Student resumes are built on a foundation of academic experiences, relevant coursework, skills, volunteer and (limited) work/internship experience. A good guide is to remember the summary at the top – this should be based on the job posting, and everything in the resume should back this up – so if there is work experience that would not be relevant to a hiring manager – leave it out!
Use the ‘functional’ resume format
Since students usually have much shorter work histories that are usually less relevant to the job at hand, resumes written for students use the ‘functional’ resume format. This format highlights skills and qualifications as the top. Remember when writing the skills section to use the SAR (Situation, Action, Result) method of resume writing. This is a solid method to sell skills and qualifications to potential employers.
Make a list
The first step to make an effective resume is to make a list. Read the job description carefully, jot down personal characteristics, skills and knowledge listed in the job posting. Then make a list of your own experiences, writing down academic coursework, major(s) and minor(s), extracurricular activities, work experience and volunteer positions held. In addition to recalling all the great things accomplished in college, a list will be a guide to finding a job that requires the relevant experience, coursework, etc.
Your Contact information
Contact information is a vital part of the resume. Misspellings or errors on this section can sink even the most qualified applicant – if the employer cannot contact you on the first try, chances are they will not pursue it. There are simply too many people applying for positions.
The summary
The summary is a key part of the resume. As employers typically spend 8-10 seconds reading a resume, it’s imperative to get this part correct. This article outlines how to write an effective summary.
