Can You Get Hired Without a Resume?
It’s possible to get hired without a resume, especially if it’s for an entry-level position or an online job. Still, it’s important to still have a resume, anyway—even if you don’t have any previous jobs to write about yet. Professional resume writers can help you craft the best resume to land your first job–find a list of the best ones on The Jub.
Getting Hired Without a Resume
Knowing how to describe yourself on a resume can be intimidating when you’re not sure what to say (or don’t have much to say at all). Luckily, several jobs don’t require a resume; you can get a position simply by applying. Examples include retail and restaurant staff, customer service representatives, warehouse workers, and other odd jobs. If you’re opting to proceed with these types of jobs, here are some tips to help you get hired without a resume:
Look for Jobs Online
Many online jobs ask applicants to complete an online application form, which rids the need for a resume. That said, these applications will likely ask for details you’d write on a resume, so it’d be helpful to have one on hand.
Network
Ask friends, community members, college alumni, or members of your professional associations for contacts or advice that can lead to job interviews. These types of meetings often skip the need for the resume, as you’ll already have a good word in.
Create a Portfolio
If you’re in the creative field, having a portfolio is an effective way to promote your skills. Build your portfolio and display it on a website or social media, and link this to your email or letter when you’re applying for a job.
Why Resumes Are Important
Having a document that concisely highlights your value can land you better, higher-paying opportunities and lead you to a more defined career path. Here are some reasons why you should still write a resume:
Better Job Opportunities
Employers use your resume to evaluate your fit in a role, allowing them to provide you with an opportunity that best fits your current capabilities and your potential to grow.
Higher Pay
If recruiters see that you have certifications and distinctions on your resume, even those achieved outside of a work environment (e.g. from school), then you can automatically be launched to a higher pay grade.
Clearer Career Path
A resume is a record of where you’ve been, and it can give you insights into the progression of your career. It’s good to keep updating it as you move from one job to the next and use it to evaluate where you can improve and what you want to do.
How to Improve Your Resume
Most fresh graduates don’t have resumes because they have little to no experience–but you can still get hired without any past work, and your first few jobs can become the starting point for an impressive resume. Here are some tips to get you started:
Look for an Entry-Level Job
Entry-level jobs are the earliest positions you can take, and don’t expect applicants to possess years of professional experience. At the very least, they require a certain level of education or a set of skills. Focus your search on these while you’re still bulking up your resume.
Take Educational Courses
Taking education opportunities can help you build skills and qualifications to help you land a better job. You can obtain a certificate, take courses, or even pursue a degree. There are plenty of options nowadays; you can even earn all of your credits online!
Get Some Experience
Experience, as written on your resume, doesn’t only have to be contracted jobs. You can also build experience through internships and volunteer opportunities. These can help you familiarize yourself with your field, hone industry-specific tasks, and understand day-to-day tasks.
In Conclusion
While you can get hired without a resume, it’s still best to have one on hand as something that you can keep updating while you gain more education and experience and move up the career ladder. Check out The Jub’s career resources to learn how to write the best resume!
Author: Becky is a contributor for theJub. She’s a writing and talent acquisition specialist who loves to apply her skills through creative writing and editing.
