracle enhances the resume's strength, while the specificity of the certification (Java SE 8) clearly aligns with job requirements in the tech sector.

The recent date of issuance helps reassure potential employers of the candidate’s up-to-date knowledge and readiness to contribute effectively in a technical role.

Including such certifications can significantly enhance an entry-level candidate's appeal by showing commitment to their professional development and expertise in specific areas needed for the job.

The last significant section left to discuss is the personal statement  that lives at the beginning of all resumes and is perhaps the most important of all the parts. Let’s explore that more below.

Every pro was once an amateur. Every expert was once a beginner. So dream big and start now.

Robin Sharma

An objective statement  on an entry-level resume is a brief declaration of your career goals and how you aim to contribute to the company you're applying. It's important because it shows your direction and enthusiasm, which is crucial when you have limited work experience.

The objective is different from a resume summary , which instead of focusing on what you hope to gain, highlights what you already bring to the table—summarizing your skills, experiences, and achievements. For entry-level applicants, an objective can be more suitable to communicate ambition and potential when substantial experience isn’t yet a factor.

Let’s first have a quick look at what an insufficient objective statement consists of.

The above statement is lacking because it centers primarily on the applicant's desires for personal growth ("learn more about programming and improve my coding skills"), rather than emphasizing what they can offer to the company.

This self-focused approach does not align well with the needs of the offer from BestTech, which seeks candidates eager to contribute as well as grow. Additionally, the statement lacks specificity; it doesn't mention any particular skills or how the applicant's goals align with BestTech's mission or needs.

It also reads as generic and could apply to almost any software developer position at any company, indicating a lack of effort to tailor the resume to the specific role and company, thereby diminishing the applicant's chances of standing out in a competitive field.

A more effective objective would directly address the goals of BestTech, demonstrating the candidate's enthusiasm for contributing to the company's success and highlighting any relevant skills or experiences aligned with the job description.

Here’s a version that’s worthy of mimicking.

This one clearly aligns the candidate’s career goals with the company’s values and the specifics of the job, demonstrating a strong fit and a clear understanding of what the company offers.

There are several additional sections that you can include on an entry-level resume to help you stand out. These sections can showcase a broader range of qualifications and interests, making yourself more appealing to potential employers:

• Professional portfolio  or projects:  Including a section for relevant projects  or a portfolio can demonstrate practical skills and experience. This is especially valuable for roles in creative, technical, or project-based fields. This demonstrates your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
• Volunteer experience:   Listing volunteer work  can be particularly impactful, demonstrating a commitment to the community and the development of soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. This section can be crucial if you have limited work experience.
• Professional affiliations  and memberships:  This section shows active participation in professional organizations, which can be appealing to employers as it often indicates a candidate's dedication to their career field and ongoing professional development.
• Awards and honors :  Recognitions, whether academic or professional, can serve as a testament to your capability and excellence in various areas.
• Languages:   Listing language skills  can significantly enhance a resume, especially in roles that require communication with diverse populations or in global companies.
• Interests and hobbies :  While often overlooked, this section can offer insights into your personality and potential cultural fit within a company. Strategic mentions of interests that align with the company's culture or the role can make a resume more memorable.

Each of these sections provides an opportunity to present a more rounded picture of a candidate, beyond just educational and professional history. They add depth to a resume, showing initiative, diversity of skills, and a readiness to contribute in various areas, making the individual more attractive in a competitive job market.

When applying for an entry-level job, the most important thing to remember is to clearly demonstrate your potential and eagerness to learn!

Diving into crafting your entry-level resume is a bit like setting up your first domino in a chain—place it correctly, and you'll set off an impressive cascade of opportunities… or miss completely.

Here are the key takeaways from our guide to ensure your resume makes a splash:

• Tailor your resume format:  Choose a hybrid format combining relevant skills and chronological work experience to showcase your capabilities effectively.
• Optimize for ATS:  Include keywords from the job description and avoid complex formatting to ensure ATS compatibility.
• Highlight relevant skills:  Clearly list both hard and soft skills that align with the job requirements and company culture.
• Quantify achievements:  Where possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your contributions in previous roles or projects.
• Detail your education (and certifications):  Include your degree, institution, graduation date, and any relevant honors or coursework.
• Objective statement:  Use this to show enthusiasm and clarity in your career goals, tailored to the company and position.

Remember that each job is unique and requires a targeted resume and cover letter. Do your research and take the time to tailor your application to the job offer —your chances of success will multiply significantly!

Entry Level resume examples

Explore additional entry level resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Entry Level resume?

• Resume Examples

What Is a Confidential Resume and How to Write One

How to list board membership on resume, the success journey: mark zuckerberg's pre-facebook resume, how i got an internship at tesla, 7 internship interview questions and answers, how to list projects on a resume: a concise approach.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• AI Resume Review
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• 27 Great Resume Summary...

27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

20 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

Your resume summary is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's crucial to get it right

When it comes to job applications, your resume is often the first point of contact with prospective employers. It's essential to make a good impression right from the start, and that's where your resume summary comes in. 

What is a resume summary? 

How can you create one that will help your resume stand out from the competition?

In this article, we'll explain the resume summary and why it's so vital for job search success. We'll also teach you how to write a great resume summary that will grab any employer's attention and provide 27 fantastic resume summary examples that you can customize to fit your job search needs.

What is a resume summary?

To understand a resume summary, it's important to understand the challenge that good summaries are designed to overcome. Employers who are looking for new hires often need to compare many dozens or even hundreds of resumes to find the best candidates for the job. Few hiring personnel have the time needed to thoroughly examine every single resume that they receive.

Instead, employers typically spend no more than five or six seconds scanning any given resume. If a resume manages to capture their interest in those few seconds, they'll take the time to read it in greater detail. 

However, if your resume doesn't grab their attention, it's likely to be rejected without any further examination. So, the challenge is to find a way to quickly earn the reader's interest and inspire them to read the rest of the document.

That's where a professional summary for a resume comes into play. As you'll see from our resume summary examples, a good summary is the resume equivalent of a salesperson's elevator pitch. 

This brief statement should highlight your experience and job title, one or two key skills, and a couple of your most prominent achievements. When your summary is crafted well, it will provide the employer with a quick overview of your potential value as a new hire.

Once you've written your summary, you should place it right after your contact information and resume headline so that it's the first thing employers see. If you've done your job properly, that summary will be compelling enough to make the reader want to learn more about the type of value you can bring to the job.

How should you start a resume summary?

Since your summary is designed to capture the reader's attention, it's vital to start this paragraph off in a compelling way.  While the statement should be brief, it should also clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Here are some examples of strong opening statements:

Innovative Marketing Manager with over five years of experience in developing and executing successful campaigns for Fortune 500 companies

Results-driven Sales Executive with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building strong client relationships

Skilled Customer Service Representative with expertise in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication

Tips for writing a resume summary

To make sure that you create the most powerful resume summary possible, follow our top tips:

Be specific

When writing a resume summary, it's essential to be specific and quantify your achievements wherever possible. Instead of saying, "Experienced marketing professional," try saying, "Experienced marketing professional with expertise in managing successful social media campaigns, resulting in increases of up to 30% in website traffic."

This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

Reflect on your career

When it comes to writing a strong resume summary, you should engage in some self-reflection. Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take some time to think about your key skills, experiences, and achievements. This will help you identify the most important information to include in your summary. Review your past roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, and think about how they relate to the job you're applying for. Ask yourself:

What have I achieved in my career?

What skills have I developed?

What makes me stand out from other applicants?

Identify your key skills

One of the most important things to include in your resume summary is your key skills. These are the abilities that set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Begin by making a list of your top skills, then prioritize them based on relevance to the job you're applying for.

Highlight your relevant experiences

Next, think about relevant experiences that you can include in your summary. This includes any previous jobs or internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that have given you valuable experience. Consider what you've learned and achieved in each role and how that relates to the job you're applying for.

You should focus on what is most relevant to your target job. Here are some examples:

Proven ability to increase sales revenue by 20% year-over-year

Expertise in project management and team leadership

Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365

Confident working with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders

Keep it concise

Remember, your resume summary should be concise and to the point. Stick to the most important information and avoid filler words or irrelevant details. A good rule of thumb is to keep your summary to 3-5 sentences.

Use action verbs

When describing your experiences and achievements, use strong action verbs and adverbs to convey a sense of accomplishment and momentum. For example, instead of saying, "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say, "Successfully manage 4 social media accounts, including Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram."

Quantify your achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements. This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers. For example, instead of saying, "Helped to increase sales," say, "Helped to increase sales by 20% in the first year."

Tailor it to the job

Make sure your resume's professional summary is tailored to the job you're seeking. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Look at the job description identify the key requirements, and then make sure your summary addresses these points.

Professional resume summary examples

Since there's nothing quite like seeing an example of a great summary, we've compiled twenty-seven great resume summary examples that you can use as inspirational templates for your own perfect resume . Below, you'll find summary examples for a variety of different job roles, including:

Customer Service Representative

Sales Representative

Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Software Developer

Human Resources Manager

Graphic Designer

Registered Nurse

Financial Analyst

Administrative Assistant

Data Entry Clerk  

Business Analyst

Operations Manager  

Mental Health Counselor

High School Teacher

Event Manager

Product Designer

Content Marketer

SEO Specialist

Bank Teller

Software Support Specialist

Data Scientist

Dental Assistant

1.    Customer Service Representative resume summary example

"Highly motivated Customer Service Representative with 5 years of experience in delivering service excellence. Skilled in conflict resolution and problem-solving, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Proven ability to multitask in fast-paced environments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience and skills while also showcasing their relevant achievements in ensuring customer satisfaction. It mentions how much experience they have and highlights a measurable success.

2.    Sales Representative resume summary example

"Dynamic Sales Representative with a track record of exceeding sales quotas by 20%+. Proficient in consultative sales techniques and relationship building. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to close deals."

Why it works : This summary provides a quantifiable achievement to show the candidate's success in their previous sales roles while also highlighting their key skills in relationship building and communication.

3.    Marketing Manager resume summary example

"Strategic Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns across multiple channels. Skilled in market research and analysis, campaign optimization, and team leadership. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and increasing brand awareness."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's experience and leadership skills while also showcasing their ability to drive results through successful marketing campaigns. The candidate has also demonstrated their ability to grow revenues and raise brand awareness.

4.    Project Manager resume summary example

"Accomplished Project Manager, with confidence in leading cross-functional teams and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's extensive project management experience and emphasizes their ability to successfully deliver projects while working with multiple stakeholders.

5.   Software Developer resume summary example

"Innovative Software Developer with 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing complex software applications. Skilled in programming languages including Java, Python, and C++. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in Agile environments to deliver high-quality code on time."

Why it works : This job seeker has taken the time to highlight some of the technical skills they possess while emphasizing their ability to work in Agile environments. They also call attention to the fact that they can manage and complete a software development project from design to implementation.

6.    Human Resources Manager resume summary example

"Experienced Human Resources Manager specializing in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with business objectives and values. Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience in various HR functions and emphasizes their ability to build and manage teams. It also shows that they can perform managerial functions like developing policies and procedures.

7.    Graphic Designer resume summary example

"Creative Graphic Designer with particular expertise in developing and executing visually stunning designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on typography and layout. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously."

Why it works : This summary works well because it showcases their technical skills and experience while also emphasizing creativity and an ability to work collaboratively.

8.    Registered Nurse resume summary example

"Compassionate Registered Nurse with over 10 years' experience in providing high-quality patient care. Skilled at patient assessment, medication administration, and treatment plan development. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with patients and their families."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's clinical and patient care experience and highlights their key nursing and interpersonal skills.

9.   Financial Analyst resume summary example

“Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with a strong background in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting. Combines advanced Excel skills with the ability to create and manage financial reports. Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.”

Why it works : This summary showcases the applicant's specific skills and experience in financial analysis and highlights their proficiency in Excel, a crucial tool for the role.

10.   Administrative Assistant resume summary example

“Skilled Administrative Assistant with 8 years of experience in administrative support and office administration. Resilient, detail-oriented, and able to work under extreme pressure in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal, client management, and interdepartmental liaison skills. Committed to successful management of multiple simultaneous projects, strict adherence to deadline requirements, and accurate maintenance of schedules, meeting obligations, and records.”

Why it works : An Administrative Assistant wears many hats and experiences many challenges. This resume summary covers a lot of ground to demonstrate that the candidate understands those obstacles and knows how to overcome them.

11.   Data Entry Clerk resume summary example

“Task-driven and results-oriented professional with more than 10 years of experience in data entry, project coordination, and customer service. Uses interpersonal skills including effective communication to build rapport and positive relations with customers, gather vital information, and ensure rapid and accurate entry of data into designated software programs.”

Why it works : This resume summary is effective because it gets right to the heart of the job: dealing with customers and entering data into databases. The candidate also emphasizes their results-focused mindset, project skills, and key soft skills.

12.   Business Analyst resume summary example

“Results-driven Business Analyst with a proven record in expanding profitability by 55% in the retail industry.  Confident carrying out data-focused analysis that provides key insights and recommendations for growth strategies. Strong interpersonal and team building skills, innovative approach to problem-solving , and resolute commitment to efficiency and productivity.”

Why it works : Business analysis is all about using data and research to deliver key insights that result in improved operations and greater business success. This summary hits all the right notes as it focuses on key skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and notable achievements that reflect real value for employers.

13.   Operations Manager resume summary example

“Results-oriented Operations Manager with more than 10 years of supervisory experience in high-level operational environments. Adept at coordinating both large and small teams, outside consultants, and mid-level management personnel. Successfully introduced Lean manufacturing principles that reduced costs by 32% via waste elimination and process revitalization.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary emphasizes key skills that the employer wants to see in any managerial candidate's resume while also showcasing their knowledge of best operational practices and a commitment to cost reduction.

14.   Mental Health Counselor resume summary example

“Compassionate Mental Health Counselor with more than a decade of experience addressing mental health issues and behavioral concerns. Proven success in both individual and group counseling environments, assisting clients in gaining insight and understanding of their unique conditions. Specialized focus on working with young adults and families, with an emphasis on addressing substance abuse root causes and other social factors involved in mental health.”

Why it works : This resume summary is notable for citing important skills like empathy and compassion. It also focuses attention on the candidate's experience in dealing with common mental health concerns and hints at their preferred approach to assisting patients.

15.    High School Teacher resume summary example

“Dynamic high school teacher with 12 years of experience developing approved curricula for more than 500 students in grades 9-12. Proven track record of helping students to achieve a 98% passing rate in both Western Civilization and World History instruction. Actively engaged in every aspect of education, at the district, local, and parent-teacher level.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary highlights their vast experience while illustrating their success in ensuring that their students learn what they need to know to pass the class. They also demonstrate their commitment to the educational process by highlighting their involvement in every area of education.

16.    Accountant resume summary example

“Diligent and detail-oriented CPA with seven years of experience in accounting, process improvement, and problem-solving. Skilled at identifying inefficiencies and using reporting to offer insights that can guide employers to better practices and greater profitability. At XYZ Corp., identified labor usage inefficiency that motivated management to introduce new scheduling that eliminated $300,000 in labor waste.”

Why it works : In addition to highlighting a wide range of valuable skills, this candidate also focused on a quantifiable achievement that illustrates real value. This type of summary would certainly capture a hiring manager's attention and make them want to read more!

17.    Event Manager resume summary example

“Resilient and creative Event Manager with 6 years of corporate experience. Detail-oriented perfectionist with experience in project management, team leadership, and customer relations. Successfully organized and executed more than 40 major business conferences, hosting thousands of guests. Major clients have included three Fortune 500 firms with multi-million-dollar event budgets.

Why it works : As Event Managers go, this one has certainly made the rounds. That summary of achievements highlights their ability to manage even large-scale events, dealing with every aspect of the project. How could a serious hiring manager not want to learn more about this candidate?

18.    IT Manager resume summary example

“Dedicated IT Manager with significant experience in an innovative and growing tech firm. Skilled leader with experience in systems analysis, database architecture, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Superior client satisfaction rate of more than 99%. Created and implemented an IT troubleshooting process that reduced internal client service time by 30%.”

Why it works : This IT professional focuses attention on their key leadership skills , while also mentioning the hard skills that any hiring manager is likely to be looking for. There's also a nice nod to their history of satisfying clients, as well as a notable and measurable achievement.

19.   Product Designer resume summary example

“Innovative Design Engineer with 5 years of experience in the development of products and packages. Skilled in market research, brand development and alignment, and design elements. Led team of seventeen Designers in the creation of industrial products that yielded $20 million in sales in the first month after launch.”

Why it works : This resume summary uses some important keywords, action verbs, and descriptive language to describe the candidate's key skills and experiences. It also cites an impressive product design achievement, along with real numbers that showcase value.

20.    Content Marketer resume summary example

“Creative marketing professional with 7 years' experience as a Content Marketer. Skilled writer who understands how written communication empowers business growth and expansion. Expertise in development of compelling content that drives activities across multiple media channels. Adaptable , detail-oriented, and focused on a brand-building approach to content strategy that drives real results. Developed a cross-platform content strategy that boosted sales conversion rates by 37%.

Why it works : This Content Marketer focuses on their key skills and keen insights into how content impacts business profitability. They even included a measurable result that demonstrates their focus on adding value to their employer's bottom line.

21.   SEO Specialist resume summary example

“Results-focused SEO expert with 6 years of experience in keyword mastery, the promotion of sustainable content, and growing organic website search engine rankings. Proven track record of SEO success, using content development and link outreach to expand website traffic activity from 10,000 daily visitors to more than 2,000,000 per year.”

Why it works : Many hiring managers may not fully understand SEO, but they will understand the need to get more eyes on their digital content. This candidate speaks to that need by focusing on website rankings, content, and overall web traffic - while including a quantifiable achievement that demonstrates their ability to make things happen.

22.   Copywriter resume summary example

“Website Copywriter with 5 years of experience in developing content that creates real conversions. Cross-channel expertise, including website content, advertising, newsletters, press releases, email, and podcast/video scripts. Proven track record of increasing social traffic by 36% and driving a 22% boost in landing page conversions.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary is focused not only on the type of things they write but how those content pieces directly contribute to the company's online presence and sales conversion rate. This illustrates the writer's understanding of how their work aligns with their employer's business needs and goals.

23.  Bank Teller resume summary example

“Empathetic and personable Bank Teller with more than 4 years of experience in client interactions at First Bank. Detail-oriented customer management approach, focused on superior customer experiences and client retention. Strict adherence to bank policy, including safety deposit guidelines, customer account security, and due diligence. Efficiently and effectively processed more than 200 client account interactions each day.”

Why it works : For a Bank Teller, much of the role's value lies in the employee's ability to serve as the face of the branch. This summary is effective because it showcases the Teller's knowledge of bank procedures while also highlighting their commitment to creating an excellent customer experience.

24.  Software Support Specialist resume summary example

“Problem-solving Software Support Specialist with 8 years of experience in customer-facing user assistance. Provided key problem-resolution services for hundreds of customers, with a focus on maximizing their satisfaction with the company to increase loyalty and retention. Experienced in both customer and B2B interactions, with a specialized talent for explaining technical problems in language that is easily understood by the average layperson.”

Why it works : This resume summary focuses not only on the candidate's specialized skills in solving computer issues but also highlights their ability to simplify their explanations to customers.

25.   Data Scientist resume summary example

“Committed Data Scientist focused on analytical insights that can drive company growth and development. More than eight years of experience providing data-driven analysis to Fortune 500 executives based on comprehensive statistical models and detailed historical data patterns. Successfully provided insights and recommendations used to increase company profits by 32% over a two-year period.”

Why it works : Data science may not seem like the most exciting field, but hiring managers are always on the hunt for candidates who understand why data matters. This candidate's focus on providing insights that can translate into real value for the employer is something that is likely to earn a hiring manager's interest.

26.  Dental Assistant resume summary example

“Dental Assistant with 5 years of experience with patient preparation, processing, and administrative support. Keen attention to detail and a commitment to dental health and aesthetics. Skilled in dental impressions, hands-on assistance during procedures, x-rays, and record maintenance. Fully committed to developing rapport with patients that creates a welcoming environment and a joyful experience.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary not only highlights key Dental Assistant requirements, but also conveys their personal approach to teamwork and patient care.

27.  Architect resume summary example

“Creative Architect experienced in high-end architectural design and development oversight. Ten years of proven success in creating sustainable designs that earn rave reviews and commendations from clients. Skilled in adapting to new challenges and working under pressure to achieve every client's vision. Consistently produces designs and project plans that come in on time and under budget, at 10%-30% less cost than industry competitors.”

Why it works : In this summary, the candidate highlights key skills that employers will want to see, while also emphasizing quantifiable results that demonstrate competitive value for the employer. They also showcase their ability to not only design architectural structures but to do so with a conscious awareness of critical factors like budgetary concerns, deadlines, sustainability and market competition.

Bonus: how to write a resume summary if you have no experience

Of course, it's also important to know how to write a resume summary if you have no experience. Here's a quick resume summary example that you can adapt if you are just entering the job market:

“Recent Marketing graduate, seeking an entry-level position to kickstart a career in the field. Demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork skills gained through involvement in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering at local events and leading group projects. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Passionate about using marketing strategies to create engaging content and drive brand awareness.”

Why it works: This summary works because it highlights the candidate's relevant hard and soft skills and qualifications, even though they don't have direct career experience. The use of action words such as "demonstrated" and "proficient" shows the candidate's confidence in their abilities, which can be attractive to potential employers, showcasing the candidate's potential for success in an entry-level marketing role.

Key takeaways

A well-written resume summary can make a significant impact on a job application. A good summary should highlight relevant skills and experiences, use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary information. Feel free to customize any of the resume summary examples we've provided to help ensure that your resume captures the attention of potential employers.

We know it can be difficult to condense a whole career full of skills and achievements into a paragraph of only a few sentences. If you're unsure about the document you've crafted, why not send it for a free resume review by our team of expert resume writers? 

This article was originally written by Ken Chase. It has been updated by Marsha Hebert and Ken Chase.

Recommended reading:

Ask Amanda: How Are a Resume Objective and a Resume Summary Different?

How to Write a Standout Career Summary

Business Acumen: What It Is and How You Can Showcase It On Your Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

How To Write an Entry Level Resume (Examples & Templates)

We’re often asked, “How do you write an entry-level resume ?” and “Where can I find entry-level resume templates and examples?” because writing a resume for your first job can feel overwhelming.

If you’re here, you’ve probably never written a resume before or perhaps don’t have much work experience, and you need to write one that highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and extracurricular activities that convinces an employer to hire you .

The good news is that you can write your entry-level resume like a pro and land your dream job. Our team at MatchBuilt asked expert resume writers, career coaches, and HR managers for advice on how to write a resume for an entry-level job.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a candidate with professional experience, you’ll find everything you need to create a beginner resume for your next job application.

At MatchBuilt, we are dedicated to helping entry-level job seekers write winning resumes . For more tips on resume writing, check out similar topics such as how to say that you’re a fast learner on your resume , how to say you trained someone on your resume ,  and 50 other tips for an effective resume . Post Contents Why It’s Important to Have an Effective Resume Top Tips on How to Write an Entry-level Resume 1. Put Your Contact at the Top of Your Resume 2. Tailor the Resume to the Job You Are Applying For 3. Emphasize Your Education 4. Showcase Your Skills 5. State Your Experience A. Volunteer Work B. Projects C. Internships or Apprenticeships D. Organizations 6. Use Keywords 7. Include a Summary of the Resume 8. Format Your Resume Properly A. Use a Professional Font B. Use Correct Margins C. Use Headers 9. Proofread the Resume Carefully Entry-Level Resume Examples & Templates with Google Docs 1. Google Doc “Spearmint” Entry Level Resume Example Template 2. Google Doc “Serif” Entry Level Resume Example Template 3. Google Doc “Coral” Entry Level Resume Example Template 4. Google Doc “Swiss” Entry Level Resume Example Template 5. Google Doc “Modern Writer” Entry Level Resume Example Template Action Word and Descriptive Synonyms for Resume Action Word Synonyms for Responsible Action Word Synonyms for Experience Action Word Synonyms for Managed for Resume Action Word Synonyms for Developed Action Word Synonyms for Worked Action Word Synonyms for Utilize Final Thoughts on How to Write an Entry-level Resume Need More Help? Check Out These Videos on How to Make a Resume for Your First Job

Why It’s Important to Have an Effective Resume

A resume is one of the documents employers need job seekers to submit when applying for an entry-level position. Without an effective resume for prospective employers to review, your chances of getting hired are very slim, as a potential employer can quickly dismiss your application. An effective resume does the following.

• Sells your different skills, qualities, relevant coursework, and relevant work experience
• Shows your eligibility for a particular job
• It acts as a path to subsequent steps, such as interviews and prescreening

Top Tips on How to Write an Entry-level Resume

When writing an entry-level resume , you want to prove to your potential employer that you have the skills necessary for the role you applied for. It would help if you assured them that despite not having much experience, you could be of great value to their organization. A good resume can vouch for you, making it easier to kickstart your career. We have compiled expert tips to help you craft your resume like a pro.

1. Put Your Contact at the Top of Your Resume

Include your contact information at the top of the resume . The details should contain your phone number, email address, and  LinkedIn profile URL . You may also include a link to your online portfolio or personal website if the job you’re applying for allows for that.

Your location address isn’t mandatory on your resume . However, you may consider including it if the job you’re applying for is near your home. If it’s located far away, including your location is not advisable. You risk getting disqualified if the company feels that they need to help you relocate. And, if they don’t have a relocation budget, they might choose someone who lives nearby.

If you’ve to include your location in such a scenario, then the best thing to do is include that you plan to move from your current location to the city where the company is based.

Mimi from Starkflow, a company that helps you recruit top remote talent , gave the following advice concerning writing your contact information in a resume .

Your name and contact information should always be at the top of your resume . You must include your phone number, a professional-sounding email address, and LinkedIn URL.

2. Tailor the Resume to the Job You Are Applying For

You need to modify your resume to the vacancy you’re applying for. Many entry-level job seekers use the same resume when applying for jobs, which is a huge mistake.

By tailoring your resume to match each job you apply for, you’ll stand out from the other applicants. Additionally, you’ll show great enthusiasm for the job, and that’s why you made an effort to thoroughly go through the job description and tailor your resume to match it.

On top of that, it shows that you understand the hiring manager’s needs and are ready to help the company achieve its goals.

To make your resume relevant to the job you are applying for, start by reviewing the job description to understand what the employer needs. Then, review your resume and start tailoring your skills to the described roles .

Mimi also added that you need to

Take a close look at the job description and prepare your resume for the specific job. You want to match the language as closely as possible regarding particular keywords. Most companies use applicant tracking systems (or ATSs)—programs that scan your resume looking for keywords found in the job description and forward the resumes with the most matches to a hiring recruiter. So be cautious and list keywords exactly as they appear in the job description.

3. Emphasize Your Education

A candidate’s education is one of the most important things recruiters check when reviewing resumes. They want to hire a candidate whose educational background fits their open role. Having relevant education can set you apart from other candidates , increasing your chances of getting hired.

When writing about your education, you should do it chronologically and clearly. But first, you need to review the job specifications again to determine the education levels you must include in the resume .

Some of the things you should include in the education section are:

• The schools you attended
• Field of study
• The degree you have
• Your majors or minors
• Any applicable coursework, academic recognition, and other educational achievements

You don’t have much working experience when writing an entry-level resume . Therefore, you can focus on the education section and make it detailed. You can also write this section below the summary or contact information section.

If you had vast experience, you’d make this section very brief and instead focus on your working experience. You’d also write the education section with Dean’s List honors , if applicable, at the bottom of your resume .

4. Showcase Your Skills

Displaying your skills in a resume is essential. However, only include the skills and core competencies relevant to the job vacancy you’re interested in. Your chances of getting hired increase if your skills closely match those in the job specification. As an entry-level applicant, your skills can be your selling point. Create a separate skills section at the top of your resume and highlight them there.

When writing the skills section, include both the hard and soft skills. Hard skills, such as hand-eye coordination and technological skills, are quantifiable and teachable. Soft skills are more interpersonal skills, including communication, team building, and leadership.

These skills, including soft skills, may also be helpful if a recruiter uses a tracking system  when scanning resumes. The tracking systems search for specified skills in the form of keywords, and if your resume doesn’t have them, it is likely that it won’t be reviewed.

Remember to be honest. A job specification stating that a candidate should possess specific skills shouldn’t make you say that you have the skills while you don’t. You might be asked to demonstrate your prowess in such skills or explain how you achieved them, and that would lead you into trouble after a recruiter realizes you weren’t honest.

5. State Your Experience

You may not have worked full-time before as an entry-level candidate, meaning you don’t have much experience. If you’ve ever held any part-time job, include it in the experience section. Don’t mind whether it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for or not. Previous employment shows potential employers that you’ve some working experience and can complete tasks. Other things you can include in the experience section include:

A. Volunteer Work

If you’ve ever participated in any volunteer work, include the details in the work experience section. Volunteer work also counts, especially if you were actively engaged in a specific role.

B. Projects

Are there projects you undertook as part of your coursework? Include them, too, in this section. Projects can showcase your skills and interests, especially when applied to the position you have applied for.

C. Internships or Apprenticeships

If you’ve been on an internship or apprenticeship program, state that in the work experience section. Even if the internship was in a different field from what you’re applying for, it could increase the chance of being hired.

D. Organizations

If you have participated in an organization, that also counts as experience. It even gets better if you have been in a leadership position. It discloses your leadership skills and experiences working with others.

Kirk Hazlett , an adjunct professor with Curry College, gave the following insights regarding what to write if you don’t have much working experience.

If you are working, say, as a part-time waiter, don’t list your duties as “wait tables; clean tables.” Highlight “customer service,” “problem-solving,” and “attention to detail.” And, if you’ve been doing this job for a while, point out your longevity. If you have been/are involved in a team-leader role in high school or college sports activities, highlight that aspect of your activity. Don’t say “played high school soccer.” Say (IF you did!) “As team captain led us to a series of victories.” List your employment (if you’ve had more than one job over the years) in reverse chronological order, starting with what you’re doing now and working backward. Have a clear start and stop dates for each job.

6. Use Keywords

Like optimizing your LinkedIn profile , you’ll want to do the same for your resume . The old way of writing resumes is no longer working. Nowadays, it’s hard for recruiters or hiring managers to notice your resume if you don’t include some keywords. Some companies use an ATS where the system first searches for keywords that match the job specification in a resume . Your resume won’t qualify for further review if they’re not detected.

In this case, keywords refer to individual words or phrases related to a particular job specification . These can be a candidate’s skills, credentials, abilities, and qualities.

Now that you know the importance of using keywords in a resume , how do you get them? It’s simple. Start by reading the job ad. You’ll realize the description has some keywords you can use. Still, you can search for similar ads and see the keywords that have been used.

You can also get them by searching the “about us” section of the company’s website. You’ll learn what they value most and use the same as your keywords.

For example, if the company emphasizes creativity as one of the skills they value most, use that as one of the keywords in your resume . However, be careful not to overstuff keywords to make your resume pass through the tracking system.

Mary Guirovich , author of “God’s Not Done with You: How to Advance Your Career,” commented on  resume keywords.

Write your resume for the recruiter- then optimize it for the applicant tracking system (ATS). While it’s important to include keywords from the job description to get past the tracking system, your resume is ultimately reviewed and evaluated by a human. If you focus on stuffing in keywords and tricking the system, your resume will likely not appeal to the recruiter.  Tailor your resume for each position and naturally use the keywords and job title from the job description. Applicant tracking systems count the number of times keywords exist but don’t try to trick the system by adding in a keyword section or putting text in white, thinking you will trick the system because the ATS converts all of your text to one color and Live in Abundance.

Searching for keywords can be time-consuming and demanding but worth the trouble. It increases the chances of your resume getting noticed and prove to recruiters that you’re a good fit for the role you’re interested in.

7. Include a Summary of the Resume

Include a summary of your resume just below your contact information. In the past, people used this section to write resume objectives . However, writing an objective section is slowly becoming outdated and replaced by a resume summary.

To write the summary, describe who you are as a candidate . This is the best approach for entry-level job seekers.

Including some of your  future career goals , such as where you want to be in the future, is also allowed. When you get some experience later, you can talk about your career achievements or past roles.

Although a resume summary is optional, it’s advisable to include it as it allows a recruiter to connect personally with you as an individual rather than just a job seeker.

Mary Guirovich agreed with this and shared the following comments.

Show your personality- When the recruiter reads your resume , you want them to see you as a person, not just a list of skills. Adding a resume summary is a great way to stand out and show your personality, excitement, and enthusiasm to do the position and work for the company.  For example, you are in marketing and applying for a job with a company that sells pet supplies. A summary is a great opportunity for you to share your love of pets and your desire to work for a brand you have shared values with.

Additionally, it briefly describes your skills, experience, and objectives, allowing you to highlight your most important assets. That makes it easier for the recruiter to scan your profile and see whether it fits the job description when you have the right qualifications, increasing your chances of getting noticed.

8. Format Your Resume Properly

You may have impressive skills and experience, but a recruiter won’t look at your resume twice if you don’t format it properly. That’s why you need to pay attention to how to format your resume  to make it professional and readable .

Here are some tips to guide you on how to format a resume

A. Use a Professional Font

The kind of font you use in your resume matters a lot. Ensure you use a professional font. Some of the professional fonts you can use include Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial Narrow, Georgia, and Cambria. The size of the font you also use matters. Depending on your font type, it should be between 10 and 12 points. Make sure the section headers and your name have a larger font than the rest of the sections.

B. Use Correct Margins

1″ margins are the most commonly used in resumes, especially for entry-level job seekers. Since you may not have a lot information in your resume , the 1″ margin is ideal for the resume to fit on a single page.

C. Use Headers

Use headers for every section in your resume . Make the header different from the rest of the text by using a larger font and making it bold. You can also underline it. For example, if you’re talking about education, the header for that section should be “education.”

Using flashy, attention-capturing graphics when writing a resume may be tempting. However, this isn’t advisable, especially when making an online application. This is because your resume may be passed through an ATS, which only parses text.

Mary Guirovich had this to say concerning resume formatting.

Keep the Formatting Simple: Applicant tracking systems prefer simple-to-read fonts and formats, and the recruiters agree. Avoid using graphs, tables, hyperlinks, images, headers, footers, logos, columns, uncommon section headings, templates, borders, and fancy fonts.  Stick with a standard resume format over a functional resume layout, as ATS has a harder time reading functional resume formats without dates and often through them out. Use bold text, common headlines, and bullet points , limit to one page and leave white space. Last but not least is the file type a Microsoft Word Doc or PDF is most widely accepted by tracking systems.

Kirk from Curry College also had something to say about formatting.

Keep your resume to one page, neatly laid out, and in readable font size. I usually advise a 12-point font size, no less. Don’t get fancy with design. Use a simple, easy-to-read, easy-to-follow layout. Your resume will be one of the hundreds of resumes that the HR person or hiring manager will review. Make it memorable. More important, make it relevant!

9. Proofread the Resume Carefully

With many people looking for work, you must put in a lot of effort and make no mistakes when applying for a job to stand out. After writing your resume and including all the necessary information, you need to proofread it and ensure it doesn’t contain errors . Something simple, like a typo, can disqualify you from getting your dream job.

And proofreading does not only involve checking whether there are any typos or sentence construction issues. It also involves checking whether you have included the correct information, tailored the resume to the job post, and used the right keywords.

After doing all that, read it word by word, line by line. This makes it easy to spot missing words, misused words, double words, etc. Check the contact information too, and ensure it’s accurate. A simple mistake in the contact information section can make it impossible for a recruiter to contact you. You don’t want that after all the effort you’ve put into writing your resume .

In addition, it’s also advisable to have someone proofread the resume for you. It’s usually easier for another person to identify mistakes in a written document. It doesn’t have to be a professional editor. Even a friend or family member can help you with that.

Entry-Level Resume Examples & Templates with Google Docs

Below are entry-level resume examples and templates for your use.  Simply click on the image to view the Google doc resume .  From there, you can save the resume as any type of document you’d like (Google Docs, Word, etc.).  You can also save it as another Google doc to begin editing.

To quickly find examples and resumes on Google Docs, launch the Google Docs app (create an account if you haven’t already). Then, from the home page, click on “Template Gallery” and scroll down until you find the resume templates. Pick a template and start editing.

Each entry-level Google Doc resume example is easy to navigate and minimalistic.  Most of the templates are ideal for both recent graduates and seasoned pros.

You can easily add or replace any section you wish. So, if you’re unhappy about the skills section being so high up, just replace it with a professional summary or a career objective.

1. Google Doc “Spearmint” Entry Level Resume Example Template

2. google doc “serif” entry level resume example template.

3. Google Doc “Coral” Entry Level Resume Example Template

4. Google Doc “Swiss” Entry Level Resume Example Template

5. Google Doc “Modern Writer” Entry Level Resume Example Template

Action Word and Descriptive Synonyms for Resume

When creating your resume , it’s helpful to use synonyms for common works, so you are repetitive when discussing your skills and experience.  Here are a few action words and descriptive synonyms for your resume .

Action Word Synonyms for Responsible

• Spearheaded
• Implemented
• Accountable

Action Word Synonyms for Experience

• Accomplished
• Professional

Action Word Synonyms for Managed for Resume

• Coordinated
• Administered

Action Word Synonyms for Developed

• Established

Action Word Synonyms for Worked

• Communicated
• Collaborated
• Participated
• Contributed

Action Word Synonyms for Utilize

• Specialize in

Final Thoughts on How to Write an Entry-level Resume

When writing an entry-level resume , aim to increase your chances of being hired as high as possible. To do this, include your contact information and your resume summary. Highlight your skills and experience, and remember to use keywords.

Additionally, format your resume properly to make it easily readable and professional. After writing the resume , proofread it thoroughly to ensure it’s error-free.

Need More Help? Check Out These Videos on How to Make a Resume for Your First Job

About Mark Matyanowski

As the founder of MatchBuilt, with over 18 years of recruiting and coaching experience and 8+ years in executive roles at a leading Fortune 100 company, I am deeply committed to guiding professionals in their career paths.

Our team at MatchBuilt offers expert support in enhancing resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews. Our blog, drawing on our rich experience and industry insights, is a valuable resource for job seekers.

We take pride in successfully guiding job candidates to top-tier company roles while empowering individuals to achieve their career ambitions, irrespective of their background or educational level.

77+ Resume Summary Examples [& How-to Guide for 2024]

Most companies get hundreds or even thousands of applications monthly.

Hiring managers don’t have the time to read each resume in detail, so they usually end up scanning it for five to six seconds.

So, unless your resume manages to grab the hiring manager’s attention in those few seconds, they’ll just toss your application aside and move on to the next one.

That’s why, you want to make sure that the hiring manager can instantly tell that you’re the right candidate for the job before they even read your resume in depth. 

This is where writing an attention-grabbing resume summary comes in!

In this guide, we’re going to cover: 

• What Is a Resume Summary?
• Tips for Writing an Effective Resume Summary 
• 77+ Convincing Resume Summary Examples

Let’s dive in.

This guide is part of our larger resume series. If you want to start from the basics, take a look at our comprehensive guide on how to make a resume .

What Is a Resume Summary? 

A resume summary is a section that summarizes your resume’s contents. It’s placed in your resume’s header, close to your 

contact information , and it’s the first thing hiring managers see when they look at your resume.

When done right, your resume summary serves as a snapshot of your entire career. It shows that you’re a qualified candidate in less than five seconds, and it gets the hiring manager interested in reading the rest of your resume.

So, what makes a resume summary effective?

A good resume summary is two to four sentences long and includes:

• Your years of experience and job title
• Some of your biggest achievements to date
• A couple of your most essential skills that are relevant for the role

Let’s look at an example:

• Detail-oriented Technical Writer with 7+ years of experience in writing end-user documentation, specializing in user help guides. Excellent writing, analytical thinking, research, and time management skills. Rewrote over 80% of user help guides for 30+ products at Company X, resulting in a 42% decrease in product-related customer support calls.

New to resume-making? Give our resume summary video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Use a Resume Summary?

Hiring managers skim through resumes before deciding to read them, so candidates who grab their attention from the start stand a better chance of grabbing their attention. This is why you should always include a brief paragraph in your resume header that summarizes your strengths as a candidate.

Depending on your experience level, you can choose between a resume summary or a resume objective .

Resume objectives focus on professional goals, skills, and motivation for applying for the job, so they’re perfect for students, recent graduates , and other entry-level workers.

A resume summary, on the other hand, is perfect for seasoned professionals, as it focuses more on your past work experience and how it relates to the job you’re applying for. So, if you already have some work experience, we recommend sticking to a resume summary.

If you’re embarking on a career change , on the other hand, you can choose between a resume summary or a resume objective, depending on how your previous skills and work experience relate to the job.

When you’re making your resume, write your resume summary last. Creating a resume summary is much easier once you’ve already finished up your work experience section! 

5 General Resume Summary Examples

There are different aspects of your professional background that you can focus on when writing your resume summary.

Let’s look at some examples and what they do right:

• A hard-working bartender with over five years of experience providing professional service at various bars across Brooklyn. I have received the Hospitality Skill Certification for Bartenders and I know how to make over 200 alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Seeking the Head Bartender position at Bar X, where my skills and beverage knowledge can be leveraged to offer customers the highest quality of service.

Above all, this resume summary shows how experienced the candidate is. Their main selling point is their vast bartending knowledge, followed by an impressive bartending qualification and customer service skills .

• Communicative financial analyst, specializing in informative and persuasive financial presentations, cost accounting, and team management. Master’s Degree in Finance and two related certifications from the Corporate Finance Institute. Extensive experience with a variety of software programs, including SQL, Equitrak, and Lawson.

What sticks out the most in this resume summary is the candidate’s educational background and certifications. It matches the field they’re applying for, and their knowledge also extends to the most important professional software.

• Human Resources Manager with 7+ years of experience seeks to improve overall efficiency at XYZ Office. Career highlights include handling all employee relations in a 75-employee finance firm, reducing recruitment lead time by 35%, and increasing employee retention by 17%.

In addition to the candidate’s long professional experience, the most impressive part of this resume summary is their achievements . The candidate also made sure to quantify their professional accomplishments, which gives you credibility and shows you know what you're talking about.

• Detail-oriented receptionist with 4+ years of experience in customer service. Efficient in performing the administrative and front-desk tasks of large-scale offices. Fluent in Norwegian, English, Spanish, and Swedish. Proficient in MS Office Suite and ZenDesk.

This resume summary shows off the candidate’s key skills, including language proficiency , extensive customer service experience, and computer skills .

• Hard-working and passionate Secondary Social Studies teacher with 10+ years of experience in creating positive environments in which teenagers can learn and grow. Incorporates interdisciplinary knowledge into the classroom to engage students of all learning orientations. 

This candidate mentions they have more than a decade of work experience , but the main takeaway is what they can do on the job. The hiring manager who reads this resume summary can immediately see what this applicant can bring to the team.

How to Write a Resume Summary

Now, let’s get down to business – how can you write a resume summary that’s guaranteed to catch the hiring manager’s attention?

Let’s start with the basics. Here’s what your resume summary should include:

• Experience. If you have a lot of relevant professional experience, you should summarize it. This may include your job titles and years of experience in the field. (e.g., “Facebook marketer with 5+ years of experience..." )
• Skills. Mention your areas of expertise, specializations, certifications , and/or skills. (e.g., “Experienced in managing Facebook ad accounts and SEO copywriting..." )
• Achievements. Add one or two impressive achievements to show what you can do. (e.g., “Managed over $100,000 in marketing budget over several accounts and reduced annual company costs by 16%.” )

The next step is to take your resume summary from good to great by following these expert tips:

#1. Tailor Your Resume Summary

You could be an excellent candidate with tons of work experience, but if your resume summary isn’t tailored to the job ad, the hiring manager probably won’t be impressed.

If the hiring manager doesn’t see your value in the first seven seconds of reading your resume , you probably won’t get them to give it a second glance.

This is where tailoring your resume summary comes in. Just reference the job description to make sure your work experience, skills, and achievements all match what the employer is looking for in a candidate.

Let’s go over it in detail.

Imagine you’re applying for this specific job:

The ad tells you exactly what the company is looking for in a candidate.

So here’s what a resume summary tailored to this ad might look like:

• Professional marketer manager with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing. Social media marketing experience, including Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn advertising. Experience in managing an account with a monthly budget of $30,000. B.A. in marketing management. Fluent in German. 

By carefully tailoring your resume summary to the ad and mentioning what the company is looking for, the hiring manager will be hooked! They’ll immediately think, “This is the right person for the job!” and read the rest of your resume in detail.

Tailoring your resume summary to the job description can also help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems that companies use to filter through resumes. This is software that scans applications and disqualifies candidates who don’t mention specific skills or add enough keywords from the job description throughout their resume, so the more you tailor your resume to the job, the better your chances!

#2. Quantify Your Achievements

Your resume summary is supposed to be brief, which means you’re not supposed to list all your achievements. So, make sure to mention the ones that are most relevant and impactful for the role you’re applying for to pique the hiring manager’s attention.

The best way to back up your accomplishments is by providing concrete data.

Quantifiable achievements are instantly more credible and more likely to leave a good impression than vague statements. 

Let’s compare:

• Helped customers sign up on our platform.
• Onboarded 100+ customers to our SaaS platform with a retention rate of over 75%.

See the difference? In fact, the first example sounds more like a responsibility than an achievement.

Here’s what this applicant's entire resume summary would look like:

• Customer service representative with 5+ years of experience in telephone customer service, tech support, and customer care. Familiar with Intercom, Drift, and several other customer service software solutions. Handled up to 100 calls daily with a retention rate of over 75%. 

In some fields, there aren’t many achievements that you can mention. For example, saying that you served 50 people a day isn’t an achievement if you're a server. Don’t fret! In such cases, it’s OK to stick with your key responsibilities simply.

#3. Use Power Words and Action Verbs

Saying you’re a “team player” who was “responsible for” this or “managed” that is boring.

To stand out from every other applicant using the same words, you need to use the right action verbs and power words .

These words can make your skills and achievements pop, and the hiring manager will appreciate that you’re going the extra mile to describe your experience.

Let’s compare how the same sentence with and without power words plays out:

• Spearheaded Company X’s content marketing operations.
• Responsible for content marketing at Company X.

While both of these sentences say the same thing, the first one makes you seem more competent and implies initiative and leadership skills. The second just comes off as passive.

To drive the point home, here’s what a resume summary looks like packed with action words:

#4. Follow Our Formula

When you get down to writing your resume summary, you might still not be sure where to start or what to add.

Don’t worry!

We have a tried and tested formula that you can follow to write the perfect resume summary.

77+ Convincing Resume Summary Examples (For Different Fields)

Need inspiration to write your resume summary? No sweat!

We’ve curated a list of 77+ resume summary examples for different professions to help inspire you.

Sales and Customer Service Resume Summary Examples

#1. sales associate resume summary.

“Enthusiastic and knowledgeable sales associate specialized in upselling furniture and dealing with customer objections. Proven 2-year track record of success at Company X, having exceeded department KPIs by 40-50% for 6 months in a row.”

Read the full sales associate resume example here.

#2. Account Manager Resume Summary

“Client-oriented account manager with a successful track record in the oil industry. Managed accounts worth over $500K while working with clients such as BP and Lukoil.”

#3. Software Support Specialist Resume Summary

“Software support specialist with 5+ years of experience in providing support and assistance to clients, managing user accounts, and recruiting and hiring new IT support interns. Built customer relationships and trust with 20+ B2B clients. Skilled at simplifying complex problems, making it easy for non-technical specialists to solve IT issues.”

#4. Customer Service Representative Resume Summary

“Dedicated and trustworthy customer service specialist with four years of experience in online software troubleshooting, tech support, and customer care. Experienced in using Intercom and Drift. Received an average 87% customer satisfaction rating to date, 15% higher than the company average.”

Read the full customer service resume example here.

#5. Cashier Resume Summary

“Reliable and detail-oriented cashier. Skilled at mathematics, thinking on my feet, and solving any potential customer issues that arise without help from management. Experience in training and onboarding 3+ new cashiers at Company X.”

Read the full cashier resume example here.

#6. Retail Manager Resume Summary

“Retail Manager with 5 years of experience managing mid-sized retail stores. Increased store revenue by 15% through effective team management and customer engagement strategies. Proficient in inventory control, merchandising, and staff training. Looking to leverage retail management expertise in a larger, high-volume store setting.”

Read the full retail manager resume example here.

#7. Barista Resume Summary

“Passionate Barista with 2 years of experience in specialty coffee shops. Known for crafting signature beverages and maintaining high standards of customer service. Consistently received positive feedback for friendly demeanor and quick, accurate order fulfillment.”

Read the full barista resume example here.

#8. Server Resume Summary

"Dedicated Server with 3 years of experience in fast-paced dining environments. Skilled in order accuracy, multitasking, and providing exceptional customer service. Recognized for ability to maintain composure and efficiency during peak hours."

Read the full server resume example here.

#9. Waiter Resume Summary

“Positive and friendly waiter with 3 years of experience working at a fast-paced Italian restaurant. People skills with a proven ability to upsell alcohol, desserts, and appetizers to customers. Memorized restaurant’s wine stock and accompanying meals to the T.”

Read the full waiter resume example here.

#10. Front Desk Agent Resume Summary

“Front Desk Agent with 4 years of experience in the hospitality industry, excelling in customer service at busy city-center hotels. Skilled in handling reservations, guest inquiries, and providing travel recommendations. Committed to enhancing guest experiences and maintaining a high standard of service.”

#11. Housekeeper Resume Summary

“Hard-working house-keeper with 5+ years of experience. Past experiences include working as a housekeeper in hotels as well as private residences. Proven time-management skills and deep familiarity with all cleaning materials and tools.”

#12. Line Cook Resume Summary

“Line Cook with 3 years of experience in high-volume kitchens. Efficient in meal preparation and plating, with a focus on maintaining quality and speed. Trained in various cuisines and knowledgeable about food safety standards.”

#13. Restaurant Manager Resume Summary

“Professional restaurant manager with a strong interest in providing the highest standards of customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction. Skilled at reducing staff turnover, conflict resolution, marketing, and upselling techniques. Increased restaurant revenue by 20% through advertising lunch menu and word-of-mouth strategies.”

#14. Bar Manager Resume Summary

“Experienced Bar Manager with 7 years overseeing busy urban bars. Successfully increased annual sales by 20% through innovative marketing and menu redesign. Expert in inventory management, staff training, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for patrons. Seeking to bring leadership and efficient operational skills to a high-end establishment.”

Read the full bar manager resume example here.

Administrative and HR Resume Summary Examples

#15. receptionist resume summary.

"Organized Receptionist with 3 years of experience in corporate and medical office settings. Efficient in managing multiple phone lines, scheduling appointments, and providing administrative support. Known for a welcoming demeanor and effectively handling client inquiries."

Read the full receptionist resume example here.

#16. Recruiter Resume Summary

"Communicative professional with 5+ years of experience in recruitment. Worked with every part of the recruitment process, including sourcing, vetting, and onboarding of candidates. Passionate about IT recruitment, having worked as a tech recruiter at Company X. MBA from University X."

Read the full recruiter resume example here.

#17. Human Resources Specialist Resume Summary

“Human Resources Specialist with 6 years of experience focusing on employee retention and satisfaction. Implemented employee engagement programs that increased retention rates by 25%. Skilled in conflict resolution, performance management, and creating positive work environments. Dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and employee development.”

Read the full human resources resume example here.

#18. Office Manager Resume Summary

“Office manager with 5+ years of experience in controlling inventory, ordering and tracking new supplies, developing procedures and training material for staff. Strong communication skills, organized, with a track record of success.”

Read the full office manager resume example here.

#19. Secretary Resume Summary

“Professional Secretary with 4 years of experience in fast-paced legal and corporate environments. Proficient in document preparation, managing executive schedules, and coordinating meetings. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring efficient office operations.”

#20. Executive Assistant Resume Summary

“Accomplished executive assistant with experience in providing support to a high-level CEO and other executives for 4 years. Helped with everything from customer support to data entry and preparing well-researched documents. Skilled at time management, proficient in MS Office and Adobe Photoshop.”

Read the full executive assistant resume example here.

#21. Administrative Assistant Resume Summary

“Experienced administrative assistant seeking to leverage advanced administrative skills for improved efficiency at Media XYZ. 5+ years of industry experience includes decreasing data entry mistakes by 23%, decreasing negative feedback by 11%, and giving insights into creating paperless office environments.”

Read the full administrative assistant resume example here.

#22. Data Entry Resume Summary

“Data entry clerk with 3+ years of experience in verifying complex data, maintaining databases, and producing monthly reports using advanced Excel functions. Known for quick typing skills, eye for detail, and the ability to keep clients and employers happy.”

Read the full data entry resume example here.

Finance Resume Summary Examples

#23. accountant resume summary.

“Licensed Certified Public Accountant with 10+ years of experience in budget analysis, financial audits, and forensic accounting. Created financial reports within a five-person finance team and managed a $500,000 budget. Over the two years working there, helped cut annual company expenses by 15%.”

Read the full accountant resume example here.

#24. Financial Analyst Resume Summary

“Dedicated financial analyst with a track record of successful investments. 5+ years of experience in investment banking, with a focus on the oil industry. Responsible for analyzing potential investments, as well as conducting industry, market, and company-specific research. MBA in Finance.”

Read the full financial analyst resume example here.

#25. Bank Teller Resume Summary

“Bank teller with 2+ years of experience in client-facing roles at Bank X, where I handled customer transactions, cross-selling bank products, and keeping customers happy by providing a professional and efficient service. Followed strict and safe deposit box operations guidelines and processed 100+ customer transactions daily.”

Read the full bank teller resume example here.

#26. Banker Resume Summary

"Experienced Banker with 5 years of expertise in personal and small business banking. Managed a portfolio of high-value accounts, increasing client satisfaction and financial performance. Skilled in financial advising, loan processing, and risk management. Committed to helping clients achieve their financial goals with tailored solutions."

Read the full banker resume example here.

Business Resume Summary Examples

#27. business analyst resume summary.

“Solutions-driven business analyst with over 5 years of experience in consulting businesses and analyzing their operations. Previous experience in working with Consulting Company X and Consulting Company Y. Strong understanding of digital transformation. Improved a client company’s processes by taking them online, which improved manufacturing output by 3%.”

Read the full business analyst resume example here.

#28. Business Development Manager Resume Summary

"Dynamic Business Development Manager with 7 years of experience in identifying and pursuing new market opportunities. Led initiatives that resulted in a 30% increase in annual revenue. Strong background in strategic planning, client relations, and market analysis. Proven ability to drive business growth and forge strong partnerships.”

Read the full business development manager resume example here.

#29. Project Manager Resume Summary

“Project manager with a proven track record of working with agile and waterfall project management methodologies. Managed 5+ teams of software projects over the past 3 years. Basic understanding of several programming languages, including Java, React, and NodeJS.”

Read the full project manager resume example here.

Marketing and Advertising Resume Summary Examples

#30. marketing executive resume summary.

"Accomplished Marketing Executive with 10 years of experience in developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies in the technology sector. Led campaigns that increased brand awareness by 40% and consistently exceeded sales targets by 15-20%. Expertise in digital marketing, market research, and team leadership. Committed to driving market growth and enhancing brand positioning for leading tech companies."

Read the full marketing executive resume example here.

#31. Marketing Manager Resume Summary

“Marketing manager with 4+ years of experience in a corporate environment. Good eye for design, with experience in creating marketing materials with Canva. Intermediate copywriting skills, having worked on the company website, flyers, and several other content pieces.”

Read the full marketing manager resume example here.

#32. Social Media Marketing Manager Resume Summary

“Creative social media manager with 2+ years of experience and a passion for boosting brand awareness and customer engagement. Skilled in copywriting and basic graphic design tools. Personally started and grew a Facebook page for my consultancy brand from 0-1,000+ in just a month. Looking to help Company X establish an online presence and increase their social presence.”

#33. Content Marketer Resume Summary

“Accomplished professional with 3+ years of experience in marketing, content writing, and outreach. Experience in writing for high-authority publications like Forbes, Business Insider, and more. Looking to help Company X increase their online presence and generate more leads through content.”

#34. SEO Specialist Resume Summary

“Results and data-driven SEO specialist with experience in keyword research, developing and marketing evergreen content, and increasing overall website rankings. Freelancing for over 2 years. Grew Company X from 50,000 daily visits to 100,000 within a year by creating long-form content and conducting backlink outreach.”

Read the full digital marketing resume here.

#35. PPC Specialist Resume Summary

“Data-driven SEM professional with 5+ years of experience with Google Analytics, AdWords, Google Display Ads, and Facebook/LinkedIn Ads. Managed a monthly advertising budget of $50,000 over 4 clients.”

IT and Software Development Resume Summary Examples

#36. it specialist resume summary.

“Competent IT specialist with 5+ years of experience working with Windows Server 2016. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. Advanced knowledge in SQL, C++, Bash, and Linux.”

Read the full IT resume example here.

#37. Software Engineer Resume Summary

“Results-oriented software engineer with a focus on the design and implementation of relational database systems. 8+ years of experience in developing cutting-edge engineering solutions with a wide range of eCommerce and technology features. Skilled in agile processes, backend and frontend development, and creating eCommerce websites that integrate with Paypal, Stripe, and other payment APIs.”

Read the full software engineer resume example here.

#38. Cyber Security Resume Summary

"Cyber Security Specialist with 6 years of experience in threat analysis and network defense. Implemented security protocols reducing data breaches by 40% at TechSecure Inc. Certified in CISSP and experienced in cybersecurity technologies including firewalls and endpoint security. Eager to bring advanced threat detection and mitigation strategies to XYZ Cyber Solutions."

#39. Web Developer Resume Summary

"Dynamic Web Developer with 3 years of experience in designing and developing user-friendly websites. Proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React. Developed an e-commerce site that increased client sales by 30%. Looking to contribute innovative and efficient web solutions at CreativeWeb Studios."

Read the full web developer resume example here.

#40. Computer Scientist Resume Summary

“Creative and people-oriented computer scientist with up to 2 years of working with tech startups. Advanced knowledge of software design principles and agile development principles. Led and managed a team of five in developing new software from concept to delivery.”

Read the full computer scientist resume example here.

#41. Data Scientist Resume Summary

“Business-minded data scientist with a demonstrated ability to deliver valuable insights via data analytics. 10+ years of professional experience in working with CEOs and VPs of Fortune 500 companies. Deep understanding of statistical models, algorithms, and multivariate analysis.”

Read the full data scientist resume example here.

#42. Data Analyst Resume Summary

“Detail-oriented data analyst passionate about helping businesses grow. Former small business owner. Conducted research using three different focus groups and increased sales by 10% over 4 months. MBA recipient with strong technical skills in data mining and data, survey creation, and quantitative methods.”

Read the full data analyst resume example here.

#43. DevOps Engineer Resume Summary

"DevOps Engineer with 8 years of experience in automating and optimizing mission-critical deployments. Led a team that reduced deployment times by 50% through CI/CD pipeline enhancements. Skilled in cloud technologies and infrastructure as code with certifications in AWS and Terraform. Committed to improving operational efficiency at XYZ Tech."

Read the full DevOps engineer resume example here.

#44. AI Engineer Resume Summary

"AI Engineer with 4 years of experience specializing in machine learning and natural language processing. Developed AI models that improved customer interaction accuracy by 35% for a leading tech firm. M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence. Passionate about deploying cutting-edge AI solutions at AI Innovators Inc."

Read the full AI engineer resume example here.

#45. Java Developer Resume Summary

"Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of experience in building scalable and efficient applications. Contributed to a major project that enhanced application performance by 25%. Strong background in Spring Framework and microservices. Aiming to apply robust coding skills to develop innovative software solutions at XYZ Tech Solutions."

Read the full Java developer resume example here.

Health and Medicine Resume Summary Examples

#46. nurse resume summary.

“Registered nurse specialized in psychiatric nursing. Developed strong psychiatric evaluation and treatment planning skills after 5 years of working at Hospital X. Experienced in administrative work, management, and training new employees.”

Read the full nurse resume example here.

#47. Medical Assistant Resume Summary

“Certified Medical Assistant with 10 years of experience in working in a fast-paced environment, handling confidential paperwork, administering medication, and providing quality patient care. Proven ability to create positive rapport with patients, family, and staff. Completed and submitted clinical documentation following hospital regulations and experience in supporting diagnostic and technical treatment procedures.”

Read the full medical assistant resume example here.

#48. Dental Assistant Resume Summary

“Licensed dental practitioner with 4+ years in helping dentists prepare, perform, and document procedures. Strong hand-eye coordination, with skills in 4-handed dentistry and working with patients.”

#49. Dentist Resume Summary

"Experienced Dentist with 10 years of practice in general and cosmetic dentistry. Committed to providing exceptional patient care, demonstrated through a consistent record of patient satisfaction and successful dental procedures. Proficient in the latest dental technologies and techniques, including digital radiography and CAD/CAM dentistry, with a strong focus on preventive care and oral health education."

Read the full dentist resume example here.

#50. Pharmacist Resume Summary

"Detail-oriented Pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in retail and hospital settings. Proven ability in medication therapy management and pharmaceutical care, with a track record of efficiently managing prescription processing and patient counseling. Skilled in utilizing digital prescription systems and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of drug interactions and healthcare regulations."

Read the full pharmacist resume example here.

Creative Resume Summary Examples

#51. graphic designer resume summary.

"Senior graphic designer with 6+ years of experience in website design and branding, across a wide range of industries. Extensive experience in multimedia, marketing, and print design. Highly skilled in communications, digital storytelling, and Adobe Creative Suite."

Read the full graphic designer resume example here.

#52. UI/UX Designer Resume Summary

“Proactive UX designer with 5 years of experience in delivering enjoyable web and mobile products for the FinTech industry. Designed UI, UX, and marketing materials for 6 apps and 3 games at Company X, 2 of which were featured in Apple’s App Store. Skilled with Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite.”

#53. Product Designer Resume Summary

“Creative designer with 7 years experience in product design, packaging, and graphic design. Expertise in new product design, brand identity, and market research. Created and launched a new line of award-winning tableware that generated over $1 million in sales the first year.”

#54. Creative Director Resume Summary

“Experienced creative director, with 10+ years of experience in the advertising industry. Over the past 3 years, managed 2 separate creative teams, creating video ads for company clients. Worked with some high-profile clients, including IBM and Phillips.”

#55. Game Designer Resume Summary

"Innovative Game Designer with 5 years of experience in creating engaging and immersive gaming experiences. Led a team that developed 'AdventureQuest,' a game that won 'Best Mobile Game' at the Indie Game Awards and achieved over 500,000 downloads within the first year. Skilled in gameplay mechanics and story development, with proficiency in Unity and Unreal Engine. Dedicated to crafting games that resonate with players, combining artistic vision with user-friendly design."

Read the full game designer resume example here.

#56. Animator Resume Summary

"Creative Animator with over 8 years of experience in 2D and 3D animation, specializing in character and environmental animation. Proficient in using Maya, Adobe After Effects, and Blender, with a strong background in motion graphics and visual effects. Known for delivering high-quality animations under tight deadlines, contributing to successful animated features and advertising campaigns."

Read the full animator resume example here.

#57. Illustrator Resume Summary

"Award-winning Illustrator with a decade of professional experience, recognized for innovative and impactful visual storytelling. Recipient of the 'Illustrator of the Year' award at the Global Art Forum, with a portfolio that includes book illustrations, advertising campaigns, and digital content."

Read the full illustrator resume example here.

#58. Photographer Resume Summary

"Professional Photographer with a Master's in Fine Arts and 6 years of experience in commercial and portrait photography. Known for a unique aesthetic that combines technical skill with artistic creativity, resulting in visually stunning compositions. Holds a certification in digital photography from the Professional Photographers of America, with a portfolio that has been featured in several national photography exhibitions."

Read the full photographer resume example here.

#59. Actor Resume Summary

"Versatile Actor with 3 years of experience in commercials and television, known for a dynamic range that adapts seamlessly to varied roles. Strong background in stage combat and period drama. Proficient in multiple dialects and expressive character portrayal, enhancing authenticity in every performance."

Read the full actor resume example here.

#60. Writer Resume Summary

"Professional Writer and Blogger with 2 years of experience, specializing in lifestyle and travel content. Successfully increased blog readership by 40% over two years and contributed featured articles in 'Traveler's Digest' and 'Modern Living' magazines."

Read the full writer resume here.

#61. Editor Resume Summary

"Dedicated Editor with 10 years of experience in translated literature, focusing on Mandarin and Cantonese works. Expertise in preserving the original tone and cultural nuances, ensuring translations resonate with English-speaking audiences. Collaborated with acclaimed authors from China and Hong Kong, contributing to over 30 translated novels. Committed to bridging the gap between Eastern and Western literary worlds through meticulous and sensitive editing."

Read the full editor resume example here.

Education Resume Summary Examples

#62. professor resume summary.

"Distinguished Professor with 15 years of experience in higher education, specializing in Modern Literature. Published over 20 peer-reviewed articles and 3 books, receiving the Excellence in Research Award twice. Secured $500,000 in research grants and led multiple international academic collaborations. Committed to fostering critical thinking and research skills in students, enhancing the academic prestige of the department."

Read the full academic CV example here.

#63. Teacher Resume Summary

“Dedicated Teacher with 4 years of experience in elementary education, specializing in innovative teaching strategies. Implemented a project-based learning approach that increased student engagement by 30%. Eager to bring creative teaching methodologies and a passion for educational excellence to School ABC, contributing to student development and academic success.” 

Read the full teacher resume example here.

#64. Tutor Resume Summary

“Experienced Tutor with 2 years of expertise in mathematics and science, adept at simplifying complex concepts. Consistently helped students improve their grades by an average of one full letter grade.”

#65. College Student Resume Summary

"Proactive College Student majoring in Business Administration with strong leadership skills, demonstrated through roles in student government and the debate team. Organized multiple campus events, enhancing student engagement and participation. Seeking to apply organizational and communication skills in a professional internship, contributing to company projects while gaining hands-on experience."

Read the full college freshman resume example here.

#66. High School Student Resume Summary

"High School Student with 3+ months of experience as a cashier. Excellent time-management and communication skills. Actively involved in extracurricular activities, demonstrating strong teamwork and responsibility. Looking to join Retail Store X as a part-time sales representative."

Read the full high school resume example here.

Other Resume Summary Examples

#67. architect resume summary.

"Professional and creative architect with 10 years experience in developing construction drawings, 3D models, and doing design rendering. Served as a project architect at company X and won an honorable mention as a staff architect at XYZ Construction Awards 2023."

Read the full architect resume example here.

#68. Electrical Engineer Resume Resume Summary

"Electrical Engineer with 4 years of experience in power systems and automation. Holds a Master's in Electrical Engineering and a certification in PLC programming. Proven expertise in designing and implementing efficient electrical solutions for industrial applications."

Read the full electrical engineer resume example here.

#69. Interior Designer Resume Summary

"Creative Interior Designer with 3 years of experience, recognized for increasing client satisfaction by 30% through innovative design solutions. Portfolio includes residential and commercial projects, with a focus on modern and sustainable designs. Skilled in AutoCAD and 3D visualization, transforming client visions into reality."

Read the full interior designer resume example here.

#70. Construction Project Manager Resume Summary

"Construction Project Manager with a decade of experience in overseeing large-scale commercial and residential projects. Proven track record of completing projects on time and within budget, reducing costs by 20% on average. Skilled in team leadership and effective communication. Committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality."

Read the full construction project manager resume example here.

#71. Operations Manager Resume Summary

"Dynamic Operations Manager with 2 years of experience in streamlining processes for increased efficiency. Expertise in supply chain management and cost reduction strategies."

Read the full operations manager resume example here.

#72. Event Planner Resume Summary

"Seasoned Event Planner with 5 years of experience, successfully organized over 100 corporate and private events. Increased event attendance by 40% through innovative marketing strategies. Excited to bring expertise in event coordination and vendor relations to XYZ Celebrations."

Read the full event planner resume example here.

#73. Warehouse Worker Resume Summary

“Seasonal warehouse worker with experience working for Supermarket X and Supermarket Y. Diligent, organized, and very hard-working. Previous experience working in the service industry for 2+ years.”

Read the full warehouse worker resume example here.

#74. Welder Resume Summary

"Skilled Welder with 7 years of experience in MIG, TIG, and arc welding. Proficient in reading blueprints and maintaining high standards of safety and quality."

Read the full welder resume example here.

#75. Real Estate Agent Resume Summary

"Experienced Real Estate Agent with 6 years in residential and commercial property sales. Achieved a 25% year-on-year increase in sales volume. Known for excellent negotiation skills and a deep understanding of market trends."

Read the full real estate agent resume example here.

#76. Flight Attendant Resume Summary

"Dedicated Flight Attendant with 1 year of experience, fluent in Spanish and French. Excelled in providing top-notch customer service, contributing to a 15% increase in passenger satisfaction. Fluent in English, French, German, and Arabic. Eager to bring customer care expertise to Airline XYZ."

Read the full flight attendant resume example here.

#77. Paralegal Resume Summary

"Paralegal with 3 years of experience in corporate law, proficient in legal research and document drafting. Certified in legal software applications, enhancing case management efficiency."

Read the full paralegal resume example here.

#78. Social Worker Resume Summary

"Compassionate Social Worker with 6 years of experience in child and family services. Successfully managed caseloads of up to 50 people, improving service delivery by 20%. Skilled in crisis intervention and developing tailored support plans for diverse case needs."

Read the full social worker resume example here.

Resume Summary FAQs

Do you still have some questions about resume summaries? Check the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

#1. How Do You Write a Resume Summary with No Experience?

If you have no work experience whatsoever, you should write a resume objective instead of a resume summary.

A resume objective is also a brief paragraph that goes at the top of your resume. However, instead of focusing on your professional experience and accomplishments, it highlights your career goals, aspirations, skills, and academic achievements.

If you have any informal experience that’s relevant to the job, such as volunteer work or relevant coursework , you can still write a resume summary to highlight why you’re a great candidate.

#2. How Do I Start My Resume Summary?

The best way to start your resume summary is by writing down your job title and exact years of experience. You can also add an adjective that describes your strongest character traits or work ethic.

To make this easy, try this formula:

[Adjective/character trait] [job title] [your experience]. Looking to help/support/apply/assist/etc [employer’s name] [describe how you can be of help to the company]. [Your top achievements/qualifications]. 

#3. How Long Should My Resume Summary Be?

The resume summary should be brief and attention-grabbing. Ideally, it should be between two and four sentences long.

Its goal is to provide a snapshot of your career that can captivate the hiring manager into reading more.

If you want to give the employer more details and elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job in your own words, you can also write a cover letter to complement your resume.

#4. Should a Resume Summary Be Written in the First or Third Person?

As a general rule, your resume should avoid using first-person pronouns . This includes your resume summary.

That said, the third person sounds too impersonal – as if somebody else wrote the resume summary instead of you. Luckily, there’s a neat trick you can use to make your text flow better—just get rid of the pronouns altogether.

This way, instead of writing, “She is a marketer with 5+ years of experience in XYZ,” you can write, “Marketer with 5+ years of experience in XYZ,” and get your point across just as effectively.

#5. Should You Always Use the Same Resume Summary?

As a general rule, you shouldn’t use the same resume summary when applying to different jobs.

Your resume summary should be tailored to the specific job ads and reflect how you can meet the company’s unique needs. If your current resume summary can be applied to different job applications, it isn’t as effective and tailored as it should be.

When writing your resume, go through the job ad for the specific position and try to include the skills or qualifications the employer is looking for. Make sure to also mention any relevant experience and your top achievements, and you’ll have the perfect resume summary.

#6. What Are Other Names for a Resume Summary?

Across the internet, you might find different names for what we’re calling a resume summary in our article. Some of these names include:

• Resume profile
• Career summary
• Personal statement
• Qualifications summary
• Summary of experiences
• Summary of qualification

If you’re heading for a career in academia, a “personal statement” means something different. Check out our detailed guide to writing an academic personal statement to learn more!

Key Takeaways

And that’s our full guide to writing a resume summary!

Hopefully, now you feel more confident about adding this finishing touch to your resume.

Before we go, let’s recap everything we covered about writing resume summaries:

• A resume summary is a two to four-sentence long paragraph that tells the hiring manager your key selling points. These can include your years of experience, exact job title, relevant skills, qualifications, and impressive achievements.
• If you don’t have any work experience, you can opt for a resume objective instead. This way, you can focus more on your professional goals and motivation for applying.
• The goal of a resume summary is to catch the hiring manager’s attention. Do this by tailoring your resume summary to the job ad and addressing what the company needs in a candidate.
• Back up your achievements with data whenever possible. Mentioning the exact numbers, dates, and results makes you seem more credible.
• Use power words and action verbs instead of generic descriptions to make your resume summary pop.

Need more career advice? Check out our career blog for more useful articles!

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

7 Entry-Level Software Developer Resume Examples for 2024

Starting as an entry-level software developer can be challenging. This article provides resume examples and advice to help you create a strong application. Learn what skills to highlight, the best formats, and how to catch a hiring manager's attention. Start your career in software development with the right resume.

• 04 Sep 2024 - 5 new sections, including 'Education placement on resume', added
• 04 Sep 2024 - 6 new resume templates, including Entry-Level Web Developer with Front-End Specialization, added
• 02 Sep 2024 - Article published

  Next update scheduled for 12 Sep 2024

Here's what we see in the best entry-level software developer resumes.

Show Impact With Numbers : Show impact by using numbers such as time savings , reducing bugs , increasing user satisfaction , and improving code efficiency . Metrics show your work's value.

Include Relevant Skills : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are Java , Python , JavaScript , SQL , Git . But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Highlight Internship Or Project Experience : Experience from internships or projects are important. Use phrases like developed a web app or improved database performance .

use this maybe to have a resume upload button widget 1: yellow Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 1 day, go to a lower altitude if you can. Try to go around 300 to 1,000 metres lower.

widget 2: red / but not serious Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 1 day, go to a lower altitude if you can. Try to go around 300 to 1,000 metres lower.

helpful blue / but not serious Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include.

Entry-Level Software Developer Resume Sample

Find out how good your resume is.

ummm here it is

Get your resume scored

Want to know if your resume stands out for entry-level software developer roles? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of where you stand. It checks your resume against key criteria that recruiters in the tech industry look for.

Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. You'll get a score and specific feedback on how to make your resume stronger for software development positions.

Education placement on resume

For an entry-level software developer, your education is a critical part of your background. Place it at the start of your resume, as it presents your foundation in the field. If you have recent, relevant education such as a degree in computer science, software engineering or you have completed a coding bootcamp, make this the first section after your contact information.

Focus on your degree or courses that align with software development. Include any specific projects or coursework related to programming, system design, or other relevant areas. This shows you have a good understanding of the basics. If you have done an internship or have practical experience, list these details alongside your education to highlight hands-on practice in software development. Remember, clarity is key. You want to make it easy for hiring managers to see your qualifications for the software developer role.

Include portfolio links

For software developers, including links to your GitHub or personal portfolio is important. This shows your hands-on experience and coding skills.

Make sure your projects have clear descriptions and are up-to-date. Employers look for practical proof of your abilities.

Junior Software Developer Resume Sample

Keep your resume concise.

As a hiring manager, I recommend you keep your resume to one page. You are likely starting your career in software development, and your resume should only include experiences and skills relevant to this role. Make sure each word counts and directly relates to the job you are applying for.

Focus on your most relevant projects, programming languages, and any practical experience like internships. If your resume is extending beyond a page, review each section and ask yourself if the information is essential for an entry-level role. Include only your strongest technical skills and most significant achievements in software development.

Senior Software Developer Resume Sample

Highlight technical skills.

List all relevant technical skills, such as programming languages, frameworks, and tools. This is essential for software developer roles.

Be specific about your proficiency in each skill. Mention any certifications or courses that back up your expertise.

Entry-Level Software Developer transitioning from Different Field Resume Sample

Entry-level web developer with front-end specialization resume sample.

•   UI Developer Resume Examples
•   Senior Web Developer Resume Examples
•   Entry Level Web Developer Resume Examples
•   Front-End Developer Resume Examples
•   AWS Full Stack Developer Resume Examples
•   Cloud Developer Resume Examples
•   ERP Developer Resume Examples
•   iOS Developer Resume Examples

Quick links

Entry-level software developer, resume sample #1, resume sample #2, resume sample #3, junior software developer, resume sample #4, senior software developer, resume sample #5, entry-level software developer transitioning from different field, resume sample #6, entry-level web developer with front-end specialization, resume sample #7, additional resources, questions get in touch.

Better resumes & cover letters

AI Resume Builder

Resume Checker

AI Cover Letters

Resume Summary Generator

Resume Bullet Generator

Resume Skills Generator

Tailor your resume to jobs

Job Tailored Resumes

Resume Keyword Scanner

Job Keyword Finder

Organize your search

Job Tracker

Contact Tracker

Interview Tracker

Job Search Metrics

Speed up your search

Job Application Autofill

Chrome Extension

• For Organizations
• University Career Centers
• Career Coaches
• Workforce Development
• Outplacement
• Affiliate Program

Targeted Resume

Beautiful, perfectly job-tailored resumes designed to make you stand out, built 10x faster with the power of AI.

• For Organizations University Career Centers Career Coaches Bootcamps Workforce Development Outplacement Affiliate Program
• Sign up for free

Resume Examples

September 05, 2024

15 Cook Resume Examples

Cook up a resume that leaves hiring managers floored. These cook resume examples will help you become a surefire interviewee.

Resume Examples and Guide For

Recent Culinary School Graduate

Line cook with internship experience, fast food cook transitioning to restaurant, sous chef with 5+ years experience, head cook at fine dining restaurant, experienced banquet cook.

Pastry Cook

Vegan/Vegetarian Specialist Cook

Hotel restaurant cook, catering company cook, cruise ship cook, italian cuisine cook, asian fusion cook, cook resume outline, which resume layout should a cook use, what your cook resume header should include, cook resume header examples, what your cook resume summary should include, cook resume summary examples, what are the most common cook responsibilities, what your cook resume experience should include, cook resume experience example, how do i create a cook resume without experience.

• What's the Best Education for a Cook Resume?
• What's the Best Professional Organization for a Cook Resume?

What Are the Best Awards for a Cook Resume?

What are good volunteer opportunities for a cook resume, what are the best hard skills to add to a cook resume, what are the best soft skills to add to a cook resume, what are the best certifications for a cook resume, tips for an effective cook resume, how long should i make my cook resume, what should the focus of a cook resume be.

An updated and modern resume is your secret ingredient to landing the perfect cooking job. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your journey in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will provide you with a smorgasbord of resume examples and expert advice to help you create a resume that sizzles. From entry-level line cooks to experienced sous chefs, we've got you covered with a variety of resume templates tailored to different experience levels and specialties in the cooking profession.

Build a cook resume, fast

Sign up for Huntr's resume builder to whip up your cook resume today.

Entry-Level Cook Resume Examples

This recent culinary school graduate resume example is perfect for a fresh culinary school graduate looking to secure their first professional cooking position. It highlights educational achievements and relevant internships.

Kelly Torres

[email protected] - (555) 123-4567 - Olathe, KS

Recent culinary school graduate with a passion for creating innovative dishes and a strong foundation in culinary techniques, seeking an entry-level cook position to apply my skills and contribute to a dynamic kitchen team.

Line Cook Intern

Gourmet Bistro

05/2022 - 08/2022

• Assisted in food preparation for a high-volume restaurant, serving 200+ covers daily
• Learned and executed proper food handling and safety procedures
• Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain cleanliness and organization

Associate of Culinary Arts

Olathe Culinary Institute

09/2021 - 04/2024

• GPA: 3.8/4.0

Certifications

ServSafe Food Handler Certification

First Aid and CPR Certified

Knife skills • Food safety and sanitation • Basic sauce making • Meal planning and prep • Time management • Team collaboration

Why this resume is great

This resume shines because it emphasizes the recent graduate's culinary education and relevant internship experience. The objective statement clearly states the candidate's goal and passion. The skills section highlights both technical and soft skills crucial for a cook. Including certifications and awards demonstrates the candidate's commitment to excellence and food safety standards.

This line cook resume example showcases how to leverage internship experience to land a full-time line cook position, emphasizing practical skills gained in a professional kitchen setting.

Mateus Dias

[email protected] - (555) 987-6543 - Bridgeport, CT

Dedicated line cook with hands-on internship experience in fast-paced restaurant environments. Skilled in food preparation, kitchen sanitation, and team collaboration. Seeking to apply my culinary skills and passion for cooking in a full-time line cook position.

Savory Sensations Restaurant

01/2023 - Present

Bridgeport, CT

• Assist in preparing ingredients and assembling dishes for a menu of 30+ items
• Maintain cleanliness of workstation and adhere to food safety regulations
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery during peak hours

Kitchen Assistant (Part-time)

Campus Dining Hall, Culinary Institute of America

09/2022 - 12/2022

• Prepared and portioned ingredients for large-scale food service operations
• Assisted in maintaining inventory and placing orders for supplies
• Ensured proper food storage and labeling practices

Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts

Culinary Institute of America

09/2022 - 12/2023

Hyde Park, NY

HACCP Principles Certification

Food preparation and presentation • Knife skills and culinary techniques • Kitchen equipment operation • Inventory management • Time management and multitasking • Teamwork and communication

This resume effectively highlights the candidate's internship experience, demonstrating practical skills gained in a professional kitchen. The summary succinctly presents the applicant's background and career objective. The experience section details specific responsibilities and achievements, showing familiarity with essential kitchen tasks. The skills section balances technical abilities with important soft skills, making this resume appealing to potential employers in the culinary field.

This fast food cook transitioning to restaurant resume example illustrates how a fast food cook can effectively present their skills and experience when seeking to transition into a traditional restaurant setting.

[email protected] - (555) 246-8101 - Joliet, IL

Energetic and adaptable cook with 2 years of experience in fast-paced food service environments. Seeking to leverage my speed, efficiency, and customer service skills in a traditional restaurant setting. Committed to maintaining high food quality standards and contributing to a positive kitchen atmosphere.

Burger Bonanza

06/2021 - Present

• Prepare and cook menu items for a high-volume fast food restaurant, serving 500+ customers daily
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation, adhering to strict food safety guidelines
• Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient order fulfillment during peak hours
• Received "Employee of the Month" award twice for outstanding performance and teamwork

High School Diploma

Joliet High School

09/2017 - 05/2021

Food preparation and cooking techniques • Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance • Speed and efficiency in high-pressure environments • Strong multitasking abilities • Excellent team communication • Basic understanding of various cuisines

This resume effectively bridges the gap between fast food and traditional restaurant cooking. It emphasizes transferable skills such as efficiency, teamwork, and adaptability. The professional summary clearly states the candidate's goal of transitioning to a restaurant setting. The work experience section highlights achievements and responsibilities relevant to any kitchen environment. Additional information about online courses and volunteer work demonstrates the candidate's commitment to expanding their culinary knowledge and skills.

Experienced Cook Resume Examples

This sous chef resume example showcases the skills and experience of a seasoned sous chef looking to advance their career in a high-end restaurant.

Camila D'Souza

[email protected] - (555) 369-2580 - Bellevue, WA

Innovative and detail-oriented Sous Chef with over 5 years of experience in upscale restaurants. Skilled in menu development, kitchen management, and staff training. Known for creating unique dishes that blend traditional techniques with modern culinary trends. Seeking to bring my passion for culinary excellence and team leadership to a prestigious restaurant.

Fusion Flavors Restaurant

03/2018 - Present

Bellevue, WA

• Assist Executive Chef in managing kitchen operations for a 120-seat fine dining establishment
• Develop and implement new menu items, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction
• Train and supervise a team of 12 line cooks, improving kitchen efficiency by 20%
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain a 5-star health rating

Gourmet Grove

06/2015 - 02/2018

• Prepared high-quality dishes for a farm-to-table restaurant serving 150+ covers nightly
• Collaborated with the chef team to create daily specials using seasonal ingredients
• Maintained excellent food presentation standards, receiving consistent positive customer feedback

Bachelor of Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management

05/2015 - 05/2015

St. Helena, CA

Certified Sous Chef (CSC)

Advanced Food Safety Manager Certification

Advanced culinary techniques • Menu planning and development • Inventory management and cost control • Staff training and leadership • Food safety and sanitation • Wine pairing and mixology basics

This resume excellently portrays a seasoned sous chef ready for career advancement. The professional summary concisely presents key strengths and career objectives. The work experience section demonstrates a clear progression from line cook to sous chef, with specific achievements quantified. The skills section balances culinary expertise with essential management abilities. Certifications and awards add credibility and showcase the candidate's commitment to professional growth. The diverse language skills are a valuable asset in multicultural kitchen environments.

This head cook resume example is tailored for an experienced head cook looking to maintain their position in a high-end, fine dining establishment.

Thomas Schmidt

[email protected] - (555) 741-8520 - New York, NY

Accomplished Head Cook with 8+ years of experience in fine dining establishments. Expert in French and Italian cuisines, with a flair for modern gastronomy. Proven track record of leading kitchen teams, maintaining food quality, and enhancing dining experiences. Seeking to continue excelling in a prestigious fine dining environment.

Le Petit Château

09/2017 - Present

New York, NY

• Oversee daily kitchen operations for a Michelin-starred restaurant serving 80+ covers nightly
• Collaborate with Executive Chef to design seasonal menus and innovative tasting experiences
• Manage a team of 15 kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and creativity
• Implement cost-saving measures, reducing food waste by 25% while maintaining quality
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety standards, maintaining a perfect health inspection record

Bella Italia

06/2013 - 08/2017

• Assisted in managing kitchen operations for a high-end Italian restaurant
• Developed and executed daily specials, increasing average check size by 18%
• Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff, improving team efficiency by 30%

Associate Degree - Culinary Arts

09/2010 - 05/2013

Certified Executive Chef (CEC)

Advanced Sommelier Certification

Advanced culinary techniques (French and Italian cuisines) • Menu planning and recipe development • Kitchen team leadership and training • Inventory management and cost control • Food presentation and plating artistry • Wine pairing expertise

This resume effectively showcases the expertise of a seasoned head cook in fine dining. The professional summary immediately highlights key strengths and specialties. The work experience section details significant achievements and responsibilities, demonstrating leadership and culinary skills. The education and certifications underscore the candidate's formal training and ongoing professional development. The skills section balances culinary expertise with essential management abilities. Awards and language skills add extra value, making this resume stand out in the competitive fine dining sector.

This experienced banquet cook resume example is designed for an experienced banquet cook seeking a position in a large-scale catering or hotel kitchen environment.

William Wilson

[email protected] - (555) 159-7530 - Hollywood, FL

Dedicated Banquet Cook with 6+ years of experience in high-volume catering and hotel kitchens. Skilled in preparing diverse cuisines for large-scale events, from intimate gatherings to grand galas. Adept at maintaining food quality and presentation while meeting tight deadlines. Seeking to bring my expertise in banquet operations to a prestigious hotel or catering company.

Senior Banquet Cook

Grand Plaza Hotel

07/2017 - Present

Hollywood, FL

• Lead food preparation for banquets and events serving up to 1,000 guests
• Collaborate with the culinary team to develop and execute diverse menu options for various dietary needs
• Manage food production timing to ensure all dishes are served fresh and at optimal temperature
• Train and supervise junior banquet cooks, improving team efficiency by 25%
• Implement portion control measures, reducing food costs by 15% while maintaining quality

Banquet Cook

Seaside Catering Company

05/2015 - 06/2017

• Prepared hot and cold dishes for various off-site events, ranging from 50 to 500 guests
• Assisted in menu planning and food presentation for themed events and weddings
• Ensured proper food handling and storage during transportation to maintain quality and safety

Florida Culinary Institute

09/2011 - 04/2015

Certified Working Pastry Chef (CWPC)

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

Large-scale food preparation • Menu planning for diverse events • Food safety and sanitation in banquet settings • Time management and multitasking • Team leadership and coordination • Buffet setup and presentation • Workshop on International Cuisines • Advanced Garde Manger Techniques Seminar

This resume effectively highlights the specific skills and experience required for a banquet cook position. The professional summary immediately emphasizes the candidate's expertise in large-scale food preparation. The work experience section details key responsibilities and quantifiable achievements in banquet and catering environments. The skills section balances technical culinary abilities with essential soft skills for banquet operations. Additional training demonstrates the candidate's commitment to expanding their culinary knowledge. This resume showcases a well-rounded banquet cook ready to take on challenges in high-volume food service settings.

Specialized Cook Resume Examples

This pastry cook resume example is tailored for a pastry cook with a passion for creating delectable desserts and baked goods in a professional kitchen setting.

Frank Cooper

[email protected] - (555) 963-8520 - Hayward, CA

Creative and detail-oriented Pastry Cook with 4 years of experience crafting exquisite desserts and pastries. Skilled in a wide range of baking techniques, from classic French pastries to innovative modern creations. Known for precision, artistic presentation, and the ability to work efficiently in high-pressure environments. Seeking to bring my passion for pastry arts to a renowned restaurant or bakery.

Sweet Dreams Patisserie

09/2019 - Present

Hayward, CA

• Create and execute a daily selection of pastries, cakes, and desserts for a high-end bakery
• Develop new recipes and seasonal dessert menus, increasing pastry sales by 20%
• Prepare intricate sugar and chocolate decorations for custom wedding and special event cakes
• Train and mentor junior pastry cooks in advanced baking techniques and food safety practices
• Manage ingredient inventory and coordinate with suppliers to ensure quality and freshness

Junior Pastry Cook

06/2017 - 08/2019

• Assisted in preparing desserts and pastries for hotel restaurants and room service
• Contributed to the creation of dessert menus for special events and holiday promotions
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the pastry kitchen, ensuring compliance with health regulations

Associate Degree - Baking and Pastry Arts

09/2014 - 04/2017

Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC)

Advanced pastry and baking techniques • Cake decoration and sugar work • Chocolate tempering and sculpting • Recipe development and scaling • Food cost control and inventory management • Team collaboration and time management

This resume shines for a pastry cook position by highlighting specialized skills and experiences in the pastry arts. The professional summary immediately captures attention with the candidate's creativity and technical proficiency. The work experience section demonstrates a clear progression in responsibilities and achievements specific to pastry work. The skills section balances technical pastry abilities with essential soft skills. Awards and certifications add credibility and showcase the candidate's dedication to excellence in the pastry field. This resume paints a picture of a well-rounded pastry professional ready to elevate any dessert program.

This sushi chef resume example is crafted for an experienced sushi chef looking to showcase their expertise in Japanese cuisine and sushi preparation techniques.

Hiroshi Park

[email protected] - (555) 789-4560 - Oceanview, CA

Skilled Sushi Chef with 7 years of experience in authentic Japanese cuisine and modern fusion techniques. Expert in fish selection, preparation, and artistic presentation of sushi and sashimi. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and customer satisfaction. Seeking to bring my passion for Japanese culinary arts to a prestigious sushi restaurant.

Head Sushi Chef

Sakura Sushi Bar

Oceanview, CA

• Lead a team of 5 sushi chefs in a high-volume restaurant serving 200+ covers daily
• Source and select premium-quality fish and seafood from local and international suppliers
• Create innovative sushi rolls and seasonal omakase menus, increasing customer retention by 30%
• Train junior chefs in proper sushi preparation techniques and Japanese culinary traditions
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain a spotless sushi bar

Umami Japanese Restaurant

06/2014 - 02/2018

Bayside, CA

• Prepared a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes
• Assisted in inventory management and cost control for the sushi bar
• Collaborated with the head chef to develop fusion dishes combining Japanese and local flavors

Certificate in Japanese Culinary Arts

Tokyo Sushi Academy

04/2014 - 04/2014

Tokyo, Japan

Certified Sushi Professional

Expert knife skills and fish butchery • Sushi and sashimi preparation • Knowledge of Japanese ingredients and seasonings • Menu development and food costing • Customer interaction and education • Team leadership and training

This resume excellently showcases the specialized skills and experience of a sushi chef. The professional summary immediately highlights the candidate's expertise in Japanese cuisine and sushi preparation. The work experience section details key responsibilities and achievements specific to sushi chef roles, demonstrating progression and leadership. The skills section balances technical sushi-making abilities with important soft skills like customer interaction. Additional training and certifications underscore the candidate's commitment to continuous learning in Japanese culinary arts. This resume presents a well-rounded sushi chef ready to elevate any Japanese dining experience.

This vegan/vegetarian specialist cook resume example is designed for a cook specializing in vegan and vegetarian cuisine, highlighting their expertise in plant-based cooking techniques and menu development.

Brittany Miller

[email protected] - (555) 321-7890 - Paterson, NJ

Innovative Vegan/Vegetarian Specialist Cook with 5 years of experience in plant-based cuisine. Skilled in creating flavorful, nutritionally balanced dishes using a wide variety of plant-based ingredients. Passionate about promoting sustainable and ethical food practices. Seeking to bring my expertise in vegan and vegetarian cooking to a forward-thinking restaurant or health-focused establishment.

Lead Vegan Chef

Green Leaf Bistro

08/2018 - Present

Paterson, NJ

• Develop and execute seasonal plant-based menus for a 60-seat vegan restaurant
• Create innovative meat and dairy alternatives using whole food ingredients
• Train and supervise a team of 6 cooks in vegan cooking techniques and food safety
• Collaborate with local organic farmers to source fresh, sustainable produce
• Conduct cooking demonstrations and workshops for customers, increasing community engagement

Vegetarian Line Cook

Sprout & Spice Restaurant

05/2016 - 07/2018

• Prepared a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan dishes for a busy farm-to-table restaurant
• Assisted in menu development, focusing on gluten-free and allergen-friendly options
• Maintained strict adherence to cross-contamination prevention protocols

Associate Degree in Culinary Arts with Focus on Plant-Based Cuisine

Natural Gourmet Institute

05/2016 - 05/2016

Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate

Advanced plant-based cooking techniques • Vegan baking and dessert preparation • Nutritional balance in menu planning • Raw food preparation • Allergen management and substitutions • Sustainable kitchen practices

This resume effectively highlights the specialized skills and experience of a vegan/vegetarian cook. The professional summary immediately emphasizes the candidate's expertise in plant-based cuisine and commitment to sustainable practices. The work experience section showcases progression in vegan cooking roles, detailing key responsibilities and achievements. The skills section balances technical plant-based cooking abilities with important aspects like nutritional planning and allergen management. Additional training and volunteer work demonstrate the candidate's passion for plant-based cooking and community engagement. This resume presents a well-rounded vegan/vegetarian specialist ready to innovate in plant-based culinary settings.

Industry-Specific Cook Resume Examples

This hotel restaurant cook resume example is tailored for a cook seeking a position in a hotel restaurant, emphasizing versatility and the ability to handle diverse culinary demands.

[email protected] - (555) 654-3210 - Las Vegas, NV

Versatile and efficient Hotel Restaurant Cook with 6 years of experience in luxury hotel kitchens. Skilled in preparing diverse cuisines for multiple dining outlets, from casual to fine dining. Adept at handling high-volume service while maintaining food quality and presentation standards. Seeking to bring my culinary expertise and adaptability to a prestigious hotel restaurant.

Senior Cook

Grand Oasis Resort & Casino

Las Vegas, NV

• Prepare dishes for multiple hotel restaurants, including fine dining, casual dining, and room service
• Assist in menu development for seasonal offerings and special events
• Coordinate with banquet team to execute large-scale catering events for up to 500 guests
• Train and mentor junior cooks in various cooking techniques and hotel kitchen procedures
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards across all hotel food service operations

Luxe Hotel & Spa

06/2015 - 08/2017

Coastal Springs, CA

• Rotated through various stations in the main kitchen, gaining experience in different cuisines
• Assisted in preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner services for hotel guests
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, adhering to strict health regulations

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

09/2012 - 04/2015

Certified Culinarian (CC)

Diverse culinary techniques (French, Italian, Asian, American cuisines) • High-volume food preparation • Menu planning and recipe standardization • Food cost control and inventory management • Team collaboration and communication • Adaptability to various dining concepts

This resume effectively showcases the diverse skills required for a hotel restaurant cook. The professional summary immediately highlights the candidate's versatility and experience in luxury hotel settings. The work experience section demonstrates progression in responsibilities and the ability to handle multiple dining outlets. The skills section balances culinary expertise with essential abilities for hotel operations, such as high-volume preparation and adaptability. Additional training shows commitment to expanding culinary knowledge. This resume presents a well-rounded hotel restaurant cook capable of excelling in various dining concepts within a hotel environment.

This catering company cook resume example is designed for a cook specializing in catering services, emphasizing skills in large-scale food preparation and event management.

Santiago Garcia

[email protected] - (555) 987-6543 - Pembroke Pines, FL

Dynamic and organized Catering Cook with 5 years of experience in high-volume food preparation for diverse events. Skilled in menu planning, on-site cooking, and maintaining food quality during transport and service. Adept at managing multiple tasks under pressure while ensuring client satisfaction. Seeking to bring my expertise in catering operations to a reputable event catering company.

Senior Catering Cook

Gourmet Events Catering

07/2018 - Present

Pembroke Pines, FL

• Prepare and execute menus for various events, ranging from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions of 1000+ guests
• Collaborate with event planners to create customized menus tailored to clients' preferences and dietary requirements
• Manage on-site cooking and food presentation for off-premise events
• Train and supervise a team of 8 catering cooks, improving efficiency and food quality
• Implement portion control and food cost reduction strategies, resulting in a 15% decrease in food waste

Catering Assistant

Tasty Bites Catering

05/2016 - 06/2018

• Assisted in food preparation and packaging for various catered events
• Maintained proper food safety and sanitation practices during transport and on-site service
• Helped with setup and breakdown of catering equipment at event venues

09/2014 - 04/2016

Certified Catering Professional (CCP)

Large-scale food preparation and planning • Menu customization and development • Food safety in transport and on-site service • Equipment handling and maintenance • Time management and multitasking • Client relations and communication

This resume effectively highlights the specific skills and experiences crucial for a catering cook. The professional summary immediately emphasizes the candidate's ability to handle large-scale food preparation and diverse events. The work experience section showcases progression in catering roles, detailing key responsibilities and achievements. The skills section balances technical cooking abilities with essential catering-specific skills like on-site cooking and client relations. Certifications and additional training demonstrate the candidate's commitment to professional development in the catering industry. This resume presents a well-rounded catering cook capable of handling the unique challenges of off-premise food service and event management.

This cruise ship cook resume example is tailored for a cook seeking a position on a cruise ship, highlighting skills in diverse cuisine preparation and adaptability to a unique working environment.

Maria Papadopoulos

[email protected] - (555) 123-4567 - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Enthusiastic and adaptable Cruise Ship Cook with 4 years of experience in high-volume, multi-cuisine food preparation. Skilled in working in fast-paced, confined kitchen environments while maintaining high food quality and safety standards. Experienced in catering to diverse international palates and dietary requirements. Seeking to bring my culinary expertise and strong work ethic to a reputable cruise line.

Oceanic Adventures Cruise Line

06/2019 - Present

• Prepare diverse cuisines for multiple dining venues aboard 3,000+ passenger cruise ships
• Rotate through various kitchen stations, including main dining room, buffet, and specialty restaurants
• Adapt menus to accommodate passenger dietary restrictions and food allergies
• Maintain strict adherence to maritime food safety regulations and sanitation standards
• Collaborate with an international team of cooks to create themed dinner nights and special events

Junior Cook

Coastal Breeze Resort

05/2017 - 05/2019

Key West, FL

• Assisted in food preparation for resort restaurants and room service
• Gained experience in various cuisines, including American, Italian, and Caribbean
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen areas, adhering to health and safety standards

Florida State College at Jacksonville

05/2015 - 05/2017

Jacksonville, FL

STCW Basic Safety Training Certificate

Crowd Management, Passenger Safety and Customer Service Certificate

International cuisine preparation • High-volume cooking and batch production • Adapting to confined kitchen spaces • Food safety and sanitation in maritime environments • Teamwork in multicultural settings • Flexibility and stress management

This resume effectively showcases the unique skills and experiences required for a cruise ship cook. The professional summary immediately highlights the candidate's adaptability and experience in high-volume, diverse cuisine preparation. The work experience section demonstrates familiarity with cruise ship operations and the ability to handle multiple dining venues. The skills section balances culinary expertise with crucial abilities for shipboard life, such as adapting to confined spaces and working in multicultural teams. The inclusion of maritime-specific certifications and availability for extended sea periods makes this resume particularly appealing for cruise line recruiters.

Cook Resume Examples by Cuisine

This Italian cuisine cook resume example is crafted for a cook specializing in Italian cuisine, highlighting expertise in traditional and modern Italian dishes.

Francesca Cortese

[email protected] - (555) 789-0123 - Providence, RI

Passionate Italian Cuisine Cook with 6 years of experience in authentic Italian restaurants. Expert in preparing traditional dishes from various regions of Italy, as well as creating modern interpretations of classic recipes. Skilled in pasta making, sauce preparation, and wood-fired pizza techniques. Seeking to bring my deep knowledge of Italian culinary traditions to a high-end Italian restaurant.

Bella Napoli Ristorante

09/2018 - Present

Providence, RI

• Lead kitchen operations for a 70-seat authentic Italian restaurant
• Develop seasonal menus featuring regional Italian specialties and modern Italian fusion dishes
• Prepare a wide range of pasta dishes, risottos, meat and seafood entrees, and traditional desserts
• Train junior cooks in Italian cooking techniques and the use of traditional ingredients
• Coordinate with local suppliers to source authentic Italian ingredients and regional specialties

Tuscany Trattoria

06/2015 - 08/2018

• Assisted in preparing appetizers, main courses, and desserts for a busy Italian eatery
• Specialized in handmade pasta production and wood-fired pizza preparation
• Maintained kitchen cleanliness and organization, adhering to food safety standards

Diploma in Italian Culinary Arts

Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF)

Costigliole d'Asti, Italy

Certified Italian Cook

Traditional Italian cooking techniques • Regional Italian cuisine expertise • Fresh pasta making and sauce preparation • Wood-fired oven operation • Italian wine pairing knowledge • Menu development and food costing

This resume excellently showcases the specialized skills of an Italian cuisine cook. The professional summary immediately highlights the candidate's expertise in both traditional and modern Italian cooking. The work experience section demonstrates progression in Italian restaurants and details key responsibilities that align with high-end Italian cuisine. The skills section balances technical cooking abilities with knowledge of Italian culinary traditions. The inclusion of education and training in Italy adds authenticity and depth to the candidate's profile. This resume presents a well-rounded Italian cuisine specialist ready to elevate any Italian dining experience.

This asian fusion cook resume example is designed for a cook specializing in Asian fusion cuisine, emphasizing creativity in blending various Asian culinary traditions.

[email protected] - (555) 456-7890 - Huntington Beach, CA

Innovative Asian Fusion Cook with 5 years of experience in creating unique dishes that blend traditional Asian flavors with modern culinary techniques. Skilled in various Asian cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Korean. Known for developing creative menu items that appeal to diverse palates. Seeking to bring my passion for Asian fusion cuisine to a cutting-edge restaurant.

East Meets West Bistro

Huntington Beach, CA

• Create and execute innovative Asian fusion dishes for a trendy 90-seat restaurant
• Develop seasonal menus incorporating elements from various Asian cuisines
• Prepare a range of dishes including dim sum, sushi, Thai curries, and Korean BBQ with modern twists
• Train and mentor junior cooks in Asian cooking techniques and fusion concepts
• Collaborate with bar staff to create Asian-inspired cocktails and food pairings

Bamboo Garden Restaurant

San Francisco, CA

• Assisted in preparing traditional Chinese and pan-Asian dishes for a busy restaurant
• Gained expertise in wok cooking, dumpling making, and sauce preparation

Associate Degree - Culinary Arts with Focus on Asian Cuisine

09/2012 - 04/2016

Napa Valley, CA

Asian cooking techniques (wok, steaming, grilling) • Fusion recipe development • Knife skills for intricate Asian garnishes • Asian ingredient knowledge and sourcing • Balancing flavors across different Asian cuisines • Food presentation with an Asian aesthetic

This resume effectively highlights the unique skills required for an Asian fusion cook. The professional summary immediately emphasizes the candidate's ability to blend traditional Asian flavors with modern techniques. The work experience section showcases progression in Asian fusion roles, detailing key responsibilities and creative achievements. The skills section balances technical cooking abilities with essential knowledge of various Asian cuisines and fusion concepts. Additional training in specific Asian countries adds depth and authenticity to the candidate's profile. This resume presents a well-rounded Asian fusion cook capable of innovating in this exciting culinary niche.

How to Write a Cook Resume

A well-structured cook resume should typically include the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Resume Summary or Resume Objective
• Work Experience
• Resume Skills
• Additional Sections (e.g., Languages, Volunteer Work)

This outline ensures that you present all relevant information in a logical and easy-to-read format.

For most cook positions, a chronological resume layout is recommended. This format highlights your work history and career progression, which is crucial in the culinary field. However, if you're changing careers or have limited experience, a combination resume that emphasizes both skills and work history might be more effective.

Your cook resume header should include:

• Phone Number
• Professional Email Address
• City and State (full address not necessary)
• Optional: LinkedIn profile or professional website

Julia Chen Experienced Sous Chef (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Portland, OR LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliachen

Why it works

This example provides clear, professional contact information. It includes Julia's full name, her current position, a professional email, location, and LinkedIn profile. This gives potential employers multiple ways to contact her and immediately establishes her as a serious candidate.

Your cook resume summary should concisely highlight your culinary expertise, years of experience, specialties, and key achievements. It should be tailored to the specific job you're applying for and grab the employer's attention.

Skilled Sous Chef with 5 years of experience in fine dining establishments. Expertise in French and Italian cuisines, with a track record of developing innovative menu items that increased restaurant revenue by 20%. Adept at leading kitchen teams and maintaining high food quality standards.

This example specifically highlights the candidate's level of experience, areas of expertise, and a quantifiable achievement. It also mentions leadership skills, which are valuable for a Sous Chef position. This summary gives a clear picture of what the candidate can bring to the role.

Common cook responsibilities often include:

• Preparing ingredients and cooking meals according to recipes
• Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and adhering to food safety standards
• Managing food inventory and placing orders
• Collaborating with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery
• Creating new menu items and adjusting existing recipes
• Operating various kitchen equipment
• Plating dishes for visual appeal

Your cook resume experience section should detail your work history in reverse chronological order. For each position, include:

• Company name
• Dates of employment
• 3-5 bullet points describing your key responsibilities and achievements

Focus on quantifiable achievements and skills relevant to the job you're applying for.

06/2018 - Present

• Prepare and cook menu items for a high-volume restaurant serving 200+ covers daily
• Developed 5 new appetizer recipes that became top-selling menu items, increasing appetizer sales by 25%
• Trained and mentored 3 junior cooks, improving kitchen efficiency by 15%
• Implemented a new inventory system that reduced food waste by 20%

The good example provides specific details about the cook's responsibilities and quantifiable achievements. It shows the candidate's ability to handle high-volume cooking, develop new recipes, train others, and improve kitchen operations. The use of numbers adds credibility to the achievements.

If you're new to the culinary world, focus on these elements when creating your resume with no experience :

• Emphasize relevant education or training
• Highlight any internships or apprenticeships
• Include volunteer experience in food service
• Showcase personal cooking projects or food blogs
• List relevant skills, even if gained outside professional kitchens
• Emphasize your passion for cooking and willingness to learn

Kitchen Volunteer

Local Soup Kitchen

09/2022 - Present

• Assist in preparing and serving meals for 100+ individuals weekly
• Learn and apply food safety practices in a high-volume setting

Personal Cooking Project

• Develop and test recipes for a personal food blog, focusing on healthy, budget-friendly meals
• Photograph and style dishes for visual appeal

This example effectively showcases relevant experience and skills for someone without professional cooking experience. It highlights education, volunteer work, and personal projects that demonstrate passion and basic culinary knowledge. The skills section focuses on fundamental abilities that are valuable in entry-level cooking positions.

What's the Best Education for a Cook Resume?

While formal education isn't always required for cook positions, including relevant educational background can be beneficial. Consider including:

• Culinary school degree or diploma
• Relevant coursework or specialized training
• Apprenticeship programs
• High school diploma (if it's your highest level of education)
• Any additional culinary workshops or courses

2018/09 - 2020/05

• Specialization in Farm-to-Table Cuisine
• Completed advanced courses in Molecular Gastronomy and Wine Pairing

The good example provides specific details about the culinary education, including the institution, degree, graduation date, and relevant specializations. This gives potential employers a clear understanding of the candidate's formal culinary training and areas of expertise.

What's the Best Professional Organization for a Cook Resume?

Membership in professional culinary organizations can demonstrate your commitment to the field and ongoing professional development. Some reputable organizations include:

• American Culinary Federation (ACF)
• Research Chefs Association (RCA)
• International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP)
• World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS)
• National Restaurant Association (NRA)

When listing professional organizations on your resume, include your membership status and any leadership roles or significant contributions.

Including relevant awards on your cook resume can set you apart from other candidates. Some prestigious awards in the culinary field include:

• James Beard Foundation Awards
• Michelin Stars (for restaurants you've worked in)
• ACF competitions medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze)
• Local or regional culinary competition awards
• Employee of the Month/Year awards from previous employers

Gold Medal, ACF Regional Hot Food Competition

"Rising Star Chef" Award

First Place, City-wide Farm-to-Table Recipe Contest

Employee of the Year

Volunteer experience can demonstrate your passion for cooking and community involvement. Consider including:

• Cooking for local soup kitchens or homeless shelters
• Participating in culinary education programs for underprivileged youth
• Assisting with meal preparation for charity events
• Volunteering at food banks or community gardens
• Offering cooking demonstrations at community centers or schools

Culinary Instructor

Youth Cooking Program

01/2022 - Present

Local Community Center, Cityville, USA

• Teach basic cooking skills to underprivileged youth aged 12-18
• Develop curriculum focusing on nutritious, budget-friendly meals
• Organize monthly community dinners prepared by program participants

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that are easy to quantify. For a cook resume, consider including:

• Knife skills
• Food safety and sanitation
• Menu planning and recipe development
• Specific cooking techniques (e.g., sous vide, flame grilling)
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and allergens
• Inventory management and food costing
• Proficiency with kitchen equipment
• Understanding of various cuisines

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively with others. Important soft skills for cooks include:

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Stress management
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Problem-solving

Certifications can validate your skills and knowledge in specific areas of cooking. Some valuable certifications for cooks include:

• ServSafe Food Handler or Food Protection Manager Certification
• American Culinary Federation (ACF) certifications (e.g., Certified Culinarian, Certified Sous Chef)
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certification
• Specialty cuisine certifications (e.g., Certified Pizzaiolo, Certified Sushi Chef)
• Dietary specialist certifications (e.g., Certified Dietary Manager)

HACCP Certification

Certified Specialist in French Cuisine

To create a standout cook resume:

• Tailor your resume to the specific job and restaurant type
• Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements
• Quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages when possible
• Highlight your specialties and any unique skills or experiences
• Keep your resume concise and well-organized
• Proofread carefully to avoid errors
• Consider including a link to your online portfolio or food blog if applicable

For most cook positions, aim to keep your resume to one page , especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. If you have extensive experience or are applying for a senior position like Executive Chef, a two-page resume may be appropriate. Remember, quality is more important than quantity – focus on including the most relevant and impressive information.

The focus of a cook resume should be on demonstrating your culinary skills, experience, and achievements. Emphasize:

• Your expertise in specific cuisines or cooking techniques
• Achievements that improved restaurant operations or customer satisfaction
• Leadership experience and ability to work in a team
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Creativity in menu development or dish presentation
• Adaptability to different kitchen environments

Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific cooking position you're applying for.

Crafting an effective cook resume is an art that combines showcasing your culinary skills, professional experience, and passion for food. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this comprehensive guide, you can create a resume that stands out to potential employers in the competitive culinary world. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. With a well-crafted resume, you'll be one step closer to landing your dream cooking job and advancing your culinary career. Whether you're an aspiring line cook or a seasoned chef, your resume is your first opportunity to demonstrate your culinary prowess – make it count! To start building your cook resume, sign up for Huntr today .

Get More Interviews, Faster

Huntr streamlines your job search. Instantly craft tailored resumes and cover letters, fill out application forms with a single click, effortlessly keep your job hunt organized, and much more...

or learn more

Next-Generation Job Tailored Resumes

Huntr provides the most advanced job <> resume matching system in the world. Helping you match not only keywords, but responsibilities and qualifications from a job, into your resume.

Job Keyword Extractor + Resume AI Integration

Huntr extracts keywords from job descriptions and helps you integrate them into your resume using the power of AI.

Application Autofill

Save hours of mindless form filling. Use our chrome extension to fill application forms with a single click.

Move beyond basic, bare-bones job trackers. Elevate your search with Huntr's all-in-one, feature-rich management platform.

Perfectly tailored cover letters, in seconds! Our cover letter generator blends your unique background with the job's specific requirements, resulting in unique, standout cover letters.

Huntr checks your resume for spelling, length, impactful use of metrics, repetition and more, ensuring your resume gets noticed by employers.

Gorgeous Resume Templates

Stand out with one of 7 designer-grade templates. Whether you're a creative spirit or a corporate professional, our range of templates caters to every career aspiration.

Personal Job Search CRM

The ultimate companion for managing your professional job-search contacts and organizing your job search outreach.