Crafting your first resume? Focus on precision, clarity, and potential—these 7 hacks help you make a solid impression.
Skip generic lines. Instead, describe your education, skills, and what you bring to the role in 2–3 sentences. Ex: B.Sc. Life Sciences graduate with strong research and writing skills. Looking to apply academic knowledge in a dynamic setting.
One resume doesn’t fit all. Match each resume with the job description by using the same keywords and highlighting relevant work. Mention courses, tools, internships, or achievements directly connected to the role you are applying for.
List key college projects as proof of your skills. Include title, duration, tools used, and 1–2 points on your role and learning. Studied the impact of pollution on freshwater using GIS mapping. Gained insights into data collection and analysis.
Group technical and soft skills. Add tools, languages, or certifications. Mention how you've applied them, if possible. Technical: Python, Excel, Canva Soft: Teamwork, Time Management
Begin each point with a verb: created, presented, analyzed, led. Avoid dull phrases like “worked on” or “responsible for.” Instead of: Worked on the college magazine Use: Wrote 10+ articles and co-edited issues, helping increase campus engagement.
Use common fonts. Stick to one page. Bullet points and headers help with clarity. Save as PDF unless told otherwise. Use Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid text boxes and graphics. Make sure it passes Applicant Tracking Systems.
Include an “Interests” section. Keep it simple and relevant. It shows you’re more than just academics. Ex: Blogging about science Volunteering at animal shelters Hosting a youth-focused podcast
As a fresher, highlight potential, not experience. With these hacks, let your resume do the talking—and get that callback.