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I’ve been supporting autistic adults seeking employment for several years now. One of the questions I get asked the most is: Do I have a chance of being hired if I don’t have work experience on my resume? 

Now, I could write a whole article on the barriers to obtaining employment that autistic people face. But we all already know that, whether we’ve experienced them ourselves or through others. Instead, I’ll focus on what I’ve found to be one of the most helpful lessons I’ve taught to those I’ve worked with—how to make your resume impressive when work experience is lacking.  

Yes, relevant work experience is a strong factor in being considered for a position. But when I started digging deeper into resume-writing strategies, I realized why. The bottom line is: employers are looking to see that you possess the skills and have performed the kind of tasks they are hiring for.  

If you lack work experience, find other ways to prove that you have what the employer is looking for. You want to “compensate” your lack of work experience with other forms of experience/engagement that relate to the job you’re applying for.  

Not only does this appeal to employers because it shows you have skills they’re looking for, but it also shows that you are passionate enough about this field of work to do it even while not getting paid for it, and that you stay diligent and well-seasoned in between employment. (It also makes any lack of paid experience or gaps in between employment less of a “red flag” to them!) 

Here are some ways you can beef up your resume:

Volunteering and Internships

In volunteer and internship roles, you often do similar tasks and utilize similar skills and knowledge that the job requires.  

For example, if I didn’t have experience working with autistic adults but wanted a job in that field, even writing this blog entry can be used as relevant experience!

Job shadowing

An easy way to gain experience is to shadow a professional in a related field. This shows employers that you have had exposure to and mentorship in the field and have learned the necessary skills and tasks through direct observation.

Education: Trainings, Workshops, and More

Most people know having an education section on your resume is a must. But that doesn’t just include high school and college—any relevant learning that you’ve done is valuable! Trainings, workshops, skills programs, etc. All those things show that you are up to date with current knowledge in the field and are driven to learn new skills—employers like people who want to continue learning! 

It doesn’t have to be directly related, either—if you learned about any related skills or aspects of the field, it’s valuable! Ask yourself, “What characteristics and skills does someone with this job have?” Once you identify those things, it can be easier to see what you’ve done is valuable for the job you’re applying for. (You should also pick these things out of the job description!)  

 For example: Say you want to be a park ranger, but don’t have park experience. However, you have taken a few horticulture workshops. It may not be the exact same, but those workshops involve things that are important for being a park ranger— working outdoors, knowledge of plant care and environmental conservation, and liking nature.

Certifications and Credentials

The job is looking for someone with a CPR certification, and you have one? Put that on your resume. You’re applying to a software developer company, and you have a CompTIA+ credential? Put it on there. They show you have the knowledge and skills that are related to the job!

Personal Projects

Do you spend your personal time doing something that relates to the job? For example, if you want to be a graphic designer, you can note on your resume if you create digital logos in your free time (which can also be used to create a portfolio!). Or if you want to work with hardware, noting that you are building a computer for personal use is valuable—it exemplifies that you regularly practice the skills they desire even in your free time.

Events Attended

Attended a conference, expo, or resource fair? Are you a member of a related club or organization? Any events that relate to the job you’re applying for (so long as they can be considered a professional event in some way, not a strictly casual or personal social event like a themed party with friends) can show that you are interested enough in the field to get invited to and attend related events and actively network.

To summarize, put any and every experience you have related to the job you’re applying for on your resume to “compensate” for little to no work experience. You want to convey that you have the skills and  experience with the tasks that the employer desires.  

Think to yourself, “What have I done/can I do that in any way relates to the job I want?” And it doesn’t have to be the perfect, direct match. 

Focus on what you have and what you can do to prove yourself as a strong candidate. It can be the difference between getting noticed and getting passed up on!

Diagnosed with autism and ADHD at 24 years old, Kimberly Hubscher, CESP, continues to navigate late-diagnosis, self-understanding, and growing self-compassion. Kimberly is a neurodiversity-affirming advocate with 5+ years of experience in adult autism services, currently specializing in employment. As the coordinator of Towson University’s Autism Hiring Program in collaboration with the Autism Society of Maryland, she supports autistic adults in achieving their employment goals through job coaching and partnerships with local employers and organizations. Additionally, she has been appointed to the Maryland Developmental Disability’s Council, contributing to local and statewide advocacy and policy work.