Starting a new field of work can be both intimidating and rewarding. It’s exciting to begin developing new skills and forming professional relationships. However, you might also wonder how to format your resume so you can get a job offer even with no industry experience.
Crafting an effective fast food resume with no experience is possible with tools and references by your side. It’s easier than you might think with the right approach. If you’re wondering how to get started, check out our guide, which has valuable writing tips and formatting suggestions. It also includes a sample resume that you can study while creating your own stellar document.
Summary Statement
Motivated and ambitious student with a strong work ethic and drive looking for part-time entry-level opportunities. Experienced team player capable of multitasking and motivating others. Great attitude and excellent communication skills with team members and managers.
Skills
• Food prep with knife, kitchen utensils, and plates
• Cleaning with mop, sprays, broom, and duster
• Strong organization skills
• Excellent communication ability
• Mastery of multitasking and time management
• Basic mathematical skills
• Proven team player
• Great attitude and integrity
Education
Johnson High School – Graduated May 2015
GPA: 3.9
Extracurriculars and Clubs: Speech Society, Soccer Team, Spanish Tutor
Harper Community College
Associate in Business Administration – In Progress
Achievements
• Awarded Honor Roll for 6 consecutive semesters
• Received a $500 scholarship based on academic merit
• Served as captain of the soccer team for senior year
• Tutored 2 struggling students in Spanish after school twice a week
• Participated in 4 state-wide speech and debate competitions
• Achieved a 4.0 GPA first semester at Harper Community College
Experience
Player & Team Captain
Johnson High School Soccer Team
August 2012–May 2016
• Participated in daily practice lasting up to 3 hours after school while handling academic responsibilities
• Learned strategic thinking, team playing, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Developed a competitive mindset during competitions and games
• Gained physical and mental endurance abilities
• Improved performance based on constructive feedback from coaches
• Served as team captain senior year, taking a big role out in the field, instructing players, and collaborating with senior coaches
• Awarded “Most Valuable Player” plaque during graduation ceremony
Yard Worker
Mike’s Landscaping
May 2014–August 2014
• Assisted landscaping team by operating lawnmower, clearing brush, transporting equipment, and communicating with home and business owners
• Mowed an average of 12 lawns a week, taking care to be thorough and adhere to company standards of a crisp and clean yard
• Grabbed saws, shears, harnesses, and slings for tree workers so they could climb, inspect, and trim trees
• Operated clippers to trim excess leaves from bushes and low-hanging branches
• Took payment from clients, operating handheld credit card device, answering questions, and giving change for cash payments
Awards
Most Valuable Soccer Player
May 2016
Johnson High School
Most Likely to Succeed
March 2016
Voted by high school peers for yearbook
Johnson High School
1. Emphasize your skills
If you have no experience in fast food, emphasize your skills to impress employers. As in the sample here, your opening summary statement should outline that you want the position you’re applying for and the skills you think make you a strong candidate. Think carefully about your strongest assets for this part; it’s often the first thing a hiring manager sees.
Many entry-level positions require similar skills, such as teamwork, multitasking, and time management mentioned in this resume sample. There are many different ways you can acquire these aptitudes. Read the job description you’re applying for closely to see what the hiring managers are looking for in an employee. If you have some or all of the traits, compile a list for the skills section of your resume to go below the summary statement.
2. List your non-industry achievements
Hiring managers appreciate motivated and hardworking employees. Showing off your achievements can emphasize to employers that you possess these traits. If you don’t have a lot of valuable work experience, you can take note of your academic, volunteer, or non-industry recognitions.
Compiling a neat list makes your achievements easy to read. Your bullet points don’t have to be complete sentences. However, follow the sample resume’s example and try to start each sentence with a strong action verb. Even if you list one achievement, it can work to make a good impression with the hiring manager. To avoid cluttering your document, however, don’t make it longer than eight achievements.
3. Note your experiences like they’re jobs
Creating a fast food resume with no experience can be tricky if you never had a job. You need an experience section that is often reserved for employment, yet you might be at a loss at how to start. In cases like these, list a meaningful non-industry position, volunteer opportunity, or school club that was beneficial to you. The jobseeker in the sample above lists his experience as soccer team captain, showcasing his leadership and team player abilities.
Frame this section like an employment opportunity by creating a title for your role and including the month and year you participated in the organization. List at least two positions with at least three bullet points each. Like the achievements section, begin each point with an action verb, taking care not to be repetitive.
4. Be as specific as possible
The best resumes include many details. Employers want to see that you succeeded in your previous roles. One of the best ways to emphasize this is by making your bullet points as specific as possible. Include metrics such as how many people were on your team, how many people you served or helped, and the names of any awards.
The sample resume notes that the jobseeker mowed 12 lawns, earned a 4.0 college GPA, and earned a $500 scholarship. For many entry-level positions, employers are willing to give candidates the benefit of the doubt based on such qualifications.
Without a strong resume, your chances of getting a job interview are slim. Even with no experience in fast food, it’s possible to find a position as a cashier or cook if you frame your previous qualifications in an appealing way. A well-written fast food resume with no experience should emphasize your skills, list non-industry achievements, and outline at least two beneficial experiences, whether you got paid for them or not.
Learning a handful of helpful tips can take you far when you’re crafting your resume. With the right approach, you can begin your journey in the professional working world. Our resume builder can assist anyone who is looking for further help.