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Entry-Level Resume Keywords Hub (2026): First Job Resume Guide for Teens & No Experience

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Teen applying for first job with entry-level resume

🎯 Applying for your first job? You don't need years of experience.

You need the right keywords that show you're ready to learn, work hard, and provide great customer service.

In 2026, even entry-level jobs at McDonald's, Walmart, and Starbucks use ATS systems to filter applications. If your resume doesn't include the keywords they're looking for, you might get filtered out before a manager ever sees it.

This is the complete entry-level resume keywords hub, featuring:

  • Company-specific keyword guides (McDonald's, Walmart, Starbucks, etc.)
  • Transferable skills from school, volunteer work, and activities
  • Real examples of first-job resumes that got hired
  • Free tools to test your resume instantly

👉 Scan Your First Job Resume for Missing Keywords - Free

Why Entry-Level Resume Keywords Matter in 2026

The truth: Even your first job application goes through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Large employers like McDonald's, Walmart, Starbucks, and Target receive hundreds of applications for every opening. They use ATS systems to filter resumes for:

  • ✅ Customer service skills (Customer Service, Communication, Problem-Solving)
  • ✅ Job-specific terms (Cash Handling, Food Safety, Point of Sale, Drive-Thru)
  • ✅ Soft skills (Teamwork, Reliability, Time Management, Fast-Paced Environment)
  • ✅ Availability (Flexible Schedule, Weekend Availability, Part-Time)

If your resume doesn't include these keywords, you might get filtered out, even if you're a great candidate.

The Entry-Level Keyword Problem

Many first-time job seekers get rejected not because they're unqualified, but because their resume doesn't include the keywords employers search for.

Example: A 16-year-old applying to McDonald's might have great customer service skills from helping at family events, but if their resume doesn't mention "Customer Service" or "Fast-Paced Environment," the ATS might filter them out.

The solution: Use the guides below to ensure your resume includes every keyword entry-level employers search for, even if you have no paid work experience.

Table of Contents

What Are Entry-Level Resume Keywords?

Entry-level resume keywords are the skills, responsibilities, and terms that employers look for when hiring for first-time jobs.

These keywords help ATS systems and hiring managers understand that you're ready to work, even if you don't have paid work experience.

Types of Entry-Level Keywords

CategoryExamplesWhy They Matter
Customer ServiceCustomer Service, Communication, Problem-Solving, FriendlyShows you can interact with customers
Cash HandlingCash Handling, Point of Sale (POS), Transaction Processing, Money CountingEssential for retail and food service
TeamworkTeamwork, Collaboration, Team Player, Works Well with OthersShows you can work in a team environment
ReliabilityReliability, Punctuality, Dependable, Shows Up on TimeEmployers need people they can count on
Time ManagementTime Management, Multitasking, Fast-Paced Environment, EfficiencyShows you can handle busy shifts
Food SafetyFood Safety, Sanitation, Health Department Standards, CleanlinessRequired for restaurant and food service jobs

The key: Even if you've never had a job, you likely have these skills from school, volunteer work, sports, or helping family.

Transferable Skills for First Jobs

You have more experience than you think.

Even without paid work, you've developed skills through:

School & Education

  • Group projects → Teamwork, Collaboration
  • Presentations → Communication, Public Speaking
  • Meeting deadlines → Time Management, Organization
  • Leadership roles → Leadership, Responsibility

Volunteer Work

  • Community service → Customer Service, Helping Others
  • Fundraising events → Cash Handling, Event Coordination
  • Tutoring or mentoring → Teaching, Patience, Communication

Sports & Activities

  • Team sports → Teamwork, Dedication, Time Management
  • Clubs or organizations → Leadership, Organization, Commitment
  • Competitions → Goal-Oriented, Performance Under Pressure

Personal Experiences

  • Babysitting → Responsibility, Safety Awareness, Time Management
  • Helping family business → Customer Service, Cash Handling, Work Ethic
  • Household responsibilities → Reliability, Organization, Time Management

The secret: Use action verbs to describe these experiences, even if they weren't paid.

Entry-Level Resume Keywords by Company & Role

Company-specific keyword guides for the most popular entry-level employers.

Each guide below includes the exact keywords that company's ATS system searches for, plus real examples of how to use them on your resume.

🍔 Fast Food & Restaurant Jobs

These jobs require customer service, food safety, and speed. Keywords focus on handling customers, preparing food, and working in fast-paced environments.

McDonald's Resume Keywords (2026)

50+ keywords for McDonald's crew member, cashier, and cook positions

Covers: Customer Service, Food Safety, Cash Handling, Point of Sale (POS), Drive-Thru Operations, Fast-Paced Environment, Teamwork, Food Preparation, Sanitation, and McDonald's-specific systems. Perfect for first-time job seekers with no experience.

Server / Waitress Resume Keywords (2026)

50+ keywords for fine dining, casual dining, and high-volume server roles

Covers: Upselling, Menu Knowledge, POS Experience, Wine Service, Tip Compliance, High-Volume Environment, and certifications like ServSafe/TIPS. Vital for moving from entry-level to high-earning hospitality jobs.

🛒 Retail & Store Jobs

Retail jobs focus on customer assistance, sales, and inventory. Keywords emphasize helping customers, processing transactions, and maintaining store appearance.

Walmart Resume Keywords (2026)

Keywords for Walmart associate, cashier, and stocker positions

Covers: Customer Service, Cash Handling, Retail Operations, Inventory Management, Stocking, Checkout, Loss Prevention, and Walmart-specific systems.

Starbucks Barista Resume Keywords (2026)

Keywords for Starbucks barista and shift supervisor positions

Covers: Espresso Preparation, Customer Service, Cash Handling, Food Safety, POS Systems, Drink Recipes, Coffee Knowledge, and Starbucks-specific training.

Retail Resume Keywords (2026)

60+ keywords for retail associates, sales associates, and store employees

Covers: Customer Service, Sales, POS Systems, Inventory Management, Visual Merchandising, Cash Handling, Upselling, Stock Replenishment, and retail operations. Perfect for Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and all retail positions.

Cashier Resume Keywords (2026)

Keywords for cashier positions across all industries

Covers: Cash Handling, POS Systems, Customer Service, Transaction Processing, Money Counting, Returns & Exchanges, and accuracy.

Bank Teller Resume Keywords (2026)

50+ keywords for entry-level finance and banking roles

Covers: Cash Vault Principles, Zero Variance, Cross-Selling, Regulatory Compliance (KYC/AML), and high-security procedures. A step up from retail cashiering.

📦 Warehouse & Logistics Jobs

Warehouse jobs require physical work, organization, and safety awareness. Keywords focus on handling inventory, operating equipment, and following safety protocols.

Warehouse Worker Resume Keywords (2026) (Coming Soon)

Keywords for warehouse worker, picker, and packer positions

Covers: Forklift Operation, Inventory Management, Shipping & Receiving, Picking & Packing, Safety Protocols, Warehouse Management Systems, and physical labor.

Delivery Driver Resume Keywords (2026)

60+ keywords for Amazon DSP, FedEx, and Uber/DoorDash drivers

Covers: Route Optimization, DOT Compliance, Clean Driving Record, Handheld Scanners, Safety Protocols, and "Last Mile" logistics terms. Essential for both corporate fleet and gig economy drivers.

🏥 Healthcare Entry-Level Jobs

Healthcare is constantly hiring, but compliance is key. Keywords focus on patient safety, regulations, and basic care.

CNA Resume Keywords (2026)

60+ skills for Certified Nursing Assistants and Patient Care Techs

Covers: HIPAA Compliance, ADLs (Feeding/Bathing), Vital Signs, Infection Control, Medical Charting (Epic), and Patient Safety. Includes keywords for hospitals and nursing homes.

💼 Office & Administrative Jobs

Office jobs require organization and tech-savviness. Keywords focus on software, communication, and gatekeeping.

Receptionist Resume Keywords (2026)

55+ skills for front desk, admin assistant, and office coordinator roles

Covers: Multi-Line Phone Systems, Scheduling (Outlook/Calendly), Data Entry, Visitor Management, Security Protocols, and Office Administration.

🎓 First Job & No Experience Guides

These guides help you write a resume when you have absolutely no work experience.

First Job Resume Keywords (No Experience) (2026)

Complete guide for writing your first resume with no work experience

Covers: Transferable skills, how to write experience from school/volunteer work, soft skills keywords, and real examples of first-job resumes that got hired.

Teen Resume Keywords (2026)

Keywords and tips specifically for teen job seekers (ages 14-18)

Covers: Age-appropriate keywords, how to highlight school activities, volunteer work, and part-time availability.

General Entry-Level Keywords (All Jobs)

These keywords work for almost every entry-level position.

CategoryKeywords
Customer ServiceCustomer Service, Communication, Friendly, Helpful, Problem-Solving, Customer Assistance
ReliabilityReliability, Punctuality, Dependable, Shows Up on Time, Consistent Attendance
TeamworkTeamwork, Collaboration, Team Player, Works Well with Others, Supportive
Time ManagementTime Management, Multitasking, Fast-Paced Environment, Efficiency, Prioritization
Work EthicHardworking, Motivated, Willing to Learn, Positive Attitude, Enthusiastic
FlexibilityFlexible Schedule, Weekend Availability, Part-Time, Full-Time, Open Availability

Pro Tip: Include 5-10 of these keywords naturally throughout your resume, especially in your skills section and experience bullets.

How to Write Your First Resume

Step-by-step guide to creating a resume when you have no work experience.

Step 1: Start with Your Contact Information

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • City and state (optional: full address)

Step 2: Write a Simple Objective or Summary

Example:

"Motivated high school student seeking part-time position to gain work experience and develop customer service skills. Available weekends and after school."

Step 3: Create an Experience Section (Even Without Paid Work)

Use headings like:

  • Volunteer Experience
  • School Activities
  • Leadership Experience
  • Personal Projects

Example:

Volunteer, Local Food Bank
September 2024 - Present

  • Assisted with customer service during food distribution, helping 50+ families per shift
  • Handled cash donations and processed transactions accurately
  • Maintained clean and organized workspace following safety protocols

Step 4: Add a Skills Section

List 8-12 relevant keywords:

  • Customer Service
  • Cash Handling
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Time Management
  • Reliability
  • Fast-Paced Environment
  • Food Safety (if applying to restaurants)

Step 5: Include Education

  • School name
  • Expected graduation date (if still in school)
  • GPA (only if 3.5 or higher)
  • Relevant coursework (optional)

Step 6: Test Your Resume

👉 Scan your resume with our free ATS checker to ensure it includes the right keywords and is formatted correctly.

Examples: Entry-Level Resume Bullets

❌ Weak Example (No Keywords)

"Helped at school fundraiser."

✅ Strong Example (With Keywords)

"Assisted with customer service during school fundraiser, handling cash transactions for 100+ customers and maintaining accurate records using point-of-sale system."

❌ Weak Example (Vague)

"Worked with team on project."

✅ Strong Example (With Keywords)

"Collaborated with team of 5 students to organize school event, demonstrating teamwork, time management, and communication skills while meeting tight deadlines in fast-paced environment."

❌ Weak Example (No Action)

"Babysat kids."

✅ Strong Example (With Keywords)

"Provided childcare services for 3 children, ages 5-10, demonstrating responsibility, safety awareness, and time management while ensuring children's needs were met promptly and professionally."

FAQ

What are entry-level resume keywords?

Entry-level resume keywords are skills, responsibilities, and terms that employers look for in first-time job applicants. These include transferable skills from school, volunteer work, and activities, plus job-specific terms like Customer Service, Cash Handling, and Teamwork.

How do I write a resume with no work experience?

Focus on transferable skills from school, volunteer work, sports, clubs, and activities. Include soft skills like Teamwork, Communication, and Reliability. Use action verbs to describe what you did, even if it wasn't paid work.

What keywords should I use for my first job resume?

Use keywords like Customer Service, Cash Handling, Teamwork, Communication, Time Management, Reliability, Fast-Paced Environment, and any specific skills mentioned in the job description. Match the language the employer uses.

Do entry-level jobs use ATS systems?

Yes. Many large employers like McDonald's, Walmart, and Starbucks use ATS systems to filter applications. Your resume still needs to include the right keywords and be formatted correctly to pass these filters.

What if I'm 16 and have never worked before?

That's okay! Focus on transferable skills from school projects, volunteer work, sports teams, clubs, babysitting, or helping family. Use keywords like Teamwork, Responsibility, Time Management, and Customer Service to show you're ready to work.

Should I include my GPA on an entry-level resume?

Only if it's 3.5 or higher and you're a recent student. For entry-level jobs, employers care more about reliability, customer service skills, and availability than grades.

How long should my first resume be?

Keep it to one page. Focus on your most relevant experiences and skills. Quality over quantity.

What if I don't have any volunteer work or activities?

Think about:

  • School projects or group work
  • Helping family or neighbors
  • Household responsibilities you managed
  • Any leadership roles (even small ones)
  • Hobbies that show skills (organizing, teaching others, etc.)

Related Resources

Essential Guides

Free Tools

Job Search Platforms

Ready to Apply for Your First Job?

Don't let your resume get filtered out before a manager ever sees it.

Test your resume now and get instant feedback on what's missing.

👉 Scan Your First Job Resume for Missing Keywords - Free

Remember: You have more skills than you think. School, volunteer work, sports, and activities all taught you valuable skills that employers want. The key is using the right keywords to show them.

💡 Pro Tip: Every job application is different. Tailor your resume for each position by matching keywords from the job description. Use our free ATS scanner to check your resume for each application and ensure you're not missing critical keywords.