Getting your first work from home job might feel like a challenge—especially if you don’t have prior experience. But here’s the good news: companies hiring remote workers often look for transferable skills and a willingness to learn over a stacked resume.
With the right approach, you can create a resume that highlights your strengths and proves you’re ready to succeed remotely. Let’s walk through how to build a resume that gets you noticed—even if you’re starting from zero.
Start With a Clear and Focused Format
A cluttered or outdated resume won’t stand out. Use a clean, modern format that includes clear sections and easy-to-read fonts. Stick to a one-page layout if possible, especially when you have limited work experience.
Include these essential sections:
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary
- Skills
- Relevant Experience (even if unpaid)
- Education
- Optional: Certifications or Volunteer Work
Pro tip: Use free resume builders like Canva, Zety, or Novoresume for professional templates.
Write a Strong Professional Summary
Your professional summary should be a snapshot of your goals and the value you bring—even without formal job experience. Focus on your motivation, soft skills, and tech readiness.
Example:
“Highly motivated and detail-oriented individual seeking a remote customer service position. Strong communication and organizational skills, eager to support company success while working from home. Tech-savvy and quick to learn new platforms.”
Highlight Transferable Skills
You might not have remote job experience, but you likely have relevant skills from school, volunteer work, or daily life. Remote employers value self-discipline, tech comfort, and communication.
Common transferable skills for remote roles:
- Time management
- Written communication
- Problem-solving
- Digital literacy (Google Docs, Zoom, email)
- Adaptability
- Self-motivation
Format tip: List your top 5–7 skills in bullet points under a “Skills” section.
Include Any Type of Relevant Experience
Don’t worry if you haven’t had a formal job. Think about school projects, freelance gigs, helping out in a family business, or even running a blog or YouTube channel.
Example:
Freelance Content Creator
Self-managed | Jan 2023 – Present
- Created and managed a personal blog with weekly content.
- Gained 500+ followers organically using SEO and social media.
- Built skills in time management, research, and digital publishing.
This shows initiative and valuable competencies.
Emphasize Remote Readiness
Remote employers want to know you’re ready to work independently. Mention any tools you’re familiar with or remote work habits you’ve developed.
Suggested tools to mention:
- Google Workspace
- Zoom
- Slack
- Trello or Notion
- Microsoft Teams
- Dropbox or Google Drive
Even listing “comfortable using video conferencing tools” can help.
Include Education (Even If Incomplete)
Whether you’ve finished school, are currently in college, or just took online courses, list it. Education helps build credibility, especially when experience is limited.
Format:
High School Diploma
Orlando High School, Orlando, FL – 2022
Or, if you’ve taken courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning, mention them under a “Certifications” section.
Add Volunteer Work or Community Projects
Volunteer work can demonstrate reliability, teamwork, and passion. Don’t underestimate the power of unpaid experiences—they count more than you think.
Example:
Community Tech Support Volunteer
- Helped local residents set up email, use video calls, and troubleshoot software.
- Developed problem-solving and instructional communication skills.
Customize for Each Job Application
Avoid sending the same resume to every job. Tailor your resume for each position by using keywords from the job description. It shows attention to detail and improves your chances of passing resume filters.
Tip: Use free tools like Jobscan to optimize your resume with the right keywords.
Final Touches: Keep It Polished
Before sending your resume:
- Double-check spelling and grammar.
- Save it as a PDF with a clear name (e.g., FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf).
- Include a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio, if available.
Optional: Add a short cover letter explaining why you’re excited about the role—even just a few lines makes a difference.
Bonus: Example Resume Template for Beginners
Jane Doe
Orlando, FL | jane.doe@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Professional Summary
Motivated individual seeking a remote role in customer support. Organized, tech-savvy, and committed to delivering quality service.
Skills
- Email Communication
- Google Docs & Sheets
- Task Prioritization
- Friendly and Positive Attitude
- Adaptable and Quick Learner
Experience
Personal Blog Manager | Self-Run | Jan 2023 – Present
- Wrote weekly blog posts and managed SEO strategy
- Created original content using Canva and WordPress
- Engaged with readers via email and social media
Education
High School Diploma – Orlando High School, 2022
Ready to Land That Remote Job?
Building a strong resume with no experience is completely doable. Focus on what you can offer—your personality, enthusiasm, and readiness to work hard. With a little strategy and creativity, your resume can open doors to remote opportunities in Orlando and beyond.
Remember, everyone starts somewhere. This is your launch pad into a flexible, remote-friendly career.
