Resume Format for Graduates
Writing a quality resume can seem very intimidating for new college graduates. Students spend four to six years concentrating on their education, rather than working, so deciding what "experience" to list on a professional resume can be a challenge. However, graduates should be aware that different resume formats are appropriate for different levels and kinds of experience, and they, too, can create an effective resume that highlights their qualifications.
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Function
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For the recent graduate, the primary function of a resume must be to emphasize the relevance of experiences while in school. While some applicants for a position may have a more substantial work history, you, the new graduate, have the benefit of recent training and up-to-date knowledge of your discipline orprofession. Remember, that you are fresh and cutting edge in your field, and your resume should stress your knowledge of and training in the newest trends in your profession and--no less important--should demonstrate your long term commitment to "learning" and being active in your field. Your resume should show that you are prepared to bring these new ideas and your strong work ethic to the job.
Types of Resume Formats
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For those with a deeper work history, the chronological resume is best. This format features a "Work History" that details specific positions held and the duties performed at those positions. For the new graduate, a "functional" resume is best. In the functional resume, you place focus on "skill sets" and "attributes" that can demonstrate through your coursework and activities during school. For example, you might have a resume category, "Leadership Skills" or "Academic Achievements," under which you would draw on all your experiences that illustrate those skills. Remember to focus on those attributes that are directly relevant to the job to which you are applying. Also, relevant work experience you did as a student can and should be included in these categories, especially internships in your field.
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Features
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Once you have established what skill sets you want to include on your resume--three solid skill categories are ideal--you must support them with the features of your personal experience. Under "Leadership Skills," you might put information such as "Elected president of the Student Union" or "Worked as a student mentor for three years." Under the category "Academic Achievements" you would list awards you received, honors you held and other formal acknowledgments of your accomplishments in school. Again, try to match the features of your resume to the needs of the company, which you can deduce from the job ad itself or information about the company from a website or other sources of information.
Length
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Although there is a tendency to "throw" information into your resume, try to be selective. Resumes should only be a page in length, perhaps two, but more is not always better. Potential employers will know immediately that you are "fresh" onto the job market, so a padded resume will not do you any good and will make it look like you are reaching. It is important for graduates to keep the resume short, simple and substantive.
Career Objectives
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Once you have made a substantive case for yourself through your stated experience as someone who is young but capable, a good "Career Objective" will put a final touch on your resume. The career objective should go first in your resume, though it can be written after the content is finished. It should be a brief statement that stresses your overall qualifications ("As an honors graduate in financial advising, I ....) and your interest in the particular position (...I am hoping to acquire a position in small consulting firm like Apex.) This will give some context for the employer as he reads through your qualifications.
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