If you’re looking for a free student resume template, you’ve come to the right place! Download the Know You Project ATS-Friendly Resume Template.
Not only do we want to equip you with a resume template, we want to teach you how to use it! A resume should not be a one-time brain dump that you throw together, because of a job opportunity. Get intentional about your resume and see the results. Follow along with our step-by-step guide below.
Step 1) Identify your job target
The first step seems simple enough, but it is so crucial. In order to write an effective resume, you must identify your job target.
- Question #1: What is this resume for? Is it for a summer internship, your first job out of college, or the next-level job in your current company?
- Question #2: What is the specific title of the job you’re applying for–Marketing Intern, Mechanical Engineer I, Sales Associate, or Dietary Aide? Be sure to include the specific title somewhere in the top third of your resume so it’s clear to the hiring manager what you’re applying for.
Step 2) Highlight relevant skills
Read the description of the job you’re applying for. What keywords & skills do they list? Be sure to include your corresponding skills in the skill section. Depending on your industry, your skills could include:
- Programming languages: JavaScript, SQL, C++, etc.
- Software you’ve used: Salesforce, Mailchimp, Canva, etc.
- Languages spoken: Spanish, French, Korean, etc. (include proficiency level)
- Other relevant skills: Public speaking, B2B sales, Educational research, Campaign management, etc.
Step 3) Expound on education
Since being a student has presumably been your full-time job for the past however many years, lean into your educational experience. Aside from the typical school name, location, degree, and expected graduation, consider the following elements if they’re relevant to your job target:
- Class projects
- Research papers
- Conferences attended
- Relevant courses
- Professional groups or certifications
Step 4) Identify relevant experience
Surprise! This is NOT the section for including any and all work experience. In this section, you want to include whatever experience is relevant for your job target. For example, let’s say you’re applying for a marketing internship, and you worked at your uncle’s hardware store in high school. Do NOT include your experience running a cash register and stocking shelves. DO include your experience creating flyers for the holiday sales and the email marketing campaign via mailchimp. Think beyond the “paid work” experience. Other categories that may be relevant to your job target include:
- Extracurricular activities
- Community involvement
- Volunteer opportunities
- Unpaid internships
- Practicums & other experiences obtained to satisfy degree requirements
Step 5) Write a professional summary
Last but not least, go back and write a 2-3 sentence professional summary that highlights key qualifications and career goals. This is what the recruiter will likely read first, so make sure to pack this section with keywords and cater it to each job you’re applying for. Here’s an example for a marketing intern:
Results-driven and innovative marketing student with hands-on experience in B2B and B2C sectors. Proven success in boosting lead generation by 75% while cutting costs in half. Eager to leverage marketing knowledge to enhance customer engagement and support business growth.
A final word – there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to writing a resume. The key is to identify your job target and craft a resume based on your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. We hope this free template and step-by-step guide is a good starting place.
If you’re feeling stuck in the resume writing process, we’d love to partner with you! Our student resume session coaches you on how to write an effective resume, so you gain the knowledge and skills to write, edit, and change all your resumes moving forward.
We strive to equip clients with the knowledge, support, and customized tools needed to gain forward momentum. 
