Best Student Resume Examples
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Welcome, students! If you’re reading this, you’re likely gearing up to enter the workforce, pursue an internship, or perhaps land your first summer job. Crafting a standout resume is a critical step on this journey, and while the process may seem daunting, you’re in the right place to get started.
Whether you have a wealth of experience or you’re penning a resume for the first time, our comprehensive guide will provide you with actionable tips, insightful examples, and proven strategies to make your resume shine.
From your objective statement and list of skills to your academic background and extracurricular activities, our resume builder will walk you through each section to ensure that you present yourself in the best possible light. Let’s dive in and set you on the path to success!
Use this student resume template or explore the rest of our layouts on our resume templates page for more student resume templates.
Student Resume Example (Text Version)
Jamie Jobseeker
Anywhere, NY 00000
555-555-5555
jobseeker@email.com
WWW: https://bold.pro/my/michael-martucci/786
Professional Summary
Enthusiastic and responsible student with strong leadership abilities and experience working with children, seeking a summer job as a Camp Counselor at XYZ Summer Camp. Committed to creating a safe and engaging environment for campers while promoting teamwork and personal growth.
Skills
- Reflective Listening
- Youth and Parental Engagement
- Group and Individual Sessions
- Age-Appropriate Curriculum
- Financial Transactions
- Cash Register Operations
- Customer Engagement
Education
June 2024
Anywhere High Anywhere, NY
High School Diploma
Professional Experience
August 2024 – Current
XYZ After School Program
Youth Mentor
- Mentored a group of 15 children aged 8-12 in an after-school program
- Developed and executed educational and recreational activities
- Provided homework assistance and academic support
May 2021 – Current
Anywhere Burger
- Delivered high-quality customer service in a fast-paced environment
- Trained new staff members and coordinated shift schedules
- Managed cash transactions and ensured a balanced cash drawer
Extracurricular Activities
- Vice-President, Anywhere High Outdoors Club
- Volunteer, XYZ Animal Shelter
- General Assembly Member, Anywhere High Student Government
Sections of a Student Resume
Resume Objective
Students often make the mistake of either omitting the objective statement or writing one that is too vague.
As a student, your objective should be a clear and concise declaration that aligns your limited work and academic experience with the needs and goals of the employer.
You can also include your academic focus and what you want to gain from the job or internship. For instance, if you’re a computer science student interested in a programming internship, your objective could state:
“Computer Science undergrad seeking a programming internship to apply academic training, enhance coding skills, and contribute to software development projects at Company XYZ.“
Skills
The resume skills section is crucial, especially for students who may not have an extensive work history. It’s an opportunity to highlight what you can bring to the table. Consider dividing your skills into two categories: hard skills and soft skills.
- Hard skills are teachable and measurable abilities such as proficiency in a foreign language, data analysis, or coding.
- Soft skills, on the other hand, are more personality-based like teamwork, communication, or problem-solving.
Make sure you read the job description carefully to tailor this section to each application. List the skills that you genuinely possess and that are most relevant to the job.
For example, if you’re an engineering student skilled in Python, MATLAB, teamwork, and problem-solving, those would be excellent to list for a technical internship.
Work History
Even as a student, you should strive to present your work history effectively. If you don’t have much professional experience, it’s okay to include part-time jobs, internships, or even volunteer experiences.
The key is to focus on the responsibilities you had that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Use action verbs and, if possible, quantify your achievements.
For example, if you’ve worked as a retail associate, don’t just say “provided customer service.” Be more specific:
“Managed customer inquiries and complaints, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.“
If your work history is not directly relevant to the job you’re applying for, consider using a functional or hybrid resume format that allows you to highlight skills and qualifications that are relevant.
For more details, read our article on the 3 most prominent resume formats.
Education
Students should emphasize the education section since academic experience often substitutes for work experience. Start by listing your most recent educational credentials and go backward from there.
Always include your degree (or expected degree), the institution you’re attending, and your expected graduation date. If you have a high GPA, honors, or relevant coursework, include these as well.
For example, if you’re a Business Administration major seeking a marketing internship, you might say:
“Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at University ABC, Expected Graduation: May 2024. Relevant Coursework: Marketing 101, Consumer Behavior, Data Analytics. GPA: 3.8.“
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Action Verbs to Use on Your Student Resume
Action verbs are critical on a student’s resume for several reasons:
Firstly, they make your contributions and achievements more dynamic and impactful by painting a vivid picture of your abilities and experiences.
Secondly, action verbs can help you stand out in the sea of generic resumes; they command attention and indicate that you were actively engaged in your roles, rather than just passively present.
Additionally, action verbs are excellent for capturing the essence of your contributions in a concise manner, which is especially useful for students who need to make the most of limited work experience.
Finally, many hiring systems use algorithms to scan for keywords, and action verbs relevant to the job description can make your resume more likely to pass these initial screenings.
List of action verbs students might use on their resume:
- Achieved
- Analyzed
- Assisted
- Built
- Collaborated
- Conducted
- Coordinated
- Created
- Designed
- Developed
- Executed
- Facilitated
- Implemented
- Improved
- Led
- Managed
- Organized
- Produced
- Researched
- Trained
Importance of Including Skills on a Student Resume
Including skills on a student resume is crucial because it can compensate for a lack of extensive work experience. Skills serve as tangible proof of your ability to perform certain tasks or roles, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
For students, listing skills gained through academic, extracurricular, and even personal experiences can provide a comprehensive picture of their capabilities.
This section allows students to align themselves closely with the job description and showcase their suitability for the position. Additionally, listing relevant skills can help your resume get through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that screen for keywords related to the job.
Academic Skills
- Research and Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Academic Writing
- Data Analysis
- Project Management
- Presentation Skills
Extracurricular or Club Activities
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Event Planning
- Fundraising
- Conflict Resolution
- Public Speaking
- Coaching or Mentoring
Internships or Part-time Jobs
- Customer Service
- Technical Skills (such as coding)
- Sales and Marketing
- Administrative Skills
- Budget Management
- Vendor Relations
- Task Prioritization
Volunteer Work
- Community Outreach
- Social Media Management
- Event Coordination
- Teaching or Training
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
Soft Skills (Applicable Across Various Contexts)
- Communication
- Empathy
- Initiative
- Creativity
- Reliability
- Stress Management
- Attention to Detail
Including licenses and certifications on your student resume
Incorporating licenses and certifications on a student resume can significantly enhance its strength and credibility. These qualifications serve as third-party validation of your skills and expertise, giving potential employers more confidence in your capabilities.
For students with limited work experience, licenses and certifications can act as an excellent substitute, signaling to employers that you have the requisite knowledge and skill set for the job.
They can also give you an edge in a competitive job market, setting you apart from other candidates who may have similar educational backgrounds but lack these additional qualifications.
Additionally, certain positions may require specific certifications as a prerequisite, making it crucial to include them on your resume.
Tech-Related Certifications
- CompTIA A+ (Information Technology)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification (For proficiency in Microsoft Office tools)
- Adobe Certified Associate (For skills in Adobe software like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc.)
First Aid and Safety
- CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification (Often required for healthcare jobs and volunteering)
- Food Handlers Permit (Useful for jobs in food service)
Academic Competency
- Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam certificates (For academic achievements)
Career and Technical Education
- OSHA 10-Hour Training (For basic safety training in industrial jobs)
- NCCER Certification (For students in vocational or technical education programs)
Leadership and Personal Development
- Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program Certificate (For public speaking and leadership skills)
Specialized Skill Certifications
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Food Safety Certification
- CPR and First Aid Certification
Pair your with a matching cover letter
Student resume FAQ
1. What is the purpose of a student resume?
The purpose of a student resume is to showcase your academic achievements, skills and experiences to potential employers or educational institutions. It provides a concise summary of your qualifications and helps you stand out among other applicants.
2. What sections should be included in a student resume?
A well-rounded student resume typically includes sections such as contact information, education, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, work experience (if applicable), skills and any additional achievements or certifications. For more details, visit our How to Write a Resume page.
3. How can student resume examples be helpful in creating my own resume?
Student resume examples serve as valuable references to understand the structure, formatting and content that should be included in a resume. By reviewing different examples, you can gain insights into how to effectively present your own qualifications and tailor your resume to specific industries or positions.
4. Should I include my part-time job experience in my student resume?
Absolutely! Including part-time job experience in your student resume demonstrates your work ethic, time management skills and ability to balance academics with employment responsibilities. It also showcases your transferable skills that can be valuable in future professional roles.
5. How can I highlight my academic achievements in my student resume?
To highlight your academic achievements, include sections such as GPA (if it is strong), relevant coursework, research projects, honors, scholarships, or any academic awards you have received. Be sure to provide specific details and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
6. Are there any specific tips for formatting a student resume?
When formatting your student resume, keep it clean, organized and easy to read. Use a professional font, consistent formatting and bullet points to make it visually appealing. Additionally, ensure that your resume is tailored to the specific job or internship you are applying for, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.
7. What skills should I include in my student resume?
When crafting your student resume, it is important to include a combination of both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the position or field you are applying for.
Here are some skills to consider including:
- Technical skills: Include any specific technical skills you have acquired through coursework or extracurricular activities, such as programming languages, software proficiency, data analysis, or graphic design.
- Communication skills: Highlight your ability to effectively communicate ideas, both verbally and in writing. This includes skills such as public speaking, writing, active listening and interpersonal skills.
- Leadership skills: Showcase any leadership roles or experiences you have had, such as being a team captain, club president, or organizing events. Highlight skills like decision making, problem-solving, delegation and teamwork.
- Time management: Emphasize your ability to manage your time effectively, meet deadlines and prioritize tasks. This demonstrates your organizational skills and ability to handle multiple responsibilities.
- Adaptability: Showcase your flexibility and ability to adapt to new situations or challenges. This includes skills like problem-solving, critical thinking and being open to learning new technologies or concepts.
- Collaboration: Highlight your ability to work well in a team environment and contribute to group projects. Showcase skills such as teamwork, cooperation and conflict resolution.
- Initiative: Demonstrate your proactive nature by including examples of taking initiative, being self-motivated and showing a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected.
Do’s and Don’ts for Writing a Student Resume
Do Highlight Academic Achievements and Extracurricular Involvement: Since you may have limited work experience, use your resume to showcase academic successes such as a high GPA, honors, or relevant coursework. Also, include any extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports you’ve participated in, as these can demonstrate soft skills like teamwork and leadership.
Do Tailor the Resume for Each Application: Customize your resume for each job or internship application by focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Make sure to include keywords from the job description to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the hiring manager’s attention.
Do Use a Clean, Professional Format: Opt for a straightforward, easily-readable font and layout. Use bullet points for better readability and employ action verbs to make your experiences sound more impactful. Consistency in formatting, such as the use of dates, bullet points, and headers, is crucial for a polished look.
Don’t Use a One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Avoid sending the same generic resume to multiple employers. A lack of customization could imply a lack of genuine interest or effort, which could reduce your chances of landing the job or internship. Instead, tailor each resume to the job you are applying for by incorporating keywords from the job description.
Don’t Overload with Irrelevant Information: While it might be tempting to fill the page, keep the focus on quality over quantity. Only include experiences, skills, and achievements that are directly or tangentially relevant to the job you’re applying for. You can always delve further into your experiences in your cover letter.
Don’t Forget to Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can be an instant turn-off to hiring managers. Always proofread your resume multiple times, and consider having a friend, family member, or career counselor review it for additional perspective. Our resume builder has built-in spelling and grammar check to catch any remaining errors.
Top Tips for Student Resumes
Start with a Strong Objective or Summary
Begin your resume with a succinct objective statement that outlines your career goals and why you’re a good fit for the job or internship. Make sure it is tailored to the specific role you’re applying for.
Highlight Relevant Coursework and Projects
If you have limited work experience, emphasize the relevant courses you’ve taken and projects you’ve worked on. This can show employers that you have some foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in the field.
Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Achievements
Describe your experiences using action verbs to add dynamism and make your contributions stand out. Whenever possible, include quantifiable achievements to give a sense of the impact you’ve made. For example, “Led a team of 5 on a project that increased fundraising revenue by 20%.”
Include a Skills Section
Create a separate section to list both hard and soft skills. This makes it easy for employers to see your skill set at a glance and also helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems that scan for specific keywords.
Proofread and Get Feedback
Before finalizing your resume, thoroughly proofread for any grammatical errors or inconsistencies. It’s also a good idea to seek feedback from mentors, career counselors, or friends who can offer constructive criticism.
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Student Resume Example
Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with 20+ years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.