After spending so much time working toward an education, the next logical step for students, post-graduation, is to secure a job in their field of study.
Unfortunately, many students find that they are unsure how to create a personal brand that successfully markets their skills, qualities, and educational achievements.
However, all is not lost. With a well-written and expertly laid out resume, you can be sure that you are taken seriously by hiring managers and recruiters. We have the information you need to learn how to land a job after graduation through crafting a remarkable resume.
What Type of Layout Should My Student Resume Have?
Unless you are applying to a tiny business, you can almost be sure that the company you are applying to will use a system that filters resumes by keywords.
Even if you are looking for your first job, or if you are looking for a post-graduation position, your resume needs to follow a specific layout that will bypass the applicant tracking system (ATS) that many companies use in the hiring process. The format will not disqualify you by a hiring manager or recruiter (unless it is crazy). However, the ATS can’t read certain layouts and will reject your resume.
Your resume should include your contact information, including any relevant social media profiles or personal websites. You should also consider creating an appropriate email address if you do not already have one.
If you are working toward a degree, certification, or other educational endeavours, it should be included and updated as completed.
By using a format that will bypass the ATS, your resume will eventually end up on a recruiter or hiring manager’s desk. Your resume should be formatted keeping in mind that the focus will be on the following sections of your resume:
- Name and contact information
- Employment history
- Education and achievements
- Skills and experiences
It would help if you kept your resume concise and organized in an easy-to-read manner. Also, tailor your resume to the job you are applying for, which means you may have to edit your resume for each position.
What Should I Include in a Student Resume?
Your layout alone is not going to get you hired. You need to prove that you are the best candidate for the job. If you can do this effectively, you will give yourself the advantage over other job seekers and move on to the interview stage.
You should include the following points in your resume to market your skills and achievements effectively.
Qualifying points: You want to avoid listing your experiences without consideration for the requirements of the position. For instance, instead of saying you managed a website, note that you increased website traffic by 21% through search engine optimization.
Keywords: As stated above, the use of tailored keywords will help your resume pass the ATS. However, it will also catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter that is reading your resume. Your keywords should refer to the skills and work experience you have relevant to the job posting. Ensure that you read the posting carefully, as it can identify keywords that you should use.
Your LinkedIn profile: Your LinkedIn profile should be optimized before you start job hunting for several reasons. One of which is that it will show recruiters and headhunters that you are available and skilled.
What Should I Not Include on My Resume?
Your skills, education, and experience will get your resume noticed and move you further along in the hiring process. However, some things should never be on your resume.
An outdated email address: If you are still using your first email address (unless it is basic and just your name) or have a silly or obscene email address, you should change it to something more appropriate. The hiring manager or recruiter should focus on how great of a candidate you are rather than how ridiculous your old email address is.
A photo: A personal photo can be distracting and confusing to a hiring manager or recruiter. Using a photo as part of your resume can also put the hiring manager or recruiter in a position where they are worried that they will be seen as discriminatory if they don’t give an interview to a resume with a photo.
Strange fonts: Your font should be kept as professional as possible to make the best first impression. You want your resume to be read in completion rather than skimmed over because of the font. Use one of the sans serif fonts for the best results.
Buzzwords: Try to avoid using typical resume jargon when writing your resume. These include ‘team player’ and ‘proficient.’ Consider how many resumes have come across the desks of the hiring manager or recruiter using these exact phrases. To prevent using buzzwords or clichés, prove your worth with quantifiable data.
Why a Student Resume Needs to Stand Out
Writing an excellent student resume can present a challenge because students can be unsure how to market their skills and education to compete with people already in the workforce.
Creating a resume with measurable metrics with easy-to-identify highlights will help get your resume into the right hands and ensure you’re considered for a job interview.
One way to create a stellar personal brand and submit an ATS-compatible resume is by hiring a certified, professional resume writer like Amy Britta Watt at Career Marketing Centre. Amy will consult with you to craft a resume that brings your value and accomplishments to light, considering the resume’s design, keywords, format, and colours.
Amy Britta Watt is an award-winning career strategist who provides expertly written resumes and cover letters that get results and interview coaching and networking help. She can also help you update your LinkedIn profile to ensure that it is optimized for job seeking. Working with Amy will help you position yourself for career advancement.
Contact Career Marketing Centre today to get started!
