good resume examples for fresh graduate

Graduate Resume Example for 2024 [Plus 10 Skills for Savvy Job-hunters]

Time to get a job to support your plans and kick off your mission to leave a mark on the world?

We’re here to help. 

Whether you’re looking for your first part-time job to support your studies or internship or if you’re a fresh graduate looking for your first full-time job, you’ve come to the right place. 

Here’s how we’re going to help you write your first student or graduate resume.

In a few minutes, you’ll hear four resume skills and insights that’ll last your entire working life:

• The 6 sections to include in your resume
• What a resume summary is – and how to write yours
• The 10 student skills every employer needs
• How to stand out from the crowd

Let’s follow the Jane Doe’s Novorésumé-created example throughout this guide.

Student and Graduates Resume Writing

Graduate resume sample.

Like the look of this? Stand out from other graduates and students, by creating your resume in minutes with templates that make hiring managers and recruiters take notice.

Here's more related resume examples that you might be interested in:

• College Resume
• High School Resume
• No Experience Resume
• Internship Resume
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Sections to Include in a Student or Graduate Resume

Here’s a quick overview of the sections that you should include in every resume you write, regardless of how you customize it for each job advertisement or speculative cover letter .  

• Contact and Professional Social Media details . List your professional email address – (not that ‘hilarious’ one you signed up for when you were 13!) – your phone number, and your professional social network profile).
• Professional Resume Summary: A summary for a resume needs to dash off your professional achievements and your skills that are relevant to the job ad.
• A Relevant Professional Title: A professional title for a resume will need to match the position/title that is advertised in the job ad, such as ‘media graduate, junior developer, or paralegal’.
• Education and certificates: Include your thesis, if it’s relevant, and add key courses related to the job. Include your grade point average, scholarships or university medals – if you have them.
• Relevant Experience: Don’t stress about this, we all started somewhere. Include any paid, unpaid or volunteer roles you held during your studies. No experience? No worries! Skip over to this dedicated guide with resume tips for students with no experience yet .
• Skills and expertise: Wizard at Word? Proficient in Photoshop? Google Ad Words guru? Make sure to include your key hard and soft skills (more on this soon).

What about those ‘nice-to-have’ but not mandatory sections? 

Here’s a few you can put in or leave out, based on the role and your own judgement. 

• Conferences, courses and certificates
• Student organizations, clubs, or networks
• Publications and awards
• Volunteer Experience
• Personal Projects

Think you already have enough information to create your student or graduate resume ? 

Check out our intuitive resume builder , job-hunting tips and resume examples to help you choose the best resume template to reach recruiters and hiring managers. 

How to Write a Resume Summary for a Student or Graduate Resume

Let’s get moving on the content of your resume, starting with your resume summary .

Hold up! Wondering what a resume summary is? 

It’s quite straightforward. 

Basically, a resume summary it’s a short paragraph at the start of your resume which sums up your experience and suitability for the role. 

It’s a bit like that elevator pitch you might hear people talk about in movies, start-ups or sales-driven business areas. 

Instead of pitching a company or idea, you pitch you – and the benefits and value you bring, but there is no need to mention everything - for example, your work for an  essay service  may raise some eyebrows.

Time for us to look at Jane’s resume to see this in action.

Her summary is clear and direct. 

Being in business means knowing about a lot of interconnected areas and Jane shows that she is versatile by highlighting her ‘proven and tested’ skills in procurement, marketing and sales – just some of the key areas that every solid business professional needs.

• “An independent and self-motivated business student with proven and tested business, procurement, sales, and marketing skills.”
• “An award-winning and confident communication graduate, able to establish rapport quickly and conduct training sessions with clarity and enthusiasm.”

Top Skills to Include in a Student or Graduate Resume

Let’s take a look at some of Jane’s skills now. 

She includes a nice mix of technical (hard) and soft skills on her resume. 

She talks about her proficiency with Google advertising technology, Typeform, and SendGrid, while highlighting four in-demand soft skills. 

Now you might be worried that you don’t have any of the skills Jane lists in her resume. 

Don’t worry, we bet you have plenty that you can include once you give it some thought. 

Your hard skills will differ drastically based on what you’ve studied too.

And here’s a little secret that will lift your confidence and readiness to complete your resume. 

There are some Soft Skills that almost every single employer will need. 

Here they are:

• Communication
• Adaptability
• Punctuality
• Organization
• Flexibility
• Problem Solving Abilities

How many of them would you add to your college resume template ? 

How to Stand Out From the Crowd as a Student or Fresh Graduate

You clever clogs out there are probably asking: “What if you share these skills with many other applicants?”

How on earth do you stand out?

Simple: you highlight your individual achievements and how they relate to the job.

Jane does this by linking her past work and volunteer experience to results. She successfully overcame personal targets – suggesting she’s driven – for three months in a row. 

This kind of example is a really strong way to show a high-performance attitude, without bragging or claiming ‘I’m a high performer’. It’s showing, not telling. 

A lack of experience is one of the big worries that students and graduates have when first applying for jobs and working on new resumes.  

Look how Jane solves this problem by highlighting her leadership in event planning and social media while at University.

Feeling inspired? Ready to create a resume that helps you get that interview? 

Suggested Reading:

• How to Write a Professional Resume - Extensive Guide
• Cover Letter Writing - Extensive Guide + Examples
• 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job

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• College Graduate

College Graduate resume example & writing guide

Choosing the right resume format for a new graduate 

Include your contact information, make use of a summary, outline your college graduate work experience: a strong report card , including the most relevant skills for a recent graduate position , detail your education & relevant certifications as a recent graduate, pick the right resume layout and design for a new graduate resume.

Job hunting as a college graduate can often feel like a competitive sport. When you’re up against hundreds of other fresh graduates with the same diploma in hand, your resume needs to be sharp and professional to stand out and land your perfect entry-level position. Whether you hold a degree in computer science, business, or foreign languages, your resume serves as your professional toolkit—an essential resource for presenting the perfect blend of skills and experiences to secure your foothold in the world of your chosen industry.

As a recent college graduate, first impressions matter, and potential employers form judgments based on the initial glimpse of your resume. The challenge for recent graduates is to showcase what sets them apart, both academically and professionally via internships and extracurricular experiences. If you're ready to elevate your resume game, we're here to help you write your way to success in your entry-level job search.

Resume guide for a college graduate

Land your first job after graduation with Resume.io. Our guides and resume examples cover over 500 professions, and our resume builder makes creating a compelling resume easier than ever.

This resume guide and corresponding college graduate resume example will cover the following:

How to write a college graduate resume

• Choosing the right resume format for college graduate
• How to add your contact information
• Using summaries
• Adding your college graduate experience
• Listing education and relevant experience
• Picking the right resume design/layout
• What job prospects and salary you can expect as a college graduate

To get started writing the best resume for a recent college graduate, you’ll need to understand what sections to include. Your resume should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Your new grad resume is your initial introduction to potential employers and serves as the gateway for them to get to know you better. Your objective is to show hiring managers what makes you unique and what experiences you’ve gained beyond your degree.

To construct a compelling narrative, start by thoroughly reviewing the job description. Ask yourself a few questions to help you determine the company’s ideal candidate:

• Is this role suitable for a recent grad?
• What is the work environment like?
• What is the corporate culture of this company?
• What kind of tasks and responsibilities are associated with the position?
• How large is the team you might be working with?
• What problem does the company want the person working in this position to solve?

While this may seem like a mundane exercise, understanding the nuances of the prospective workplace allows you to tailor your resume to position yourself as the ideal candidate. Identify the employer's objectives and illustrate how your skills and experiences align seamlessly with their goals—this is the key element that sets your application apart.

On your resume, aim to emphasize achievements rather than just responsibilities. While many recent graduates possess fundamental skills, can you showcase instances where you went beyond the basics? Have you contributed to the success of previous professional endeavors like internships? How have you enhanced the overall experience for those you worked with? Let your resume reflect your track record of success in your college and extracurricular activities.

Consider the ATS (Applicant Tracking System)

If you’re a recent college grad, you’ll likely be applying to positions using online application portals. You should be aware of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Algorithms built into these portals that scan resumes for specific keywords outlined in the job description. Resumes that don’t rank high enough can get filtered out before ever being reviewed by a hiring manager. 

Follow these steps to increase your chances of making it to the employer’s desk:

• Closely align your resume with the employer's language, incorporating keywords strategically, especially in the summary and skills section.
• Keep your resume format clear and straightforward to facilitate easy scanning by ATS, avoiding excessive graphics or elements that may confuse the system.
• Don’t engage in keyword stuffing—adding misleading, hidden, or excessive keywords on your resume just to beat the bots. Hiring managers frown upon this practice.

Selecting the best format for your recent graduate resume largely hinges on your level of professional experience. Whenever possible, we recommend the reverse chronological resume format with a focus on the employment history section as this is the format hiring managers expect to see from professional candidates. If your work history is limited, you can include internships and college jobs (related to your field of study) as part of your employment history. 

If your work history is limited or predominantly consists of jobs outside of your field of study, the functional resume format could be advantageous. This format places a greater spotlight on your skill set, allowing you to highlight your competencies and capabilities instead of past roles. It can be a good option for fresh grads or those transitioning to a new field.

For a head start, check our resume examples tailored to the reverse chronological format to guide you through the process. You can easily modify them for your own experience inside of our intuitive resume builder .

For more ideas, inspiration and direction, check out our hundreds of resume samples in categories like retail , hospitality and administration, and those for the following education-related occupations.

• Early Childhood Educator resume sample
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Your contact information is an essential part of your fresh grad resume, but one that many recent graduates get wrong. Your contact details should be prominently displayed in your resume header so that potential employers can easily reach you to set up an interview. Here are the essential pieces of information:

• Full name and professional title . As a fresh grad, it’s OK to use the professional title of the entry-level role you are applying to.
• Phone number . This should be a number you check regularly and is accessible during business hours. Make sure you have a working voicemail so a hiring manager can leave you a message.
• Email address . You’d be surprised how many recent graduates are still using silly email addresses. Your email address should be professional and include some part of your name. Make a new email account once you graduate as you should not include a .edu address on a job application.
• LinkedIn or portfolio website . An up-to-date LinkedIn profile is one of the best ways to signal to a potential employer that you take your career seriously. In some fields such as design or journalism, you will also want to include a link to your professional portfolio website.

Your contact information is key to landing an interview and the job. Make sure it is easy to find and easy to read.

• Jamie Johnson
• Research assistant
• 000-080-0600
• [email protected]
• Jamie “Da Best” Johnson
• Recent graduate

On a recent college graduate resume, a well-written summary is a superpower. In just a few concise sentences, you have the opportunity to present yourself as an outstanding candidate who has both the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to contribute to their organization and enhance the overall workplace experience.

A well-crafted summary extends beyond a mere listing of your previous roles—that information can be detailed further down your resume. The primary aim of the summary is to spotlight your skills and your professional personality which makes you a rising star. Make sure to write with energy and use verbs such as "applied, implemented, optimized, increased, and led," and quantify your accomplishments and present yourself as motivated and responsible.

Your summary should emphasize your strongest skills as a recent graduate and explain why you are the perfect fit for the specific job to which you are applying. Again, refer to the job description to develop a picture of the company’s ideal candidate. Embrace your distinctive strengths, and allow your summary to paint a vivid picture of the value you bring.

Keep in mind that hiring managers are busy people. Your summary is your initial opportunity to capture their attention and encourage them to read the rest of your resume. Keep it concise, focused, and positive to show why you’re the candidate the company has been looking for.

You can find our resume example summaries for recent graduates below:

Motivated and dynamic marketer with a recent Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, equipped with a solid foundation of key digital marketing principles and a proactive mindset. Possesses excellent analytical and problem-solving skills honed through rigorous coursework and internships, contributing to successful project outcomes. Eager to apply academic knowledge and practical experiences to a corporate role, bringing a fresh perspective and dedication to achieving organizational goals.

Motivated and creative graphic designer with a recent degree in fine arts, with a passion for visual storytelling and innovative design concepts. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, with a keen eye for aesthetics and attention to detail. A proactive and collaborative team player, I have successfully translated conceptual ideas into visually appealing designs during internships and coursework projects. Eager to contribute a fresh perspective and creativity to a dynamic creative team, leveraging a blend of academic knowledge and practical skills.

Energetic recent graduate seeking a part-time role in the retail sector. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, providing a solid foundation in customer service, inventory management, and business operations. Possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills, cultivated through coursework and previous experiences. Excited to apply business principles and enthusiasm to contribute to the success of a major fashion retailer.

Your recent academic journey is a valuable asset for potential employers but it can’t be the only experience listed on your resume. To compete among other grads and established professionals, you’ll need to create a strong employment history section tailored to the specific job you're applying for.

Begin by highlighting your most recent academic experiences at the top and work backward, capturing your educational background over the last few years. We recommend finding at least three “professional” experiences which can include student jobs, leadership positions, internships, and any other relevant experiences that directly align with the position you are pursuing. 

For each role, create a subheading with the job title, employer or school name, dates worked, and location. Then, construct 3-4 concise, results-based bullet points outlining your responsibilities and achievements in that role. Begin each point with an action verb and aim to incorporate quantifiable data and statistics whenever applicable. This structured presentation ensures that your resume will make you look like a qualified candidate, even as a recent grad.

Who works for whom?

One mistake commonly found on new graduate resumes is the sense that the employer’s job opening would be a big opportunity for the recent grad. When writing your resume, remember that your goal is to show how your skills and experience would benefit the employer and not how getting the job would be a great stepping stone in your career. Even if you don’t have much professional experience yet, your work ethic and fresh ideas can be a vital asset to a company.

You can find even more sample sentences in our college resume example below:

Marketing Intern at LA Athletic Company, Los Angeles  June 2020 - August 2020 

• Supported 5-person marketing team on seasonal email campaign which resulted in 2x higher than average open rate.
• Conducted market research on competitors by synthesizing data from 20 sources to inform 2021 strategy.

Waitress/Hostess at Champions Sports Bar and Grill, Los Angeles  September 2017 - March 2020 

• Ensured high quality customer service leading to various positive online reviews and comments.
• Trained 3 new team members on opening and closing procedures resulting in higher restaurant efficiency.

Your skills section is a crucial step in beating the automated resume scanners and getting reviewed by a hiring manager. While this section may seem like a simple list, it’s important to craft it carefully based on the job description and include a mix of hard and soft skills.

First, let’s look at the difference between hard and soft skills. Hard skills encompass concrete, technical proficiencies specific to your college degree and field of study, such as data analysis, programming languages, or project management. Conversely, soft skills involve interpersonal qualities and attributes contributing to effective collaboration and communication. These may include adaptability, communication, leadership, and teamwork.

As a recent college graduate, your resume should strike a balance, showcasing both the technical proficiency (hard skills) learned in your coursework and relevant to your field and the interpersonal strengths (soft skills) crucial for effective professional interactions. Make use of the employer’s exact language from the job description when presenting your skills, ensuring alignment with the employer's expectations. For instance, if the job posting emphasizes "team collaboration," incorporate this exact phrase in your skills section rather than using a more general term like "team player." This precision not only optimizes your resume for automated scans but also resonates more effectively with hiring managers.

You can find our adaptable skills resume sample below.

Key Skills and Proficiencies 

As a recent grad, your education is one of your strongest selling points. This is also the only time in your career where your education section can sit on top of your experience section. Make sure to list your degrees in reverse chronological order (most recent to oldest) and include the degree name, school, dates attended, and location. You should also include one or two bullet points with academic achievements that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

The education section is also the best place to add memberships, organizations, clubs, scholarships, and certifications you hold. Check out our adaptable education resume sample below.

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, University of Southern California, Los Angeles  September 2019 - May 2021 

• Relevant Coursework: Marketing Research Methods, Consumer Behavior Analysis, Advertising Campaigns

Your professional presentation as a fresh grad extends beyond the writing of your resume to the layout and design of your application. To create a strong first impression, you’ll need to pay attention to the spacing, fonts , and color used on your resume. As with your writing, your layout should be tailored to the job you are applying for. A professionally designed resume template makes it easy to test out different styles.

Above all, remember to keep a balance of white space to text on your resume so that your resume is easy to digest at a glance. Make sure your name appears in a larger font size and your contact information is prominently displayed in your header. We recommend choosing just one accent color and font style and using bold or italic text for emphasis. Remember, when in doubt, less is more. A dialed-down resume won’t impact your chances of landing the job the way an eccentric, colorful one will.

Key takeaways for your college graduate resume

• Your fresh graduate resume is the key to unlocking your first career opportunities.
• While writing your resume, make sure to think about how your skills and education can serve an employer’s needs.
• Your education section is a great place to add clubs, scholarships, and academic achievements.
• Don’t overlook your resume layout. Our adaptable recent grad resume sample can help you get started.

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5 Recent College Graduate Resume Examples for 2024

• Recent College Grad
• Recent College Grad 2
• Recent College Grad 3
• Recent College Grad 4
• Recent College Grad 5
• Recent College Grad Resume Writing 101

As a recent college graduate, the world is your oyster. With your college days in the rearview mirror, it’s time to put your skills to the test and jumpstart your career.

If the prospect of job hunting with limited work experience seems daunting, you’re not alone. College grads around the globe face the same dilemma— what to put on your resume and how to write a cover letter if you’re still new to the professional world?

Don’t fret—you’ve got boundless ambition, and we’ve got the secret resume tips plus a resume builder to turn that into your dream role! Check out our five recent college graduate resume templates and expert guidance.

Recent College Graduate Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• The more the merrier! Don’t shy away from adding as many courses as you’ve completed in your recent college graduate resume. However, keep in mind that it’s best to add ones that directly align with the role you’re applying to.

Recent College Graduate 2 Resume

Recent College Graduate 3 Resume

Recent College Graduate 4 Resume

Recent College Graduate 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• Grad School
• Research Assistant
• College Student
• Entry-Level
• College Graduate

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Early Experience

Your skills are your greatest assets as you begin to navigate your career path, so it’s essential to choose the best ones to put in the spotlight. Make sure they’re highly relevant to your niche. 

If you’ve majored in communication, discuss your SEO prowess and SalesForce expertise. A computer science grad may highlight something else, like Tableau or Python. What do these drastically different skills have in common? They’re all very niche-specific. 

Focus on the tools you know how to use, such as Adobe Creative Suite, and skills relevant to the job you’re applying for, such as market analysis. 

Here’s what a communication major might put on their resume— adjust it to match your industry .

9 best recent college graduate skills

• CRM Management
• SEO Optimization
• Microsoft Office
• Market Analysis
• Email Campaigns
• Data Visualization

Sample recent college graduate work experience bullet points

You’ve worked your way through college, or you’re jumping head-first into your first job. Either way, measurable impact is your best friend. This is how you show recruiters your accomplishments in a tangible, eye-catching way.

Even if your experience doesn’t seem relevant to the role you want, you can still show recruiters skills and success that transcend any job. Besides paid jobs, discuss college projects, internships, volunteering, or even hobbies and interests , and focus on your accomplishments.

Here’s how to use measurable impact to your advantage:

• Assisted over 100 customers a day by providing recommendations and offering additional products, surpassing daily sales goals by 21% on average
• Started and managed social media profiles for a college study organization, increasing follower count to over 700 in 6 months
• Led a team of 6 students in a marketing project, developing a new marketing strategy for a small business that increased revenue by 9%
• Coordinated fundraising events for a local non-profit, raising over $3,000 within a month

Top 5 Tips for Your Recent College Graduate Resume

• If you need some more inspiration, our resume samples can give you a boost.
• You may have a clear career path, but it’s okay if you don’t. A college degree opens many doors—you don’t have to stick to applying to jobs that fit your major. Roles that often hire graduates regardless of their field of study include customer success managers, recruiters, and account executives.
• Don’t fear blank spaces—a cluttered resume often ends in the bin. Focus on technical skills, such as your knowledge of programming languages like Python, education, and key accomplishments from previous roles or internships.
• Tweak your experience and skills sections for each job you apply for. Don’t talk about Word if you’re applying to be a junior data scientist—focus on Python and R. You’ll get more responses and find jobs that suit you better. 
• You’ve spent all of that time in college studying hard, so don’t be afraid to brag! Mention your GPA if you’re proud of it, and include relevant courses and certifications, such as the HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification, PMI, or GAIQ.

A resume objective won’t hurt if you have a clear career path in mind, but it’s not necessary. If you include it, make it more about what you bring to the company than your personal dreams. For example, mention how you want to utilize your experience in project management to maintain high employee retention and customer satisfaction.

Leverage your experience from internships, volunteering, short summer jobs, or even school projects to show off your skills. Don’t forget measurable impact: recruiters will love hearing that you “led a team of 5 to complete an Instagram campaign with stories and daily posts” instead of “completed a social media project.”

Pick a resume template that’s clear and concise. Put your contact information, education, major, GPA, and certifications in a visible spot. List the most essential skills for the job and work-adjacent experience.

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• Perfect Resume Guide for...

Perfect Resume Guide for Recent College Graduates

7 min read · Updated on April 04, 2024

Here's what to include in your entry-level college graduate resume

As you near your college graduation date, entry into the workforce gets closer and closer. That said, there are many factors to consider as you begin your post-grad job search. One of the most important considerations is how to develop your job marketing materials, like your resume, to grab the attention of employers. What resume standards do you need to consider, and what can you do to create a recent college graduate resume that stands out from the crowd?

Lucky for you, TopResume partnered with TheJobNetwork to produce a webinar all about resume writing for recent college graduates.. Watch the following video to learn how to write the perfect recent college graduate resume for an entry-level position.

Recent college graduate resume guide

Below are 14 reasons why the above example is an excellent resume for a recent college graduate.

1. He used a professional-looking email address

One thing recent college graduate resumes often include is an unprofessional email address. The email address [email protected] may have been funny when you were in college, but it's not the best choice to represent your professional brand in the working world. Do yourself a favor and set up a professional-looking email address that's reserved for your job-seeking activities.

2. It includes a customized link to his LinkedIn profile

Not only is LinkedIn a great place to build your professional brand and make connections, but recruiters also expect to find you on there.  In fact, a survey found that more than 90 percent of employers use LinkedIn to search for and evaluate job candidates. Make it easy for them to find you by including the link to your profile at the top of your resume. Take it a step further and customize your LinkedIn profile URL so it matches your brand and fits nicely on your resume.

3. The professional summary isn't full of fluff

It can be tempting to throw a bunch of buzzwords such as “ambitious” and “self-starter” into the summary section of your recent college graduate resume template, but employers know these are pure fluff and won't be impressed when they read them. 

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. Click on the following link for more tips to craft your professional summary .

4. Nicholas optimized his recent college graduate resume with relevant keywords

Your job application needs to get past multiple gatekeepers before it makes it into the hands of a hiring manager. Take a look at the job listings you're interested in and identify the key terms and phrases that routinely pop up. 

If you have those skills or were exposed to that industry or process, incorporate them into your resume. You can add them to a Core Competencies section, similar to Nicholas' resume, or incorporate them throughout the Work Experience section.

5. There aren't any mentions of high school

Hiring managers are interested in what you've done lately, not what you accomplished four or more years before you went to college as high school students. Focus on highlighting your activities, accomplishments, and the work experience that took place during your college career, calling special attention to anything that directly supports your job goals.

6. He lists his GPA

Only list your GPA on your entry-level resume if it's a 3.0/4.0 or higher. If the GPA in your major is higher than your overall GPA, feel free to use that instead. However, keep in mind that employers will know why you didn't include your GPA and may ask you about it during the interview process .

7. Nicholas didn't include his coursework

If you've held at least one internship that's relevant to your degree and career goals, there's no reason to also include a list of the courses you took. Employers will value your internship experience over the stuff you learned in the classroom any day of the week. 

However, if you did not intern, include a list of the 400-level courses you took that are most closely tied to your job goals to show hiring managers what subjects you're familiar with.

8. It plays up Nicholas' selling points

The format of your entry-level college-graduate resume will depend on the information you have to work with. If you have a ton of great internship experience, highlight that just below your professional resume summary and education sections. 

If you didn't hold any jobs that were related to your future career, play up other information instead, such as the high-level courses you took, major projects you participated in, academic or athletic honors you received, or extra-curricular activities and volunteer work that demonstrate your leadership roles and skills. 

In Nicholas' case, we divided his job experience into two categories so his relevant internships took the spotlight.    

9. Each employer has a company description

Help employers get a better understanding of the industries and work environments you were exposed to by including a line that describes each company with which you held an internship. 

If you're tight on space, feel free to eliminate this information for your summer jobs that aren't related to your current career goals. You can also omit this information from your internships if they were all held at companies with big, well-known brand names.

10. Nicholas bulleted the most important information

Use bullet points to draw attention to the information you believe recruiters will care most about. This may include an accomplishment or other major contribution you helped your team achieve.

11. Action verbs and numbers are used to describe his work experience

Notice how the bullets under Nicholas' roles begin with an action verb? This information focuses on how Nicholas contributed to an end result. 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 (e.g. created, led, managed, improved, developed, built) to describe your activities.

Nicholas also included quantifiable data to highlight his achievements. When showcasing accomplishments, it's best to include as many numbers as possible to represent the level of results achieved.  

12. His extracurricular activities and honors are provided

Your first resume out of college should play up your best selling points. This may include any projects or extracurricular activities you held while attending college, as well as any scholarships or other honors you received during that time. Click on the following link for more tips on how to build a resume using college involvement as experience .  

13. Nicholas' relevant skills are listed

Take a closer look at the job descriptions that interest you and note what technical skills they expect you to possess. This may include proficiency with a particular software program or language skill that's considered valuable in your chosen field. If you have a working knowledge of these platforms, list them on your resume. 

If you keep seeing a skill or tool mentioned that you don't know much about, look for free or low-cost online courses on the topic to bolster your skill set. Resources such as edX , SkillShare , and LinkedIn Learning are great places to start.

14. References are not included

As an entry-level professional, you only get one page of resume real estate — don't waste it by adding references or the phrase “References available upon request.” Employers usually won't ask for this information until you make it to a face-to-face interview, and they know you'll provide it if they request it.

Additional recent college graduate resume examples

Looking for more samples and advice? Click on the following links to check out a recording of our recent resume-writing webinar and take a look at another recent college graduate resume sample that TopResume's resident Career Expert Amanda Augustine provided for Business Insider.

Need help with your recent college graduate resume? Learn more about our professional resume-writing services to get a resume like the one above. You can also submit it for a free resume review to get started!

This blog was originally written by Amanda Augustine and has been updated by Ronda Suder. 

Recommended reading:

How to Check if My Resume is ATS-Friendly for Free

The Hottest Entry-Level Jobs for Recent Grads

17+ Job Resources for College Graduates

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

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Resume Summaries for Fresh Graduates with Examples

A resume summary is a short description at the top of your resume that briefly describes your experience, skills and why you’re an ideal candidate for a job. Using a resume summary can help recruiters decide whether they want to give your resume more attention or not. In this article, you can review various examples of resume summaries for recent graduates with explanations for each sample.

Resume summary examples for recent graduates

Here are some examples of resume summaries for recent graduates that you can use when writing own resume:

Retail Associate

Example:  ‘Aspiring Retail Associate with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Goal-oriented individual with a strong understanding of how to treat customers. Participated in skills development workshops at Boston College.’

This example begins with a statement of your career goals backed with soft skills needed for the job. As a recent graduate, it can help to focus on what you can offer to the recruiter rather than your specific experience.

Customer Service Representative

Example: ‘A former part-time shop attendant with a basic understanding of customer service looking for an opportunity in sales. Hard-working, proactive individual with strong problem-solving and communication skills and the ability to learn new concepts fast.’

When writing a resume summary as a new graduate applying to a Customer Service Representative position, focus on soft skills that are important for the job. Hiring managers in the customer service industry often focus more on a candidate’s experience and skills related to the job rather than the educational background. Start the resume summary by mentioning previous work experience relevant to customer service before describing your soft skills. 

Sales Assistant

Example: ‘Recent graduate with a degree in business administration and a GPA of 3.5 looking for a position as a Sales Assistant. Reliable communication skills, both oral and written, with a basic understanding of sales and marketing. Capable of working in a fast-paced and demanding environment.’

Highlighting your achievements relevant to the job no matter how small they might be can be very useful in giving your resume an appeal to recruiters. Emphasizing GPA, academic training and responsibilities in school can give an impression of how responsible you are with fulfilling tasks. Soft skills necessary for the job are also important to include in your resume summary.

Nursing Assistant

Example: ‘Nursing student with a passion for helping people looking for a position as a Nursing Assistant. Demonstrated strong communication and leadership skills through volunteering with Red Cross International.’

This example is brief but informs the hiring manager about the individual’s background by highlighting skills and interests. It also shows that this is the right career path for the applicant because the interests and skills align well with the industry.

Gym Instructor

Example: ‘Health Science student with a major in Fitness and Nutrition. Highly motivated to work as a fitness instructor to demonstrate communication, time management and problem-solving skills. Physically fit to serve as a role model to new clients.’

If you have no experience working in the field, it is recommended that you focus on your coursework to give recruiters an idea of your educational background. You can also add important skills and characteristics that can show recruiters what you can contribute to the position and why you are an ideal candidate. 

Medical Scribe

Example: ‘Recent graduate with technical knowledge in computing, data entry, communication software and databases. Interned as a clinic assistant at St. Luke’s Medical Center. Self-motivated, eager to learn, can work in a fast-paced environment and effectively communicate with other people.’

This resume summary for a Medical Scribe started by emphasizing technical skills fitting for an ideal candidate. It also indicated an internship experience which most recruiters prefer from fresh graduate applicants, and soft skills ideal to perform the tasks.

Information Technology (IT)

Example: ‘IT graduate major in computer programing with a background in Java application, HTML, CSS, Python, Tomcat, MySQL and Oracle database. Experience working in an IT company as software support as part of on-the-job training. Highly analytical, motivated and skilled at solving programming problems. Can work well both independently and in a team.’

When making a resume summary for the IT industry, you have to be specific with your skills. You need to emphasize which area you are most capable in to make sure that recruiters know that you are qualified for the job. Both technical and soft skills are important in the IT industry, so it is ideal to highlight them first in your resume.

Example: ‘Recent graduate with a degree in finance and knowledge of data management and cost and performance analysis. Skilled in identifying and resolving wash sales and share quantity discrepancies. Knowledge in virtual portfolio management, stock valuations, financial statement analysis and business management. Excellent problem-solving skills and experienced with using the latest financial software.’

A powerful resume summary understands the importance of providing specific information to readers. It should be able to cover a wide range of skills and background for the job and include enough information to highlight the strongest points of your resume to capture the attention of hiring managers.

Example: ‘Recent college graduate with an internship at Wall Street Financial Group. Seeking an entry-level accounting position to demonstrate accounting skills and knowledge. Highly competent, hardworking and detail-oriented with the capacity to go beyond what is expected to achieve higher career goals.’

This is an example of a resume summary that is brief but shares enough detail to encourage the hiring manager to read the resume more. In this example, the academic background is not mentioned. Instead, it focuses more on skills, experience and goals.

Primary Teacher

Example: ‘A recent graduate with a degree in primary education and a teaching certification, capable of teaching math to children between the ages of seven and 12 years old. Highly adept at various teaching techniques and ensures quality teaching by following education board standards, while making the learning environment fun and conducive to learning.’

This is an ideal resume summary for applicants applying to a teaching position because it highlights teaching skills and academic background. In your summary, you should mention specific credentials, such as the teaching certification, and show positive and nurturing characteristics, as well as other soft skills, to assure the recruiter that you work well with children.

Math Teacher 

Example: ‘A highly organized Math Teacher with proven skills in teaching through teacher certification, academic awards and on-the-job training as a teacher’s assistant in a private school. Ability to work in a team, solve problems professionally and create a nurturing environment. Skilled at communicating complex ideas in a simple but entertaining manner. Looking for an opportunity to share my knowledge and skills in a school that offers career progression.’

This resume summary is very informative about the applicant’s background. It highlights academic achievements and skills that are ideal for a teaching position. It also sounds professional while highlighting a career-driven goal.

Example: ‘Graduate with a degree in office administration experienced in handling calls and organizing schedules. Possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and takes a practical approach in handling different tasks. Looking for a position as a Secretary in a fast-paced environment.’

Recent graduates applying for secretarial jobs whether entry-level or not, should focus on highlighting their specific skills related to the role. Showing the capacity to fulfill the job is ideal to observe in resume summaries, especially that a secretarial job requires strong organization and communication skills aside from having a good credential. It is also advisable to include how an applicant deals with the day-to-day tasks of a Secretary. 

Receptionist

Example: ‘Highly-skilled hospitality management graduate with various on-the-job training in a hotel, restaurant and office setting. Friendly and works well with customer concerns and has strong interpersonal and communication skills. Looking for a position as a Receptionist in the hospitality industry.’

Ideally, a resume summary for a Receptionist role highlights your educational background, experience in the industry (if available) and most importantly, the soft skills. It is highly recommended to indicate a customer-friendly and inviting personality in your resume summary.

Logistics Clerk

Example: ‘Recent graduate with strong attention to detail and organization skills looking for an entry-level job as a Logistics Clerk to build a career in the logistics industry. Can handle large amounts of information, multitask, answer calls and perform data entry jobs.’

While highlighting experience is ideal, resume summary for logistics focuses more on the skills required to function on the job. It would also help to express the kind of personality fitting for the job as well as the career goals.

Human Resources Assistant

Example: ‘Goal-oriented Human Resources recent graduate with experience as a Human Resources intern in an outsourcing company to assist in training and skill development. Highly adept in developing training programs and has excellent oral and written communication skills.’

This resume summary for an HR Assistant focuses mainly on academic background, work experience and specific skills gained from previous first-hand experience in the field. This is one way to emphasize how prepared you are for the job which can leave a good impression on recruiters. 

Related: Writing a Resume Summary (With Examples)

20 good skills to put on resume for new grads

Looking for the top skills to include on your resume as a new grad? This guide highlights 20 essential skills to showcase your value to employers.

As a new graduate, it can be challenging to know which skills to highlight on your resume. Employers are looking for candidates who can bring a diverse set of skills to the table, and it's essential to show that you have the skills that are in demand in today's job market. Here are the top 20 skills that new grads should consider including on their resumes:

1. Critical thinking

Employers expect candidates to have strong critical thinking skills to solve problems and make informed decisions. Demonstrate your ability to analyze complex situations, evaluate different perspectives, and develop creative solutions that meet business goals. Provide examples of how you have used critical thinking to improve processes, increase efficiency, or solve complex problems.

2. Creativity

Employers appreciate candidates who can bring fresh ideas to the table and find innovative solutions. Highlight your creativity by sharing examples of how you have solved problems in unconventional ways or how you have introduced new processes that have led to positive results. Provide specific examples of how your creative approach has positively impacted your previous roles or projects.

3. Leadership

Leadership skills are highly sought-after by employers as they demonstrate the ability to motivate and manage others effectively. Highlight your experience in leading teams or projects, and provide examples of how you have inspired team members to achieve common goals. Share specific examples of how you have created a positive work environment, delegated tasks, and provided constructive feedback to team members.

4. Teamwork

Employers value team players who can collaborate, communicate effectively, and support their colleagues. Highlight your ability to work in a team by sharing examples of how you have contributed to a team's success and how you have handled conflicts or disagreements. Demonstrate how you have actively participated in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative projects.

5. Time management

Effective time management is crucial in the workplace, and employers look for candidates who can manage their workload efficiently. Demonstrate your ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously. Share specific examples of how you have managed your time effectively to complete projects on time and handle unexpected challenges.

6. Organization

Employers seek candidates who are organized and can manage multiple tasks and projects effectively. Highlight your organizational skills by providing examples of how you have kept track of details, managed projects, and met deadlines consistently. Share specific examples of how you have organized your workday, kept track of project timelines, and prioritized tasks to meet deadlines.

7. Attention to detail

Employers look for candidates who pay attention to detail, especially in industries such as healthcare, finance, and law. Showcase your ability to catch errors, maintain accuracy, and deliver high-quality work. Highlight specific instances where your attention to detail has resulted in positive outcomes, such as catching errors before they become costly mistakes, ensuring compliance with regulations, or improving the quality of deliverables.

8. Adaptability

The job market is constantly evolving, and employers want candidates who can adapt to new situations and challenges. Highlight your flexibility by sharing examples of how you have adjusted to changes in your previous roles or how you have learned new skills quickly. Demonstrate your ability to be open to new ideas, take on new responsibilities, and adjust your approach to achieve results in a changing environment.

9. Customer service

Employers want candidates who can provide exceptional customer service to build strong relationships with clients. Highlight your experience in providing customer service and showcase how you have handled challenging situations to ensure customer satisfaction. Share specific examples of how you have handled difficult customers, resolved complaints, and exceeded customer expectations.

10. Communication

As a new graduate, it's essential to showcase your communication skills through your resume and interview. Employers seek candidates who can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey ideas, collaborate with team members, and interact with clients. Highlight your ability to tailor your communication style to different audiences, use active listening skills, and convey complex information in an easy-to-understand manner. Share specific examples of how you have effectively communicated in your previous roles or projects.

11. Data analysis

Data analysis is becoming increasingly important in many industries. Highlight your ability to collect and analyze data by showcasing your experience in data analysis tools and techniques. Share specific examples of how you have used data analysis to inform decision-making, identify trends, and solve complex problems.

12. Technical skills

Depending on your field, you may need to have technical skills, such as coding or proficiency in specific software programs. Highlight your technical skills by providing examples of how you have used them in previous roles or projects. Showcase your ability to learn new technical skills quickly and adapt to changes in technology.

13. Project management

If you've managed projects in the past, be sure to highlight your experience. Employers want candidates who can manage projects from start to finish. Showcase your project management skills by sharing specific examples of how you have planned, executed, and monitored projects, managed resources, and delivered successful outcomes. Highlight your ability to collaborate with stakeholders and communicate project progress effectively.

If you've worked in sales, highlight your experience. Sales skills are valuable in many industries. Showcase your sales skills by providing examples of how you have achieved sales targets, built relationships with customers, and closed deals. Highlight your ability to prospect, negotiate, and communicate effectively with clients.

15. Marketing

If you've worked in marketing, highlight your experience. Marketing skills are valuable in many industries. Showcase your marketing skills by providing examples of how you have developed and executed marketing campaigns, managed social media platforms, and analyzed market trends. Highlight your ability to create compelling content, work with cross-functional teams, and measure the success of marketing initiatives.

16. Public speaking

Public speaking is a valuable skill that requires confidence, preparation, and effective communication. Showcase your ability to speak in front of an audience by highlighting your experience in delivering presentations, leading discussions, or participating in public speaking events. Emphasize your ability to connect with the audience, deliver messages with impact, and handle questions and feedback.

17. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are essential in the workplace and involve communication, collaboration, and relationship-building. Highlight your ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders by providing examples of how you have worked with diverse teams, managed conflicts, and demonstrated empathy and respect. Emphasize your ability to listen actively, provide feedback constructively, and communicate effectively in different settings.

18. Research

Research skills are valuable in many industries and involve gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform decisions and solve problems. Highlight your ability to conduct research by showcasing your experience in designing and implementing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and synthesizing information. Emphasize your ability to use various research methods, tools, and technologies, and to present findings in a clear and compelling way.

19. Writing

Writing skills are essential in many industries and involve communicating ideas, information, and messages through various media. Highlight your ability to write by showcasing your experience in writing different types of documents, such as reports, proposals, emails, or social media posts. Emphasize your ability to write clearly and concisely, adapt to different audiences and purposes, and use correct grammar, syntax, and punctuation.

20. Presentation skills

If you've given presentations in the past, highlight your experience in delivering effective and engaging presentations. Emphasize your ability to plan and prepare presentations, use visual aids and multimedia effectively, and deliver messages with clarity and impact. Provide examples of how you have adapted your presentation style to different audiences, managed time effectively, and received positive feedback.

Hard Skills vs soft skills

When crafting your resume or preparing for an interview, it's important to understand the difference between hard skills and soft skills. Both types of skills are valuable, but they serve different purposes in the workplace. Here's a breakdown of hard skills vs. soft skills and how to showcase them effectively:

Hard Skills:

Hard skills are specific, technical skills that can be taught and measured. Examples of hard skills include programming, data analysis, or graphic design. These skills are typically learned through formal education, training programs, or on-the-job experience. Hard skills are often used to demonstrate proficiency in a particular area or to qualify for a specific job.

To showcase your hard skills, it's important to be specific and provide concrete examples of how you have used these skills in past roles or projects. Use relevant keywords and include any certifications or training programs you have completed to demonstrate your expertise in these areas. You can also highlight any technical tools or software programs you are proficient in.

Soft Skills:

Soft skills, on the other hand, are personal attributes that are often harder to measure or quantify. Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, and leadership. Soft skills are often considered to be just as important as hard skills because they can affect how well you work with others and adapt to new situations.

To showcase your soft skills, provide examples of how you have used them to achieve specific goals or overcome challenges. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, or lead a team. Soft skills can also be highlighted in your cover letter or personal statement, where you can discuss your personal values and work ethic.

Common Questions

What skills should i include on my resume.

It depends on the job you are applying for and the industry you want to work in. Generally, you should include skills that are relevant to the job and showcase your strengths and abilities.

How many skills should I include on my resume?

You should include the skills that are most relevant to the job, but try to keep it to around 10-15 skills. Including too many skills can make your resume look cluttered and unfocused.

Should I include soft skills on my resume?

Yes, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management are highly valued by employers. These skills can demonstrate your ability to work well with others and adapt to new situations.

How should I format my skills section on my resume?

You can format your skills section as a bullet list or a table. Use bullet points to list your skills and highlight the ones that are most relevant to the job. You can also group similar skills together and use subheadings to make the section more organized.

How can I showcase my skills on my resume?

You can showcase your skills by providing examples of how you have used them in past roles or projects. Use action verbs and specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and show how your skills can benefit the company.

Can I include skills that I don't have much experience in?

It's okay to include skills that you are still developing, but make sure to be honest about your level of experience. You can also highlight your willingness to learn and improve in these areas.

Should I customize my skills section for each job application?

Yes, you should customize your skills section for each job application to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job. Use keywords from the job description to ensure that your resume passes the initial screening process.

Should I include certifications or training in my skills section?

Yes, you can include relevant certifications or training in your skills section to demonstrate your expertise in a particular area. This can also show that you are committed to continuous learning and professional development.

In conclusion, as a new graduate, it's essential to highlight the skills that are in demand in today's job market. By including the skills listed above on your resume, you'll be able to show employers that you have the skills and abilities they're looking for in a candidate. Good luck with your job search!

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Want To Get Hired? Follow These Sample Resume Formats For Fresh Graduates

Modern-day job application challenges aside, the Philippines has seen one of its lowest unemployment rates in recent years. Indeed, this means that more opportunities are becoming available to jobseekers from a wide variety of industries. But for jobseekers fresh out of college, it also means stepping up your game to make sure you get the best chance of getting hired… even with little to no professional experience!

To do that, you will want a resume that’s well-written, organized, and visually appealing. After all, these documents are your first chance of showing employers what kind of employee you will be for their company. In that regard, it’s safe to say that it’s probably one of the most crucial parts of your jobseeking journey. Hence, using a good sample resume format for fresh graduates can draw the line between you getting hired or not on your first try.

Best resume sample and format ideas

With tons of resume samples and formats out there, it can be hard to figure out the best one that can make your profile stand out. To help you make the best first impression in your job application, we’ve put together a few sample resume formats for fresh graduates with no experience. What’s more, they come in a downloadable format to make it easier for you to create your own resume!

Sample Resume 1

Resume Writing Tip: Bullets are a great way to make your resume more reader-friendly. Only, be sure to use them consistently and when truly necessary. In the format above, information such as technical skills and achievements are bulleted. This is because they only need a quick read-through. Meanwhile, those requiring explanation, such as career objectives and pre-professional experience, are not.

Sample Resume 2

Resume writing tip: As they say, simplicity is key. This is especially true when you want employers to go straight to relevant information about yourself, without being distracted by loud colors and fancy font styles. If you must stay away from making your one-page resume “too boring”, adding bold lines to separate sections already helps make it more visually interesting.

For more creative resume ideas, visit Career Tools . It also has its own CV maker and interview practice tool to accompany your jobseeking experience!

Sample Resume 3

Resume writing tip: One-page resumes should include key details in your educational, personal, and professional background. Even then, some pieces of information need further highlighting, like your name, university degree, and previous work title, if any. For these, you can use bold and italicized text so they easily catch one’s attention. You can also italicize the description of your pre-professional experience.

Sample Resume 4

Resume writing tip: Using too many colors can be very distracting, while using a single, neutral one can appear dull at times. You can find the balance by using a single theme of color such as in the example above, wherein different shades of blue are used. You will then have a resume that’s both professional-looking while still showing a bit of your creativity. Hence, making you memorable.

Sample Resume 5

Resume writing tip: Another common trend in resume formats that doesn’t disappoint is segmenting information into boxes. This is a good way to keep readers occupied in reviewing your information without boring them with traditional linear resume formats. Match this style with an ample amount of colors to make the resume more fun. For easy profiling, you can even directly add your background under your name.

Note that the above sample resumes are only available as a reference and all information is entirely fictional.

What is the best sample resume format for fresh graduates?

Now comes the question most fresh graduates are itching to get an answer to: Is there a single “best” resume format to use?

As always, it depends on quite a few factors, among them being the nature of the industry you are trying to get into, the company you’re applying in, and the job you’re vying for. For example, if you’re in creatives, you can make your resume even more playful by adding more elements and colors. Regardless, one-page sample resume formats are almost always ideal.

See more sample resume templates for fresh graduates on JobStreet’s Career Tools . Aside from resume writing, you can also practice making a cover letter, work on your interview skills, and even compute salaries using a salary calculator . Visit Career Resources Hub for more expert jobseeking tips too!

Don’t miss out on more employment guides, inspiration, and updates by logging on to JobStreet on mobile! Download JobStreet on Apple Store and Google Play now and #LetsGetToWork!

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Fresh Graduate Resume Example + Best Tips for Professionals

As someone newly out of college, the prospect of finding a job can be daunting. Most of us would love to immediately start working in our dream jobs, but we can’t always get to that point without putting in the effort. And the first step towards reaching that dream would be to create an awesome graduate resume. It greatly multiplies your chances of landing interviews and finding that perfect first job.

All resume examples in this guide

College graduate resume example

John Smith [email protected] 888-999-0000

Soon-to-be marketing graduate (2021) with a passion for improving customer acquisition through Google advertising and SEO. I gained experience generating leads through marketing campaigns during my internship at Custom Digital. I have successfully completed 3 paid ad campaigns in my time there generating over 30 leads per campaign.

Merchant’s College, San Francisco Completed 3 years of 4. Graduating in December 2021

Major: BBA in Marketing Management Current GPA: 3.8/4.0 Relevant courses: Social Media management, SEO, Google Ads Management

WORK EXPERIENCE

Job Role: Marketing Intern From April 2020 - December 2020 Custom Digital, SA

Key responsibilities:

• Helping to run targeted local Google ad campaigns
• Analyzing data from each campaign to improve the relevance
• Analyzing website’s to identify where on-page SEO should improve

Key achievements:

• Generated over 30 leads per Google Ads campaign that I ran
• Proficient in Google Suite
• Efficient at analyzing customer data trends
• Proficient in Google Adsense
• Proficient in navigating Google Analytics and Search Console
• Experience using SEO tools - Semrush and Ahrefs

CERTIFICATION

I wanted to improve my knowledge in specific areas so I completed the following Google certifications:

• AdWords Fundamentals Course
• Search Advertising Course
• Analytics Course

However, not any graduate resume will do the trick. It needs to be an outlier against the other resumes the employers are receiving. If the resume doesn’t stand out, then your chances of being chosen for the job are much lower.

And that’s why we’re here to help.

We have compiled this blog with all the information you need to craft that perfect resume. We will tell you what you should and shouldn’t include in the resume, guiding you through the whole process to make sure you get that first job.

So get your notes ready (or come back here when you are) and let’s begin!

The following graduate resume example will give you an idea of what your final resume should mirror. It will include all the points we’re exploring in the sections below.

As a student, you may also be interested in some of the examples below:

• New graduate nurse resume
• College student resume

Or if you prefer to skip the reading, check out our resume templates where we help you create a resume based on all the sections we explored above.

Salary & Employment rates for fresh graduates

First jobs probably aren’t going to meet the expectations you have of a great salary. But, there’s good news! Salaries for new graduates have been increasing over recent years and have reached an all-time high in 2021.

The average salary for new graduates is $55,260, which is an 8.5% rise from the average salary of 2018 which was $50,944. From our perspective, this amount provides a solid foundational base to build on your career. And of course, those in technical majors (i.e. engineering or computer programming) will have above average salaries ranging between $60,000 and $90,000.

• Business - $58,869
• Agriculture - $53,504
• Math and Sciences - $63,316
• Engineering - $71,088
• Computer programming - $86,098

How to write a College graduate resume from zero

Okay, let’s get into the meat of it. Before you write your resume, make sure you have all the information you need on hand. This way, you won’t forget anything or include incorrect details that can mess up your interview in the future.

The ???? goals of writing a college graduate resume are to:

• Communicate your positives (strengths)
• Showcase your education
• highlight your skills and experience

The tricky part of a resume is trying to sell yourself without overselling yourself. You don’t want to drown the reader with information. It needs to be comprehensive but in a precise, easy-to-digest manner. So, to keep in line with this, the main sections you need to include in a resume are:

• Accurate contact information (and your professional social media if you prefer)
• A brief summary - To provide a quick glance at where you excel
• Education details and certificates
• Any experience you may have
• Where your skills lie

Also, going the extra mile can sometimes work in your favor. So, if you have any other awards or experiences that can be professionally added to the job you are applying for, they should be included too. Some examples are:

• Volunteering experience
• Any publications or social awards
• Being part of clubs or student organizations
• Additional courses or certificates

These should be used at your own discretion. Don’t include all of it just to make the resume longer.

The College Graduate Resume Model for a Recent College Graduate

The ideal layout of a resume for graduates should have a structure that is easy on the eyes and simple to read.

Placing information haphazardly on the document can be off-putting to the reader. No matter what information you put in there, make sure you’re following a structure.

A resume can seem difficult to write because you’re always looking at the final result of someone else’s work. By breaking it into chunks, you’ll make it much easier for yourself to draft your own resume.

• Contact information
• Additional sections

Which type of resume should a recent college graduate have?

There are three types of resumes that can be used for a resume. Which type you use will depend on your own skills, accomplishments, and experience. You should determine which one works best by yourself.

• Chronological resume and college graduate resume examples - This is the most popular format. It lists all your details (school, work, experiences) in chronological order starting from your most recent to the past. This highlights all the most pertinent information right on top.
• Functional resume of a recent college graduate - This format is focused on highlighting your skills over your work experience. It will list your most prominent skills and qualifications right on top in bullet points with your work history pushed to the bottom.
• Hybrid resume - This combines the best parts of the two other formats. It includes the work experience section in chronological order while also highlighting your key skills in bullet points.

Now let’s move on to individual areas of the resume and what you need to include in each to draft the best resume.

Header for a Recent College Graduate Resume

The header section is the first thing the employer is going to look at when they glance at your resume. This part needs to clearly convey who you are. If you have worked in an internship or have something unique to highlight, then you can write a short summary about it (shown below).

Including a photo is at your discretion but it is typically removed from a resume. This is because of the following reasons:

• The resume should be kept short and pictures take up a lot of space. The employer will only be interested in your skills and qualifications (unless you’re a model or actor), so focus on that.
• There can be cases of discrimination. Whether on purpose or not, employers can disregard your application based on personal views of age, race, or gender.

If you think a photo will help your chances, however, here’s how you need to include it:

• Dress professionally and according to the company’s culture
• Consider getting your picture taken by a professional

Examples of a good & bad header

John Smith [email protected] • 888-999-0000 • linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

John Smith [email protected] 555-888-6565 012-555-0000 1413 Saint Francis Way, Philadelphia, 19107

Education: Highlight your knowledge

Your education is one of the biggest selling points you have as a new graduate. Especially since you will have little to no professional experience, you need to detail your education to show employers that you’re interested in the field you’re applying for.

Here’s what you need to include:

• The name of your college/university
• Location of the college
• Graduation date
• Field of study
• Your GPA (you should only include this if you have a GPA of 3.5 or higher as it could end up hurting your chances if it’s lower)

This is an example a recent college graduate should use:

Experience: Showcasing it in your resume

The information you include in this section will depend on whether or not you have any professional experience. We have already gone over why this section is important so let’s jump right into both scenarios so you get a better understanding.

Graduate with Professional Experience

Role: Marketing Intern

From June 2020 - March 2021

Longway Marketing, LA

• Creating and managing social media campaigns for 3 clients
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify consumer trends
• Preparing marketing proposals and presentations as per company requirements
• Generated over 100 leads for 5 social media campaigns that I ran

The above graduate resume sample clearly states where you worked, for how long, and what you were directly responsible for. It also highlights what you were able to achieve in that period.

Job: Marketing Intern

I was an intern for 9 months at Longway Marketing and these were the responsibilities I held:

• Managing social media campaigns
• Analyzing customer data
• Creating marketing presentations

This example provides the bare minimum of what you did during your internship. It is all general information and there’s no mention of your achievements.

Graduate Resume Template of a Recent College Graduate - Without Professional Experience

Location: West Coast, Los Angeles

April 2020 - December 2020 (1 day per week)

• Assist in the office helping to make them more organized and run in an efficient manner
• Teach English and Math to the students
• Involved in daily activities such as helping with homework or engaging during playtime

This example states clearly what the experience was, what you did, and how long you were doing it. At a glance, employers can get the gist of the experience, which is what you should be aiming for.

I was introduced to this opportunity by my college and wanted to help in any way I can. I was there at least once a week for almost 10 months and I learned a lot during my experience there. It was heartwarming to help those poor children in need and I think I learned many life lessons in my time there.

The problem with this example is that employers will be forced to read the entire paragraph to understand what you’re writing about. It provides very general information that anyone can write about their experience volunteering.

The information should be listed out in bullet points to browse through.

Skills: The best weapon a fresh graduate could have

As we have already gone through, you don’t need professional skills here (bonus points if you do though!). Just include any skills you’ve learned along the way through your courses or extra-curricular activities. This will help develop your college graduate resume example better, and create a better professional resume summary.

For best results, go through the job description to identify what the company is looking for. Match your own skills with these and note down what is relevant. However, you shouldn’t simply write down the skill with no context. You need to showcase relevant experience, and an education section in your college resume.

Here are some examples:

• Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Suite
• Skilled in using Photoshop for design
• Proficient in academic and blog writing

Look to create a perfect CV template. Focus on your transferable skills, and any project management experience you need. Also, look to showcase your key accomplishments, and make resume writing a priority.

About me: Professional summary for a graduate resume

Now, you have the option of either including this summary in the header section (if it’s short and succinct) or towards the end (for a more detailed summary). Adding it to the header section is a great way of highlighting your best achievements that will be seen at the first glance.

However, adding it towards the end is a good way of wrapping up your resume as well. Talk about any entry level position, and your hard skills. Recent college graduates also need to talk about their critical thinking skills in their entry level resume, and any volunteer experience. Take a look at a sample resume to know the perfect cover letter template. Also, take a look at the job advertisement to know if you need to showcase any specific skills.

There are two ways you can write a good summary:

• The resume summary - This is a brief statement noted at the top of the resume to highlight any accomplishments and skills.
• The resume objective - This is just another way of writing a summary but it is focused on showcasing how your career goals are in line with the company’s requirements.

Graduate Resume Model - Resume Summary

A good resume summary should not do the following:

• Go into detail about the accomplishments
• Be more than one short paragraph.

Graduate Resume Model - Resume Objective

A good resume objective should not do the following:

• State that you want the job
• Write in detail about your career goals

Recent college graduate with a BA in Business Administration and 9 months of internship experience. A dedicated worker who will aim to achieve XYZ company’s objectives and take responsibility as efficiently as possible. Seeking to put my academic knowledge to use by effectively filling your open marketing executive position.

I recently graduated with a major in Business Administration. I have some experience working as an intern for a digital marketing company and I believe I can learn from my experience at XYZ company. The position of marketing executive that you are advertising is what I am looking for and I think I am the perfect fit.

Additional sections for your College Graduate Resume Template

Depending on the industry or position you are applying for, there are additional sections you could include in the resume.

Some industries value legit certifications over actual college degrees. For example, being Google certified is more valuable to a digital marketing company than a degree in marketing.

If you’re applying for a position that deals with foreign clients or international markets, then proficiency in another relevant language is a definite bonus.

Including Computing Skills & Certifications

Technology in the modern workforce is a common requirement. The number of areas where technology is required in a business has grown. As such, most employers look for some level of computing skills when hiring candidates. If you know the type of skills required for the job role already, you can include the areas you are proficient in or where you have received certification.

Including Languages

If you are good at multiple languages, then highlighting them is a bonus point for your part. To include them on the resume you should:

• Create a separate section for languages
• Start from your most proficient language
• Mention at what level you know the language.
• American English - Native
• Spanish - Fluent
• French - Conversational

Tips to boost your resume

Now that you understand what needs to be included in a resume, here are a few tips to keep in mind when drafting it.

• Structure the resume so that it can be read at a glance. Break the content into chunks.
• Quantify your achievements (include numbers and figures)
• Check your grammar multiple times before sending the resume
• Remove any fluff and unnecessary words
• Do extra courses and certifications online

Check out some of our resume examples to get an idea of how your completed resume should look like.

Summary: Writing a perfect resume to get jobs as a graduate

• The header should be short and eye-catching
• Don’t include a photo if not required
• Try to keep the resume to one page
• The summary should only showcase your best achievements
• Highlight your education if you don’t have work experience
• Tailor your experience to match the job role
• Don’t just write down your skills, provide more context
• Including any relevant information that makes sense for the position you are applying to

Complement your resume with a cover letter

A resume and cover letter go hand-in-hand as they both cover important sections to getting you hired. A general cover letter won’t do. The cover letter will be the first impression you make on your employer, so it should go into detail about the points you’ve covered in the resume. According to statistics, you can boost your chances of getting hired by 49% by attaching a cover letter to your resume.

The cover letter should include the following information:

• A comprehensive introduction about yourself
• An explanation of why you are the perfect candidate for the job you are applying for
• Quantifiable achievements to validate your explanation
• Tell the employer why you want to join the company
• End with a call-to-action for a callback or interview

You can find cover letter examples to draft your own via ResumeExample.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i put the college in my resume if i didn’t graduate.

The fact that you haven’t graduated yet should not deter you. You can include this information as follows:

What is the hiring process for an internship?

Companies will typically create an internship program to test potential talent or find talent from local universities. So they will have requirements set before the hiring process begins. Typically, they will follow a standard structure:

• Find interns through local schools or by advertising on job boards
• Review resume applications and conduct interviews by phone or in-person
• Select intern(s) based on company requirements
• Inform the intern(s) and share the agreement for the required number of months

Check out other resume templates for graduates

Create your resume with the best templates.

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The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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Advice for getting a job, instructions.

Graduate CV examples

If you’re looking to bag yourself a top graduate job, you’re going to need a strong graduate CV.

Competition for the best jobs can be tough, so you need a CV that holds employers attention and shows them why you are the best candidate for the job.

This post contains 9 real-life graduate CV examples that have been used to land interviews and secure job offers for graduates.

And there is also a step-by-step guide on how to write your own winning graduate CV.

CV templates 

Graduate CV Example – Accounting

Engineering graduate CV

    Top tips for writing a graduate CV

• Research your target jobs thoroughly before you write your CV and identify the most important skills and knowledge required – then highlight them across your CV
• Write a persuasive personal statement at the top of your CV that gives an overview of your talents and explains the benefits an employer will get from hiring you
• Avoid CV clichés like “ I am hard-working team player ” and instead focus on skills and knowledge that are specific to your industry or degree subject
• If you have completed work placements whist at university, make them prominent in your CV to show recruiters how you can apply your skills in the workplace

Finance graduate CV

Law student CV

Marketing graduate CV

    Graduate CV mistakes to avoid

• Don’t overcomplicate the design and layout of your CV. Crowded layouts, big photos and crazy colour schemes will make it difficult for busy hiring managers to navigate your CV
• Don’t leave work experience out. Even part-time shop jobs or voluntary roles give you a chance to display your workplace skills, so don’t discount them
• Don’t use a silly email address on your CV – it will not look professional. If you have an old email address with a nickname – create a new one for your job hunting
• Don’t forget to triple check for spelling and grammar mistakes – spellcheck does not always catch everything.

Masters student CV

PhD graduate CV

Postgraduate CV

Psychology graduate CV

How to write a graduate CV

The graduate CV examples above give you a good idea of how your CV should look, and how the information should be laid out .

Now, I will walk you through the writing of your own unique CV, detailing what to include in each section and how to adapt the content to the sector you’re applying for.

What is a CV?

Who reads your cv, graduate cv structure & format.

• CV profile / personal statement
• Work experience
• Hobbies & interests

A CV (which stands for curriculum vitae ) is a written document which summarises your education, experience, skills and knowledge.

It acts as your introduction to a potential employer, and aims to show them why you are the perfect candidate for their vacancy.

A good CV will get you plenty of responses and interviews , and take you one step closer to landing a graduate job with a good salary .

When you apply for a job via email or a job website, a recruiter or hiring manager will receive it and review it.

A recruiter could work for an external recruitment agency, or directly for the employer and they’re responsible for finding the right applicants for that organisation’s roles, acting as a middle-man between you and the hiring manager.

A hiring manager is a team leader or manager who is looking to fill a role within their team, they will most likely be your supervisor if you’re successful in securing the position.

Quick tip: Hiring managers and recruiters are normally very busy people, and they see lots of CVs on a daily basis. Bear this in mind when writing your CV and always try to make it concise and easy to read.

You can also check out my video guide to writing a CV when you have no experience.

Your CV structure and format are crucial to ensuring that a recruiter can read your CV with ease and quickly navigate to the parts that interest them most.

The infographic below gives an overview of how to layout your graduate CV and what sections should be included.

CV formatting tips

• A graduate CV or undergraduate CV should ideally be no longer than 2 sides of A4 to cater for modern attention spans and keep readers interested – of you have little or no work experience, this could be squeezed down to 1 page.
• Stick to a basic clean font and colour scheme – simple styling makes the document a pleasant read and keeps it looking professional
• Break up text using bullet points and headers to aid the flow of information and make it less tedious to read.
• Pictures and logos deflect from the substance and waste valuable space on your CV – so avoid using them.

Structuring your Graduate CV

When writing your CV, divide it up into the following sections:

• Contact details  – Should be at the top of the page to ensure they aren’t missed.
• Profile/personal statement – This is an intro/overview of your talents, forming a good first impression and allowing the recruiter to gain a quick insight into your suitability for roles. Tailor this profile to match the skills and knowledge your target employers are looking for.
• Education – List your qualifications in detail here, with a focus on your degree, as that is what most graduate recruiters will be interested in
• Relevant Projects – As your work experience may be limited, look to document projects you have been part of that relate to your target roles, or perhaps some core skills you learnt at University.
• Work experience / career history – Add any previous work experience in reverse chronological order – it’s best to start with Uni work placements as they will be most relevant
• Interest and hobbies  – An optional section to highlight hobbies that can demonstrate your skills that can transition into the working world.

CV Contact Details

When you trying to get responses from recruiters, it’s essential that they can easily find your contact information, so make sure it stays at the top of the 1st page.

Only relevant and basic details are required so keep to the below:

• Phone Number – This will ideally be your mobile number so that you can respond to calls quickly.
• Email address –  Use a professional email address, preferably one that consists of your first name and last name – no nicknames!
• Location – If you’re currently between your university residence and your home location, add the city in which you’re searching for work.
• If you have a LinkedIn account then you could also add a link to your profile, although this is not essential.

Quick tip: You can save space and add some design flair to your CV by adding some icons to symbolise the contact details in your header.

Graduate CV Profile/ Personal Statement

Your personal statement  or profile , is an introductory paragraph which sits at the top of your CV, and it’s aim is to draw recruiters in by showcasing your most relevant qualifications, skills and experience.

Quick tip: Do some research to find out what skills your desired employers are looking for by browsing through relevant job adverts.

Below is an example of a strong graduate CV profile.

This is the type of content you should be including in your CV personal statement:

Educational history – The degree field you studied and what specialist knowledge or practical abilities you took away from your education.

Workplace skills – Include hard skills like languages, IT system knowledge, writing skills, sales, marketing etc. Avoid using too many soft skills ( team work , communication, organisation etc . ) as these are needed for most jobs and won’t make you stand out.

Work experience – If you’ve secured any internship placements or had any prior work experience you should mention it, especially if the work relates to your target roles.

Interest in your desired field – As a junior candidate, there may not be much to differentiate you from other graduates , so describing your passion for the career you are pursuing can show employers you will be a serious committed hire. (You should also include this in your cover letter )

Quick tip: Start your profile with a punchy headline to reel employers in and get more attention to your CV.

Core skills and achievements section

A bullet pointed list of impressive skills and  achievements is a great way to catch recruiters’ eyes and give them a snapshot of your talents within seconds of them opening the CV.

You can include relevant workplace skills, or any academic achievements or positions of responsibility such as being a prefect or leading a student club.

Relevant Projects

This is an optional extra section to evidence any projects you were involved in during your degree, whilst at work, or even as part of your extra curricular activities – think of projects that would be beneficial to the industry you’re applying to for best results.

Be specific, documenting your exact responsibilities and consider any relevant facts or figures that will add more credibility to your examples, such as timelines of the projects and outputs.

Break up projects using bullet points and giving a bold header to each one, allowing ease of reading.

See also: CV for PhD application

Your educational experience will be detailed throughout your CV, but this section is reserved for recording all qualifications you have achieved for completeness.

It’s important to include all of your qualifications from GCSEs upwards as some companies have strict educational entrance policies for grad roles (e.g. must have 5 GCSEs A-C )

Basic CV template

Add depth to your education , including the level of each qualification completed, dates of achievement and institute in which you studied, as well as any important modules covered.

Begin with your most recent qualification (probably your degree) and work in a backwards chronological order.

You will need to include lots of detail on your degree because that is the area recruiters are likely to be most interested in.

Work Experience

You may not have any direct paid work experience, or you may have some part-time retail or restaurant waiting experience.

You may have undertaken a work placement with school or university.

Or, you may have voluntary work experience.

Whatever experience you have, it’s important to use it to show how you apply your skills in the workplace.

Generally speaking you should list your work experience in reverse chronological order – however, if you have work placements that relate to the roles you are applying for, you need to prioritise them and place them at the top of your work experience to ensure they get seen.

If you are struggling with a lack of work experience , check out the infographic below which shows some actionable points for improving your CV when you have little or no experience .

Structuring your Roles

Break up the information in your roles by using clearly divided sections and bullet points – below is the structure you should be working towards.

For each role, briefly describing the goal of the role and the organisation you were employed within.

“Assisting a team of senior designers to produce a range of clothing items for luxury womens brand”

Key Responsibilities

List your activities in short sharp bullet points and try to show your impact on the business.

• Handling customer complaints to resolve issues and protect the reputation of the business
• Attending briefing meetings and taking notes to provide a record of outputs

Key Achievements

To really prove your value, try to include some impressive achievements you have made that have had a positive effect on your employer.

Try to back your claims up with facts and figures where possible

• Formatted 10 presentation slides which supported sales team in closing 5 sales in 1 month
• Resolved 98% of complaints within recommended 10 day time frame

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

Hobbies and Interests

The hobbies segment of your CV is optional, but if you have limited work experience this is an opportunity to showcase any relevant  talents you have gained through extra-curricular activities.

Some good hobbies to include as a graduate are:

Sports clubs – If you play in (or lead) a sports club, this can be a great way to demonstrate your teamwork, leadership, communication and organisation abilities.

Personal projects – E.g. If you are applying for writing jobs and you run your own personal blog, there will be lots of relevant skills you can draw from your experience there.

Impressive feats – If you’ve run a marathon or climbed a mountain, this can prove that you are a driven individual and make you stand out from the crowd.

Writing your Graduate CV – Conclusion

Writing a graduate CV can be tough, especially when you have little or no work experience.

But, if you follow the guidelines above and draw on your education and extra-curricular activities to showcase plenty of skills, you should be able to create a winning CV.

Keep the format simple and focus on creating a pleasant reading experience to ensure that your CV gets the attention it deserves.

Landing that first job will be a challenge, so be prepared to put plenty of work in and apply for as many jobs as you can whilst networking on LinkedIn and seeking out companies speculatively.

You can also check out our school leaver CV or some of our best CV templates here  for more support

Good luck with the job search!

See also: Graduate cover letter – Psychology graduate CV – Marketing graduate – Finance graduate – Accounting graduate

Fresh Graduate Resume Sample

Home » Resume Samples » Fresh Graduate Resume Sample

Are you a Fresh Graduate and looking for an exciting career? We have good news for you! use our professional Fresh Graduate Resume Sample . You don’t have to start writing from scratch. Just click “ Edit Resume ” and modify it with your details. Update the template fonts and colors have the best chance of landing your dream job. Find more resume samples .

Adam Brandon Fresh Graduate

Recent University graduate with a passion for equity markets, asset-backed securities, and client relations. Seeking to acquire the appropriate knowledge to provide investment opportunities tailored to the wants and requirements of my future clients. Driven by creativity and unorthodox methodology.

• Adaptability
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Leadership & Teamwork

Work Experience 

Field Marketing Representative Foxco Investments

In charge of the promotion of products for the Bank of Montreal in various locations of the Montreal area.

Offshore Admin Desk Collaborator Moreq Industries

Collaborator at the International affairs desk for offshore company administration. Quickly took care of a number of the desk’s clients personally. Ensured correct liaison for the clients of the desk and their respective banks.

Production Runner Globe Wide Technology

Production runner at the Hunter Original Spring/Summer ’15 LFW Show.

Economics / Hispanic Studies University of Southern California

Hospitality Management Arizona State Institute of Higher Education

Career Expert Tips:

• Always make sure you choose the perfect resume format to suit your professional experience.
• Ensure that you know how to write a resume in a way that highlights your competencies.
• Check the expert curated popular good CV and resume examples

Fresh Graduate Resume with Writing Guide

It’s a good idea to know what kind of job you want before going on your job hunt. If you want to be the head chef of your own restaurant, or if you only have college degrees and no work experience, it can be difficult to find a place that will give you the chance at being hired.

Frankly, it can be embarrassing to have other people see your resume when they find out so little about what kind of work you’ve done in your past (or even present). With all of the work experience, life experiences, and interests that can make your resume stand out from others – it’s important to put your best self forward.

Here are some critical tips for you to consider in crafting a Fresh Grad Resume:

• Be Unique: Don’t try to decide on one word that makes everything sound unique…Think of one thing you have in common with everyone else already employed at the company. Then think of one thing you do so well that no one else has ever done it before. Make sure these two things are on your resume.
• Be Specific: Don’t generalize anything. Write about real people, places, and situations. The more specific you are, the more you will stand out from the crowd.
• Make it Look Good: Use a professional layout that makes it easy to read and is not too busy or too plain.
• Use a Strong Headline: This will make your resume easy for recruiters to scan, and it will help them decide if the information is important enough to read a whole page of it.
• Have a Great Cover Letter: The cover letter should be addressed directly to the person you are requesting an interview with. It should be short but compelling, highlighting why you would make a great fit for this job. Use a professional white paper, not a cheap notebook or paper that looks like junk mail.
• Short and Sweet: If you don’t have more than two or three sentences in your cover letter, make sure you don’t go over the first page of your resume, which is double-sided.
• Make it a Team Effort: When you are writing your resume and cover letter, ask a friend or family member to check over what you write so that you know that no one is getting carried away – but also avoid cloaking everything in language they do not understand!
• Don’t Forget Other Important Documents: Don’t forget to have a cover letter for your resume, and don’t forget to have a resume!
• Be Honest: If you were fired from a job because the company shut down, tell that in your cover letter. It will keep people from making false assumptions about you. They will just read on and see that it was not your fault, and leave you alone about it!
• Keep it Short: Your resume should be between one and two pages long. The first page is double-sided. Anything beyond that length will be considered too much, and your resume will not be read by the people that read resumes.
• Make Sure It Makes Sense: Make sure that everything you write has a real point and is not just random words and phrases thrown together to make a whole thing out of nothing!
• Have a Good Name: Don’t forget that your name is on your resume! Have it formatted differently than the rest of your resume (e.g., bold or underlined) to make it stand out?
• Have a Professional Headline: Think about what you want your resume to do for you, and then write that headline down. It should be compelling and enticing so that it will get people to sit up and take notice!
• No Grammar Snares: Make sure your resume is written in proper English.
• Keep it Clean: Don’t put too much information on your resume, or else it will take up too much space. Your goal is to make sure that your resume gets read, and will not be seen thrown away in a drawer with the rest of the papers!
• Be Honest: If you were fired from a job because the company changed its direction, make sure you tell that in your cover letter.

How to write an Engineer Cover Letter:

• Do ‘About Me’ for cover letter. Write down what you have done in the last 5 years. Keep your letter formal, pleasing, and impersonal. Be professional, don’t write anything negative or embarrassing. Make your letter as short and concise as possible without sounding like there are too many points to consider in a short space.
• Go through the below steps to prepare an engineer cover letter.
• Keep your cover letter short, crisp, and to the point.
• Stick to the points they want to hear in a cover letter.
• Include your specialty & skill set as well
• Keep it professional in order not to lose their interest.

Key Takeaways:

• Employers want to see a “clear picture” of the skills and experience that you have.
• They want to see your strengths, not your weaknesses.
• There are a lot of ways to describe your skills and experience.
• No matter how you describe your experience, find some way to quantify it so the employer can easily compare you to someone else.
• Be careful about using fancy words or phrases that aren’t in everyday use because the employer might not understand what you mean (unless it’s technical jargon).
• Customize the resume for each position for which you apply, even if they seem similar on the surface.

Check Other Great Resumes:

• DevOps Engineer Resume Sample
• Back-End Developer Resume Sample
• Procurement Manager Resume Sample
• Front-End Developer Resume Sample
• Family Physician Resume Sample
• Loan Officer Resume Sample
• Personal Banker Resume Sample
• Bank Teller Resume Sample
• Full-Stack Developer Resume Sample

More Resume Examples:

Privacy overview.

30+ Resume Objective Examples (Plus, Tips on How to Write Yours)

Resume objectives are a bit controversial. Some career experts see them as outdated, while others believe job seekers can still use them to their advantage. Although resume objective statements have slowly been replaced by resume summaries, they remain useful in certain situations—and that's why you should know how to write one, just in case.

For instance, if you're changing careers and your previous work experience doesn't quite match the new role you're after, an objective statement could help communicate your professional goals to the hiring manager. Likewise, if you're a recent graduate or looking to relocate, you could use this section of your resume to highlight these intentions.

We've gathered 32 resume objective examples—plus, some tips on how to craft one that grabs the hiring manager's attention.

What is a resume objective

A resume objective is a brief statement outlining your short-term career goals, usually one to two sentences long. It should be tailored to the specific job or industry you're pursuing and is placed at the top of your resume, just below the header.

What is a good objective for a resume, and when are they welcomed? That's what we'll show you in a moment.

When you should use a resume objective

Resume objectives aren't quite the norm these days, so they should be only used when you need to clarify why you're applying for that particular role or company. Here are three situations where using an objective statement is a good idea:

• If you're doing a career pivot: A resume objective can guide recruiters on your career goals and prevent you from being disqualified when transitioning to a new field.
• If you're changing locations: Applying for jobs outside your current state or city can leave recruiters uncertain about your location; a resume objective can clearly express your willingness to relocate.
• If you're a recent graduate: Since you likely have little to no work experience to show, a resume objective can give a glimpse into who you are and what you aim to achieve.
• If you've worked in a variety of roles: When your work history is all over the place, a resume objective statement can be a helpful tool to highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and what you're looking for in your next role .

Resume objective vs. resume summary

A resume objective outlines your career goals and what you aim to achieve in a position, while a resume summary focuses on skills, accomplishments, education, and relevant experiences for the role.

“Think of the resume objective as your career aspiration and the summary as your professional snapshot,” says Angela Tait, People Operations Specialist and Founder of Tait Consulting . “The objective sets your sights forward, while the summary looks at your past and present achievements.”

How to write a resume objective

If you decide to write a resume objective, it'll be the first thing recruiters see on your resume, right after your name and contact information. This means their first impression will be based on how well-written your objective statement is. Here are key tips to do it right:

1. Mention your area of expertise

“Start by mentioning your area of expertise and the role you are applying for,” Tait says. This way, you let the employer know right away about your background and what you want to achieve professionally.

2. Show how you can add value to the company

Your objective statement—and your whole resume, actually—should be tailored to each job opening. “Personalize your resume objective by stating how you can add value to the company you're applying to,” Tait says. “For instance, ‘ Seeking to leverage my expertise in digital marketing to drive brand growth and engagement at XYZ Corp.’”

3. Highlight skills relevant to the role

Once again, to write an effective resume objective, keep in mind the role you're going for. “Focus on how your skills and interests align with that specific job opportunity,” says Conor Hughes, certified in Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) and HR Consultant at SMB Guide .

For example, for a software developer, skills in programming with languages like Java, C++, and Python are pretty important. Meanwhile, a graphic designer should highlight technical skills in creating and editing visual projects using tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma.

4. Optimize your statement for ATS machines

These days, most resumes get scanned by an ATS robot before reaching human recruiters. So, it's crucial to optimize your objective statement for these ATS machines. How? “Use keywords from the job description to show you have the relevant abilities they're looking for,” Hughes says.

If a job posting specifies “experience in copywriting” and “SEO optimization” as requirements, you should incorporate these exact keywords in your objective statement—and wherever else they fit on your resume. Using just “SEO” or only “copywriting” might not be enough; precision is key.

Need some help? Here's how to read the job description the right way —so you can stop sending resumes into the void.

5. Make it as concise as possible

Recruiters go through resumes really fast—that's one of the reasons two-page resumes aren't usually recommended. When writing your resume objective, keep it concise. “To one or two sentences max,” Hughes says. Remember, the goal is to give enough information about why you're applying for that role, not to share your whole life history.

32 resume objective examples to guide you

Now that we've covered the basics, here are 32 good examples of objectives for resumes categorized by job title and different professional situations, like career pivoting and entry-level positions. Use these examples as a guide, and don't forget to inject your own personality and core information.

General resume objectives examples

1. career change.

Copywriter with five years of experience, now transitioning into the UX Writing field, looking to leverage my writing and content creation skills to create digital experiences that drive business growth. Strong background in content strategy and data-driven decision making.

Find UX writer jobs on The Muse »

2. Relocation

Experienced customer service representative relocating to New York in July, seeking employment with an established customer support agency. I bring my strong communication skills , conflict resolution and customer retention ability developed in seven years working in the industry.

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3. Entry-level

Creative marketing graduate seeking a social media assistant entry-level position at a fast-growing marketing agency. My goal is to apply my strong storytelling and creative writing skills to create impactful content for clients and foster professional development.

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Compassionate and enthusiastic elementary school teacher with four years of experience teaching young students. Seeking to leverage my creative ideas, multitasking and organizational skills to create a safe and stimulating environment where children can play and learn.

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Registered nurse with three years of experience in patient care , currently specializing in pediatric nursing. Seeking to join the Grey Hospital nursing team and bring my knowledge of patient care and my critical thinking skills to foster a safe and empathic environment for patients.

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6. Journalist

Seasoned journalist seeking a News Reporter position at the USPN channel. I bring my five years of experience working on live television, interviewing sources, gathering and reporting information in fast-paced environments.

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Seeking a litigation paralegal position at The Law Group. I bring my three years of experience in conducting legal research, processing legal documents, and witness preparation for deposition and trial.

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8. Architect

Experienced architect relocating to Houston, Texas in August. In my 10 years of experience in the architecture industry I was able to work both in industrial and residential projects, holding high proficiency in AutoCAD and Photoshop.

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9. Real estate specialist

Passionate and proactive real estate specialist with solid experience in lease negotiation and facility management. Looking for a similar role to manage a real estate portfolio, implementing strategies to improve profitability and cost effectiveness.

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10. Waiter/Waitress

Seeking a waitress position at a local, family-led restaurant where my two years of experience in customer service and hospitality industry would contribute to create an exceptional experience to customers, guests, and clients.

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Resume objective examples for tech professionals

11. software engineer.

Software engineer with 5 years of experience in the banking industry, pivoting to the customer service industry to foster professional growth. Deep knowledge of object oriented programming, experienced with Java, C++, C#, Ruby, Python, and relational database schema design.

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12. Software developer

Computer science graduate seeking an entry-level position as software developer. I bring my experience with Git, Java, and Python, as well as strong documentation abilities and communication skills .

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13. Data scientist

Experienced data scientist, seeking a senior position in the e-commerce industry. My goal is to leverage my ability to write complex and efficient SQL queries to extract data and translate business needs into analytical frameworks.

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14. SEO analyst

SEO analyst, passionate about SEO and digital audience growth. 7 years of experience with site migrations, SEO analytics tools (Google Search Console, Chartbeat, Google Analytics, and SEMRush), reporting and sharing data insights, and making data-driven decisions.

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15. UI/UX Designer

Mid level UI/UX Designer, seeking employment in a fast-growing tech startup. Solid experience with user-centered design principles, knowledge of responsive design, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

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Examples of resume objectives for creative jobs

16. content writer.

Results-driven content writer with two years of experience writing for blogs and websites. Skilled in SEO, creative copywriting, and storytelling, looking forward to applying my skills and creative ideas to help XYZ build an engaged audience.

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17. Graphic designer

Creative graphic designer seeking an entry level-position in the education industry. Proficient with InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, and After Effects, quick learner with strong time management skills.

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18. Video editor

Outcome-oriented video editor, proficient with Final Cut, After Effects, Adobe Premiere, and Photoshop. Seeking employment in the entertainment industry where I intend to apply my extensive experience in storytelling and project management to create engaging stories.

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19. Social media manager

Experienced social media professional, seeking a manager position at a high-growth company. I bring my in-depth knowledge of social media strategy and five years of agency experience creating content that is engaging and exciting to the community.

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Resume objective examples for administrative roles

20. front desk.

Highly energetic tourism and hospitality graduate, looking for a front desk clerk position. 1.5 years of experience in customer service. Strong time management and organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to learn quick and adapt in fast paced environments.

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21. Receptionist

Looking for a receptionist position in the real estate industry. Three years experience in customer-facing roles, communication and leadership skills, ability to work with tight deadlines focusing on all aspects of a task or project.

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22. Administrative assistant

Seeking an administrative assistant role in the healthcare industry. I bring five years of experience in customer service, advanced Excel skills, and ability to multitask to perform my duties in a timely and efficient manner.

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23. Human resources

Human resources graduate, looking for an entry level human resources generalist position with ABC company to apply my strong verbal and written communication skills , analytical abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft applications to provide hands-on assistance to the HR team.

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24. Logistics

Logistics supervisor seeking a manager position at AABB company. I bring my extensive experience in global logistics operations and project management to enhance supply chain and logistics efficiency and achieve cost-effectiveness.

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25. Executive assistant

Seeking an executive assistant role at XYZ company. I'm an experienced professional with strong interpersonal skills, ability to multitask, and attention to detail to provide timely and high quality administrative office support to senior level leaders.

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26. Office manager

Experienced administrative assistant seeking an office manager position in a fast-paced work environment to apply my written communication skills, time management, prioritization, and planning abilities and provide exceptional service and foster professional growth.

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Resume objective examples for sales jobs

27. sales assistant.

Problem solver and team player sales professional, seeking a sales assistant position in a challenging work environment. I bring my experience supporting high acquisition organizations, willingness to learn, and winning team spirit to support sales teams.

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28. Sales manager

Dynamic sales manager seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry to develop strategic sales plans and achieve revenue and market share objectives. Two years of experience in pharmaceutical sales plus three years of experience in general sales, excellent communication and leadership skills.

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29. Cashier

Recent high school graduate looking for a cashier position at a company with a culture of recognition and excellence. One year of experience in retail sales, strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills to represent the company in a professional manner.

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Examples of resume objectives for finance careers

30. banking.

Seasoned relationship banker looking to secure an investment banking analyst position at Bank of America. 15 years of experience in the banking industry, advanced knowledge of banking transactions, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to develop and expand relationships with stakeholders.

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31. Accounting

B.S. graduate in accounting seeking an entry-level accounting associate position to use my growth mindset, desire to learn, and organizational skills to ensure financial goals are achieved and foster professional development.

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32. Financial analyst

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) looking to secure a senior position in a competitive and results-driven work environment. 10 years of experience in financial analysis in banking and technology industries, advanced Excel and SQL skills, and ability to articulate analysis outcomes and relevant insights.

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Key takeaways

Resume objectives aren't the favorite of most recruiters, but they still serve a purpose. If you're career pivoting, relocating, applying for your first job, or have a diverse professional background, an objective statement can help the hiring manager understand your career goals and how they align with the job opportunity.

However, in other circumstances, using a resume summary might be more appropriate. (Here are 20 resume summary examples to make writing your own easier .)