How to Write Your First Resume (Even Without Job Experience)
If you're entering the job market for the first time, you might be unsure where to begin, especially when it comes to writing your resume. You have likely heard that a resume should highlight your work experience and the skills you have gained from previous jobs. But what if you haven't had one yet?
No worries. In this post, we will show you how to build a strong resume from scratch by focusing on three key elements that can help you stand out — even without paid work experience.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is a brief introduction that outlines your career goals and highlights the strengths you bring to the table. It's a great place to showcase soft skills — like communication, leadership, or teamwork — that make you a strong candidate, even without formal job experience.
Think of moments when you took initiative or made an impact. Maybe you organized a community service event with your church or other organization or played a key role in student leadership in school. These experiences demonstrate valuable, transferable skills that employers look for. You can also mention a standout achievement that aligns with your career interests, such as leading a successful fundraiser or coordinating a group project.
The goal? Show how you can contribute to the employer's success — not just what you hope to gain if you are offered the job.
Volunteer Work and Extracurricular Activities
Even if your experience was unpaid (internships, volunteer, etc.), it's still valuable. Volunteer work, clubs and school extracurriculars, and roles in community organizations can all demonstrate important skills and strong work ethic — qualities employers care about.
Think about the roles you have had in school or in your community. Were you part of a service-oriented club like Key Club? Maybe you helped organize events, coordinated volunteers, delegated tasks, or reached out to local businesses for donations. These are real-world responsibilities that show leadership, communication, and initiative.
Be sure to list these experiences on your resume. Not only do they highlight transferable skills, but they also show that you're proactive and engaged — someone who is willing to contribute and take on responsibility, even without a paycheck.
Education
Your education section is more than just a list of schools and graduation dates — it's an opportunity to highlight relevant coursework and academic projects that support your career goals. Employers often view educational experience as a substitute for job experience, especially for entry-level roles.
If you're aiming for a career in graphic design, mention the design classes you have taken, the software you have learned (like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop), and any creative projects you have completed. Interested in business or finance? Highlight your accounting, economics, or budgeting coursework and how it applies to real-world scenarios.
The key is to connect your academic experience to the skills and knowledge needed in your desired field. Show employers that your classroom learning has prepared you to contribute from day one.
Final Thoughts: Stay Positive and Use Your Resources
Writing your first resume and applying for jobs can feel overwhelming — but it's also a chance to grow, learn, and take control of your future. Keeping a positive attitude is key. Every application you submit is a step forward, and every experience — paid or unpaid — adds value to your journey.
About Ticket to Work
Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI and/or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.
You don't have to navigate this process alone. Social Security's Ticket to Work Program offers free support to help you succeed. Whether you connect with an Employment Network (EN) or your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, you can access services like help with resume writing and review, interview preparation, and even skills training. And once you land a job, ENs continue to provide support to help you adjust to the workplace and thrive in your new role.
With the right mindset and the right tools, you will be more than ready to take this next step. Your first resume is just the beginning.
Get Support that Works for You
Starting your job search can feel overwhelming — but you don't have to do it alone. Whether you are writing your first resume or exploring career options, the Ticket Program offers free resources to help you move forward with confidence.
Interested in learning more? Join a free Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar to hear from experts about the Ticket Program. Each session highlights how service providers — like ENs and VR agencies — can help you reach your career goals.
Support is available, and it's designed to help you succeed.
Learn More
To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov. You can also email us at TicketToWork@ssa.gov.
If you are interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We will send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment, and notify you about the latest webinar. We hope you will find this way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.
