How To Format A Resume For Freshers (7 Key Elements To Include)

So, you’re a fresher and looking for your first job at university?

Which are you most excited about, being a fresher or your first fresher job?

Hmm…

Anyway, before we get into the 7 key elements your fresher resume should include, let’s look at some other vital elements.

Actually, we created a free Fresher cover letter template you can use to land more interviews and get hired. We have a lot of career advice on Barehacks to help you out.

Its important, when you have created the content for your resume, to create a resume that will get you MORE interviews, learn you how to create a top resume here.

Creating a powerful resume matters for freshers, we strongly recommend using one of the top resume makers, such as, Resume.io, VisualCV or Canva.

One thing to be AWARE of is ATSs and how to optimise your resume for an ATS, we teach you how to optimise your resume for an ATS here.

Finally, dont forget to accompany your resume with a strong cover letter, we have a number of FREE cover letter templates here you can copy and use as you need to.

How do I find a job as a Fresher?

Finding a job as a fresher can be a challenging task, in fact, we created a definitive list of the worlds biggest job boards you can use to find your next job.

Still, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of success:

1. Customise your resume and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.
2. Reach out to people in your professional network, such as professors, alums, or family and friends, and ask if they know of any job openings.
3. Job search engines, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Monster, can be a great way to find job openings that match your qualifications.
4. An internship can be a great way to gain experience in your field and make connections that can lead to a full-time job.
5. If you're having trouble finding a full-time job, consider taking on part-time or freelance work to build up your resume and gain experience.
6. Be persistent and leep applying to jobs even if you don't get an interview immediately.
7. Be open to different job opportunities, even if they're not exactly what you're looking for. Often, entry-level jobs may not be exactly what you want to do, but they can allow you to learn and gain experience that will help you to move up the ladder.

Why do Freshers need a resume?

Freshers, who are new to the job market, need a resume because it is a tool that allows them to showcase skills, experiences, and qualifications to potential employers.

A resume will enable you to highlight the attributes that make you a good fit for a particular position and to demonstrate your value to a company.

With a resume you can communicate career goals, work experience, and education clearly to help you stand out from other candidates.

A resume is often the first point of contact between a fresher and an employer, so it needs to make a good impression.

It's important to note that a resume is a living document which should be updated regularly and tailored to the specific job or company you are applying to, increasing your chances of getting the job.

👀 Here’s an overview of what a resume for freshers, or recent graduates, should include the following sections in this order:

1. Contact information
2. Summary
3. Education
4. Skills
5. Work experience
6. Extracurricular activities
7. Awards and certifications

1. Contact information

In the contact section you should include the following information:

1. Name: Use your full name, and consider including a professional title such as "Ms." or "Mr".

2. Address: Include your current address. If you are applying for jobs in a different location, consider including your current and permanent addresses.

3. Phone number: Include a professional phone number you can reach during the day.

4. Email: Use a professional email address that includes your name rather than a nickname.

5. LinkedIn profile: Include a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one to give employers a more comprehensive view of your background and qualifications.

2. Summary

In the summary section you should include a brief statement highlighting your qualifications and career goals.

This section should be no more than a few sentences and placed at the top of your resume, below your contact information.

Here are some things you can include in your summary section:

1. Your field of study and degree: Mention your major and the degree you earned.

2. Relevant skills: Highlight any skills you have that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

3. Career goal: State what type of job you're looking for and the industry you want to work in.

4. Relevant experience: If you have any relevant experience, such as internships or volunteer work, mention it in this section.

5. Enthusiasm and motivation: Express your enthusiasm for the field you're applying to and the value you can bring to the company

Here is an example of how the summary section might look:

“Recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, seeking a full-time software developer position in a dynamic and innovative company. Proficient in Python, Java, and C++, with experience in web development and data analysis gained through internships and coursework. Strong problem-solving skills, ability to work in a team and a strong motivation to learn and grow.”

3. Education

If you are a fresher and have not yet completed a degree, you can still include an education section on your resume. Here are some things you can include:

1. Current or recent education: Mention any current or recent education you are pursuing, such as a diploma or certificate program.

2. Institution and location: Name the institution where you are currently enrolled or where you recently completed a program.

3. Expected graduation date: If you are currently enrolled in a program, include the expected graduation date.

4. Relevant coursework: Mention any relevant coursework that is applicable to the job you are applying for.

5. Awards, honors, or scholarships: If you received any honors or awards during your studies, mention them here as well.

6. Relevant training or certification: If you have completed any relevant training or certifications, include them in this section.

Here is an example of how the education section might look:

• Diploma in Web Development
• ABC Technical Institute, Anytown USA
• Expected graduation date: December 2023
• Relevant coursework: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP
• Awards: Top student in Web Development
• Certification: Google Analytics

4. Skills

In the skills section include any relevant skills that you have that are applicable to the job you are applying for, you can of course tailor this for each job.

This section should be placed after the education section and before any work experience.

Here are some things you can include in the skills section:

1. Technical skills: List any technical skills you have, such as programming languages, software or tools, that are relevant to the job.

2. Language skills: If the job requires knowledge of a foreign language, mention any languages you are fluent in.

3. Computer skills: Mention any computer skills you have, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office or experience with project management software.

4. Soft skills: Include any transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and leadership.

5. Certifications or awards: If you have any relevant certifications or awards, mention them here as well.

Here is an example of how the skills section might look...

Skills:

• Proficient in Python, Java, and C++
• Experience in web development and data analysis
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Strong motivation to learn and grow
• Certifications: Google Analytics, Scrum Master

5. Work experience

Include any relevant work experience you have, including internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. This section should be placed after the skills section and before any extracurricular activities.

Here are some things you can include in the work experience section:

1. Job title: List the job title, the company name and the location of the job.

2. Dates of employment: Include the start and end dates of your employment.

3. Responsibilities: List the responsibilities you had in your previous job. Be specific and use bullet points.

4. Accomplishments: Include any accomplishments or notable achievements that you had during your tenure.

5. Relevance to the job: Emphasise how your experience is relevant to the job you are applying for.

Here is an example of how the work experience section might look for a fresher:

Web Developer Intern

ABC Company, Anytown USA

June 2019 - August 2019

• Developed and maintained company's website using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP
• Assisted in the design and implementation of a new e-commerce platform
• Contributed to the optimisation of the website's load time, resulting in a 50% increase in traffic

6. Extracurricular activities

In the extracurricular activities section you should include any relevant extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, sports or volunteer work that demonstrate transferable skills. Place this section after the work experience section.

Here are some things you can include in the extracurricular activities section:

1. Activity name: Name the activity, club, society, sport, or volunteer work you were involved in.

2. Dates of involvement: Include the start and end dates of your involvement.

3. Responsibilities: List the responsibilities you had during your involvement in the activity.

4. Accomplishments: Include any accomplishments or notable achievements you had during your involvement.

5. Relevance to the job: Emphasise how your extracurricular activities are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Here is an example of how the extracurricular activities section might look for a fresher:

Volunteer work

ABC Charity Organization, Anytown USA

January 2018 - December 2018

• Assisted in organizing community events and fundraising campaigns
• Provided support to disadvantaged families in the community
• Developed strong interpersonal and communication skills

7. Awards and certifications

You should include any awards or certificates you have received that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

This can include academic honors, such as being on the Dean's List or receiving a scholarship, as well as any professional certifications you have earned, such as a certification in a particular software or industry-specific training.

Additionally, any awards or recognition you have received for extracurricular activities or volunteer work may also be included. It's good to include the name of the award, the organisation that gave it, and the date it was received.