Resumes
Think of your resume as your personal achievement highlight reel - super important for scoring internships, summer research experiences and campus jobs! It’s the quick way to demonstrate your education, relevant skills and everything you’ve actually accomplished (clubs, projects, etc.).
Want a shot at that awesome summer experience? Building a strong resume is your first step to landing an interview. The resources below can help you get started, then you can stop by our SCA drop-in hours for a quick review.
Resource Documents
- Skills-Based Resume Examples:
- Resume Do’s and Don’ts
If you are a current student or recent grad, you can access a more extensive list of resources and tools in the .
Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
College resumes can include internships, campus jobs, student leadership, volunteer work, research, coursework and projects. Focus on transferable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, communication and initiative.
Objective statements are usually unnecessary. A brief summary may be helpful for advanced students or career changers, but most college resumes are strongest without one
Typically, include experiences from college onward. Earlier experiences may be included if they are directly relevant or demonstrate important skills.
Yes. Tailoring your resume by adjusting bullet points and skills to match the job description can significantly improve your chances. Even small changes can make your resume more effective.
For most current students and recent graduates, a one-page resume is the standard and expected length. Focus on relevance and impact rather than listing everything you’ve done. Advanced students or those with extensive experience may occasionally use two pages, but this is uncommon early in your career.
AI can be a useful tool for brainstorming bullet points, translating experiences into skills, and improving clarity. You may use AI as a starting point, then revise to ensure accuracy, specificity and alignment with the role. Your resume should always reflect your real experiences and authentic voice. Never submit AI-generated content without reviewing and customizing it!
We recommend avoiding online resume templates, especially those with heavy design, graphics or columns. These formats can be hard for employers and applicant tracking systems to read. Instead, use one of the CCEC resume layout guides, which is designed to be clear, professional and easy to customize for different opportunities.
Your skills list should highlight relevant, concrete skills, such as technical, language, research or analytical skills, all tailored to the position. Avoid listing character traits like “hardworking” or “good communicator” or “punctual” unless they are demonstrated through experience elsewhere on your resume.
A resume lays out relevant education, skills and experience for a specific job or internship. A CV is a comprehensive record of your academic accomplishments, usually used to apply to academic or research positions or to graduate school, fellowships or grants.
Generally, no, unless you are a first-year student or the experience is highly relevant. As you gain college-level experience, your resume should focus on coursework, campus involvement, internships, research and employment.
Absolutely! Student Career Advisors and Career Coaches are available to review drafts, help tailor resumes to specific roles, and provide feedback on content and formatting.