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Table of contents

Popular entry-level resumes
How to write a resume for an entry-level position
Entry-level resume examples by job title
Including a cover letter with your entry-level resume
Key takeaways for your entry-level resume
Commonly asked question about resume writing

As someone just starting your professional journey, you might be surprised to find that you have more skills than you realize. From spearheading academic projects to leading community service initiatives to active participation in teamwork, your path so far has been a tapestry of various experiences.

You’ve built your confidence in your abilities and education through these ventures. But when the moment arrives to compile all these achievements into a resume, a sense of unease sets in.

The task of crafting a captivating entry-level resume, one that accentuates your potential and primary strengths, may seem daunting. Despite this overwhelming feeling, it’s an essential step — one that can unfold a wide array of job prospects and bring you closer to your desired position.

Well, we’re here to help.

This guide will show you:

The best entry-level resume examples.
How to write an eye-catching entry-level resume.
Manager resumes for different experience levels.
Why cover letters are so important for entry-level applicants.
Key takeaways to help you in your journey.

Want to build your resume right now? Check out our AI Resume Builder. Choose a design suitable for an entry-level applicant and get section-by-section advice, including auto-generated text you can easily edit.

Popular entry-level resumes

You know you have the skills to thrive in an entry-level role, but you also have the potential to make a slick, visually appealing resume likely to catch a potential employer’s eye.

Your task is to adapt your academic achievements, skills and experiences into a concise, easy-to-read resume that covers all bases.

Here’s an example of an effective resume, perfectly formatted and composed by a professional. What’s more, it was crafted using our very own Resume Builder.

We have more entry-level resumes to browse:

Related Guides & Tips

How to write a resume for an entry-level position

Ready to turbo-charge your career? Start by learning how to write a resume that will get you called in for an interview.

So, how can you achieve this? You’ll require a well-organized resume outline, which should always include:

Your contact information in a clear spot at the top.
An engaging, keyword-rich resume profile.
Multiple sections for your relevant skills.
A section for your work or project experience, if you have any.
Your education details, like degrees or diplomas.
You can also add optional sections to boost your resume, like awards, certifications, or clubs.

By the way, if you’re young, you will find more practical advice and tips in our teen resume guide.

Now, let’s look at each part and talk about specific problems new job seekers might face.

Step 1

Organize your header

As a newcomer in the job market, your resume should clearly convey your potential, professionalism, and attention to detail. An important part of this impression comes from your resume’s header. It’s a small section, but it packs a big punch as one of the first things a hiring manager sees.

Here’s what you should always include in your resume header:

Your name: Display your full name prominently and in larger font to be easily noticeable.
Phone number: Include a reliable phone number where potential employers can readily reach you.
Email address: Ensure your email address appears professional. Using a combination of your first and last name is a safe bet.
Your location: Simply list your city and state. There’s no need for your full address.

To improve your header even more, consider adding the following:

LinkedIn profile: For new job seekers, a well-maintained LinkedIn profile can underscore your knowledge, education, and skills and also provide a more detailed view of your professional persona.
Professional website or portfolio: If you have one, a website or a portfolio showcasing your projects or academic achievements can be beneficial.

The design of your header should be simple and clean, mirroring your budding professional life. Stick to an unfussy, easy-to-read resume font and avoid overly decorative or colorful elements.

Your skills and education are your spotlight now, not fancy design features (unless you’re a professional designer). Make sure every detail counts!

Step 2

Summarize your professional journey

First impressions count, right? And there’s no better place to make a lasting impression than your resume profile.

Located at the top of your resume, your profile offers a quick look at your skills and experiences. This key section lets you show your worth and encourages the reader to look more closely at your resume.

If you’re an entry-level applicant, a resume objective can help you stand out. This short statement should express your career goals and explain why you’re the best fit for the job. Use this space to emphasize any skills you have that are relevant to the role, even if they’re not from previous jobs.

Professionals with at least three years of hands-on experience will benefit from a professional summary. These are typically four or five sentences that emphasize the skills, experiences, and achievements you’ve had in your previous roles.

A resume summary for a beginner can seem like an impossible task, but don’t worry! Even if you have limited experience you can still write one.

How to write an effective resume summary

Start with your job title – State your role or area of expertise.
Include your experience – How many years of relevant work.
Focus on achievements – Demonstrate your value with notable accomplishments.
Highlight relevant skills – Mention your skills that are most needed for the job.

Ultimately, your profile should be laser-focused on one mission: convincing the hiring manager that you and the position are a match made in heaven.

To make this section as strong as possible, get to know the company. Look at their mission statement and what they value in their employees. Then, tailor your resume to highlight the skills and achievements that match what they’re looking for.

Writing tip

Always tweak your resume profile for each job you apply for. Each job is unique, and by customizing your resume for each one, you can focus on the skills and experiences that matter most for that job. This approach makes you more relevant and can help you get past the application tracking system (ATS).

Entry-level resume summary for an entry-level engineering resume:

Determined and adaptable entry-level engineer with a strong foundation in mechanical system design, modeling and documentation. Developed proficiency using Revit and AutoCAD as key design and drafting tools during academic projects. Skilled in providing task-based support for engineering distribution, HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection and Energy Modeling. Demonstrated ability to assist with construction administration, perform mechanical calculations and conduct performance simulations. Committed to designing efficient layouts of mechanical systems.

Objective statement for an entry-level accounting resume:

As a recent graduate in accounting, my goal is to apply my knowledge and dedication to an entry-level position in the accounting field. Eager to handle responsibilities including accounts receivable tasks like invoicing and reconciliations, and accounts payable duties such as invoice processing and resolving discrepancies. Well-prepared to organize, maintain and safeguard accounting records while preparing journal entries and other reports. Looking forward to utilizing my skills and learning in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Step 3

Identify the most desired entry-level skills

Unless you’re transferring industries, an entry-level applicant might not have much professional experience, but you have gained important skills through your education, internships, or volunteering. The key is to highlight these skills on your resume in a way that makes you stand out.

For instance, maybe you’ve used hard skills during academic projects or internships, like designing a website or writing a report. On the other hand, you’ve likely used soft skills in group projects or club activities, such as teamwork or leadership.

This isn’t a competition between hard skills and soft skills. Rather, they should work together to make you a well-rounded candidate.

Writing tip

Highlighting transferable skills on your entry-level resume is crucial because it allows you to showcase your abilities that can be applied across different industries and roles.

Hard and soft skills for an entry-level resume

Hard Skills

Microsoft Office Suite
Google Workspace
Data visualization
HTML
Social media management

Soft Skills

Communication
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Time management

Step 4

Emphasize relevant experiences

Starting out in your career, you might not have a lengthy work experience section. However, you can still make your resume stand out by focusing on your internships, academic projects, or volunteer work. These experiences can help showcase your potential.

But the point is — when you add work experience to your resume, you really want it to leap off of the page.

Here are a few strategies to make your work history shine, even if it’s not extensive:

Highlight accomplishments, not just tasks. Instead of just listing the things you did, focus on what you achieved. For instance, mention the project you led that got an A+ or the process you improved during an internship.
Feature relevant projects. If your professional experience is limited, delve into the projects you have undertaken during class, internships, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs. Did you create a marketing strategy for a class project? Or maybe you managed the accounts for a club at university? These experiences can demonstrate relevant industry skills.
Use action words. Choose words like “developed,” “initiated,” and “improved” to focus your resume on how you made a difference.

Writing tip

Use bullet points to make your work history more readable. Bullets make it easy for hiring managers to quickly scan and understand your role and contributions. Keep each bullet point concise and focused, emphasizing measurable results and specific responsibilities.

Entry-level work experience example:

Volunteer Coordinator

Local Food Bank | Hebron, IN | May 2022 – Present

Coordinated food distribution efforts, serving over 200 families each week.
Led a fundraising event that raised $5,000, exceeding the target by 20%.
Organized and scheduled volunteer shifts, managing a team of over 30 volunteers.

Step 5

Your education should play a key role

When you’re an entry-level applicant, your education section becomes even more important. After all, with limited work experience, you should lean into other activities, some of which you pursued during your academic career.

Look at this as an opportunity to showcase your academic achievements and the skills you’ve gained during your studies.

Ultimately, your educational credentials should be presented in the following order:

Graduate or postgraduate degrees
Undergraduate education
High school education — leave this out if you’ve finished your college degree
Certificates

In addition to the standard info, entry-level applicants might want to consider including the following to boost their chances:

Relevant coursework: Highlight specific courses that are directly related to the job or industry you’re targeting.
Research experience: If you have participated in research projects, mention the areas of research and your contributions.
Capstone projects: If you completed a capstone project or a thesis as part of your academic program, cite the topic, your role and any notable outcomes or findings.
GPA (if strong): If your Grade Point Average (GPA) is above average (3.0 or higher), you may choose to include it in your education section.

Entry-level education example:

Education

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN | 2023
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Capstone Project: Developed and executed a comprehensive marketing strategy for a local small business, resulting in a 15% increase in customer engagement.

Step 6

Add one or two optional resume sections

Entry-level job seekers may lack extensive work experience in the industry — but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull together a great resume. Adding extra sections is one way to get around the experience gap.

To take your resume to the next level, you should consider adding categories like:

Foreign languages: In a globalized world, being multilingual can be a valuable asset. If you speak additional languages, especially ones relevant to the industry, mention them. This showcases your versatility and potential for collaboration with international teams or customers.
Volunteer work: If you’ve volunteered in any capacity — like community outreach programs, educational initiatives or nonprofit events — it’s worth mentioning on your resume. It shows you’re passionate and proactive about your field, even when you aren’t getting paid.
Hobbies and interests: Include hobbies if they’re relevant to your career. For instance, perhaps you are an avid guitarist, showcasing your creativity and passion for music. Or maybe you enjoy hiking and have completed several challenging trails, highlighting your endurance and determination. These unique details can make your resume more engaging and memorable to potential employers.

Writing tip

If you have received any honors and awards as an entry-level applicant, such as “Outstanding Intern of the Year” or “Student Leader of the Month,” it’s important to showcase them in a separate section of your resume.

By the way, you should choose a resume template that matches your job title and industry.

There are a ton of templates available to you — from professional designs appropriate for any field to bold and colorful creative templates great for career paths in entertainment or design. Ultimately, select a template that resonates with you.

Alternatively, you can download a resume template for Microsoft Word or Google Docs. But don’t forget that the final goal is to make a well-organized and easy-to-read resume for potential employers.

Entry-level resume examples by job title

A brilliant starting point for creating your entry-level resume is by checking out examples designed for your target role. Here are three examples of different entry-level positions to motivate you and guide you on your journey.

Entry-level digital producer resume

Create your resume

What makes this a great entry-level resume example?

Features a two-column design
The resume’s two-column layout effectively showcases skills, balancing visual appeal with functional organization. This design clearly separates the sections so that skills and experience stand out.
Starts with a career objective
Starting with a career objective that clearly defines digital media goals provides a focused introduction. It immediately informs employers of the candidate’s aspirations and areas of interest in digital media.
Education is highlighted
Featuring education prominently, including a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing, is crucial for an entry-level candidate. It puts academic achievements at the forefront, which is important when professional experience is limited.

Entry-level web developer resume

Create your resume

What makes this a great entry-level resume example?

Includes a Summary of Qualifications
The Summary of Qualifications showcases a range of skills, from Google Drive to A/B testing provides a comprehensive view of the candidate’s abilities.
Design is well-organized
A clean and focused design makes for a more readable resume. By eliminating clutter, the resume allows key points, such as relevant skills and experiences, to be easily noticed.
Work history section shows progress
Displaying a work history that shows progression from an internship to freelance work, and then to a full-time design role, effectively demonstrates career growth and development.

Entry-level customer service resume

Create your resume

What makes this a great entry-level resume example?

Skills section is organized
Breaking skills into specific section headers like communication, problem-solving and attention to detail allows for quick scanning by hiring managers.
Combination of hard and soft skills
Including both hard skills, like data entry, and soft skills, such as having a positive personality, in the skills section presents a balanced candidate.
Includes action-oriented language
Using action verbs like “conducted” and “identified” to start bullet points adds dynamism and clarity. This approach highlights achievements and responsibilities effectively.

Including a cover letter with your entry-level resume

Create your cover letter

At the start of your professional journey, a well-written cover letter can be your secret weapon.

Entry-level applicants often vying for a position with many other job seekers. A compelling cover letter offers you the unique opportunity to distinguish yourself from the crowd. It provides a space to explain the unique situations that have shaped your career trajectory which may not have found a place in your resume.

Maybe you’ve pursued a particular project during your academic years that’s relevant to the job, or you have a genuine passion for the field you’re seeking to enter. Our guide on how to write a cover letter will help you put these words on the page.

When you’re ready to write, take a look at our field-tested cover letter samples. Our tips on how to format your cover letter will also guarantee your application looks professional and organized.

If you’re worried about making mistakes, you’re not alone! You can always use our Cover Letter Generator. It generates sentences that are just right for entry-level jobs. You can also change it to make sure it sounds like you and talks about your best achievements.

P.S. Don’t forget to proofread your resume and cover letter before you submit your application!

Let’s review what you’ve learned as we wrap up.

Key takeaways for your entry-level resume

Tailor your resume for each job
Never turn in a generic resume. You should always read the job description closely and craft your resume to meet the requirements.
Emphasize your education
An entry-level applicant’s educational background plays a vital role in demonstrating your knowledge, skills and dedication.
Focus on transferable skills
Whether you’re coming from a different industry or straight out of school, hone in on the skills that transfer into the target job.
Include volunteer work
Mention any volunteer work or community involvement that showcases your passion and commitment to causes related to your field.
Highlight achievements and awards
If you have received any honors, awards or recognition, create a separate section to showcase them.
Proofread and edit carefully
Ensure your resume is free from grammatical errors and typos by asking a trusted friend, family member or mentor to review it.
Add a game-changing cover letter
Cover letters can truly set you apart, especially when there’s a large pool of applicants for an entry-level position.

Commonly asked question about resume writing

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.