Entering the workforce with limited work experience after raising a family or recently graduating from school can present challenges especially in how to present your resume. One can spend so much time dedicated to their studies and preparing for the workforce.  However, figuring out what to put on a resume is a different matter entirely. Furthermore, there is key important information that one can present even with limited work experience. The trick is to read the job descriptions really carefully and put yourself in the hiring managers shoes to determine what is most relevant to them. From that point, you can think about the types of life experiences you have that are in line.

Presenting Limited Work Experience

Everyone has to start somewhere in their professional career. Whether you were raising a family, going to school, or pursuing something else other than your career, there are experiences you can highlight. Think about your coursework in school. You can emphasize some experiential project work you focused on. Consider what we’re learning and what skills you demonstrated throughout that process. Highlight important courses you took and how they relate to the current positions you are applying for. Did you study abroad offering you the opportunity to communicate with and learn from a diverse group of people?

During your time raising your family, were you involved in school fund raising, acting as a member of the PTA or did you have other involvement within the school? Consider your accomplishments outside of the workforce and compare that to the skills required for the role. Then you can develop a plan on how to position yourself.

Community Involvement and Other Relevant Experience

Think about your involvement in the community, any leadership you demonstrated. In focusing on community involvement, what was your role and some of your achievements? In fact, this will show important skills, your commitment to giving back and provide a prospective employer with a sense of your values. Are you the member of an athletic organization? Being the member of a team demonstrates the ability to collaborate, teamwork and discipline. Give thought to examples of how you have showcased those skills. Perhaps you participated in an internship in relation to the current field you are pursuing. It is important to take internship opportunities seriously. Sometimes they can result in placement into an associate role.

For example, a career profile is an important section to give insight into your relevant experience. Even with limited work experience, your focus can be on certain life accomplishment and skills that you demonstrated. If given careful thought and consideration, even with limited work experience, one can come up with a number of relevant examples. Think about community outreach, coursework, leadership experience and project work. Be creative in your approach. If you still have difficulty in determining how to present yourself on a resume, a professional resume writer may be just what you need. Effective career coaches and resume writers will know how to position your strengths and achievements to showcase you in the best light. In fact, a strong resume is vital to opening up doors in a new direction.