5 Essential Resume Writing Tips for Recent Grads (2024)

How is a resume for a recent graduate different from a resume for an experienced professional?

A resume for a recent graduate typically focuses on education and skills rather than work experience, as recent graduates may have limited professional experience. It should highlight academic achievements, research projects, internships, volunteer work, and any relevant extracurricular activities. In contrast, an experienced professional’s resume emphasizes their work history, accomplishments, and quantifiable results.

What are the key elements of a strong resume for a recent graduate?

A strong resume for a recent graduate typically includes the following key elements:

• Contact information: Name, address, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL
• Education: Degree(s) obtained, major(s), university name(s), graduation date(s), and GPA (optional)
• Skills: Technical skills, soft skills, and language proficiency
• Experience: Internships, research projects, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities that showcase relevant skills
• Accomplishments: Quantifiable results and achievements from experiences
• Objective or summary statement: A brief statement that highlights career goals and relevant qualifications

How do I highlight my education and skills on my resume?

To highlight your education on your resume:

• List your degree(s) and major(s) in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
• Include the university name(s) and graduation date(s).
• Consider including your GPA if it is high and relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

• Create a dedicated “Skills” section and list your technical skills, soft skills, and language proficiency.
• Use keywords that are relevant to the job openings you are applying for.
• Quantify your skills whenever possible, using specific numbers and metrics to demonstrate your proficiency.

What is the best way to quantify my experience and accomplishments?

To quantify your experience and accomplishments on your resume:

• Use specific numbers and metrics to describe your results.
• For example, instead of saying “Managed a team of volunteers,” you could say “Managed a team of 10 volunteers, increasing volunteer engagement by 25%.”
• Use action verbs and strong numbers to make your accomplishments stand out.
• For example, instead of saying “Assisted with research projects,” you could say “Assisted with research projects, contributing to 5 peer-reviewed publications.”

How do I tailor my resume to specific job openings?

To tailor your resume to specific job openings:

• Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills and qualifications.
• Highlight the skills and experience on your resume that most closely match the job requirements.
• Use similar language to the job description in your resume to demonstrate your understanding of the role.
• Consider using a different resume template or layout for each job you apply for.

Who should I ask to review my resume for feedback?

You can ask the following people to review your resume for feedback:

• Career services center at your university
• Professors or mentors
• Friends or family members who are in the same field
• Professional resume writers

What are some common mistakes that recent graduates make on their resumes?

Some common mistakes that recent graduates make on their resumes include:

• Using too much jargon or technical language
• Including irrelevant information
• Making grammatical errors or typos
• Using a poor resume format or design
• Not tailoring their resume to specific job openings

Where can I find additional resources for recent graduates writing resumes?

You can find additional resources for recent graduates writing resumes at the following places:

• ResumeGemini
• The Muse
• CareerBuilder
• Monster
• Indeed