How to Build a Great College Resume
Whether you’re applying for jobs during college or you’re a new grad who’s looking to build up their resume, there is a multitude of different ways to help your resume stand out.
While you may think to yourself, “who wants to hire someone with minimal experience?” you probably don’t realize you have a lot of experience that you can include on your resume. Check out these different ways to build a resume that will impress any employer!
1. Clubs
Whether you’re a leader or just a member, joining a club is a great resume booster. By putting your club onto your resume, it allows future employers to get a better idea of who you are and what is important to you.
Although you might feel as though you didn’t play a big role, being in a club is a great way to show employers that you’re able to balance your time between school and extracurricular.
By showing your commitment to a club or team, you demonstrate your leadership skills, ambition and gain practical soft skills that will help you in the workplace! Even better, try applying for leadership roles to really elevate your resume.
2. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to not only gain relevant skills and boost your resume but also give back to your community. By volunteering either at school or in your community, you’re able to show your employer what you’re passionate about.
Ensure you’re choosing volunteer opportunities that you’re excited about rather than just doing it to put on your resume. Many times when employers are looking at resumes they’re looking at traits rather than experience.
They’re trying to decide whether or not you’re someone they’d like to work alongside. Volunteering is a great opportunity to share who you are and what you can bring to the table.
3. Get an Internship
Working as an intern can be a great way to build up your resume and impress any employer. The summer is the most popular time for internships because many aren’t busy with school. However, trying to get an internship in the fall or winter can sometimes be easier because there is less competition and different opportunities.
Internships are also a great way to gain useful skills in the workplace while growing your network. Even if you’re doing basic administration tasks, you can focus on building strong relationships with your coworkers or doing extra research on the industry you’re in.
Try to get an internship in a field you’re hoping to end up in so when you start building up your resume you can show you already have experience. In addition, many universities have on-campus internships during the school year which is a great way to gain experience on campus!
4. Include Any Experience with Digital Tools
When creating your resume for the first time, many forget to include any other relevant skills they might have. Especially if you’ve grown up in the digital age, programs such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint might be seen as second nature to you but these are important skills you’re able to put on your resume to give yourself that extra boost.
Even if you don’t have much work experience, many universities require you use programs that are also used in the workplace. Online tools such as Photoshop, Media tools, Hootsuite, or Adobe Premiere Pro are great ways to show employers that you’re already experienced in the tools you’d be using on a day-to-day basis. Even better, try to compile any examples (even from class assignments) to create a portfolio to show off your skills!
5. Emphasize Your College Program and Educational Achievements
When employers look at your resume, they understand that you are a college graduate. They know you’re just starting out in your career, so, they’re not expecting you to have a wide range of work experience. With this in mind, one way to boost your resume is by highlighting your educational achievements and emphasizing how your college program is related to the job you’re applying for.
By sharing how your college program fits in with the job, employers will understand that you have a passion for the industry and you have a basic understanding of the job. By highlighting your educational achievements, you show employers that you’re hardworking, motivated and will be a great employee!
Struggling to balance life as a student? Check out this video about the 5 best apps to help you stay organized!
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