How to Write a Resume for Recent Graduates

College students and recent grads: here’s your inside scoop from a CEO who just reviewed 500+ resumes. At REACH, we’re hiring for Q1 2025, and as the CEO, I personally skim through hundreds of resumes to spot top talent. Let me be honest: in a competitive recruitment season, you have seconds to stand out. If you want to rise to the top of the pile, here’s my advice: 4 𝐂𝐄𝐎-𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: 📌 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬. Familiarity catches attention. Highlight the companies, schools, or programs that carry weight at the very top of your resume. As a CEO, I skip the header and dive right into the body paragraphs. Don’t make me dig to find what sets you apart. 📌 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬. Big metrics grab my eye and slow me down. Whether it’s "$6𝘔+ 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥" or "𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘺 150%", numbers scream 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒔. Use them to frame your accomplishments and ensure your skills shine. 📌 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞. If you’re applying for a role in influencer marketing (like at REACH), don’t include irrelevant experience in UI/UX design. Show me you understand the position and can bring value to the specific role. Relevance is everything. 📌 𝐁𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫. Traditional resumes are safe, but a unique design—done right—can make you unforgettable. Think creatively, but prioritize clarity. If your resume is thoughtful, well-structured, and reflects your personality, it’ll stand out and stick with me. 💡 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦: The resumes I remember are clear, focused, and demonstrate impact. Take the time to refine yours—you’re competing against hundreds of others, so make every detail count.

A few super simple tips all college students should follow when preparing their resumes for this year: 1. Include your education section at the top of your resume. When recruiters are reviewing applicants specifically for new grad/intern roles, they need to be able to quickly confirm that candidates are in fact college students. 2. In that education section, be sure to include your major, degree type (BS/BA/etc), anticipated grad month/year, and relevant coursework (include major courses if you're an underclassmen or high-level major courses if you're an upperclassman). The grad month/year is especially important, as some internships are open for specific class years. If students don't have their grad year/month listed, it can be difficult for the recruiter to know if they're eligible. 3. Don't be afraid to add organizational and class projects to your "professional experience" section, especially if you're a fresh/soph. If you're in an org that's directly related to your field, hold an officer position, or created a compelling project in class, those experience may very well be relevant for opportunities you're applying to (even more so if you haven't had the chance to work an internship yet). 4. Clean over creative. While everyone appreciates a stylish resume, the best design features a simple format and is cohesively organized. Certainly feel encouraged to get a bit creative with your resume, but not at the expense of clarity and readability. 5. While most students likely know this, it's worth repeating—quantify your experiences when possible. When describing an experience, most of your bullets should read more like a list of accomplishments and less like a job description.

As a recent grad, breaking into the job market can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, your resume and cover letter can stand out to employers. Here’s how to make yours shine: → Customize for Each Job: Don’t send the same resume to every employer. Tailor it to highlight the experiences and skills that match the job description. Use specific keywords to align with what the employer is looking for. → Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers make your accomplishments more tangible. Instead of saying you “contributed to a project,” say you “led a team of 5 to complete a project 2 weeks ahead of schedule.” → Write a Story-Driven Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell the story of why you’re passionate about the role and how your unique experiences make you the perfect fit. Keep it concise but compelling. → Highlight Transferable Skills: Even if your work experience is limited, focus on the skills you’ve developed through internships, volunteer work, or group projects. Employers value skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership. After crafting your resume and cover letter, take the time to get feedback from mentors or peers. A fresh perspective can help you refine your application materials. Your resume and cover letter are your chance to make a first impression—make it count by crafting them with care and intention. 🔗 Question: What’s one way you’re personalizing your resume or cover letter for each job? Share your approach below! 👇