How to Write a Great Resume Without a College Degree
- 1). Make the list complete. When you are listing your former positions, don't just list your responsibilities. Include personal accomplishments that made you an invaluable employee. These should be unique contributions that an employer would not normally expect. Think that you do not have any unique contributions? Think again. Have you ever streamlined a process? Have you ever created a new stellar report? Have you ever calmed down an irate customer? Be specific about how your accomplishment helped your company.
- 2). Volunteer your time. Garner relevant volunteer experience while you are searching for jobs. Consider the strengths you add as an employee and find a volunteer position that emphasizes and develops those strengths. Are you a computer whiz? Find a nonprofit that can host a computer class for low income people which you can teach. Are you a receptionist? Try a high-pressure volunteer position such as a crisis line to demonstrate that you can handle tough calls. A steady list of high-impact volunteer positions casts you as a hard worker who enjoys being helpful and going above the call of duty. What employer would not want an employee like that?
- 3). List all the education that you do have. Maybe you went to college for a couple of years, then ventured out into the work world. List the college name, then "pursued" followed by your area of study. Have you ever attended any kind of work-related classes? List these on your job resume as well as seminars you may have attended. Would you like to develop that list? Search the internet for free local or virtual classes. Again, this list casts you as someone who is proactive about your career. Like the volunteer list, it can demonstrate initiative that an employer may not expect from a new, possibly immature and prideful, college graduate.
- 4). Strengthen your references. Your references should be people who have worked with you. However, always make sure that you have the permission of the people you include as a reference. Ask former co-workers, or the supervisor overseeing your volunteer experience, even former instructors. Remember, your reputation is strengthened or destroyed every time you interact with someone. If you always behave ethically and follow-through on your promises then you will have a long list of people who are willing to vouch for you.
- 5). Get out the fine tooth comb. You may not have a college degree, but you are just as smart (or smarter) than the people who do. Demonstrate your intelligence with a well-written resume that has no spelling or grammar mistakes.
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