Hey, college seniors! Right now you might have your hands full as your final semester is coming to an end, but don’t forget about what’s yet to come. Is your resume perfected and ready to send? Have you started to apply to entry-level positions in your field? You shouldn’t wait until after graduation to start your job search.
If you’re not entirely confident in your current resume, here are some tips to get it ready for submittal.
- If you feel like your current work history isn’t too impressive, think deeper into what you actually accomplished. Whether you assisted customers or were accountable for an even cash drawer in your part-time or volunteer positions, there is something of value worth noting on your resume. Some college students didn’t work at all while in school, and any experience is better than none.
- As a college senior, you’re probably concerned about how you can make your resume stand out against your peers. Graphics, colors and crazy fonts are always a younger professional’s go-to move, but using these techniques can hurt you. To stand out, make your resume quick and easy to read instead. This will ensure that your resume will make it through the applicant tracking system, and the hiring manager won’t lose patience reading it.
- You worked so hard to (almost) earn your degree, so make sure it’s properly documented on your resume with your expected graduation date. For example, listing only the word ‘Accounting’ under your college discredits your degree and leaves the hiring manager with many questions and ‘Buff State’ isn’t the actual name of the university.
- New graduates can list their GPA if it’s impressive, but it’s not necessary. With little work experience, it’s also okay to list relevant coursework. (Key word: relevant)
- Less is more! You shouldn’t list every skill or responsibility you have ever had and if you’re leaving something on your resume simply to fill up space, it probably doesn’t need to be there. Your high school babysitting gigs and common sense computer skills can get deleted.
- Once your resume seems updated, always have someone review it. This could be someone in your college’s career center, but it should preferably be a favorite professor you’ve formed a bond with. A professor who knew you well throughout your college years will be able to tell you if your resume is representing you in the best light.
- I know you may be proud with what now seems to be the perfect resume, but remember that you still need to customize it for each position you are applying for. Avoid sending out the same generic resume everywhere if you truly want to stand out. Find more tips on customizing your resume here.