How do you build a resume without any experience? You’ve put so much hard work into completing your degree, and now it’s time to take the next step.

But where do you begin? Building a resume as a soon-to-be graduate can be intimidating, especially when you’ve spent the last four years in school. How do you showcase your skills and experiences when you don’t have much professional experience? And how do you make your resume stand out in a sea of other eager graduates vying for the same entry-level positions?

Let’s face it, landing that first job can be tough. But with the right resume, you can give yourself a competitive edge. There’s no quick fix or secret formula for crafting the perfect resume, but with a bit of effort and dedication, you can create a standout document that showcases your unique talents and sets you apart from the crowd.

Here are our top 8 tips for building a winning resume that will help you land your first job in your industry of choice.

Internships

In today’s job market, internships have become a nearly essential stepping stone toward securing post-graduation employment in almost every industry. Don’t let the fact that most internships are unpaid discourage you – the benefits of taking on an internship are far-reaching. Internships can help you better understand your professional interests, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and build confidence in the workplace.

Internships also provide you with professional references and mentorship, helping you to develop the skills and experience necessary to excel in your chosen field. By establishing industry connections, building a strong network, and enhancing your skills and knowledge, internships can set you on a trajectory toward a successful and fulfilling career.

Study Tours

Participating in study tours during your university studies is an excellent way to enhance your resume and impress potential employers. This experience not only demonstrates your keen interest in your field of study but also highlights your diverse skill set beyond what can be achieved in the classroom.

Study tours provide a unique opportunity to network with individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, allowing you to gain insights into how different parts of the world operate within your industry. This firsthand experience can make your contributions and insights in the workplace invaluable.

Not only do study tours showcase your drive and passion for your career, but they also provide you with opportunities for personal and professional growth. According to the International Education Association of Australia, out of the 3376 students they interviewed, 95% reported an improvement in their communication skills and ability to adapt and learn quickly, while 96% noted an improvement in their ability to interact with diverse individuals.

The benefits of participating in study tours extend beyond personal growth as well. The same study found that 84% of participants developed skills to support their professional roles, while 55% obtained subsequent career-related jobs and 58% secured their first job in their field of study. Additionally, 79% reported an increase in their professional knowledge.

Part-Time Work

Don’t underestimate the power of a part-time job while you’re studying. Not only can it provide a source of income, but it also allows you to develop valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers. Even if the role is not directly related to your field of study, it provides an opportunity to work in a team environment, hone your communication skills with customers and clients, and adhere to employer rules and regulations.

Holding down a part-time job while at university demonstrates your ability to balance multiple responsibilities and manage your time effectively. It showcases your work ethic and dedication to building a successful career. And who knows, the experience you gain in a part-time job may even inform your career path and help you discover new areas of interest.

So, whether it’s waiting tables, working in retail, or something else entirely, don’t overlook the value of a part-time job while you’re studying. It can be a stepping stone to a successful career and a way to differentiate yourself from other graduates.

Volunteer Work

Volunteering is a powerful way to demonstrate your passion and commitment to your chosen industry, while also showcasing your values and character to potential employers. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the field and to gain valuable experience that you may not have access to otherwise. Whether it’s through supporting a local charity or community group or taking on a role in a professional organisation, volunteering can be an excellent way to build your skills and add value to your resume.

Research by SEEK has shown that 95% of employers view volunteering as a credible way of gaining practical experience to add to your resume. In fact, if the volunteer work is relevant to your desired role or industry, 85% of employers believe it is just as valuable as paid work experience.

To get started with volunteering, consider reaching out to your local Volunteer Support Service for support and advice in your area. Alternatively, you can contact local businesses and organisations to see if they have any opportunities available.

Projects

Discovering your passion within the industry and embarking on personal projects can be an incredibly rewarding and valuable experience for your career development. It’s an opportunity to flex your creative muscles, hone your problem-solving skills, and sharpen your ability to juggle multiple tasks at once. Not only does this show future employers that you have initiative and drive, but it also demonstrates your ability to work independently and take ownership of your professional growth.

Leadership Roles

Assuming leadership roles during your time at university is a fantastic way to boost your resume and catch the eye of potential employers. While it can be challenging to balance your academic workload with additional responsibilities, the effort is well worth it. Holding a leadership position demonstrates to employers that you are prepared to take on a leadership role in the workplace. Leadership skills are valuable and can be applied across various industries, regardless of whether you are pursuing a leadership position in the future or not.

Upskilling

Investing in upskilling within your industry is a smart move to get ahead of the competition and impress potential employers. Enrolling in a free or paid course to learn valuable skills that cannot be taught in university will significantly enhance your resume. Even online courses on Adobe, Google Analytics, Excel, leadership, sales, marketing and more can showcase your eagerness to learn and stay up to date with the latest industry trends. Not only do they demonstrate your commitment to professional development, but they also equip you with additional experience and expertise that will make you a more desirable candidate.

You can find a whole range of diverse and engaging online courses on platforms such as Udemy and Skill Finder.

Keep a Portfolio of your University work

Crafting a professional portfolio is an excellent way to display your expertise and skills gained throughout your university education. By compiling your best work into a well-organised and visually appealing portfolio, you can showcase your understanding of the industry and demonstrate your diverse knowledge. Platforms like Canva make creating a portfolio easy and accessible, giving your resume an extra punch.

Employers greatly value the opportunity to see a candidate’s work before they’re hired, which gives you a competitive edge over other job applicants who lack representation of their style and quality of work. A professional portfolio not only displays your competence in your field but also exhibits your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

In today’s competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is no easy feat. But fear not, there are tried and tested ways to ensure your resume stands out from the rest. One such way is by confidently showcasing your knowledge and building a resume that accurately represents your skill set.

By taking the time to craft a well-written resume that highlights your strengths and achievements, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you are a valuable asset to their organisation. Use specific examples and metrics to illustrate your successes, and don’t be afraid to showcase your unique talents and abilities.

Remember, your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so it’s important to make it count. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can create a resume that sets you apart from the competition and puts you on the path to success.

For more expert tips on how to craft a winning resume, check out our advice hub!