Writing a resume for your first job after college can be daunting, mainly if you have limited work experience. However, with the right strategy and approach, you can create a resume that showcases your skills and qualifications and helps you stand out from other applicants.

Writing a resume for your first job is easier than you think. You can create a document that showcases your skills, experiences, and accomplishments by following a few simple steps and using clear, concise language. For more tips for work click here.

Start with Your Contact Information

Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn at the top of your resume. Ensure your email address is professional and includes your name rather than “catsareawesome@gmail.com.”

Detail Your Education and Training

Include any post-secondary education you’ve completed. Make sure to list the name and location of the school, the degree you received or are pursuing, and the dates you attended.

Example:

XYZ University, [Graduation Date]

• Relevant coursework: Data Structures, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics
• Member of the XYZ University Tech Club

Highlight Your Skills

Think about the skills acquired through your education, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work or internships. Make a list of these skills and choose the most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Be sure to include technical and soft skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office, excellent time management, and strong problem-solving skills.

Example:

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Proven track record of excellent customer service

Include Relevant Work Experience

If you have any paid or volunteer work experience, include it on your resume. Be sure to detail the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a description of your responsibilities and achievements. Ideally, it would help if you put them in reverse chronological order. So the most recent should be the first.

Example:

Tech Intern, ABC Company, [Employment Dates]

• Added a new feature by doing X, increasing Y
• Consistently received positive feedback from customers and superiors for exceptional customer service.

Note: Use keywords

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so you must include keywords related to the job you are applying for. Research the job posting and include keywords from the job description in your resume to increase your chances of being noticed.

Proofread and Edit

Finally, proofread your resume for typos, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing. Ask a trusted friend or family member to review your resume as well, as they may catch something you missed.

Sample Resume Template

Name 

Phone number | email | LinkedIn

EDUCATION       

XYZ University [Graduation Date] 

Sample Degree

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Etc .

Work Experience

• Added a new feature by doing X, increasing Y

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Spanish, English, French

Note

I would recommend creating the resume on a site where you can access it at any time and anywhere. I usually tend to keep mine on the cloud and make changes every now and then.

Creating a resume for your first job may seem daunting. Still, by following these simple steps, you can create a document that accurately reflects your skills, experiences, and achievements. Remember to be concise, detail-oriented, and honest; your resume will stand out to potential employers. And once you get that job make sure to read this blog post before your first day!