Well, first resume? Let’s face it. The hardest resume you will ever write in your life will most probably be your first. Lack of relevant work experience under your belt and the idea of impressing employers seems nearly impossible. So, how do you convince a hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job?
Luckily, you are here and we bring to you the best student resume tips that will win you your job interviews. Just follow these tips below.
Also, check out some best student resume samples for inspiration. These will give you a perfect idea of what to include in your resume.
Best 16 Student Resume Tips
Follow the experts’ advice on student resume writing to create resumes that make you outshine your competitors.
RESUME INTRODUCTION Tips
Beginnings can either make or break the situation. So, be extra careful while writing your resume introduction.
Related-Best Resume Introduction Examples
Often we come across beginnings like-
“Seeking a responsible position with an esteemed organization where I can contribute to the success“
Believe me, beginning your resume on this note will win you nothing. What does this statement imply? It has absolutely nothing to offer about you.
On the other hand, a well-written resume introduction has a lot to offer-
“Dedicated, a meritorious student with proven oratory skills, a strong debtor with over 25 trophies to my credit. An active cultural head of Interact club for last 2 years seeking an internship position at ABC”
So, follow the tips below and create your perfect resume introduction.
1. Add Relevant Skills
Incorporate your core strengths and skill that are relevant to the role. This creates an impact on the reader in the very beginning.
For instance- if you are applying for a teaching position, you may add your problem-solving skills, curriculum development, expertise in classroom technology, etc.
2. Highlight Your Greatest Relevant Accomplishment
Include notable accomplishments that you intend to repeat in the oncoming role. Furthermore, you must increase the persuasive power of your resume introduction by using percentages, sales figures, or numbers to quantify professional achievements.
3. Resume Keywords are a must
For this, firstly, you will have to scan the job advertisement. Now, use resume keywords from the ad in your resume.
Terms that imply the requirements of the position are the best keywords for your resume.
4. Write A New Introduction For Every Job
You must create a new introduction for every job.
The time taken to create a targeted introduction pays off by enhancing your chances of selection.
Also, try to keep it crisp and concise. A maximum of 4 lines is enough for your beginnings.
EDUCATION SECTION Tips
When it comes to a student resume with no experience or little experience, your education section becomes the most important.
5. Add the Institutions Attended
Did you begin your journey from a community college?
Or maybe you tried your hand at a trade school before moving to a university, or vice versa.
Whatsoever has been your educational path, make sure you include the details.
You must add:
- Institution name
- Area of Study
- Years in which you attended the institution.
6. Highlight your Major / Area of Study
Just mentioning the name of the college you’re attending means next to nothing without listing your area of study.
The most important part is what you actually studied there.
A student in the Theater department has a very different collegiate experience than one in Medical.
Therefore, to give a hiring manager a better idea of your relevant experience, do not miss out on your majors.
7. Be Careful About your GPA
Well, we have said innumerable times that one of the most effective mechanisms to include in a resume is quantification.
Employers like to see numbers. They help easily assign value to your achievements.
You can add your GPA at each institution you’ve attended, as well as your current GPA if you have not yet graduated.
However, if it is below 3.5 then you can skip adding your GPA.
8. Attract Attention By Adding Extra-Curricular
Were you a part of various activities at school? Activities that can be voluntary, social, philanthropic, and often interesting. Add these in your education section.
Here are some good extra-curricular activities that give a very positive impression on your potential employer:
-Oratory- debates, declamations, elocutions
-Dramas and Skits
-Tournaments
-Sports
-Training- self-defence, taekwondo, swimming, aerobics
-Participation in competitions
-Event planning and organization
9. Do not Miss out on Leadership Experience
If you have had any leadership experiences, do add them to your resume.
For instance-college head girl/boy, captaincy, class prefect, or any other position that you have held.
EXPERIENCE SECTION Tips
Well, this appears challenging for beginners but actually isn’t when you follow our resume experts’ advice.
10. Use “Relevant Experience ” instead of “Work History”
While most of you may not have years of work experience to boast on your resume, still your relevant experience can work wonders.
Here you can add-
- Volunteer activities
- Extracurriculars
- Coursework
Trust me, volunteering is loved by hiring managers. According to a survey, employers value volunteer experience as much as paid work experience.
And just like a regular work experience section, you must make use of bullet points that help illustrate how these experiences have prepared you for the position for which you’re applying.
11. Quantify Your Accomplishments
This is one of the most valuable student resume tips.
In the example below, the candidate quantifies her achievements:
” Improved freshmen-level writing scores by 30% through group lessons as well as one-on-one tutoring“
So, follow the above example. You can mention any relevant research you’ve conducted or corresponding reports. Even the size of the organization you worked for or the percentage increase you brought about through your services.
Hiring managers love seeing numbers, remember that.
Other Important STUDENT RESUME TIPS To Remember
Here are some more tips for other resume sections that you must keep in mind.
12. Show Your Skills
Work experience is never a prerequisite to have skills. In your studies alone, you can probably accumulate a wealth of relevant skills like:
- Adaptability
- Microsoft Office (Word / PowerPoint)
- Time management
- Research
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Work ethic
- Flexibility
- Computer skills
These are some generalized skills that one may pick up through their studies alone. Take it a step further by adding any specific skills you’ve picked up through a class (such as learning PhotoShop in a design course, or Excel in a math class).
Furthermore, you might also add an online certification or any other skill that you feel is transferable to your job positions.
13. Focus on Formatting
Well, this is really important. Keeping your resume clean and clear makes it readable. Moreover, it portrays your balanced personality.
- Use a standard resume format. We suggest using the reverse-chronological format.
- Add plenty of white space to your resume.
- Keep standard margins.
- Use professional font styles such as Arial, Times Roman, Cambria, and Calibri. Avoid fancy fonts.
- Never use font size above 16 or lesser than 9.
- Use proper headings for sections.
14. Consider Adding Some Extra Sections
Some extra sections can be-
- Certifications:
- Hobbies & Interests: Include the ones that are relevant to the position.
- Languages: Languages other than the native language.
- Awards & Commendations:
- Online links to Profile- make sure it is professional and presentable. Delete things that may give you an unprofessional look.
15. Optimize For ATS
All efforts go in vain when you do not create an ATS-friendly resume.
Do read-What is ATS? Best 7 Tips TO Create ATS resume
16. Attach A Customized Cover Letter
Attach a customized letter to your resume. It impresses the hiring manager. Moreover, it gives you extra space to include what you could not add to your resume.
So, for the best guidelines on writing a cover letter.
➡ Some Tips for Best Student Resume Examples
