resume writing for recent college graduates

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9 College Graduate Resumes That Got The Job in 2024

• College Graduate Resumes
• College Graduate Resumes by Career
• Resume FAQs

Whether you attended a traditional 4-year university straight out of high school or worked through an online program, there’s no doubt your college experience was unique. 

Hence, it’s safe to assume that your college graduate resume will also be unique, which is good because you want an employer to see what makes you a valuable candidate. That said, it can be difficult to  outline your resume  or work with an AI cover letter generator if your work experience is sparse or irrelevant. 

That’s why we’ve taken the time to build nine college graduate resume samples you can use as a springboard. With our examples and proven tips , we know you’ll be able to expertly draft a professional resume that encompasses your collegiate activities, work history, and skills.

College Graduate Resume

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Why this resume works

• Place emphasis on projects relevant to your chosen field. List 2-4 bullet points about your contributions, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Don’t forget to start with a strong action verb. 
• It’s also appropriate to include other extracurriculars on your college graduate resume. Seemingly irrelevant activities are important to include because they demonstrate you’re a well-rounded candidate. 
• Take advantage of the  career objective  by briefly summing up your varied collegiate projects, and be sure to state how your experience better equips you for the job. 
• Examine the description of your desired job, and include some of those mentioned skills that are relevant to you. 

Recent College Graduate Resume

• Include relevant coursework,
• Include a specific and honest list of  skills , 
• Include your GPA (if you’re proud of it!), 
• and include a resume objective. 
• Use numbers when possible to show measurable impact.
• Start with action verbs. 
• Be specific, and avoid generalized statements that could be on any resume. 

New Graduate Nurse Resume

• An excellent approach here would be to describe your involvement in volunteer programs, like Leo’s stints at Beyond the Bedside and Health Habits, Healthy Lives. Go the extra mile to illuminate the tangible difference your intervention facilitated.

Computer Science Graduate Resume

• For each, it’s essential to highlight your application or mastery of skills or tools fundamental to computer science or software engineering (Think Python, Java, PostgreSQL, and C++).

Accounting College Graduate Resume

• It’s a masterstroke for your accounting college graduate resume to highlight your analytical, cost-cutting, process automation, and risk mitigation through experimental projects that can be actualized in the real business world.

Nursing College Graduate Resume

• All you have to do in your nursing college graduate resume is to underline your accomplishments in patient care, saving waiting times, and improving overall outcomes.

Marketing College Graduate Resume

• Internships are extremely valuable to your marketing college graduate resume. Not everyone secures an internship before entering the workforce, so including an internship will demonstrate initiative, real-world experience, and industry knowledge. 
• Whether you’ve improved traffic to your personal blog or volunteered to build campaigns for a local organization, those undertakings matter a great deal because employers will, again, see your initiative as well as how you operate in your skillset when you’re not on the clock. 
• Trying to fit all the pieces of your college years onto one page is a challenge, so choose a template that will allow you to rearrange and organize sections in a logical way. 

Engineering College Graduate Resume

• Something you “just did for fun” may actually be a project worth mentioning. If you developed an app for personal use and preference, this is an excellent project to include that will detail your skills , project outcome, and creativity. 
• awards, achievements, recognition, or organizations/societies you were involved in;
• solid GPAs;
• and relevant coursework. 
• Make sure you change your resume objective for each job you apply to. Otherwise, it’s better to not include one.

Human Resources College Graduate Resume

• Choose a professional but creative template, and take advantage of our free  resume checker  that will help you with a number of things, including using active verbs, avoiding passive voice, and checking for punctuation consistency. 
• No matter what you include in your resume, write job description bullet points that will demonstrate genuine care for the people you work with as well as your ability to assist and improve the experiences of those individuals.
• Hint: If you can quantify your experiences with figures, statistics, percentages, or money, do so—metrics speak louder than vague statements.

Related resume guides

• Grad School
• College Student
• Entry Level

College Graduate Resume FAQs

While you may have work experience to add to your resume, not everyone does—and that’s perfectly okay! Your college career is ripe with experiences to include in your resume. Most importantly, you need to fill in the “work experience” section of your resume, and if you don’t have traditional work experience yet, use this space to talk about academic projects or student organizations you were involved in or even led. Academic projects and student orgs that are relevant to your degree are excellent talking points since they’ll directly provide valuable experience for your career choice. Other things worth including are relevant coursework and a career objective that specifically shares how your experience to date will help you contribute to the job.

Some will tell you to use a functional resume format, which places emphasis on your skills and minimizes your work history. While you  can  use a functional format, we’re gonna throw a curve ball and recommend you use the reverse-chronological resume format instead. Why? If you treat academic and personal projects, volunteer work, and school extracurriculars as valid experience (which you should), you won’t be stumped as to what to put in your “work experience” section on your resume. Employers and recruiters are most familiar with the reverse-chronological format anyway, and you won’t raise red flags with a resume based primarily on skills.

If you’re proud of it! Listing your GPA on your college grad resume is not a requirement for most employers, but it certainly can’t hurt your case if you’ve got a GPA worth sharing with the world. Consider including your GPA if it’s greater than 3.5 as it can demonstrate your strong work ethic, commitment, and perseverance, all while working through multiple projects and tasks. Once you’ve gained several years of work experience, it’s a good idea to remove your GPA as your work experience will stand out above grades from the past.

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Perfect Resume Guide for Recent College Graduates

7 min read · Updated on April 04, 2024

Here's what to include in your entry-level college graduate resume

As you near your college graduation date, entry into the workforce gets closer and closer. That said, there are many factors to consider as you begin your post-grad job search. One of the most important considerations is how to develop your job marketing materials, like your resume, to grab the attention of employers. What resume standards do you need to consider, and what can you do to create a recent college graduate resume that stands out from the crowd?

Lucky for you, TopResume partnered with TheJobNetwork to produce a webinar all about resume writing for recent college graduates.. Watch the following video to learn how to write the perfect recent college graduate resume for an entry-level position.

Recent college graduate resume guide

Below are 14 reasons why the above example is an excellent resume for a recent college graduate.

1. He used a professional-looking email address

One thing recent college graduate resumes often include is an unprofessional email address. The email address [email protected] may have been funny when you were in college, but it's not the best choice to represent your professional brand in the working world. Do yourself a favor and set up a professional-looking email address that's reserved for your job-seeking activities.

2. It includes a customized link to his LinkedIn profile

Not only is LinkedIn a great place to build your professional brand and make connections, but recruiters also expect to find you on there.  In fact, a survey found that more than 90 percent of employers use LinkedIn to search for and evaluate job candidates. Make it easy for them to find you by including the link to your profile at the top of your resume. Take it a step further and customize your LinkedIn profile URL so it matches your brand and fits nicely on your resume.

3. The professional summary isn't full of fluff

It can be tempting to throw a bunch of buzzwords such as “ambitious” and “self-starter” into the summary section of your recent college graduate resume template, but employers know these are pure fluff and won't be impressed when they read them. 

Don't tell employers how you're a great team player. Instead, explain how you served on a committee to raise money for your lacrosse team or received accolades for a group project during your internship. Click on the following link for more tips to craft your professional summary .

4. Nicholas optimized his recent college graduate resume with relevant keywords

Your job application needs to get past multiple gatekeepers before it makes it into the hands of a hiring manager. Take a look at the job listings you're interested in and identify the key terms and phrases that routinely pop up. 

If you have those skills or were exposed to that industry or process, incorporate them into your resume. You can add them to a Core Competencies section, similar to Nicholas' resume, or incorporate them throughout the Work Experience section.

5. There aren't any mentions of high school

Hiring managers are interested in what you've done lately, not what you accomplished four or more years before you went to college as high school students. Focus on highlighting your activities, accomplishments, and the work experience that took place during your college career, calling special attention to anything that directly supports your job goals.

6. He lists his GPA

Only list your GPA on your entry-level resume if it's a 3.0/4.0 or higher. If the GPA in your major is higher than your overall GPA, feel free to use that instead. However, keep in mind that employers will know why you didn't include your GPA and may ask you about it during the interview process .

7. Nicholas didn't include his coursework

If you've held at least one internship that's relevant to your degree and career goals, there's no reason to also include a list of the courses you took. Employers will value your internship experience over the stuff you learned in the classroom any day of the week. 

However, if you did not intern, include a list of the 400-level courses you took that are most closely tied to your job goals to show hiring managers what subjects you're familiar with.

8. It plays up Nicholas' selling points

The format of your entry-level college-graduate resume will depend on the information you have to work with. If you have a ton of great internship experience, highlight that just below your professional resume summary and education sections. 

If you didn't hold any jobs that were related to your future career, play up other information instead, such as the high-level courses you took, major projects you participated in, academic or athletic honors you received, or extra-curricular activities and volunteer work that demonstrate your leadership roles and skills. 

In Nicholas' case, we divided his job experience into two categories so his relevant internships took the spotlight.    

9. Each employer has a company description

Help employers get a better understanding of the industries and work environments you were exposed to by including a line that describes each company with which you held an internship. 

If you're tight on space, feel free to eliminate this information for your summer jobs that aren't related to your current career goals. You can also omit this information from your internships if they were all held at companies with big, well-known brand names.

10. Nicholas bulleted the most important information

Use bullet points to draw attention to the information you believe recruiters will care most about. This may include an accomplishment or other major contribution you helped your team achieve.

11. Action verbs and numbers are used to describe his work experience

Notice how the bullets under Nicholas' roles begin with an action verb? This information focuses on how Nicholas contributed to an end result. When you're new to the workforce, you may not have many major accomplishments and contributions to include in your resume; however, use action verbs (e.g. created, led, managed, improved, developed, built) to describe your activities.

Nicholas also included quantifiable data to highlight his achievements. When showcasing accomplishments, it's best to include as many numbers as possible to represent the level of results achieved.  

12. His extracurricular activities and honors are provided

Your first resume out of college should play up your best selling points. This may include any projects or extracurricular activities you held while attending college, as well as any scholarships or other honors you received during that time. Click on the following link for more tips on how to build a resume using college involvement as experience .  

13. Nicholas' relevant skills are listed

Take a closer look at the job descriptions that interest you and note what technical skills they expect you to possess. This may include proficiency with a particular software program or language skill that's considered valuable in your chosen field. If you have a working knowledge of these platforms, list them on your resume. 

If you keep seeing a skill or tool mentioned that you don't know much about, look for free or low-cost online courses on the topic to bolster your skill set. Resources such as edX , SkillShare , and LinkedIn Learning are great places to start.

14. References are not included

As an entry-level professional, you only get one page of resume real estate — don't waste it by adding references or the phrase “References available upon request.” Employers usually won't ask for this information until you make it to a face-to-face interview, and they know you'll provide it if they request it.

Additional recent college graduate resume examples

Looking for more samples and advice? Click on the following links to check out a recording of our recent resume-writing webinar and take a look at another recent college graduate resume sample that TopResume's resident Career Expert Amanda Augustine provided for Business Insider.

Need help with your recent college graduate resume? Learn more about our professional resume-writing services to get a resume like the one above. You can also submit it for a free resume review to get started!

This blog was originally written by Amanda Augustine and has been updated by Ronda Suder. 

Recommended reading:

How to Check if My Resume is ATS-Friendly for Free

The Hottest Entry-Level Jobs for Recent Grads

17+ Job Resources for College Graduates

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

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How To Create The Perfect Resume As A Recent College Grad

Table Of Contents

7 must-have elements for a recent graduate resume, 1. relevant job skills, 2. transferable skills, 3. a well-written, non-fluffy summary or objective, 4. relevant keywords, 5. extracurriculars and honors, 6. a professional-sounding email, 7. a customized link to your linkedin profile, what resume format is best for a recent college grad , what to avoid when writing a recent grad resume, 1. mentioning high school, 2. avoid listing your college courses, 3. don’t include references, resume example for a recent college grad, tips for writing a recent grad resume, 1. sell your strengths, 2. include company descriptions, 3. add bullet points for the most important information, 4. lead with “action” verbs, 5. include your gpa (but only if it’s a selling point), bottom line.

Written By: Michael Gardon | Edited By: Mike Jelinek

You’ve been working your entire life so you can add a college degree to your resume. Now, you’ve achieved your goal and are part of the 37% of Americans who can list a four-year degree under the “Education” section of their CV.

But how do you make your resume stand out from the competition? As a college grad, you have the educational credentials–but you may lack the experience that other candidates have. To get job interviews and offers, you’ll need to show the hiring manager that you have the skills, abilities, and aptitudes needed to solve their organization’s problems.

Writing the perfect resume doesn’t have to be stressful. Our team recently reviewed the best resume-writing services . If resume writing isn’t your strength, let a pro handle it! Once your resume is ready to go, start your job search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter is free and you can apply for jobs with a single click!

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Which skills are most essential to the job? The company will typically make this easy for you by including the required skills in the job description section of the listing. Look for hard skills, like software packages and programming languages, and soft skills , like communication and leadership. Highlight these in your resumes, cover letters, and job interviews to show that you’re qualified for the role.

Don’t sell yourself short if you don’t have on-the-job experience with a given skill. Remember that the point is to show the employer what you can do, not just what you have done.

“One of my top tips for new grads is to highlight the transferable skills that you have earned at a job or experience, not just your responsibilities,” says Kelli Richards, an academic advisor and career counseling instructor at the University of Madison-Wisconsin, in an interview with CareerCloud. “Instead of saying, ‘responsible for serving food to customers,’ highlight the skills you earned by saying, ‘communicate with customers and provide excellent customer service by being attentive and responsive.’”

Most resumes begin with either an objective or a summary statement. These sections perform the same general function. They tell the hiring manager what you can do and give a brief sense of how you can do it.

The difference between an objective and a summary is perspective. While objectives reveal your goals, summaries show how you have achieved your previous employers’ goals. Objectives are short–a line or two at most. Most state the position the candidate is applying for and give a sense of their larger career goals. Summaries are several lines long, but still tightly focused on the essentials. If you have related experience, a summary can help you highlight that.

Summary statements are usually meant for people with multiple years of experience, but every little bit helps in the case of entry-level work. Even for a first job, positions usually say they require 1-2 years of experience in the job description. If possible, you should use quantifiable metrics. Think of these few sentences as your elevator pitch to the hiring manager; highlighting your strengths, accomplishments, and skills.

Example: Objective vs. Summary

Traditional objective statement: “To obtain a position in inside sales”

Summary statement: “Inside Sales Representative with 1 year of experience working with customer accounts, prospecting new business, and continually meeting sales quotas. Increased new signups by 40% and retained 90% of existing clients.”

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sort candidates and make selections for interviews. To make sure that your resume makes the cut, study the job description and match your skills and experience to their requirements.

You can include keywords in the objective or summary statement, skills and experience sections, and in your cover letter. Use as many keywords as possible without looking like you're stuffing your resume full of them to get selected. Both the hiring managers and ATS will spot this quickly.

If you’re stuck, you can use synonyms for the keywords that you spot on in the job description. If you have room, you can add a core skills section that lists all of your skills that match the keywords. Place this section right after the summary or objective statement.

Always customize your keywords–and your resume as a whole. Don’t apply to two different positions with the same CV.

This is a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates, as well as showing where your interests lie. Highlight any honors or accolades you received, and include any competitions you participated in, as well. Even if you didn’t place, it is still worth mentioning that you were involved.

If you don’t already have an email that includes your name, you should create one. It’s OK to add a little something about the profession you’re trying to procure, e.g. [email protected] , but generally speaking, the more straightforward your email is, the better: [email protected] .

The reason you want to use a professional email address is that you want to come off sounding professional as opposed to, say, your childhood email that may have something like “wizard” or “princess” in it. We know it may be tough to part ways with your email, but just know that it will give you a better chance of getting selected for an interview.

This is important because it can boost your credibility by showing that you know your way around technology. Some applicants don’t include a LinkedIn profile link, and those that do often have a link that isn’t customized. You can customize your LinkedIn profile in three steps to look more professional on your resume.

Step 1: Log into your LinkedIn account and click the “Me” icon at the top of the page.

Step 2: Click “Edit public profile & URL.”

Join The Break Community

Step 3: Create your custom LinkedIn URL

There are three main types of resume formats : chronological, functional, and combination. A chronological resume focuses on your work experience, listing your jobs in reverse chronological order with the most recent position first. For obvious reasons, this resume type will not be your best choice if you’re a recent grad with little related work experience.

Either a functional resume, which focuses on your skills, or a combination resume, which highlights both skills and work experience, is a better choice. Both allow you to focus the hiring manager’s attention on your skill set, not your limited experience.

When your resume is ready, you can find jobs by checking out the best job posting sites .

If you went to college, it can be assumed that you graduated from high school, thus there is no reason to list it here. The only exception is if you’re applying for a job in your hometown. Then, it might be worth it to mention your high school experience on the chance that the hiring manager is also an alum.

There is so much more you can add to your resume than your course schedule. If the class isn’t directly related to the job, don’t include it.

According to a survey by SHRM , 87% of employers do reference checks as part of the hiring process. Though references are important and needed, wait to provide them until your potential employer asks for them. Save valuable space and leave them off your resume.

Related: How To List References On Your Resume

Here’s an example of a perfect resume for a recent college grad. Note what’s included (summary, keywords, bullet points) and what’s left out (high school experience, references).

Highlight your strengths–they’re likely to be what resonates most with the hiring manager as they comb through your resume. Include any experience that’s related to the position including work experience, volunteering, and internships.

If you don’t have any relevant experience, what did you do inside the classroom that was unique or special? Demonstrate your people skills and what makes you an excellent member of a team.

Including company descriptions gives you a chance to explain what you did at the organization. It’s also an opportunity to use keywords that are relevant to the role you’re targeting.

Here is an example of what a company description may look like.

Credit: ZipJob

This is how you will list your:

Experiences (worked at)

• What did you do, what did you learn, what did you improve on?

Accomplishments (won this)

• What were you awarded or recognized for?

Skills (am good at this)

• (see skills section below)

This is a good place to reassert the importance of listing quantifiable results in past work experiences if you have had any.

Here is an example of what an entry-level resume with bullet points looks like.

Led, coordinated, created, managed, improved, and developed–these are all verbs you can use when describing your roles in past jobs and experiences that resulted in positive change for whatever company, club, or organization. Remember, hiring managers read a lot of resumes, and they’re used to seeing the most common verbs listed above. Here is a list of 207 action verbs you can use if you’re looking for something a little outside of the box.

According to the most recent data by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 67% of companies reported that they screen candidates based on GPA. More recently, organizations have shifted their focus to other factors, like internships and extracurricular activities.

As a recent college graduate, it is ok to put your GPA on your resume, but after two or three years in the workforce, you should update your resume and take it off. Anything above a 3.5 is impressive and could separate you from other candidates if everything is equal.

If you don’t feel as though your GPA is high enough to put on your resume, make up for it with other accomplishments or areas where you were successful.

If you follow the above guidelines and approach your job search with discipline, you will eventually get called in for an interview. It’s all about understanding your value–and how to demonstrate it to hiring managers.

Once your resume is ready to go, start your job search on ZipRecruiter !

Michael Gardon

Mike is our Founder, career coach, and resident expert on all things resume, hiring and work-life. He is author of The Break newsletter and host of The Break Podcast on Careercloud. He has seen everything from being hired (and fired) to hiring and managing hundreds of people over his career. Mike has also successfully navigated many career pivots. He is a former derivatives trader turned corporate consultant turned entrepreneur who also holds a Bachelors' Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from DePaul University in Chicago. Mike is often interviewed and quoted on career topics in major publications such as Business Insider, Forbes, USA Today, Yahoo Finance and Fox News. Mike resides in the beautiful midwest where he built a life around his family. Connect with Mike to talk purpose, career change, entrepreneurship and side hustles like Quotebook , which he built with his kids!

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College Graduate Resume Examples and Writing Tips

What to Include in Your Resume

Resume writing tips for college grads, college graduate resume template, college graduate resume example, more college resume samples.

If you're a recent college graduate, you might not have much work experience. However, you can still write a strong resume that will get you hired. By emphasizing unpaid internships, volunteer work, and positions in school organizations, you can show you have the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

Read below for tips on writing a strong college graduate resume. Also see below for a resume sample for a recent college graduate.

Begin with a resume summary.  A  resume summary  (sometimes called a “summary of qualifications” or “qualifications profile”) is a statement (either narrative or formatted in bullets) at the top of a resume that immediately attracts a hiring manager’s attention to the skills you would bring to their organization.

The summary statement should be placed immediately below your name and contact information. 

Use this section to demonstrate that you have the qualifications that are emphasized in the job listing of the position you’re applying for.

Use keywords.  To make your resume stand out, use words from the job listing in your resume. You might include these  keywords  in your resume summary, your descriptions of work experiences, and/or your section headings. For example, if the listing says the company is seeking a candidate who is “tech-savvy,” you might include a section called “Technological Skills.” Again, use words that clearly link your resume to the job listing.

Mention a high GPA.  At this point, at the beginning of your career, it’s a good strategy to include your GPA on your resume if it is 3.5 or above. You should also include any academic awards (Dean’s List, scholarships, etc.). After you’ve racked up three or four years of work experience, though, you can remove this information from your resume, replacing it with examples of professional achievements.

Emphasize your soft skills.  “ Soft skills ” like teamwork , leadership, or good communication talents are always a selling point with employers. For many entry-level positions, they can be as important as job-specific  hard skills . Describe how, during your college years, you have led or contributed to team projects, either in the classroom or as a member of campus or extracurricular organizations. Additional soft skills that are good to mention include: active  listening skills ,  “people” skills , decision-making, and self-motivation.

Emphasize education.  As a recent college graduate, your education is one of your strongest assets. Include an  “Education” section  towards the top of your resume. Include the college you attended, your graduation date, and your major and minor. If you have a strong  GPA , include that as well. You might also include any study abroad experiences. Most employers see a well-traveled student as a plus.

Highlight any related experience.  If you have any work experience, include this. However, you can also include any other relevant experience. This might include volunteer experience, unpaid internships, or positions in school organizations. Even if these are unpaid positions, they can still display the qualities that will make you a strong candidate for a job opening.

Use resume examples.  When writing your first resume out of college, it can be hard to know where to start. Examples can give you ideas on how to structure your resume and what kind of language to include. Check out these student resume samples, as well as the sample below. However, make sure to always revise an example to fit your own background and experience.

Proofread and edit.  Thoroughly  proofread your resume  for spelling and grammar errors before submitting it. Also make sure your format is consistent: for example, you should use the same size bullet points throughout your resume. Ask a friend, family member, or college career counselor to read through your resume as well.

This is an example of a resume for a college graduate. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Here's a text version of the resume example to review.

College Graduate Resume Example (Text Version)

Susan Quigley New York, NY 123-555-8910 Cell: 555-555-1234 susan.quigley@abcu.edu 

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Soon-to-graduate honors college student, fluent in Spanish and with several years of teaching and tutoring the language to adults and students, seeks a position as a translator at a top East Coast firm.

ABC UNIVERSITY, New York, NY Bachelor of Arts in Education , May 2022 Double Majors: English and Latin American Studies; Minor: Spanish; Overall GPA: 3.875

• Honors and dean’s list every semester.
• Studied abroad in Bogota, Colombia, January-May 2020.
• Served as president of the school Spanish club; tutored nearly two dozen students in Spanish.
• Received three “Best Student Awards.”

RELATED EXPERIENCE

CERVANTES LIBRARY, New York, NY Library Assistant , September 2019-Present Perform general administrative duties to support professional staff and assist students with research.

• Designed a presentation, published to the university website, outlining how to most effectively use all of ABC University’s facilities when undertaking a research project.
• Received award for “Outstanding Student Employee of the Year” due to excellent customer service and research skills.

CALLES Y SUEÑOS CULTURAL SPACE, Bogota, Columbia Intern , Spring 2029 Helped design and implement programs in which community-based artists traveled to schools to work with children, teaching them about expression through art.

• Assisted teaching complimentary English lessons to community members of all ages.

QUEENS COMMUNITY LIBRARY, Queens, NY English Tutor/Volunteer , January 2018-May 2018 Assisted students in writing and proofreading essays, utilizing rhetorical devices.

• Cataloged thousands of donated books, CDs, and DVDs in Excel database.
• Started a weekly book club group to help elementary students learn basic Spanish.

Other Experience:

Summer Counselor, NY Arts Camp, Catskill, NY • Trombonist, All-State Wind Ensemble • Swim Team Assistant Coach, YMCA, Brooklyn, NY • Editor-in-Chief, ABC University Student Newspaper

Review more resume examples for college students and recent graduates , listed by type of position and type of job.

How to Get Your Resume Noticed

• A resume summary, which briefly lists your qualifications and soft skills, will spark a hiring manager’s immediate interest in your candidacy.
• Emphasize the skills that are requested in the “Preferred Qualifications” section of the job announcement.
• Highlight your achievements, including significant college and extracurricular accomplishments.
• Carefully edit your resume to correct grammatical, spelling, and formatting errors.

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Resume Writing for Recent College Graduates in 2024

As a recent college graduate, finding full-time employment can be a daunting task. However, having a well-written resume can make all the difference in landing your dream job. A resume serves as your personal marketing tool and is often the first impression a potential employer has of you. For this reason, it is important to take valuable time and effort to craft a resume that showcases your unique qualifications, achievements, and experiences.

The primary purpose of this article is to provide recent college graduates with a comprehensive guide to writing a successful resume. Covering all essential components, we will explore why a well-written resume is crucial for recent graduates in today’s competitive job market. In addition, we will provide practical tips and examples of how to curate each section of your resume to make an impression on your future employer.

This article aims to be a one-stop-shop for everything resume-related for recent college graduates. Whether you are a Liberal Arts major or an Engineering major, the tips and advice provided will be relevant and effective in crafting a great resume. Trust us; a well-written resume is the first step in securing an interview, and ultimately, the job you’ve always wanted.

So, buckle up and get ready to take your resume to the next level!

Understanding the Job Market for Recent College Graduates

As a recent college graduate, understanding the job market can be a crucial factor in securing employment. In this section, we will discuss the current status of the job market, demands and expectations of employers, and job search strategies for recent college graduates.

Current Status of the Job Market

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the job market has faced significant challenges. Many companies have been forced to downsize or close altogether, leading to a decrease in available job opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of September 2021, the unemployment rate for recent college graduates aged 20-24 was 7.7%, higher than the overall unemployment rate of 4.8%.

Despite these challenges, certain industries such as technology, healthcare, and education have seen a rise in hiring. It is important to research the current job market trends in your desired industry to better tailor your job search efforts.

Demands and Expectations of Employers

With a competitive job market, employers have high demands and expectations for their potential employees. It is important to demonstrate not only academic achievements but also other skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Employers also value relevant internships or work experience, as it shows practical application of skills learned in school.

A strong resume and cover letter demonstrating these skills can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview for your dream job. It is also important to showcase your knowledge and passion for the industry, which can be achieved through networking events or adding a blog section to your personal website or LinkedIn profile.

Job Search Strategies for Recent College Graduates

Job search strategies for recent graduates should be tailored to their specific needs, including attention to entry-level positions and internships. Networking events, informational interviews, and online job boards such as Handshake, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor can be useful in finding job opportunities.

It is important to consistently customize resumes and cover letters for each job application and follow up with thank-you emails after interviews. Furthermore, staying optimistic and persistent in the job search process can be challenging, but it is important to stay focused on long-term career goals rather than immediate job offers.

Understanding the current job market, employer demands and expectations, and job search strategies can help recent college graduates successfully navigate the job search process. With dedication and perseverance, recent graduates can identify and secure job opportunities that align with their interests and career goals.

Choosing the Right Resume Format

When it comes to creating a resume, the format you choose can have a significant impact on how well your qualifications and experience are showcased to potential employers. Here are the different types of resume formats to consider:

Chronological Resume

A chronological resume is the most traditional format, listing your work experience in reverse-chronological order. This format works best for job seekers who have a steady career progression and no significant gaps in their employment history.

Pros:  A chronological resume is easy to read and presents a clear timeline of your work experience.

Cons:  It may emphasize employment gaps or lack of experience in a particular field.

Functional Resume

A functional resume emphasizes skills, rather than work experience, and is ideal for those who are changing careers or have gaps in their employment history. This format highlights your qualifications and relevant skills, rather than the specific companies or job titles you’ve held.

Pros:  It allows you to draw attention to your key skills and abilities, rather than employment history.

Cons:  It may appear as if you have something to hide if you have gaps in your employment history.

Combination Resume

A combination resume, as the name suggests, combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, while also highlighting your key skills.

Pros:  This format is great if you have a lot of relevant experience but still want to emphasize specific skills.

Cons:  It can sometimes be hard to balance the two formats, making your resume look cluttered.

Which format works best for recent college graduates?

As a recent college graduate, you may have limited work experience to include on your resume. Therefore, a functional or combination format may work best, as it allows you to highlight your skills and education. However, if you have relevant internships, part-time jobs or freelance work, a chronological format may be a good fit.

Choosing the right resume format can make all the difference in how your qualifications are presented to potential employers. Consider your work experience and career goals when choosing the format that will best showcase your skills and experience.

Writing a Compelling Objective/Summary Statement

When it comes to writing a resume, the objective or summary statement is the first thing that recruiters and potential employers see. This is why it is important to create an effective objective/summary statement that highlights your strengths and demonstrates your potential as a candidate.

Importance of an Objective/Summary Statement

An objective/summary statement is an essential part of your resume because it sets the tone for the rest of your document. It is the first thing that potential employers see, and it can help determine whether they will continue reading or move on to the next candidate.

A well-written objective/summary statement can also help position you as a strong candidate for the job. It can highlight your skills, interests, and relevant experience, as well as showcase your personality and professionalism.

Techniques for Writing an Effective Statement

To create an effective objective/summary statement, consider the following techniques:

Tailor your statement to the job you are applying for by highlighting the skills and experience that match the job description.

Keep it short and concise, with a maximum of two to three sentences.

Use action words that showcase your accomplishments and skills, such as “developed,” “managed,” and “achieved.”

Avoid generic language that can be applied to anyone, and instead focus on what sets you apart from other candidates.

Use active voice instead of passive voice to make the statement more engaging and compelling.

Example Objective/Summary Statements for Recent College Graduates

For recent college graduates, a strong objective/summary statement can help position them as valuable candidates in the job market. Here are a few example statements:

“Recent college graduate with a degree in marketing seeking an entry-level position where I can apply my skills in market analysis, social media management, and brand strategy to drive business growth.”

“Motivated recent college graduate with a degree in computer science seeking a software development role where I can leverage my experience in programming languages such as Java and Python to develop innovative products and applications.”

“Recent college graduate with a degree in psychology seeking a position as a human resources assistant where I can utilize my strong analytical and communication skills to support the recruitment and retention of top talent.”

By using these techniques and examples, recent college graduates can create a compelling objective/summary statement that positions them as strong candidates for their desired roles.

Highlighting Relevant Coursework and Academics

For recent college graduates, highlighting academic achievements on a resume can separate them from other candidates. It demonstrates their ability to learn and apply knowledge in a specific field, as well as their dedication and hard work throughout their academic career.

Showcasing relevant coursework and projects is an effective way to highlight academic achievements. Graduates should include the most relevant coursework, especially if it directly relates to the job they are applying for. They can also include projects, research, and internships that they worked on during their academic career that demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the field.

It is important to make sure that academic achievements do not overwhelm the reader, however. Graduates should highlight the most relevant information and provide brief explanations of each achievement. They may also consider using bullet points or a separate section for academic achievements to keep it organized and easy to read.

The following are tips for highlighting academic achievements without overwhelming the reader:

• Focus on the most relevant coursework, projects, and internships
• Use bullet points or a separate section for academic achievements
• Provide brief explanations for each achievement
• Tailor academic achievements to the job they are applying for
• Do not include every achievement – prioritize the most impressive and relevant ones

By showcasing relevant coursework and academic achievements in a clear and concise manner, recent college graduates can make their resume stand out and show employers their potential as a valuable asset to their company.

Emphasizing Relevant Work Experience

As a recent college graduate, your relevant work experience is crucial to landing your first job. Employers want to see that you have practical skills, a strong work ethic, and a track record of success in your field. Here are some strategies to emphasize your work experience on your resume and during interviews:

Importance of Relevant Work Experience for Recent College Graduates

Relevant work experience demonstrates to employers that you have already gained relevant skills and knowledge in your field. It also shows that you have the motivation and drive to apply those skills in a professional setting. In today’s competitive job market, having relevant work experience can set you apart from other recent college graduates who may have only theoretical knowledge in their field.

Strategies to Emphasize Work Experience

Organize your resume by relevance: Focus on the work experience that directly relates to the job you’re applying for. Make sure that this content is prominently featured at the top of your resume. This way, hiring managers can quickly find the experience and skills they’re looking for.

Use strong action verbs: Begin each sentence with an action verb to emphasize your accomplishments in your previous roles. For example, instead of saying “I assisted with customer service,” say “I improved customer satisfaction by resolving concerns and providing personalized service.”

Quantify your accomplishments: Use numbers, percentages, and figures to demonstrate the impact you made in previous roles. For example, instead of saying “I helped increase sales,” say “I implemented a new sales strategy that resulted in a 25% increase in revenue.”

Highlight transferable skills: Even if your previous work experience isn’t directly related to the job you’re applying for, highlight transferable skills that are applicable to the position. For example, if you worked in retail, you could emphasize your customer service and communication skills.

Example Work Experience for Recent College Graduates

Here’s an example of how a recent college graduate with relevant work experience can emphasize their experience on their resume:

Marketing Coordinator, ABC Corp.

Developed and executed successful social media campaigns that increased brand awareness by 20%

• Created and managed content for company blog, resulting in a 15% increase in website traffic
• Coordinated email marketing campaigns that resulted in a 30% increase in sales
• Provided customer support through social media channels and resolved issues, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate

By highlighting specific accomplishments and quantifying the impact of their work, this recent college graduate is demonstrating to potential employers that they have the skills and experience needed to succeed in a marketing role.

With these strategies and examples, recent college graduates can emphasize their relevant work experience and make a strong impression on potential employers.

Showcasing Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are skills that can be applied across multiple industries and job roles. These skills are not job-specific but are gained through experiences in various areas of life, including school, work, and personal endeavors. Hiring managers look for transferable skills as they indicate a candidate’s adaptability and ability to succeed in a new role.

For recent college graduates, transferable skills can be gained through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs. Some examples of transferable skills that recent college graduates possess include:

• Communication skills: Recent college graduates have honed their communication skills through class presentations, group projects, and discussions. They can effectively communicate ideas and thoughts through written and oral means, making them an asset to any team.
• Time management skills: College requires a lot of juggling between classes, assignments, and social life. Recent college graduates have developed excellent time management skills to balance their schedules, which is an invaluable skill in the workplace.
• Leadership skills: Leadership can come in many forms, whether it be leading a group project or holding an executive position in a student organization. Recent college graduates have had many opportunities to take on leadership roles, making them effective problem solvers and decision-makers.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills: College coursework requires students to think critically, analyze information, and solve problems. These skills are essential in the workplace as they allow employees to approach tasks creatively and think outside the box.

To showcase transferable skills in a resume, recent college graduates can use the following techniques:

• Identify transferable skills: Review past experiences and identify any transferable skills gained. Focus on your strengths and how they can apply to the job you are interested in.
• Highlight transferable skills in the summary: Create a brief summary at the top of the resume highlighting transferable skills and achievements. This will immediately grab the recruiter’s attention and pique their interest.
• Incorporate transferable skills into job descriptions: When detailing past work experiences, incorporate transferable skills into job descriptions rather than simply listing duties performed.
• Use action verbs: Use action verbs such as “managed,” “organized,” or “resolved” to showcase transferable skills in job descriptions. This makes the resume more engaging and demonstrates the applicant’s abilities.
• Tailor the resume: Make sure the resume is tailored to the position the applicant is applying for. Highlighting transferable skills that align with the requirements listed in the job description will increase the chances of being selected for an interview.

Showcasing transferable skills on a resume is crucial for recent college graduates to improve their chances of landing their first job. By identifying and highlighting these skills, they can demonstrate their ability to adapt and excel in a new role, making them stand out to hiring managers.

Including Extracurricular Activities and Volunteer Experience

When it comes to resume writing for recent college graduates, including extracurricular activities and volunteer experience is critical. Employers want to see not only your academic achievements, but also your ability to balance various responsibilities outside of the classroom. Here are some tips for highlighting these experiences in a resume:

Make it relevant.  While any extracurricular activity or volunteer experience can demonstrate your skills and work ethic, try to focus on those that relate to the job or industry you are applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, highlight your work on the school newspaper or as a social media intern.

Use bullet points.  While resumes should be concise, it’s important to provide enough detail about your extracurricular activities and volunteer experience. Use bullet points to list your responsibilities and accomplishments, and be specific about any leadership roles you held.

Quantify your impact.  Whenever possible, use numbers or metrics to showcase your accomplishments. For example, if you raised money for a charity through a fundraising event, include how much money you raised and how many people attended.

Be honest.  It’s tempting to exaggerate your involvement in extracurricular activities and volunteer experience, but it’s important to be truthful about your level of participation. Employers may ask for further details or references, and you don’t want to get caught in a lie.

Here are some example extracurricular activities and volunteer experience for a recent college graduate:

Volunteer at a local animal shelter:  responsible for walking dogs, cleaning cages, and organizing adoption events. Increased adoption rates by 25% through social media marketing and outreach efforts.

President of the student government association:  led meetings, collaborated with university administration, and planned campus-wide events. Increased student engagement by 30% through new programming initiatives.

Member of the debate club:  competed in regional and national tournaments, honed public speaking skills, and organized practice sessions for new members. Won first place in a national tournament in the category of persuasive speaking.

By including extracurricular activities and volunteer experience on your resume, you demonstrate to employers that you have a well-rounded set of skills and experiences. By following the tips above, you can effectively showcase these experiences and stand out as a strong candidate.

Writing an Outstanding Education Section

An often overlooked section of a resume is the education section, but it can actually be one of the most important. For recent college graduates, it is especially crucial to showcase one’s education and any academic achievements to stand out from other candidates.

Importance of a Well-Written Education Section

A well-written education section can demonstrate to employers:

• Your level of education and qualifications.
• Any academic awards or honors that you have received.
• Your commitment to learning and improving your skills.
• Your potential to succeed in the position you are applying for.

But a poorly written education section can leave a negative impression on potential employers and decrease your chances of getting an interview.

Techniques for Writing an Outstanding Education Section

To write an outstanding education section, consider the following techniques:

• List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. Include the degree and major, the institution and its location, and the graduation date.
• If you have a high GPA or academic honors, include it in this section. Doing so can demonstrate your academic achievements and dedication to the field of study.
• If you have relevant coursework or certifications that are relevant to the position you are applying for, include them.
• If you have limited work experience, expand on your education section by highlighting relevant coursework, group projects or academic research that align with the position you are applying for.

Example Education Section for Recent College Graduates

Here is an example of an education section for recent college graduates:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Graduated May 2020

Relevant coursework: Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, Digital Marketing, Sales Management

GPA: 3.8/4.0 Academic Honors: Dean’s List, Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society

During my time at UCLA, I was actively involved in the marketing association, where I participated in case competitions and networked with industry professionals. Additionally, I completed a marketing research project for a local startup company, which helped me better understand the intricacies of market research and served as a valuable experience for my career development.

By showcasing relevant coursework, achievements, academic honors and relevant projects or experiences, this education section shows how a recent college graduate can make the most of their education to stand out to potential employers.

Using Action Verbs and Keywords for Impact

In today’s competitive job market, it is important to make a lasting impression with a well-crafted resume. One of the key components of a successful resume is the use of action verbs and keywords. These keywords help to make your resume easily searchable by hiring managers and highlight your skills and qualifications.

Importance of action verbs and keywords in a resume

Action verbs are words that express an action or accomplishment. They help to make your resume more dynamic and engaging while showing your potential employer what you are capable of achieving. Keywords, on the other hand, are specific words and phrases that are relevant to your skills and experience. They are often used by recruiters and hiring managers to filter resumes and identify qualified candidates.

By using action verbs and keywords in your resume, you can make it stand out from the rest and increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. This is especially important for recent college graduates who may not have a lot of work experience.

Techniques for using action verbs and keywords

To make the most impact with your resume, start by using action verbs that are directly related to the job you are applying for. This shows that you have the necessary skills and experience and makes it easy for the hiring manager to see why you are a good fit for the position.

Some effective action verbs to use in your resume include:

• Implemented

In addition to using action verbs, it is also important to use keywords that are relevant to your industry and the job you are applying for. This can include specific technical skills, certifications, or industry-related knowledge.

To identify the keywords to use in your resume, review job postings from companies you are interested in and make note of the most frequently used words and phrases. Incorporate these keywords into your resume, making sure they are placed in appropriate areas such as your summary, experience section, and skills section.

Example action verbs and keywords for recent college graduates

As a recent college graduate, you may not have a lot of work experience. However, you can still make an impact with your resume by using the right action verbs and keywords.

Formatting and Editing Tips for Your Resume

As a recent college graduate, it is crucial to have a well-formatted and edited resume to stand out among other job applicants. Here, we will provide you with some useful guidelines, techniques, and examples to help you achieve success in your job search.

Guidelines for Clear and Effective Formatting

Keep it concise: A one-page resume is ideal for recent college graduates. Be thorough, but only include relevant information that showcases your skills and experience.

Use headings and bullet points: Organize your resume using clear and concise headings and bullet points to make it easy to read and skim.

Choose a professional font: Stick to classic, easy-to-read fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial, and make sure that your font size is consistent throughout your resume.

Use white space: Leave enough white space on your resume to make it look clean and uncluttered.

Techniques for Editing Your Resume

Proofread for errors: Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors or typos can be detrimental to your job application. Edit and proofread your resume multiple times to avoid these mistakes.

Customize it for each job application: Edit your resume to fit the job description, highlighting the skills and experience relevant to the job you are applying for.

Have someone review it: Ask someone to review your resume to get an outside perspective and spot any mistakes or areas that could be improved.

Example Formatting and Editing Tips for Recent College Graduates

Let’s take a look at some formatting and editing tips specific to recent college graduates:

Highlight education: Recent college graduates should focus on their education first, adding other relevant sections such as experience or skills as needed.

Use action verbs: Begin each bullet point with an action verb to highlight your responsibilities and achievements. For example: “Developed a new marketing campaign that increased website traffic by 30%.”

Emphasize internships or part-time jobs: If you don’t have a lot of experience, highlight any relevant internships or part-time jobs in your resume to showcase your skills and experience.

Include relevant coursework: If you have coursework that is relevant to the job you are applying for, include it in your resume to showcase your knowledge and skills.

By following these guidelines and techniques, you can create a well-formatted and edited resume that showcases your skills and experience to potential employers. Remember, your resume is your first impression and could be the key to landing your dream job.

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More from ResumeHead

Resume tips for recent graduates

Your resume is like the cover of a book about you—a quick way for prospective employers to learn whether you might be a fit at their company, and—importantly—whether they'd like to learn more about you. The more interest you can generate, the more likely you are to land an interview, which is the next step in your journey to landing a job. But how do you write a resume when you're just out of school and your professional experience might be limited? Read on for our top resume tips for recent college grads.

Use a professional email address

While your university email address is great for school-related contact, set up a professional email address to make a first impression that shows you mean business. If you don't already have an email that works, you can sign up for a free email at Outlook.com .

List internships and part-time jobs

Showcase your experience by highlighting your internships and other jobs. Add bullet points to point out your most exciting achievements. Remember that your resume is telling a story, and be sure to craft the narrative you want. Even if your work history doesn't match what you want to do in the future, use those experiences to showcase the recurring skills that you'll use in your dream job. For example, do you want to go into sales? Great! Show how you increased sales and revenue in your retail position. Interested in graphic design ? Don't forget to mention that you designed flyers and promotional materials in your summer internship. ​

List achievements, extracurriculars, and leadership opportunities

No matter your future employer's management style, companies like to know that you can work autonomously. Think about the times you stepped forward to lead a group or initiative and highlight those on your resume. Also, use extracurricular activities to showcase the things you're passionate about. And if you've received awards and recognition, show them off!

Use active verbs and numbers

When describing your activities and achievements, use strong verbs to showcase the actions you took. Then, add in numbers to show how you contributed to the company's bottom line.

Add your GPA when it makes sense

Top of your class? Let prospective employers know by sharing your GPA. A good guideline is that anything over a 3.0 is worth considering, and over a 3.5 is great to list.

Stick to university work

You may have aced high school, but you'll want to list only your university education on your resume, like college or post-graduate coursework. If you haven't yet graduated, you can add your college, major, and expected graduation date.

Add a link to LinkedIn

Recruiters and hiring managers often browse LinkedIn to look for candidates for their open jobs, so while you're creating your resume, make sure to update your LinkedIn profile to increase your odds of getting found. Then, add a link to LinkedIn on your resume so employers can find the most current information about you. On LinkedIn, your colleagues can also endorse you for particular skills. If there's something you're great at, ask someone you've worked with to provide an endorsement to help elevate your talents.

Resume templates to get you started

Ready to work on your resume? Browse Microsoft's Resume and Cover Letters collection to find a resume template that's right for you.  Using a template can help you format your resume to stand out from the crowd. 

Want more tips for finding the perfect job for you? See Land your dream job .

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10 Best Recent Graduate Resume Writing Services (2024)

Find the best resume writing service for recent graduates. Compare cost and customer reviews of the top college student resume writing services.

2024 Winners: Add your badge to your marketing materials.

Although it may sound easy at first, writing a resume as a recent graduate is not always a simple task.

Some college graduates lack professional working experience. They must find something else to make their resume stand out.

Transferable skills and appropriate keywords should be included on your resume.

Using a standard template won’t get the job done against your competition.

Getting help from an expert resume writer will help you stand out.

This list of the top recent graduate resume writing services is here to help you with that.

Note: A recent graduate or entry-level resume is usually for professionals with less than 2 years of total experience. If you have more work experience than that, check with the services you are considering to see if you fall into a higher resume category.

Best Recent Grad Resume Writers

Best resume services for new graduates.

How We Choose Winners

Each of the recent graduate resume services below was reviewed by a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) taking into consideration the following:

The cost of the service compared to other recent graduate resume writers.

The speed at which the resume is completed.

Overall experience, awards, and certifications.

The design, style, and overall look of the resume.

Guarantees, number of edits, and reviews.

This list was hand-curated to serve all college graduates. Whether you are from marketing, sales, manufacturing, finance, or IT, this will serve all recent graduates.

Average Recent Graduate Resume Cost

Recent graduate resume writer reviews.

Find My Profession

Find My Profession is much more than a resume writing service. They are a global career services company whose work has been featured on sites like Forbes, Inc., Zety, Fast Company, and more.

With their team of elite resume writers who have experience in over 85 industries and professions, they can match you with a writer who understands your unique background and experience. Additionally, every resume comes with a one-on-one phone consultation with your writer.

Find My Profession has an impressive track record of successfully landing clients jobs at top companies such as Apple, Amazon, EA, Oracle, GM, Facebook, DoJ, Morgan Stanley, and Tesla.

Their 900+ 5-star reviews speak to their commitment to delivering high-quality service. They also offer a 60-day interview guarantee and ensure that every resume created is Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compatible and highly customized to meet your specific needs.

You will work one-on-one with an elite and certified resume writer based in the U.S. Find My Profession is committed to ensuring that every client is 100% satisfied with their resume, which is why they do not limit the number of edits or time spent working with your writer.

Find My Profession is a virtual company allowing them to provide services worldwide. While they do not have a physical office for in-person visits, they ensure direct communication with your writer through email and phone calls.

4.9/5 based on 521 Trustpilot reviews 4.9/5 based on 319 Sitejabber reviews 4.9/5 based on 151 Google reviews 5/5 based on 52 Facebook reviews

3 – 5 business days (can expedite to 2 business days)

(831) 888-0967 or [email protected]

Check out some of our 5-star reviews:

Alex on January 4, 2024

Resume & LinkedIn Profile

Belda Villalon on July 1, 2022

Michael on December 19, 2023

Exceptional resume

Michelle T on November 10, 2022

Professional Resume

Brigit on October 25, 2023

Highest quality of work

Beh on September 20, 2021

Professional. Experts…

Matt B on July 17, 2023

Excellent Experience

Chad B on May 2, 2022

Wonderful investment

ResumeZest is trusted by professionals from companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Oracle, GE, Adobe, Uber, and Facebook. Their resume writing team has written resumes for more than 75 industries. A 60-day interview guarantee backs up every resume they write. Each resume is also ATS compliant and keyword-optimized.

ResumeZest is a very well-rounded company. They offer affordable pricing and quick turnaround times. You will work with a high-quality, certified writer and receive excellent customer service. They are also members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC).

ResumeZest is one of the newer companies on this list. While they do a great job and their writers have many years of experience, the company was only founded in 2020.

4.8/5 based on 175 Trustpilot reviews 4.8/5 based on 93 Google reviews 4.9/5 based on 91 Sitejabber reviews 5/5 based on 12 Facebook reviews 5/5 based on 4 Yelp reviews

(888) 530-4911 or [email protected]

Need Help With Your Job Search?

Did you know there are companies you can hire to help with your job search? Whether you need resume help or want someone to apply to jobs for you, we’ve reviewed the 20 best agencies to help you find a job.

Career Thinker

Career Thinker helps college graduates as well as experienced professionals nationally. It was founded by Thomas Powner in 2011. Thomas has a team of Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW) to write your resume. The team members also have expertise in human resources and staffing.

Career Thinker offers unlimited edits for 15 business days after you receive the draft. Also, you will be matched with a resume writer most experienced in your career path.

A few resume samples on the website would have been a nice touch to review their work. The turnaround time is on the longer side for new grad resumes.

4.8/5 based on 88 Google reviews 4.5/5 based on 15 Bark reviews

7 – 10 business days

(866) 369-9634 or [email protected]

ResumeWriters

ResumeWriters is the largest network of independently contracted resume writing professionals on the internet. Founded in 1999, ResumeWriters.com has a 99% satisfaction guarantee. Their large network of writers ensures that all levels of professionals, including recent graduates, get the writers they need.

One benefit of ResumeWriters is that they offer affordable resume services in a fast turnaround time. ResumeWriters also offers an interview guarantee which says if you do not get a job interview within 2-months, they’ll rewrite your resume for free.

One con with ResumeWriters is their lack of online reviews. There is very little information from verified customers sharing their experience with the service. Additionally, they have a few complaints posted on the Better Business Bureau.

3.8/5 based on 12 Google reviews 1/5 stars based on 1 BBB review

3 business days

(866) 356-2789 or [email protected]

Elan Advising

Elan Advising exists “for the making of happy, productive people.” If you are one of those happy, productive people, or are aspiring to become one, Elan Advising’s professional services will be up your alley. They specialize in career coaching and resume writing for recent grads and young professionals.

Elan Advising has glowing reviews based on their resume writing skills in particular. The company adopts a holistic view of your career, factoring it with life coaching services.

Elan Advising is more focused on coaching programs than one-off resume writing. So the site significantly lacks information about the resume service.

5/5 based on 8 Facebook reviews 5/5 based on 30 Yelp reviews

3 – 5 business days (can expedite to 24 hours)

(530) 750-9066 or [email protected]

The Lettersmith

The Lettersmith is run by Deborah Schuster who has 20+ years of resume writing experience. She holds the Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) designation. She also served on the PARWCC Certification Committee. She won a TORI (Toast of the Resume Industry) award for Best New Graduate Resume in 2021.

All clients work directly with Deborah. She has worked with all levels of job seekers from a wide range of industries. A diverse resume gallery on the website will give you peace of mind about your investment. Her resumes have been published in various books.

There’s no option to order the resume packages directly from the website. Some may call the pricing a bit steep. Also, the service doesn’t have many customer reviews online.

5/5 based on 7 Facebook reviews

7 – 10 days

(248) 509-0483

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If you are having trouble landing interviews, it might be time to hire a professional resume writer. Check out our list of the 750+ best resume writers and start landing more interviews!

Job Search Prep

Job Search Prep (morphed from Resume Butterfly) is run by Jessica Smith. Jessica has 10+ years of experience in career coaching and resume writing. She was a Director of Career Services for a local college. She offers resumes for students, stay-at-home moms transitioning back into the workforce, as well as executives.

You can download a free career checkup e-booklet and job search workshop from Jessica’s website. She offers The Prep Club, which is an interviewing success course. She has helped 5000+ job seekers.

Jessica has hands-on experience and knows what hiring managers want, but she does not hold any industry certifications. The turnaround time for a resume is on the longer side of the industry average.

3.7/5 based on 11 Facebook reviews

10 – 14 days

[email protected]

Career Perfect

Career Perfect offers reliable resume writing services to all levels of professionals including recent graduates. The company has been in business for over 30 years with a customer satisfaction rate of 99.9%. They have experienced certified resume writers in the team. All of their writers are based in the United States.

There are many resume samples to view on the website, including two for recent grads. They will rewrite your resume for you if you don’t get more interviews in 60 days. They offer free career assessments on the website.

The resume writing process does not include a phone consultation with the resume writer. All but one of the reviews for the service are from 5 or more years ago.

4.8/5 based on 52 Facebook reviews 3.2/5 based on 49 Trustpilot reviews

4 – 5 business days (can expedite to 24 hours)

(877) 844-5724

We Build Resumes

We Build Resumes has over 20 years of resume writing experience. The company specializes in resumes for professionals in the construction, engineering and, environmental industries. They also offer resume writing for new graduates. Their recent grad resume writing service is fast and affordable.

The service offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all their resume packages. That means they will keep rewriting your resume as long as you are not satisfied.

The website doesn’t offer any details about the individual resume writers on the team. Also, the company doesn’t have any customer reviews online.

(916) 677-1428 or [email protected]

College2Career

College2Career is a career service run by Mollie Smith, the “Millenial Coach”. They cater to students and recent graduates who are learning the ropes and navigating the early stages of their careers. The customer reviews confirm that they equip young adults with the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

This resume service is the most affordable on our list. Mollie has extensive experience working with new college graduates and writing resumes for them.

The resume service doesn’t include any interview guarantees. Also, there are no resume samples for you to review on the website.

5/5 based on 27 Google reviews 5/5 based on 6 Facebook reviews 5/5 based on 3 Yelp reviews

3 – 4 business days

(813) 434-7592

Previous Years Winners

Resume writing winners (2023).

Find My Profession, ResumeZest, Career Thinker, ResumeWriters, Elan Advising, The Lettersmith, Job Search Prep, Career Perfect, We Build Resumes, College2Career

Resume Writing Winners (2022)

Resume writing winners (2021).

ResumeZest, Career Thinker, ResumeWriters, Elan Advising, Job Search Prep (formerly Resume Butterfly), Career Perfect, The Resume Factory, We Build Resumes, Craft Resumes, College2Career

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