Do You Need a Resume for Your First Job? (2026 Guide)
Do you need a resume for your first job? Learn why a resume matters even with no experience, what to include, and how to write one that gets you hired in 2026.
Introduction
According to Sharon Bondurant, a seasoned recruiter:
> "Do you need a resume? The short answer is yes. A resume is a window into who you are not just about your work history."
According to Furman University:
> "While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants."
According to CareerBuilder:
> "At your age, employers aren't looking for pages together of work history, achievements, and so on — they're looking for teenagers who show up, know their responsibilities, and get the work done on time."
But the job market for first-time workers is challenging. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in July 2026, 53.8% of young people ages 16 to 24 were employed, with a youth unemployment rate of 9.1%. According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, teen summer hiring hit its lowest level in nearly 80 years.
This guide explains why a resume matters for your first job, what to include, and how to write one that gets you hired — even with no experience.
“Do You Need a Resume for Your First Job? Key Takeaways
- 53.8% of youth ages 16-24 were employed in July 2026 (BLS)
- Youth unemployment rate was 9.1% (BLS)
- Teen summer hiring hit lowest level in nearly 80 years (Challenger)
- 76% of entry-level candidates use a one-page resume
- 65% of entry-level postings now require prior experience (LinkedIn Workforce Report)
- Entry-level roles receive 400-600 applications (Hobspot)
- 'The short answer is yes' — you need a resume (Sharon Bondurant, Recruiter)
- A resume 'will undoubtedly set you apart' (Furman University)
- Include education, skills, volunteer work, and extracurriculars
- Keep it to one page”
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- Why you need a resume even with no experience
- The best resume format for first-time job seekers
- What to include in every section
- How to write a resume objective with examples
- Transferable skills employers want
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Complete first job resume examples
Why You Need a Resume for Your First Job
According to Furman University:
> "A resume reflects your professionalism and commitment to the job application process. It showcases your knowledge, skills, training and prior experience in an easy-to-digest and relatively standard format, making it easy for potential employers to decipher between candidates to choose the best person for the job."
According to Briana, a recruiter:
> "As a student or recent grad your education should be at the top of your resume after your objective statement. After all, your education has been your primary focus since you were 5 and should be highlighted."
Key reasons you need a resume:
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Sets you apart | Most entry-level positions receive hundreds of applications |
| Shows professionalism | Demonstrates commitment to the application process |
| Highlights transferable skills | Shows what you can offer even without work history |
| Prepares you for interviews | Provides talking points for the interview |
| ATS compatibility | Most employers use software to screen resumes |
The Job Market Reality for First-Time Workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
> "In July 2026, 53.8 percent of young people (those ages 16 to 24) were employed."
According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas:
> "Teens will gain 790,000 jobs in May, June, and July 2026, down slightly from the 801,000 jobs gained last summer. This is the lowest summer total for teen hiring since BLS began tracking in 1948."
According to LinkedIn's Workforce Report:
> "65% of entry-level job postings in 2026 require prior professional experience."
According to HiroCV:
> "Entry-level positions receive 400 to 600 applications, and customer service or remote roles can exceed 1,000 in the first week."
The bottom line: The job market is competitive. A strong resume gives you an edge.
Best Resume Format for First-Time Job Seekers
According to Indeed:
> "A functional resume underscores your skills and abilities rather than your work history. If you're someone who's re-entering the workforce after an employment gap, has moved jobs a lot, is making a career change or otherwise isn't sure that through the eyes of the recruiter, your past history is going to obviously qualify you for the job, consider a functional resume."
According to Rohit T on LinkedIn:
> "The best resume format for freshers is: 1 Page Resume (Single Column). Because: It looks clean. ATS (resume screening software) reads it easily. Recruiters can scan it fast."
Format Comparison for First-Time Job Seekers:
| Format | Best For | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Functional (Skills-Based) | Most first-time job seekers with no formal work experience | Emphasizes skills over job history |
| Combination | First-time job seekers with some part-time or volunteer experience | Balances skills and experience |
| Chronological | First-time job seekers with substantial relevant work experience | Not recommended for most first-time job seekers |
What to Put on a First Job Resume (Section by Section)
1. Contact Information
According to Furman University:
> "Start by listing your full name, phone number, email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Without your contact information, potential employers will have a hard time contacting you, which can prevent you from getting an interview."
What to include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- City and state
- LinkedIn URL (if applicable)
What to avoid:
- Unprofessional email addresses (e.g., cooldude2000@)
- Full mailing address
- Parents' contact information
2. Resume Objective
According to Indeed:
> "While people of any age and career level can benefit from including an objective statement on their resume, it's especially important for a high school student. This is largely because your work history may not reflect your future goals."
Objective Formula:
> [Adjective] [student/graduate] seeking [job title] position to [what you hope to accomplish]. Offers [key skills] and eager to contribute to [employer's goals].
Examples:
- "Motivated and responsible high school student seeking a part-time retail position. Strong communicator with proven leadership skills from student council and volunteer work."
- "Enthusiastic and committed high school student seeking opportunities to gain experience in a fast-paced, flexible retail environment. A fast learner with excellent interpersonal skills, multitasking ability and computer literacy."
- "Hard-working student with excellent time management skills. Seeks to learn customer service skills in a retail environment."
3. Education
According to Indeed:
> "Including a strong education section is crucial for teens, as it often represents a significant portion of their qualifications at this stage."
What to include:
- School name and location
- Expected graduation date
- GPA (if 3.0 or higher)
- Relevant coursework
- Academic honors and awards
Example:
> EDUCATION
>
> Springfield High School | Springfield, IL
> Expected Graduation: June 2027
> GPA: 3.8 | Dean's List (2025, 2026)
> Relevant Coursework: Business Math, Computer Applications, English Honors
> Honors: National Honor Society, Student of the Month (March 2026)
4. Skills
According to NACE's Job Outlook 2026 Spring Update, the top skills employers seek are:
| Skill | Percentage of Employers |
|---|---|
| Ability to work in a team | 85% |
| Problem-solving skills | 82% |
| Communication skills (verbal) | 78% |
| Technical skills | 73% |
| Communication skills (written) | 72% |
| Strong work ethic | 71% |
According to NACE:
> "It is not enough, however, for candidates to list their skills: Employers want to see examples."
Skills with Context Example:
> SKILLS
>
> Leadership & Teamwork:
> - Student Council Vice President: Led school events and managed team of 10 representatives
> - Basketball Team Captain: Coordinated practices and motivated teammates
>
> Communication:
> - Debate Club Member: Developed public speaking and argumentation skills through regional competitions
> - School Newspaper Editor: Edited articles and collaborated with writers
>
> Technical:
> - Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
> - Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
5. Work Experience (If Applicable)
According to Indeed:
> "Here are examples of experiences you can include when writing your first resume: jobs like serving at a tea shop or part-time customer service associate at a retail store; extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs; apprenticeships and vocational training; volunteer work."
Examples of First Job Work Experience:
- Babysitting or nannying
- Dog walking or pet sitting
- Lawn mowing or yard work
- Tutoring
- Retail or food service
- Summer camp counselor
- Family business help
6. Optional Sections
According to MyPerfectResume, these optional sections are especially helpful if you don't have formal work experience:
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Extracurricular Activities | Clubs, sports teams, school organizations demonstrating leadership and teamwork |
| Volunteer Work | Unpaid work showing dedication, responsibility, and community engagement |
| Personal Projects | Blogs, coding projects, charity events, creative work |
| Awards & Honors | Honor roll, scholarships, sports awards, academic prizes |
| Certifications | CPR, First Aid, computer skills, language certifications |
| Languages | Foreign languages with proficiency level |
Complete First Job Resume Example (No Work Experience)
“SARAH JOHNSON
(555) 123-4567 | sarah.johnson@email.com | Springfield, IL
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
Motivated and responsible high school student seeking a part-time retail position. Strong communicator with proven leadership skills from student council and volunteer work. Eager to contribute a positive attitude and strong work ethic to a dynamic team.
EDUCATION
Springfield High School | Springfield, IL
Expected Graduation: June 2027
GPA: 3.8 | Dean's List (2025, 2026)
Relevant Coursework: Business Math, Computer Applications, English Honors
Honors: National Honor Society, Student of the Month (March 2026)
SKILLS
Leadership & Teamwork:
- Student Council Vice President: Led school events and managed team of 10 representatives
- Basketball Team Captain: Coordinated practices and motivated teammates
Communication:
- Debate Club Member: Developed public speaking and argumentation skills through regional competitions
- School Newspaper Editor: Edited articles and collaborated with writers
Technical:
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Basic Graphic Design (Canva)
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Volunteer | Springfield Food Bank | 2024-Present
- Sorted and organized donations for 200+ families weekly
- Collaborated with team of 5 volunteers to streamline distribution
Volunteer | Elementary School Tutoring Program | 2025
- Tutored 8 students in math and reading, improving grades by an average of 15%
- Developed patience and communication skills working with diverse learners
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Student Council Vice President | Springfield High School | 2025-2026
- Organized 3 school-wide events with 500+ attendees
- Managed budget of $2,000 for student activities
Debate Club | Springfield High School | 2024-Present
- Participated in 5 regional competitions
- Developed critical thinking and public speaking skills
AWARDS & HONORS
- National Honor Society | 2025-Present
- Student of the Month | March 2026
- Perfect Attendance Award | 2025
LANGUAGES
- English (Native)
- Spanish (Conversational)”
Common First Job Resume Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Using an unprofessional email | Appears unprofessional | Use firstname.lastname@email.com format |
| Overcrowding the resume | Difficult to read | Use clear sections and bullet points |
| Writing a generic objective | Doesn't show fit for the role | Customize for each position |
| Typos and grammatical errors | Undermines credibility | Proofread carefully and use spell check |
| Using excessive filler words | Wastes space and weakens impact | Use strong action verbs |
| Leaving out extracurricular activities | Misses opportunity to show skills | Include sports, clubs, and volunteer work |
| Including personal pronouns (I, me, my) | Not standard for resumes | Drop all pronouns — lead with verbs |
| Using multiple fonts | Looks unprofessional | Stick to one clean font |
Expert Quotes to Remember
“"Do you need a resume? The short answer is yes. A resume is a window into who you are not just about your work history."”
“"While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants."”
“"At your age, employers aren't looking for pages together of work history, achievements, and so on — they're looking for teenagers who show up, know their responsibilities, and get the work done on time."”
“"It is not enough, however, for candidates to list their skills: Employers want to see examples."”
“"As a student or recent grad your education should be at the top of your resume after your objective statement. After all, your education has been your primary focus since you were 5 and should be highlighted."”
“"The best resume format for freshers is: 1 Page Resume (Single Column). Because: It looks clean. ATS (resume screening software) reads it easily. Recruiters can scan it fast."”
Sources & References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — Employment and unemployment among youth, summer 2026
- Challenger, Gray & Christmas — Teen summer hiring projections
- NACE Job Outlook 2026 Spring Update — Key skills employers seek on resumes
- Indeed — How to write a resume for your first job
- Indeed — How to write a resume as a fresh graduate
- Furman University — How to write a resume for your first job
- CareerBuilder — How to write a resume as a teenager
- MyPerfectResume — Teen resume examples, templates, and guide
- LinkedIn — Sharon Bondurant, Rohit T, LinkedIn Workforce Report
Conclusion: Start Your Career with a Strong Resume
According to Sharon Bondurant:
> "The short answer is yes. A resume is a window into who you are not just about your work history."
According to Furman University:
> "While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants."
Key Takeaways:
- You need a resume for your first job — even with no experience
- Use a functional format that emphasizes skills over work history
- Keep your resume to one page
- Include a resume objective tailored to the specific job
- Highlight transferable skills from school, sports, and volunteering
- Quantify achievements wherever possible
- Include volunteer work and extracurricular activities
- Proofread carefully — typos are the #1 resume mistake
Action Steps for Today:
1. Choose a functional resume format
2. Write a customized resume objective for each job
3. List your education, skills, and any volunteer work
4. Include extracurricular activities and awards
5. Quantify your achievements with numbers
6. Proofread carefully and ask for feedback
7. Build your ATS-friendly resume with our ATS CV Maker
Do you need a resume for your first job?
According to Sharon Bondurant, a seasoned recruiter, 'The short answer is yes. A resume is a window into who you are not just about your work history.' According to Furman University, 'While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants.'
What should I put on a resume for my first job with no experience?
According to Indeed, even without work experience, you can include education, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, part-time jobs, informal work like babysitting or dog walking, skills, and a resume objective. Focus on transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and time management.
How long should a first job resume be?
According to a survey, 76% of entry-level candidates had a one-page resume. According to ResumeFast, 'resume length for entry-level candidates should be one page.' Keep it concise and focused on your most relevant skills and experiences.
What skills should a first-time job seeker put on a resume?
According to NACE's Job Outlook 2026 survey, employers seek teamwork (85%), problem-solving (82%), verbal communication (78%), technical skills (73%), and written communication (72%). Include these along with any role-specific skills from job descriptions.
Should I include a resume objective for my first job?
According to Indeed, 'While people of any age and career level can benefit from including an objective statement on their resume, it's especially important for a high school student.' A resume objective helps introduce yourself and explain your goals when you have limited work experience.
About the Author
Ash is a resume expert and career strategist who helps students and first-time job seekers build resumes that get interviews. Ash's work has been cited in leading career publications and trusted by job seekers worldwide.
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