5 must-haves for every entry-level resume

It’s not always easy to tell whom the best candidate is for a job based on just the resume. There is so much more to a person beyond their resume. But on the flip side, it’s very easy to tell who isn’t right for the job by that same resume. You only get once chance for a first impression, so let’s make sure it’s a good one. Our staffing experts at Creative Financial Staffing (CFS) share their must-haves for an entry-level resume.

Let’s get back to the basics:

1. Header

“Believe it or not contact information is commonly left off a resume. Right below your name, be sure to include your address, phone number, and email address,” explains Tammy Power, Staffing Manager at CFS. Whoever reads your resumes needs to know how to get a hold of you!

You also need to be certain that your email address is professional. Sorry, but hottie1234@email.com screams immature. Your voicemail recording should also be appropriate. BONUS: add your LinkedIn URL as a part of your header. It’s not necessary at an entry-level position, but it helps establish your professionalism.

2. Professional Summary

List a brief summary of you relevant experience, notable accomplishments, and the value you can bring to potential employers. Brief is the key word here. Don’t make it so lengthy and wordy that the reader can’t make it through the whole summary. Only include something if it directly relates to the job you are applying.

3. Education

Make sure to not only list where you got your degree from, but also what type of degree you received. When reading a resume, Dianna Kingcade, Staffing Consultant at CFS, always asks herself, “Do they have the correct degree for the job? Does their education meet the minimum standard?” If not, don’t be surprised if you don’t get a call.

4. Work History

For an entry-level position, you might not have a lot of relevant work experience- and that’s okay. Make sure you do list the positions that are relatable to the job you are applying. Include the aspects of the job that make you qualified for the role. If you include a position that isn’t relevant, a one-liner that lists the position is all you need.

5. Key Words

“Look for key words in the job description and make sure they are on your resume so it can be selected,” advises Stacy Forrester, Managing Director of Recruiting at CFS. Add these keywords into your objective and bullet points. This is especially important when an applicant tracking systems screens your resume.