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Resume Tips & Guides

Practical advice for students and first-time job seekers. No fluff, no jargon - just what actually works.

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Tips5 min read

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.

Guides4 min readMarch 2026

How to Write a Resume When You Have No Experience

Everyone starts somewhere. Here's how to build a compelling resume even if you've never had a paid job before.

Resources3 min readFebruary 2026

150+ Strong Action Verbs for Your Resume

Replace weak phrases like 'responsible for' and 'helped with' with these powerful action verbs organized by skill category.

Industry Guides4 min readFebruary 2026

Writing a Resume for Retail and Food Service Jobs

Applying to Target, McDonald's, Starbucks, or a local restaurant? Here's exactly what to include and how to frame your experience.

Cover Letters3 min readJanuary 2026

Cover Letter Basics: What to Write When You Don't Know What to Write

A cover letter doesn't have to be long or complicated. Here's a simple formula that works for almost any job application.

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Resume questions, answered

How long should a resume be for a first job?

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.

What do I put on a resume if I have no experience?

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.

What is an ATS and does my resume need to pass it?

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.

Should I include a resume objective or summary?

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.'

What file format should I submit my resume in?

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.