Advice & Resources

7 Things to Know Before Writing Your First Resume

Preparing your first résumé can be a daunting task: You've got little work history to share and you're unsure about what else you need to include. Ultimately, it's important to convey your skills and eagerness to land your first job to employers, say experts. Most employers won't expect you to be an expert and are just looking for a concisely written one-page sheet that accurately shows off your skills and potential.

Putting together a résumé can take longer than you think. Make sure to gather appropriate materials and take several weeks to think about the message you're trying to convey. "Résumé writing is so much more than just a listing of information," says Wendy Enelow, author of "College Grad Résumés to Land $75,000+ Jobs."

Here are seven things to keep in mind before putting together your first résumé:

Qualified or Entitled?

Companies are looking for qualified candidates that will bring something to the table and help their businesses move forward. Beyond a college degree, you will need to show prior experience, concrete skills, emotional intelligence, tenacity and a myriad of other factors.