Kareen Cox

For many students leaving high school or university, and entering the work force for the first time, crafting a résumé that will appeal to employers can be a challenge. Most employers are looking for employees with significant work experience, so those without this vital ingredient tend to be at a disadvantage. Despite this setback, though, there is a way to attract employers to your résumé, even if it's short on work experience.

Focus on building a résumé that highlights your skills, instead of work experience. A skills-based résumé emphasises your most important skills, supported by specific examples of how you have used them, while at school or within your community. This type of résumé allows you to use any part of your life history to support your ability to do the job you want. Bear in mind that the skills and corresponding activities you choose to highlight must be attractive to a hiring manager, and must match the skills competencies required for the job.

Below is an example of a skills-based résumé.

The skills-based résumé is appropriate not only for entry-level workers with limited work experience, but also for those who are changing careers or those who have been unemployed for long periods of time. Showcasing your skills gives you the opportunity to highlight your wide range of abilities, while at the same time demonstrating how you can significantly contribute to the business of potential employers.

Kareen Cox is the Resources Coordinator in the Career Development Services Department, HEART Trust/NTA. Email: Career writerkareen.Cox@gmail.com