Entry-Level Resume Examples & Writing Tips for 2025

Looking to land your first big break? Don’t let your lack of work experience hold you back. Getting your foot in the door is all about showing recruiters what you have to offer outside of your non-existent work history. However, you need to stand out in the sea of recent graduates and other entry-level workers.

So, where should you begin?

Luckily, there’s plenty of scope. As we’ll cover in this guide, grabbing recruiters’ attention doesn't have to be hard. We’ll go over everything you need to know about crafting an excellent entry-level resume. Sit tight, and let’s dive in.

How to use this entry-level resume guide

Our entry-level resume guide will help you create a winning application. We have the best tools, tips, and resume examples to help you excel for all the right reasons. You can also use our resume builder for a polished and professional finish.

Ready to get started? Follow the below steps to help you use our guide to the best advantage.

You can use both our resume builder and this guide to help you land your first job. It’s all about pinpointing the skills and talents you have that make you valuable. Let’s get started.

What to focus on when writing your entry-level resume

Your lack of workplace experience doesn’t have to hold you back. When writing an entry-level resume, you should focus on the relevant skills you have, any volunteer experience, and your enthusiasm for the field.

It’s important to show the hiring manager you’re serious about this career step. You can do that by positioning yourself as a prime candidate by focusing on the following:

Your software skills

Do you know how to use certain software? It may be the Microsoft Suite or Adobe programs. If you already have knowledge in these areas, now’s the time to shout about it. Consider the software you know and add context, detailing how you use it.

Showing off your certificates

Chances are, you gained a whole host of handy certificates during your schooling. Including them on your entry-level resume is a quick way to show off your skills. Be clear about the certificates you gained, when you completed them, and the course provider.

Use persuasive language

Choose your words with care. When writing an entry-level resume, it’s your job to capture the imagination of the hiring manager. That means using language that speaks to them on an emotive level. Include action verbs and powerful words to get the job done.

Make your resume impactful with metrics

It’s always smart to show evidence on your resume. One of the ways that you can do that is by including metrics, wherever possible. When you’re writing about your projects or any volunteer work, you can slide in some facts and statistics to back up the claims you make.

Now that you’re clued up on what to focus on, let’s take a look at the correct structure to use.

How to choose the right resume format

For most resumes, we recommend using the reverse-chronological format. This is the standard approach in the US and it’s what hiring managers expect to see.

However, it’s not always the right way to go. Since you lack experience, you may not have enough content to fill out your work experience section. In that case, we recommend using the functional resume format instead. That’s because it better shows off your skills.

What to include in your resume header

Next up, let’s talk about your resume header. Much like a business card, this provides your basic contact details and information. It should be clear and concise.

Here’s a rundown of what to include:

• Your full name: List your first and last name. Your middle name is optional.
• Job title: Write the name of the job you’re applying for. You may want to add the words “entry-level” before it.
• Contact details: This means your professional email address and phone number.
• Location: Don’t give your whole address. Write your location and whether you’re willing to relocate for this role.

How to write a resume objective

What do you want to say to the reader? Your resume objective is your chance to speak directly to the recruiter. Think about what you want to tell them.

Note: This is different to a resume summary which covers your career history and highlights.

An objective is a short (two to four-sentence) statement that focuses on what you plan to do in your career. It’s all visionary, blue-sky thinking. It also covers what makes you unique, i.e. why they should consider your application. Use persuasive language, clear facts, and slide in your talents.

This resume section is especially important for entry-level professionals. What you lack in real-world experience, you need to make up for in enthusiasm. This is your shot!

Here are some elements you may include:

• Where you see your career going.
• Your degree or relevant education.
• In-demand skills, software, or tools you’ve used.
• Internships, projects, or relevant experience.
• Your career goal or what you bring to an employer.

Tailor your resume objective to the role at hand. Use similar language to the employer and weave in keywords, wherever you can.

This objective stands out by incorporating metrics like “contributing to a 10% efficiency increase,” showcasing the candidate’s impact. It also highlights specific software proficiency, giving hiring managers a clear idea of their skills. Additionally, it outlines the candidate’s long-term career goals, demonstrating ambition and direction.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Including quantifiable work experience on a resume is a quick way to catch the recruiter’s eye. If you have zero experience, you may want to use a functional format and skip this section. Instead, focus on your project work, clubs and associations, and volunteer roles.

On the other hand, if you have some work experience, be sure to detail it in this resume section. Once again, you want to use metrics to quantify all the claims you make.

When adding positions, start with the main details of your role, i.e. the company name, location, your title, and the dates of employment. You can then list bullet points covering top achievements. Keep things short, sweet, and to the point.

This example does a great job of showing off the candidate’s internship experience while keeping things straightforward. It also mentions the programs they've worked with, so the hiring manager gets a solid idea of what tools the candidate is already comfortable using.

And the best part? It includes real, measurable results—like how the candidate boosted engagement—making the application even more impressive.

Entry-level resume experience samples

Not sure which approach to take when writing your experience section? We’ve got the answers.

Here are three options you may consider:

Achievement-focused

What are your biggest brags? Highlight any standout accomplishments and awards you've earned in your work experience. Get this right and it shows you can deliver great results and make a real impact (That’s exactly what hiring managers are looking for).

Skills-focused

Your skills speak volumes. When recruiters look at your resume, they’ll be searching for specific talents that make you perfect for the role. So, what do you already have in your arsenal?

Don’t simply list the skills you’ve used. Outline how you’ve used them and—for bonus points—what they helped you achieve. Remember that context is everything.

Industry-focused

Some industries are more competitive than others. If you’re applying for an entry-level role in a popular field, be sure to show that you’re ready for the game. Detail experience that aligns directly with the sector and showcase everything you’ve learned so far.

Listing your skills on your resume

You may lack work experience but your talents speak for themselves. You need to know what skills to put on a resume to wow recruiters. This means a mixture of hard and soft skills.

What talents do you already have? Consider the skills you’ve picked up in part-time positions, at college, during your school years, and in your free time. You should draw upon every area of your life to choose the skills that best suit the job you’re applying for.

Always check the job advert before creating this section. The skills that the recruiter has stated in the post are exactly what they’re looking for. Should you already have any, list them here.

Best hard skills to feature on your entry-level resume

Hard skills, also known as technical skills, could be invaluable to your career. Recruiters are always on the hunt for tech-savvy graduates who know their stuff. So, what do you have? Take the chance to detail the hard skills that make you an incredible candidate.

Best soft skills to feature on your entry-level resume

Of course, it’s not simply about your hard skills. Hiring managers want to know that you can fit seamlessly into the business. You need to align with the company culture, be productive, and work well with the rest of the team. That’s where soft skills come into play.

Talents, such as communication and teamwork, will get you far. If you’ve cultivated these over the years, throw them onto your entry-level resume.

Education on resume

As an entry-level professional, a whole lot rests on your education section. Detail both your formalized schooling—including your college degree—and any additional training or professional certifications you have. Once again, use the reverse chronological order.

If you’ve done extra training, it could really give you an edge. Not only are those certificates super valuable, but they also show you’re genuinely committed. The hiring manager will immediately see that you’re serious about growing in your career.

Extra sections to include in your entry-level resume

Looking for a snappy way to take your entry-level resume to new heights? Adding some extra sections could be the way to go.

Here are some optional ones to consider:

Language section

Learning a second—or even third—language is no easy feat. Whether you’re a DuoLingo pro or you’ve completed a course, consider crafting a langauge skills section. Don’t forget to give a proficiency level to each language you list.

Hobbies and interests section

What do you do in your free time? If your hobbies and interests are relevant to the role, provide them in a dedicated section. In the description part, include details of why you love this pastime and also draw comparisons between it and the vacancy or industry.

Volunteer work section

Since you don’t have a long career history, your volunteer section can help you shine. Treat this as you would a work experience section—listing the positions you held and the accomplishments you achieved. Be clear about the lessons you learned in each case.

Conclusion

Landing your first (or even second) job can feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry—everyone has to begin somewhere. Use the guide we've provided to perfect your entry-level resume. Plus, our resume builder tool is here to help you get started quickly and easily.