10 Resume Tips That Actually Get You Hired
The most common resume mistakes first-time job seekers make - and exactly how to fix them. From action verbs to formatting, these tips apply to every resume.
Practical advice for students and first-time job seekers. No fluff, no jargon - just what actually works.
The most common resume mistakes first-time job seekers make - and exactly how to fix them. From action verbs to formatting, these tips apply to every resume.
Everyone starts somewhere. Here's how to build a compelling resume even if you've never had a paid job before.
Replace weak phrases like 'responsible for' and 'helped with' with these powerful action verbs organized by skill category.
Applying to Target, McDonald's, Starbucks, or a local restaurant? Here's exactly what to include and how to frame your experience.
A cover letter doesn't have to be long or complicated. Here's a simple formula that works for almost any job application.
One page. For students and entry-level applicants, a single page is the standard. Hiring managers spend 7 seconds on a first scan — make every line count.
Focus on education, skills, volunteer work, school projects, and extracurriculars. These all count as relevant experience for entry-level roles. The WeGetEmployed builder has a dedicated 'First Resume' path that guides you through exactly this.
ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software many companies use to filter resumes before a human sees them. To pass ATS: use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills), avoid tables and graphics, and mirror keywords from the job description.
For first-time job seekers, a 2-3 sentence summary at the top is helpful. Lead with what you offer, not what you want. Example: 'Motivated high school graduate with 8 months of retail experience seeking a customer service role.'
PDF is the safest choice for most applications — it preserves formatting across all devices. Some employers specifically request Word (.docx), so always check the job listing. WeGetEmployed exports both formats for free.
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