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If you're staring a new career, returning to the workforce after an extended absence, or looking for your first job, preparing a resume can seem like an intimidating task. You may not feel you have the experience you need to land the job you want, but don't sell yourself short! Experience comes in many different forms. Here are a few tips for constructing an impressive resume even if you don't have a long string of prestigious jobs under your belt.

1. Be honest.

Make sure every word on your resume is factually true. Constructing a resume is about calling attention to your strengths and achievements, not fabricating credentials. Employers can and do fact-check job candidates, and even a little white lie will cost you a potential job.

2. Get creative.

When considering what "experience" you have, don't limit yourself to formal jobs you have held. The goal of a resume is to convince an employer that you have the skills needed for the position, so think of activities you have done that use those skills. If you are applying for a job that requires leadership skills, then things like coaching a youth sports team, directing a community theater production, or coordinating a volunteer project are all excellent resume builders.

Another employer-favorite is "communication skills". Most jobs emphasize verbal communication to some extent, so play that up in your job descriptions by describing your interactions with customers and coworkers. Activities like debate and drama are good to list as well. When it comes to written communication skills, even informal writing activities at sites like Helium.com are a potential resume item.

3. Be specific.

Once you have built a general resume, use it as a guide for making job-specific resumes. Find out which skills a particular employer is most interested in, and then think about how each of your job, volunteer, or academic activities required those skills. For example, if you are applying for a job that requires computer use, try to list all the computer-oriented tasks you did at each activity, even if they were not the bulk of your duties. Describe specific programs you used and how you used them.

4. Don't forget the present!

You can't control the amount of experience already have, but you can take a step in the right direction by enrolling in a class, taking an internship, or volunteering now. Employers will appreciate that you are actively trying to increase your skills.

Learn more about this author, Raven Lebeau.
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