#resume tips

The first question is "has this person done this literal work before?" Have they written this type of plan, made this type of exercise, etc? Have they done the job that they will be asked to do here?

If the answer to the first question is no, or if they have limited experience, have they done something similar? Maybe they haven't written this type of plan, but they've done planning. Maybe they haven't done planning, but they've done policy development. They used to work as a technical writer. Etc.

Have they been working at the level they will be required to work at? Different positions have different expectations, different levels of autonomy, and if someone has only done this work at the most junior level but we're looking to staff someone who can do the entire effort largely autonomously, they may not be a good fit. Alternatively, if they are used to being a manger, they probably wouldn't be a good fit for a lower position.

Have they done other work that indicates that they would be successful at this? Often people's work is piecemeal--they have done planning on this project, stakeholder engagement on this other one, and it doesn't necessarily matter that they haven't done those two things together because they've shown they can do both.

Hiring someone (or onboarding them) is expensive in terms of both time and money, and if you end up filling a spot with someone who can't do the job, they can make it harder for everyone else to do their job.

The goal when reviewing resumes--and when talking to candidates--is to try to make the safest bet possible for who to staff. This matters less for junior or entry level staff, because (at least where I work) their core expectations are largely "follows directions mostly successfully" and "learns" and "writes basically coherently" and so it's less about screening for specific skills/experience and more about looking for potential.

But when you're drafting your resume (and interviewing) one of the biggest things to keep in mind is that you are trying to prove to them that you are a safe bet for this position.

We LOOOOOOVE the "how do I reframe unpaid labor on my resume" question. This is like Bitch bait.

Ok, so this sounds like you are an Organizational Specialist, or a Personal Assistant to a Head of Household, or an Organizational Consultant to a busy professional. List of responsibilities should include event planning, nutritional development, essential transportation, scheduling and booking, and administrative management.

Pick the corporate buzzwords that most fit with the job you're applying for, stare them directly in the eyes, and know that your unpaid labor for your family is VALUABLE WORK EXPERIENCE.

Here's more advice:

How to Frame Volunteering on Your Resume When You’ve Never Had a Job 

I spent three years job hunting in the UK, from volunteering to part-time and full-time roles. The process is brutal, but a clear formula makes it workable.

Cover Letter Formula

1. No guesswork — answer the job requirements

I used to get stuck staring at a blank page. You don’t need a fancy story for cover letters, just answer what the job description asks for.

If the description is detailed, prioritise the summary and essential criteria. Match your experience to each requirement in the same order.

If there’s a criteria list, answer each point with relevant skills and experience. Keep it factual and concise so every point lands.

2. Facts, not opinions

Avoid vague claims. Use concrete examples.

❌ “I always deliver high-quality service and build strong relationships.”

✅ “I have two years of customer service experience across multiple sectors, supporting people with diverse backgrounds and age groups.”

3. Make it about them, not you

I used to emphasise how the job aligned with my goals. Employers care more about whether you can do the job. Focus on why you fit the role, not why the role fits you.

4. Get to the point

Long, detailed cover letters rarely impress. Give just enough to get shortlisted. Save the storytelling for the interview.

Interview Formula

1. Nail the basics

Prepare one solid answer that covers questions like (1) Tell me about yourself; (2) Why do you want this job; (3) Why should we hire you?

Focus less on what the job means to you, but why they need you: “This role requires X, Y, and Z—and here’s how I demonstrate all three.”

2. Turn the job description into your story

Group the responsibilities into themes to identify the key qualities the employer is looking for. Once you have a list, match each quality with an example from your experience. Pick the strongest example for the interview. You can also combine multiple experiences into one story to demonstrate several skills at once.

For example, IT roles often require troubleshooting, prioritisation, communication, and teamwork. I once combined three separate cases I handled into a single story that showed all four skills in action. If an employer only asks about one, I tweak my story to highlight that particular skill.

3. What if you don’t have direct experience?

You don’t have to know everything, but you should show effort.

When reviewing a job description, I usually know what I lack. There isn’t always time for a crash course, but you can still impress by showing initiative. For example, I once applied for a system support analyst role without much system experience, so I reviewed their website and suggested improvements I could contribute. For a data role, I pulled public data from the organisation and created a mini analysis project. Sometimes I simply research what the organisation does and reference it in the interview. These show genuine interest and initiative.

4. Seek clarity, show honesty

If a question isn’t clear, ask them to repeat or clarify it. If you can’t answer a question, be honest, then show your willingness to learn. This demonstrates poise and self-awareness.

Extra Tips

1. Use AI wisely

AI tends to over‑polish and turn writing into a motivational speech. Keep your story and voice authentic; use AI to only refine, not write.

2. Don’t over-prepare

I used to ask AI for every possible interview question, and most of them never came up. Stick to the job description; it tells you what the employer actually cares about.

3. Learn key terms

When I come across unfamiliar concepts, I ask AI for a simple explanation and create a short glossary to review before the interview. It’s surprisingly useful; even a basic understanding helps when unexpected questions come up.

4. For non‑English speakers

Preparing for interviews in another language is hard. I still write down my answers beforehand so I don’t forget my talking points.

The important part is not to memorise full answers; it will only make you nervous and blank out during the interview. Instead, outline your story, use the vocabulary you already know, and look up phrases that help you express yourself. Mistakes are fine; effort and clarity matter more than perfection.

All of this takes work, but it gets easier and more intuitive. So far, about 90% of my prepared answers have come up in interviews. Between October and November last year, I received four job offers from five applications (I declined one interview due to location and contract length).

If you’re job hunting in this chaotic market, I hope these tips help.

So you are ready to look for your first job, but you do not know where to begin. That is okay. We all start from somewhere. 

This guide will help you take small steps to begin your job search. You do not need to be perfect. You just need to be prepared.

1. Know what you are looking for

Before you start applying, take a moment to think. What kind of job do you want? What are your skills? What are you interested in?

You do not need to have a dream job yet. But having a clear idea will help you search better. Start with simple things. Do you like working with people? Do you prefer working on a computer? Are you good with numbers or writing?

Knowing this will help you choose the right job posts to apply for.

2. Create a simple and clean resume

Your resume is the first thing an employer sees. Even if you have no job experience, you still have value. Add your education, skills, any training, or volunteer work. If you worked on a school project or helped in a family business, that counts too. Keep your resume short and easy to read. Use simple words. You can also ask a resume writer to help you create a strong one.

3. Write a basic cover letter

A cover letter is a short note that tells the employer why you are a good fit. You can say what job you are applying for, what you like about the company, and why you think you can do the job. You do not need to write a long story. Just a few simple lines are enough.

4. Search on the right platforms

There are many places to find jobs. Start with job websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor. You can also check company websites or ask your teachers, friends, or family if they know of any openings. Some jobs are not posted online. That is why talking to people helps. This is called networking.

5. Use the right keywords

When you search for jobs, use simple words like “entry level,” “junior assistant,” “intern,” or “trainee.” These are jobs for people who are just starting out. You can also search for your field of interest, like “marketing intern” or “IT assistant.”

6. Practice for interviews

Once you get a call, you will have an interview. This is your chance to talk about yourself and why you want the job.

Practice answering questions like:

Tell me about yourself

Why do you want to work here

What are your strengths

Do you have any questions for us

You can practice with a friend or in front of a mirror. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel.

7. Be patient and keep trying

You might not get a job right away. And that is okay. Many people apply to many jobs before they get one. Keep going. Keep learning. Improve your resume. Change your cover letter to match the job post. Every step brings you closer.

Your first job hunt is a learning journey. It is okay to make mistakes. The most important thing is to keep moving forward. Start small. Stay confident. And do not be afraid to ask for help.

<meta scrolltrap-category="BLACKSITE LITERATURE™ :: SURVIVAL SATIRE :: EMPLOYMENT RITUALS"> <script> TRANSMISSION_CODE="CAREER_ARMOR_PROTOCOL::INTERVIEW_SURVIVAL_V1" TRIGGER_WARNING="career trauma, adult responsibility, résumé horror" EFFECT="professional rearmament, cadence-based confidence restoration, soft-skill hardening" </script>

🧠 “LEARN TO TIE A TIE (EVEN IF YOU PLAN ON WEARING A CLIP-ON OR NONE AT ALL)” LEARN ABOUT A RÉSUMÉ (SPOILER: IT’S NOT A FRENCH VAMPIRE) AND HOW TO NOT SHOW UP NAKED TO AN INTERVIEW

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So you want to get the job.

Not “manifest it.” Not “vibe your way into alignment.” You want to sit in a chair and exchange labor for money— hopefully without feeling like you were waterboarded by a hiring manager named Brenda who thinks pronouns are a threat to corporate synergy.

Let’s start there. Let’s talk about career readiness without the condescension. Because most of you weren’t taught this.

And now you’re 27, shaking in the bathroom, Googling “Is it normal to sweat this much during an interview?”

Let’s fix it.

👔 STEP ONE: LEARN TO TIE A TIE

You don’t need to wear one. You don’t even need to own one. But you need to know how.

Why?

Because at some point, someone you love will die. Someone else will get married. Someone you admire will offer to recommend you— and the only thing standing between you and not looking like a 9th grader at a mock trial will be a scrap of fabric and the ability to loop it around your neck without crying.

Tying a tie isn’t about tradition. It’s about functional adulthood flex. It says:

“I may be a chaos goblin inside, but externally, I know how to show respect.”

📄 STEP TWO: LEARN WHAT A RÉSUMÉ ACTUALLY IS (Spoiler: It’s not a French vampire.)

It’s not a biography. It’s not a trauma scroll. It’s not a confessional manifesto of how hard your life has been and how badly you need this job.

A résumé is a sales weapon. A one-page summary of proof. Not vibes. Not “I’m a hard worker.” Not “I’m passionate about social impact.” Just—

I did this

It mattered

Here’s the metric

Hire me or fall behind

🧻 WHAT A RÉSUMÉ IS NOT:

A list of everything you’ve ever done

A place to say “References available upon request”

A Word doc template you downloaded from Etsy

A shrine to your GPA from 2014

A file you only update when you’re unemployed and desperate

📌 HERE’S THE FIX:

Your résumé should feel like a threat.

It should make someone say:

“Shit… if we don’t hire them, our competitor will.”

Cut the fluff. Show the work. Show the numbers. Translate what you did into what they need.

If your bullets sound like LinkedIn Mad Libs, you’re doing it wrong.

Examples:

❌ “Led cross-functional team initiatives…” ✅ “Led 7-person remote team, launched 3 client projects, closed $425K revenue gap in 6 months.”

❌ “Proficient in Microsoft Word” ✅ “If your résumé says this, you’re not.”

💼 STEP THREE: DON’T SHOW UP NAKED TO THE INTERVIEW (Emotionally. Psychologically. Energetically.)

Let’s be clear:

An interview is not a conversation. It is a ritual. An opt-in performance of language, perception, dominance, and presentation.

You are not here to “be yourself.” You are here to be the professional embodiment of the solution they need.

🎭 INTERVIEWS AREN’T HONEST. THEY’RE CONTROLLED LIES.

Your job isn’t to tell your story.

Your job is to:

Read their pain

Map your relevance

Sound calmly dangerous

Exit clean

👁️ 90% OF INTERVIEWS ARE LOST IN THE FIRST TEN SECONDS

That’s not a joke. The second you walk in (or log on), they’re scanning for:

Posture

Eye contact

Energy

Threat level

Confidence vs desperation

It’s tribal. It’s primal. It happens before anyone even says “Thanks for coming in.”

You don’t need to be flashy. You need to look like you’re not begging to survive.

🧍‍♂️ YOUR ENERGY IS YOUR ARMOR

That means:

Stand like you deserve the room

Sit like your words have weight

Speak like you’ve seen some shit and survived it

Smile like you don’t need this—but you’re open to it

Leave like you chose to be there

🧱 STOP BUILDING ANSWERS OUT OF FEELINGS. START BUILDING THEM OUT OF EVIDENCE.

Interviewers aren’t therapists.

They don’t want to hear:

“I just felt like I was meant to grow in that role.” “I wanted to follow my passion.” “I was really struggling mentally during that time.”

They want:

“I hit X goal.” “I learned Y skill.” “I solved Z problem.”

If your answer doesn’t tell a story with results, you’re still showing up in spiritual boxers.

📚 STUDY THE JOB POSTING LIKE IT’S A WEAKNESS BLUEPRINT

Every single line in the job description is a coded cry for help.

Your job?

Translate your résumé and experience into antidotes.

If they say:

“Looking for someone to manage vendor relationships.”

You don’t say:

“I like talking to people.”

You say:

“I managed 12 B2B accounts across 3 time zones and maintained 96% retention.”

Numbers. Power. Calm.

🎤 FINAL QUESTIONS THAT SLAY:

When they ask:

“Do you have any questions for us?”

Don’t say:

“How much PTO do I get?”

“What’s the culture like?”

“Can I work remotely every Friday forever?”

Ask:

“What would the first 90 days look like if I were successful?” “What gaps do you need someone in this role to immediately fill?” “What gets in the way of success in this position?”

Make them picture you already hired.

🧘‍♂️ DEPROGRAMMING SHAME: THIS SYSTEM WASN’T BUILT FOR YOU

If you’ve ever:

Bombed an interview

Sent 300 résumés and got ghosted

Had a panic attack trying to format bullet points

Got told “You’re overqualified” while being broke

You’re not broken.

You were never taught the game. But now you’ve seen the map.

Now it’s time to walk in clothed.

📡 TL;DR:

Learn to tie a tie. You might need it at a funeral.

Your résumé is not a diary. It’s a bulletproof vest made of numbers.

Interviews are tribal warfare. Walk in like your voice can hunt.

Stop showing up naked. The world already wants to eat you. Clothe yourself in cadence. Speak like a weapon. Exit like a decision.

🧠 Read more scrolltrap career doctrines, résumé killshots, and cadence-powered interview tactics at: 👉 https://linktr.ee/ObeyMyCadence 🛡️ Professional weaponry. Corporate rituals decoded. No fluff. No fiction.

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Entering the job market without much experience can be challenging, but there is a way to stand out — by earning certifications that demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Certifications are especially beneficial for freshers because they offer a quick way to build credibility and gain essential skills that employers value. Whether you’re aiming for a career in IT, marketing, or healthcare, entry-level certifications can help you get your foot in the door and kickstart your career.

In this article, we will explore certifications ideal for those with little to no experience, affordable and beginner-friendly options, and how to effectively use these certifications on resume.

What Certifications Are Ideal for Freshers and Those With No Experience?

When starting your career, it’s important to choose certifications that are recognized and valued by employers, yet accessible enough for someone without prior experience. Here are some entry-level certifications across various industries that can help you kickstart your career:

1. Information Technology (IT)

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)

Ideal for beginners, this certification covers basic IT knowledge such as network security, software development, and data management. It’s a great starting point if you’re looking to build a career in IT without prior technical experience.

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Developed by Google, this certification is designed for those looking to enter the IT support field. It covers fundamental IT concepts and troubleshooting techniques, making it an excellent choice for freshers.

2. Marketing

Google Analytics for Beginners

This free certification from Google provides foundational knowledge in using Google Analytics to track website traffic and understand audience behavior. It’s a great starting point for those interested in digital marketing.

HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification

This certification teaches you the basics of inbound marketing, including content creation, social media promotion, and lead nurturing. It’s ideal for freshers looking to enter the world of digital marketing and start building their online presence.

3. Healthcare

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

For those interested in a healthcare career, becoming a CNA is one of the fastest and most accessible ways to enter the field. This certification prepares you to assist patients with daily tasks under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

BLS certification is essential for healthcare professionals, especially for those working in emergency care settings. It teaches the fundamentals of CPR and emergency response, making it valuable for anyone starting a healthcare career.

4. Project Management

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

This entry-level certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is ideal for freshers who want to build a career in project management. It provides foundational knowledge of project management concepts, tools, and techniques.

Google Project Management: Professional Certificate

This certification is designed to prepare you for a career in project management, even without prior experience. It covers the fundamentals of managing projects and teams, making it a great option for those interested in leadership roles.

These certifications are accessible for freshers, providing a solid foundation of knowledge that can be leveraged to build a successful career.

Affordable and Beginner-Friendly Certifications

For those just starting out, affordability is often a key consideration. Luckily, many beginner-friendly certifications won’t break the bank but still provide significant value. Here are some affordable options:

1. Google Analytics for Beginners (Free)

This free certification is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning about digital analytics. It provides practical skills in using Google Analytics to track and analyze website traffic.

2. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification (Free)

HubSpot offers a range of free certifications, including inbound marketing, that are valuable for freshers looking to start a career in marketing. The courses are beginner-friendly and can be completed at your own pace.

3. LinkedIn Learning Certifications (Varies)

LinkedIn Learning offers various certifications in fields such as marketing, IT, and business. With a subscription fee, you can access a wide range of beginner-level courses and earn certificates to display on your LinkedIn profile.

4. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) ($126)

This certification provides a broad understanding of essential IT concepts and is relatively affordable compared to more advanced certifications. It’s a great choice for freshers interested in breaking into the IT field.

5. Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Free with Financial Aid, $39/month without)

This program, offered through Coursera, provides a comprehensive introduction to IT support. It’s accessible to beginners, and financial aid is available to make it even more affordable.

These certifications are not only budget-friendly but also designed to be beginner-friendly, making them excellent options for anyone looking to gain essential skills without a large financial investment.

How to Leverage Entry-Level Certifications on Your Resume?

Earning a certification is just the first step; leveraging it effectively on your resume is equally important. Here are some tips for showcasing your entry-level certifications:

1. Create a Dedicated “Certifications” Section

Place your certifications in a dedicated section on your resume, typically after your education and work experience sections. This makes it easy for employers to spot your qualifications at a glance.

2. Highlight Certifications in Your Resume Summary

Mention your most relevant certifications in your resume summary or objective statement. For example, “Recent graduate with a Google IT Support Professional Certificate, seeking an entry-level IT support role.”

3. Pair Certifications with Relevant Skills

If your certification has taught you specific skills (e.g., troubleshooting for IT support or lead generation for marketing), include these skills in your “Skills” section and indicate how they were developed through your certification.

4. Tailor Certifications to the Job Description

Ensure that the certifications you feature are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if the job requires project management skills, highlight your CAPM or Google Project Management certification.

5. Include Completion Date

Including the date you earned your certification demonstrates that your skills are up-to-date. For certifications that require renewal, this also shows that you’re actively maintaining your qualifications.

By strategically placing and highlighting your certifications, you can show employers that, even without much experience, you possess the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the role.

Conclusion

For freshers entering the job market, certifications are a powerful way to gain credibility and improve your chances of landing a job. From IT and healthcare to marketing and project management, numerous affordable, beginner-friendly certifications can kickstart your career. By earning certifications and effectively leveraging them on your resume, you demonstrate to employers that you’re proactive, knowledgeable, and ready to contribute.

Hello! Time for another Employment Sunday!

I would like to briefly review some tips for working on your resume.

Make your resume ATS-friendly. As I stated last week, keep your resume as simple as possible so the Applicant Tracking System (or ATS) can not only analyze the info on your resume much easier but also parse information from your resume onto an online job application. I have nothing against using tables or trying to make your resume look nice, but leave off the tables and columns. If you want your resume to look nice...

Make it look neat and check for spelling and grammar errors. Remember that after ATS a human will see your resume, but at most for only 6 seconds or so. In that time, you'll want everything that makes you perfect for the role not only at the top of your resume but also easy to find. Bullet points and short, concise sentences are much easier to read. Also, no one wants to read a resume full of spelling errors and grammar. Be sure to double-check and don't be afraid to use Grammarly or some other spell checker. Having someone else look at your resume isn't a bad idea either.

I just copied and pasted this tip from last time, but it's still important: Use AI. While controversial, you can enter the job description into Chat GPT or another AI, enter your resume, and then ask it to revise or generate a resume matching the descriptions' keywords and phrases. You can even ask it to rate your resume based on the amount of keywords or phrases to see how well it would do against the ATS.

Next Sunday I will go over job applications, but for now, I'll leave you with this extra tip: you don't have to make your resume only one page. When applying online, you want to add as many keywords and skills from the job description as possible. Thus, it would only be beneficial if you have multiple pages not only listing your job experiences but your skills.