How to Make Your Resume Shine

Building a strong resume for potential employers, graduate schools or internships is one of the most important things to do as you progress through college, and it’s never too early to begin putting together your resume, even if you’re a freshman. Here are some key things I’ve found can help make your resume stand out.

Show You’re Professional

Include things that show that you have had professional experience in the past, even if you don’t think it is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Employers are interested in seeing whether or not you have performed in a professional atmosphere, and showing that you have will demonstrate that you can handle it and draw their attention to you.

Show You’re Involved

What clubs and activities have you been in since you’ve been in college? Being involved in clubs and organizations shows that you can balance classwork with other activities, which is a desirable trait that employers are looking for. This can include things like community service, or helping out with a kid’s sports team.

Show You’re Experienced

This is arguably one of the most important things you want to put on your resume. Do you have experience in the field that you’re applying for? Have you taken classes and studied in the field of the job or internship you want? Put down whatever experience you have, no matter how small.

Don’t have experience in the field? Try to reach out to your professors or other professionals and ask if you could help them out with their work. For example, I helped my environmental biology professor collect water samples from a river for his research, and it gave me a great opportunity to gain experience. Do not be afraid to branch out to the professionals in your field and see if you can help in any way possible!

Show You’re Unique

Along with the previous sections, show that you’re different from others applying for the same job! Have any special achievements? Have you created something impressive, like your own book or a website? Show off anything that sets you apart! With each of these components, your chances of getting accepted into that dream job, internship or graduate school will drastically increase.

Patrick Scubelek is a Junior at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania majoring in Environmental Biology