Creating a resume when you have little or no work experience is challenging, but not impossible. Whether you’re a student or recent graduate, the skills you’ve developed and knowledge you’ve acquired in school can be transferred to any job. Below is a list of sections that a student or recent graduate should include on a resume.
Relevant Coursework
You’ve worked hard in your classes, so why not put them on your resume? List any classes that relate to the position for which you are applying or that demonstrate technical knowledge.
Projects and Presentations
List the major projects or presentations you have completed. Briefly describe each project and include the grade received if you did especially well.
Computer Skills
This includes software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. If you know HTML or any other programming languages, you can include those as well. Software used during part-time jobs and internships can also be included, but don’t claim proficiency if you haven’t used the software extensively. “Familiarity with [software]” or “experience with [software]” will work if you aren’t proficient but have experience with a software program.
Languages
You don’t have to be extremely fluent in a language in order to list it, but you should be able to conduct basic conversation with native speakers (be honest about your level of fluency on the resume).
Community Involvement
If you’ve volunteered or done any community service, be sure to include it on your resume. Tutoring volunteer work that you can do on your own and looks impressive on a resume.
Honors and Awards
Honors, awards, and academic scholarships you’ve received should be on your resume. You should also put if you were on any honor rolls (President’s List, Dean’s List, etc).
Resume writing can feel like a daunting task for anyone, but especially so for less experienced job-seekers. However, resumes don’t have to be comprised of just work experience. Your skills, projects, coursework, and other activities can prove valuable to potential employers.
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