I am trying to write my first resume?

Question

I have NO job experience. I have done a bit of volunteering but what I really want to know is if it would be ok to lie about some of the volunteering I've done. Is there any way to check if I don't give them a reference? My resume is going to be really empty if I don't lie about one or two volunteering jobs.

Also I think I should write a cover letter to make my resume stand out and look more professional. If I'm applying to retail outlets, what kind of things should I write on my cover letter?

I really hope someone has some good advice for me on this since I need to make money for a trip in summer 2008 :)

Thanks in advance :)

Thanks for your answers. What I meant by lying was simply stretching the truth of how much involvement I had in volunteer opertunitues that I really have participated in. Anyways this will help, and the link to the website was great. I will choose you as best answer when the site allows me to.

Answer 1

I had no experience when I first applied for work at a supermarket when I was 17. I didn't even write a CV/resume, just handed a letter to a checkout manager which basically explained that I was a school student and was looking for casual work. Six years on I am still at the same company (although I hate it to high heaven and am quitting soon) and have been full time for three years. Basically just have your education, hobbies and maybe some positive personality traits listed, and just have a simple comment stating no prior work experience. You have to start somewhere!

Answer 2

Don't lie. Just because they can't find out thatit is a lie does not make it okay. If this is your first job than no one expects you to have lots of job experience or a full resume. Put on there what you have done and let it stand for itslef. The resume should be no longer than one page. And you may not need a cover letter if you are applying to retail stores. You should fill out their applications and turn in your honest resume with their application. It won't help to misrepresent yourself and then end up in situation where you have no idea what to do. Don't make you life into a sitcom. This is real life not Friends, take it seriously--no lying.

Answer 3

Don't lie.

Start of your resume with your education experience first and then list the volunteer position. Go to a temp agency and get some experience.

Answer 4

name
address
objective
then experience
list all your volunteer stuff in chronoligical order
then as a kid
put in two references

Answer 5

play up your school involvement ( lots of clubs to chose from). They will never check it.