Let’s be real—landing an internship or job after graduation is probably high on your to-do list. The thing is, getting that first opportunity isn’t just about hoping for the best. You’ve gotta show up with a resume that makes employers think, “Yep, this is the one.” But building that solid resume while you’re still juggling classes and assignments? Not as easy as it sounds.
Don’t worry, though. I’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you build a resume that stands out and shows off your skills, even if you’re still in school.
Start with the Basics
Before you go all in, make sure your resume’s foundation is solid. These basics may not sound glamorous, but they matter.
- Pick a simple format. Stick to a clean, easy-to-read layout. Your content should be the star of the show. Options like reverse-chronological, combination, or skills-based formats work best for most college students.
- Choose a professional font. Fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, or Georgia are classics for a reason. Stick to sizes between 10-12 points to keep things readable.
- Structure your content. Break your info into neat sections like “Education,” “Experience,” “Skills,” etc. This helps employers find what they’re looking for fast.
- Keep it short. One page is your target. Don’t let it turn into a novella. Bullet points are your best friend. Include only what’s relevant to the positions you’re applying for.
Highlight Relevant Coursework
Alright, you’ve picked your format. Now let’s talk about how to make your classes work for you. It’s tempting to list every course you’ve taken since freshman year, but that’s not what recruiters are after. Instead, list only the courses that are relevant to the jobs you’re targeting. Bonus points if they’re electives that aren’t on everyone’s transcript.
For instance, if you’re a business major gunning for a consulting gig, list courses like “Financial Accounting,” “Business Strategy,” “Managerial Economics,” or “Organizational Behavior.”
Don’t copy-paste your whole transcript here. Be smart about it. Pick courses that show you’ve got the knowledge employers in your field care about.
Emphasize Transferable Skills
Employers love transferable skills because they’re useful no matter what job or industry you’re in. Think of skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, project management, and leadership. You’ve probably developed these without even realizing it—through group projects, club leadership, volunteering, or part-time jobs.
Here’s how to work those skills into your resume:
- Skills Section: Drop in your top transferable skills (like communication, leadership, or problem-solving).
- Experience Descriptions: Weave those skills into the job descriptions. If you can, back them up with numbers—like how you led a project that resulted in a 20% boost in club membership.
- Cover Letter or Summary Section: Make it super clear how your skills match what the company’s looking for.
Tailor your resume to each job. Every employer will be looking for something slightly different. If you’re using a combination resume format, you could even organize sections by skills, like “Leadership Experience” or “Research Experience.”
Flex Your Achievements and Experiences
Here’s the truth: You’ve probably done more impressive stuff in college than you think. Employers don’t expect you to have years of full-time work experience, but they do want to see what you’ve been up to outside of class.
Think about things like:
- Leadership roles in clubs or sports teams
- Committee work or campus boards you’ve been on
- Big projects or presentations
- Part-time jobs or internships
- Volunteer gigs
- Writing for the school paper or doing research with professors
- Competitions or hackathons you’ve entered
Now, don’t just list these out. Show what you achieved. Did you increase membership in a club by 30%? Or maybe you led your mock trial team to the finals? If you can back your work with numbers, it’ll pack more punch.
For example:
- “Increased donor sign-ups by 52% as Fundraising Chair”
- “Led mock trial team to place 2nd out of 16 in a statewide competition”
- “Published 5 articles in the student economics journal”
Numbers make your achievements feel more real and impressive, so use them wherever you can.
Write Strong, Strategic Descriptions
Every section of your resume is an opportunity to showcase your skills and experience in a way that makes employers want to know more. Here’s how to get the most out of your descriptions:
- Make them achievement-focused. Start each bullet point with what you accomplished, not just what you did. Quantifiable contributions are always better than vague duties.
- Use power verbs. Words like “created,” “launched,” “managed,” and “led” will give your resume a lot more energy.
- Highlight transferable skills. Make it clear which skills you applied in each role.
- Keep it concise. Bullet points should be short, specific, and to the point.
- Show progression. Let employers see that you’re growing—whether it’s taking on more responsibility, mastering a new skill, or leading bigger projects.
Even if you don’t feel like you have a ton of content to work with, you’d be surprised how much you can say about the few key experiences you’ve had. Focus on the impact, not just the tasks.
Be Ready with References
While most college resumes don’t need a list of references, it’s smart to have a few people in mind who can vouch for you when needed. Good options? Professors, academic advisors, past bosses, coaches, or mentors who know your strengths and work ethic.
Aim to have about 3-5 solid references who would be willing to speak on your behalf. Just make sure to ask them for permission first—and give them a heads up when you’re applying for something specific. That way, they’re ready to sing your praises if the employer calls.
Review, Revise, and Repeat
Building a killer resume doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and a lot of editing. Here’s what you need to do once you’ve got a draft ready:
- Check for accuracy. Double-check your dates, job titles, and contact info.
- Tailor to each application. Make sure you’re tweaking your resume for every job or internship, aligning your experiences with what the employer is looking for.
- Get feedback. Ask your professors, career advisors, or even your friends to give your resume a once-over.
- Cut what’s not working. Be ruthless. If something isn’t helping you stand out, cut it.
- Proofread. Typos? Awkward phrasing? Fix it before you hit “send.” Read it out loud if you need to.
You may go through multiple versions before you’re happy with the final product—and that’s okay. The time you invest now will help you stand out when it counts.
Key Takeaways
So, what should you remember when building your resume in college? Here’s a quick rundown:
- Keep it simple. Use a clean, readable format.
- Highlight relevant courses. Only list the ones that will help you get the job.
- Show off your transferable skills. These matter even more than where you gained them.
- Quantify your achievements. Numbers give your experiences more weight.
- Be strategic with bullet points. Focus on measurable outcomes and key skills.
- Prepare strong references. Have a few people ready to vouch for you when the time comes.
- Revise, revise, revise. The perfect resume doesn’t happen on the first try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I include high school details?
A: Probably not, unless it’s super relevant. College achievements carry more weight.
Q: How long should my resume be?
A: Aim for one page unless you have a ton of experience. Even then, be concise.
Q: What if I don’t have formal work experience?
A: Focus on your skills. You’ve gained plenty through clubs, classes, and volunteer work.
Q: Can I use a skills-based resume?
A: Absolutely! If that format highlights your strengths better, go for it.
Q: Should I include everything I’ve done?
A: No, tailor it to the job. Only include what’s relevant and impressive.
Q: How do I stand out without much experience?
A: Focus on quantifiable achievements and highlight the skills employers care about.
Q: Who can review my resume for feedback?
A: Professors, career counselors, mentors, or even friends in your field are great resources.
Now, get out there and start working on that resume! The more effort you put in, the better your chances are of landing that dream job or internship right out of college. Good luck!