Fresh out of college? Here’s how to craft a resume that lands interviews:
- Keep it to one page
- Start with a punchy summary
- Highlight education details
- Showcase internships and relevant experience
- List key skills tailored to the job
- Include extracurriculars and projects
Key tips:
- Use action verbs and quantify achievements
- Tailor each resume to the specific job
- Proofread carefully to avoid errors
- Make it ATS-friendly with a clean layout
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Resume Basics
Let’s break down the key parts of a college graduate resume. These elements will help you catch the eye of potential employers.
Main Parts of a Resume
Your resume needs these core sections:
1. Contact Information
Put your full name, phone number, and professional email at the top. Don’t forget your LinkedIn profile link. Why? Over 90% of employers use LinkedIn to find candidates.
2. Education
As a recent grad, this is your star section. Include:
- Degree
- University name
- Graduation date
- GPA (if it’s 3.0 or higher)
For example: Nebraska BSN University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Aug. 2020 – May 2024 3.81 GPA
3. Work Experience
List internships, part-time jobs, and relevant volunteer work. Use action verbs in bullet points to describe what you did.
4. Skills
Highlight both hard and soft skills that match the job description.
5. Optional Sections
Think about adding relevant coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities if they boost your application.
Beth Brown, author of The Damn Good Résumé Guide, says:
"The best résumés are carefully thought-through marketing documents, with a clear career objective and detailed, vivid descriptions of coursework, work experience and other activities that are relevant to your dream job."
Types of Resume Formats
You’ve got three main options:
1. Reverse-Chronological
This is the most common and ATS-friendly format. It shows your most recent experiences first.
2. Functional
This format focuses on skills rather than work history. It’s good for those with limited experience or career changers.
3. Combination
A mix of the first two, showing both skills and experience.
For most college grads, go with reverse-chronological. Conrad Benz, Content Manager at Resume Genius, explains why:
"Employers prefer the chronological resume format because it’s easy to read and provides a clear overview of your work experience."
Page Setup and Design
Keep these design tips in mind:
- Length: Stick to one page. Bernadette Pawlik, a former recruiter and career strategist, says:
"If a company is hiring for a junior role, they will be flooded with resumes. There won’t be time to read every single resume in-depth. So, for a junior role, a one-page resume makes the most sense."
- Font: Use a clean, professional font like Arial or Calibri, sized 10-12 points.
- Margins: Set them between 0.5 to 1 inch. This gives you space without cramming.
- White Space: Leave enough room to make your resume easy on the eyes.
- Formatting: Use bold for headers and italics sparingly. Keep it consistent.
- File Format: Save as a PDF unless told otherwise. This keeps your formatting intact across devices.
Writing Your Education Section
Your education section is key for college grads. It’s often the first thing employers check out. Here’s how to make it pop:
Where to Put Education Details
Just graduated? Put your education front and center. Right after your contact info. It shows off your fresh academic chops.
Structure it like this:
- Degree and Major
- University Name and Location
- Graduation Date
- GPA (if it’s 3.5+)
For example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: May 2023
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Still hitting the books? Include when you’ll graduate:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Expected Graduation: June 2024
Got multiple degrees? List them newest to oldest.
Classes and School Projects
Light on work experience? Your coursework and projects can give you an edge. Here’s how:
1. Relevant Coursework
Pick 4-6 courses that match the job. Applying for a marketing gig? Try this:
Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing Strategies, Consumer Behavior Analysis, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Analytics
2. Academic Projects
Show off projects that highlight job-related skills:
Capstone Project: Built a machine learning algorithm to predict customer churn for a local startup. Boosted retention strategies by 15%.
3. Academic Achievements
Brag a little. Include honors, awards, or scholarships:
- Dean's List: 6 semesters straight
- Outstanding Junior in Computer Science Award, 2022
- Google Women in Tech Scholarship, 2021-2023
Frank Hackett, a pro resume writer and career consultant, puts it this way:
"The more relevant details you incorporate into your resume, the more likely you’ll be to generate interviews during your search."
So pack in those details. They could be your ticket to an interview.
Adding Work Experience
Just graduated? No sweat if your work history’s a bit light. You can still showcase skills and experiences that’ll grab employers’ attention.
Internships and Volunteer Work
For new grads, internships and volunteer work are gold. They show initiative and real-world skills. Here’s how to make them count:
1. Treat them like jobs
List internships and major volunteer roles under "Work Experience". Format them like paid positions.
2. Focus on relevance
Highlight experiences that match your target job. Applying for marketing? Play up that social media internship over your lifeguarding gig.
3. Use action verbs
Start each bullet with a strong verb:
- "Developed a social media strategy that boosted engagement 25%"
- "Coordinated 50-person volunteer teams for community clean-ups"
4. Show your impact with numbers
Use stats to prove your worth. Amanda Augustine, career expert, says:
"When you’re new to the workforce, you may not have many major accomplishments and contributions to include in your resume; however, use action verbs to describe your activities and quantify your results whenever possible."
Here’s a solid internship example:
Marketing Intern
Full Picture Company, New York, NY
09/2022 - 12/2022
- Analyzed social media trends across 5 platforms, contributing to a 25% engagement boost
- Managed company social accounts, growing followers 15% in 3 months
- Created 50+ content pieces, driving 30% more website traffic
Numbers and Results
Numbers pack a punch on resumes. They’re concrete proof of what you can do. Here’s how to use them:
1. Get specific
Don’t just say you "increased sales". Say you "boosted quarterly sales 18%, beating team average by 7%".
2. Use percentages and dollar amounts
These hit hard. Example: "Secured vendor contract, saving $20,000 annually".
3. Show efficiency gains
Saved time or boosted productivity? Quantify it. Like this: "Streamlined data entry, cutting processing time 30%".
4. Highlight scale
Show the size of your projects or teams. Example: "Managed 30+ client portfolio while hitting all deadlines".
5. Before and after
Improved something? Show the difference. Example: "Upped email open rates from 15% to 22% through A/B testing".
No exact figures? Use ranges or estimates. "Managed 5-10 volunteers" beats leaving out numbers entirely.
Frank Hackett, pro resume writer, stresses:
"The more relevant details you incorporate into your resume, the more likely you’ll be to generate interviews during your search."
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Writing Your Skills Section
Your skills section is where you show employers what you bring to the table. Let’s break down how to make it shine.
Job Skills vs. Personal Skills
When crafting your skills section, balance hard and soft skills.
Hard skills are technical abilities you’ve learned. They’re measurable and often job-specific. For example:
- Programming languages (Python, Java, C++)
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Graphic design
Soft skills are personal traits that help you work well with others. They’re harder to measure but just as important. Examples:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Flexibility
The 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report found that 91% of learning and development pros agree: soft skills are becoming more important. Don’t ignore them!
Skills List Guide
Here’s how to create a compelling skills section:
1. Tailor to the job
Look at the job description. Match the skills they want with your own. For a marketing role, you might include:
- Social media management
- Content creation
- SEO optimization
- Data analytics
2. Be specific
Instead of just "Microsoft Office", break it down:
- Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables)
- Microsoft PowerPoint (creating engaging presentations)
- Microsoft Word (formatting long documents)
3. Include technical skills
For tech jobs, list programming languages, software, or tools you know:
- Python
- SQL
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Salesforce CRM
4. Don’t forget soft skills
Include personal traits:
- Leadership
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Emotional intelligence
5. Use a mix of hard and soft skills
A good balance might look like this:
Skills:
- Java programming
- Data analysis (SQL, Python)
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Problem-solving
6. Keep it relevant
Only include skills that apply to the job you want. A software developer job probably doesn’t need juggling skills (unless they ask for them!).
7. Be honest
Don’t claim skills you don’t have. If you’re still learning, say "Basic knowledge of…" or "Currently learning…".
Your skills section is more than a list. It’s a snapshot of what you offer. Make it count!
Frank Hackett, a professional resume writer, says:
"The more relevant details you incorporate into your resume, the more likely you’ll be to generate interviews during your search."
Take time to craft a skills section that shows your abilities and matches what employers want. It could open the door to your next big opportunity.
Extra Resume Sections
Your resume isn’t just about education and work experience. Adding extra sections can make you stand out, especially as a recent graduate. Here’s how to beef up your resume with info that shows off your unique qualities and skills.
Resume Summary and Training
A good resume summary can grab an employer’s attention fast. Here’s how to nail it:
- Keep it short and sweet: 2-5 sentences max
- Use job description keywords
- Include specific numbers to show your impact
Check out this example for a new marketing grad:
"Marketing graduate with a 3.8 GPA from XYZ University. Boosted social media engagement by 25% during a 3-month internship at ABC Company. Pro with Google Analytics and Adobe Creative Suite. Looking to use my data skills and creativity as a Marketing Associate at DEF Corp."
For training, list relevant certifications or courses:
- Google Analytics Certification (2023)
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification (2022)
- Coursera Digital Marketing Specialization (2021)
Frank Hackett, a pro resume writer, says:
"The more relevant details you incorporate into your resume, the more likely you’ll be to generate interviews during your search."
Activities and Online Profiles
Extracurriculars and online profiles can give your resume a big boost, especially if you’re short on work experience. Here’s what to do:
1. Show off leadership
Did you lead any college clubs? List ’em with what you achieved.
2. Include volunteer work
Fun fact: 41% of recruiters think volunteer work is just as good as a full-time job.
3. Highlight cool projects
Got any big school or personal projects? Put ’em on there.
4. Add your LinkedIn
Over 90% of companies use LinkedIn to hire. Make sure your profile looks sharp.
Here’s how to format this section:
Extracurricular Activities
- President, Marketing Club, XYZ University (2021-2023)
Led 15 members, organized 5 industry networking events
- Volunteer, Local Food Bank (2020-2023)
Ran food drives, upped donations by 30% year-over-year
Online Profile
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourname
Pro tip: Your LinkedIn should add to your resume, not copy it. Use it to expand on your experiences and show off recommendations from professors or internship bosses.
Amanda Augustine, a career expert, says:
"Don’t tell employers how you’re a great team player. Instead, explain how you served on a committee to raise money for your lacrosse team or received accolades for a group project during your internship."
Tips to Remember
When creating your college graduate resume, keep these key points in mind:
Customize for Each Job
Don’t use the same resume for every application. Tailor it to each position by analyzing the job description and using relevant keywords. Sinéad, a Career Coach at Indeed, says:
"It’s important to first identify and then showcase these skills."
Use Numbers to Show Impact
Instead of vague statements, use specific numbers. For example:
"Boosted Instagram followers by 25% in 3 months" beats "Increased social media engagement."
Start with Action Verbs
Begin each bullet point with a strong verb:
- Developed a new filing system, cutting retrieval time in half
- Coordinated weekly team meetings, boosting project completion rates by 30%
- Implemented a customer feedback system, raising satisfaction scores by 15%
Keep It Short
For most new grads, one page is enough. Be picky about what you include. Focus on experiences that show transferable skills. The Ascension Careers Blog notes:
"Your resume is your first chance to make a lasting impression on potential employers."
Check for Errors
Typos can cost you an interview. Proofread multiple times and ask others to review it. Andrew Fennell from StandOut CV warns:
"Failing to proofread and spellcheck your resume can easily result in typos and grammatical errors, which make your application look unprofessional and sloppy."
Make It ATS-Friendly
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To pass through:
- Use a single-column layout
- Stick to standard section headings
- Skip text boxes, headers, and footers
Show Relevant Coursework
If you’re light on work experience, highlight applicable coursework. Focus on classes that relate to the job.
Add a Professional Summary
Start with a brief, targeted summary. Chandlee Bryan, Career Advisor at Dartmouth College, suggests framing it as:
"Here is what I’ve done, and this is how my experience aligns with your needs."
Keep it short – aim for 150-200 words that capture your skills, experience, and career goals.
Use LinkedIn
Include your LinkedIn profile link. Make sure it’s current and adds to your resume without copying it. Use LinkedIn to expand on your experiences and show recommendations.
Name Your File Smartly
Save your resume with a clear name. For example: "J.Doe_Marketing_Resume.pdf". Keep a Word version as your main document, a PDF for sending out, and a text (.txt) version for online applications.
FAQs
What’s the best resume format for new grads?
If you’ve just finished college, go for the Harvard resume template. It’s a smart choice that puts your education front and center – exactly what you want as a fresh graduate.
Why’s the Harvard template so good? Here’s the deal:
1. Education takes the spotlight
Your degree is your biggest asset right now. This format makes sure it’s the first thing employers see.
2. Show off your academic chops
Got relevant coursework? Cool projects? Academic awards? This template gives you space to brag about them.
3. Clean and easy to read
Recruiters love it because they can quickly scan and find what they need.
Here’s what Chandlee Bryan, a Career Advisor at Dartmouth College, has to say:
"If you’re a recent graduate and you’re wondering how to best format your resume, we recommend using a format like the Harvard resume template because it highlights your education section and makes your qualifications stand out."
When you’re putting your resume together, remember to:
- Include your degree, school, graduation date, and GPA (if it’s 3.5 or higher)
- List relevant courses, projects, and honors
- Mention internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that relate to the job you want
- Highlight skills you picked up in class and through extracurriculars
This format helps you showcase your academic achievements while also demonstrating how you’re ready for the working world. It’s the perfect bridge between your college life and your professional future.