4 tips for writing a resume fresh out of college

As you enter the job market after college, it’s important to make sure your resume is as attractive as possible to potential employers. You want to use your experiences to mold you into the most qualified candidate. To do that, there are a few necessary steps you should take.

1. Be clear about your objective

When applying for a specific position, you want to make sure you are clear about what you want to accomplish. Listing a vague objective like “position with growth potential in an innovative company” is most likely not going to get you there. Focus on the industry, the position, and the goals you’d set if it were your job. The best part about the objective is that it can easily be edited to match almost any job out there without making major changes to the rest of your resume.

2. List your honors, GPA, and degree year

Those with experience in the workforce list their education last on their resume, but recent graduates should put it on top to show their accomplishments. If you’ve been on the Dean’s List or achieved other academic honors, it’s recommended to list those along with the school name, degree, and graduation year. Listing your GPA is also a good idea—but only if it’s higher than 3.0.

3. Include coursework outside of your major

Sometimes the job you’re applying for doesn’t quite align with the degree you’ve earned. List any other courses you took that may have a more direct relation to the job. Showing these can improve your chances of landing an interview.

4. Rethink all those menial jobs you had

Reconsider that job as a cashier at a grocery store. If you took in large amounts of cash or worked in a high-volume store, listing that can show how responsible you are with finances and merchandise. Being specific about your responsibilities can paint a better picture of the kind of employee you are.

Your resume is meant to show an accurate and appealing version of you. By thinking through the writing process, you’ll put yourself in a better position for landing the job you deserve.

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