Does Your Resume Lack Extensive Work Experience?

A great resume is the key to your job search, but sometimes it can be hard to create an impressive resume if you don’t have a lot of work experience. When you find yourself in this position, there are a few key things you can do to make yourself more impressive to employers and to increase the chances you’ll get an interview.  Some options include:

• Volunteering to gain work experience. A volunteer job can give you invaluable experience to put on your resume. You can learn transferable job skills that you highlight when you create your resume, and you can make connections that could help lead to paying work.
• Create a profile to highlight your skills. In some positions, experience does not matter as much as talent does. If you want to impress employers but don’t have a strong industry background, consider creating a portfolio that shows off your skills and abilities. Portfolios can be created online and emailed to hiring managers so you can have something to show off your potential even if your resume doesn’t fully exhibit all you can do.
• Explore different resume formats, including a skills-based resume. Many people assume a chronological resume listing their work experience is the only option. The reality is a skills-based resume can be a better choice if you don’t have a long work history. Rather than being organized around where and when you worked, it lists the different skills you bring to the table as well as information about where you’ve acquired the skills and how you’ve demonstrated your talents.
• Network extensively. When you don’t have a resume that is likely to impress, it is even more important for you to make industry connections. When you make a good impression and are able to show off your skills in person, you develop professional connections who can refer you to companies that may hire you.  When you come in with a personal recommendation, or when you are referred by a staffing service that knows what you can do, employers are more likely to consider you even if you don’t have a long resume.  

Staffing professionals at SmartTalent can help in your job search so you can build your work experience and expand your resume. When we help with your job search, our staffing service will assist you in getting your foot in the door to try for positions you are interested in so you can advance in your career path – even without a lot of past experience. If you’re looking for a job in Kirkland, Renton, or Fife, give us a call or contact us online so we can get started.