Resume Tips for College Students in 2018

When you’re studying, creating a resume is at the back of your mind. You are thinking about completing your studies before you before you start crafting the perfect resume. So, what is the perfect resume? How do college students get the best from their resume? How early do you need a resume?

You should always have a resume! If you don’t have one, get on top of it. Also, you need both a traditional hard copy and a text format for applying online. You never know when an opportunity will arise that requires you to have a resume. An internship, a job or even applying for a scholarship.  Even if your resume is for a part-time summer job, it’s essential.

So, what should you consider when putting together your resume?

1. Qualifications Summary
A summary of your top qualifications first. This is often more effective than an objective statement. If your career goal is undefined, this statement is more accurate. Writing a vague objective is not recommended. An objective statement will typically focus on what the job seekers want. The person reading the resume will not care about this, and it will not play any part in the decision.

Instead, students should format a profile section that provides a clear look into the value the individual offers the employer. This summary should be brief. The person reading it will only quickly scan over it.

2. Describing Unrelated Jobs Properly

Most students have part-time jobs. Seasonal or temporary experience that may or may not be related to the position you want, or the career you’re chasing. Never pack the document with irrelevant details. If you have displayed characteristics like dependability, a strong work ethic or leadership, add it.
Don’t be scared to go into detail about something if it means you are showing them a good attribute. If you are good leader, work well in a team or show strong signs of communication, don’t leave it out. Just remember to leave out any non-related information they don’t care about.

3. Without Experience, Education is Key 

It’s thought that your education should be towards the bottom on a resume. However, students are better off moving their education toward the top of the page. Why? Without any experience, an education is often the most valuable information a student can offer. As more experience is gained in the desired field, education can slowly take a back seat.

When you format your education section, include the name of the university, the city or state and your anticipated graduation date. You should also include extracurricular activities and courses if they are related to the job you are going for. Additionally, online courses provided by education providers such as Upskilled will look great and add value to your resume. If your grades are good, include that as well.

4. Resume Length is Essential

Resume length is a tricky area for everyone. What length should a resume be? Luckily for college students, you don’t really have a choice. Because there is a lack of work experience, there is not that much to put on the resume. For students, one page is typically enough. Having said this, students who have accomplished great things or have special qualifications, don’t sell you short. If you feel it’s relevant and helpful information, add it on.

5. From the Shoes of the Employer and Your Own

When you are applying for a job or a summer internship, take a look at your resume from the shoes of the employer, and yourself. It’s wise to spend some time reading job ads and grasp what the employer is looking for. If decision making is a crucial attribute they are after, display situations or jobs where you made decisions. Emphasize it as much as possible.

Additionally, look at your resume from your perspective. You are probably sick of looking at your resume, but this will help. What do we mean? Take a look at all the roles or tasks you have done. Which ones did you enjoy the most? While they might not be relevant to the position you are going for, they are ones you are likely to be best at. They are the areas where you will excel in the future.

A resume is something you should be proud of; it represents you.  Spend some time crafting something that potential employees will notice and remember. You want to stand out from the crowd.

About our guest blogger: Jade Anderson is an experienced In-house Editor at Upskilled. With a background in online marketing, Jade runs some successful websites of her own. Her passion for the education industry and content is displayed through the quality of work she offers.