Getting your first job can be difficult especially if you don't have any professional experience in your resume. However, not having professional experience does not mean you should have an uninteresting resume. We have organised a list of activities that can make your resume more appealing to future employers:

1. Soft Skills

Soft skills are interpersonal (people) skills. It includes communication and listening skills, being adaptable, having empathy, time management among others. Employers are looking for people who have initiative and willingness to learn, and who have had experiences that demonstrate this type of skills. Don’t be afraid to list skills that you haven’t used in a professional setting. If you have learned about them in school or if you have practised these skills during an extracurricular activity, list them!

2. Education, Training and Certification

You need to show companies you have a skill set that can be used in the performance of work duties. Languages, computer proficiency, technical courses, undergraduate courses and any other course that you have taken and that is relevant to the professional environment is a good way to differentiate yourself from your peers.

3. Extracurricular activities, sports and clubs

You can list anything you are passionate about and that shows your positive attitude and aptitude for the job you’re applying for. It could be playing a musical instrument, playing sports, participating in clubs etc. List all relevant activities in your resume and include a brief description of them.

4. Volunteer work

If you’ve done volunteer work in a related or adjacent industry to the one you’re trying to get into, or in a role that had a similar work environment, a Volunteer Experience can speak volumes to potential employers about what they can expect from you in the workplace.

5. Internships

The importance of internships is undeniable. They provide an opportunity to fill experience gaps and gain new professional skills. It is an investment in your professional career. Many internships are unpaid but students get a much better reward – the precious experience they’re lacking!

Extra tip: Make sure you tailor your resume to specific positions. Maintain consistent tense, style and font and take the time to proofread your writing. Ask someone to read your resume, this can help identify typos and errors.

Having no work experience doesn't mean you are underqualified. By following our tips, you will be able to put together an attractive curriculum that will reinforce your skills and knowledge and further increase your chances of securing your first job!