student resume letter template

11+ Best Student Resume Templates (W/ Examples & Resources)

Writing an impressive resume as a student with no work experience can be a challenging task, often resulting in a generic document that fails to capture your full potential. 

This challenge intensifies in the face of a sea of applicants vying for the same role as you, making it all the more critical to stand out. 

Fortunately, we’re here to solve this problem! 

This article presents a selection of impactful student resume templates and examples that will help transform your raw skills and academic accomplishments into an impressive, attention-grabbing resume. 

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

12 Student Resume Templates

3 student resume examples, 5 other professional resources for students.

Let’s dive in!

#1. Creative Resume Template

The Creative resume template offers a visually appealing and unique design that can greatly benefit students. 

With a modern and innovative layout that leverages eye-catching colors, this template allows students to showcase their skills, experiences, and achievements all on one page. 

The template's artistic element can help you stand out from the crowd and make a memorable impression on potential employers by highlighting your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to think outside the box, all of which are valuable attributes in today's competitive job market.

#2. Basic Resume Template

This resume template comes with a straightforward and clean design that offers numerous benefits to students. 

For starters, it provides a professional and well-organized structure that lets you present your skills, education, and experiences in a concise and effective manner. Not to mention, by positioning the skills section at the top of the resume, this template emphasizes your skills over your work experience (which is something you’re likely lacking).

This template can help any student, regardless of their standing, create a professional-looking resume that showcases their abilities and increases their chances of securing interviews and job opportunities.

#3. Combined Resume Template

Just like the name implies, this template is a perfect blend of two resume formats , namely the functional and the reverse-chronological format . 

This Combined template can arm you with a versatile and effective way to present your skills and professional experiences, as well as any relevant optional sections like certifications and personal projects. 

In a nutshell, the Combined template gives you the flexibility to leverage both the popularity of the chronological format and the impact you can make by emphasizing your skills and abilities. 

So, if you’re not sure which resume format works best for you or if you’re on the fence about a particular template, this stylish and impactful design might just be the choice for you. 

#4. Minimalist Resume Template

Novorésumé's Minimalist resume template offers a sleek and simple design that comes highly recommended for students. 

True to its name, this template aims to highlight only essential elements through clean aesthetics. Specifically, it lets students present their strong points and most noteworthy achievements concisely, eliminating unnecessary clutter. 

With a stylish color palette of pink and gray and a design that puts skills and work experience side by side, there’s no way you can go wrong picking this student resume template. 

#5. Traditional Resume Template

This template’s classic and time-tested design is guaranteed to work wonders for students looking to work in all fields, but especially those aiming for more traditional industries like banking or finance. 

Following a structured design that highlights all key resume sections, such as the resume objective , education, work experience, and skills sections, this template lets you include all your relevant information without your resume spilling over to page two . 

#6. General Resume Template

The General resume template is meant to offer you a versatile and adaptable format to showcase your qualifications, including your awards, your foreign language skills , your education, and much more. 

The header’s blue color is meant to grab recruiters’ attention to two of the most important resume sections–the contact information and the resume summary sections. 

Once you have their attention, you can wow them with other relevant sections such as your skills, work experience, and anything else you deem important. 

Easily customizable and practical to skim through, this resume template can make your application look good even if you don’t put too much effort into it. 

#7. Modern Resume Template

The Modern resume template is a great choice for students who want their resume to look sleek and stylish, and yet professional. 

By incorporating modern elements like horizontal lines and bold blue color, this template is a great choice for practically every field you apply to. 

By using the Modern template, students can present themselves as forward-thinking and professional candidates, increasing their chances of standing out from the competition.

#8. IT Resume Template

If getting into IT is your dream, then this resume template is for you! 

The team at Novorésumé specifically designed the IT resume template to cater to the needs of students in the field. Using a clean and modern layout , this template offers a comprehensive structure that highlights your relevant technical skills, certifications, and education history. 

And, if you have any professional experience in IT, even if it’s through freelance work, internships , or personal projects, this template can surely help you highlight it through the reverse-chronological format - a favorite among recruiters.

#9. Simple Resume Template

Sometimes, a simple resume template can be just the way to let your personality and achievements shine through. 

This is exactly what the Simple resume template does for students. 

With a straightforward and reader-friendly structure that strays away from extravagant design elements and flashy colors, this template aims to let your achievements do the talking. 

So, if your professional journey is already rich in accomplishments or if you’re one of those people who think simplicity is always the right choice, then you just found your match. 

#10. Functional Resume Template

Just like the format it’s named after, the Functional resume template lets you highlight your skills and qualifications upfront, which is perfect if you don’t have enough work experience to list.

What makes this template even more impactful is the minty color that grabs recruiters’ attention, the perfectly aligned sections, and the way it leverages symbols to show your proficiency in say, foreign languages or technical skills . 

#11. Skill-Based Resume Template

The Skill-Based resume template does just what the name implies - it provides students with a valuable format that emphasizes their key skills and competencies. 

This template allows students to highlight their relevant abilities and qualifications, regardless of their work experience . By organizing their resume based on skills rather than professional achievements, students can effectively showcase their strengths and demonstrate their suitability for a particular role. 

This resume template lets you focus on your most marketable skills, making it easier for potential employers to quickly identify your strengths and match them with job requirements.

#12. College Resume Template

Are you a college student looking to land your first gig? Then the College resume template is just what you need. 

Specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of college students, this template offers a comprehensive structure that lets you highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities , internships, and relevant coursework.

The College resume template lets you effectively showcase your education, skills, and experiences in a concise manner and contemporary style. The resume’s design is tailored to the specific needs of college students, increasing your chances of impressing potential employers and securing your next entry-level position!

#1. High-School Student Resume

#2. College Freshman Resume

#3. Internship Resume 

Picking the right template for your resume is just a small first step toward landing your first gig. 

There are several other things you’ll need to do during your job hunt , such as networking with the right people, applying for the right positions for you, and continuously honing your skills. 

Here are some resources that are guaranteed to come in handy: 

• Professional Networking | What Is It & Why It Matters . Networking is an excellent way to lay solid career foundations and make professional connections you can even use down the line. This article outlines all the benefits of professional networking and gives you 9 essential tips to get it right.
• 30+ Jobs for Teenagers (Where & How to Look) . These jobs are perfect for students of all ages, from high school freshmen to college seniors, so start digging.
• 101 Essential Skills to Put on a Resume . Without a solid work experience section, your skills section is the most important part of your resume. Do it justice by going through the most essential skills every resume should have in 2024.
• How to List Computer Skills on a Resume . Nowadays, 92% of jobs require digital skills , according to the National Skills Coalition. Since students and younger professionals are more likely to be well-versed in digital skills, it’s good to know how to list such skills in your resume. Learn how with our article!
• How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 . Cover letters are still an essential part of job applications, so you shouldn’t submit one without attaching a cover letter. If you think writing a cover letter is even harder than creating a resume, though, head over to our dedicated article to become a cover letter pro.

Conclusion 

By now, you should have realized how important it is to find the right student resume template if you want to land your dream job. 

We hope our list meets your preferences and can help you on your career path as effectively as possible! 

For more resources and career advice, make sure to visit our blog ! 

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10 Free Résumé Templates for Students

Creating a résumé is difficult at any age, but for high school or college students, it can be even harder. Without years of experience, assembling a professional and impressive résumé is challenging. To get off to a solid start, consider using one of these student résumé templates.

Tip: check our Microsoft student discounts article to see all the savings you qualify for. You might even have access to a free Office and Microsoft 365 subscription.

1. High School Student CV Résumé Template

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Availability : Microsoft Word

For a simple layout that includes all the sections you need, check out this High School Student CV Résumé template . It provides a neat and clean, black-and-white design that not only makes it easy to edit, but easy to read as well.

• Education and experience sections right at the top below your contact details
• Sections for achievements, volunteer experience, interests, and computer skills
• Compact formatting to easily expand areas and add more items

Availability : Microsoft Word and Apple Pages

If you’d like an option with a bit of flair, consider this Title Student Résumé template . It’s ideal for including a title like Assistant Dean of Students, as shown in the template. It also offers an attractive color scheme and layout for going beyond the basics.

• Main section for listing personal accomplishments and professional skills
• Smaller sections on the side for contact details, objective, and education
• Neat bar scale to show each proficiency at a glance

If it’s the information technology field you want to enter, this IT Professional Student Résumé template is a good choice. With a simple layout, the template offers a subtle bit of color to make the sections stand out. You also have designated spots for specific IT-related skills.

• Sections for programming languages, software tools, operating system platforms, and database management systems
• Includes necessary sections for objective, education, skills, experience, and interests
• Two-page layout is easily scalable for more or less details

To make a bold statement, this Black and Gray College Résumé template has dark outlines and headers, along with a spot for your photo. The compact one-page layout offers the sections you need to impress.

• Main section highlights your bio, education, and work experience
• Smaller section on the side accommodates skills, languages, and interests
• Plenty of space to include all necessary details

Black and Blue College Resume is similar to the Black and Gray but uses an even darker color scheme for the main section. The blue header with a spot for your photo really pops. It also offers a smaller font for an uncluttered appearance.

• Main section for all details including education, experience, skills, and a bio
• Attractive contact information section at the bottom for your email address, phone number, and city
• Bar graph design for showing off your skills at a glance

Availability : Google Docs

For a basic resume with a bit of pizzazz, you’ll like this Simple High School Student Résumé template . It offers a nice white background for each section, with splashes of a single blue-green color for that little extra.

• Two main sections for education and recommendations, perfect for high school students
• Handy section on the side for a photo, contact details, awards, and skills
• Neat and clean design for a solid one-page résumé

Good to know : check out these résumé templates for Google Docs for more options.

If you prefer a résumé that comes with a cover letter , this is the template for you. With the Student Résumé and Cover Letter template , you have a great combo that includes a consistent design and all of the sections you need.

• Main résumé section offers a roomy spot for your objective and experience
• Side area for contact details, education, and references
• Easily customizable cover letter with a place for the recipient’s details on the side
• Location for your photos at the top of both the letter and résumé

When you want to highlight current or previous projects, this Designer Student Résumé template is perfect. Add links and descriptions for your projects at the top, then complete the remaining sections with the information you need.

• Unique design includes a spot for your photo, with education and experience directly beneath
• Clear bottom section to include skills with icons, a portfolio URL, your progress, and hobbies
• Simple three-color theme for subtle accent colors

Availability : Canva

For a simple layout with an attractive design, look at this Simple Blue High School Résumé template . There are dark blue borders separating the main section, with your experience and background in the side section to not be distracting.

• Easily switchable work experience and academic background areas
• Spots for a personal profile, honors and achievements, contact details, and interests
• Clean and neat minimalistic design

The Navy Blue Line College Résumé template provides a lovely dark blue header, with spots for your name, photo, and (optionally) title. The sections in the main area are nicely positioned for easy reading or scanning.

• Six sections arranged neatly without appearing cluttered
• Places to include your profile, strengths, contact details, interests, and backgrounds
• Roomy enough to include additional work or academic experience

You can build your first résumé with ease using one of these templates for students. For additional help while you’re completing your education, check out student templates for Notion to help with assignment planning, school and job scheduling, and note-taking.

Image Credit: Pixabay . All screenshots by Sandy Writtenhouse.

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With her BS in Information Technology, Sandy worked for many years in the IT industry as a Project Manager, Department Manager, and PMO Lead. She wanted to help others learn how technology can enrich business and personal lives and has shared her suggestions and how-tos across thousands of articles.

1 Student Cover Letter Example

Students are experts at absorbing new information, adapting to various subjects, and showcasing their understanding through tests and assignments. Similarly, your cover letter is a testament to your adaptability, demonstrating your ability to learn and excel in different roles. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for students, helping you to translate your academic achievements into a compelling professional narrative.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a student cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. If not, use a professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager". Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention how your skills or experiences align with the job requirements. Remember, the opening paragraph should grab the reader's attention and make them want to read more. It's also a good idea to mention any connections you have with the company or any research you've done about them.

Students should end a cover letter by expressing gratitude to the reader for considering their application. This can be followed by a confident closing statement that reiterates their interest in the role and their eagerness to contribute to the organization. For example, "Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team and look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs." Finally, they should sign off professionally using phrases like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by their full name. It's also important to include their contact information below their name so that it's easy for the employer to reach out. Remember, the ending of the cover letter should leave a positive and lasting impression.

A student's cover letter should ideally be one page long. This is because hiring managers often have many applications to go through and a concise, well-written cover letter can effectively communicate your skills and qualifications without taking up too much of their time. It's important to keep your cover letter focused and to the point, highlighting your most relevant experiences and skills that make you a strong candidate for the position. Remember, the purpose of the cover letter is to intrigue the employer enough to read your resume and consider you for an interview, not to tell your entire life story.

Writing a cover letter with no experience can seem challenging, but there are ways to highlight your skills and abilities that can make you stand out to potential employers. Here's how you can do it: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin with a brief introduction about who you are and why you're interested in the role. Mention the job you're applying for and where you found the job listing. 2. Highlight your academic achievements: Even if you don't have work experience, you can still highlight your academic achievements. Mention any relevant coursework, projects, or research you've done that relates to the job you're applying for. 3. Showcase your skills: Identify the skills required for the job and demonstrate how you've used these skills in your academic or personal life. For example, if the job requires strong organizational skills, you could mention how you've managed multiple assignments and deadlines. 4. Use examples: Provide examples of when you've demonstrated these skills. This could be through group projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. 5. Show enthusiasm: Employers want to hire people who are enthusiastic about the job and the company. Do some research about the company and mention why you're excited about the opportunity to work there. 6. End with a strong conclusion: In your closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the role and your eagerness to contribute to the company. Thank the employer for considering your application and express your hope for an opportunity to further discuss your qualifications. 7. Proofread: Make sure to proofread your cover letter for any spelling or grammar errors. A well-written, error-free cover letter shows that you pay attention to details and take your job application seriously. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and employers understand that students may not have a lot of work experience. What's important is showing that you're eager to learn and that you have the skills and qualities they're looking for.

Related Cover Letters for Students

Entry level cover letter.

Tutor Cover Letter

Substitute Teacher Cover Letter

Teacher Assistant Cover Letter

Student Cover Letter

Related Resumes for Students

Student resume example.

Try our AI-Powered Resume Builder

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Below are several resume examples which may provide guidance or inspiration for crafting your own resume. These are intended to serve only as samples, so please do not use the exact wording featured in any individual sample.

For All Students and Majors

• Career Guidebook on Personal Branding (Resumes, Cover Letters, and More!)
• Sample Resume - for Students with Little to No Experience
• Sample Resume - Suitable for Many Majors

Student Athlete Sample Resumes

Bagwell College of Education 

• Bagwell College of Education Resume Template (Undergraduate)
• Bagwell College of Education Resume Template (Graduate)

Coles College of Business

• Coles College of Business Resume Sample
• Coles College of Business Cover Letter Sample

College of Architecture and Construction Management

• Architecture Resume Sample
• Construction Management Resume Sample
• Architecture Cover Letter Sample
• Construction Management Cover Letter Sample

College of Computing and Software Engineering 

• CCSE Sample Resume

Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences 

• Anthropology Resume Sample
• English Resume Sample
• History Resume Sample
• Curriculum Vitae Sample

College of Science and Mathematics 

• Biology Resume Sample
• Chemistry Resume Sample

College of the Arts

• Music Performance Resume Sample
• Theatre & Performance Studies Resume Sample

Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

• SPCEET Resume Sample
• SPCEET Resume Checklist

WellStar College of Health and Human Services

• Exercise Science Resume Sample
• Human Services Resume Sample
• Integrated Health Science Resume Sample
• Nursing Resume Sample #1
• Nursing Resume Sample #2
• Public Health Education Resume Sample
• Sport Management Resume Sample

Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development

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Job Search Documents

Resumes, Cover Letters, & References

Application documents are your opportunity to showcase your qualifications and experience, highlight your personal brand, and showcase your ability to be career ready.

Consider your documents as the first “interview”–you want to make a good first impression with employers and recruiters. Download our Resume Template and follow along to get a headstart on your resume!

Build Your Resume

Create and perfect your resume using the information below. But remember, your resume is personal to you and your experiences.

Header Section Expand accordion

Your resume begins with a header that includes:

• Your full name
• Contact information
• Any online profiles or portfolios you wish to direct potential employers to such as LinkedIn or personal websites 

Make sure you have selected a simple, professional-looking email address. Your student email address is a great choice.

Resume Header Example

Download a full sample resume .

Education Section Expand accordion

Many jobs require specific levels of education, degrees, or coursework. This makes your Education section one of the most important components of your resume.

List your education section right after your header to ensure this qualification is noted by the reader.

Students who have degrees from multiple institutions should list them in reverse chronological order.

• You do not need to list institutions from which you did not earn a degree. 

It is not necessary to include your high school education. It is fine to include positions you held in high school on your resume, but those will show up in your Experience section.  

Education Section Example

Experience Section Expand accordion

Employers are looking for you to show that you are career ready in your experience section.

Experiences can be anything where you gained or showcased the skills you will need to be successful in the role you are applying to obtain:

• Class projects
• Leadership roles
• Part time jobs
• Internships
• Volunteering opportunities

List in reverse chronological order, remembering that you do not need to list out everything you have ever done. Just experiences you want to showcase.  

As you describe your experiences, utilize action verb statements to focus on a strong transferable skill or related task. No need for personal pronouns in your bullet statements 

• action verb + what you did + outcome/reason 
• Ex.: "Championed + weekly project meetings + that led to an early launch of new product."
• View a list of action verbs to boost your resume.

Experience Section Example

Optional Sections Expand accordion

Use additional sections to show your holistic self; these should be unique to you and not based on a template.

Some common sections:

• Extracurriculars/Activities
• Technical Skills
• Awards/Honors 

Optional Sections Example

Resume Resources

Sample resumes expand accordion, resume examples, first-time resumes.

The First-time Resume Example helps you put your best foot forward while focusing on past experiences like involvement, volunteer, leisure, and paid and non-paid jobs.

• Download our Resume Template to get a headstart on your resume!

More Resume Examples

• Resume Example 1
• Resume Example 2
• Resume Example 3
• Resume Example 4
• Resume Example 5

Weak vs. Strong Writing Expand accordion

Compare the bullet points below. Both applicants do the same job, but using compelling action verbs stands out more to the reader. Download the full resume template.

Weak Writing Examples

Waitress Olive Garden, Baton Rouge, LA

• I take orders from customers and bring food to their tables
• Being a waitress requires that I have strong communication and customer service skills
• I developed leadership skills
• Teamwork skills

Student Worker Career Center, LSU

• Answer phone calls
• Check people in
• Schedule in person appointments
• Give direction

Strong Writing Examples

• Ensure every customer is satisfied with their experience by providing a high level of customer service
• Communicate with kitchen staff to effectively expedite food to customers
• Manage a section of five tables with the potential for 25 guest at a time
• Train new wait staff on proper technique and Olive Garden protocol

Front Desk Student Employee LSU Olinde Career Center, LSU

• Maintain professional levels of courtesy. when answering phone calls
• Facilitate appointment scheduling between students and career coaches
• Greet and check in students, alumni, and employers upon arrival in Career Center
• Preserve a positive workflow by efficiently directing newcomers to appropriate staff or resource

Review this list of strong action verbs to tailor your resume and make it stand out.

strong action verbs list

Online Resume Review Expand accordion

Quinncia is a career preparation platform that provides automated feedback and analysis on your resume. Once you have built your resume, perfect it on Quinncia.  

Review Your Resume with Quinncia

Accompanying Documents

Your resume shouldn't be a standalone document. Cover letters, references, letters of recommendation, and personal statements give you more room to showcase who you are and how you work with a team. 

Cover Letters

Every time you apply for a position you need to write a new cover letter. If the job description changes, the reasons you are the best candidate changes.

Why Write a Cover Letter?

A cover letter serves as a writing sample and gives you the opportunity to tell the hiring manager why you're a good fit for the position. 

You can talk about why you like a specific job and personal characteristics that aren't apparent in a resume.

But most importantly, it engages the reader and makes them want to look at your resume.

Tips and Tricks

Don't know where the start? Here are a few tips and tricks to writing your next cover letter: 

• Remember to match your skills, abilities, and experiences to the job description to show the employer you are the best candidate.
• Cover letters can be more than three paragraphs, but never longer than one page.
• If the contact person is not listed, use an introduction such as "Dear Hiring Manager" instead of "To Whom It May Concern."
• Skip four lines between "Sincerely" and your typed name to allow enough from for your signature.
• Use the company's language found in the job description. For example, if the job description says customers, use the word customers instead of clients, patrons, guests, etc. 

Sample Cover Letters

Use these cover letter templates to get started. 

Cover letter outline

sample cover letter

Personal Statements

Think of a personal statement as a cover letter you need for professional or graduate school. From outlining your achievements to refining your writing style, we can help you create a memorable and impactful statement that sets you apart in any application process.

Personal Statement Resources

• Pre-Writing Prompts
• Content Reflection
• Outline Example

Writing Your Personal Statement

The best personal statements give the reader a window into who you are, usually by examples or stories. Ask yourself: 

• Does this introduce me as a person and a future practitioner in the field?
• Does it have elements that will impress the reader?
• Would the reader want to meet me after reading my statement?

Organization

Even the best content will be lost if the ideas are presented in a jumbled, incoherent manner. Clear writing begins with an outline.

• What is your message?Write that first.
• How will your ideas logically progress to get to that conclusion?
• Write your key sentences – do they flow in a logical order?
• Does the final essay say what you want in a logical and compelling way?   

Poor grammar, spelling, and typographical errors can ruin your statement. Review your essay: 

• Check guidelines for appropriate length
• Avoid starting sentences with "I"
• Use no exclamation points, except in dialogue.
• Use active, rather than passive voice (e.g., "I found the book" vs. "The book was found by me.")
• Write sentences no longer than approximately 30 words in length.
• Shorten paragraphs so that the page doesn't look like a wall of type. 

References are a way for an employer to gain insight into your skills and work experience. It is always best to use professional references as opposed to family and friends.

Why Do I Need a Reference Sheet?

Many employers will ask for a reference sheet during your application. This allows hiring managers to learn more about you from people who know you best.

This is an opportunity to have your professional contacts validate your skills and experience.

Don't know where to start? Here are a few tips and tricks to writing your reference sheet:

• References can either be flush left or centered down the page. 
• Use the same header that is on your resume.
• Try to include as much information about your references as possible (name, title, company, address, phone number, and email).
• Make sure to use professional references unless otherwise instructed by the company. Professional references can include supervisors, faculty members, student organization advisors, etc.
• Always follow the lead of the company for references. Do not send them unless the company asks for them.

Sample Reference Sheets

Use this template to get started. 

Sample reference sheet

Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation letters are required by many graduate programs and job opportunities. This document is written on your behalf, usually from a supervisor or professor, that can vouch for your professionalism and skill-sets. Your recommendation should come from someone you have a professional, working relationship with. 

Wondering how to ask for a letter of recommendation? See our templates to make the process easier.

• Asking a professor for a letter of recommendation
• Asking a supervisor for a letter of recommendation

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Resumes & Cover Letters

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Your resume is a powerful marketing tool to land an interview. Employers typically scan a resume for 15-30 seconds, so craft a resume that is clear, concise, and demonstrates how you meet their needs.

How to Build Your Resume

Reflect on your experience.

Make a list of special qualities that set you apart from other applicants. Employers will be looking for examples of:

• How your skills/experience/knowledge fit with the position/industry/organization.
• Your ability to deal with high-pressure situations.
• Willingness to assume responsibility.
• A high energy level.
• Strong interpersonal skills and initiative.

Think of specific examples of where and how each skill or attribute led to a tangible result or achievement. Include work experience, internships, volunteer activities, clubs and organizations, research projects, sports, etc. Consider the following as you get started. Have you:

• Identified and/or helped solve any problems? Instituted any new methods, systems, or procedures?
• Acquired industry-specific knowledge?
• Done something faster, better, or cheaper?
• Increased membership, participation, or sales?
• Saved your organization money or reduced waste?
• Suggested a new service, product, or project?
• Re-organized or improved an existing system?
• Refined the nature of an existing task?
• Maintained a consistently high level of performance?
• Demonstrated leadership skills and exhibited good team player skills?
• Reached out for more work or more responsibility?
• Achieved results with little or no supervision?
• Motivated others?
• Coordinated an event or project?
• Trained another person? What were the results?
• Tutored anyone? Did their grades improve?

Emphasize the Results

Show measurable results to an employer. Quantifying and qualifying your accomplishments gives prospective employers a sense of how you went about an assignment or project and the bottom-line results of your performance. Numbers speak volumes to people who make hiring decisions. Qualifying your results is also important so prospective employers can see the impact of your services. Here are a few examples of how you can turn your bullet points into powerful statements that demonstrate your accomplishments.

Instead of:  “Organized all sorority philanthropic events.” Write this:  “Organized all sorority philanthropic events which resulted in contributions of over $4000.”

Instead of:  “Served food.” Write this:  “Developed tact and diplomacy when dealing with customers in a fast-paced environment”

Instead of:  “Responsible for typing and filing.” Write this:  “Commended for efficiency and accuracy in completing office duties”

Building a Powerful Resume

Writing a stand out resume requires the perfect combination of formatting and content. Make sure your resume is easy to read, understand, and digest.

Resume Format

Name & Contact

• At top of resume, centered or justified to left or right. Name should be larger by at least 4 points.
• If you have a preferred name, include it in parentheses between your first and last.
• May include contact information on one line, separating address, phone, and email with a bullet.

Margins & Spacing

• 0.5” to 1” on all sides
• Include white space between the sections of your resume. The space should go before each section heading (not necessary after each section heading).
• Include a space between each item within each section so that it’s clear where one ends and the next begins.

Font Format

• Size: 10-12 points
• Font: Any that is easily legible (ie Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Helvetica, Times). Use the same font throughout.
• Color: Black is preferred. Color may be difficult for some to see and/or not industry-appropriate.
• Typical items to bold include Name and Headings.
• You may bold whatever content is most relevant to the position such as the university name under Education or your position title under Experience.

Tables & Text Boxes

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resume submissions for keywords. Avoid tables, text boxes, and other complex formatting, as they may make it difficult for the ATS to scan your resume.

Length & Paper

• 1 page for undergraduate students and recent grads. Fill the page completely.
• 2 pages may be acceptable for grad students and others with extensive relevant experience.
• When printing your resume, use 8 1/2” x 11” resume paper in white or ivory.
• Experience descriptions should be in bullet list format.
• Use bullets and avoid dashes, arrows, check boxes, or diamonds.
• List all dates along the same margin (right preferred).
• Include months and years for each experience instead of the year only or the quarter/season.
• You may format dates as numbers (09/20xx), words (September 20xx), or abbreviate (Sept. 20xx). Be consistent.

Category Headings

• Left justified (preferred) or centered.
• All caps and bold (preferred).
• May include a bottom border line. To add a line under your section headings in MS Word, go to Home > Paragraph > select the Bottom Border icon.

Resume Content: Essential Categories

Contact Information

• Name (16-18 pts), address, phone #, email, and web address (optional).
• Make sure your email address and your phone’s voicemail greeting are professional.
• Name of school, degree earned or seeking (i.e., BS, BA, MS, MA, PhD), major and minor, expected graduation date (month and year), and GPA (if required or if above 3.0).
• List highest degree first. Include study abroad. High school information should be omitted after sophomore year at the latest.
• Job title, company name, location (city, state), dates of experience, bullet points describing your actions, skills, and accomplishments.
• May include any type of experience: paid and unpaid positions, internships, military service, volunteer, leadership – anything you’ve done that’s relevant to the position you’re seeking.

Resume Content: Additional Categories

Include only those categories that best represent your qualifications for the position. The order of your resume categories should be based on the needs of the position.

Objective (Optional)

• A specific, concise, one-sentence description of the position desired.
• For a specific position, include the title and company name. For general use, omit or state the field, industry, type(s) of positions you are seeking.

Qualifications Summary

• List of all of your qualifications for the position (tailored to the job posting).
• Typically toward the top of the resume, after Education
• Categorize the relevant, concrete skills you possess. Categories may include: Languages, Computer, Laboratory
• List only the skills you can perform with little or no supervision. State your proficiency level with languages and programs (fluent, advanced, proficient, etc.).

Relevant Coursework/Projects

• List course titles (not numbers) of relevant courses, in order of relevance. If a lab, include (Lab) after title.
• May be listed separately or as a subsection under Education.

Honors & Awards

• Students & recent grads can include academic honors, awards and scholarships.
• May be listed separately or as a subsection under “Education”. Include date or # of quarters honors, awards, & scholarships received.
• List the research project, department/lab/organization name, dates, and description of the project, methods, & findings.
• Use same format as Experience section.

Publications

• Cite publications using the correct format for your discipline (MLA, APA, etc.). Bold your name.
• Identify if still in submitted status. May also indicate if peer-reviewed.
• List office(s) held, organization, dates, and a brief description of accomplishments * Use same format as Experience section.

Activities/Volunteer

• List membership in any clubs, sports, or community service experiences.
• May not include a description, depending upon the depth of your involvement.

Interests (Optional)

• List outside hobbies, interests and talents. * Only include those that are unique, specific,and/or require skill/dedication.

Certifications/Licenses

• List is applicable to the position or field
• Can go under Education or Skills

Do Not Include

• References should not be on your resume, but can be on a separate page.
• Personal information such as marital status, citizenship, date of birth, etc.
• Pictures or headshots should not be included on a resume (except if applying for acting/modeling positions or in countries where it is customary to include a photo).

Build Your Bullet Points

There is a formula for creating detailed, compelling bullet points. The content of each bullet point should contain the following:

What did you do? : What were your duties, responsibilities, and/or projects?

How did you do it? : Specific tools, resources, or technology (transferable skills)

Elaborate with details : How often? How many? What was the purpose? Who else was involved? (Use numbers when possible.)

What were the results? : What did you accomplish or improve? Did you meet or exceed a goal? Did you create something new? (Use numbers when possible.)

Download the “Build Your Bullet Points” worksheet here .

CV vs. Resume

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) may be requested in lieu of a resume, typically for academic, scholarly or research opportunities. For undergraduate students, the differences between a CV and a resume are limited.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) * Audience: Academics, researchers, or teachers * Goal: To obtain an academic or research position, grant, or fellowship * Structure & Format: Complete history of your academic credentials – research, teaching, awards, funding, service * Focus: Your academic achievements and your scholarly potential * Unnecessary Information: Activities not related to academic pursuits (ie., personal information, irrelevant work experience, hobbies, etc.) * Length: Flexible

• Audience: Potential employers and networking contacts
• Goal: To obtain a position in any industry outside of academia
• Structure & Format: Brief snapshot of your most relevant skills and work experience. Most relevant skills and experiences should be in the first 1/3 of the resume. Resumes are targeted specifically for the job description
• Focus: Relevant experience and demonstrated skills through accomplishments that prove you can do the job well
• Unnecessary Information: Unabridged list of publications, presentations, conferences attended, courses taught. Work or accomplishments that are not relevant to the position
• Length: 1-2 pages (One page highly recommended)

Target Your Resume to the Job

Your Skills + Their Need = Connection

• Make it easy for the employer to see your fit for the job.
• Do not assume they will “know what you mean” – be specific.
• Use action verbs to demonstrate what you have accomplished.
• Use the job posting as a guideline for targeting your resume.

Steps to Target Your Resume

• Create a great resume following the guidelines in the preceding pages of this chapter.
• Review the job description. Read the specific skills and qualifications: underline words/phrases that match your background. Read the job responsibilities: underline words/phrases that match your background. Take an inventory of your experiences: how and where have you applied these skills?
• Use the keywords from the job posting in the targeted industry (Online applications are often matched to keywords in job posting for screening out resumes)
• If the job posting is very limited, find similar jobs to use as a guide
• The cover letter will also be targeted and can elaborate your “fit”

To see a variety of sample resumes targeted to specific positions and industries, download Chapter 6 of the Career Guide at the bottom of this page.

Writing a Stand Out Cover Letter

A cover letter should communicate your strong interest in the company and your enthusiasm for the position or internship you’re applying for.

Purpose of the Cover Letter

• Brief overview of qualifications.
• Differentiate yourself from the crowd.
• Captivate the attention of the reader.
• Communicate interest in the organization.
• Convince the employer of your skills and accomplishments.

Rules for Cover Letters

• Address the employer’s “wish list”.
• Assess the employer’s needs.
• Actively promote yourself.

Focus on What You Have to Offer

• Describe how your skills, expertise, and past accomplishments can benefit the employer.
• Follow standard business letter format.
• Write clearly and concisely, and proofread your letter for spelling and grammar.
• Use the same font and paper that you used for your resume.

Send Your Cover Letter to a Specific Individual

• Ideally, the letter should be addressed to the person who is likely to make employment decisions. It may take some resourcefulness on your part to identify this person, but the letter will probably be better received.
• Make sure you have the correct spelling of their name and title before submitting.
• If you cannot find the name of the person the letter is addressed to, you may use a title that is specific such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Internship Coordinator”.
• Don’t forget to sign your letter (You can scan it and include it as a .jpg).

Cover Letter Samples

There are cover letter samples in Chapter 6 of the Career Guide and in  Firsthand .

• Resist the temptation to take a “fill-in-the-blank” approach based on the samples.
• Do not use the exact same language found in a sample. Your cover letter should be a reflection of you.
• A cover letter need not stick to a set structure or outline as long as it effectively communicates your fit for the company and position as well as your desire to work for them.

For more information on Resumes & Cover Letters, download Chapter 6 of the UCLA Career Guide .

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USF Tampa - Resume & Cover Letter Writing for CLCE Students

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In this presentation, students will understand the purpose, process, and value of a resume and cover letter. At the conclusion of this session, students will know the proper content, style and format for resume development and cover letter writing.

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Indeed Career Guide

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Indeed.com offers an excellent online resource for all job seekers, including resources on:

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