How to Make a Resume Using College Classes

A detailed presentation of your skills can make up for lack of experience.

For college students or recent graduates, there may not be much to list under the experience section of a resume except for internships and part-time employment. While many employers prefer experienced applicants, they also search for employees who are intelligent and goal-oriented. All job-seekers must lead with their strengths. For college students or recent grads, their strengths lie in their education. Use college courses to your advantage by incorporating the knowledge and experience you gained in those courses into your resume.

Instructions

1. State your objective on your resume, and follow with your education. List your school, major and minor. If you are currently in school, include your years of attendance. If you are a recent graduate, include your graduation year. To avoid discrimination, avoid including attendance dates if it has been more than five years since you left school.

2. Write "Relevant Courses" under your education and list up to three courses you have completed or are currently taking that closely relate to the desired position. Under the name of each course, write a one-line description of what you learned. Use bullet points to list how that class helped prepare you for the job you are seeking. Do not exceed three courses, or your resume will turn into a course catalog and bore the employer.

3. Include relevant school projects in which you have displayed leadership and have excelled as a team player. This will show your ability to commit, work with others and produce good results by measured standards.

4. Highlight your specific skills and talents. For example, if you are bilingual, point out that you speak, read and write another language fluently. If you are computer savvy, list the programs and applications you have experience with.

5. Include any work experience and volunteer experience. This can add strength to your resume. If your previous jobs are not relevant to your desired position, you can refrain from listing them. Instead, mention your most recent position in your cover letter to show your industrious nature aside from studying.

References

• Professional Resumes: Current College Student Resume
• College Board; Résumé Writing 101; 2011

Resources

• Monster; Five Resume Tips For College Students; Kim Isaacs; 2011