How to Make a Resume for College Freshmen

Starting college? It's a big deal! It's also the start of your career. You might want a part-time job for cash. Or an internship to learn stuff. Maybe you're just getting ready for the future. A good resume is key!

But... you're a freshman. You might not have tons of job experience. No sweat! I'll show you how to make a resume for college freshmen. Even if you haven't done much yet, I'll help you show off your skills.

Why a Resume Now?

Why bother with a resume so early? Good question! Here's why it matters:

• Part-Time Jobs: College costs money! A resume helps you stand out.
• Internships: Get real-world experience. A strong resume is a must.
• On-Campus Jobs: Schools offer jobs! You often need a resume.
• Volunteer Work: Show you care! Resumes highlight this.
• Networking: Meet employers! Hand them your resume. Boom!
• Scholarships: Money for school! Resumes can help you get it.
• Career Prep: Think about what you're good at. What do you want to do?

What Goes in a Freshman Resume?

Keep it short. Keep it clear. Make it fit the job you want. Here's what to include:

1. Your Contact Info

Easy stuff, but important:

• Your Full Name: Make it a bit bigger than the rest.
• Your Phone Number: One you actually answer.
• Your Email: Keep it professional. [email protected] is good. No funny names!
• LinkedIn (Maybe): Got a profile? Add the link. Make sure it looks good!

2. Your Education

This is important as a freshman. Show what you're studying:

• College Name: The full name.
• Your Major: What you're studying. "Bachelor of Science in..."
• Graduation Date: When you expect to graduate.
• GPA (Maybe): Only if it's good (above 3.5).
• Classes You've Taken: List 2-4 classes that match the job.
• High School (Maybe): Add it if you did great. Remove it after a year of college.

3. Your Skills

What can you do? List both hard skills (technical stuff) and soft skills (people skills). Use words from the job ad!

• Hard Skills:
  • Software: Microsoft Office, Photoshop, etc.
  • Tech Skills: Social media, SEO, etc.
  • Languages: Speak more than one? List them!
• Soft Skills:
  • Communication: Speaking, writing, listening.
  • Teamwork: Working with others. Leading.
  • Problem-Solving: Thinking, figuring things out.
  • Time Management: Being organized, meeting deadlines.
  • Adaptability: Being flexible and open to new things.

Tips for Skills:

• Be specific. "Good at writing" isn't enough. Say "written communication."
• Add numbers! "Proficient in Excel, including pivot tables."
• Match the job ad. Use the same words.

4. Your Experience (Even if it's not a "Job")

Don't panic if you haven't had a "real" job. Think broadly! What counts as experience?

• Volunteer Work: Where? What did you do?
• Clubs & Activities: Sports? Clubs? What was your role?
• School Projects: Big projects that show your skills.
• Personal Projects: Did you build a website? Make an app?
• Freelance Work: Tutoring? Babysitting? Pet-sitting?
• High School Jobs: Especially if they're like the job you want now.

How to Describe It:

Use the STAR method:

• Situation: What was the situation?
• Task: What did you have to do?
• Action: What did you do?
• Result: What happened because of what you did?

Example:

Situation: Volunteered at an animal shelter.

Task: Cleaned kennels and fed animals.

Action: Made a better cleaning system. It saved time!

Result: Kennels were cleaner. More time to play with the animals!

5. Awards (If You Have Them)

Any awards or scholarships? List them here!

6. Interests (Maybe)

This is optional. Choose things that show off your personality and your skills.

Make it Look Good!

How your resume looks is important. It needs to be easy to read and look professional.

• Pick a simple font. Times New Roman, Arial, etc.
• Keep it consistent. Same fonts, same spacing.
• Use bullet points to list things.
• Keep it short! One page is best.
• Read it carefully! Check for mistakes. Have someone else read it too!
• Use strong action words. Like "Managed," "Created," "Improved."
• Save it as a PDF. That way, it looks the same on everyone's computer.

Tips for Freshmen Resumes

• Change your resume for each job. Highlight the skills they want.
• Use keywords. Look at the job ad. Use the same words in your resume.
• Focus on skills you can transfer. Did you lead a team in sports? That's leadership experience!
• Get help! Ask the career center at your school.
• Look online for examples.
• Add numbers! If you can show how much you improved something, do it!
• Be honest! Don't lie.

Resume Examples and Templates

Need some help getting started? Check these out:

• Your school's career services website.
• Online resume builders like Canva.
• Professional resume writers (if you need extra help).

Career Stuff is Important!

A resume is just the first step. Use your school's resources to explore careers, learn new skills, and meet people in your field.

• Go to career fairs.
• Meet professionals.
• Find a mentor.
• Learn new skills.

You Got This!

Making a resume as a freshman? It's doable! Follow these tips and you'll be fine. Tailor it to each job. Focus on your skills. Get help when you need it. You're on your way! Just remember how to make a resume for college freshmen. Good luck!