How do I write a functional resume with no experience?

The first step is to create a strong objective summary. Think of this as your first chance to impress the hiring manager and entice them to keep reading. In just one to three sentences, provide compelling content to your skills and educational experience. Don't forget to tailor your summary statement for each job application.

The resume should be skills-centric and organized by your various skills into an easy-to-digest format that a recruiter or manager can quickly review.

Start with your most easy to define and quantify "hard skills." These more technical skills are specific proficiencies taught in school or on the job, including foreign languages, computer programming, writing skills, or machine skills.

Then cover soft skills. These interpersonal skills let you solve problems, be creative, and work well with others.

A functional resume, however, is more than a list of skills. It's an opportunity to demonstrate that you've acquired these skills through education and experience, despite the absence of a well-rounded job history.

Under each skill category, include a brief description of how you've applied that skill to a specific experience. If you've listed leadership as a skill, don't expect a hiring manager to take your word for it.

Include definitive examples of how you built and proved that leadership, such as:

• Served in a leadership role with your fraternity

• Spent your college years in ROTC

• Led an on-campus club or organization