Creating your very first resume can be a confusing endeavor. What do you include? What do you leave out? How do you pad it out and make it look impressive with a very short list of work experiences?

These are all valid questions. However, there’s a way to create a resume that will put the focus on your skills, not your lack of experience.

How to Build Your Resume from Scratch

If you can show that you can put together a competent document, that’s half the battle. Recruiters are always impressed with resumes that do all the right things – show off your skills and how you’re right for the job.

1. Choose the Right Style with a Resume Template

Since you’re just starting out in the career world, you need to choose a style that highlights what you bring to the table, not what you’re lacking.

For this reason, choose a resume template that puts your education front and center, especially if you have an advanced degree. Or, choose to highlight your experience and skills if your education is lacking.

2. Highlight Skills Earned Through Multiple Avenues

When you’re working on listing your credentials, don’t neglect to add skill-building opportunities that gave you a chance to be responsible. Just because you may not have earned a wage doesn’t make these experiences less valuable.

For instance, include relevant volunteer work, after-school programs, clubs, and teams. If you developed skills that make you a good candidate, include them – it’s what hiring managers and recruiters want to see.

3. Divide and Conquer

When writing your resume, you need to organize it into sections. For instance, outline your education, experience, and skills in different areas. List the most important of these first – whatever is most relevant to the job you’re after.

4. Use Action Verbs

When describing what you did on a job or skill-building opportunity, don’t be vague. Instead of saying “ran the cashier and helped customers” when describing your retail job, really outline the skills you used while carrying out these duties.

For instance, you might say, “operated a cash register and managed money to help the company meet daily sales goals.”

5. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

This cannot be stressed enough: Proofread your resume. Check for grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and other mishaps. You’ll hear it over and over again, but it matters. Cleaning up your resume shows your attention to detail, professionalism, and care.

6. Use a Resume Builder

If you feel like a fish out of water when sitting down to be a resume creator, think about enlisting some help. Get some assistance from an online resume builder and save time and stress.

Being a first-time resume creator can be daunting, but you don’t have to jump in without any guidance. Rely on tips and tricks like these, and you’ll be on your way to getting the job and moving up on your career journey.