You’re fresh out of college and looking for a job, or maybe you're still a student trying for an internship. Whosoever you may be, making a resume for freshers with little to no experience to mention can be a tad intimidating.
But eh, everybody has their first time, right? Well, that's one thing we know for sure. So worry not, you need not have an experience like Sharma Ji ka beta in order to know how to make a resume for freshers.
Now, since you're a fresher with no previous experience to show, what you can do is substitute it with something that is comparatively relevant, something with equal significance. Hmmmmm, what can that be?
SKILLS!
Yep, that’s right. Recruiters these days are all about skills. Skills that match their JDs, and their company’s culture. Skills that will enhance the profitability of their company.
Now that we know what to do, let’s make a resume for freshers and see how we can (very subtly) woosh your skills into your resume.
1. Choose a Layout
Choosing a layout for your resume is the very first, and one of the most crucial parts. What kind of layout you choose reflects your personality.
Oh also, something to remember: If you want your interviewer to believe that you’re serious about the job (which we’re sure you are), make sure your background/border doesn't look like Tomorrowland. Use a single-coloured border.
Ideally, there are three kinds of formats used to make resumes.
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The most common format and the best resume format for experienced candidates is the chronological resume, also referred to as the reverse-chronological format.
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The functional resume format concentrates on all of your qualifications, training, and skills that match the job description which is the most common format of resume for freshers.
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Combining a substantial skills section with information on professional accomplishments, the combination resume format combines aspects of both the above-mentioned formats.
(Refer to the image below for more clarity)
Note:
Contrary to popular belief, recruiters favour two-page resumes these days.
Additionally, according to 77% of employers, experienced professionals SHOULD NOT use a one-page resume.
2. Introduction/ Summary
Your resume summary serves as an introduction to employers, highlighting your skills and background that are relevant to the job and position being considered.
But, you might be thinking how can you do that while making a resume for freshers? Fortunately, you can still write one even if you lack experience.
You can think of it as the synopsis of your favourite movie (we’ve all got a few now, haven’t we).
Your summary must be strong, yet subtle. Make sure the summary isn’t very lengthy, that it does not take up too much space, and yet gives out all the necessary information.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
3. Adding relevant substitutes
When you lack work experience, finding a job may seem impossible. Thankfully, many hiring managers look for qualifications and skills other than just formal work experience.
You can show how you're still a great fit for the job by using a combination of these factors.
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Relevant skills
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Life experiences (school, coursework, internships)
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Your academic history
Along with these, some more aspects that you could add to a
are volunteer work, extra-curricular activities, awards and recognition, hobbies and interests, and projects.
(You could even mention that bake sale you were a part of if you were lucky enough to have one at school.)
For example,
Student government: Being a part of the student government demonstrates leadership skills as well as experience taking part in meetings, and perhaps even debating (or arguing)
-We get it, politics can be difficult.
Club president: Your duties as club president probably included organizing and scheduling events, assigning tasks, and interacting with club members.
Sports: Playing a sport is a great way to show that you have drive and determination. Soft skills like teamwork and communication are also necessary for being on a sports team.
Maybe your boss would be so impressed by your nutmeg skills he vouches for you to be on his team for soccer day.
4. Formatting your resume
When creating a resume for freshers, there are a number of common mistakes most of us aren’t aware that we make. (Well of course if we knew we wouldn’t be doing it)
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Don't center any of your text. Your resume's text should all be left-aligned. Since the eye naturally moves back to the left side of the page after reading a line, this makes your resume easier to read.
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When you write about numbers using digits. Eg. (15% instead of fifteen per cent) to make your resume easier to read.
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'Work experience' should be replaced with ‘relevant experience'. Make your experience section more general if you haven't ever held a job. In this manner, you can include specifics about extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or others.
(The following image is for format reference.)
5. Customize your resume
Targeting your resume to the particular job you want will increase your chances of getting an interview if you have no experience.
See what qualifications they are seeking by looking at their job listing. Take the ones you already possess from these and add them to your skills section.
(Imagine having all of the skills a company is looking for, damn. Imagine.)
The best job-hunting tactic is to personalize each resume to the specifications listed in the job ad (63% of recruiters want to receive a resume customized to the open position).
What Next?
Next, you sit back and sip coffee. Because that’s all there is to be done with your resume
(oh, of course, other than actually sending it across to recruiters.)
Note: A study determines that the success rate for job applications ranges from 2% to 3.4%. This implies that generally speaking, you must submit between 30 and 50 resumes to be hired. (Sounds a bit tiring, doesn't it? Well, the harder you work for something, the greater you will feel when you achieve it.)
Your picture-perfect resume is now ready. Wasn’t all that difficult, making a Resume for freshers, was it?
A few simple notes to be careful about. Alright then, go on and make that resume. Make sure you read our next blog for more informative content.
Catch you soon, Adios!