Crafting a resume when you’re just starting out can feel a little intimidating, especially when you’re competing against candidates with years of experience and polished job histories.
But here’s the good news: having no formal work experience doesn’t mean you don’t have anything valuable to offer.
Your resume is your chance to showcase more than just jobs. It’s about highlighting your potential, drive, and the transferable skills you’ve gained through study, volunteering, and life experience.
If you’re sitting in front of a blank Word document wondering where to begin, here are some practical and meaningful ways to turn that empty page into a strong, confident resume.
1. Internships
If you haven’t had a paid job yet, internships are the next best thing, if not better. They show employers that you’ve committed time to developing industry-specific skills, gaining exposure to workplace culture, and learning how to work within a professional team.
Whether your internship was two weeks or three months, the experience is highly valuable. You’ll have likely worked on real tasks, contributed to projects, and received feedback from mentors. These are all things worth including on your resume.
Internships also demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, all highly regarded by employers. And the bonus? They often help you grow in confidence and clarity about your career direction.
Learn more about our internship placement programs.
2. Volunteer Experience
Volunteering shows heart and in the workplace, that matters. Giving your time to a cause, event, or community initiative not only reflects well on your character, but it also shows you’re willing to get involved, be part of a team, and apply yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Don’t overlook your weekend work at a local charity, a student committee, or that time you helped organise a community event. Whether it’s hospitality, admin, fundraising, or creative work, volunteering helps you build skills across communication, coordination, and time management. It’s also a great way to hint at the values that matter to you, which helps employers understand more about who you are not just what you’ve done.
3. Education
If you’re applying with no work history, your education section becomes one of the most important parts of your resume. List your current or most recent qualification first, including your degree, major, and the institution. If you’re still studying, include your expected graduation date.
You can also include any achievements, relevant coursework, academic projects, or even group assignments, especially if they relate to the role you’re applying for. This is your opportunity to show employers that you’ve been developing core skills like research, critical thinking, and communication, even if not yet in a workplace.
4. Highlight Transferable Skills and Prove It/h2>
Everyone has transferable skills. You just have to recognise and present them clearly. These are the abilities that apply across roles and industries, such as:
- Communication (written and verbal)
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Microsoft Office or digital literacy
- Customer service
- Critical thinking
Don’t just list your transferable skills. Back them up with examples. Maybe you led a group assignment, presented at uni, organised a fundraiser, or managed competing deadlines during your final exams. These are all small stories that show how you've developed skills employers are actively seeking.
Read more about transferrable skills in University of Sydney’s comprehensive guide.
5. Use Your Enthusiasm as a Strength
Employers aren’t always looking for someone with a long list of past roles; they’re often looking for someone with the right mindset. Being eager to learn, reliable, and adaptable can go a long way, especially for entry-level roles.
Remember: every job comes with some level of training. Just because someone else has more experience doesn’t mean they’re the best fit. Employers value fresh perspectives and a willingness to grow.
If you can communicate that you're coachable, genuinely interested, and prepared to put in the work, that’s already a powerful edge.
Everyone Starts Somewhere - Start Today
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about your resume when you're at the beginning of your career. But don’t underestimate the experiences you already have. With the right approach, your education, internships, volunteer work, and transferable skills can combine to create a resume that’s compelling, confident, and aligned with your future goals.
If you're ready to build experience that strengthens your resume, check out our Premium Internship Program or explore tailored support through our K22 Mentorship Program.
You don’t need years of experience to stand out. Just the right tools, guidance, and a bit of self-belief.
Your career journey starts with one page. Make it count.
Contact us today to get started.
