Whether in college or just about to graduate, it’s likely you’ll need a resume or CV to help you score a good job. While this may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be with the right info to help make you shine on paper. Check out the best resume tips for college students!
Make Your Header Professional
A professional resume header is a great way to catch the eye of a hiring manager. Unfortunately, most people think the header is simply a place to put their name and contact information, but in reality, it’s much more than that.
The header should convey some primary information about you. To make it effective, use the following guides:
- Make sure you have a professional email address with a variation of your first and last name.
- Supplement your header with updated contact information.
- If applicable, insert a portfolio or LinkedIn profile link.
Give Emphasis to Intended Position
Employers want to know that you’re aware of the position you’re applying for and the role you will take on their team. Therefore, it’s important to do your job research, take some time to understand that specific position, and have it reflected on your resume.
Additionally, your resume should demonstrate your skills and experience based on the job description. Employers are looking for skilled professionals, not just anyone — so be attentive to the job details and leverage them to stand out in your application.
Specify Academic History
Since you may not have much work experience, employers will be most interested in your academic background, so feature your academics in the body of your resume. Remember to include your major, minor, awards, or related coursework or educational experiences. Also, double-check the preferred experience the employer may be requesting to make sure your academic experience is the right fit.
Detail Your Work Experience
Competencies such as leadership skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are acquired over time as you are constantly exposed to different experiences. Though you may not have much experience to specify, you can list internships or volunteer work that taught you specific skills. In addition, you can use your existing skills and achievements to showcase your competencies. A combination of creativity and determination makes you unique as an applicant. Clearly outline how you translated your life lessons into future goals, and be passionate about it.
Proofread Your Writing
In addition to your skills and education, professionalism and a well-written resume will boost your chance of standing out from the sea of applicants. However, even if your resume is full of value, a single misspelling or a grammatical error can be enough to doom it. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that everything is spelled correctly, proper grammar is used, as well as appropriate capitalization and punctuation. And remember this: proofread it multiple times or ask a professional to review it.
Conclusion
Writing a resume can be challenging for a college student or recent graduate with limited or no work experience. However, don’t let that stop you from landing your dream job. We hope the above résumé writing tips for college students will help you build your winning resume.