5 Resume Tips for Students: How to Craft a Standout Resume with No Experience

Starting your career without professional work experience can feel intimidating, but don’t
worry — everyone begins somewhere! The key to building a standout resume is
highlighting your strengths, whether through education, skills, volunteer work, or
extracurriculars. Below are five essential tips to help you create a resume that will catch
employers’ attention.

1. Start with a Template
Using a resume template can take the guesswork out of formatting and help you create
a clean, professional document. Platforms like Canva, Etsy, and Microsoft Word offer
great templates, and many are designed to make the process easy. As a general rule, if
you have less than 10 years of work experience, aim for a one-page resume.

Pro Tip: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes.
These systems can’t read images, columns, or text boxes, so stick to simple formatting
to ensure your resume passes through smoothly. To make it even easier, Know You
Project offers a free, ATS-friendly Google Docs resume template for students. Check it
out below!

2. Include a Professional Summary
Your professional summary is a brief introduction that highlights your key qualifications
and career goals. This is your chance to quickly show recruiters why you’re a great fit.
Keep it concise—just 1-3 sentences.

3. Showcase Your Education
As a student, your education is one of your strongest assets, so don’t hesitate to place it
near the top of your resume. Include relevant courses (like economics, coding, or
writing) that align with the job you're applying for. If your GPA is 3.5 or above, be sure to
include it, along with any academic honors or distinctions.

Don’t forget to highlight class projects that showcase your skills—whether it’s a research
paper, a coding project, or a presentation. Certifications or online courses from
platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning are also valuable to include.

4. Highlight Your Experience & Skills
Even if you haven’t had a formal job, chances are you’ve gained experience in other
ways. Consider your volunteer work, part-time jobs, or involvement in extracurricular
activities. These experiences show your initiative, teamwork, leadership, and problem-
solving skills. For example, volunteering for a local nonprofit or organizing an event can
demonstrate your ability to manage tasks and work with others.

Also, make sure to list your key skills. Many employers use ATS to scan resumes, so
including relevant keywords from the job posting will help ensure your resume gets
noticed. Common skills might include: research, Microsoft Office, social media,
customer service, project management, public speaking, and more.

5. Do Your Research
Before submitting your resume, take time to research the company and the job you are
applying for. Understanding their mission, values, and culture will help you tailor your resume to align with their needs. This research can also give you valuable insights when writing a cover letter that complements your resume.

Additionally, start thinking about the skills you’ll need for your future career. Consider
earning professional certifications in areas like data analytics, UX design, or social
media marketing. Platforms like Google, Meta, and HubSpot offer free or affordable
courses to help you build skills that will make you more marketable.

Starting your career can be overwhelming, but with the right mindset and a well-crafted
resume, you’ll be ready to stand out. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your career
direction, Know You Project can help. We’ve guided hundreds of others through the
process of identifying their strengths, passions, and career goals to help them find the
right path. Now is the perfect time to start your career discovery journey!