How to Create the Perfect Resume as a College Graduate

If you ask most people, “Why would you write a resume?” their answer would be “to get a job.” However, the best answer to that question is to get an interview. At the career center I work for, we refer to resumes as marketing pieces. As an applicant, you become the product, and your goal is to market yourself to the employer. A resume is a document that showcases your features and benefits, which in other words, are your skills and the results they will provide your future employer. So, as a college graduate, your resume will look slightly different than someone with more work experience. Here are some tips on how a college graduate can nail the perfect resume:

Use the job description as a guide:
When applying for a specific job, tailor your resume to match the language and skill set mentioned in the job description. Most companies today use computer databases to scan resumes, scoring them based on matched words. If you don’t use their language and skill set, chances are your resume will never make it into the hands of the recruiter. However, the best way to go is to get your resume into the hands of the recruiter or hiring manager through a referral. But if your language and skill set don’t match theirs, you probably won’t make it past this stage either.

Use bullet points:
If this article was one long paragraph without any formatting, it wouldn’t be as appealing to read. The same goes for your resume. Use bullet points to make your resume easier to read and scan.

Use a modified version of the STAR method:
The STAR method is not only useful for answering interview questions, but it can also be applied when writing bullet points on your resume. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. On your resume, you can use a modified version of this method, as the heading already answers the question of where you did the action. For example, instead of saying “I created a customer spreadsheet,” you can say “Created a customer spreadsheet comprised of products our top 100 customers did not have, which increased cross-sell by 80%.” Notice how I included the percentage of sales increase. Numbers are the language of business, and if you can measure and quantify your results, employers will be more impressed.

Quantify your results:
As mentioned earlier, numbers are important in the business world. It is crucial to use the words from the job description, but it is equally, if not more, important to use numbers to measure your past successes. Businesses measure performance with numbers, and promotions and raises are often based on performance. Set up your resume in the same way, showcasing your past successes using quantifiable results. This not only proves your success but also demonstrates that you understand the language of business.

Leave out high school:
While you may have had significant achievements in high school, it’s important to remember that you are no longer there. A resume written by a recent college graduate should focus on class projects, internships, relevant work experience, and community service. High school experiences should not be included on your resume.

GPA:
Your GPA or grade point average can be a tricky subject, especially if it’s below a 3.0 or a B average. If you leave it off, most employers will assume it is bad. However, if you include a GPA below 3.0 on your resume, it may prevent you from getting a callback. My advice is to include a GPA of 3.0 or higher and leave it off if it’s below that. Remember, good grades send the message to employers that you can learn, which is important for a recent college graduate. Once you have a job, grades do not matter as much.

Work history:
As a college graduate, you may not have a 15-year work history to showcase. The standard length for a resume is one page, which is what most recruiters are looking for. A one-page resume is easier to read, keep track of, and scan for companies. Stick to these basic principles, and your resume will stand out and put you in the best light. Remember, a resume is a marketing piece, and you are the product. You are what the company needs, and you can prove it.

In conclusion, creating the perfect resume as a college graduate requires careful attention to detail, tailoring your language and skill set to the job description, using bullet points for readability, and quantifying your past successes. Additionally, it is important to focus on relevant experiences and leave out high school information. Including your GPA can be tricky, but generally, a 3.0 or higher is recommended. Lastly, keep your work history concise and limited to one page. By following these guidelines, you can improve your chances of getting noticed by employers and securing that desired interview.