Written by: Andrew StonerExecutive Resume Writer and Career Coach
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Dedicated accounting graduate with a solid academic background and a passion for financial analysis. Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and auditing procedures. Seeking an Entry-Level Accountant position with Insight Global to apply my knowledge and contribute to the organization’s success by ensuring sound financial management.
Graduate Accounting Certificate, July 2022 – February 2023
Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Accounting, September 2018 – June 2022
Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH
Accounting Intern, Marriott International, Orlando, FL
February 2023 – Present
Store Associate, Barnes & Noble, Orlando, FL
January 2021 – February 2023
A well-written resume will be the foundation of your job search success as you look for employment after graduation. The first step in crafting a compelling college resume is selecting the right template. A template can make or break your application process so choose wisely. The best resume template for college graduates is clear and modern, allowing your qualifications and achievements to shine. Choose a professional and legible font, ensuring ease of reading for potential employers. Remember, your resume reflects your professional identity, so keep it orderly, concise, and tailored to make a lasting impression.
Once you’ve picked your resume template, you can start the process of writing. Your college resume should contain all the basic elements: contact info, profile, work experience, leadership roles, education, and key skills. Let’s look at what you should include in these sections:
You’ll need to take a strategic approach to craft an outstanding college resume. We’re here to help you enhance your writing using tactics that are sure to distinguish you from other applicants. We’ll show you how to quantify your experience, tailor your resume, highlight key skills, use impactful action verbs, and address limited professional experience. Following our advice, you’ll create a compelling college resume that stands out in a competitive job market. Let’s dive into these strategies so you can equip yourself with the tools to impress potential employers and land your desired job.
It’s easy for your professional experience section to get redundant and boring. Hiring managers already have a good idea of what your previous jobs entailed. They want to know how you executed your responsibilities and what kind of effect you had in the workplace. Quantifying your experience is one way to do just that. When you link numbers and measurable data to the job duties you performed, you demonstrate your ability to achieve results. This unique and specific information is a great way to stand out from other applicants.
It’s essential to align your resume with details from the job descriptions of the positions you’re applying for. You can easily do this by incorporating relevant language and target keywords into the text. Tailoring your college resume for each application is a great way to increase your chances of landing an interview. Your goal should be to highlight the skills and requirements you know hiring managers are looking for. This shows your understanding of the role and how your qualifications align with their needs. Remember, a customized resume communicates your genuine interest and commitment, something that will capture the attention of recruiters.
Employers are looking for specific skills as they and applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan through stacks of resumes. Make their job easier by highlighting your qualifications with a key skills section. This allows hiring managers to quickly assess your capabilities and determine whether you fit the role well. Below we’ve listed skill examples, but the ones you include on your college resume will depend on the position you’re applying for.
| Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|
| Research Methodology | Emotional Intelligence |
| Project Management | Collaboration |
| Data Analysis | Adaptability |
| Foreign Language Proficiency | Communication |
| Graphic Design (Adobe Suite) | Leadership |
Action verbs add dimension to your resume and demonstrate a proactive approach to work. These words bring your experiences to life, showing the employer how you actively contributed to projects or initiatives. They allow you to avoid passive first-person language (e.g., “I was responsible for…”) in your professional experience section. Instead, start sentences with these powerful action verbs to make your resume more engaging, convincing, and memorable for potential employers:
Don’t let your lack of professional experience discourage you. You can highlight transferable skills acquired through internships, coursework, volunteering, and extracurricular activities. Showcase any projects, research papers, or leadership roles you undertook during your academic journey. Emphasize your ability to adapt, learn quickly, and work collaboratively. Leverage networking opportunities and informational interviews to make connections and learn from professionals in your desired industry. Employers value enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. By demonstrating your potential and eagerness to contribute, you can overcome the lack of experience and secure an entry-level position.
