Student resume Challenge

No doubt there are inherent challenges developing and marketing a newly graduated student’s
resume. But knowing the reasons behind action and the techniques you can do to improve the
chances of gaining an interview places you at an advantage over the thousands chomping at their
bit.

Graduate resumes differ in that they focus on coursework, projects, internships, academic excel-
lence, school leadership, and soft skills. The obvious reason being due to the lack of experience in
the student’s chosen field of study. When developing your resume, many professional writers sug-
gest you begin with a profile (if the client has little relevant experience) or a qualification summary (if
the student has relevant experience). Again, a specific objective should be the job title of the open
position.

The next major section of the graduate resume is Education. List the most recent college informa-
tion. If you graduated, bold the degree, follow with the year attained, and then list the college and
location. The only item bolded is the degree. If the student has yet to graduate, list the college,
location, and years attended. Under that line list the degree and expected graduation date. Follow
this graduation date with your major and minor (if applicable), overall and/or major GPA (if 3.0 or
above), dean’s list, and president’s list. or any other recognitions received during your college expe-
rience.

Do not misplace other colleges attended, especially if you attained another degree. If you received
totally irrelevant degrees from another institution, determine if the degree was particularly difficult to
attain and if academic excellence was an issue. If your degree is considered extremely challeng-
ing, you should include it. Honors and activities should be displayed immediately afterwards. At this
point you may create a section highlighting selected coursework, only present relevant classes. For
those with limited relevant work history, highlight academic excellence, leadership skills, internship
experience, study abroad, and relevant coursework and projects. Once accurate reflection of your
knowledge, skills, and abilities kicks in, you may be surprised at the amount of value you offer
potential companies.

Students entering their career must target skills such as communication, interpersonal, leadership,
problem solving, organization, planning, and prioritizing. For students with limited accomplishments,
target successes such as: chosen employee of the month, attained 100% attendance record, took
on management responsibilities, etc.; statements that reflect popularity, productivity, conscientious
work, and responsibility. Quantify these statements by using measurable information, i.e., never
missed a day of work in three years; assumed management responsibilities during manager’s two-
week absence; awarded “Employee of the Month” due to five positive customer service feedbacks in
one week. These statements, while not as powerful as those used for a professional, still have merit
and are better than nothing at all.

If you were self-supporting and personally paid college expenses, highlight this with a statement
such as, “Supported 100% college expenses while balancing academic schedule and maintaining
grades,” or “Supplemented tuition with part-time jobs and managed a hectic schedule while main-
taining academic excellence.”