College Resume Templates

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A  college resume is a document that represents a high school student’s academic achievement, after-school activities, work experience, and other relevant accomplishments.

It is used when applying for college or university and will accompany the student’s overall college application. Since high school students do not have an extensive list of professional work experience, the college resume highlights the student’s extracurricular involvement and achievements.

Sample College Application Resumes

free college resume templates word

What Should a College Resume Look Like?

While college resume templates have many structures and designs, each form must look clean and professional. University administrators prefer easy-to-read documents written in a business-like tone and free of grammar, spelling, and mechanical mistakes. Students should avoid flashy, distracting, or gimmicky resumes to boost the chances of receiving an acceptance letter. All information listed in the template needs to represent the student’s authentic experiences and accomplishments. Colleges automatically reject applicants who lie or include false information on their resumes.

Experienced individuals can guide you through the resume-writing process. For instance, online professionals, libraries, job centers, and state resources support people of all ages. Friends, family members, teachers, and peers can also provide helpful feedback if needed.

College Resume Examples

free college resume templates word

How to Make a Resume for College

Identify what the college admissions committee is looking for in its candidates. Specific colleges or programs search for applicants who have served in leadership positions while others only emphasize academic achievement. Knowing this information ahead of time allows students to tailor their resumes to match the application requirements.

Compile a list of all the student’s relevant accomplishments, experiences, and awards. Consider exciting and innovative projects or presentations, in addition to standardized items, such as high grade-point-average (GPA) or being a captain of a varsity sports team.

For instance, if the college application is for a design school, the candidate should include their work from a high school project. Yearbook designs and other visual content or images help the applicant demonstrate their skill(s).

free college resume templates word

Which Skills Should be Included?

Each college resume has a unique style and format with specific information about the applicant. Although the templates look different from one another, they generally include the following information:

  • Work experience (including seasonal and part-time positions)
  • Extracurricular / club activities
  • Volunteer work
  • Leadership positions
  • Projects, performances, and/or presentations
  • Summer internships
  • Academic achievements (i.e., high GPA, Honor roll, etc.)

Include both “hard” and “soft” skills in a resume. “Hard” skills are technical in nature and typically job-specific, such as coding in HTML, audio/video editing, or cabinetry. “Soft” skills are character or interpersonal traits that are transferrable to many types of positions, such as being a self-starter, possessing close attention to detail, or resolving conflicts effectively. Colleges want to see how applicants align with the goals and values of their program or institution.

For example, a student applying to a pre-med program should include the hard and soft skills that best match the program’s requirements. Applicants who can provide first aid (hard skill) and personable patient care (soft skill) best demonstrate that they are a good fit for the program.

Building a solid resume takes time – that is okay. Start by referring to local resources. Volunteer opportunities, clubs, organizations, and part-time jobs help strengthen the “experience” and “skills” sections of your resume. In addition, these details prove to recruiters that you are motivated and enjoy helping the community – both of which boost your chances of being accepted. If you have enough time before the college application deadline, consider involving yourself in activities that best suit your interests to build your resume.

College Application Resume Examples

free college resume templates word

Key Takeaways

A college resume summarizes the student’s background and achievements. It allows the candidate to highlight their best qualities, relevant experiences, and skills to admissions officers in the prospect of receiving an acceptance letter.

Recruiters will read a well-crafted resume that stands out against other candidates. For instance, a student can provide information about club activities or high school leadership positions to counteract a lack of work experience. Overall, applicants have the freedom to include the skills, experiences, and accomplishments that they feel best represent their personality and capabilities.

Resume templates

Put your best qualities on display with professional, customizable resume and cv templates. no matter your line of work or length of professional history, you'll find resume and cv templates that'll help you get the gig..

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Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

WTO / Human Resource / Resumes / 50 Free College Resume Templates for Students (Examples)

50 Free College Resume Templates for Students (Examples)

A perfect college resume is all about you as an applicant summing up your whole life into a piece of paper. As an applicant, you must focus on both your work experience and educational achievements as you prepare a resume. The purpose of a college resume template varies from one applicant to another.

However, the content usually remains similar across different people’s resumes. It is all about highlighting your skills, qualifications, and abilities in different areas of your life. The resumes are essential, and every applicant should know how to write one and what to include in a resume.

What is a College Resume?

A college resume is a document that contains a college applicant’s details relating to their academic skills, work qualifications, and other relevant experiences. This document is mainly used to seek employment and for college admission.

College Resume Templates

Great Printable Student College Resume Template 01 in Word Format

Importance of resume for college

Here are some benefits of having a resume for college.

  • Provides a platform to describe all the activities an applicant has been involved in at school and outside school.
  • Provides referees with a framework as they write recommendation letters .
  • It serves an applicant with appropriate talking points during an interview, especially when seeking for employment.
  • Having a resume is essential for scholarship and internship applications.

Structure of a College Resume

College resumes are built in specific ways. They usually have a particular structure that is used by most applicants when writing resumes.

Here is how the standard structure of a resume looks like.

  • Activities (academic and extracurricular)
  • Volunteering
  • Awards and accolades

These are the components that must be found in the resume. An applicant should include content that relates to these seven components found in the resume.

What Should be Included in a College Resume?

Based on the structure of the resume, here is what you as an applicant should include in your resume while writing it.

Contact information 

You should include relevant contact information . This will include your official full names, your regular official email, and your working cell phone number.

Aluta Continua [email protected] 012-345-6789

Your educational background is also essential as it builds the main content of your resume . You should, therefore, focus on your academic history. As an applicant, you should include the names of the schools you went to and the education successes you achieved over the years.

It is also advisable to mention any relevant courses based on the purpose of the resume. In addition, you can also include any academic activities you participated in, like contests and Science fair projects.

You can include your high school’s name, provide the address, mention the period when you start and completed high school, highlight your GPA, and mention your best test scores according to subjects. An applicant may also add any extra and relevant course based on whether the resume is meant for applying for a job or applying for college.

Wisdom High School, Out here, IN (2012- 2016) GPA: 3.5 SAT: 1400 ACT: 28 Other relevant courses: French, History, Music

When it comes to experience, applicants should provide factual information related to past relevant jobs, community services, and volunteer work. Therefore, this section will focus more on accomplishments than responsibilities. You can use numbers to give exact information about your accomplishments.

“I used to babysit children in my neighborhood” sounds more like responsibility. However, an applicant can write, “I used to babysit six children in my neighborhood for 30 minutes per child on the weekends’’.

You can also use numbers to highlight the experiences you got from the accomplishments and use strong, active verbs when writing.

Some verbs that can be included are created, problem-solved, budgeted, maintained, bought, bid, sold, delivered, managed, organized, scheduled, built, developed, coached, written, produced, presented, and traveled.

“I used to babysit six children in my neighborhood for the weekend. I managed their play and feeding time as I organized their schedules’’.

Experiences usually involve many different things, and the applicant should know how to write them to impact the reader.

Experiences should be written in reverse order by starting from the most recent ones while going backward. Each experience should have details of its location, date, and the benefit created. An applicant should also avoid writing in the first person when listing their experiences.

As you write your accomplishments, you should note that there is a difference between accomplishments and responsibilities. For instance, you may be perfect with the task of keeping law and order at school, which is not an accomplishment but a responsibility.

Likewise, if you were in a club team, you should know the difference between what you were responsible for in a service project and what you accomplished.

Extracurricular activities

If applicants have limited experiences, especially related to work, including some of the extracurricular activities they were involved in is the best option. These are non-work activities that still impact an applicant’s resume positively.

They include works done while in clubs, sports activities, volunteer work, and other community services. These extracurricular activities help to display an applicant’s skills and abilities.

Awards and honors

This information is all about the rewards an applicant receives from their academic or non-academic endeavors. The awards and honors might include swimming trophies, merit badges, or prizes from science fair projects. An applicant should avoid using the first pronoun when listing them.

Awards and honors include rewards and prizes, but they can also include information about the applicant being chosen for something like a student representative of the school in a conference.

With awards and honors, the following information should be provided:

  • Name of the award and brief details about it
  • The organization you were involved with, the position you attained, and the date when you received the award
  • Specific details about the number, for instance, an applicant who won a trophy for swimming can give information about the number of participants and their position to be considered as a winner.

The last section of it is the skills. The content included here about an applicant’s skills should be written briefly and should provide relevant information. When describing your skills, an applicant should always avoid the cliché statement like a hard-working, team player, punctual and organized.

Applicants should mention skills like computer skills and language skills as they would be more attractive to the reader. An applicant could also include sports skills, communication skills , writing skills, and technical skills. There should be about ten skills in the resume, if possible.

College Resume Examples

Great Efficient Student College Resume Template 16 as Word File

How to Write a College Resume?

With the knowledge of what the structure of it looks like and what should be included when writing one, here are the steps that an applicant should follow to write a resume. With these steps, you can craft and write a proper resume that will serve your intention of writing it.

Research the college

An applicant should first find out more about the college. Some colleges might require certain information in the resume. An applicant should be aware of any particular details required in the resume before writing the resume.

Gather information

The next step is to gather all the information that should be included in the resume. You should focus on arranging the information gathered about your education, work experience, and accomplishments in ascending order. This means that the details should be written starting from the most recent ones.

Use a template

The next step is to access and use a template to write the resume . A template will highlight all the information that you need to have in your resume. It will also have spaces to fill in where required, making the writing process faster and easier.

For an easy way of accessing a template, we will be providing free downloadable templates for resumes for you to use. Our pre-build templates have the structure of a proper resume.

Add titles/dates

It is vital to include titles and dates when writing your information in the template you have downloaded. With specific headings, it becomes easier to read and understand your resume.

You should mention the start year to end year of your volunteer work.

Fill in the action-oriented bullets

Apart from adding titles, an applicant should also include action-oriented bullets in the resumes. This is meant to explain what you specifically did regarding jobs, volunteering, academic activities, and extracurricular activities. These bullets points should be clear and brief.

Revise your resume

After an applicant completes writing the resume, the next step is to read through it and edit any incorrect information. You should also ensure that the resume is one page long. In case the resume is longer, you can edit it by shortening or removing some information.

An applicant can then ask another person, such as their friend, parent, or teacher, to proofread their resume before using it. Another person will help you to verify the content and format of the resume. Also, you can change any errors that you did not spot when editing.

This infographic is about how to write a college student resume.

College Resume Samples

Free Editable Student College Resume Template 24 as Word Document

How to format a college resume template?

After writing a resume, you can format it to ensure it is professional and impactful to the reader. With proper formatting, an applicant will make a great impression even before their work is read.

  • Use a serif font when writing a resume. This is a font, such as Times New Roman, with tiny feet at the bottom of the letters. The font is more traditional and will make the resume look professional.
  • An applicant should create a style to highlight the different levels of information present in the resume. You can bold or even use capital letters for headings. Italics or underlining for other levels of headings can also be used. Applicants can also use bullet points to list the information. It is all about being consistent and neat.
  • The resume should be one page long. With very long ones, the reader rarely takes their time to go through them as they might have several resumes to go through.
  • Ensure the margins are at 1 inch and there is space in between each section. With proper set margins, it makes reading easier

Tips for Writing a College Resume

There are a few guidelines that an applicant can take a look at to jot down a really perfect and powerful resume.

Here are some tips that will help you when writing a college resume :

Tailor your resume

Even when using a template, an applicant should constantly tailor the resumes to suit their needs. This means providing the needed information in the resume. The resume should always be tailored to fit your needs.

Be concise and honest

It should be brief to guarantee that the reader will go through it amidst the many resumes they have to read. An applicant should also include factual and accurate information in the resume.

Limit your resume to one page

When formatting the letter, the applicant should ensure that it is one page long by mentioning only the relevant information. This can also be achieved by highlighting only the relevant skills and work experiences .

Mention unique experiences

You should make your resume different by including any unique experience that you might have had. This might help your resume stand out and help you qualify for whatever job or college admission you are applying for.

Don’t embellish

Most recipients of these resumes tend to investigate the truth that is written in them. Any discrepancies might disqualify the applicant. That means you should not exaggerate your accomplishments when writing them.

If you have no work experience, you can choose to mention your extracurricular activities instead of embellishing your accomplishments.

Emphasize specific achievements

Having a position that makes you responsible for something does not automatically make it an achievement. As an applicant you should, therefore, focus on your specific achievements instead of general responsibilities.

Doing this will make the resume more effective, but it will also ensure that you can fit your content into the required one page.

Use action/active verbs

When writing the resume, it is best to stick with action verbs when describing the achievements. Some of the action words used in a resume have been mentioned earlier in the article, including managed and organized. They help to portray your achievements energetically.

Quantify your data

An applicant should always use numbers when writing a resume as much as possible. In addition, quantifying data is best used when discussing awards and success.

You can mention the number of people you helped as you volunteered or the amount of money you made as you managed the shop.

Showcase the skills

As many skills as an applicant have, it is best to showcase the reasons for preparing the resume. This may be about seeking employment or admission to college. Therefore, relevant skills should be well listed in the resume.

Use a resume example

It would be best if you used our resume examples when writing your resume as it will act as a guide. With an example, you will remember the content required in the resume and how best to format it to make it perfect and effective.

Avoid social media

When writing the resume, an applicant should avoid including social media in the content. In addition, you should not provide links for their social media accounts unless asked for them or where you intend to use your resume is a social media site.

Final Thoughts

A college resume is an essential document written by an applicant to highlight their academic skills, accomplishments, awards, and work qualifications. It is considered a summary of your life and must, therefore, be written appropriately. An applicant must always be aware of the basic structure of a resume, that is, the heading, academics, activities, jobs, volunteering, skills, and awards, to be able to include the required content in the resume. With the proper content, you must also learn how to format your resume appropriately. Therefore, with this article, an applicant will not only know how to write a resume but also how to format it and beneficial tips that, if observed, will help you achieve the perfect resume. An applicant should use the templates and examples provided to guide how to write a resume.

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College Resume Templates

50 college student resume templates (& format).

When making a college resume template, keep in mind that your resume isn’t you. It’s merely a document that says something about you relevant to an objective you’re pursuing. A good resume should include important details about yourself even before including the usual contact information, education history, experiences, awards or honors, and any additional skills.

Table of Contents

  • 1 College Resume Templates
  • 2 What is the importance of a college resume template?
  • 3 High School Resume for College
  • 4 How to choose a college resume template?
  • 5 College Resume Formats
  • 6 Parts of a college resume template
  • 7 College Student Resume Examples
  • 8 Tips for writing a college resume template
  • 9 College Resume Samples

Free college resume template 01

What is the importance of a college resume template?

For admission in many colleges, you need a strong recommendation to submit along with your college resume template and an application letter. Some colleges, however, forbid this. To ensure that comply with requirements, so you know the kind of resume template for college students they prefer.

One of the most important things is to always keep a professionally-written resume as you can use this in many different ways:

  • It gives your teachers and advisers a framework when writing their recommendation letters .
  • It gives you a list of conversation points for when you have a scheduled admissions interview.
  • It’s a requirement for several scholarships as well as internship or employment opportunities.
  • Finally, a resume is almost like a business card. It has a tone of professionalism. Moreover, a good resume is something you can confidently submit to any school’s admissions department.

High School Resume for College

Free college resume template 10

How to choose a college resume template?

Your college resume template should have that “IT” factor to leave a good impression on the reader. When composing your college resume format, always remember that looks matter. Here are a few pointers to think about for the design and format of your resume:

  • Avoid using Helvetica and other casual fonts Helvetica refers to a widely used sans-serif typeface characterized with “no feet” at the bottom of the letters. The opposite is serif fonts which have, well, those “little feet,” The latter is more professional and traditional for use in a resume.
  • Come up with a specific style for each of the levels of information There are many computer functions you can use to emphasize points in your resume . You can use bold or capitalized headings, italics or underlines when needed, bullet points for enumerations, and more. Consistency is the main key here. There’s no one standard way. Just select a specific style then stick with it.
  • Make sure to limit your resume to a single page Keep your resume as short as possible but still containing the salient points. Being concise can already earn you extra points from college admission counselors who have read a lot of these wordy resumes.
  • Make sure there is enough white space Margin formats always make an example resume college student clean and professional. One-inch margins are the standard. Keep a gap between the sections. White space is an effective design tool. It’s also gentler on the eyes of the reader.

College Resume Formats

Free college resume template 20

Parts of a college resume template

A college resume template usually has four basic sections. Make sure that you include all of these sections in your resume template for college student. There should be a separate section if you have received many awards and honors. Here are brief descriptions of the basic sections of a college resume template:

  • Contact Information This includes the following details: Your name Make sure to use the same name as the one on your application. Again, the key here is consistency. Your professional email Make sure to check this email frequently. If you don’t have a professional email, create one. If you still use your email from high school, create a new one too. Your mobile phone number
  • Education This involves a bit more work as it includes: The name of the High School you attended, the City, the State, and the inclusive years. Your GPA both unweighted and weighted. Your highest test scores including, ACT, SAT, and others. Any relevant coursework. This part would give you the opportunity to talk about any additional classes, which you’ve taken back in high school which also reflect your interest in the course you plan to major in.
  • Experience This section allows you to state the reasons why you’re qualified for admission, that it isn’t just about responsibilities but accomplishments as well. But what is the difference? An illustrative example can explain this. Maybe you were a class president responsible for presiding over meetings, planning events , organizing fundraisers , and more. But if you didn’t accomplish any of these, then you should not include these in your college resume format. You need to consider both accomplishments and responsibilities in any of your endeavors, whether it be in a team, a club, a service project , and more. Also, try to think of your accomplishments in terms of numerical figures. Think about your choice in words when writing your college resume. Use active words to come up with a description of what you did exactly. Remember, this is the chance to explain that you have led, managed, created, organized, problem-solved, maintained, coached, budgeted, produced, presented, scheduled, written, built, traveled, bid, sold, developed, delivered, and so on. As you can see, these are all action words. Here are some helpful tips for writing this part of the resume: It’s recommended in any example resume college student to list experiences and education in reverse chronological order. Start with your most recent experiences and work backward. For each of the activities, list the business or organization (on-the-job training included), where it’s located, the position you held, and when these activities occurred. These dates show how much time you’ve spent on those activities. Avoid talking in the first person. Better to say “led,” rather than saying “I led.” Practice consistency in your verb tenses. If you’re still part of an activity, use the present tense. If not, use the past-tense.
  • Awards and Honors You can compare this section to your trophy case at home. If you won an essay-writing contest in a school-wide competition or you won first prize in a science fair or your miniature horse got a best-of-show award, then you can include all these in this section. As for experiences, take some time to make the details of your experiences brief while still capturing your awesomeness. Make sure to include the following: Naming the award gives credence to it. Make a brief description of what the award is all about. List all of the organizations you have been a part of, the positions you’ve held, and the dates when you received your awards. If possible, provide the month and the year. Being very specific and using numbers is highly recommended. Lastly, avoid using the first person.

College Student Resume Examples

Free college resume template 30

Tips for writing a college resume template

A good college resume template should emphasize your education and work history. You may also include abilities and skills by citing as examples your participation in extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Here are some helpful points that can make your resume template for college student stronger:

  • Focus on your education Since applying for admission to college, your education history matters most. Emphasize the important points of your educational history. Aside from the usual name and degree, also include your achievements, like any academic awards or a high GPA. Also, mention any courses you’ve taken that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
  • Include any relevant jobs You should now know with the experiences and skills required for the job you’re applying for. You can include the skills you’ve developed while performing other jobs in your resume. Even if your work experiences aren’t directly related, try thinking of ways to highlight those experiences. For instance, being a cashier before could have developed your skills in leadership or customer service .
  • Include your extracurricular activities For beginners, they may have limited experiences in terms of work. Here, they can emphasize non-working activities like a club membership , sports, volunteer work, babysitting or community service . Although these involve no compensation, they can show your abilities and skills.
  • Include your leadership experience If you have held a position that entails leadership in a sports team, a club or in previous jobs, these would be worth mentioning in your resume as these are an indication of your ability to lead.
  • Utilize action verbs This is a useful way to show responsibility. These become very effective when you describe your achievements. These words can depict your experiences in a compelling and energetic manner.
  • Quantify whenever possible Using numbers usually can highlight, if not enhance, your achievements. For instance, you can say that you have worked as a teller in a bank managing amounts of over $300,000 each day or you’ve worked in a retail shop helping out about 75 – 100 customers on average per day.
  • Keep editing as needed Never forget to carefully proofread the resume you’ve created before submitting. A finished one should be error-free spelling and grammar-wise. It should also comply with professional standards. As a double-check, ask a relative or friend to read your resume as well.
  • Download example resume college student You can use a college resume template as a guide when making your own. This greatly helps in deciding the content to include and how you should format it. Just make sure that the template you select will fit your own education, experiences, and the position you’re applying for .

College Resume Samples

Free college resume template 40

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19+ Free College Resume Templates & Examples (MS Word)

There are certain times throughout our lives when we’re expected to capture our personal attributes on paper. For many, the college resume is the most important example of this because it can open or close a career path for good. While it’s true, your college resume deserves patience and precision, writing it doesn’t need to be a stressful experience.

There are plenty of ways to simplify the writing process, including using a college resume template as a guide. Resume templates are useful as they provide examples of proper formatting and structure, and some even include hypothetical entries to demonstrate what high-quality content looks like.

Keep reading for advice on what to put in your college resume and how to make your achievements stand out in a crowd.

What Is a College Resume?

A college resume is a concise snapshot of a college applicant’s high school career and achievements. It is used in combination with an official application document to showcase a student’s suitability for their chosen school. Just like an employment resume, a good college resume provides pertinent details on the individual’s academic credentials, work experiences, leadership qualities, personal interests, and useful skills.

It’s important to be succinct when writing your college resume. It should, preferably, be one page in length and certainly no longer than two pages. Admissions staff read thousands of these documents every year, and the key to being memorable is finding the right balance between brevity and individuality. Be engaging but make sure everything you put on your resume is relevant.

What Is a College Resume Template?

A college resume template is an example of a good college resume that can be used as a writing guide for your own. Some resume templates come prefilled with information about a hypothetical student, which serves as an indicator of the type of content you need to add for yourself. Other resume templates are blank except for a preformatted structure that the applicant can copy-paste their own content into.

Whichever style of the college resume template you decide to use, make sure to proofread it several times when you’re finished writing. It’s very easy when working with a preformatted document to accidentally skip over sections and end up submitting a blank space or the preloaded words intended to be used as an example.

College Resume Templates & Examples

College Resume Template #01

Importance of a College Resume Template

You can, of course, start from scratch and create your college resume without any type of template at all. The main drawback, however, is it takes a lot longer, and you can end up spending more time creating the visual elements than writing engaging content. Design and formatting are important but only as a means to an end; you want to catch the eye of the admissions staff and make them want to know more about you.

With a template, the design elements of the document are already taken care of so you can focus on showcasing yourself and the qualities you’ll bring to the college.

Essential Elements of a College Resume Template

Here are some things you must include on your college resume. Don’t forget, every sentence needs to matter. If it doesn’t demonstrate why you should be admitted to the college, don’t include it.

Basic Information

Include your full name, current address, phone number, and email address on your college resume. This information should be right at the top or in a spot that’s very easy to find. If admissions staff can’t find a way to contact you, they might decide not to bother.

Academic Credentials

This is the most important part of your college resume because your high school grades will determine whether you’re capable of excelling at your chosen institution. Here is what to include:

  • The name and address of your high school. If you attended more than one school, list them in date order (most recent at the top) and include the academic years you completed at each one.
  • Any coursework achievements that are relevant to the major you wish to study
  • Class rank (if you feel it’s relevant and positive)
  • Test scores (where relevant)

Activities and Experiences

Make sure to include any hobbies and activities that demonstrate transferable skills. For instance, being the captain of a basketball team shows you have physical fitness, a head for strategy, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure.

Almost any activity is transferable (relevant to your future goals) if you look at it from the right perspective. So if you don’t have a lot of extracurricular hobbies and don’t belong to any academic clubs, write a list of things you do in your spare time. Then, try to think of three qualities needed to do each successfully.

  • School-related activities (academic clubs, school sports, drama performances, school journalism, musical groups, etc.)
  • Extracurricular hobbies (sports teams, community service, volunteer work, camp excursions, summer courses, local competitions, weekend jobs, job shadowing, internships, caring for relatives/siblings, etc.)

Awards and Honors

You don’t need regional or state awards to get accepted into a good college, but they make a great impression. At prestigious institutions that receive a lot of applications, awards are a helpful (if not always fair) way to determine which student has the edge over another.

So if you do have any awards or honors in your recent past, include them on your college resume to give you an advantage over those who don’t

  • The full name of the award received
  • The position/rank awarded
  • A brief explanation of why the award exists
  • The date you received the award

Special Skills

The last section should be quite short and include interesting facts that don’t fit in the other sections. This might include unusual hobbies, language skills, technical or manufacturing abilities, or even long-term family traditions that say something about your personality and background.

  • Hobbies that are skillful but not directly relevant to college (jewelry making, gardening, photography, mountain biking, etc.)
  • Language proficiencies (include any languages except for English that you can speak fluently even if you’ve spoken them since childhood)
  • Technical and manufacturing abilities (welding, cooking, dressmaking, graphic design, website building, etc.)

How to Write a College Resume (Step-By-Step)

As you construct your resume, use these steps to make sure you’re including the right information and presenting your skills as positively as possible.

Step 1 – Choose an appropriate format

Admissions staff have to read college resumes quickly. Giving your resume a very clear structure will ensure they find the information they want before moving on to somebody else’s application. Make sure every section has a heading that’s easy to see and read. Write in a sensible, formal-looking font and use a suitable size.

If you’re using a college resume template, pick one that’s not cluttered with unnecessary or distracting visual elements.

Step 2 – Write for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Some larger colleges use applicant tracking systems – computer software designed to sort applications according to their inclusion of keywords – to quickly identify those resumes with potential. Many colleges don’t use ATS but, if your college does, get your resume noticed by including keywords that are relevant to the institution.

Pay close attention to the language used in the college’s list of preferred and required qualifications and attributes. Find a way to fit these keywords naturally into your resume so they’ll be picked up by the ATS and deemed noteworthy.

Step 3 – Include Contact Details for Potential Referees

Students don’t usually need to include character references in their applications or on their resumes, but you might want to consider adding a phone number or email address for your teacher or current employer.

While it’s not essential, having this information on your college resume gives admissions staff the option to investigate you further. It might be especially useful if you’re worried about not having good grades or being able to demonstrate key skills via extracurricular hobbies.

Step 4 – Make Your Personal Summary Impactful

It’s common practice when resume writing to include a one or two-sentence summary that encapsulates your journey. This is sometimes called a ‘career objective’ or an ‘objective statement.’ This type of summary should be written in the third person, so avoid using ‘I am.’

Instead, describe yourself as if you were writing a short biography for a character in a book. What type of student are you (high school, college, graduate, etc.)? What school are you attending? Which field or industry are you a prospective student of? What are you hoping to achieve with this college resume?

Step 5 – Provide Accurate Educational Credentials

Though it’s common to be asked what you’re going to major in a while still at high school, this opportunity to specialize in a subject normally comes in college. At the application stage, institutions are concerned with the strength of key skills such as mathematics and literacy and your ability to maintain consistency across all your grades.

  • Make sure your education section includes:
  • Your high school’s name
  • Your high school’s address
  • Your current or projected grades
  • Your graduation year
  • Your chosen college major (if applicable)
  • Any relevant achievements, awards, or honors

Step 6  – Proofread, Proofread and Proofread Again

The final step, before submitting your college resume, is to proofread all the content. This is a really important document, so there’s no such thing as being too careful with it. Review the resume several times and, if possible, get somebody else to look it over as well.

If a person has spent many hours writing or studying from a document, their eyes will get familiar with its content and start to skim read. This is how typos and other mistakes get overlooked even after a student has proofread a page many times. Ask a friend, parent, or teacher (with fresh eyes) to take a quick look.

How to Choose a College Resume Template

  • There are lots of different college resume templates to choose from. Some templates are heavily formatted with a lot of visual design elements. Others are crisper and cleaner, with minimal formatting to allow for the content to shine. While a degree of creative flair can be helpful, don’t forget this is a formal document.
  • Stick with formal or classic fonts (Arial, times new roman, Calabria, etc.), avoiding sans-serif typefaces that are too casual for educational documents.
  • Try to fit your entire college resume onto a one-page template. Admissions staff appreciate students who can convey the relevant information concisely and without taking up a lot of their time. If you’re struggling with this, try switching to a simpler template with fewer visual elements. One-inch margins are the standard for college resumes. Make sure your resume template has them. Leave a suitable gap between sections, so the content doesn’t run together and get confusing.

Final Thoughts

Successful college resumes are short documents that contain fewer words than you might expect. However, this doesn’t mean they’re always easy documents to compose. Instead of prioritizing length as you might with a school assignment, focus on putting maximum value in every sentence.

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College Student

Ivan Shovkoplias

College Student resume examples & templates

College Student resume examples & templates

Choosing the right resume format for car sales

Include your contact information, make use of a summary, outline your college work experience, include the relevant key skills that make you a great candidate (even as a college student), detail your education & relevant certifications, pick the right resume layout and design for a college student resume.

Stepping out into the professional world as a college student or fresh graduate can seem difficult and confusing, with so many options on the path to a good job. You can give yourself a winning edge with the right methods for creating an awesome college resume. You might actually get a dream job right out of the gate, with a little luck and a toolbox of insights. 

Entry-level College Student Resume Example

Writing a resume for a college student is different from one for an established professional. You’ll need to highlight varied experience from internships , academic positions, volunteer work , and more. Remember, other college students have the same coursework and degrees to show, so your resume is key to proving why you’re the best candidate for a competitive position.

Resume guide for a college student resume

Accelerate success with Resume.io. Our guides and resume examples cover over 500 professions, and our resume builder makes creating a compelling resume easier than ever.

This resume guide and corresponding college student resume example will cover the following:

How to write a college student resume

  • Choosing the right resume format for college students
  • How to add your contact information
  • Using summaries
  • Adding your college experience
  • Listing education and relevant experience
  • Picking the right resume design/layout
  • What the job market looks like, and what salary you can expect

The very first step in writing your college student resume is understanding what sections to include. Your resume should contain the following elements:

  • The resume header
  • The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
  • The employment history section
  • The resume skills section
  • The education section

Lack of work experience is what usually makes student or graduate resumes inherently different from most job seekers. 

But, you can still build a strong professional profile to impress anyone! To create a persuasive narrative, gather as much information as possible about the job you’re applying for, the skills needed, and the people doing the hiring. Identify the company’s needs and showcase how you’re the person who can fulfill those needs. To craft a great college student resume, stick to this winning formula:

  • Remember to highlight accomplishments rather than responsibilities. All of your classmates were assigned similar tasks, but what unique value did you bring to the class or internship?
  • It’s essential to customize each application you submit for the specific employer or opportunity. You should not only tailor the writing but also the formatting and tone of your resume.
  • When submitting online, optimize your resume with appropriate keywords so it won’t be filtered out by ATS screening software . Read more about ATS below.

Optimize for the ATS

Automated recruiting technology is a reality in today's job market and hiring practices. You'll need to understand the nature of applicant tracking systems (ATS) to pass this technical barrier to getting an awesome position. 

ATS software is designed to help recruiters and hiring managers sort through hundreds of resumes. This is done by automatically processing, analyzing, and scoring your resume based on keywords. As a result, certain vital sections of your resume will require extra attention.

The terms that describe job qualifications and requirements are often the same ones that the ATS searches for when processing your resume. So, pay attention to what’s obvious and give yourself an easy advantage. Stay consistent with the employers' terminology in your resume wording. 

U.S. survey results show that, in general, 75% of resumes are never seen by human eyes. Automated screening technology can become a resume black hole. If you're sending your resume through an ATS channel, keywords may be the deciding factor whether a recruiter will actually get to see it. To learn more about conquering the ATS, check out our article Resume ATS optimization .

The most commonly used chronological resume format is designed as a straightforward way for job candidates to organize their experience and qualifications below employer headings and dates, in order from most recent to earliest. But, for college students or recent graduates who lack work experience, other resume formats may be more suitable. 

Like every consideration when preparing your resume, the format you choose should depend on the type of job and industry, and how best to present yourself as an ideal match. 

In cases where specialized knowledge and skills are just as important as where you have worked until now—if not more so—a functional resume may be your best bet. It offers greater flexibility to emphasize your most relevant strengths up front in a section labeled “Experience.” 

A hybrid, or combination, resume format offers even more versatility. Job seekers can integrate chronological and functional elements in the most applicable manner, and perhaps even put their education section higher up on the page. 

Never underestimate the importance of a distinctive resume header to set yourself apart from other candidates. An eye-pleasing header design gets your resume noticed for the right reason. Not only does it contribute to the document’s overall reader-friendliness but also readily identifies who you are and how you can be contacted for an interview.

The most important goal is that your contact information is easily accessible. Just as important, however, is that it’s professionally presented. 

  • Full name & title . List your first and last name. Use the title of the role you are pursuing.
  • Professional email address . Use a clean format like [email protected] . Don’t use a quirky, unprofessional email address or an .edu.
  • Phone number . List a number where you can be readily contacted, with a professional voicemail greeting.
  • Location . List only your city and state . Note 'Willing to Relocate' here if applicable.
  • LinkedIn . Even as a college student, you should create a LinkedIn profile that is active , relevant, and aligned with your resume. Include the URL in your header.

Don’t include:

  • Date of birth : Not necessary and could potentially lead to age discrimination .
  • Personal details : Marital status, social security number, passport number , etc.

Jenna Smith

Research Assistant

090-080-0000

[email protected]

Rarely does a college student or new graduate have much to showcase in the way of rich work experience. But, what you can have is a college student resume that paints a picture of a determined, positive, and productive personality. 

This is what your summary is for . It's your personal story. In fact, it may be your best chance to stand out from hundreds of other applicants, including college students with similar educational backgrounds. 

So, make sure not to squander this valuable opportunity by merely copying and pasting a block of generic text. Instead, catch the recruiter's eye off the top, in the very first line of your resume summary. Show that you've done your homework and that you have what it takes to succeed.

The whole point of the resume summary is to project a certain character and image, which is relatively easy to do in this more flexible freeform resume section. Since we're dealing with first impressions and perceptions, that image needs to be purposefully crafted. Here are some examples of possible content:

  • Describe the personal qualities you think are appropriate for the industry and position. Inspire the future employer's confidence that you're a good fit for the job.
  • Use action verbs and energetic, positive language. Come across as an upbeat, vibrant, productive person who will be a joy to work with and employ.
  • Sprinkle in one or two of the most valuable skills you bring to this job. For example, CRM software knowledge for an office manager job could be a crucial advantage.
  • Mention one or two aspects of your work / life experience that show you are productive and determined.

Need inspiration for your summary? Check out our related resumes: 

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You can find adaptable college student resume example summaries below:

Eager and ambitious business administration student with a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Demonstrated leadership abilities through involvement in student organizations and extracurricular activities. Strong academic foundation in finance, marketing, and management, supplemented by hands-on experience gained through internships in the business sector.

Creative and empathetic sociology student with a keen interest in cultural studies and social justice. Proficient in critical thinking, research, and written communication, with a focus on exploring complex societal issues and promoting diversity and inclusion. Seeking opportunities to apply my interdisciplinary perspective and storytelling abilities in roles that foster social change and promote understanding across diverse communities.

Enthusiastic and driven computer science student with a passion for technology and innovation. Possesses a solid foundation in programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++, coupled with coursework in algorithms, data structures, and software engineering. Experienced in developing web applications, mobile apps, and software solutions through hands-on projects and internships.

Even as a student, your work experience section needs to shine. Luckily, “experience” can be defined as more than just transitional employment. Let’s look at how this resume section can give you an edge by reflecting your life experience and your vibrant, productive personality. 

  • Internship experience . This is one of the most impressive substitutes for "full" employment experience. Recruiters pay special attention to this when considering student or graduate resumes .
  • Summer / temp jobs . Experience as a waitress , clerk , or nanny counts for more than you might think in terms of transferable skills. Courtesy, patience, discipline, dependability, willingness to work long hours are just a few examples.
  • Social initiatives / volunteer work . These are almost always impressive on a college student resume. Volunteering demonstrates altruistic traits and a cooperative team spirit .
  • Self-directed or community projects . Cite examples of commitments and collaborations that extended from your personal interests and talents.

List your current (or most recent) job at the top of this section and work your way back to your first job. Only go back as far as you’ve been in college and stick to experience that is directly related to the role you are applying for. 

Under each employer and role heading, describe your contributions in concise bullet point statements, omitting “I.”  Start each bullet point with an action verb like led, motivated, orchestrated, collaborated, or managed.

Make sure to focus on results and concrete information that demonstrates tangible outcomes as opposed to generic duties. This will impress the employer and help them see why you’re a cut above other college students.

Take a look at the college student employment history resume sample below:

Sales Associate at Coffee Grinders, Boston  September 2015 - June 2018 

  • Greeted customers and assisted them with purchasing products.
  • Helped customers grind coffee beans and sample new products.
  • Maintained a clean and welcoming store environment.
  • Handled financial transactions.
  • Monitored and recorded inventory records.

How to write a college student resume with no work experience

Remember, no employer is expecting to see a 10-year work summary on your college student resume. Concentrate on projecting a positive, productive image to make a strong first impression. 

If you have no experience, your summary can be a goal statement—perhaps a bit more imaginative but still relevant and focused. Just aim for a general description, combining a variety of past projects, personal qualities, and life experiences. 

In your employment history section, showcase your involvement in extracurricular activities such as clubs, organizations, sports teams, or volunteer work. Describe your roles and responsibilities within these activities, highlighting any leadership positions or notable achievements. 

Finally, include a skills section where you can list any technical skills , languages , software proficiency, or certifications that are relevant to the jobs you're applying for. By focusing on your academic achievements, skills, and extracurricular activities, you can create a compelling resume that demonstrates your potential as a college student with no prior experience .

The skills section of a college student resume should be defined by the job you're looking to attain. Even at this early stage of life, job seekers often have more relevant skills and professional qualities than they give themselves credit for. The trick is to choose and describe them correctly on your resume.

Start by creating a master list. The master list is a free-form document—electronic or even a piece of paper—where you write down every skill and quality you can think of. Keep your master list handy for reference whenever a new job opportunity arises. Grab it for easy cherry-picking to tailor each new version of your specific resume to the job application.

Once you've found an actual job application or opportunity, tailor your resume and skills section to the job listing. We've talked about keywords already, and the point of this step is to satisfy both the hiring specialist and the ATS. 

Pay attention to the skills terminology used in the job description and ensure your skills outline matches the same wording if possible. This may seem trivial but may become the difference between getting a job interview and being filtered out.

Make sure to understand the difference between hard skills and soft skills and how to assess their relative importance to specific jobs and employers. Hard skills are pragmatic tools used in daily duties (for instance, computer skills or math aptitude) while soft skills relate to social interactions , self-management, teamwork, and so on.

Check out a college student resume sample for the skills section below.

  • Office Technology Skills
  • Motivated Attitude
  • Social Media Platforms
  • Advanced Communication Skills

As a college student, your education is likely the most consequential experience you’ll have to show on your resume. That’s why it’s important to carefully complete this section with the right details to impress the hiring manager or scholarship committee.

As with your employment history section, you’ll want to list each degree from most recent to oldest. Create a subheading with the degree name, university, dates attended, and location. Since you’re likely still studying, you can add “present” instead of an end date.

Underneath the subheading, you should add 2-3 bullet points that describe your most impressive academic achievements, relevant coursework , and leadership roles. It’s also a good idea to include your expected graduation date if you’re still a student. Your GPA is also an essential piece of information, but only list it if it’s 3.5 or above. If your GPA for your major is significantly higher than your overall score, include that instead. 

If you’re still in college, you can add your high school education in much the same way as your college one. If adding a GED , simply include the date completed. Once you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree or higher, remove your high school details to make more room for professional experience on your resume. 

Check out our adaptable education resume sample below and learn more about adding your education to your resume .

Bachelor of Film and Media Studies, Boston University, Boston  August 2016 - Present 

  • Working towards a Film and Media Studies degree

High School Diploma, Regis High School, New York  September 2012 - May 2016 

  • Graduated with High Honors
  • President of the Journalism Club

Layout, design and formatting considerations are vitally important for a successful college student resume. There are two main reasons for this: visual perception by humans and processing compatibility with automated systems. 

Make it easier on recruiters. Employ chunking, which makes the text more readable and digestible by breaking it into bite-sized pieces. This is achieved through the use of white space and graphical elements such as boxes, lines, images, and other formatting that improves legibility.

Recruiters are likely to pay a lot more attention to your resume if you apply a visually attractive, suitably-formatted template based on research-backed design principles.  Just as you should customize the content of your resume for each position you apply to, your layout and design should also match the image of the employer or opportunity. 

Professionally designed resume templates make it easy to create a perfectly formatted layout and give you the ability to switch between styles with ease.

Key takeaways for building a college student resume

You can get an awesome job as a college student. Your college student resume is a hugely important instrument for that. The summary section provides the best opportunity for your college student resume to stand out and show personality.

The education section is a focal point for most college student resumes. Your resume skills section will be defined by the job you are pursuing within a specific industry. Tailor it to the job description and your knowledge of the industry. 

Our online resume builder makes the process of college resume creation much easier and helps avoid hidden technical pitfalls.

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Gunning up for a job in a creative industry or a hip startup? Try out one of the modern resume templates or a creative resume design to give your job application a unique, brandable flair. Resume templates with photos also work great! 

Or better yet, test-drive several free resume templates to see which one gets you the most positive responses! 

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Select The Right Resume Format 

The 3 most popular resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination resumes. 

  • Chronological resume organizes the information like LinkedIn does – from the latest position to the first one, with education, interests, and additional info listed later. It’s the most popular resume format, preferred for recruiters. Go for it unless you’re entry-level or changing careers. 
  • Functional resume keeps the focus on your skills and experience, rather than employment history. It’s the go-to choice for candidates with employment gaps and those without much hands-on work experience.
  • Combination resume takes the best of both worlds and allows you to spice up your “dry” employment history with some juicy details about your skill set and achievements. Startups and edgier companies may prefer this. 

Create a Compelling Summary 

A resume summary is a two-sentence statement highlighting your key qualifications, skills, and value proposition for the role. It sits in the header area, right after your name and contact details. Think of it as a teaser to a movie — you should put your most marketable skills upfront to immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention and get them interested in reading the full copy. 

Add Work History 

List your employers in reverse chronological order. Each entry should include the employment date, job title, company name, key responsibilities, and achievements listed in bullet format . Include 3 to 5 bullet points for each position. Don’t get long-winded — your resume must fit into one page. 

Include Marketable Resume Skills 

With skills-based hiring on the rise, you must demonstrate specific competencies rather than just tenure and educational credentials. Showcase your best hard and soft skills in a featured sidebar section, plus your resume summary and work experience entries.

Check the following posts for ideas:

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  • Retail skills for a resume  

List Education 

Unless you are a recent graduate, don’t dwell on this section too much. Simply list all your degrees (highest to lowest), the name of your educational institution, and your graduation date. But if you’re still in college, you can also add your GPA , dean’s list , or research .  

Learn more from our ultimate guide to writing, styling, and formatting a resume . 

FAQs about Resume Templates 

Your popular Qs about our free resume templates answered. 

How can I format my resume for free?

Download a free pre-formatted resume template from Freesumes.com in your preferred format (Word or Google Docs). Open a copy in the word processing software and edit the blank sections with personal details. Click save, and you’ll have a professionally formatted resume in no time.

Is there a truly free resume builder?

Yes, Freesumes resume builder is 100% free to use. No account registration is required. Using our free generator, you can make a resume in PDF using one of the six free templates and contextual writing prompts created by expert writers.

What is the most popular resume template?

The most popular resume templates are chronological resume templates. You can find several dozen popular, professional resume templates on Freesumes in Word and Google Doc formats. Our templates have been downloaded over 4 million times! 

How to get a free resume template?

Head to freesumes.com and check our collection of 180+ fabulously free resume templates in different styles and formats. Select a design you like and click the download button to get an instant free copy in .docx format without any account registration. 

Do employers not like resume templates?

Employers don’t mind resume templates as long as they are professionally made and properly formatted. A sloppy or too vivid design, however, will make you look amateurish. Choose a simple, well-structured resume template in neutral colors, and you’ll always get a positive impression from a prospective employer. 

Is it better to make your own resume or use a template?

This totally depends on you. If you have an eye for design and know information architecture best practices, you can make a stellar resume on your own. Otherwise, you can save heaps of time by using a premade professional resume template to avoid any mishaps with layout or font selection.

My Resume Templates

Free Student Resume Example in Word

student resume template

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Download your free student resume template in Word format

Use this free student resume to apply to universities , internships , or even your first job . We help make your job search a smoother experience by providing the perfect resume template for you ! Just download the resume template and start editing it in Word. Find your next job now!

  • File format:  Word (Microsoft)
  • File size:  355 KB
  • Ready-to-use:  fast, easy, and free

free-resume-template-word

Are you on the hunt for student resume templates in Word format? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll cover essential tips, the necessary sections for a student resume , the importance of a profile summary, how to showcase your experiences and education, and the critical skills and software that can make your resume shine.

Whether you’re a high school student exploring part-time opportunities or a college graduate looking for your first full-time job, our guide and free student resume template in Word are here to assist you.

This guide will provide you with :

  • Your free student resume template to download in Word.
  • A student resume example that you can copy for inspiration.
  • How to best showcase your skills and experiences in a way that can get you hired ASAP.

Also download: Academic CV Template

Student Resume Example (Text Format)

John Doe [email protected] (555) 555-5555 linkedin.com/johndoe

  • Profile Summary

Energetic and highly motivated student with a passion for marketing and a track record of academic excellence. Adept at implementing innovative marketing strategies, collaborating in team environments, and adapting to challenges. Seeking an entry-level position to leverage my skills and knowledge to contribute to a dynamic marketing team.

Professional Experiences

Marketing Intern, XYZ Company, Anytown, USA Summer 20 XX

  • Collaborated with the marketing team to execute a social media campaign that increased online engagement by 30%.
  • Conducted market research to identify emerging industry trends, providing insights that led to a 15% increase in sales.
  • Assisted in the creation and distribution of marketing materials, including brochures, email newsletters, and product catalogs.

Content Creator, Freelance 20XX-Present

  • Produced blog posts, social media content, and video scripts for various clients, resulting in an average of 20% growth in online followers.
  • Conducted keyword research and SEO optimization to enhance content visibility and organic traffic.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines consistently and maintaining client satisfaction.

Sales Associate , – ABC Retail, Anytown, USA 20XX-20 XX

  • Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in a 10% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Utilized excellent communication and interpersonal skills to assist customers in making informed purchasing decisions.
  • Actively participated in visual merchandising and store operations, contributing to a 5% boost in overall sales.

Master of Business Administration , NYU May 20XX

Bachelor of Arts in Communication , NYU May 20XX

  • Social Media Marketing
  • Video Production
  • Market Research and Analysis
  • Google Analytics
  • Communication
  • Team Collaboration
  • Problem Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Time Management
  • English (Native)
  • Spanish (Conversational)
  • Social Media Trends
  • Photography
  • Public Speaking

Tips for Making a Good Student Resume

Crafting a compelling student resume is a crucial step toward opening doors to educational opportunities and future careers. A well-structured resume not only showcases your academic achievements but also highlights your skills, experiences, and unique qualities.

Keep these in mind while editing your student resume in Word

We get it. You’re still a student . And if you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ve most likely never had to work a day in your life. That means you’re probably freaking out right now and wishing this was all over yesterday.

It wasn’t, but it will be. Bear with us for a bit longer, and you will be making bank in no time !

Follow these suggestions so that you’re be better equipped to create a compelling document that grabs the attention of recruiters, educators, or anyone reviewing your credentials.

student resume template

  • Highlight achievements : Showcase your accomplishments, such as academic awards, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work.
  • Tailor for the job : Customize your resume to match the requirements of the position you’re applying for.
  • Keep it concise : Aim for a one-page resume, highlighting your most relevant information.
  • Use action verbs : Begin your bullet points with strong action verbs to describe your experiences.
  • Be organized : Structure your resume logically, making it easy for recruiters to skim.
  • Proofread : Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors to present a professional image.

Choosing the right sections for your student resume

To ensure your resume stands out in a sea of applicants, thoughtful consideration must be given to the sections included. Each section should strategically showcase your unique blend of skills, experiences, and potential contributions to a prospective employer.

Here are some essential tips to guide you in choosing the right sections while editing your free student resume sample in Word, creating a document that not only reflects your academic achievements but also positions you as a well-rounded candidate.

Recommended Sections

  • Contact Information
  • Experiences

Optional Sections

  • Awards and Honors

Check out 10 Resume Sections for more

Student Resume Profile Summary

This section, nestled at the beginning of a CV, allows students to highlight their unique strengths and career goals , setting the stage for a more comprehensive exploration of their qualifications.

By succinctly encapsulating the essence of one’s academic and extracurricular journey, a profile summary becomes the gateway for recruiters to quickly gauge a student’s suitability for a given role.

Nursing student resume objective example

Compassionate and dedicated nursing student with a strong foundation in medical theory and hands-on clinical experience. Adept at providing patient-centered care and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Proven ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations. Eager to leverage theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained through rigorous coursework to contribute to a dynamic healthcare environment.

Example of resume objective for a law student

Diligent law student with a passion for justice and a keen eye for legal intricacies. Proficient in legal research, case analysis, and persuasive argumentation. Demonstrated excellence in moot court competitions, honing public speaking and advocacy skills. Seeking to apply legal acumen and a commitment to fairness in a challenging legal internship, with aspirations to contribute to the betterment of the legal system.

Engineering student resume objective example

Results-oriented engineering student with a strong foundation in mechanical design and problem-solving. Proficient in CAD software and experienced in collaborative project environments. Proven ability to conceptualize and implement innovative solutions. Seeking a dynamic engineering role to apply theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of technological advancement.

Also read: Resume Objective Examples for Job Seekers

Experiences Section in a Student Resume

To make the most of this section, it’s crucial to not only list your experiences but also to provide specific details about your job titles, the companies you’ve worked for, the dates you held each position, and most importantly, a concise yet compelling list of your achievements in a bulleted format.

This way, you can leave a lasting impression, showing that you’re ready to step into the professional world with confidence and capability.

Example of experiences on a resume for students

Marketing Intern , XYZ Marketing Agency, NY May 20XX – August 20XX

  • Assisted in developing and executing social media campaigns, increasing engagement by 30%.
  • Conducted market research, identifying trends that led to a 15% boost in client satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with the design team to create visually appealing content, resulting in a 25% increase in click-through rates.

Sales Associate , ABC Electronics, NY June 20XX – December 20XX

  • Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets by 20%.
  • Provided excellent customer service, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate.

Volunteer Coordinator , Community Outreach Program, NY September 20XX – May 20XX

  • Recruited and managed a team of 15 volunteers for community events, increasing participation by 40%.
  • Planned and executed fundraising initiatives, raising $10,000 for the organization.
  • Established a streamlined communication system within the organization, reducing response times by 30%.

Student Resume Education Section

The “Education” section of your student resume is where you lay the foundation for your future career. While your academic journey is only one part of your professional story, it’s a pivotal one.

This section not only provides a glimpse into your formal education but also speaks volumes about your dedication , commitment , and the knowledge you’ve acquired along the way.

Resume education section for students

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science , NYU August 20XX – May 20 XX

  • Data Structures
  • Web Development
  • Software Engineering

Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Hard Skills for the Student Resume

Hard skills are the concrete qualifications that employers seek when hiring. They demonstrate your competence and proficiency in areas that are directly applicable to the role you’re pursuing. This section is a vital component of your resume, as it offers potential employers an immediate glimpse of your qualifications.

Examples of hard skills to add on a resume for students

  • Data Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Content Writing
  • Graphic Design
  • Programming (e.g., Python, Java)
  • Customer Service
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

student making a resume

Soft Skills for the Student Resume

Soft skills include traits like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership . While they may not be as easily quantifiable as hard skills, they are highly sought after by employers. In fact, many employers consider soft skills just as important, if not more so, than hard skills because they determine how effectively you can collaborate with colleagues, adapt to new challenges, and navigate the intricacies of the workplace.

Examples of soft skills to add on a resume for students

  • Problem-Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Organization
  • Attention to Detail

Software (Optional Section)

In today’s digitally driven world, software skills are increasingly important for students entering the job market. Your proficiency with specific software applications can greatly enhance your qualifications and set you apart from other candidates. The “Software” section of your student resume is the space to highlight your technical abilities, demonstrating to potential employers that you possess the tools to excel in your chosen field.

Example of how to add software on a student resume

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

FAQs for a Student Resume

Is it necessary to include references on my student resume.

Including references is optional. You can add them if the job posting specifically requests them, but otherwise, you can provide references upon request.

How do I explain employment gaps on my student resume?

If you have employment gaps, be honest and brief in your explanation. Mention personal or academic reasons and highlight any skills or experiences gained during the gap that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Crafting an effective student resume is a crucial step in your career journey. Remember to adapt your resume for each application, highlight your achievements, and always proofread for the best results. Good luck with your job search!

How to download the resume example for high school students for free.

It cannot get any easier than this! Follow the steps below to successfully download and edit your free student resume template :

  • Click on the free Download button above.
  • The download will start automatically.
  • Go to the downloads folder on your device and open the Word document.
  • Edit your resume student and export it to PDF.
  • Send to recruiters!

Get started on your resume example for students now !

Sarah Shaar

Expert resume and career advice writer

Updated March 13, 2024

  • Free Resume Example
  • Written Example
  • Hard Skills
  • Soft Skills
  • Resume Examples
  • Resume Templates
  • Basic Resume Templates

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College Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

College Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Jacob Meade

  • Resume Examples
  • Resume Text Examples

How To Write a College Student Resume

  • Computer Science

College Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

College Student Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

  • Math College Student Resume Example
  • Computer Science Student Resume Example
  • Marketing Student Resume Example

Joseph Corbin (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Motivated student with strong academic performance in high school, including an “A” average for Mathematics. Demonstrated success in a leadership role through multiple school athletics and work activities. Naturally curious and eager to explore and understand new topics.

Key Skills 

  • Complex problem-solving
  • Data analysis
  • Group leadership
  • Mathematics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Team collaboration

Graduate, Benjamin Franklin High School, Philadelphia, PA | August 2018 to June 2022

  • “A” average in all Mathematics classes, including AP Calculus

High School Athletics

Spring Track Team 

Co-Captain (Senior year)

  • Voted into team leadership role; coordinated with the head coach to help organize meets and answer various questions from team members
  • Served as a valued mentor and resource to underclassmen

Member (all four years)

  • Gained and demonstrated a strong sense of dedication and teamwork
  • Contributed to team’s placing in the top four out of 18 high schools in the region for three consecutive years

Work Experience

Host / Server / Team Lead, Domino’s Pizza, Philadelphia, PA | Summer 2018 and 2019

  • Greeted visitors and took and served food orders in a fast-paced environment
  • Proposed several changes to the order entry process for servers and delivery drivers, improving efficiency and collaboration among the two groups
  • Helped restaurant place No. 3 in the region for customer satisfaction in July and August 2019

Hobbies & Interests

Avid reader (six or more books per month) | Painting | Running

Advanced proficiency in Spanish (A- average for classes taken in all four years of high school)

Rob Smith  (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Columbus, OH 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Efficient and hardworking student with a strong interest in computer science. Draw on technical knowledge base covering UX design, JAVA, MySQL, and HTML. Demonstrated success objectively measuring software performance while participating in a rapid development cycle.

  • Efficiency improvement
  • Group collaboration
  • Independent research
  • Technical troubleshooting
  • User experience (UX)

Graduate, AAE High School, Columbus, OH | August 2018 to June 2022 3.7 GPA | Top 10% of graduating class

Tech Support, XYZ Company, Columbus, OH | June 2020 to present

  • Quickly and professionally respond to various tech support tickets
  • Install hardware and software as needed to maintain systems
  • Work with managers to develop rapid response systems to major tech threats
  • Co-design and deliver educational materials to staff on proper tech use

Retail Sales Associate, Smith Clothing Company, Columbus, OH | August 2019 to May 2020

  • Gained strong foundation in positive customer relations
  • Operated cash register and balanced the till at end of day (EOD)

Certifications

  • Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+
  • Nielsen Norman Group UX and UX Master

John Miller (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Columbus, OH 12345 | LinkedIn | Portfolio

High school student with a strong interest in marketing and advertising. Freelance graphic design professional with a growing portfolio and client relationships with major local nonprofits. Enjoy collaborating on a team to explore topics and solve complex challenges.

  • Data visualization
  • Graphic design
  • Marketing strategy
  • Task prioritization
  • Writing and editing

Candidate: Diploma, Douglass High School, Columbus, OH | expected June 2023 3.8 GPA | SAT scores: 760 math, 680 verbal (1440 combined)

High School Athletics and Activities

Member, Debate Team | August 2020 to present

  • Collaborate closely on a 10-person team to research debate topics and form and organize compelling arguments

Member, Cross-Country Running Team | Fall 2021 and 2022

Freelance Graphic Designer, XYZ Company, Columbus, OH | April 2018 to present

  • Conceptualize and create diverse marketing materials to spec
  • Engage and partner with marketing teams to design campaigns and track return on investment
  • Design logos and event graphics for client nonprofits
  • Make infographics using data provided by sales teams
  • Developed an award-winning print ad for a local coffee shop

Library Materials Associate, Community Library, Columbus, OH | June 2014 to April 2016

  • Greeted students and verified account status for check-out
  • Helped students find and incorporate various research sources
  • Set up display technology for individual and group use
  • Managed schedules for meeting and study rooms
  • Reshelved materials at EOD

Technical Skills

Adobe InDesign, Photoshop | Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

When applying to colleges, you may find some schools require a resume . You can write a great resume for your college applications by showing your relevant high school and other experiences and emphasizing how you’ve explored topics and pursued your interests. Incorporating this theme into each section of your resume can increase your chances of being accepted into your preferred college or university. The advice and examples provided below can guide you in achieving this goal.

1. Summarize your college student qualifications in a dynamic profile

Your resume profile should catch admissions officers’ interest by giving the top reasons they can expect you to engage actively in their campus community. Can you share some instances from your life where you have exhibited curiosity and dedication toward excellence? Your answer to this question can lead to your best profile points. For example, maybe you’ve earned an “A” average in the school subject likely to become your college major. Or perhaps you’ve done freelance work that’s helped you develop a hobby into a possible career track. With details like these at the top of your college resume, you can show your potential to thrive in a college setting.

Profile Example

Motivated student with strong academic performance in high school, including an “A” average for mathematics. Demonstrated success in a leadership role through multiple school athletics and work activities. Naturally curious and eager to explore and understand new topics.

2. Add a compelling section featuring your college student experience

Use your resume’s experience section(s) to give examples of exploring and pursuing topics that interest you. Colleges and universities generally want students who are engaged, diligent, and curious about the world. So view your experience from this perspective and write down anything that reflects your gaining or showing these qualities.

You aren’t limited to details about work experience, especially if the jobs you’ve held so far don’t speak to your career interests. On a resume for college applications, the strongest experience section will often come from a different area. For example, maybe you’re most proud of having been on the debate team or teaching yourself HTML outside school. Below is a list of possible experience sections you might develop on your resume:

  • Community service
  • High school athletics
  • Internship experience
  • Personal accomplishments
  • School clubs and societies
  • Study abroad experience
  • Summer coursework

Experience Example

Spring Track Team

3. Include education and certifications relevant to college students

View your resume’s education section as another chance to show active engagement in learning. Give basic details about your high school. But also feel free to name study areas or materials that have sparked your interest and may become a focus for you at the college level. For example, if your English classes have let you choose from a reading list for each unit, you could name some of the books or texts you decided to read and why. Also note any AP classes you’ve completed, school awards you’ve won, or other distinctions you’ve earned, like a high GPA or class rank. These can all help admissions officers see your potential.

Below are templates and examples to help you format your high school education, along with any certifications you’d like to add to your resume. Note that optional template areas appear in [brackets].

  • Candidate: Diploma, High School Name, City, ST | expected graduation date
  • [Select study areas or materials of interest]

Certification

Certification Name or Title , [Awarding Organization] | [Year]

Service Excellence Certificate, VCU Advanced Solutions | 2023

4. List college student-related skills and proficiencies

Add a key skills section to show how you excel in a learning environment. For instance, maybe you like to research a topic independently, or you prefer the stimulation of working in a group. On the other hand, perhaps you’re open to learning by various methods. Whatever your learning style, you can highlight it in your key skills section so admissions officers see how you’d apply yourself at their school. Below are some common keywords for college student resumes:

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Creative problem-solving Critical thinking
Data gathering and analysis Data visualization
Efficiency improvement Group collaboration
Independent research Microsoft Office Suite
Process improvement Proofreading and fact-checking
Qualitative and quantitative analysis Reading, writing, and editing
Task prioritization Teamwork
Time management Work planning and scheduling

5. Consider adding personal hobbies or interests

You may have heard that hobbies and interests should be left off a resume. While this is often true for regular job seekers, it doesn’t apply to aspiring college students. Hobbies and interests can be a strong feature of your college application resume because they help show your all-around sense of curiosity. Feel free to highlight them in a separate section, typically toward or at the bottom of your resume.

Hobbies and Interests

How To Pick the Best College Student Resume Template

For college applicants, a clear and straightforward resume template is usually best. Opt for a visual design that lets the admissions officer quickly review your most relevant information. Select a traditional resume font , and avoid any template with a colorful or elaborate design.

Frequently Asked Questions: College Student Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for college student resumes -.

For aspiring college students, good resume verbs will relate to the process of learning and discovery – think “explored,” “researched,” or “uncovered.” But there are various others you might use to describe your school, work, and other life experiences so far. The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your college application resume:

Action Verbs
Adapted Analyzed
Balanced Calculated
Collaborated Conducted
Coordinated Created
Designed Determined
Developed Discovered
Earned Enhanced
Examined Explored
Found Improved
Increased Inquired
Investigated Maintained
Overcame Planned
Prioritized Ranked
Researched Resolved
Scheduled Studied
Synthesized Tested
Uncovered Won
Worked  

How do you align your resume with each college application? -

The National Center for Education Statistics forecasts that total undergraduate enrollment will increase by about 9% (to nearly 17 million students) between 2021 and 2031. 

To optimize your resume for each college application:

1. Take cues from what you know about the school. 2. Refer to their website, brochures, notes from the campus tour, or any other information you’ve gathered on what the school is known for and what you’re most drawn to about it. 3. As you look over these materials, highlight words or phrases that are repeated or emphasized.

These terms can tell you what details you may want to feature in your resume profile or key skills sections (as long as they’re accurate to your experience).

For example, say you’re drawn to the college’s study-abroad program. Consider using your profile to showcase any travel or exchange programs you’ve done, along with your foreign language skills. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each college opportunity.

What is the best college student resume format? -

In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for admissions officers to learn about your pertinent skills and background. It’s also easiest for you to align with your goals.

With the Combination format, you focus on your most relevant skills and experience in your experience section(s) and an intro section. (This combination of experience and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should usually include a profile summary and key skills section, but you may also add a highlights or awards section. By carefully choosing the details for these intro sections, you can (a) position yourself for your desired school program and (b) give admissions officers a clear, quick view of what you offer.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

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Jacob Meade

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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  • Resume & CV

25+ Best Free College Student Resume Templates to Download for 2024

Barni Rajah

Congratulations on your graduation! It's time for the next adventure—landing your first job. In this article, we'll explore some college resume examples in 2024 that'll help you create an excellent resume for your job hunt. 

Professional CV And College Resume Template from Envato Elements

Professional CV And Resume Template (premium template) from Envato Elements

Work smart when creating your resume. Start by browsing through loads of options and downloading the template that fits your needs. A prebuilt resume template helps you spend less time designing and more time on the content. 

We'll start with the collection of best college student resume templates from Envato Elements. Then we'll move on to 25 free simple college resume examples in 2024 found online. 

Find the Best College Student Resume Templates on Envato Elements for 2024 (Unlimited Use)

An Envato Elements subscription is an investment that helps you work on your creative projects effortlessly. It's time to get an impressive premium college resume template to land that dream job. Don't let lack of time or skills stand in your way anymore. 

Sign up to Envato Elements now and unlock access to millions of creative assets—all for a low monthly fee.

Explore College Resume Templates  

Use any premium college resume templates from Envato Elements for your first job application

Use any of the best college resume templates from Envato Elements for your first job application

Get access to creative files like:

  • presentation, web, graphics, and print templates,
  • photos, music, audio, and video files,
  • fonts, 3D objects, and so much more. 

Premium templates are professionally designed, well-layered templates. They even come with support (if required). Free college resume templates found online fall short and make it risky to use. 

5 Best Premium College Student Resume Templates for 2024 (Envato Elements)

Here are five of the best college student resume templates from Envato Elements: 

1. Amber - Best College Resume Example

 best college student resume template

Amber is a multipurpose, modern, simplistic but creative resume template for college students. It's in black and white, giving it a minimalistic look. It's well-layered and easy to customize. Amber is an excellent college resume example in 2024 for your first job application.

2. Professional - D ownload This Resume Template for College Students

Professional - College Student Resume Example

This college resume template for Word is also compatible with Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft PowerPoint. This makes it easy for anyone with any level of software skill to use this college student resume template for Microsoft Word . 

3. Yellow - College Student CV Template

Yellow - College Student CV Template - download resume template for college students

Every element of this well-layered college student resume example is editable. It comes in A4 format paper size with 3mm bleed. Yellow - College Student CV Template is a single-page college resume template for Word (and other platforms)  that'll help you create an impressive resume and land that job. 

4. Resume / CV Template - Creative Resume Template for College Students

creative resume template for college students

It's a good idea to let some of your personality and area of expertise shine through in your resume. This creative resume template for college students can tell a story and capture the recruiters' interest. It's specially fitted for a creative job. You can edit the colors, typography, graphics, and more to make it your own. Download this resume template for college students.

5. Resume - Download This Resume Template for College Students

college student resume example

This is the one for you if you'd like a more subdued resume with a hint of color. It will help you seem more serious without losing your personality completely. You can edit this template in Illustrator and Photoshop to show your experience in a straightforward and elegant way .

25 Top College Resume Templates for Free Download (2024)

This section will explore the 25 best college student resume templates found online. But first, let's take a look at Envato's free offerings. Premium freebies are an excellent way for you to experience premium before signing up.

free premium templates from envato elements

These premium free files are refreshed monthly. If you don't find college resume templates for free download this month, don't worry. Check again next month, and you may be in luck!

Here's the offer:

Let's move on and check out the collection of the 25 best college resume templates for free download from the internet. 

1. Resume One Free Template - F ree Resume Template for University Students

This one-page free resume template for university students comes in blue, green, pink, and purple. A cover letter isn't included. 

2. Resume Two Free Template - College Resume Example in 2024

This college resume example in 2024 comes with five different shades of blue and green. It's a single-page simple resume. 

3. Free Barista CV - Free Resume Templates for College Students

Free Barista CV - Free Resume Templates for College Students

Barista CV Resume is a free resume template for college students in an AI file. It's designed for any hospitality job position. 

4. Free High School Student Resume

The highlights on this free resume template for college students are in orange. It's suitable for any student or fresh graduate applying for jobs. 

5. Cartoon Resume Template - Download this Resume Template for College Students

This is a fun resume template with bold colors. It works well for those who need to show their fun and creative side. This free resume template for college students isn't practical for professional job applications. 

6. Free Creative Worker Resume - College Resume Template for Free Download

Creative Worker Resume template comes with three color choices: red, blue, and green. It's a one-page document for anyone to use. Download this resume template for college students if this is what you need.

7. Free College Student CV Template in PPT

This creative resume template for college students comes with gray rows for each section. Text is in black, and highlights are in blue. Download this free resume template for university students if you want to edit it in PowerPoint.

8. Free College Student Resume Example in PPT

Free College Student Resume Example in PPT

This isn't a one-page document. It's a college resume template for free download in a presentation format. So, each section is on a slide.

9. Ziper Free Resume Template & Cover Letter

Ziper comes with five color choices: black and white, blue, orange, yellow, and green. This college resume template for free got matching cover letters too. 

10. Free Modern and Creative Resume Template for College Students

This free college resume template has a gray background. Highlights are in yellow, and fonts are in black. 

11. Green & Yellow - Free College Student Resume Examples

This free resume template for university students comes with a mix of vivid green and yellow. The text isn't in English but can be changed to your preferred language. 

12. Free College Student Resume Examples

This is a minimalistic college resume template for free download. Orange is used to grab attention. 

13. Free Cool and Colorful Resume CV PSD Template

college resume example 2022

This college resume template for free comes with three color options. The only layout customization you'll need is to change the experience section to education. 

14. Minimalist - Free College Resume Example

Minimalist - College Resume Example is a one-page college resume template for free that anyone can use. Use Adobe Photoshop to edit and customize this free resume template for university students.

15. Free Clean Modern Resume CV PSD

This college resume template for free has a black background and white fonts. Icons are also in white. 

16. Free Designer Resume CV PSD

This f ree resume template for college students has a section with black and yellow backgrounds. Fonts are in black, white, and yellow, depending on the background color. 

17. Free Bold Monogram Resume - College Resume Template for Word

Bold Monogram Resume is a college resume template for Word. It comes in handy if you're not comfortable using Photoshop or Illustrator. 

18. Free Tech Infographic Resume - Creative Resume Template for College Students

Free Tech Infographic Resume - creative resume template for college students

Charts, icons, and other graphics are used to visualize data. It's a nice-looking resume but remember that since it's a free template from Microsoft, it'll be used by many people. 

19. Free Rose Suite Resume - Free College Resume Template for Word

This is a template in pink. Change the pink to any other color. Download this free college resume template for Word.  

20. Free Green Cube Resume - College Resume Template for Free Download

This free college resume template will highlight your contact details, education, work experience, and skills. You can also change the work experience section to references. Edit this college student resume template with Microsoft Word.

21. Free Internship Application Resume Template

This is a basic single-page resume. List your objective, qualifications, skills, and pre-professional experience. 

22. Free IT Graduate Resume - Free College Resume Template

This is a free college resume template for an IT graduate looking for their first job. The applicant can list the programming languages, software tools, and operating systems they're familiar with. 

23. Free Recent College Graduate Resume

college resume template free download

Highlight your education, accomplishments, and training with this simple free resume template for university students . Titles are in blue. You can edit this college student resume template in Microsoft Word.

24. Free Web Development Freshman Resume - College Resume Template for Free Download

This college student resume example was designed for someone who has a lot of technical skills to list. The colors used are blue and green. The fonts are in black. 

25. General Purpose Graduate Resume - C ollege Student Resume Example

There is nothing fancy or attention-grabbing with this college student resume template for Microsoft Word. It's a college student resume example that can be used for any job application. 

5 Quick Tips To Make Great College Resume Examples in 2024

Here are five quick tips to get your best college student resume template on the right path of creating for a job application: 

1. Visualize

Professional College Resume CV from Envato Elements

Professional Resume CV (premium example) with visuals from Envato Elements

Visuals grab attention more than texts. When possible, turn texts into graphics. A well-designed resume that is easy to read and understand is a massive plus for you.

2. Get Fun With Colors

Have fun with colors with a premium best college resume template from Envato Elements

Have fun with colors with a premium creative template from Envato Elements

Add some fun without compromising professionalism when applying for a creative job. Bold colors help you do that and stand out from the crowd. A colorful and bold resume doesn't work for all job applications, so discretion is needed. 

3. Go Landscape

Landscape college resume template from Envato Elements

Landscape resume template (premium template) from Envato Elements

Resumes are generally in portrait page orientation. There's no rule to say you can't do it in landscape orientation. In a pile of portrait documents, a document in landscape may grab attention. It's worth a shot!

4. Add a QR Code

Add a QR code next to your online portfolio link with a professional template from Envato Elements

Add a QR code next to your online portfolio link with a premium professional template from Envato Elements

Lead your reader easily to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio with a QR code. It increases the chances of someone checking out these online pages from a printed resume. Add the destination URL along with the QR code for those viewing your resume on their device. 

5. Showcase Your Work With a Portfolio

Clean Resume / CV Portfolio, an impressive college resume template from Envato Elements

Clean Resume / CV Portfolio , an impressive premium resume template from Envato Elements

Applicants for creative roles should take the opportunity to include a portfolio that highlights some past creative work. Treat it as an extra page that'll help grab the reader's attention. It's advisable to keep your portfolio more visual, colorful, and specific to the job requirements.  

Discover More Top Resume Template Designs

Do you want to check out other best resume options? Explore these creative collections below, so see if any template calls out to you. You can edit some college student resume templates with Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, and other platforms.

free college resume templates word

Benefits of Opting for a Premium Best College Resume Template

There are undeniable upsides to choosing a premium college resume template over a college resume template for free. Learn more about a few of them here:

  • You'll stand out . There are so many people looking for jobs. Many of them use free college resume templates. This means a recruiter probably sees the same resume over and over. With a professionally-designed CV, you'll stand out from the rest.
  • It'll show professionalism . A well-designed resume elevates your resume. It'll add seriousness to your application and prove that you're capable of presenting yourself in a professional manner.
  • It’s a cost-effective option . As a fresh-out-of-college student, you may be very aware of every penny and how you spend it. This is why you should opt for a premium template instead of a free one. It'll be money well spent that'll get you closer to your employment.
  • You'll focus on the content . While the resume’s design is crucial, it shouldn’t take your attention away from the content. You’re trying to highlight your skills, attributes, and experiences. Focus on the substance and hand the packaging over to a professionally-designed template.
  • You’ll be taken seriously . Of course, you want the recruiters to take you seriously . But that can be hard to do if you hand over a bland application. A premium shows that you mean business and are ready to take on a challenge.

Benefits of Envato Elements (The Power of Unlimited Use)

Use any premium resume templates from Envato Elements for your first job application

It doesn't matter what project you've got in mind. If you want it to stand out, you need the best assets by your side. Envato Elements can provide presentation templates, graphics, logos, web design, images, and many other high-quality items. Unlock the power of Envato Elements with one flat rate.

Get the benefits of unlimited use! Sign up for Envato Elements now to access the best assets to elevate your project. All for one flat monthly rate!

Common College Student Resume Template Questions Answered (FAQ)

Creating a great college student resume template in Microsoft Word (or other platforms) is easy when you've got the right tools and templates. But you may have lingering doubts that could prevent you from producing the best resume. To help you out, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:

1. What Skills Are Worth Mentioning, and How Do I Include Them?

Figuring out what to include and what to leave out of your resume can be tricky. Because of this, you may have doubts about what skills are worth mentioning and how to include them in your resume.

If that's the case, worry not. You can find the answers to your questions here:

free college resume templates word

2. How Can I Create an Awesome Digital Resume?

Nowadays, you need more than a regular resume. If you truly want to capture the recruiters' attention and take your resume to the next level, you must create an awesome digital resume.

Take full advantage of this and start building your digital resume with help from the tutorial below:

free college resume templates word

3. I'm a Freelancer. Do I Need a Resume?

Freelance work helps you grow professionally and take full control of your development. Plus, it's becoming more common. Still, since it's not a traditional job, you may be left wondering why you should create a resume and how to do it.

Get all the answers you seek as a freelancer with this tutorial:

free college resume templates word

4. Can I Include All My Work Experience on a Single Page?

Long resumes can be tiring and off-putting for recruiters. After all, recruiters get many resumes each day, so you should pique their interest quickly. You can do this with a one-page resume. Read this article on how to master this type of resume: 

free college resume templates word

5. How Can I Create the Best Resume?

This is the question on everyone's mind: How can I create a resume that will guarantee I get the job? There are many tips and tricks that can get you ahead of the pack. Learn more about them with this post:

free college resume templates word

Learn More About Making Great College Resume Examples in 2024

If you're still new at creating resumes, it's advisable to get all the help you can get your hands on. One of the best college resume templates will help set you apart from the other applicants. 

This Ultimate Guide to Building a Resume will come in handy too. Pin it to your browser and use it as a quick reference. It helps you avoid time-consuming online searches. 

Here are three examples of how-to tutorials from this guide:

free college resume templates word

Download a Premium Top College Student Resume Today!

Landing your first job is a crucial stage of your life. It sets you on the path to success and carves your career. You may not want to risk a vital job application by using a free resume template for college students. 

Envato Elements' best college resume templates will help you create a modern resume and stand out from the crowd. Be an active subscriber of Envato Elements and take all your creative projects (including resume creation) to new highs. Work smart like a pro!

Get the best college resume templates from Envato Elements today! Subscribe to download one now!

Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Dacia Egurrola . Dacia  is a staff writer with Envato Tuts+. 

Barni Rajah

free college resume templates word

Free resume template for students and new grads

Download this professional resume template and get started building your resume.

Creating your first professional resume can feel intimidating. So, we’re here to help make it easier! We’ve created this free resume template to get you started. Just follow the steps to download, and then plug in your information to create a resume that recruiters will notice. And check our guide to creating a student or new grad resume with tips on what to include, and some important do’s and don’ts.

Want personalized guidance on your resume? Don't forget to consult your school's career services center !

The resume template includes:

Contact information: Type your first and last name, city and state, phone number and email address. Additional links, like an online portfolio, that are relevant to the roles you’re applying for also go in this section.

Summary: While optional, this “highlight reel” can help grab the employer’s attention and show why you’re a great candidate.

Education: Include your school name, major, degree, and your graduation month and year (or expected date). You can also list academic honors or awards, and courses you’ve taken or major projects completed that are relevant to the job.

Experience: List your experience in reverse chronological order—meaning the most recent experience goes first. If you don’t have a lot of previous work or internship experience, emphasize your involvement with clubs and organizations, volunteering opportunities, and other ways you’ve taken on leadership positions.

Skills: Include technical skills and soft skills—employers are looking for both in potential job candidates.

To create your resume:

  • View the free resume template document .
  • Click File in the upper left-hand corner.
  • You can Make a Copy in Google docs or Download as a Word document.

free college resume templates word

4. If you made a copy, create a name for it and click OK .

free college resume templates word

5. Fill in your information. 6. Save your resume as a PDF and upload it to your Handshake profile !

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

Related stories, most recent stories.

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

Background Image

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

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

Fortunately, we’re here to solve this problem! 

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

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

12 Student Resume Templates

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

Let’s dive in!

#1. Creative Resume Template

Creative Resume Template Student

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

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

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

#2. Basic Resume Template

Student Basic Resume Template

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

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

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

#3. Combined Resume Template

Combined Student Resume Template

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

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

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

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

#4. Minimalist Resume Template

Minimalist Student Resume Template

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

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

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

#5. Traditional Resume Template

Traditional Student Resume Template

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

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

#6. General Resume Template

General Student Resume Template

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

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

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

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

#7. Modern Resume Template

Modern Student Resume Template

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

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

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

#8. IT Resume Template

IT Student Resume Template

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

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

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

#9. Simple Resume Template

Simple Student Resume Template

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

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

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

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

#10. Functional Resume Template

Functional Student Resume Template

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

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

#11. Skill-Based Resume Template

Skill-Based Student Resume Template

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

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

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

#12. College Resume Template

College Student Resume Template

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

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

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

#1. High-School Student Resume

High-School Student Resume

#2. College Freshman Resume

College Freshman Resume

#3. Internship Resume 

Internship Resume

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

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

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

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

Conclusion 

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

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

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

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43 Word Resume Templates (Free) Designed for 2024

Stephen Greet

  • Word Resume Template Choices
  • How to Make a Resume in Word

Make the Most with Word Resume Templates

Pick the resume template best for you.

  • Word Resume Templates FAQs

If you just turned in your resignation letter and are ready to  give yourself the best chance of landing the next job you’re after , you need an attractive, organized resume template . Why? Because the competition just got tougher, and recruiters have leveled up their game to find the best candidate from the pack.

Our 43 resume templates for Word are hot out of the oven for 2024. All you have to do is download them for free, start editing them in Microsoft Word, and be on your way to your dream job.

Trouble customizing your Word resume template ? Working with ready-made templates can be challenging, so if you’re in a time crunch or over the frustration, make a resume with us for a quick and easy time!

free college resume templates word

Word Resume Template Choices for You

Job seeker looks between two plans and uses binoculars to search for the best Word resume template

Academic Word Resume Template

Black and white academic Microsoft Word resume template

Why this resume template works

  • Share internship or work experience as well as project experience. Projects can be academic or personal. If you’re feeling stuck on what to include here, try thinking about your hobbies and interests .
  • Show off academic achievements and awards in a dedicated section in the left sidebar. Need more room than that? Try using the projects section instead!

College Word Resume Template

College Word resume template with blude sidebar

Why this resume works

  • Companies won’t be able to resist taking a closer look at your application when you apply for their internship opportunities, as you’ll be showcasing that you’re a very well-rounded student with high aspirations!

ATS-Friendly Word Resume Template

ATS-friendly Word resume template

  • Need more room for work experience? Just delete some of the project experience to make a little space.

Minimalist Word Resume Template

Minimalist Word resume template with thin black lines

  • Clean, thin lines create division for all the necessary parts while maximizing space for you to highlight your best career achievements.

Technical Word Resume Template

Technical Word resume template with room for tech stack

  • This resume is incredibly easy to follow down the page with its unique but professional design. Don’t be surprised when you start getting calls for interviews!

Acting Word Resume Template

Acting Word resume template with blue sidebar for actor attributes

  • This template features a section where you can place your acting experience front and center, leaving the sidebar to draw the eye to your talents and attributes.

Student Word Resume Template

Student Word resume template with yellow contact header

  • Let both your personality and your background shine in this student Word resume template.

Modern Word Resume Template

Modern Word resume template with green contact header and sidebar

  • Space for all your work achievements? Check.
  • Space for skills and certs? Check check.
  • Space for a summary statement that attests to your successful career history? Check check check!

Functional Word Resume Template

Functional Word resume template with blue contact header and section headers

  • If that’s the boat you’re in, you’ll like what this functional Word resume template can offer you.

Simple Word Resume Template

Black and white simple Microsoft Word resume template

  • Dark lines keep each section separated and marked clearly for an eye-catching and simple design.
  • Expound on any important details with a cover letter generator that won’t miss any details from your resume or the job description.

Professional Word Resume Template

Professional Microsoft Word resume template with blude headers and icons

  • Detailed icons draw the eye in, so recruiters can focus on your professional history and accomplishments.

Basic Word Resume Template

Basic Microsoft Word resume template in black and white

  • Clear headers designate each section and leave you room for extras, too, like a career objective and certifications or licenses.

Best Word Resume Template

Best Microsoft Word resume template with blue job title line and bold headers

  • This aesthetically pleasing template works well when you want to format your resume in reverse-chronological order.

Harvard Word Resume Template

Black and white Harvard resume template with study abroad and leadership and activities experience

  • There’s space to share your coursework, study abroad experience, leadership and collegiate activities, and even traditional work experience on your Harvard Word resume template.

Easy Word Resume Template

Easy Microsoft Word resume template with blue headers

  • Recruiters won’t be quick to forget your name with this soft blue contact header that keeps your info neat and tidy.
  • Resume templates like this one are good choices for job seekers looking to climb the ladder because it lays your work history out in reverse-chronological order.

High School Word Resume Template

Black and white high school Microsoft Word resume template

  • Think about school projects or extracurricular activities that keep you busy, and use that to populate your projects section. Try to answer how you contributed and left a positive impact.
  • And hey, if you do have some traditional work experience, just add that to the projects section instead!

Music Word Resume Template

Music Microsoft Word resume template with green sidebar

  • Use your experience section to highlight where you shine, whether that be in the orchestra or in the classroom instructing.
  • The green sidebar gives us nice pop of color to draw attention to your music honors and awards, where you can put the spotlight on competitions, the location, and the year.

Nursing Word Resume Template

Nursing Microsoft Word resume template with blue headers and blue triangles

  • Small and unique design elements pull the eye in strategically to your objective , skills, and licenses, telling recruiters right away that you’re qualified for the role.
  • Licenses and certifications are essential, which is why there are two sections dedicated to this at the bottom of your resume. List your nursing license in the left sidebar and list any other certifications and licenses you hold beneath your experience.

Teacher of the Year Word Resume Template

A teacher of the year Word resume template with blue and black color blocks

  • A teacher resume can demonstrate your professional ability to teach any age group from kindergarten to high school.
  • Bold blue tones emphasize wisdom, confidence, intelligence, and imagination. This type of  resume formatting  contrasts nicely with strong black empty space. It makes for an eye-catching and appealing resume.

The Arts Word Resume Template

The arts Word resume template

  • Usually, we advise against including a photo in your  resume template , but we can make the case for one here. It shows personality and individuality, which are, of course, important traits for an artistic, creative job. 
  • Job titles that will be especially suited to your arts resume include visual artist, musician, photographer, designer, and producer.

Pretty-in-Pink Word Resume Template

A pretty in pink Word resume template

  • This bold, creative resume template is best suited for those working in roles where a more colorful style would be acceptable or encouraged.
  • This will include many jobs in the arts and creative industries, but it’s always best to judge based on the formality of the specific company to which you apply.

Royal Blue Word Resume Template

A royal blue Word resume template

  • The dark blue is particularly good at conveying a sense of knowledge, seriousness, and security, which are appealing qualities for hiring managers seeking an advanced professional like yourself. The light blue adds contrast and is associated with compassion, an essential characteristic of good management. 
  • We think you could build a killer resume with this royal blue Word resume template for roles as an account manager , team lead, regional manager, operations manager , and executive assistant .

The Trades Word Resume Template

The trades Word resume template

  • Remember, this doesn’t mean your resume has to look boring. Keep it interesting with contrasting colors, fonts, and letter sizes. Choosing the perfect resume template is half the battle!
  • Your trades resume is ideal if you’re working trades, such as plumbing, welding, carpentry, electrical work, or machinery. Your job keeps life orderly and functional, so it’s important to reflect that in your resume design.

Doctor’s Orders Word Resume Template

The doctor's orders Word resume template with green color blocks

  • Unique sections allow you to input and highlight residency, licenses, and conferences easily. Use tasteful colors in your resume to demonstrate your personality.
  • Your qualifications and skills can speak for themselves, but only great doctors are both brilliant and personable with patients. Show that you  are  that doctor!

Executive Word Resume Template

An executive Word resume template

  • If you’re looking to advance in the corporate world, this resume template allows room to highlight your expertise and success in a  professional resume summary .  
  • Having trouble figuring out where to start? Take a peek at our  resume examples  for insight into creating a resume that lands you interviews. 

Green Technicalities Word Resume Template

The green technicalities Word resume template

  • It should be easy to differentiate your hard and soft skills  and certifications on your resume, which are incredibly important for technical jobs requiring niche skills. 
  • While a lot of information can fit on your resume, clean lines and contrasting colors keep it from becoming overwhelming. 

Lawyer Up Word Resume Template

The lawyer up Word resume template

  • The boxing around the resume title and contrasting fonts provide sophisticated interest.
  • Note the use of professional and straightforward fonts but strong visual interest from the choice of bolding.

Modern Limelight Word Resume Template

A modern limelight Word resume template

  • Your Modern resume works best if you’re applying to work at a startup. Exciting, bold ideas thrive in these environments, and your lime-colored resume fits the bill. 
  • Students, don’t be afraid to use the work experience section for projects or even to showcase relevant hobbies and interests that help pitch why you should be hired. 

Artist Word Resume Template

Artist Word resume template

Aesthetic Word Resume Template

Aesthetic Word resume template

Tech Word Resume Template

Tech Word resume template

Standard Word Resume Template

Standard Word resume template

Black and White Word Resume Template

Black and white Word resume template

Sorority Word Resume Template

Sorority Word resume template

Plain Word Resume Template

Plain Word resume template

Pet Word Resume Template

Pet Word resume template

Google Analytics Word Resume Template

Google Analytics Word resume template

Entry-Level Word Resume Template

Entry-level Word resume template

Education Word Resume Template

Education Word resume template

Dance Word Resume Template

Dance Word resume template

Chronological Word Resume Template

Chronological Word resume template

Business Word Resume Template

Business Word resume template

Traditional Word Resume Template

Traditional Word resume template

Remember,  if you’re having trouble customizing your resume template , make sure you check out our  job-specific resume samples . We also get that working with templates in Word can be tricky, so you can try one of our Google Docs resume templates or our AI resume builder (free) with us instead. How about this one here?

Experienced Medical Assistant Resume

or download as PDF

Experienced medical assistant resume example with 12 years of experience

Related articles

  • Google Docs Resume Templates
  • Letter of Interest
  • How to Make a Resume
  • Resume Tips
  • Reasons for Leaving a Job

How to Make a Resume in Word ?

Job seeker types on blue laptop and questions how to make a resume in Microsoft Word

The best thing about building a resume in Word is that Microsoft Word comes with many resume templates you can find within the program. If none of these preloaded formats do the trick, you can search for alternate templates on the internet (probably how you found these here).

Between the templates included in Word, the options available online, our free resume templates for Google Docs , or the templates you can use in the best AI resume builder , you should have no trouble finding a design that works for you.

free college resume templates word

Find free Word resume templates

Accessing resume templates on Microsoft Word is a quick, easy way to structure your document. All you have to do is take the following steps:

  • Click “File,” then “New.”
  • Type “Resume” into the search box at the top of the window.
  • Browse the templates and double-click the one you want.
  • Delete the sample text and add your personal information.

free college resume templates word

Upload your outside templates into Word

While Microsoft Word offers some excellent resume templates within the program, you can find even more options on the internet, including our  professional resume examples .

Here’s how to find online templates and upload them into Word:

  • Search Google for “resume templates,” or take advantage of our  free resume templates .
  • Download the resume that fits your needs.
  • Open a new Word document.
  • Click on “Insert” at the top of the page.
  • Select “Object” from the drop-down menu.
  • Find the file for the resume template in the box that appears. It’s most likely under “Downloads.”
  • Click on the file for the resume template.
  • Click “Insert” at the bottom-right corner of the box.

*Note: This process will upload your template, but it may be distorted, requiring you to spend some time manipulating boxes, lines, and font, which is why we recommend uploading your resumes with our  free resume tool .

Two job seekers discuss how to make a resume with a Word resume template

When it comes to creating a fantastic resume on Word, downloading the right template is only half the battle. From there, you need to do what it takes to fill the template with the right information.

There are two keys to making the most of your Word resume template: taking advantage of Word’s available features and practicing patience as you tweak and perfect the document.

free college resume templates word

Use Word’s available features

There’s a reason Word is so popular. It comes fully loaded with useful features, many of which will be a major help as you work on your next resume. Here are six features you should consider taking advantage of if you want your document to look its best:

  • Word’s editor tool will check your resume for spelling and grammar. Don’t let recruiters doubt your professionalism.
  • The Track Changes feature puts a red line through deleted text rather than eliminating it. Play around with the wording on your resume to weigh your options until you get it just right.
  • Word’s Resume Assistant feature is specially designed for creating a new resume. Use this feature to see how others in your field have described their work experience, giving you the inspiration to overcome pesky writer’s block.
  • Word’s line spacing feature lets you tighten up text, so there’s less blank space between lines. Say more on a single page.
  • The margins adjustor on Word lets you cover more of the page with text. When you’re struggling to squeeze in important information, this extra space can prove vital.
  • Word lets you convert your final resume to a PDF. This makes it easy to save your resume as a file you can send digitally.

free college resume templates word

Set aside ample time to build your Word resume

A resume on Word isn’t something you can polish off in five minutes even if you’ve uploaded a template. You need the document to come out looking fantastic, and that requires meticulous attention to detail.

While you work on your Word resume, consider the following:

  • How to customize your filler text
  • How to set the font size and color
  • Which line spacing to use
  • How to make an inflexible layout work for the information you need to include
  • How to  format your resume  for ATS scanners

If all this sounds like too much of a hassle, just use our quick resume builder . By typing in your details and letting our tool take care of the rest, you’ll take the guesswork and stress out of the resume creation process.

Job seeker selects best resume template on blue laptop

There are countless resume templates in Word, and it’s up to you to find the option that best suits your industry and personality. No matter which template you choose, the most important thing is to represent yourself well. When it comes to  writing resumes , content wins over style every time.

While a  resume outline  and template will give your document the basic structure it needs, save yourself time and frustration by opting for an easy resume maker experience instead.

Whether you want to upload and  check a resume  with our AI-powered tips or start from scratch, our tools are convenient and effective. If you’ve got your information handy, then a stylish, professional resume is just a few clicks away.

The best way to start is to choose a Word resume template for a professional outline. Word has prebuilt templates, or you can download and upload one you find online. Once your template is set, you can customize the font, colors, spacing, and columns to fit your needs. Some best practices when creating a resume in Word include keeping it on a single page, using a 12-14 point Arial or Times New Roman font for readability, and using single or 1.5 point spacing.

Try a reverse-chronological format . It tends to work best for most careers. Leading with your most recent experiences shows career growth and helps emphasize how you can help with current industry needs. For example, someone applying for a senior management role may want to show how they’ve climbed the ladder from assistant or project management roles. Alternatively, recent grads with limited experience or applicants for highly technical roles may also benefit from functional or hybrid formats that list relevant skills and accomplishments before employment history.

Word has many prebuilt resume templates you can access. To do so, click “File” then “New” and type “resume” in the search box that appears at the top right-hand corner. Then, simply choose the one that fits your needs and personality. To access a resume template for Word that you downloaded online, go to “Insert” then “Object” and choose the file from the box that appears.

To save and email the resume you created in Word, go to “File” then “Save As.” Once the box pops up, enter a file name that shows exactly what position you’re applying to, such as “First Name–Last Name–Position–2024.” Then, under the “File Format” dropdown, you should select PDF since it’s the most widely accepted file type for resumes. Lastly, you would compose your email, click attach files, and add the PDF you just saved.

Create my free resume now

Want our top 5 most popular Word Templates right to your inbox?

Download my Black and White Word Resume Template .

Download my Standard Word Resume Template .

Download my Tech Word Resume Template .

Download my Aesthetic Word Resume Template .

Download my Artist Word Resume Template .

Download my Education Word Resume Template .

Download my Dance Word Resume Template .

Download my Entry-Level Word Resume Template .

Download my Business Word Resume Template .

Download my Pet Word Resume Template .

Download my Google Analytics Word Resume Template .

Download my Chronological Word Resume Template .

Download my Sorority Word Resume Template .

Download my Plain Word Resume Template .

Download my Traditional Word Resume Template .

Download my ATS-Friendly Resume Template .

Download my College Word Resume Template .

Download my Minimalist Word Resume Template .

Download my Technical Word Resume Template .

Download my Academic Word Resume Template .

Download my Acting Word Resume Template .

Download my Student Word Resume Template .

Download my Modern Word Resume Template .

Download my Functional Word Resume Template .

Download my Simple Word Resume Template .

Download my Professional Word Resume Template .

Download my Basic Word Resume Template .

Download my Best Word Resume Template .

Download my Harvard Word Resume Template .

Download my Easy Word Resume Template .

Download my High School Word Resume Template .

Download my Music Word Resume Template .

Download my Nursing Word Resume Template .

Download my Arts Word Resume Template .

Download my Pretty-in-Pink Word Resume Template .

Download my Royal Blue Word Resume Template .

Download my Trades Word Resume Template .

Download my Doctor’s Orders Word Resume Template .

Download my Executive Word Resume Template .

Download my Green Technicalities Word Resume Template .

Download my Modern Limelight Word Resume Template .

Download my Experienced Medical Assistant Resume Template .

Or download as PDF .

Download my Lawyer Up Resume Template .

Take me to my Teacher of the Year Word Resume Template .

IMAGES

  1. 50 College Student Resume Templates (& Format) ᐅ TemplateLab

    free college resume templates word

  2. 50 Free College Resume Templates for Students (Examples)

    free college resume templates word

  3. Free College Resume Templates

    free college resume templates word

  4. 50 Free College Resume Templates for Students (Examples)

    free college resume templates word

  5. 50 College Student Resume Templates (& Format) ᐅ TemplateLab

    free college resume templates word

  6. 50 Free College Resume Templates for Students (Examples)

    free college resume templates word

COMMENTS

  1. Free College Resume Templates

    College Resume Templates. A college resume is a document that represents a high school student's academic achievement, after-school activities, work experience, and other relevant accomplishments. It is used when applying for college or university and will accompany the student's overall college application.

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    Download free resume templates. Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors.

  3. College Resume Template & Guide (Free Download in Word)

    Free college resume example for students in Word format Download this college resume example for free in Word format and make an excellent first impression on recruiters. This free resume for college students in Word is sure to set you off in the right direction in your job-seeking journey.

  4. 50 Free College Resume Templates for Students (Examples)

    College Resume Template 01. College Resume Template 02. College Resume Template 03. College Resume Template 04. College Resume Template 05. College Resume Template 06. College Resume Template 07. College Resume Template 08. College Resume Template 09.

  5. 25+ Free Resume Templates for Microsoft Word

    Here's how to select a resume template in Microsoft Word: 1. Open Microsoft Word and click on "File" in the top left corner of the screen. 2. Click on "New" from the menu options. 3. In the search bar at the top of the screen, type in "resume". 4.

  6. 50 College Student Resume Templates (& Format) ᐅ TemplateLab

    Download example resume college student. You can use a college resume template as a guide when making your own. This greatly helps in deciding the content to include and how you should format it. Just make sure that the template you select will fit your own education, experiences, and the position you're applying for.

  7. 19+ Free College Resume Templates & Examples (MS Word)

    Step 4 - Make Your Personal Summary Impactful. It's common practice when resume writing to include a one or two-sentence summary that encapsulates your journey. This is sometimes called a 'career objective' or an 'objective statement.'. This type of summary should be written in the third person, so avoid using 'I am.'.

  8. College Student Resume Examples & Templates (2024)

    College Student resume examples & templates. Whether you're looking to land a student job or step into your first professional role, this college student resume guide and the adaptable example it contains will help you create a great application, step-by-step. 4.2. Average rating. 51 people've already rated it.

  9. College Student Resume Examples (With Template and Tips)

    Here are some examples: Resourceful college student studying business administration and seeking an internship in marketing, sales, or operations. Strong written and verbal communication skills developed through coursework. Passionate about innovation and eager to apply academic concepts in a real-world setting.

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    Download our Free Quickstart Resume Templates. A professional resume is a critical tool for job seekers and the primary method of first contact with hiring employers. Our clean, simple, easy-to-read format will make you stand out to hiring managers and easy to find in applicant tracking systems. Download the template: Word/docx format

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    Select a design you fancy and download a free copy to your computer. Open the template in Microsoft Word or Google Docs to personalize. Fill in the blanks using your personal details. Refer to relevant resume examples for ideas and tips. Review and edit your resume. Include strong verbs and adjectives to add persuasion.

  12. How to Write a College Resume + Templates

    For this post, we use examples from this resume template—but feel free to use any of the others linked below. College Resume Templates: College Resume Template #1: Microsoft Word or Google Docs. College Resume Template #2: Microsoft Word or Google Docs. College Resume Template #3: Microsoft Word or Google Docs

  13. College Student Resume Templates to Impress Any Employer

    1. Start by listing your most recent academic experience. 2. Give information about your academic degree program and the school. 3. Highlight any awards or achievements from your college experience. Here are two examples of an education section for a college student's resume: Example 1.

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    Follow the steps below to successfully download and edit your free student resume template: Click on the free Download button above. The download will start automatically. Go to the downloads folder on your device and open the Word document. Edit your resume student and export it to PDF. Send to recruiters!

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    For more free college student resume templates for Microsoft Word, see this gallery: Free Resume Templates for MS Word. 12. Concept Student Resume Template. Create my resume now "Concept" available in our builder will make a great template for a student resume with no experience. Skills and Expertise sections are well presented and will surely ...

  16. College Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

    To optimize your resume for each college application: 1. Take cues from what you know about the school. 2. Refer to their website, brochures, notes from the campus tour, or any other information you've gathered on what the school is known for and what you're most drawn to about it. 3.

  17. Best Free College Student Resume Templates to Download 2024

    Let's move on and check out the collection of the 25 best college resume templates for free download from the internet. 1. Resume One Free Template - F ree Resume Template for University Students. This one-page free resume template for university students comes in blue, green, pink, and purple.

  18. Free resume template for students and new grads

    So, we're here to help make it easier! We've created this free resume template to get you started. Just follow the steps to download, and then plug in your information to create a resume that recruiters will notice. And check our guide to creating a student or new grad resume with tips on what to include, and some important do's and don'ts.

  19. 4 College Student Resume Examples & Templates 2024

    5. Professional Portfolio. Add your portfolio URL to the resume contact information section, which we'll go over next. A portfolio is an awesome way to give concrete examples of your work—and bonus real estate as an addendum to your college student resume. 6.

  20. 11+ Best Student Resume Templates (W/ Examples & Resources)

    Top ↑ 12 Student Resume Templates #1. Creative Resume Template #2. Basic Resume Template #3. Combined Resume Template #4. Minimalist Resume Template #5. Traditional Resume Template #6. General Resume Template #7. Modern Resume Template #8. IT Resume Template #9.

  21. 43 Word Resume Templates (Free) Designed for 2024

    Here's how to find online templates and upload them into Word: Search Google for "resume templates," or take advantage of our free resume templates. Download the resume that fits your needs. Open a new Word document. Click on "Insert" at the top of the page. Select "Object" from the drop-down menu. Find the file for the resume ...

  22. 25+ Word Resume Templates (Free & Premium)

    Step 2: Search for Resume Templates. Access Templates: On the Word start screen, click on "New" to open the template gallery. Search for Resume Templates: In the search bar at the top, type "resume" and press Enter. This will display a variety of resume templates available in Word. Step 3: Choose a Resume Template.