March 6th, 2018

How to Write Your First Resume Out of College

By Kevin Nelson, 10x Management Guest Writer 

Creating an appealing resume that captivates the recruiter’s attention can be a challenging task for a college graduate without a lot of work experience. Last year alone, 1.6 million students from the U.S graduated from college. The market is competitive and bursting with graduates seeking employment opportunities.

Your resume needs to be outstanding to secure your dream job. Here are 5 well-researched hints for writing a resume when you’re just out of college:

  1. List Your GPA

If your GPA is more than 3.0, you should list it. For some reason, if it’s not listed, then it is automatically assumed that you scored below the 3.0. If the GPA in your major was higher than your overall GPA, it is advised to use that instead.

  1. Make it Short and Precise

When it comes to resumes, there are no correct formats. You have to decide which format works for you, but in any case, the layout should be easy to scan. The first impression is what counts. Work on your fonts.

There is no need to include the four years you spent in high school. All the focus should be in highlighting your activities, your accomplishments, and your work experience during your college years. Added emphasis should go to work experience that you may have had.

  1. Package Extracurricular Activities Professionally

The clubs or social groups you joined hold water. Learn to tailor the experience in line with the position that you are applying for. Social activities illustrate dedication and social aptitude and can boost your resume where work experience is lacking.

  1. Proofread!

A recruiter can tell a lot from spelling mistakes. Use a friend or relative to help proofread.

You should also try to use active verbs and language. Use past tense as much as possible unless you’re still on an ongoing project.

  1. There are No Menial Jobs

If you were a library assistant, you have great organizational and research skills. If you were a campus tour guide, you have a friendly and outgoing personality. You should not consider a prior job that you did as ordinary or irrelevant. It is not about the work per se but the qualities you contributed and attained while performing that job.

Conclusion

Always update your resume when you have a new work experience. Make sure that your potential employer has a clear picture of who you are. Bear in mind that your dream job starts with an outstanding resume. Take every step necessary to make your resume stand out from the rest!

If you liked this article, you might enjoy reading 7 Tasks Every Freelancer Can Automate to Save Time

About the author: Kevin is a professional educator and a private tutor with over 8 years of experience. He is also a content writer for various blogs about higher education, entertainment, social media & blogging. During his off time, Kevin enjoys traveling and cooking. Feel free to connect with him on Twitter, Linkedin & Google+.

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