Finding a job in a competitive market can be difficult. Adding to the difficulty is the tendency of some employers to only consider applicants with previous job experience. If you are trying to find a job with little work experience, write a functional style resume that shows your strengths and skills without focusing on job experience. Even if you have never been paid for a job or have been out of the workforce for years, you still have life experiences that you can include on your functional resume.
Step 1
Use a word processing program to begin writing your functional resume. Put your name and contact information at the very top of the page, either centered or justified to the right. Include your physical address, email address and at least one phone number. Do not list your birthday or your age.
Step 2
Type the words "Objective Statement" in bold type two spaces below your name and contact information. An objective statement explains to a prospective employer what type of job you are looking for. When writing an objective statement, either keep your statement very general or change your statement to mirror the type of job for which you are applying.
Step 3
Space down two spaces on your resume and type the word "Leadership Skills" in bold. Under the heading, briefly list three or four situations where you demonstrated leadership abilities or were in charge of programs. Include volunteer committees you have chaired, clubs or organizations in which you held an office or events you coordinated. The skills you demonstrated during these non-paying jobs show the employer that although you may not have on-the-job experience, you do have life experiences that translate well into the work environment.
Step 4
Begin a section called "Interpersonal or Communication Skills." Include situations where your communication skills motivated or helped another person. If you were involved with young students and motivated the students to perform better, list that experience. If you gave speeches during college, include that skill. Write that you communicate effectively with people of all ages, genders and life experiences if that is a strength of yours. Indicate if you can speak a second language.
Step 5
Make a list of your office skills under the "Office Skills" section of your resume. Include computer proficiencies, filing abilities and software familiarities. Even if you have never worked in an office, you most likely have knowledge of some office equipment and procedures. List any specialized understanding of complex switchboards or if you can type quickly.
Step 6
Begin an education section on your resume. List your highest and most recent degree first. If you just graduated with your MBA, put that degree before your Bachelor's degree. Even if you do not have a college degree, list any college you attended, honors and recognition you received or training certificates you hold.
Step 7
Finish your resume by including any work experience you have. Title this section either "Work Experience" or "Professional Experience." Do not explain your job function, but list the name of the company, your official title and your dates of employment. Begin with the most recent job you held. Include any internships positions you held. If you are reentering the workforce after a long absence, include a line explaining your absence from the workforce. If you stayed home with children for several years, write the dates and an explanation.
Tips and Warnings
- Change the skill section titles to match your personal abilities. Use an easily readable font type and size. Include references on a separate piece of paper. When mailing your resume, print your resume on white or ivory colored paper. Meet with a career counselor for tips and advice on finding a job.
- Make certain your dates of employment and education are correct.
Things You'll Need
- Word processing program
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