examples of a college application resume

College Application Resume for 2024 [With Examples, Tips & Template]

They say college is the most exciting time in a student’s life and we couldn’t agree more! 

The only thing standing between you and your dream university, though, is a college application resume.

You open the resume document, get ready to start writing…

And nothing comes out! After all, how can you even make a resume when you haven’t worked a day in your life?

Worry not - you don’t need any work experience to write a compelling college application resume. In this article, we’re going to teach you just how you can do that!

What Should a Resume for College Application Contain?

• 5+ College Application Resume Formatting Tips
• How to Write a Resume for College Applications?
• 3+ College Application Resume Tips

College Application Resume Template

So let’s dive in! 

Before we get into the knits and grits of writing a resume for college application, let’s first do a quick review of what your resume should contain: 

• Contact information , including your full name, address, phone number, and professional email.
• A resume objective , where you state the goal of your college application resume.
• Education section , where you list the history of your grades and exam scores.
• Relevant activities , including any work experience you might have.
• Skills relevant to a resume for a college application, e.g. soft skills such as active listening, interpersonal skills, communication skills, or hard skills such as public speaking, MS Office, or computer skills.
• Additional sections , such as awards and honors.

6 College Application Resume Formatting Tips 

Before we dive into the nits and grits of CV making, let’s talk about formatting. Here are our top tips on how to format your college application resume: 

• Choose the functional/skills-based resume format. This format is perfect for those who lack work experience , as it focuses more on your skill-set. If you DO have some work experience, though, then you can opt for the chronological format.
• Keep your college application resume one page long . As a rule of thumb, this is the optimal length for a resume—professionals with 10 years worth of work experience stick to the 1-page limit, so there’s no excuse for someone with little to no work experience to go overboard.
• Add plenty of white space , especially around your resume’s margins. It will make your resume look less cluttered and more reader-friendly.
• Include clear section headings and use the same heading for each section.
• Use an easy-to-read font. Some resume fonts (such as Ubuntu or Overpass) are resume friendly—professional-looking, easy-to-read, and yet modern. Others, like Comic Sans, are just one big NO.
• Save your college resume as a PDF. You might be used to Microsoft Word, or even think it’s the safest alternative, but MS Word has a good choice of messing up your resume format if opened in different computers or operating systems. PDF files, on the other hand, remain the same no matter what computer opens them.

How to Write a Resume for College Applications? (With Examples)

Once you’ve got the formatting done right, it’s time to get to writing your college application resume.

In this section, we’ll walk you through that process, starting with:  

#1. Order Your Contact Information the Right Way 

As we already mentioned, your college application resume should start with your contact information. 

These are your contact information section must-haves :

• Full name and address
• Functional phone number where you can be reached.
• Professional email address, preferably consisting of your first and last name.

And here’s what this looks like in practice: 

Sharon White

123 Main Street

New York, NY

Phone Number: 553-123-1234

Email: [email protected]

#2. Write an Attention-Grabbing College Resume Objective

A resume objective is a 2-3 sentence long paragraph that should communicate your motivation for getting into college or for studying a specific major.

As such, a well-crafted resume objective can instantly attract admission officers to read the rest of your college application resume. 

There is, however, a right and wrong way to write a resume objective.

A convincing resume objective is:

• Tailored to the university/major you’re applying to, instead of looking like a one-fits-all kind of statement that you can use to apply to several colleges.
• Highlights the achievements that give you an edge over the competition.  

The following example does that right: 

Aspiring journalist with a knack for creative writing looking to deepen their knowledge through NYU’s renowned Journalism track. Founder of my high school’s first online newspaper, the ‘Daily Prophet,’ which now has over 2,000 subscribers. Hardworking, with a grade A average in social sciences and commitment to improving. 

Now compare it to the following resume objective, which although articulated looks like a one-fits-all kind of statement that you can just insert into several college applications. 

Very committed high-schooler with a calling for social sciences. With an SAT score of 1400, a passion for psychology, and experience as a peer counselor, I am confident that my hard work and motivation will shine through as a college student. 

See, the resume objective is your chance to show exactly why you want to attend that college, right from the start. 

So, even if you don’t have many achievements to highlight, make sure to personalize your statement by expressing a genuine interest in your application.  

#3. Put Weight on Your Education

Taking into consideration that, as a student, you most likely lack significant work experience, your education is the first thing admission officers will look at. 

As such, you should give your education its due importance in your college application resume. 

For starters, make sure to include this must-have information:

• Your high school’s name and location
• The date of your graduation

In addition, though, combine that with some relevant achievements that can make your education pop out. 

Let’s take a look at two examples. The second student has simply listed out the essential education information, whereas the first has taken their education section to the next level. 

Dunnellon High School FL

2017 - 2021

• 3rd place at the International Mathematical Olympiad 
• Vice-President of the Science Club
• SAT Scores: 1350 (650 Verbal, 700 Math)
• SAT Scores: 1400

#4. Showcase Relevant Activities

Extracurricular activities have a great number of benefits when it comes to your college application resume. Most importantly, they:

• Demonstrate you who are outside of the classroom
• Provide an opportunity to showcase your skills

Any activity and/or interest related to the college you’re applying to has a place on your college application resume,  but you don’t have to necessarily stop there. 

Any kind of interest, field, or activity where you’re good at can be of benefit to your application. 

That’s because it can prove that your interests are not focused solely on your favorite subject or desired career path and that you are engaged and well-rounded . 

So, don’t just list your college resume activities dryly (e.g. “reading” or “swimming”). Instead, be specific and creative about your interests, and rest assured that you will get extra points for diversity and commitment. 

Don’t believe us? Compare for yourself how the activities sections of two different students look like: the first has put minimal effort into it, whereas the second has put his A-game into writing it.

• Passionate about science
• Co-founder of the Astrophysics Club

Activities 

• Two-times winner of my high school’s Science Fair
• Co-founder of the Astrophysics Club, finalists of the MIT-founded THINK challenge
• Swimmer from an early age and member of my high school’s swim team during junior and senior year 
• Traveling; I have so far visited 10 countries and 15 states in the USA. 
• Photography, with a focus on architectural photography. 

#5. Highlight Your Work Experience

Now, if you’ve spent your summer holidays working any type of job for teens , that means that you also have some work experience under your belt. 

Although work experience is not necessary when you’re applying for college (meaning that you won’t get left out of college if you don’t have any), it does help to include it if you have it. 

Here’s how to list work experience in your college application resume:

• Start with the company name (e.g. if you worked at Starbucks), your job title, and the period you worked there. 
• Put your job title first if you worked, say, as a high-school tutor or camp counselor. 
• Include 1-2 of your main responsibilities in bullets. If you have achievements to show for, however, make sure to put them first.  

Let’s see how that works in a practical example.

Starbucks Coffee 

• Awarded employee of the month for 3 months straight
• Fielding customer complaints and questions
• Maintaining good customer service and speedy delivery

Even if the above position isn’t related to the student’s desired field of study, the work experience still highlights some of their skills such as commitment, time management, effective communication, and motivation.  

#6. Include Your Skills 

Skills—we all got them, but not everyone knows how to demonstrate them effectively in a college application resume. 

There are two things to consider when you include skills in your college resume:

• Know the kind of skills that are relevant to your major/field.
• Prove your skills, instead of just listing them 

Let’s show you how that works through practical examples:

• Time management
• Critical thinking

Are these great skills for a college applicant? Sure! 

But anyone can claim to have those skills (and frankly, most people do).

Rather than just listing these skills, you want to also back them up with achievements and experiences like so: 

• Attention to deadline: managed to update the high school’s online newspaper daily
• Leadership: successfully led a team of 6 reporters.
• Creativity: won the 2021 Young Writers competition 
• Self-motivation: founded the high school’s first online newspaper

Now, this is a skills section on a college application resume that proves you deserve a spot in your favorite university.

College application resume skills 

Wondering which skills to include in your college application resume? Here’s a list to draw some inspiration: 

Soft Skills

• Good judgment 
• Open-mindedness
• Communication  
• Self-motivation
• Interpersonal skills
• Active listening
• Problem-solving

Hard Skills

• Computer Skills
• Programming
• Public Speaking

#7. Use These Additional Sections

If you’ve followed all our tips till now, congrats - you’re around 90% into creating a top-notch college application resume.

Now, let’s talk about how you can take that to 100%!

In addition to the conventional resume sections we’ve covered till now, you can include the following to help you stand out in a sea of other applicants:

• Awards. Here, you can list any awards won in competitions (spelling, art, storytelling, math, etc). 
• Volunteer experience . Did you clean up your town, or maybe you volunteered at an animal rescue center as a high school student? Any kind of volunteering can help your college application resume because it shows you’re a responsible community member. If it’s somehow related to your field or future major, that’s a big plus. 
• Projects. Be them individual (e.g. you built a website from scratch, or started an informational podcast), or school-related (e.g. an art portfolio for a class, or a history documentary), projects can show that you’re passionate and creative. 
• Sports. Poet Juvenal said “ a healthy mind in a healthy body. ” This means that physical exercise is an important part of mental and psychological well-being (which is why sports in a college application resume make all applicants look good). Do you excel at specific sports? Include them in your resume!. 
• Languages. Being fluent (or even just a beginner) in a foreign language is another plus for a prospective college student. Make sure to show it in your college application resume. 

5 College Application Resume Tips

Finally, here are some of our college application tips that didn’t fit anywhere else in the article:

• Be direct and to the point. Your college application resume is not the right place to show how many SAT-level words you know. Keep your language simple, direct, and to the point. Let your achievements and results speak for themselves. 
• Don't lie about your academic background or accomplishments. Lying about the awards you’ve won or your achievements won’t get you into college. More often than not, admission officers will see through your lies by asking behavioral interview questions . 
• Proofread your college application resume.   Spelling and grammar mistakes can make you appear like a less serious applicant. Imagine telling recruiters that you have great SAT scores and GPA but having spelling mistakes in your resume. Kind of contradictory, isn’t it? To avoid these kinds of mistakes, use spelling and grammar apps such as Grammarly and Heminway . 
• Have one or more people look at your resume before you send it out. There are kinds of mistakes that Grammarly or Hemingway cannot catch. To avoid such mistakes, have one or more people that know you give your college application resume a look. 
• Emphasize specific achievements over general responsibilities. As mentioned before, emphasizing your achievements over your responsibilities is the best way to set yourself apart from other candidates. The reason is that your achievements effectively show how well you handle responsibilities and they are uniquely yours.

Making a resume from scratch can take what feels like ages—especially if it’s your first time doing it.

You’ve got to tweak the formatting. 

You make a change at MS Word and the layout falls apart in front of your eyes. Or you end up using a bland and outdated template. 

Well, you don’t have to worry about any of these things with Nóvóresume’s free resume templates . 

With 8 free templates to choose from - college application resume included - you don’t have to worry about anything other than inputting your information.

Let our resume builder do the rest! 

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on college application resumes. We hope to have made the process of writing yours easier and even more enjoyable. 

For good measure, let’s go over the main points we covered: 

• Your college application resume should contain the following sections: contact information , personal profile , education section , relevant activities , your skills , and additional sections , such as awards and honors. 
• In terms of formatting, the functional resume template fits your college application best. Additionally, make sure to keep your resume one page long and save it as a PDF. 
• Write a resume objective that doesn’t surpass 3 sentences and that clearly communicates your motivation for getting into college and your most relevant skills. 
• Make sure to give your education section its due importance by being thorough about your grades, SAT scores, and achievements. 
• Don’t forget to list all your relevant activities and passions, as well as soft and hard skills.
• Instead of writing your college application resume from scratch, use one of Nóvóresume’s ready-made templates to save yourself time and effort!  

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How to Write a Resume for College – A CollegeAdvisor Guide

How to write a resume for college – introduction.

Standing out as a stellar applicant in the college admissions process is tough. One way to separate yourself from the crowd is by crafting a strong resume for college. Your college resume can highlight information about your background, activities, and achievements. Some of these might not be indicated elsewhere in your college application or recommendation letters . 

In this article, we will teach you how to write a college resume. We’ll highlight 5 simple steps to building your college application resume. We will also discuss what a college resume is and why you may need a resume for college. Additionally, we will provide examples on how to write a resume for college by reviewing college resume examples. Finally, we’ll walk you through some college resume templates in our example college resumes.

So, let’s look at how to write a college resume and explain what makes a good college resume, why you should include a resume for college in your applications, and more!

What is a college resume? 

A high school resume is typically a one-page document that complements your college application . Your high school resume (or college resume) can help you showcase your achievements and extracurriculars for college. It does this by sharing information that is not elsewhere within your college applications. The goal of a college resume is to show the college admissions officers who you are and how you spend your time outside of the classroom . 

Before we jump into how to write a college resume, let’s examine some things that make up a good college resume.

A good college resume should include: 

• Clear structure
• Concise language (bullet points over essay-style)
• Relevant details
• Strong formatting

As we discuss how to write a resume for college, you might wonder what purpose a college resume serves. In short, a college resume is a summary of experiences that you can use to add depth to your college applications. You can also think of a college resume as your high school resume, or a resume for college. Your college resume will include a brief description of each of your experiences and extracurriculars for college. 

While we examine how to write a resume for college, you should first note that your college resume should include key details like your educational details, GPA , extracurricular activities/jobs, and honors/awards. As we’ll discuss, your college resume will have other key features. We’ll go through each of these as we learn how to write a resume for college. 

Many colleges list a college resume within their college application requirements. But, even if a college resume is not listed in the college application requirements, we recommend creating one anyway. 

We will look at a sample college resume later in this article, along with a 5-step guide to creating a resume for college that you can use as you begin writing your college resume. 

Do I need a resume for my college applications? 

No, you do not necessarily need to include a college resume with your college applications. However, a high school resume or resume for college can be a helpful tool in the college admissions process. 

So, how could including a resume for college application be beneficial? First, including a college resume in your college applications can help highlight your skills, experiences, and qualifications to the admissions office of your dream school.  

Having a college resume can help you showcase your extracurricular activities in your college applications. You can highlight leadership positions, accomplishments, interests, and activities on your college resume that might not appear elsewhere in your college applications. 

Creating a resume for college application can also demonstrate your accomplishments and experiences to college admissions officers. Even if a high school resume is optional in the list of college application requirements, including one in your college applications can help you stand out. Standing out is incredibly important in the admissions process, especially if your ideal college is high on the list of college rankings . 

It is a good idea to start putting together your college resume as you near the end of high school.

You may forget the names of clubs, supervisors, mentors, teachers, etc. as you get ready to apply to college. So, the earlier you can gather all the information for your high school resume, the better! That way, all of your experiences are fresh in your mind, and you can create the strongest resume for college possible. 

When should I prepare my college resume? 

As you begin the process of applying to college, you might be wondering when to prepare your college resume. The ideal timeline for creating your high school resume can start as early as 9 th grade. 

In general, you won’t want to include anything on your high school resume before 9 th grade. Like other college application requirements, college admissions officers are only interested in the activities you have participated in during high school. 

Keep a list starting in 9th grade

As early as 9 th grade, you can start keeping a list of your accomplishments and activities. Even though you won’t need to format this list into a college resume yet, it will be the basis for your future college application resume.

As you begin the college admissions process, you can use the list you created and turn it into a college resume. As you apply to college and prepare your college resume, research which college resume format works best for you. Reviewing a sample college resume or college resume template can help you find the perfect college resume format. 

As you look through college resume examples, think about which aspects of the college resume template you like the best. Then, adapt things from those college resume examples to fit your college resume. Once you have decided on a college resume format, list your accomplishments, jobs, and activities within that college resume format. 

Summer before senior year

The best time to create your high school resume is during the summer before your senior year. This gives you plenty of time to perfect your college application resume. 

We’ll examine the necessary components of a successful college resume in the next section of this article. So, read on!

What should a high school student put on a resume? 

As you begin the college admissions process, you may be asking yourself what to include on your high school resume. You can start the college application resume writing process by brainstorming how you spend your time outside of your courses. 

Think about everything you have done or achieved since you started high school and write it down. Your high school resume should highlight your activities, interests, and skills. Pay particular attention to these factors as you consider what to include on your high school resume.

Your high school resume will be organized categorically. Some of the most common categories for a resume for college application include personal information, work experience, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience/community service, education, and skills.  In addition to the categories listed above, below is a list of some other things that high school students should list on their resume for college.

Top ten things to list on your college resume:

• School name and address
• Contact Info
• GPA or Class rank, if applicable
• Internships & volunteer roles
• Awards and honors
• Extracurricular activities
• Leadership positions
• Language competencies

As we mentioned earlier, you may not have information or experiences for every category listed above. That’s perfectly fine! Focus on what applies to you and what you can include on your high school resume as you learn how to write a college resume. 

What does not belong on my high school resume? 

Now that we have examined what to include on your high school resume, let’s discuss what does not belong on your college application resume. 

Keep it current

In general, you should avoid including any activity or achievement from before 9 th grade on your resume for college. However, it’s okay to include something that is particularly impressive and/or attached to a current activity. 

For example, if you have 12 years of experience in playing the violin, you will want to include that on your high school resume. However, if you joined your middle school band for a semester, you should likely leave that out of your college resume. Your resume for college should reflect activities that matter to you now.

Avoid listing daily duties

There is no need to include informal everyday activities on your college resume, such as cooking for your family or cleaning around the house. When you are crafting your resume for college, it’s best to stick to things that are relevant to admissions committees or future employers. 

Note that this is one area where your college resume differs from your activities list. For instance, if you spend considerable time caretaking your three siblings, you may choose to include that on your activities list within the Common App. However, the same responsibilities likely shouldn’t appear on your resume for college.

Keep it clear

As you examine college resume templates and college resume examples, take note of the language and structure in a sample college resume. It’s important to use concise language and clear structure throughout your resume for college. 

Additionally, do not include excessive text or overly detailed explanations on your college application resume. You want your resume for college to be simple and clear. In general, you should limit your high school resume to one page, or two at the absolute maximum. Most people who review your college resume will spend about 30 seconds with it. So, your resume for college should be easily scanned, above all. 

When you use concise language throughout your college resume, it will make it easier for your reader to understand your accomplishments. Because most people will skim your high school resume, having a clear structure throughout will make it easy to read. Keep it simple and keep it consistent. 

Steer clear of images and graphics

While you might come across this in your college resume format research, it’s best to avoid including images or graphics in your college application resume. Although this is a new trend and can be seen on multiple college resume examples and college resume templates, it can be distracting and take up valuable space on your high school resume.  

For instance, if you volunteered at twelve different soup kitchens, there is no need to list each one separately. That will become tedious and take up too much space on your essential resume for college application. 

Finally, you should never misrepresent your qualifications on your high school resume. Be honest about your involvements, however many you have. It’s not worth potentially getting caught in a lie or an exaggeration during a college interview.

Where do I submit my college application resume? 

While you apply to college, you might be wondering what to do with your resume for college applications. Many college application portals will include a section for your college resume, especially if a resume for college is listed as one of the college application requirements. 

Most college application portals list the high school resume section as optional. While you are applying to college, you might notice that most colleges require that you fill out an activities section as part of the application process. The activities section will ask you to list your extracurriculars for college. Often, your activities section will serve the same purpose as your college resume. 

If you choose to include a high school resume with your college application, it should reflect your accomplishments in more detail than your activities section. Additionally, if you choose to include a resume for college with your application, make sure it adds something new to your activities list. 

You will receive access to your college’s application portal once you have completed the process of applying to college but before you receive a college acceptance letter and officially enroll . When it’s time to upload your high school resume, be sure to upload it as a PDF rather than a Word document. That way, you can ensure that your formatting of your college resume stays consistent on every application. 

We’ll provide more details about the college resume format later in this article, when we examine college resume examples and college resume templates. 

How often should I update my college resume? 

It may be helpful to update your resume (or other records) every six months to a year in order to avoid missing any important details. You can use your college resume for more than just your college application requirements. In fact, there may be internships or other opportunities you seek out in high school that will ask you to submit a high school resume. Updating your college resume often will help you keep track of your experiences and accomplishments. 

In general, you should update your high school resume as often as it works for you. However, when you are almost done applying to college , you will want to make sure that your college resume is up-to-date and accurate before including it with your application. 

No matter how often you update your resume for college applications, we encourage you to keep copies of any old college resume examples you might have. Having old copies of your college resume can help you in the future as you begin to tailor your college resume for potential reviewers. 

How to write a resume for college

Now that we have a better understanding of what makes up a college resume, let’s focus on how to write a resume for college. You can begin writing your college resume by creating a list of your key details . Your key details will be the starting point for your college resume. 

First, you will include information about where you go to school, as well as your current GPA and any Honors statuses. You will also want to list your academic interests on your high school resume, including what you hope to study or pursue beyond high school. 

You will also include your extracurricular activities and the years you engaged in them on your resume for college. Additionally, you will want to add any jobs or internships you have had and the dates you held them. You can also list any leadership positions and the years you held them on your college resume. 

Finally, you will want to include any special skills you have on your resume for college. This can include certifications as well. 

Once you have a list of your key details, you will want to organize these details into sections on your high school resume. For some, these sections might include Objective, Education, Leadership Positions, Work and Internship History, and Special Skills.  

College Resume Walkthrough

Linked about is our college resume walkthrough. Let’s do another walkthrough of these sections here to see what kind of information to include in each one. 

Your objective is the reason why you are writing your college resume. This section will vary depending on where you send your resume. 

If you are creating a resume for college applications, you should include information about your intended major or future career in this section. However, if you are sending your high school resume to a potential employer, your objective section will include information about why you are uniquely skilled for the job. 

Education 

The education section of your college resume should include all high schools you have attended, along with your GPA and anticipated date of graduation. 

If your high school provides you with a class rank, you can also include that piece of information within this section of your resume for college. 

Additionally, you can include your SAT or ACT score within this section, especially if you are submitting your resume for college applications. 

Leadership Positions 

Be sure to highlight any leadership positions you have held in your college resume. This includes any appointed positions you have received and even informal leadership positions. 

For example, if you were voted Class President of your Student Council, you can include that information here. Or maybe you are a peer mentor on your soccer team—you can include those details within this section of your college resume. 

Work and Internship History 

This section of your high school resume will list your whole work history, including internships , summer jobs , or part-time jobs. 

You will want to include the job title, company, dates of employment, and a brief outline of your duties for each of the work or internship experiences in this section of your resume for college. 

Special Skills 

Finally, this section of your college resume will outline any technical or soft skills you might have. Soft skills include things like teamwork, communication skills, and conflict resolution. 

In this section of your resume for college, you can also include any languages you speak or certifications you have. 

After you have organized your high school resume into sections, you will want to include a bulleted list detailing your responsibilities within each of your engagements/leadership roles. Be sure to include only relevant details in your descriptions, as it’s important to be concise on your college resume.  

Remember to include the years for every role/activity on your college resume. You will want to list them with the most recent positions/activities at the top of your resume for college. 

College resume format

Your college resume format is one of the most important features to consider as you apply to college. As you construct your college resume format, make sure that it’s readable. 

Most people won’t look at your college resume for more than 30 seconds. So, any reader should be able to skim your high school resume and come away with a relatively clear idea of your qualifications and background. 

The ideal college resume format will have the name of the student clearly listed at the top of the college resume. Another aspect of a strong college resume format will have clear sections with strong headlines. Additionally, the best college resume format will include bulleted lists where appropriate. 

We will look at the college resume format in action as we review some college resume examples and college resume templates. 

College resume examples

As we review our sample college resume, we will explain how to use it to craft your own college resume when you apply to college. Use this sample college resume as a reference point for your resume for college. Then, adapt it to fit your own unique needs. 

We will discuss the sample college resume in the next two sections of this article. As we review the sample college resume, pay particular attention to what makes this college resume clear and effective. You can use this sample college resume as a college resume builder while you apply to college. 

At first glance, you can see that this college resume is organized. This resume for college has clear sections and a concise structure. What makes this college resume clear and effective is its formatting, language, and length. Be sure to incorporate these same elements into your own high school resume as you apply to college. 

Remember, this sample college resume is just one of many college resume examples available. Figure out what you like best about this sample college resume and use it to craft your own college resume. 

Sample college resume – What works? 

The key features of this sample college resume are its formatting, language, and length. Focusing on these in your own college resume will ensure that your resume for college stands out. 

Clear delineated sections

The formatting in this college resume works so well because it includes clearly delineated sections and organized by year. Keeping your information and experiences organized by year is an effective format for a resume for college applications. 

Simple and straightforward language

Another feature of this college resume that works well is the language. There is clear language and details throughout this resume for college that provide context for each role and accomplishment. For example, each of the work experiences in this high school resume feature a brief description of the student’s role and duties/responsibilities. 

Concise structure

Additionally, this resume for college application features a concise structure that helps the reader clearly understand the purpose of each section. The descriptions within this college resume are brief but comprehensive. Having a concise structure and clear language throughout your college resume is key. 

The final key feature that works well in this college resume is the length. This resume for college is just one page in length. Ideally, you want your college resume to fit on one page, but that is not a hard and fast rule. If you have a wealth of experiences and extracurriculars for college, your college resume can go over the typical one-page length. 

Even though this high school resume is a little over one page, it does not have any irrelevant details or extraneous information on it. As you begin writing your college resume, be sure to only include relevant details on it. 

As you learn how to write a college resume, keep track of what features work well and incorporate them into your own college resume. If you are unsure if the sample college resume will work for your college resume, don’t worry. There are plenty of college resume examples and college resume templates to choose from as you are applying to college. 

College resume template

There are multiple college resume examples that you can review as you start your college resume or college application letter . Looking at a college resume template can help you decide on the formatting, language, and length that works best for you. 

Hunter College has a web page with college resume examples and college resume templates. Use it as a resource as you build your high school resume. 

If possible, you should avoid using form templates as you construct your college resume. Instead, think of the college resume template as a guide. You should aim to format your resume for college in the way that works best for you. 

It’s best to be a bit unique as you create your high school resume. Looking at a college resume template can help you find your own distinct style. You can also incorporate different aspects from a college resume template into your own college resume. 

However, be sure to avoid any hard-to-read fonts or unnecessary details in your formatting as you learn how to write a college resume. While your resume shouldn’t look like it was made using a stock college resume template, it also should not be overly crowded.

College resume builder

There are also college resume builder resources, like this one from Wheaton College , that will help students build their college resumes. You can use a college resume builder to format your own resume for college. 

At CollegeAdvisor.com, we host webinars on topics that help you apply to college. We have a webinar on how to write a resume for college, with plenty of college resume examples. We also have a webinar with advice from former Admissions Officers on how to build your college resume. 

Once again, you should generally avoid a pre-formatted college resume builder or college resume template. Instead, use these college resume examples as a jumping off point as you begin the college admissions process. 

Formatting your high school resume yourself makes it easier to make any quick edits or fix any formatting quirks. If you were to use a college resume builder or college resume template, these adjustments may be a challenge. 

Build your College Resume in 5 Simple Steps

Having examined some college resume examples, let’s review 5 simple steps for how to write a resume for college. 

Five Steps to Build your College Resume

Make an accurate list of your experiences, awards, education, and qualifications. You will use this list as the outline for your resume for college. 

Choose the best college resume format for the job. Before you finalize your choice of college resume format , review a college resume template or college resume examples for guidance. Then, create a resume header for your college resume. 

Add your accurate information by section on your resume for college. Reference the college resume examples you reviewed previously to choose the sections you will use on your high school resume. Organize each list by year, placing the most recent item at the top of your resume for college. Be sure to separate your extracurricular experiences from your awards/honors, creating two lists (or more if necessary). 

Format your lists to be clear and readable , and add your name and contact information as the header of your college resume. 

Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to copy edit your resume for college! Having another set of eyes on your high school resume will help you create the strongest resume for college possible. 

How to write a college resume – Final Thoughts

In this article, we reviewed how to write a college resume. As we discussed the purpose of a college application resume, we examined college resume examples and described key features that work in a college resume. We hope the college resume examples we featured in our article on how to write a resume for college help you craft your high school resume as you apply to college.

Need help crafting the perfect college application resume? CollegeAdvisor.com can teach you how to write a resume for college. Register for a free CollegeAdvisor.com account and receive access to hundreds of articles and webinars. These resources will help you craft your college resume as you begin applying to college.

This article was written by  Claire Babbs . If you want to get help with your college applications from Claire or other  CollegeAdvisor.com  Admissions Experts , click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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College Admissions Resume Example & Writing Guide for 2024

In a highly competitive college admissions landscape, a college admissions resume can be crucial in setting an applicant apart from the rest. It offers admission officers a concise and clear picture of a student’s achievements, skills, and experiences.

C. Tips for Writing an Effective Resume

Writing an effective college admissions resume can be overwhelming, but with the right tips, it can become a manageable task. Some of the essential tips to keep in mind when crafting your resume include highlighting your accomplishments, showcasing your skills and experiences, avoiding ambiguity and vagueness and paying attention to formatting, and using appropriate keywords. By incorporating these tips, your resume will stand out and resonate with the admission officer.

This guide provides detailed information on each of these tips with examples to help you create an impactful and winning college admissions resume.

In the rest of this article, we will discuss each section of the college admissions resume and provide useful tips and examples to help you create a winning one.

Understanding the College Admissions Resume Format

When it comes to applying for college, the admissions resume is an essential component of your application package. This document provides admissions officers with a snapshot of your academic and extracurricular achievements, professional experiences, and personal accomplishments that set you apart from other applicants.

To create a stand-out admissions resume, it’s crucial to understand the basic elements and guidelines of the college admissions resume format, as well as how to avoid common pitfalls.

A. Basic Elements of a College Admissions Resume

The following basic elements should be included in your college admissions resume:

Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Objective Statement: Provide a brief statement describing your career or academic goals.

Education: List your most recent education first, including your high school name, location, GPA, and anticipated graduation date.

Extracurricular Activities: Highlight your involvement in clubs, sports teams, music or theater groups, volunteer work, or other community activities.

Awards and Honors: Showcase any academic, athletic, or artistic honors you have received.

Work Experience: Detail any relevant internships, part-time, or full-time work experience, including job title, company name, dates of employment, and responsibilities.

Skills: List any relevant skills, including computer proficiency, foreign languages, or certifications.

B. Guidelines for Formatting

To ensure that your admissions resume is easy to read and visually appealing, follow these formatting guidelines:

Use a consistent font and size throughout the document, such as Times New Roman 12 point.

Use bullet points and bold or italic text to highlight important information and make the document easy to scan.

Keep the resume to one page by avoiding unnecessary details and focusing on the most important information.

Include white space between sections to make the document easier to read.

C. Avoiding Common Mistakes

When creating your admissions resume, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes that can detract from its effectiveness:

Don’t list irrelevant information or include personal data, such as age or marital status.

Use specific examples of accomplishments or experiences, not vague statements.

Don’t exaggerate or falsify your achievements.

Proofread your resume carefully and have someone else review it to catch any errors or inconsistencies.

By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a compelling and effective college admissions resume that showcases your strengths and helps you stand out from the crowd.

How to Choose the Right Resume Template

Creating a college admissions resume can be a daunting task, but choosing the right template can make the process easier and more efficient. Here are the steps to consider when selecting the right template for your college admissions resume:

A. Types of Resume Templates

There are several types of resume templates available that cater to different formats and purposes. Some of the common types of resume templates are:

• Chronological Resume Template: This type of template is ideal for showcasing the candidate’s work experience in chronological order, where the most recent job is listed first.
• Functional Resume Template: This type of template focuses on the candidate’s skills and abilities, highlighting the relevant experience and qualifications.
• Combination Resume Template: This type of template combines the features of both chronological and functional resume templates, showcasing the candidate’s skills and experience in a structured format.

B. Criteria for Choosing a Template

When selecting a resume template, it is essential to consider the following criteria:

• Relevancy: The template should be relevant to the job position and the industry. This will help to create a positive impression on the employer.
• Simplicity: A simple and clean template is easy to read and understand. A complicated design may not be suitable for a resume.
• Customization: The template should allow customization, enabling the candidate to highlight relevant information and omit unnecessary details.
• Practicability: The template should be suitable for the online application process, as the majority of the job applications happen online.

C. List of Recommended Templates

Here are some of the recommended templates for creating a college admissions resume:

Simple and Clean Resume Template: This template is a classic and straightforward design that presents the candidate’s information in a well-structured format. It is easy to read and understand and can be customized according to the candidate’s needs.

Modern Resume Template: This template showcases a modern design that highlights the candidate’s creativity and uniqueness. It is suitable for job positions that require creativity and innovation.

Professional Resume Template: This template presents a professional layout that is perfect for job positions that require formal attire. It is structured in a way that makes it easy to read and understand.

Selecting the right resume template plays a crucial role in creating a compelling college admissions resume. By considering the types of resume templates, the right criteria for choosing the template, and the recommended list of templates, candidates can create an outstanding resume that showcases their skills, experience, and achievements.

Sections to Include in a College Admissions Resume

When it comes to creating a college admissions resume, it’s important to include all relevant information that showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements. Admissions officers want to see who you are beyond your grades and test scores. In this section, we’ll discuss the seven essential sections to include in your college admissions resume.

A. Heading and Personal Information

The first step in creating any resume is to include a header with your name, address, phone number, and email address. This information should be easy to find and visually appealing. You can also include your LinkedIn profile or portfolio website if you have one. Make sure your contact information is accurate, up-to-date, and professional.

B. Educational Background

In this section, you should include details about your academic background, including your GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. You should also list any relevant coursework, academic awards, and honors. If you are currently in college, include your major, expected graduation date, and any relevant academic achievements.

C. Extracurricular Activities

Admissions officers want to see that you are a well-rounded individual who is involved in extracurricular activities outside of the classroom. List any sports teams, clubs, organizations or volunteer groups that you are a part of. Provide details about your roles and responsibilities, as well as any leadership positions you hold. Emphasize those activities that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

D. Honors and Awards

If you have received any awards, recognition, or honors for your achievements in any area, be sure to list them in this section. Examples include academic or athletic scholarships, awards for community service, or recognition for outstanding performance in music, drama, or art.

E. Relevant Experience

Include any relevant work experience, internships, or part-time jobs you have had. Focus on jobs that align with your academic and personal interests. Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role, including how you made an impact on the company you worked for.

F. Volunteer Work and Community Service

Your volunteer work can demonstrate your civic-mindedness and leadership abilities. List any volunteer work, community service projects, or activism-related initiatives that you have participated in. Describe your roles and responsibilities, and how your actions made a positive impact.

G. Skills and Abilities

Finally, include any skills, languages, certifications or licenses you have acquired that are relevant to your education and career goals. Focus on skills that are transferable to multiple fields, such as communication skills, problem-solving, collaboration, or digital literacy.

By including all these seven sections in your college admissions resume, you will create a well-rounded picture of yourself, and demonstrate to admissions officers that you are someone with not just good grades, but also a range of experiences, accomplishments, and interests.

Tips for Writing the Perfect College Admissions Resume

As you work on creating your college admissions resume, there are several important tips to keep in mind to ensure that your document reflects your strengths, achievements, and experiences in an engaging and effective way. Here are four key areas you should focus on as you draft your resume:

A. Highlighting Strengths

One of the primary goals of your college admissions resume is to showcase your strengths and unique qualities to potential schools. Think about what sets you apart from other applicants and use your resume as a platform to highlight those things.

For instance, if you’ve pursued a particular extracurricular activity for several years and achieved significant success in it, be sure to include those achievements on your resume. Similarly, if you’ve been the recipient of any awards or recognition outside of school, don’t hesitate to showcase those accolades as well.

B. Selecting the Right Verbiage

The language you use on your college admissions resume is just as important as the content itself. Be sure to choose strong verbs that accurately describe your accomplishments and experiences.

For example, instead of saying “Participated in the school’s volunteer program,” try using language like “Coordinated and led volunteer efforts with the school’s community service group.” This not only shows a greater level of involvement but also highlights your ability to lead others.

C. Showcasing Achievements

Your college admissions resume should highlight your achievements both in and out of the classroom. This may include academic honors, leadership roles, community service, or athletic accomplishments.

When discussing your achievements, be sure to quantify them as much as possible. For example, instead of simply stating that you volunteered at a local food bank, try to include details about the number of hours you contributed or the number of meals you helped serve.

D. Formatting Dos and Don’ts

Finally, when it comes to formatting your college admissions resume, there are several best practices to keep in mind.

• Keep your resume concise and organized. Stick to one or two pages at most and use clear headings to separate different sections.
• Use a professional font such as Times New Roman or Arial and keep the font size between 10-12 points.
• Proofread your document carefully and ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.

Don’t:

• Use an overly creative or colorful design. Keep your resume simple and professional.
• Include any irrelevant information or experiences. Stay focused on highlighting your strengths and achievements in the areas that matter most to potential schools.
• Use slang or casual language. Your college admissions resume should be written in a formal, professional tone.

By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll create a college admissions resume that effectively showcases your unique strengths and accomplishments and sets you apart from other applicants.

Sample College Admissions Resumes

When applying to college, one of the most important things students will need is a strong resume. This document serves as their personal marketing tool, highlighting their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience. In this section, we will provide some examples of college admissions resumes and analyze their key elements to see what makes a successful one. We will also offer suggestions for improvement.

A. Resume Examples for Different Fields of Study

Depending on their chosen field of study, students may need to tailor their resumes to showcase specific skills and experiences. Here are some sample resumes for different fields of study:

Business/Management:  This resume includes relevant coursework and leadership experience in business clubs, as well as internships and part-time jobs in the industry. It also highlights the student’s proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, which are essential skills for anyone pursuing a career in business.

STEM:  For STEM fields, resumes should emphasize technical skills and relevant coursework. This sample resume includes research experience, coding skills, and participation in science and engineering clubs. The student also lists achievements such as winning a science fair and publishing a paper in a scientific journal.

Arts/Humanities:  Resumes for arts and humanities students should showcase creativity and critical thinking skills. This sample resume highlights the student’s experience in theater productions, writing and editing for the school newspaper, and community service in the arts.

B. Analysis of Sample Resumes

All three sample resumes have different styles and focus areas, but each accomplishes its goal of presenting the student in the best possible light. Here are some key elements to look for in a successful college admissions resume:

Clear organization:  Resumes should be visually appealing and easy to read. The most important information should be at the top, and each section should be labeled clearly.

Relevance to field of study:  Resumes should be tailored to the student’s intended major or career path. They should showcase experiences and skills that are relevant to that field.

Quantifiable achievements:  Students should state their achievements in concrete terms. For example, instead of saying they “participated in a science fair,” they should specify that they “won first place in the physics category at the regional science fair.”

Active language:  Resumes should use strong action verbs to describe the student’s achievements and responsibilities. For example, “led a team of volunteers” is more impressive than “assisted with volunteering events.”

C. Suggestions for Improvement

Even the strongest resumes can be improved. Here are some suggestions for students looking to revise their college admissions resumes:

Consider the audience:  Admissions officers may have limited time to review each application. Students should make sure their most impressive achievements are highlighted near the top of the resume.

Be specific:  Students should provide concrete details about their experiences and achievements.

How to Tailor Your Resume to Different Colleges

When it comes to applying to colleges, a one-size-fits-all approach just won’t cut it. Each institution has unique admissions criteria, and applicants must tailor their resumes to showcase their strengths and experiences that align specifically with each college. Here are the key steps to take when customizing your resume for each college:

A. Researching the College

Before crafting a tailored resume for a particular college, it is important to conduct thorough research about the institution. Look for information on the school’s mission, values, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and any specific initiatives or projects that align with your interests. This information will provide valuable insights for tailoring your resume to showcase your fit with the college’s culture and goals.

B. Reviewing the College’s Admissions Criteria

Carefully review the admissions criteria for each college you plan to apply to, paying close attention to the key qualifications and experiences that are emphasized. Look for trends or patterns in the admissions requirements, as well as any unique or distinctive qualities that the college seeks in its applicants. This information will help you identify the most relevant and impactful experiences to include on your tailored resume.

C. Crafting a Tailored Resume

Finally, use the insights gathered in your research and review of admissions criteria to craft a tailored resume that speaks directly to the college’s priorities and expectations. Consider using a targeted objective statement or summary section that explicitly highlights your fit with the college and its values. Also, be strategic in selecting and presenting your experiences, focusing on those that most clearly demonstrate your alignment with the college’s admissions criteria.

When tailoring your resume for different colleges, keep in mind that the goal is not to simply make minor tweaks or adjustments to the same document. Rather, a truly tailored resume will reflect a deep understanding of each college’s unique priorities and expectations, and will showcase the applicant’s fit with the college’s culture and mission. By putting in the time and effort to customize your resume for each college, you can greatly increase your chances of standing out and securing admission to your top-choice schools.

How to Write an Effective Personal Statement

A. understanding the importance of a personal statement.

A personal statement is a crucial part of the college admissions process. It’s where a college applicant gets to showcase their unique qualities, achievements, and experiences that make them stand out as a candidate. Admissions officers use personal statements to get a sense of who an applicant is beyond their grades and test scores.

B. Brainstorming and Outlining

Before beginning the writing process, it’s important to spend some time brainstorming and outlining your personal statement. Start by reflecting on your experiences and accomplishments and identifying what you want to highlight in your statement. Consider what makes you unique and how you would like to present yourself to the admissions committee.

Once you have a general idea, outline your statement to create a structure for your writing. Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction, followed by a couple of paragraphs outlining your experiences and achievements, and concluding with a strong statement of purpose.

C. Writing Tips and Techniques

When it comes to the actual writing process, there are several tips and techniques that can help you craft an effective personal statement:

• Be concise and to the point. Admissions officers read hundreds of personal statements, so make sure yours is clear and easy to understand.
• Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Show, don’t tell.
• Be authentic and honest. Don’t try to be someone you’re not – admissions officers can tell when an applicant is trying too hard to impress.
• Edit, edit, edit. After you’ve written your statement, take a break and come back to it later with fresh eyes. Read it out loud and make any necessary revisions.

By following these tips and techniques, you can write an effective personal statement that showcases your unique qualities and experiences. Remember to be authentic, concise, and specific, and always take the time to proofread and edit your work.

Your personal statement is a chance to shine and show admissions officers why you would be a great addition to their college community. Use this opportunity wisely and let your personality and achievements shine through.

The Dos and Don’ts of College Admissions Resumes

When it comes to crafting the perfect college admissions resume, there are certain mistakes that can greatly diminish your chances of getting accepted. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

A. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Providing irrelevant or outdated information: Your resume should only include information that is relevant to the college admissions process. Leave out any information that is not recent or does not relate to your academic achievements and experiences.

Failing to highlight achievements: Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work experience. These will be crucial in demonstrating why you would be a valuable addition to the college community.

Being too general: Avoid using generic language and instead provide specific details and examples of your accomplishments and experiences.

Failing to proofread: Simple spelling and grammar mistakes can leave a negative impression on admissions officers. Be sure to triple-check your resume for any errors before submitting it.

B. Examples of Bad Resumes

Here are a few examples of bad college admissions resumes:

A resume that is too long and includes irrelevant information.

A resume that is too generic and does not highlight any unique experiences or achievements.

A resume that is poorly formatted, making it difficult to read or comprehend.

C. Guidelines for Effective Resumes

To craft an effective college admissions resume, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Tailor your resume to the specific college or program to which you are applying. Highlight experiences or achievements that are particularly relevant to the college or program’s values and priorities.

Use bullet points and headers to make your resume easy to read.

Be concise and specific, using action verbs to demonstrate your achievements and experiences.

Use a professional and legible font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and be sure to proofread for any errors.

By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a strong college admissions resume that highlights your achievements and demonstrates why you would be a valuable addition to any college or university.

Frequently Asked Questions

As you create your college admissions resume, you may be wondering about certain details. Below are a few frequently asked questions to keep in mind:

A. Should I include a picture on my resume?

In general, it is not necessary to include a picture on your college admissions resume. The focus should be on your academic and extracurricular achievements, not your appearance. In fact, some colleges may even discourage applicants from including photos, as this could inadvertently lead to discrimination based on appearance, race, or other factors.

However, there may be some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are applying to a performing arts program and your appearance is a factor in the evaluation process, you may wish to include a headshot along with your resume. Similarly, if you have a professional social media presence (such as on LinkedIn) and your profile picture is appropriate, you could consider including a link to your profile within your resume.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include a picture on your resume should be based on your individual circumstances and the expectations of the colleges or programs to which you are applying.

B. Can I include non-academic achievements?

Absolutely! In fact, including non-academic achievements can be an excellent way to showcase your character, leadership abilities, and diverse interests.

When compiling your list of achievements, be sure to include any extracurricular activities (such as sports, clubs, or community service), volunteer work, internships, part-time jobs, or other relevant experiences. These may not be directly related to your academic coursework, but they can demonstrate your dedication, work ethic, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities.

Remember that college admissions officers are not just looking for students with high GPAs and test scores; they want to see well-rounded individuals who are passionate about their interests and have the potential to contribute positively to their campus community.

C. How long should my resume be?

The length of your resume will depend largely on your level of experience and the number of achievements you wish to highlight. In general, a college admissions resume should be no more than one to two pages in length.

If you are a high school student or recent graduate with limited experience, your resume may be shorter (one page is typically sufficient). Focus on providing a clear overview of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any honors or awards you have received.

If you are a college student or have relevant work experience, your resume may be longer (up to two pages). Be sure to include detailed descriptions of your job responsibilities, relevant coursework, and any research or publications you have participated in.

Remember to prioritize the most important and relevant information on your resume, and format it in a clear and concise manner. This will allow admissions officers to quickly and easily understand your qualifications and achievements.

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6 Tips for Your College Application Resume

Your resume will be an important part of your career life, serving as a catalog of your professional accomplishments, experience, and achievements. But even before you’re a full-fledged working adult, it’s still a good idea to start building your resume.

Many high school students use this space to record and describe their accomplishments, such as awards, volunteer and paid work, prestigious program participation, and more.

So, if you’ve taken the time to create a resume, can you submit it to colleges to augment your application? In some cases, yes. Keep reading to find out how to craft the ideal resume for colleges.

Which Schools Allow You to Submit Your Resume?

The schools allow you to submit your resume via the Common Application. This list is not exhaustive; it includes the top 20 universities and liberal arts colleges that allow you to do so.

•     Brown University
•     Claremont McKenna College
•     Cornell University
•     Dartmouth College
•     Johns Hopkins University
•     Northwestern University
•     University of Pennsylvania
•     Vanderbilt University
•     Vassar College
•     Washington and Lee University
•     Washington University in St. Louis

Should You Submit Your Resume?

It’s a good idea to submit your resume if there is important information you’re unable to include on the rest of your application, such as professional experiences or special projects.

If you don’t have something new to say, then you shouldn’t include a resume. That is, you shouldn’t regurgitate information the adcom can find elsewhere on your application. You can, however, use it as a space to expand on or illustrate accomplishments if you don’t feel you’ve been able to in the activities section or your essays.

How to Write a Resume for College Applications

1. include information you feel isn’t represented elsewhere..

As you’ll find in your career, not every experience relates to the opportunity you have at hand. When you enter the job market, you’ll learn to tailor your resume to specific positions based on how your work history relates to them. This is true of your college applications, too. For each experience you include, consider how it bolsters your overall profile — and only add the ones that do to your resume.

First, here’s the essential info you should include on your resume:

• Name and email address (no need to include your actual address)
• Education/high school info, like your GPA and test scores 

Other info you may include:

• Special projects related to your interests (if you’re a writer, this could be a list of pieces you’ve written with a description, or if you’re a programmer, you could also describe your projects).
• Publications (scientific, literary, etc.)
• Non-traditional coursework or academic activities (legitimate online certificates/courses, academic programs, etc.)
• Extracurriculars, hobbies, and skills and interests
• Professional and work experience
• Family responsibilities

2. Don’t rehash your activities section.

Again, don’t use this space to regurgitate information you’ve presented elsewhere on your application. Instead, it should be a space to share unique facets of yourself that don’t fit into other places.

For example, perhaps there’s a specific job you held that you couldn’t properly describe in the activities section. You can use this space to elaborate on the responsibilities you held. Or, as mentioned in the previous section, you can describe specific projects you’ve completed related to your interests. This is especially helpful for more self-driven pursuits, like independent writing.

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Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

3. Keep it brief (one page) and easy to read.

Your resume should be concise. Since you probably haven’t accumulated a significant amount of experience as a teenager, you should keep it to one page (if you’re an adult student, that’s a different story). At the same time, avoid using teensy font and ultra-slim margins to cram everything into a single page — the resume should be easy to scan and read. Remember: be selective to ensure you have enough room.

Part of making your resume readable means formatting it such that it’s presentable. Use space to your advantages, along with a clear system for organizing the information; the traditional format is chronological, but you may choose to use an alternative format instead. Use headings, too, and make sure your formatting is consistent throughout.

4. Use active and specific language.

Use the active voice when cataloging your achievements. You should also be offering clear evidence. If you can, use numbers and facts to support your experiences.

For example, rather than saying, “Started tutoring business,” you might instead write, “Built a tutoring business by recruiting 15 student tutors and initiating a social media campaign targeting students in need of STEM support; personally worked with 25 students, who improved their GPAs by an average of X points.”

5. Talk yourself up, but don’t be dishonest or unreasonable.

Some students are eager to share their accomplishments. If you’re ever going to talk yourself up, this is the time to do it. You can’t be shy or reluctant to, well, brag a little. Other students will be talking themselves up, and you don’t want it to appear as though you don’t have anything to show for yourself.

At the same time, be careful of hyperbolizing your achievements. Colleges can easily verify the facts on your resume. If your accomplishments seem unfathomable, it will raise a red flag. This will lead colleges to question other aspects of your application, too.

Just as you should with the rest of your application, you’ll need to proofread your resume many times to catch any errors or typos. You should also read it over for clarity and to ensure that it’s as concise as it can be.

If you can, get another set of eyes on your resume before you upload it to your application. A peer, teacher, or guidance counselor can help you make sure your achievements are coming across the way you want them to and that you’re presenting yourself authentically.

Looking for more general guidance on the college application process? CollegeVine is here to make it as seamless as possible. Our free platform allows you to see your chances of acceptance, get essay feedback from peers, and hear from experts in daily livestreams. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account to get started.

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How to Write a Resume for College

High school and college students need a resume when applying for academic and career opportunities.

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Students should include standardized test scores, Advanced Placement and honors courses, awards, activities and talents that show depth in educational endeavors.

A resume is no longer reserved for after graduation. Students may want to craft one as early as the ninth grade for everything from college admissions to scholarships and internship opportunities.

Impress College Admissions Counselors

Arlene Weintraub Sept. 13, 2017

The resume should continue to evolve over the course of one's academic career, shaped by experiences and reflecting the student's interests and activities, experts say. Both high school and college students should keep a well-polished resume up to date.

"It's a really valuable thing for a student to have," says Kelly Fraser, owner and principal consultant at Green Apple College Guidance & Education, which has offices in Boston and the Washington, D.C., area.

Some colleges require a resume with the application, while others welcome the document in the supplemental materials section. Some internship, scholarship and study-abroad applications also require resumes.

Fraser says a high school resume should be complementary to a college application but students should avoid repetition and cramming all of the same information onto the document.

"Each document that you submit to a college does not have to have everything about you in it, but all of the pieces of the puzzle should come together to make a nice picture," Fraser says.

Resumes for High School Students

While a resume in ninth grade isn't an absolute must, students should at least be thinking about it, says Nancy Polin, president and senior college counselor at Educational Excellence in Florida. "It doesn't have to be a formal resume, but I recommend that they start some sort of formal record-keeping system in the summer before ninth grade," Polin says.

Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz, founder and director of adMISSION POSSIBLE in California, sees resumes as pieces of information that allow students to communicate who they are.

"More and more, college admissions officers are now looking for how and where people spend their time, including the quality, depth and length of involvement," Shaevitz says, noting that the value of a good resume is the ability to compile this information succinctly.

She recommends that students include standardized test scores, if available, Advanced Placement and honors courses, awards, activities and talents that show depth in educational endeavors. Grade point averages and other accomplishments also should be highlighted, such as leadership roles and work experience.

"Colleges want to know who you are," Shaevitz says, adding that the same is true for students who may have family responsibilities such as caring for younger siblings or working.

"There are many students who have to work, who have to go home to family responsibilities. Colleges understand that, and (students) should put those on their resume," Fraser says.

And in the time of COVID-19, when many extracurriculars melted away during the pandemic, colleges want to know how students waxed creative. What opportunities did they pursue on their own? What interests emerged during the pandemic? As one example, Shaevitz points to virtual dance classes created by two of her students with the aim of bringing the arts to underpriveleged kids.

Experts advise high school students to mine their entire academic career for experiences and accomplishments.

Yuridia Nava, who works in college and career counseling for the Riverside County Office of Education in California, wrote in an email that she asks her students to reflect all the way back to kindergarten for their experiences, urging them to consider lengthy volunteer commitments and passions they've held for years.

Advisers also insist on sincerity, cautioning students to not embellish their resumes.

"If you're applying to a college and you're submitting anything in your application that's not true, then it's a big problem," Fraser says, adding that students also should avoid listing experiences that they will have trouble talking about in a college admissions interview .

Nava also cautions students against including social media profiles "unless it's clean of any negative images or memes" and to avoid using email addresses with unprofessional language.

Resumes for College Students

Experts encourage college students to continue to build their resume and keep it current with recent and relevant experiences. As they gain skills through classes and student organizations, those should be added to their resume, as should job experiences.

Jeremy Fisher, director of the John P. Fahey Career Center at Creighton University in Nebraska, says resumes for college students may be more career-specific than in high school.

"A college-level resume will be more focused on relevant experiences, skills, leadership, service and other activities that may be more important to a potential employer," Fisher wrote in an email.

For high school and college resumes alike, students should follow many of the same rules. Experts emphasize writing clearly and concisely, personalizing the resume for applications, proofreading diligently for spelling and grammar, and soliciting feedback. Resumes should also contain clearly identifiable information so readers know who is presenting themselves and how to contact them.

Experts also encourage students to keep it simple and straightforward, avoiding flashy text or graphics. Generally, they suggest a one-page resume as the standard for college students, though a high school activities resume may have some leeway to stretch a bit longer.

"Employers scan and review resumes very quickly – typically in 15 to 30 seconds or less initially, so it is important to have a resume that looks professional (style, format, font, etc.) and is very easy to read," Fisher says. "The use of proper spacing, bullet points for descriptions, bolding, underlining, or italicizing important information such as the resume categories, school, degree, major, employer name, job titles, etc. is very helpful."

Some consultants and counselors provide model resumes for students to follow, though templates are typically discouraged at the college level, according to Fisher.

Fisher says templates can be helpful as a guide, but resumes created from templates are not unique and don't stand out.

"Why would you want your resume to look exactly like hundreds of others?" he says.

Creighton lists guidance on its website showing resume examples for those early in their academic careers as well as those in graduate and professional programs. For first- and second-year students, Creighton's career center offers a simple one-page example that focuses on education, including major and GPA, experience, and activities and service.

Whether for high school or college, experts stress the need to have a resume handy.

"The earlier a student has a professional resume developed," Fisher says, "the more ready they will be to pursue opportunities as they arise."

Steps to Building a Resume

Need to develop a resume for college admissions or other oppotunities? Use the basic details below as a starting point.

• Identify activities and accomplishments to include.
• Detail relevant academic accomplishments and work, internship or volunteer experience.
• Include high school or college information and contact details.
• Verify key dates and details for accuracy.
• Spell check and proofread.

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How To Write A Resume In 7 Steps (With Examples)

• How To Write A Resume
• Resume Skills Section
• Resume Objective Section
• Career Objective Section
• Resume Reference Section
• Resume Summary Section
• Resume Summary Example
• Resume Interests Section
• Address On Resume
• Relevant Work Experience
• Anticipated Graduation Date On Resume
• Education Section On Resume
• Contact Information On Resume
• Statement Of Qualifications
• How To List Publications On Resume
• Accomplishments On Resumes
• Awards On Resume
• Dean's List On Resume
• Study Abroad On Resume

Resumes are still the most important document in your job search . Generating a professional and interesting resume isn’t easy, but there is a standard set of guidelines that you can follow. As hiring managers usually only spend a short time looking over each resume, you want to make sure that yours has a reason for them to keep reading.

If you’re looking to write a resume, rewrite a resume you already have, or are just curious about resume format, then you’ve come to the right place. This article will go through the steps to writing an excellent resume, as well as offering examples for what sections of the resume should look like.

Key Takeaways:

A resume is a short document that details your professional history in a way that tailors your experience and skill set for the particular job you’re applying for.

Resumes follow a few standard formatting practices, which hiring managers and recruiters expect to see.

Highlighting your work experience, skills, and educational background with relevant keywords can help you get past applicant tracking systems and into more interviews.

How to write a resume

Writing a resume involves using the proper formatting, writing an introduction, and adding your work experience and education. Stuffing your entire professional life into a single page resume can feel overwhelming, but remember that you’re distilling the relevant parts of your professional experience in order to catch the eye of the recruiter .

Formatting your resume. To start, use a word processor such as Microsoft Word or Google docs. Standard resume formatting calls for:

1 inch margins

10-12 point font

A professional, commonly-used font

Additionally, there are three resume formats that are commonly used. Most people should stick with a chronological resume format , but the combination resume format and functional resume format can be effective for more advanced workers or those who have significant gaps in their resume.

Write a resume header . It doesn’t matter if you have the best resume in the world if the hiring manager can’t contact you. Every single resume should include the following contact information:

Your full name. First and last.

Your phone number. Use a personal phone number, and make sure your voicemail is set up properly.

Your email address. Nothing inappropriate — [email protected] is a safe choice.

Location. City, State, Zip Code is fine, but you can include your full mailing address if you think it’s appropriate.

Your social media (optional). LinkedIn is the obvious one you’d want to include, but make sure your profile looks good. If you have an online portfolio , either on a personal blog/website or on a site like Journo Portfolio , feel free to include that here as well.

Your job title. Also optional, but can be useful for applicant tracking systems.

Resume introduction. You have four options for your resume introduction: a resume objective, summary statement, resume profile, or qualifications summary. For most job-seekers, a resume summary statement is the best choice. Regardless of which resume introduction you choose, avoid first-person pronouns (I/me/my).

Resume objective. A resume objective is the goal of your resume. Since the objective of every resume is to land a job, this is not the most original or impressive opener you can have.

On the other hand, it’s a good choice for an entry-level applicant or someone who is changing career paths . This should be a 1-3 sentence summary of why you’re motivated to get the position you’re applying for.

Who should use a resume objective: Entry-level applicants, career-changers, and recent college graduates.

Resume summary. This is the best opener for most job-seekers. As the name suggests, a resume summary highlights the most salient aspects of your resume.

It should include your current position, how many years of experience you have, some of your biggest achievements, and possibly your career goals. This should be a 1-3 sentence spiel and should include some quantifiable experiences.

Who should use a resume summary: Most job seekers; anyone with quantifiable accomplishments to emphasize and a broad range of skills.

Qualifications summary. A bullet point list (4-6 points is the sweet spot) of your qualifications for the position. It’s best used by applicants going for jobs that require a fixed skill set. It’s not a great choice for entry-level applicants who lack quantifiable achievements.

You’ll notice that a qualifications summary takes up more space than a resume objective or summary, but it can actually save the hiring manager time if you provide a bunch of valuable information right off the top.

Who should use a qualifications summary: Those applying to a job with requirements for certain skills and job-seekers who have a lot of experience in their industry and/or field.

Resume profile. A resume profile is similar to a resume summary, but goes into more detail about your accomplishments at your current or former job, while also telling the reader about your career goals. Think of a resume profile as a section that pulls all the best parts of your work experience section into one place.

Who should use a resume profile: Anyone with significant accomplishments under their belt, expertise in a niche field, or applying to a job in the same industry that they have lots of experience in.

Resume headline. Resume headlines aren’t necessary, but you can include one alongside any of the four types of resume introduction listed above. A resume headline comes between your contact information and the resume introduction of your choice.

Headlines can be used by entry-level applicants and experienced job-seekers alike. The important point is that your headline should be short and to the point. Additionally, you should use title case when writing your resume headline (capitalize words as you would for a book title).

Who should use a resume headline: Any job-seeker who wants to showcase their experience or unique value right off the bat.

Work experience. Your work experience section is the place to let hiring managers know that you have relevant experience that would allow you to handle the job you’re applying for.

If you’re using the chronological resume format, your work experience section would come after your resume summary/objective. In a funcitonal reumse, it would follow your skills section. Either way, work experience should be listed in reverse-chronological order (most recent experience at the top).

When listing your work experience, you should include all of the following information:

Job title. Start by stating the position you held at the company. These are easy cue for the hiring manager to look at and determine whether your past positions would help you succeed at their company.

Company Info. Include the name of the employer, the location where you worked, and perhaps a brief description of the company, if it isn’t a well-known name.

Dates Employed: Use the mm/yyyy format if you want to be sure that most applicant tracking systems (ATS) will pick it up. Whatever format you use for dates, be consistent, or your resume will look sloppy.

Job Description. Don’t just list your job’s responsibilities; hiring managers and recruiters already have an idea of your duties based on the job title. Instead, list your most important and impressive responsibilities/achievements at the job with bullet points. Determine which of these are most relevant for your new role based on the job description.

Ideally, each bullet should be no longer than a single line. However, two lines is acceptable, if used sparingly.

Always start with a strong action verb, followed by a quantifiable achievement and a specific duty. For example: “Developed ad campaigns for clients, increasing sales by an average of 27%.” Each job title should include 3-5 bullet points.

The order that you include this information can be changed around, as long as you are consistent throughout your resume. However, the bullet points detailing your job’s achievements should always be the last item for each entry.

It’s important that you tailor your resume’s work experience section to the job you’re applying for. We recommend reading the job description carefully and highlighting the action verbs in one color and the skills, adjectives, and job-specific nouns in a different color.

Educational background. In almost all cases, your education section should come after your professional history. If you’re a recent college graduate with limited work experience, you may choose to put your educational achievements first.

Like the section on your professional history, educational experiences should come in reverse-chronological order, with your highest level of education at the top. If you have a college degree, you don’t need to add any information about your high school experience. If you didn’t finish college, it’s okay to give a list of what credits you did complete.

Each educational experience can be listed in the following format:

Degree/Program Name College/University Name Dates attended

You don’t need to add anything else, especially if your resume is already impressive enough. But if you’re struggling to fill up the page, or you feel that aspects of your educational experience will help make you a standout, you may consider also including:

Minor. If you think it rounds out your not-exactly-relevant-to-the-job major nicely.

GPA. Only if it was 3.5 or higher. Otherwise, it’s not going to do you any favors to include this.

Honors. Dean’s List, Cum Laude, etc.

Achievements. If you wrote a killer thesis/dissertation that showcases intimate knowledge relevant to the job to which you’re applying, you can include its title and a very brief description.

Extracurricular activities. Only include if they’re relevant. For example, if you’re applying for a management position and you were president of your student government.

Certifications/Licenses. If the job you’re applying for requires/likes to see certain certifications or licenses that you have, you may include them in this section as well.

Skills section. Your impressive skills should be scattered logistically throughout your professional history section, but you should also include a section solely dedicated to highlighting your skill set . Skills can be broken down into two categories:

Hard skills are skills you learn through training and indicate expertise with a technical ability or job-specific responsibility.

Soft skills are your personality traits, interpersonal abilities, and intangible qualities that make you more effective at your job.

Your resume should have a healthy mix of hard and soft skills, as both are essential to job performance. However, since soft skills are harder to prove in the context of a resume, we recommend leaning more toward hard skills. Additionally, whenever you list a soft skill, make sure that it has a correlating item in your work experience section.

For example, if you say you are skilled in collaboration, you should mention a time when a team project was a major success somewhere in your work experience section.

Optional sections. If you still have space left or there’s more you want to show off that doesn’t quite fit in any of the above sections, you may consider adding an additional section covering one or more of the below categories:

Language . Being bilingual is always impressive, and can be included on a resume for any company. Highlight this more if your position involves liaising with international distributors and/or clients. Don’t lie about your proficiency level.

It may be best to not mention it if you’re not particularly proficient speaker . Such as if you took courses in school, or haven’t really managed to gain fluency. It can end up looking like an attempt to inflate your credentials, which you want to avoid.

Volunteer experience . Always a good thing to include. It shows you’re a team player who behaves in a way that promotes the greater good, without thought of personal gain. Especially good for entry-level candidates and those applying for jobs at a non-profit. If you have gaps in your work history, you can also consider including volunteer experiences in your work history section instead.

Personal projects. A personal blog, published works, or a portfolio of your past projects are all good things to include. They show you take initiative, enjoy and take pride in your work, and that you can handle the responsibilities of the job, if relevant.

Certifications/licenses. If you didn’t include these in your education section, this is another good place to list relevant certifications or licenses that you have.

Interests . This is largely just a space filler if your resume is light in other areas. However, if your hobbies are directly related to the job that you’re applying for, it’s not a bad idea to include them. And it might draw a recruiter’s attention if you end up sharing some of the same interests as they do.

If you have several seemingly random items that are valuable, but don’t warrant creating a whole separate section for, you can also make a section called “Additional Experience.” Here you can include all of the above categories in one place. Just make sure that each item is clear and easy for readers to understand.

Resume samples

Now that we have a good idea of how to write a resume, let’s take a look at some example resumes:

Jack Pilgrim Washington , DC 14015 – (555) 444-3333 – [email protected] – www.linkedin.com/jpilgrim Resume Summary Graphic designer with 3+ years of experience creating and implementing promotional materials and social media graphics. Worked with sales and marketing teams to increase inbound calls by 23% YoY through compelling digital media. Adept at planning, managing, and prioritizing multiple deadlines at once, and thrives in fast-paced work environment. Work Experience Creative Designs | Washington, DC Lead Graphic Designer | June 2018-Present Worked with sales and marketing teams to create landing pages, sales proposals, and supporting media elements to drive sales by over $250,000 per quarter Trained, managed, and mentored team of 4 junior designers to fulfill 40+ project orders on a weekly basis Conducted UX research through surveys, usability testing, and data analysis to plan content marketing strategy, driving organic search traffic by 12% Presented proposals, results, and status updates to set of 4-7 clients, ensuring customer satisfaction at or above 95% for 3 years straight Happy Place | Alexandria, VA Junior Graphic Designer | July 2016-May 2018 Translated client needs and branding strategies into design and content strategy, increasing client retention by 22% Reduced project turnaround time by 8% by Utilizing web-based ticket system for completing and archiving finalized pieces Posted digital artwork to network IPTV using web interface to produce high-end info-graphics and other materials Happy Place | Alexandria, VA Marketing Intern | September 2015-July 2016 Assisted marketing team with data collection, analysis, and presentation using Google Analytics Drew up storyboards for new marketing campaigns alongside sales team, increasing brand awareness through social media Wrote 500-1000 word articles to pair with graphical elements on page, leading to a 40% boost in engagement on company website Education Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, Georgia May 2016 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Skills Adobe Creative Suite Typography HTML/CSS WordPress Collaboration Organization

Allison Neederly Chicago, Illinois , 60007 | (333) 222-1111 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/allison.neederly Resume Summary Dedicated customer service representative with 4+ years experience resolving customers’ needs in-person, online, and over the phone. Top achiever at XYZ Inc. with a 100% customer satisfaction rate for Q1 of 2020. Friendly personable, and knowledgable about company’s products and services. Relevant Skills Customer Service Responded to upwards of 200 customer queries daily with XYZ Inc., reducing the average wait time by 56% and increasing customer satisfaction rates by 13% Ability to resolve conflict and create a positive atmosphere for shopping for both new and existing customers through technical proficiency Expert product knowledge and communication skills, and experience training and mentoring new customer service staff Web Chat and Phone Skilled in 3 web chat platforms for helping online customers resolve their queries quickly and accurately Achieved fastest call resolution rate at XYZ Inc., with an average resolution time of under 5 minutes per customer Performed outbound calls for customer satisfaction surveys, as well as writing web-based surveys for 10,000+ customers Troubleshooting Detailed product knowledge allowed for customer technical issues to be resolved at rate within top 5% of all customer service associates at XYZ Inc. Created manual for step-by-step directions for troubleshooting that was implemented for team of 100+ customer service reps Positive attitude took average tech-related negative response from 1/5 stars to 4/5 stars, increasing trust in brands and services Work Experience XYZ Inc. | Philadelphia, PA Customer Service Associate New Look Global | Burlington, VT Junior Customer Service Representative L.L. Bean | Burlington, VT Sales Associate Education University of Vermont | Burlington, VT May 2012 Bachelor of Arts in Humanities

Priya Laghari New York, NY | (222) 111-0000 | [email protected] | www.priyabizdev.com Resume Profile Strategy Development: Grew John Deere’s international sales by 13% by tapping into undeserved countries in Southeast Asia Management: Oversaw a team of managers representing marketing, sales, and product teams. Streamlined collaborative, cross-functional communications through agile and scrum management system CRM: Developed, customized, and implemented new customer relationship management database for accounts totaling over $10M in value Work Experience Business Development Manager 01/2015-Present Microsoft | Redmond, WA Developed product strategies and roadmap for Google AdWords, increasing inbound traffic by 26% YoY Reduced time training on new software by 50% for new and existing employees by implement e-learning programs Spearheaded digital marketing campaign worth $1M that saw a return of 200% in first year by qualifying leads earlier in the sales funnel Regional Sales Manager 11/2012-01/2015 Big Things Inc. | St. Louis, MO Managed territory encompassing 29 regional locations with an annual revenue of approx. $55M Worked with C-level executives to plan business strategies, resulting in 20% reduction in overhead costs Increased client retention by 12% in first year by implementing a CRM approach based on account profiling and elevating levels of relationship selling Account Manager 02/2009-11/2012 Solutions Corp. | Chicago, IL Implemented and developed CRM strategic plans, increasing retention of long-term clients by 22% Maintained 50+ accounts totaling over $35M in value Generated leads through one-on-one consultation via phone inquiries, online check-ins, and meeting office walk-ins Relevant Skills CRM: Proficient with Salesforce, Zoho, and HubSpot; some experience with Keap. Used various CRM software over a decade to successfully manage customer relations and quick to adapt to new software and tools that aid in quality of customer experience. Salesmanship: Negotiated and closed over several deals worth $1M+ and skilled in upselling and cross-selling. Adept at working closely with marketing and product teams to maximize the efficiency of the sales funnel for both inbound and outbound traffic. Presentation: Represented Microsoft Northwest Region at quarterly board meetings, ensuring all stakeholders were kept abreast of new developments and opportunities. Also deliver monthly presentations to big clients and vendors to maintain positive relationship. Data analytics. Expert at integrating data from various analytics platforms, including Google, Microsoft Power BI, and SAP BusinessObjects Education Colgate University | May 2008 MBA Fordham University | May 2006 Bachelor’s Degree in Business

For more resume examples and templates:

Resume examples by job

Google docs resume template

Resume templates

Resume builder

Resume Headers Samples:

Tip : Never put your contact info in the header of your document; some applicant tracking systems might miss it.

For more on how to write a resume header:

Resume Header

Resume Titles

Resume introduction examples

Entry-Level Resume Objective.

Recent graduate with a bachelor’s in Marketing from the University of Virginia seeking an entry-level role in content marketing. Excellent copywriter with 2+ years experience editing content as a member of the UVa Writing Center.

Career Change Resume Objective.

Eager to apply 7+ years of experience with customer success management to make successful outbound B2B calls, deliver customized business solutions to new and existing customers, and provide expert product knowledge in the role of Account Manager for XYZ Inc.

Example Resume Summary Statement.

Accountant with over 8 years of experience in the medical industry. Adept at advising on management of cash deficits, reconciling departmental accounts, and creating new accounts and codes. Coordinated invoice preparation system for ABC that reduced contractor overhead by 19% YoY.

English teacher with a love of language and 6 years of experience teaching high school students. Developed new curriculum that boosted freshman reading comprehension scores by 12% and created after school book club for AP Lit class, resulting in 100% of participating students achieving a 5 on the AP Lit test.

Example Qualifications Summary.

Executive assistant with 5+ years experience helping maintain efficiency in an office of 25 employees Communicated directly with internal and external stakeholders, helping Senior Vice President manage projects worth $5M+ Proactively managed office schedules, identifying and prioritizing changes to ensure client satisfaction Recognized in a company of 500 for “Outstanding Achiever” in May 2019

Example Resume Profile.

Detail-oriented IT Specialist with 4 years of experience overseeing and improving the infrastructure of IT systems. Adept at building and running troubleshooting systems and testing services. Decreased security risk by 47% through continual optimization, while also improving the speed of client portal by 22%. Excellent communicator both internally and for client-facing discussions. Achieved 98%+ customer satisfaction ratings through weekly and monthly check-ins with accounts valued cumulatively at $500,000.

Entry-Level Resume Headline.

Bilingual College Graduate with 80 WPM Typing Speed and Tutoring Experience

Experienced Resume Headline.

Business Development Specialist with 6+ Years Experience Scaling Start-Up Tech Teams

For more on resume introductions:

Resume objective statement

Resume summary statement

Resume summary statement examples

Qualifications summary

Sample resume work experience sections

Work Experience XYZ Industries | Seattle, WA Marketing Associate | May 2019-Present Delivered weekly presentations to client-base to communicate brand messaging, increasing client retention by 11% Served as liaison between marketing and product teams, resulting in projects finishing 2 weeks early, on average Leveraged Excel skills to create and maintain spreadsheet to track consumer insights, emergent trends, and inform decisions of marketing team through competitive analysis Managed team of 5 contractors to juggle multiple priority projects simultaneously, never missing a deadline Initiated an affiliate referral program that PR team went on to turn into a revenue-generating stream valued at $30,000 annually ABC Corp | Seattle, WA Marketing Intern | September 2018-May 2019 Developed, maintained, and processed 20+ digital consent forms and distributor forms Worked collaboratively with a team of 10 marketing professionals, closely aligning our goals with the PR team Provided data analysis using Google Analytics and performed keyword research to increase blog traffic by 56% over six months Answered up to 50 customer queries by phone and email each week

For more on building the perfect resume work experience section:

Resume work experience section

First resume (no experience)

Examples Of Education Resume Sections

Graduated recently from a 4-year program.

Western Illinois University | Macomb, Illinois May 2020 Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Minor in Psychology 3.95 GPA magna cum laude Dean’s List all semesters

Two degrees.

Fordham University | Bronx, New York April 2016 Master of Chemical Engineering Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, New York April 2014 Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Anticipated graduation date (not yet graduated).

DePaul Univeristy | Chicago, Illinois Bachelor of Arts in History – Degree anticipated May 2021 Current GPA: 3.8

Older job seeker (graduated 10+ years ago).

University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois Bachelor of Business Administration

High school graduate (no college degree).

Johnston High School 2016-2020 Head of Computer Club

More on crafting the perfect resume education section:

Education resume section

GPA on resume

Dean’s list

Magna cum laude

Examples Of Skills For Resume

Examples of hard skills include:

Examples of soft skills include:

Here’s more information on how to incorporate skills into your resume:

Resume skills section

Hard skills

Soft skills

Top skills for professionals

Skills-based resume

Resume writing FAQ

What is a resume?

A resume is a one to two-page document that focuses on professional experience, past achievements, education and certifications, and specific skills tailored to the job you’re applying for.

Almost every job application requires a resume, and hiring managers use them as a first impression in determining which applicants get a shot at an interview.

Whether you’re fresh out of college or have 30 years of professional experience, this guide should help craft a resume that stands out from the crowd and get you one step closer to landing your dream job.

What is the format for writing a good resume?

Most people will want to use a chronological or reverse-chronological resume format. This format is compatible with most applicant tracking systems (ATS) and is easy for employers to read. Additionally it helps highlight your experience, which helps prove your qualifications.

How far back should a resume go?

A resume should go back no further than 10 to 15 years. However, it is important that all your information is relevant. Therefore, do not include job experience that is irrelevant to your application, even if it’s fewer than 10 years old. Save that information for later discussions.

Should you personalize your resume for each job?

Yes, you should personalize your resume for each job you apply to. Many recruiters use ATS now, which will search for keywords in a resume and reject those that don’t have them. That means that the skills you choose to highlight as well as your opening, such as your resume summary, should be altered to suit each job you apply to.

You don’t need to rewrite the entire resume for each job, but it does show attention to detail and initiative to make sure that your resume is customized. It also makes it more likely that you’ll get past the first step of the process.

State of New York Department of Labor – Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Applications

Harvard University – Create a Resume/CV or Cover Letter

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Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.

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A resume is a document designed to present your skills, experience, and education in a concise and visually appealing way. It serves as a crucial tool in the job search process, providing employers with a snapshot of your qualifications. Have you ever wondered how to make a resume? Read on to find out more information about creating the best resume for a job application. 

Understanding the Basics of a Resume

If you want to learn how to make a resume, you will have to understand its basics. What are the different types of resumes? What should you include in it, and how should you format your resume? Find out all the answers below. 

Types of resumes

1. Chronological: A chronological resume starts with a summary of your skills and a list of your past jobs, starting with your current one. This job resume format is widely used and helps hire managers easily see if your past experiences are relevant to the job opening. By quickly reviewing your resume, they can assess whether you have the required qualifications.

2. Functional: Functional resumes focus on showcasing your abilities instead of your work history. Suppose you have an education or training in human resources (HR). In that case, a functional resume would start by listing relevant HR skills, such as recruiting and communication, to highlight your expertise in the field.

3. Combination: A combination resume includes features of a functional and chronological resume. So, it will include your job history in reverse chronological order. Additionally, it will highlight your functional and related skills. 

Key sections of a resume

The key sections included in a job application resume are as follows:

1. Contact information: Highlight your full name and address. Additionally, it should include your telephone number and e-mail address. 

2. Summary or objective statement: Provide a summary of your job search. Make the objective statement tailored to the job application. 

3. Work experience: Mention your work history if you have any. Even if you don’t have full-time experience, you can talk about internships. 

4. Education: Highlight your academic qualifications in your resume. 

5. Skills: Mention all the skills relevant to the job role in your resume. 

6. Additional sections: Some optional sections in your resume can be related to your achievements and interests. 

Gathering Information and Preparation

If you are wondering how to make a resume, you will have to start by collecting specific information. Look how you can begin preparing to draft your resume. 

1. Identifying your target job and industry

Your resume should be tailored to the job and industry you are applying to. So, find out about the job and typical resume formats used in the industry. 

2. Reviewing job descriptions and requirements

Read the job description and requirements carefully. It will help you highlight relevant details in your job application resume format.  

3. Listing your work experience, education, and skills

Your resume should give a description of your academic background and work experience. Moreover, you need to add your technical and soft skills. 

4. Selecting the appropriate resume format

You will come across different types of resume formats. But you will have to figure out which one would be the best for you. Apart from considering the job and the industry, you should look at your level of expertise to choose the right format. 

Crafting Your Resume Sections

A huge part of learning how to make a resume is understanding the information to include in every section. Check it out below:

1. Contact Information

This part will include your name, address, phone number, and email. Remember to enter your full name here. The font size should match the body text of the remaining resume. But you can keep the name a point or two bigger. 

2. Summary or Objective Statement

A professional experience resume includes a summary or objective statement after the contact details. For individuals with limited experience, such as recent graduates, an objective statement is a concise summary of their career aspirations. It serves as a quick introduction to their professional goals. 

In contrast, a resume summary is a brief statement that showcases the applicant’s relevant skills and experience in a dynamic way. It uses action-oriented language to highlight key accomplishments and qualifications.

3. Work Experience

To showcase your relevant experience, organize your professional history in reverse chronological order. Begin with your most recent role. For each position, include the company name, employment dates, job title, and brief description of key achievements. Utilize specific numerical data to demonstrate your impact at every position. 

4. Education

If you have minimal work experience or are pursuing a career change, an education section in your personal resume can be highly beneficial. Consider talking about the coursework and your GPA or rank. 

Think about the specific abilities and experiences you have that match the requirements of this job. Then, read the job description carefully and mark the key skills and achievements that you’ve successfully demonstrated in your previous work. You should include your soft skills as well as technical skills in the resume. 

6. Additional Sections

When your resume has empty spaces, you can enhance it by including a section highlighting your accomplishments or interests. You can also add the languages you know and mention your volunteering experiences. This is particularly useful for resumes that are shorter or when you have limited work or education history to present.

Formatting and Design Tips

Anyone trying to figure out how to make a resume should know the right formatting and design tips. 

1. Choosing a clear and professional font

Your resume should have a professional-looking font. Try using Times New Roman or Arial to make the text seem legible. 

2. Using consistent formatting throughout

One important resume writing tip is following a consistent format. The font style should be uniform throughout the resume. Keep your margins within 1 to 1.5 inches. 

3. Keeping your resume concise (1-2 pages)

Your recruiters don’t have all the time in the world to go through your resume. So, keep it short, with a maximum length of two pages. 

4. Using bullet points for readability

Adding bullet points to your resume can break the monotony of text-heavy paragraphs. It is great for enhancing readability and making recruiters easily find the information they want. You can add bullet points to the education and professional history paragraph.

5. Saving your resume in the appropriate file format (e.g., PDF)

While learning how to make a resume, one important step is saving it. Once you are done proofreading the entire document, you should download it in a suitable file format. Employers commonly accept resumes in the PDF format. 

Resume Templates and Samples

If you want a better understanding of how to make a resume, check out the templates and samples below:

Entry-level resume template

Mid-career resume template  , executive-level resume template, industry-specific resume samples, 1. it professional resume, 2. marketing professional resume, proofreading and editing your resume.

When you are learning how to make a resume, you shouldn’t ignore the importance of proofreading and editing. Here are some tips: 

1. Checking for spelling and grammar errors

Even the best people can make spelling and grammatical errors. So, carefully read your resume and look for issues. Remember that even minor issues can have a negative impression on the employer. 

2. Ensuring consistency in formatting

The entire resume should have a consistent format. Check whether the entire document has a uniform font style. Moreover, look at the line spacing to maintain consistency. 

3. Getting feedback from others

After creating your resume, make someone read it. A third-party perspective will help you find mistakes and areas of improvement in your resume. 

4. Tailoring your resume for each job application

One of the best tips for making a resume is customizing it as per requirements. Before applying for a job, check out the specific skills they are looking for in a candidate. Highlight the skills that would be relevant for that particular job role. 

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

If you want to learn how to write the best resume, you should know the mistakes to avoid. Remember to steer clear of the following while drafting your resume: 

1. Using a generic, one-size-fits-all resume

Don’t think that you can submit the same resume everywhere. Remember to customize it according to where you are submitting it. For instance, you will have to highlight your IT skills if you are submitting your resume with an internship application in the IT domain. 

2. Including irrelevant or outdated information

Don’t forget to update your resume from time to time. Maybe your resume includes your achievement of winning a debate competition in school. This achievement might have looked good on your college applications. But while applying for a job, you need to talk about more recent and relevant achievements. 

3. Using passive language or vague descriptions

Knowing how to write a resume means understanding that there’s no room for vague descriptions with passive language. For instance, you have probably mentioned that you brought change to an organization while working there. But what kind of change did you bring along/ Mention something more specific, like the fact you have improved the workflow by enhancing the efficiency of the filing system. 

4 Neglecting to proofread and edit

It’s not uncommon for your resume to feature a typo or punctuation error here and there. After completing the entire resume, make it a habit to read it and make the necessary changes. Moreover, you should proofread every time you update your CV by adding new information. 

Creating the best resume will help you capture the attention of recruiters instantly. But you need to follow some of the best tips and practices to create a detailed and effective resume. So, learn how to make a resume and notice exciting professional opportunities coming your way.

Q1: What is the ideal length of a resume?

Ans: Usually, your resume should be one page long. But if you are an experienced professional and have an extensive work history, your resume can be two pages long. 

Q2: What should be the font size of my resume?

Ans: The standard font size of the body text in your resume should be 11 or 12 points. You can make the headers and sub-headers larger. But usually, no font on a resume is bigger than 14 points. 

Q3: Is a resume bigger than a CV?

Ans: A CV usually contains more information than a resume. Therefore, the length of a resume is shorter than a CV. 

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• May 14, 2024
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Best Resume Templates 2024

Looking to write a superb resume? Perusing the best resume templates 2024 is a great place to start! In addition to providing you with 4 of the best resume templates of 2024, we will also review key resume writing tips, as well as introduce you to our AI-powered resume maker . So if you’re interested in learning how to write a good resume — one that will help you stand out from your peers — you’ve come to the right place!

Complimentary Initial Consultation

Fill out this form to book your complimentary initial consultation., how to write a great resume.

Most professionals aren’t content with knowing how to write a basic resume. They want to know how to write a resume that stands out. Job ads often receive hundreds if not thousands of applications. So it makes sense that you want to learn how to write the perfect resume.

There are lots of resume writing tools that can help. But first, let’s quickly review 5 tips for writing a resume:

• Always tailor your resume for each job application by using plenty of keywords included in the job description.
• Write concise bullet points. Include relevant details by answering the “what, why, and how?” for each task and experience. 
• Use standard formatting. Choosing a professional resume template can be a great way to ensure that your resume is streamlined and organized. 
• Unless specified otherwise, send your resume as a PDF. This will prevent corrupted files and unplanned formatting changes. 
• Always proofread your resume! If possible, have someone else proofread it as well. After all, two sets of eyes are better than one.

In conclusion, there are several factors you’ll need to keep in mind when figuring out how to write a good resume. For a more thorough explanation, refer to our article, 5 Writing Guidelines to Follow When Writing a Resume .

4 professional resume templates

As previously mentioned, selecting a professional resume template is a great way to achieve a polished resume. Resume templates simplify formatting decisions. Not only can this help you create a visually appealing resume, but it can also help you write a resume that can easily be evaluated by an applicant tracking system (ATS) . 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at four of the best resume templates (2024):

Third year student resume sample

Source: https://resumemaker.prepory.com/dashboard/samples/student

Customer support team lead resume sample

Source: https://resumemaker.prepory.com/dashboard/samples/business

Graphic design resume sample

Source: https://resumemaker.prepory.com/dashboard/samples/design

Prelegal resume sample

Source: https://resumemaker.prepory.com/dashboard/samples/legal

Prepory’s AI Resume Generator

There are a lot of factors to keep track of when writing a resume. From using the best resume template and targeting keywords to highlighting your most relevant skills and coming up with the perfect resume summary. It can be a lot to keep track of! Especially if you want to know how to make a resume quickly. That’s where we come in.

Prepory has its very own AI resume writing software . It’s comprehensive, easy to use, and has amazing features. It even teaches you how to write a resume step by step. 

Let’s take a minute to highlight some of what Prepory’s resume maker has to offer:

• Five professional resume templates to choose from.
• Informational videos throughout with step-by-step instructions.
• A sample library with industry-specific resume and cover letter samples. 
• An AI keyword targeting feature.

Our AI resume writing software also:

• Generates feedback in real time as you fill out each section.
• Assigns your resume a score (0-100) that will automatically readjust as you make edits.
• Has the ability to automatically optimize formatting.
• Allows you to upload job ads so you can receive targeted suggestions on how to best optimize your resume.

The best news? Our AI resume generator is free to use! It also offers affordable upgrades if you want an expert to review your resume or help coming up with a perfect cover letter. 

In addition to the free version , there are three types of plans: 

• Up to 1 resume limit
• Unlimited resume downloads
• AI Resume Writer (need AI credits)
• Limited access to Keyword Targeting
• Limited access to Content Analysis
• Standard Resume Template
• Download as Microsoft .DOCX file, Google Drive
• Unlimited resumes creation
• Unlimited cover letter creation
• Unlimited AI Credits
• AI Resume Writer
• AI Cover Letter Writer
• 1 free resume review = Renews monthly
• Full access to Keyword Targeting
• Full access to Content Analysis
• Full access to Pro Samples
• All resume templates
• Add resume photo
• AI Cover Letter Writer (need AI credits)

Ready for more good news? If you decide to stick with the free plan , you can pay a one time fee of $8 for an expert to review your finished resume! Really, it doesn’t get better than that.

How our resume maker can help you

Using AI resume writing tools, such as our professional resume maker , is a great way to make sure your resume is compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) . Job ads often receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications. This is why job recruiters often use AI software (i.e. applicant tracking systems) to sort through and rank job applicants. 

In conclusion, AI resume writing tools, such as ours, can help give you the edge you need! Get noticed by job recruiters and algorithms alike. After all, you don’t want to miss out on any opportunities because your resume wasn’t compatible with an applicant tracking system.

Key takeaways and moving forward

By combining our resume writing tips with the best resume templates (2024), you are in the perfect place to impress your future bosses! Now that you have a better idea how to write a resume for a job ad, you’re well on your way to finding meaningful employment opportunities. And if you still have questions about how to write an incredible entry-level resume or how to find a career you love , we have even more resources to help you. Reach out to learn more about our services today!

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Our college admissions experts are here to guide you from where you are to where you should be. Through our comprehensive curriculum, individualized coaching, and online workshops, you are set for success as soon as you connect with us.

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• Assess your student’s applicant profile and higher education goals 
• Provide detailed information about our services and programming
• Share tips on how to navigate the U.S. college admissions process 

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