Write a Resume as a Student or Young Graduate
The prospect of a job-searching endeavor is a must-do activity for young graduates and students, a task that, like it or not, most of us have to go through in order to land positions that will allow us to build the life we imagine for ourselves. However, knowing what to write can be challenging for a (relative) newcomer to the whole world of job-seeking. There most definitely are hurdles to overcome.
With that in mind, in this article we will show you 3 easy tips on how to write an outstanding resume as a student or young graduate. Before we begin, let’s dispel a few myths about young people not having the right attitude and so on.
Image from Unsplash.com
Young people bring plenty to the table. Youthful inexperience can be equally well be portrayed as curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to learn; one’s “dependence” on technology can just as easily be characterized as valuable skillsets, creativity, and resourcefulness; moreover, completing one’s studies successfully in today’s pandemic situation demonstrates both a sense of responsibility and motivation. So be positive at the outset: think of the good traits that you, too, possess that make you employable.
We will for now assume that you know the basics: be brief, be organized, and be truthful. Be careful with the spelling, include all your contact (updated!) information, and that of your references as well. Now, let’s head straight to the heart of the matter:
1. Do the introspective work (and be honest!)
If you haven’t done this before, do a bit of self-assessment, not only about the profession or your degree major, but also about you as a person: what are you good and bad at? What do you expect in the workplace? Which abilities can you showcase that make you outstanding? Which traits of your personality do you need to work on? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down potential companies and/or positions that can be suitable for you.
Remember: being honest – and having the capacity for it – is key. The idea is for you to identify places that are suitable for you, therefore making your search for a position a lot easier. Moreover, honesty will help you a lot if it later proves that you need to adjust your sights.
Companies usually hire young people with certain expectations with regard to commitment in mind: youth generally corresponds to a desire to achieve, an eagerness to learn, a readiness to take on the tasks at hand. Hence, it’s very important for you to have a clear vision of yourself that you can define explicitly, showcase, and use it as a tool to get a suitable position. So do it thoroughly and honestly, try to align the possibilities that your education, your interests, and your experience, offer for you.
2. Do the research
Once you have figured out what it is exactly what you want, it’s research time. Find out if there are companies close to you on which a suitable position is either open or will be soon for a person with your abilities and professional background. If not, then will you be willing to move to another city or country given the possibility? Be prepared to be flexible, to the extent you are able.
Image from Unsplash.com
Remember this, though! The matching between employer and candidate is a two-way process, so it is your job to figure out what are the aims of the hiring company with this position and how your skills and experience will benefit the business. To achieve this, it is crucial to tailor every application – both the resume and the covering letter – to the specifics of each position, based in the description provided by the company and on the values and interests of said company. Although it implies some more work, in the end it can massively improve the chances of your application making it into the “yes” pile. Quality will always beat quantity.
Overall, it is crucial to portray yourself in a way that attracts the employer’s attention while still being faithful to who you truly are as a potential employee and as a person. Ideally, you should be selecting around 15 potential companies on which to focus our job-searching efforts. A targeted approach is way better than “spraying and praying”.
Author:
Natalia Pitta Osses
Article Writer & Content Contributor
- February 15, 2021
Share this article:
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this article/publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of GiLE or its members.
Read more articles:
Authentic Assessment and Student Employability
Authentic assessment is a way of testing your skills and knowledge in a real-world context, which can help you achieve your goals.
Partnering with DOSZ
The GiLE Foundation is partnering with DOSZ and is empowering the next generation of early-career researchers.
Sustainable Development and Skills for the Green Transition
Our recent event discussed the EU’s funding instruments and their role in transitioning to a more sustainable economy.
Lifelong learning? About 365 days a year!
Learning is a never-ending process: many chances are given day to day to grow and be better version of ourselves – so just seize the day!
TOP 10 books to start your reading career with
Books are magical gateways to whole new universes if we get to know them closely – but how and where to start?
Reading to the mind = Exercise to the body?
Have you heard that reading and books are vital tools not only in information exchange but also in our character development?!
