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As a student, you may be looking for your first job or considering a career change.
In either case, you will need to create a resume to show potential employers what you have to offer.
A resume is an essential document that lists your education, work experience, and other accomplishments.
It gives you the opportunity to sell yourself to a potential employer.
But how do you even write a resume as an undergraduate? Let’s find out!
Resume Writing
When you’re a student, it can seem like there are a million things to do and not enough time to do them.
Between classes, homework, studying for exams, and working part-time jobs, it’s easy to put off writing your resume until the last minute.
But having a well-written resume is essential for getting the job you want after graduation.
Resume writing is one of the most important skills that every individual should learn.
There are many things to consider when creating a resume, such as the layout, font, and what to include and exclude.
However, there is no exact formula for writing a resume.
Crafting a resume that highlights your skills and experience can be challenging, but it’s important to make sure that your resume is up-to-date and accurate.
Parts of a resume
Your resume is a reflection of you. It is the first impression that you make on potential employers, and it is important to make sure that your resume is well-written and error-free.
The following are the different parts of a resume:
Objectives
The objective should state what type of position you are seeking and what skills and experience you have to offer.
Contact information
Your resume should include your contact information (name, address, phone number, email) so the employer can contact you.
Education
Start with the most recent degree or certification you’ve received in reverse chronological order.
Skills
List any other skills or accomplishments that might be relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Work Experience
Include any jobs you have held, internships, or volunteer positions. Be sure to include the dates of employment and any relevant job titles or positions.
Awards and achievements
If you have any awards or scholarships that you have received, then you should include them in your resume as well. This will demonstrate that you are a high-quality applicant.
Optional parts of a resume
In writing your resume, there are a lot of things to consider.
Some parts of your resume are mandatory, like your name and contact information, while other parts are optional.
Including these extra sections can help you stand out from the other applicants:
Volunteer work
If you have any volunteer experience, be sure to list it on your resume. You can include the title of the position you held, the organization you volunteered for, and the dates you volunteered. You can also include a brief description of your responsibilities.
Freelance work
Listing any precious freelance work can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you have experience in this area. Be sure to list the project title, dates worked, and any notable achievements.
Training and certifications
This information can help potential employers get a better sense of your qualifications and what you could bring to their company.
Hobbies and interests
If you have a hobby that is related to the company’s industry, mention that in your resume. Be sure to list your hobbies and interests in a way that is interesting and easy to read.
Why is it essential to build a good resume?
A resume is your first chance to make a good impression on potential employers.
Having a well-written resume will show them that you are organized, have good communication skills, and are able to think critically.
Additionally, a strong resume can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired.
So be sure to proofread your resume before submitting it, and ask someone else to take a look at it as well.
What do I put for skills on a resume?
A resume is a great place to start highlighting your skills.
As a student, you may not have a lot of professional experience, but you do have skills!
Think about the classes you have taken, the jobs you have had, and your hobbies and interests.
Which of these things could you talk about in order to show off your skills?
There are a lot of different types of skills that you could put on your resume.
Here are some examples:
- Analytical skills -This could include things like critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis.
- Organizational skills – This could include things like time management, task prioritization, and meeting deadlines.
- Communication skills – This could include things like public speaking, writing, and interpersonal interactions.
- Technical skills – This could include things like computer programming languages, software applications, or equipment operation.
Student Resume Examples
Student resume examples can be helpful in giving you guidance on how to create your resume.
Check out our student resume examples below:
For high school students
A high school student’s resume is different than that of a college student.
Their resumes focus on what they have done in the past, not what they will do in the future.
Here’s an example of a high school student resume:
Objective
A high school student with a creative mind passionate about putting ideas into pieces of art. Seeking a role as a junior graphic designer at Lumina Graphic Design Company.
Contact information
Hikari Tsukino
2791 Joy Lane
Sherman Oaks CA
818-513-0636
tsukino.h@domain.com
Education
High School Diploma
Notre Dame High School (2003-2007)
Sherman Oaks, CA
Skills
- Adobe Suite – Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator
Work Experience
Freelance graphic artist
DZ Graphics and Media, 3837 Quiet Valley Lane, Sherman Oaks CA
March 2007- August 2007
- Created logos for branding
- Designed marketing materials for clients
- Created infographics for social media
For College Students
A college student’s resume is very similar to a high school student’s resume. The main difference is that college students may have more experience and may have majored in a specific area of study.
Objective
A fine arts student with knowledge and experience in graphic designing aims to be a a junior animator in Pixie Animation Studios. I believe my skills in using Presto, Blender, Renderman, Autodesk Maya, Adobe Suite, and Toon Boom Harmony, make me a perfect fit for this position.
Contact information
Hikari Tsukino
2791 Joy Lane
Sherman Oaks CA
818-513-0636
tsukino.h@domain.com
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (2009-2013)
California College of the Arts
1111 Eighth St., San Francisco, CA
Technical Skills
- Adobe Suite
- Presto
- Blender
- Renderman
- Autodesk Maya
- ToonBoom Harmony
Work Experience
Junior graphic designer
Lumina Graphic Design Co., 4754 Maple Avenue, Modesto CA
October 2007- October 2008
- Developed designs based on clients’ request
- Cerated visual representations (print and media)
- Worked on projects as a team leader
- Produced computer-generated images
Freelance graphic artist
DZ Graphics and Media, 3837 Quiet Valley Lane, Sherman Oaks CA
March 2007- August 2007
- Created logos for branding
- Designed marketing materials for clients
- Created infographics for social media
Hobbies and Interests
- Video games
- Animating
- Coding
- Painting
Tips in writing your first resume
When you’re a student, it can be hard to know what to put on your resume. After all, you may not have much work experience.
But there are still ways to make your resume stand out.
- Highlight your achievements. For example, if you won an award or completed a project independently, mention that. These are great things to include on your resume, as they show that you’re a motivated and engaged individual.
- Keep your resume concise and easy to read. Use bullet points to list your accomplishments, and make sure the most important information is at the top.
- Use action verbs. Action verbs help to showcase your accomplishments and strengths, and they can make your resume more readable and engaging.
- Include the courses you’ve taken, any awards or scholarships you’ve received, and any volunteer work or extracurricular activities you’re involved in.
- If you have any job experience, even if it’s just a part of a summer job, be sure to list them on your resume. You don’t want to leave out any information that can help you land the job.
- Have someone else read it over for you. Having someone else look over your resume also allows them to give you feedback on what they think of it. This can also help you determine if you need to make any changes before sending it out.
By doing these things, you’ll make yourself a more competitive candidate and increase your chances of getting hired.
Bonus Tip: Where to apply for jobs if you have zero experience
If you’re a student and don’t have any experience yet, don’t worry.
There are plenty of places to find jobs that will give you the opportunity to learn on the job.
One great resource is ZipRecruiter. They have a massive database of jobs from a variety of different sources, so you’re sure to find something that fits your skills and interests.
ZipRecruiter also has a section for all college and graduate students, where they can search and apply for jobs.
It’s also one of the best places to look for entry-level jobs, making it ideal for them to use.
Ready to apply? Click here to learn more.
