resume sample for job application 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
• Research Assistant Resume
• Teacher Resume

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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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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College Graduate resume examples & templates

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
• College Student resume sample
• Student resume sample
• Academic Librarian resume sample
• Health Educator resume sample
• ESL Teacher resume sample
• Tutor resume sample 
• Teacher Assistant resume sample 
• Substitute Teacher resume sample
• Middle School Teacher resume sample
• Elementary School Teacher resume sample
• College Professor resume sample
• Internship resume sample
• High School Teacher resume sample
• Academic Tutor resume sample 
• College Admissions resume sample
• Academic resume sample
• Education resume sample
• Research Assistant resume sample
• Teen resume sample
• School Counselor resume sample
• Instructional Designer resume sample
• Camp Counselor resume sample
• Special Education Teacher resume sample

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.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

Templateral

Free Editable Fresh Graduate Resume Template [Word]

As a fresh graduate entering the job market, crafting a compelling resume is essential for standing out from the competition and landing your dream job. Your resume serves as your first impression to potential employers, highlighting your skills, education , and experiences. However, creating an effective resume can be a daunting task, especially when you have limited work experience . In this guide, we will walk you through the process of writing a strong fresh graduate resume that showcases your potential and maximizes your chances of success.

What is a Fresh Graduate Resume?

A fresh graduate resume is a document that summarizes your academic background, skills, and qualifications. It is typically the first point of contact between you and potential employers, providing them with an overview of your abilities and suitability for a specific job role. A well-crafted resume can make a significant difference in securing job interviews and ultimately landing your desired position.

Why is a Fresh Graduate Resume Important?

A fresh graduate resume is crucial in today’s competitive job market for several reasons:

• First Impressions: Your resume is often the first impression employers have of you. It allows them to quickly assess your qualifications and determine if you are a good fit for the role.
• Showcasing Your Potential: As a fresh graduate, you may have limited work experience. A well-written resume allows you to highlight your academic achievements, internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities to demonstrate your potential and transferable skills.
• Stand Out from the Crowd: A compelling resume helps you stand out among other applicants. It enables you to present yourself as a unique candidate with valuable skills and qualities that align with the job requirements.
• Increased Job Opportunities: A strong resume increases your chances of getting job interviews, which in turn offers more opportunities for securing employment in your desired field.

How to Write a Fresh Graduate Resume

Writing a fresh graduate resume involves several key steps:

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

When creating your fresh graduate resume, it is important to choose the appropriate resume format. The three most common formats are:

• Chronological: This format focuses on your work history and lists your experiences in reverse chronological order. It is suitable if you have relevant work experience to highlight.
• Functional: The functional format emphasizes your skills and abilities rather than your work history. It is ideal if you have limited work experience but possess relevant skills applicable to the job.
• Combination: As the name suggests, the combination format combines elements of both chronological and functional formats. It allows you to showcase your skills and experiences comprehensively.

2. Include Contact Information

Ensure that your contact information is prominently displayed at the top of your resume. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). This makes it easy for employers to reach out to you for further consideration.

3. Write a Convincing Objective Statement

Your objective statement should be concise and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. It should highlight your career goals and how your skills and qualifications align with the position. Avoid generic statements and focus on showcasing your unique value.

4. Highlight Your Education

As a fresh graduate, your education section plays a crucial role in your resume. Include the name of your university, degree, major, graduation date, and any relevant academic achievements. If you graduated with honors or received any scholarships, be sure to mention them.

5. Showcase Your Skills

Even if you have limited work experience, you can showcase your skills to demonstrate your value to potential employers. Include both hard skills (technical skills specific to the job) and soft skills (interpersonal skills and qualities). Tailor your skills section to match the requirements of the job you are applying for.

6. Highlight Relevant Coursework or Projects

If you have completed coursework or projects that are relevant to the job you are applying for, include them in a separate section. This helps demonstrate your practical knowledge and ability to apply what you have learned.

7. Include Internships, Volunteering, and Extracurricular Activities

Internships, volunteering, and extracurricular activities can provide valuable experience and skills that are relevant to your desired job. Include these experiences in your resume, highlighting your responsibilities and achievements.

8. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application

Avoid using a generic resume for every job application . Take the time to tailor your resume to each specific job by aligning your skills and experiences with the requirements of the position. This shows employers that you are genuinely interested in the role and increases your chances of getting noticed.

Sample Fresh Graduate Resume

Here is an example of a fresh graduate resume:

123 Main Street | Anytown, USA | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | LinkedIn: [LinkedIn Profile]

Objective: Motivated and detail-oriented recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration seeking an entry-level position in marketing . Passionate about leveraging digital marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.

• Bachelor of Business Administration, XYZ University, Anytown, USA (May 20XX)
• Relevant Coursework: Marketing Principles, Consumer Behavior , Digital Marketing, Market Research
• Honors: Dean’s List (Fall 20XX, Spring 20XX)
• Digital Marketing
• Social Media Management
• Market Research
• Google Analytics
• Project Management

Experience:

[Include relevant internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer experiences]

Extracurricular Activities:

[Highlight involvement in clubs, organizations, or community service]

References: Available upon request

Fresh Graduate Resume Template Word

Launch your career with our Free Editable Fresh Graduate Resume Template in Word, available for download now. This template is specifically designed for recent graduates, highlighting educational achievements and skills in a professional format. It’s easily customizable to reflect your personal journey and career aspirations. Ideal for standing out in the job market, this template offers a solid foundation for crafting a compelling resume that captures the attention of potential employers.

Download: Fresh Graduate Resume Template

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Fresh Graduate Resume Example

Home » Career Advice » Fresh Graduate Resume Example

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

James Lauren

Fresh graduate.

Potential fresh graduate from Universiti Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam in Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Currently, waiting fo the last two papers result in October. To seek and maintain full time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem solving skills. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing priorities with a positive attitude.

• Basic in microsoft.
• Team player when it comes to work as a team.
• Good in critical thinking and analyze
• Curious in learning new stuff
• Good adaptability skills in new environment

Work Experience

• Identified potential opportunities to increase brand awareness.
• Motivated team members to meet and exceed sales target.
• Maintained knowledge of current promotions and product features. 

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Acca advanced diploma in accounting and business, certified accountants technician (cat), 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

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Jumpstarting Your Career as a Fresh Graduate

Embarking on your journey as a fresh graduate is an exciting step into the world of opportunities and challenges. The transition from the academic realm to the professional arena can be both rewarding and daunting. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key aspects of kickstarting your career as a fresh graduate, from understanding job requirements to crafting an impressive resume that lands you the dream job. Let’s delve deeper into this transformative phase of your life and equip you with the knowledge and tools to succeed.

Understanding the Job Landscape for Fresh Graduates

As a fresh graduate, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the job landscape you are about to enter. Here are some key insights into what you can expect:

• Diverse Opportunities: The job market offers a wide range of opportunities across various industries. Your degree and interests will play a crucial role in determining your career path.
• Entry-Level Positions: Fresh graduates typically start with entry-level positions, which are designed to provide training and a foundational understanding of the industry.
• Competitive Environment: Job competition can be intense, so it’s important to stand out through your qualifications, skills, and presentation.
• Continuous Learning: The professional world is ever-evolving. Be prepared to engage in continuous learning and skill development to stay relevant.

Now that you have a sense of what lies ahead, let’s explore the steps you can take to navigate this landscape successfully.

Job Requirements for Fresh Graduates

Before you start applying for jobs, it’s crucial to understand the typical job requirements for fresh graduates. While specific requirements vary by industry and role, here are some common prerequisites:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Your educational background is your foundation.
• Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital in any job. Employers look for candidates who can express themselves clearly and work well in teams.
• Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in standard office software and digital tools is often expected.
• Internships or Co-op Experience: Previous internships or cooperative education experiences can give you an edge by providing practical knowledge.
• Adaptability: Employers value adaptability and the ability to learn quickly in a dynamic work environment.

While these are general requirements, always carefully review job listings to understand the specific qualifications sought by employers in your chosen field.

Creating Your Impressive Fresh Graduate Resume

Your resume is your first impression on potential employers, and as a fresh graduate, it’s important to make it stand out. Here are some tips for crafting an impressive resume:

• Highlight Your Education: Since you’re a recent graduate, your education section should be prominent. Include your degree, university, graduation date, and any honors or awards.
• Emphasize Relevant Coursework: If you’ve taken courses directly related to the job you’re applying for, list them to show your relevant knowledge.
• Detail Internships or Projects: Describe any internships, co-op experiences, or significant projects you’ve completed during your studies. Focus on what you achieved and the skills you gained.
• Showcase Skills: Highlight skills that are relevant to the job, such as computer skills, language proficiency, or certifications.
• Use Action Words: Start bullet points with action verbs (e.g., “Managed,” “Developed,” “Collaborated”) to make your achievements more impactful.
• Customize for Each Application: Tailor your resume for each job by emphasizing the qualifications and experiences that match the specific job description.

Remember, your resume should be a reflection of your unique skills and experiences, so make it personal and compelling.

Interview Preparation for Fresh Graduates

Once your resume captures the attention of employers, the next step is to prepare for interviews. Here’s how you can excel in your interviews as a fresh graduate:

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with the company’s values, mission, and culture. This knowledge will help you answer questions about why you want to work there.
• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare responses to common interview questions. Consider conducting mock interviews with a friend or career advisor to gain confidence.
• Show Enthusiasm: Express your passion for the industry and the role you’re applying for. Employers appreciate candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity.
• Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gather more information about the company.

Remember that interviews are a two-way street. It’s not only about convincing the employer that you’re the right fit but also about determining if the company aligns with your career goals and values.

Key Takeaways for Fresh Graduates

As you embark on your journey as a fresh graduate, keep these key takeaways in mind:

• Stay open to diverse career opportunities and industries.
• Meet job requirements with a strong educational background, communication skills, and adaptability.
• Craft a compelling resume that highlights your education, experiences, and skills.
• Prepare thoroughly for interviews by researching the company and practicing your responses.

With dedication, continuous learning, and the right approach, you can successfully transition from being a fresh graduate to a thriving professional in your chosen field.

Finally, feel free to utilize resources like AI Resume Builder , Resume Design , Resume Samples , Resume Examples , Resume Skills , Resume Help , Resume Synonyms , and Job Responsibilities to create a standout application and prepare for the job interviews in your chosen field.

In conclusion, remember that your journey as a fresh graduate is a time of growth and learning. Embrace the opportunities that come your way, and don’t be discouraged by challenges. With the right qualifications, a compelling resume, and effective interview skills, you can kickstart your career on a strong note. Best of luck in your professional endeavors!

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

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Privacy overview.

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 resume-example.com .

Frequently Asked Questions

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

XYZ College

Completed 3 years of 4.

Graduating in December 2021

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

Create your resume with the best templates

What’s a Rich Text element?

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.

Create your resume in 15 minutes

Our free collection of expertly designed cover letter templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.

Sample letters to download

Cover Letter

Advice for getting a job, instructions.

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!

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

Related stories, most recent stories.

Resume Summary with No Experience: Examples for Students and Fresh Graduates

By Biron Clark

Published: December 18, 2023

Recent Grads | Resume/CV

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

If you’re looking for how to write a summary for your resume with no work experience , you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through exactly what to do, and then we’ll look at resume summary examples for entry-level job seekers, students and fresh graduates. 

How to Write a Summary For Your Resume With No Experience:

First, a resume summary is different than an objective . And it’s much better. Putting an objective on your resume is outdated and unnecessary. Resume objectives are useless because they don’t share anything the hiring manager doesn’t already know (such as “my goal is to obtain a position in the ___ industry”). So what we’re doing here is better and will help your resume stand out from people who simply put an objective. Whereas, the resume summary gives a quick highlight reel of your qualifications, education, and more. If you’re not sure what a resume summary actually is, check out this article on 10 resume summary examples . And while it’s easier to figure out what to put if you’ve built up some work experience, you can still write an effective resume summary with no work experience whatsoever.

So in this article, I’m going to show you how. What should go into your summary when you don’t have any work experience? 

1. Put academic accomplishments and leadership

What did you study? Did you just graduate with a degree? Mention that. If you took a leadership role in your class projects, or clubs/groups at your school, you can mention that too. Leadership doesn’t need to be in a job to get the hiring manager’s attention! Taking a leadership role in a sports environment is impressive as well. You’re not going to mention specific accomplishments in your resume summary usually (you can do that later in your resume), but you can say things like “proven leadership” or “natural leader”, etc.

2. Put your interests and passions

Are you passionate about startups and technology? Great, put that. Want to make a difference in the world, and focus your career on social impact? Mention that. This can include the grades you received, but also leadership positions you led, and clubs/groups you participated in.

3. Put “hard” skills

If you’re proficient in any tools, technologies, etc… you can include that in your resume summary. Don’t list 20 things. That’s what your “Skills” section is for. But pick the three or four things that are most relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Coming up in this article, we’re going to look at two resume summary examples for people with no experience. .. and in the second example, you’ll see how this would look.

4. Include soft skills

Are you great at analytical thinking? Do you love working as a part of a team? Are you great at multi-tasking and handling a fast-paced team environment? While these shouldn’t be the main focus of your resume summary section, they can be worth mentioning. It’s especially good to include soft skills that you see mentioned in the job description.

For example, if you see they mention wanting someone who’s great at multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, and you feel that describes you well, then your resume summary is the perfect place to include this.

5. Put statements that will grab the employer’s interest and make them want to ask you questions!

If you mention leadership they’ll want to ask you more about your leadership experiences. That’s a good thing. Remember, whatever you put, they’ll probably ask you about. So as you write your summary for your resume, try to think about what you want them to discuss with you, and what you want a chance to talk about. And try to “tailor” your resume to fit the companies you’re applying to. If you’re applying to large corporations don’t start your summary by saying “Startup enthusiast”.

3 Resume Summary Example for Students, Fresh Graduates and Entry-Level Job Seekers:

In this section, I’m going to share three examples of how to write a summary for your resume with no experience. You can use these resume summary examples as a student, entry-level job seeker, or any job search where you don’t have experience:

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #1: Economics Student

Enthusiastic, highly-motivated Economics student with proven leadership capabilities, who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges.

In this example above, you’re showing that you completed your Economics degree and have an interest in the subject, and you’re mentioning leadership and making the reader want to learn more about this. You’re also making yourself sound ambitious and motivated at the end, which is always a good thing (I’m referring to the part that says “who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges). Notice the format too. This is how I recommend phrasing it. Don’t say “I am a ___”. Just start with the descriptive words.

This is a simple yet effective resume summary example for students OR recent graduates.

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #2: Fresh Graduate in Computer Science

Computer Science graduate passionate about data engineering and machine learning. Highly-capable leader, having led multiple Senior class projects to completion. Proficient in a range of modern technologies including Python, Java and Scala.

This is another good example of a student or fresh graduate resume summary that still shows your skills and academic focus, even if you have no formal work experience.  In this entry-level resume summary example, you’re highlighting accomplishments and leadership as a student and you’re also showing that you’re passionate about your work. Saying you’re passionate about data engineering is much better than just saying, “Looking for a job in data engineering.” They’ll know you’re looking for jobs because you applied. Taking up space to say it is a bad use of this area of your resume, and is why I never recommend having a resume “Objective” section. The summary exists instead of an “Objective” and is much better.

The example above also included some great programming keywords (Python, Java, Scala) to help get past any automated application systems and grab the hiring manager’s attention very quickly when they first look at your resume. If you work with any tools or technologies that have names like these, you can include it in your entry-level resume summary if you’d like. Other examples of tools/technologies: Photoshop, MS Excel, etc.

If you decide not to include these on your resume summary, make sure to include them elsewhere such as your Education or Skills section .

Resume Summary Example with No Experience #3: Math Student Graduating Soon

4th year mathematics student passionate about statistics and data analysis. Proven project leader. Active member of Boston University’s Mathematics Club. Speaker at 2018 “New York Young Mathematicians Conference.”

This resume summary example for students shows how you can list accomplishments even if you’ve never formally worked before. Did you participate in any clubs at school? Have you led any class projects? These are impressive pieces you can add to your resume summary with no experience formally working. 

How to Write a Resume Summary For Students/Fresh Graduates – Quick Recap

• Skip buzzwords like “hard-working” and put real academic accomplishments instead, like projects you produced and tasks you led
• Include what you’re interested in and passionate about to show them why you are applying for this position
• Mention hard skills like “Java Programming” or “Excel,”  especially if they’re listed on the job description
• Include soft skills as well like, “excellent at multi-tasking”, especially if you saw these keywords anywhere on the job description
• Include statements in your resume summary that will catch the employer’s interest and make them want to talk with you and ask you more. Remember – the entire goal of your resume is to get invited to interview. So if you did anything unique like giving presentations, working in an internship , participating in a school club, etc., you can include this in your entry-level resume summary.

If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great entry-level resume summary that will stand out and catch a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s attention so you can get more interviews.

After you write your entry-level resume summary, here are two more articles that may be helpful when job searching with no experience:

• The best times of year to job search
• How to create a great elevator pitch for job hunting

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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This site was pretty helpful in guiding me throughout my school resume, would love other tips would do well.

This is a great guide. If only schools were actually interested in teaching children real life skills like this.

Hi, I am a student who has been finding it very difficult to make resumes due to the lack of working experience. I am currently trying to find a job while studying at the same time. I am in University completing a certificate and will soon be applying for a BA in Psychology and Criminolgy. However, I wish to apply for a part time job in the fashion industry. Can you please leave me some tips about what I can do to ensure that I can find a job without needing experience.

Your page has really helped, Thank you.

Hi, I’m a job seeker with 2 years experience working as a cart collector at grocery store and an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, is this a good professional summary?: “Reliable team member with a keen interest in information technology and other applications. Capable of handling multiple projects within deadlines. Eager to apply my professional and academic background as an Administrative Assistant at Bogdan Contracting.”

I’ve been job seeking since October 2018, I’m hoping I can start a career in tech support as soon as possible.

Hi Marcais,

I think it sounds pretty good. My least favorite part is the first word, though. “Reliable” sounds pretty average/boring. Sure, you show up, do your job, etc. That’s what I think when I hear “reliable”. But not much more.

I’d look for a better word to lead off with.

I would like to say thank you for making this article about writing a summary for a resume. For the past couple of months, I have been struggling to find someone who can help me with that because I don’t have a lot of experience in my field (i.e. engineering). I do have one question though. Is it appropriate to use first-person nouns in the summary section? I have seen people do that, but I find it quite odd.

Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you.

Hi Frances,

I’d avoid saying, “I” if that’s what you’re asking.

Just say “Led team of 7 people to accomplish ___”

Just start without a pronoun.

Another example: “Highly-accomplished accounting professional who has ____”

Comments are closed.

Fresh Graduate without experience CV example

Congratulations, you’ve graduated! Now it’s time to get out there and start your career.

The problem is, a degree doesn’t guarantee your CV will get noticed.

But don’t worry; we can teach you how to make your qualifications and transferable skills work for you with our helpful writing guide.

Check out our new graduate CV example below for those without experience.

CV templates 

Fresh Graduate without experience CV example

This example CV demonstrates how to structure and format your own CV as a new graduate, so that it can be easily digested by busy hiring managers, and quickly prove why you are suitable for the jobs you are applying to.

It also gives you a good idea of the type of skills, experience and qualifications that you need to be highlighting in your CV.

Build your CV now 

Fresh Graduate without experience CV structure & formatting

First impressions count, so a sloppy, disorganised CV may cause your CV to be overlooked..

Instead, perfect the format and structure of your CV by working to a clear logical structure and applying some simple formatting tricks to ease readability.

Don’t underestimate the importance of this step; if your CV lacks readability, your written content won’t even be seen.

How to format your CV

• Length: Two sides of A4 makes for the perfect CV length , though one page is okay for less experienced applicants. This forces you to make sure that every single sentence adds value to your CV and ensures you avoid waffle.
• Readability : To help busy recruiters scan through your CV, make sure your section headings stand out – bold or coloured text works well. Additionally, try to use bullet points wherever you can, as they’re far easier to skim through than huge paragraphs. Lastly, don’t be afraid of white space on your CV – a little breathing space is great for readability.
• CV design: Don’t waste time adding fancy designs to your CV. It generally adds no value to your application and may even end up distracting recruiters away from the important written content.
• Photographs: Headshot photos aren’t required in a CV by most employers, but some creative and artistic industries like to see them. If you decide to include one, make sure you look smart and professional in the picture.

Quick tip: Creating a professional CV style can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To create a winning CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

When writing your own CV , break up your CV content into the following key sections:

• Name and contact details – Place them at the top of your CV, so that employers can easily get in touch.
• CV profile – A punchy sales pitch of your key experience, skills and achievements to reel readers in.
• Core skills section – A bullet-pointed snapshot of your abilities.
• Work experience – A well-structured list of your relevant work experience.
• Education – An overview of any relevant qualifications or professional training you have.
• Hobbies and interests – A short description of any relevant hobbies or interests (optional).

Now, let’s take a closer look at what you should include in each section of your CV.

CV Contact Details

Write your contact details in the top corner of your CV, so that they’re easy to find but don’t take up too much space.

You only need to list your basic details, such as:

• Mobile number
• Email address
• Location – Don’t list your full address. Your town or city, such as ‘Norwich’ or ‘Coventry’ is perfect.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Remember to update these before listing them on an application.

Fresh Graduate without experience CV Profile

Your CV profile (or personal statement , if you’re an entry-level applicant) provides a brief overview of your skills, abilities and suitability for a position.

It’s ideal for busy recruiters and hiring managers, who don’t want to waste time reading unsuitable applications.

Think of it as your personal sales pitch. You’ve got just a few lines to sell yourself and prove you’re a great match for the job – make it count!

CV profile writing tips:

• Make it short and sharp: It might be tempting to submit a page-long CV profile, but recruiters won’t have the time to read it. To ensure every word gets read, it’s best to include high-level information only; sticking to a length of 3-5 lines.
• Tailor it: Recruiters can spot a generic, mass-produced CV at a glance – and they certainly won’t be impressed! Before you write your profile (and CV as a whole), read through the job advert and make a list of any skills, knowledge and experience required. You should then incorporate your findings throughout your profile and the rest of your CV.
• Don’t add an objective: If you want to discuss your career objectives, save them for your cover letter , rather than wasting valuable CV profile space.
• Avoid generic phrases: Clichés like “ blue-sky thinker with a go-getter attitude” might sound impressive to you, but they don’t actually tell the recruiter much about you. Concentrate on highlighting hard facts and skills, as recruiters are more likely to take these on board.

Example CV profile for Fresh Graduate without experience

What to include in your fresh graduate without experience cv profile.

• Summary of experience: To give employers an idea of your capabilities, show them your track record by giving an overview of the types of companies you have worked for in the past and the roles you have carried out for previous employers – but keep it high level and save the details for your experience section.
• Relevant skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to graduate jobs, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your CV.
• Vital qualifications: If the jobs you are applying to require candidates to have certain qualifications, then you must add them in your profile to ensure they are seen by hiring managers.

Quick tip: If you are finding it difficult to write an attention-grabbing CV profile, choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All profiles are written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

Next, you should create a bullet pointed list of your core skills , formatted into 2-3 columns.

Here, you should focus on including the most important skills or knowledge listed in the job advertisement.

This will instantly prove that you’re an ideal candidate, even if a recruiter only has time to briefly scan your CV.

Vital skills for your Fresh Graduate without experience CV

Customer Service – highlighting experience of working with the public to resolve queries and encourage them to purchase products.

Event Organisation – highlighting experience of managing projects such as taking responsibility for organising and holding an event.

Silver D of E Award – highlighting achievements such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is often awarded for helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition.

Team Leader – evidencing experience of leading others to achieve a goal.

MS Office – evidencing use of key technologies and software programs which will be used in your future career.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder has thousands of in-demand skills for all industries and professions, that can be added to your CV in seconds – This will save you time and ensure you get noticed by recruiters.

Your work experience section

Now that recruiters have a good overview of your skills and abilities, you need to jump into the detail of your career history.

Give them a more thorough insight into what you can do by creating a detailed list of your relevant experience.

Start with your current role, and work backwards through all the relevant positions you’ve held. This could be freelance, contract or voluntary work too; as long as it’s related to the role you’re applying for.

Structuring each role

Lengthy, unbroken chunks of text is a recruiters worst nightmare, but your work experience section can easily end up looking like that if you are not careful.

To avoid this, use my tried-and-tested 3-step structure, as illustrated below:

Provide a brief overview of the job as a whole, such as what the overriding purpose of your job was and what type of company you worked for.

Key responsibilities

Next, write up a punchy list of your daily duties and responsibilities, using bullet points.

Wherever you can, point out how you put your hard skills and knowledge to use – especially skills which are applicable to your target role.

Key achievements

Lastly, add impact by highlight 1-3 key achievements  that you made within the role.

Struggling to think of an achievement? If it had a positive impact on your company, it counts.

For example, you might increased company profits, improved processes, or something simpler, such as going above and beyond to solve a customer’s problem.

Sample job description for Fresh Graduate without experience CV

Working for the Oxford Street flagship store of an international fashion retail business. Responsible for creating enticing merchandise displays, providing exceptional customer service and achieving a weekly and monthly sales target.

Key Responsibilities

• Achieve personal sales targets and KPIs and support the store to achieve store targets
• Provide exceptional customer service including tailoring services and selecting appropriate products to meet individual customer needs and expectations
• Manage customer complaints through to a satisfactory resolution, escalating the issue to the Store Manager if necessary
• Manage the checkout including processing orders, refunds and credit notes, and processing transactions via both cash and card

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education and qualifications section

After your work experience, your education section should provide a detailed view of your academic background.

Begin with those most relevant to graduate jobs, such as vocational training or degrees. If you have space, you can also mention your academic qualifications, such as A-Levels and GCSEs.

Focus on the qualifications that are most relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Hobbies and interests

The hobbies and interests CV section isn’t mandatory, so don’t worry if you’re out of room by this point.

However, if you have an interesting hobby , or an interest that could make you seem more suitable for the role, then certainly think about adding.

Be careful what you include though… Only consider hobbies that exhibit skills that are required for roles as a Fresh Graduate without experience, or transferable workplace skills.

There is never any need to tell employers that you like to watch TV and eat out.

Writing your Fresh Graduate without experience CV

Creating a strong CV as a Fresh Graduate without experience requires a blend of punchy content, considered structure and format, and heavy tailoring.

By creating a punchy profile and core skills list, you’ll be able to hook recruiter’s attention and ensure your CV gets read.

Remember that research and relevance is the key to a good CV, so research your target roles before you start writing and pack your CV with relevant skills.

Best of luck with your next application!