Writing a resume with no relevant experience

Published

I just passed my state exam about 2 weeks ago but I have yet to apply for any jobs since I'm not only terrified that i won't do a good job but also because I have no resume. I'm worried since i have no relevant job experience no one will hire me :( I've only had regular jobs as a cashier at my local grocery store and as a sandwich maker at a fast food place. I did absolutely no volunteer work or am i in any clubs nor do i have any awards of any sort. All I have to say is that I am a Junior in college and majoring in Biology but plan on attending nursing school after I graduate. I have no idea what to include in my "objective statement" of my resume either since I dont have really any special skills. I really need all the advice I can get and what you guys (those who were in the same position) wrote on your resumes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't worry about a resume. For CNA jobs you fill out an application. After you have worked for some time as a CNA, you will start to have meat for your resume.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yep, very few facilities want a resume - in fact, even when I've mailed in or handed in my resume, they've still requested me to fill out an application.

Facilities hire new CNAs all the time. Plus, the fact that you have customer service experience will help, even if it was just as a cashier and food service. They'll like that you've worked with people. When you fill out your applications, put all of your jobs, even if they aren't related. Also, make sure they know you're in school and plan on doing nursing. Places LOVE that.

Good luck. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I figured they needed one since on their websites they give an email to send in resumes.. When applying is it better in person? Would i just go in to their receptionist and say I want to apply? Im extremely nervous about this, idk why. and if they were to ask for a resume, I would would hate to say dont have one, what would be a good response?

Thanks XOXO

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is usually best to apply in person, and yes, you just go in and request an application.

It's fast and easy to put together a simple resume. Put your jobs and schooling on it, and you can write a cover letter explaining your intention to go into nursing. It will take hardly any time to put a quick one together just in case you do need one. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have learned that highlighting relevant volunteer experience works well on a resume that has very little on it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU, LTC, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Psych.

For CNA, they will take one look at a resume, put it into a file, smile, then tell you to fill out an application. For hospitals, they will not even view it. You must fill out online even if you show up in person for the larger places.

The computer has software that automatically rejects applications that do not meet some set parameters like experience, misdemeanor, having actual CNA, etc. HR loves it.

All resumes do is prove you can type coherently or pay someone to in these cases. But only if someone glaces at it.

You stand better chances with high turnover places like LTC with no experience.

Many of these places do everything handwritten and interview more on appearance and willingness to work hard. Do your time for a bit then hopefully get better.

A resume may be a tiny plus, but it is not a big deal.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

if you still would like to work on your resume you can still use you "irrelevant" job experiences. i worked at three restaurant before my LNA job, you just need to highlight the parts of your job that are universal and helped you build qualities that make you the right person for the job...

you didn't just work at a grocery store or make sandwiches you demonstrate professionalism and good communication skills with all customers, and complied with strict personal hygiene and maintaining of sanitary conditions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CNA, Nursing Student.

I noticed you mentioned being in school. Most schools these days have a career services center that will assist in creating or modifying resumes. Might be worth checking if there is one where you're at.

Hope this is helpful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I recently applied for a CNA job at a nursing home. The application was 9-11 pages long and had to be filled out onsite. It was so thorough that giving them a resume would have been pointless. I'm new to the healthcare field, but I have taken care of my grandfather in the past. That's the only healthcare experience I have. I was told by other ppl on allnurses in one of my posts that HR won't even look at your resume. So worry about a resume after you gain some hardcore experience. Anyway, I'm a great candidate for a CNA job, and so are you! May I suggest filling out as many applications as your hand will allow. Then sit back and listen to your phone ring. CNAs are still in demand because everyone isn't fit to do the job. So I know you will get a job soon. Just don't give up. Good Luck! :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks guys. Honestly I have not even made an attempt to make a resume, I was feeling hopeless but I'm feeling better now after reading your response. I think what has been holding me back the most is fear. I'm terrified not of the work necessarily but that I won't be good at it :( I barely remember anything I learned in class and I'm worried I'll do something wrong to get myself in trouble ex:drop a resident :crying2:. Or I'm worried that when I do start looking I it won't be as easy to get a job, since I've only wanted to apply at places that have at least a 3 out of 5 stars on the Medicaid website. I applied online for one LTC and have been to terrified to apply in person at the others. I'm worried that I won't get hired :( But thanks much for your words of encouragement, gave me courage. I've wasted enough time being scared, so I have to get the ball rolling lol..;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion