Writing your first resume

How do I write my first resume when I have never made one before?

Start by collecting facts, not by opening a template. Write down everything you have done in the last few years: your studies, projects, part-time or holiday work, volunteering, clubs, awards, languages and software you can use. Then turn that list into a short document with clear headings.

A simple order for a first resume:

  • Contact details: name, phone with country code, professional email, city and country.
  • A two- or three-line profile saying what you are studying or have studied and what kind of role you want.
  • Education, with your degree or school qualification, institution and dates.
  • Projects, internships or work experience, with one to three bullets each.
  • Skills and languages.

Write bullet points that start with an action verb and say what you did. Example: "Organised a charity book sale that sold over 300 donated books." Keep it to one page, read it aloud to catch mistakes, and ask someone you trust to check it before you send it.

Reviewed · by the ResumeBuilder.ae editorial team

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Templates to try

Free to edit and preview. Single-column layouts are the safest choice for applicant tracking systems.

Student Resume

Single column

Use this template: Student Resume

Graduate Resume

Single column

Use this template: Graduate Resume

ATS Classic

Single column

Use this template: ATS Classic

General guidance for job seekers, not legal or immigration advice. Employers and applicant tracking systems differ, so always follow the instructions in the job advert. Spotted a mistake? Email support@jobb.ae.

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